EP3707087A1 - An apparatus for forming a group of products queued one following another - Google Patents

An apparatus for forming a group of products queued one following another

Info

Publication number
EP3707087A1
EP3707087A1 EP18821728.5A EP18821728A EP3707087A1 EP 3707087 A1 EP3707087 A1 EP 3707087A1 EP 18821728 A EP18821728 A EP 18821728A EP 3707087 A1 EP3707087 A1 EP 3707087A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
products
conveyor
branch
support
band
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Withdrawn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
EP18821728.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Luca BONAZZI
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.)
IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Original Assignee
IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
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 IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA filed Critical IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Publication of EP3707087A1 publication Critical patent/EP3707087A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/22—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors
    • B65G47/26—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles
    • B65G47/30—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a series of conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B65B35/24—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by endless belts or chains
    • B65B35/243—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by endless belts or chains using cooperating conveyors engaging the articles simultaneously
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B65B35/24—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by endless belts or chains
    • B65B35/246—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by endless belts or chains using extensible or retractable conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/30—Arranging and feeding articles in groups
    • B65B35/44—Arranging and feeding articles in groups by endless belts or chains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G21/00—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors
    • B65G21/10—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof
    • B65G21/14—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof to allow adjustment of length or configuration of load-carrier or traction element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/02—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors
    • B65G47/04—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles
    • B65G47/06—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines
    • B65G47/08—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding
    • B65G47/082—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding grouping articles in rows

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the technical sector concerning the packaging of products, for example groups of bottles or vials, in cardboard boxes or by means of wrapping operations using covering film.
  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a group of products queued with respect to one another which then are to be packaged and packed, for example inserted in cardboard boxes or wrapped using covering films, or possibly transferred onto a storage plane in order to form a grouping of several rows of groups of products queued one following another which will then have to be inserted in a relative box.
  • the products For the purpose of carrying out the packing, once the products have been subjected to the relative processing operations (such as for example in the case of bottles or vials, filling, closing and possibly labelling them) they must first be grouped, i.e. neared and stored one following another in order to form a row of products and, thereafter, the formed group of products is inserted in cardboard boxes or wrapped using covering films.
  • the products are transported by a conveyor, for example a conveyor belt (or band), which directs the products towards a zone where the grouping, queueing and storing operations of the products one following another are carried out, as well as their subsequent packaging.
  • a conveyor for example a conveyor belt (or band)
  • the products transported on the conveyor belt are distanced from one another and therefore to realise the grouping thereof and to queue them and store them one following another a fixed abutment is used: in this way, a first product is halted by the fixed abutment and the following products are queued, one following another, and stored against the first product, up to forming a group of products in a row, one following another, with the desired number of products to be packed.
  • This grouping mode does not pose any particular problems for these products which have a form and profile which enables them to be queued one following another and stored against the fixed abutment without repercussions for the stability and reciprocal orientation thereof.
  • the continuous pushing action that the conveyor belt exerts on the products that are already queued one following another, and stationary against the fixed abutment does not lead to any consequence on the stability and orientation thereof.
  • these "non- storable" products are arranged and positioned in special support elements, known as a "godet", or container, which are mounted and predisposed on the conveyor belt to maintain the products in position.
  • the godets used have a shape and structure that enable adaptation to a single type of product: therefore, different godets will be necessary according to the various product formats.
  • the godets can be subject to breakage; in these cases it is necessary to be equipped with new godets and therefore incur further costs.
  • the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks.
  • the aim is attained by an apparatus for forming a group of products queued one following another according to claim 1.
  • the products can be queued one following another on the additional support portion of the support plane, which time by time is brought to the same level as the support plane, without any pushing action being exerted thereon.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming a group of products queued one following another, according to claim 14.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration, in a front view, of a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus for forming a group of products queued one following another of the present invention
  • figures from 2 to 6 are schematic front views of the apparatus of figure 1 in successive operating configurations for formation of a group of products queued one following another;
  • FIG. 7 to 9 illustrate the apparatus of figure 1 in respective schematic perspective views, in which the apparatus is shown in different operating steps for forming a group of products queued one following another;
  • - figure 10 is a view of detail K1 of figure 2, in larger scale;
  • figure 11 is a view of detail K2 of figure 3, in larger scale;
  • figure 12 is a view of detail K3 of figure 4, in larger scale;
  • reference numeral (100) indicates the apparatus for forming a group of products (101 ) queued one following another, in its entirety.
  • the apparatus (100) comprises a conveyor means (1 ) comprising a loop- closed conveyor band (11 ) which has an upper conveyor branch (12), for transporting products (10) according to a transport direction (W), with the products (10) and the relative base resting on the upper conveyor branch (12), and a winding end (13).
  • a conveyor means (1 ) comprising a loop- closed conveyor band (11 ) which has an upper conveyor branch (12), for transporting products (10) according to a transport direction (W), with the products (10) and the relative base resting on the upper conveyor branch (12), and a winding end (13).
  • the conveyor band (11 ) is activatable in such a way that the upper conveyor branch (12) transports the products (10) one after another in the transport direction (W) towards and to the winding end (13).
  • the apparatus (100) further comprises a support means (2) which comprises a support plane (21 ), for supporting the products (10), having an upstream end (22) and an additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ).
  • the support means (2) is arranged in such a way that the support plane (21 ) is positioned consecutively and neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) of the loop-closed conveyor band (1 1 ) towards which the products (10) are conveyed.
  • the apparatus (100) of the invention is such that the conveyor means (1 ) is configured so that the winding end (13), each time a product (10) conveyed on the upper conveyor branch (12) reaches the winding end (13), is movable in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount at least equal to the base of the product (10), and, at the same time, a part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) is, time by time, movable so as to be brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) at the winding end (10) by an amount identical to the part (24) of additional support portion (23) brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) (see for example the sequence from figure 2 to figure 3, and then from figure 3 to figure 4, and respectively the relative larger-scale details, from figure 10 to figure 1 1 , and from figure 1 1 to figure 12).
  • the support plane (21 ) is constantly neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) so as to provide support to the base of the product (10) and thus to support the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2). Therefore, owing to this particularity, the products (10) transported to the winding end (13) are time by time received and restingly supported by the part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which time by time is brought to the level of the support plane (21 ).
  • the conveyor means (1 ) and the support means (2) are mutually arranged in such a way that the support plane (21 ) and the upper conveyor branch (12) are coplanar.
  • the apparatus (100) of the present invention advantageously enables storing and queueing a plurality of products (10) one following another on the support plane (21 ) without any risk of falling onto one another.
  • the support plane (21 ) ensures maintaining the stability and reciprocal orientation of the products (10), independently of the type of the base and the body of the product (10).
  • the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ), can comprise a plurality of support elements which are constrained and hinged to one another and which are movable so as to be brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) towards the winding end (13), so as to receive and support a relative product (10).
  • the apparatus (100) preferably comprises a sensor means (102) (visible for example in figures 1 , 2 10, 13), which is arranged so as to detect when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13) of the loop-closed conveyor band
  • the sensor means (102) is predisposed so as to be movable contemporaneously with the movement of the winding end (13) so as to be always positioned, with respect to the winding end (13), in a position such as to be able to detect when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13).
  • the senor means can for example be constituted by a photodetector.
  • the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a support structure (6) (represented schematically in figure 1 ) which bears the sensor means (102), which support structure (6) is movable contemporaneously with the movement of the winding end (13) in such a way as maintain the sensor means (102) always positioned at the winding end (13).
  • the support structure (6) can be arranged laterally and flanked to the conveyor band (1 1 ).
  • the sensor means (102) advantageously enables very precisely and reliably detecting when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ), in this way it is possible to move, without delay, and contemporaneously, both the winding end (13), in order to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12), and the part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ), which must be brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ), so that it is always neared, with the relative upstream end (22), to the upper conveyor branch (12) in order to restingly receive the product (10) that passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
  • the conveyor means (1 ) preferably comprises a first winding pulley (14) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) defining the winding end (13) towards which the products (10) are conveyed, and a second return pulley (15) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) arranged upstream of the first pulley (14) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10).
  • the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) are translatable in synchrony according to a same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to move the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) in order to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) (see for example figures from 2 to 4, and the relative larger-scale views in figures from 10 to 12).
  • the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a wedge-shaped element (8) which is arranged internally of the loop-closed conveyor band (11 ) at the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) and which is associated to the first winding pulley (14) of the conveyor band (11 ), so as to maintain, as far as possible, the terminal part of the upper conveyor branch (12) flat and straight at the winding end (13).
  • the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a third winding pulley (16) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) which is idle on a relative fixed rotation axis with respect to the translation direction (Z) and which is arranged downstream of the second return pulley (15) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) and upstream of the first winding pulley (14) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10).
  • the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a drive pulley (180) arranged upstream of the first winding pulley (14) of the second return pulley (15) and the third pulley (16), with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), which drive pulley (180) transmits the drive to the conveyor band (11 ).
  • the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a fourth winding pulley (19) for moving the conveyor band (11 ), arranged between the drive pulley (180) and the second return pulley (15) so as to complete the winding of the conveyor band (11 ) and so as to keep the conveyor band (11 ) of the conveyor means (1 ) tensed.
  • the conveyor band (11 ) will be wound on the drive pulley (180), on the first winding pulley (14), on the second return pulley (15), on the third fixed pulley (16) and on the fourth winding pulley (19).
  • the winding configuration advantageously ensures an excellent tensioning of the conveyor band (1 1 ).
  • the conveyor means (1 ) preferably comprises guide means (17, 18) (illustrated schematically in figure 1 ) for guiding the translation of the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and of the second return pulley (15).
  • the guide means (17, 18) comprise a first guide (17), parallel to the upper conveyor branch (12), for guiding the translation of the rotation axis of the first winding pulley (14) and a second guide (18), parallel to the upper conveyor branch (12), for guiding the translation of the rotation axis of the second return pulley (15).
  • first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) can be translated in synchrony along respectively the first guide (17) and the second guide (18) according to a same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to move the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) in order to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12).
  • first guide (17) and the second guide (18) can be realised on a single body, such as for example a same plate, or predisposed on a same carriage.
  • the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) are translated in synchrony along the first guide (17) and the second guide (18), in the same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) by an amount at least identical to the base of the product (10), and, and, at the same time, a part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) is brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) at the winding end thereof (13) by an amount identical to the part (24) of additional support portion (23) borne at the level of the support plane (21 ).
  • the support plane (21 ) is thus constantly neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) so as to provide support to the base of the product (10) and thus to support the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
  • the support means (2) preferably comprises a band (25) which is wound on at least a pair of pulleys (28, 29), a first upstream pulley (28) and a second downstream pulley (29) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to have an upper portion (26) defining the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2) and the first upstream pulley (28) defining the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ) neared to the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ).
  • the band (25) is open, with the two ends fixed, and winds on the pair of pulleys (28, 29) (see for example in detail figure 1 , figures from 7 to 9, or figures from 13 to 16).
  • the band (25) is instead loop- closed and winds on the pair of pulleys (25, 26) and on other return pulleys and drive pulleys, with a winding pathway that is substantially alike to that of the conveyor band (11 ).
  • the rotation axes of the pair of pulleys (28, 29) are always translatable in synchrony in a translation direction (Y) opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10) each time the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) is moved so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) so that a part of a portion (27) of band (25), arranged beneath the upper portion (26) and wound on the first upstream pulley (28), is added and brought to the level of the upper portion (26) (see for example the sequence of figures from 7 to 9).
  • the length of the upper portion (26) is increased at the winding end (13) by an entity equal to the part of portion (27) of band (25) brought to the level of the upper portion (26) and, consequently, the upper portion (26) remains always neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) in such a way as to provide support to the base of the product (10), and thus in such a way as to support the product (10), which passes from the upper conveyor branch (12) to the upper portion (26) of the band (25).
  • the support means (2) can in turn comprise a wedge-shaped element (9) which is arranged internally of the band (25) and which is associated to the first upstream pulley (28) at the upstream end (22) of the band (25) in such a way as to maintain, as far as possible, the upstream end (22) of the band (25) flat and straight.
  • the wedge-shaped element (8) of the conveyor means (1 ) and the wedge- shaped element (9) of the support means (2) advantageously ensure that the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) and the upstream end (22) of the band (15) have straight parts which are perfectly queued and coplanar with one another in such a way as to provide a sort of straight coplanar rest for the products (10) during passage thereof from the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) to the part of portion (27) of band (25) brought to the level of the upper portion (26) of the band (25).
  • the support means (2) can comprise guide means (200) for guiding the translation of the rotation axes of the pair of pulleys (28, 29) on which the band (25) is wound (see for example figure 1 , where the guide means (200) have been illustrated in an entirely schematic way).
  • the apparatus (100) preferably comprises stabilising means (3) for maintaining the products (10) stable during transport thereof by means of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ) and in the passage thereof from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
  • the stabilising means (3) are arranged superiorly of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ), facing the upper conveyor branch (12), and are adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12) so as to be able to contact the upper end of the products (10).
  • the stabilising means (3) are then movable in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch (12) in the transport direction (W) of the products, so as to maintain the contact with the upper end of the products (10) in order to maintain the products (10) stable during transport thereof.
  • the stabilising means (3) advantageously ensure that the products (10), during transport thereof on the conveyor band (11 ), maintain the stability and orientation thereof, avoiding the possibility of losing balance by effect of the push of the conveyor band (1 1 ) underlying the products (10).
  • the stabilising means (3) preferably comprise a belt (31 ) loop-closed about relative return pulleys, of which at least one drive pulley and at least two translatable pulleys in synchrony correspondingly to the first winding pulleys (15) and to the second return pulley (16) of the conveyor means (1 ), and which defines a lower branch (32) arranged superiorly and facing the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ), and adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12), so as to contact the upper end of the products (10) during transport thereof (see for example figures from 7 to 13 and 15-16 in detail).
  • the belt (31 ) is predisposed so as to be activatable in such a way that the relative lower branch (32) moves in the transport direction (W) of the products in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) (see in particular figures from 10 to 12).
  • the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) being in contact with the upper end of the products (10) and moving in the transport direction (W) of the products (10) in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch, (12) accompanies the products (10) towards the winding end (13), maintaining them perfectly stable.
  • the stabilising means (3) can comprise a plurality of presser elements (7) which are arranged internally of the loop-closed belt (31 ) so as to press on the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) so that the lower branch (32) is always in contact with the upper end of the products (10) during transport thereof.
  • the plurality of presser elements (7) advantageously guarantees that the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) can maintain the products (10) in position even if the products (10) are of different heights.
  • the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) is preferably configured so as to be movable in a translation direction (x) opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), each time the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) is moved in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) for reducing the length of the upper conveyor branch (12), so as to correspondingly reduce the length of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) by an amount equal to the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) (see figures from 7 to 12).
  • the stabilising means (3) can further comprise an appendage (33) which is arranged consecutively and downstream of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ), with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), and comprises a loop-closed belt (34) wound on relative return pulleys.
  • the appendage (33) is arranged in such a way that belt (34) can be abutted and contacted by the upper end of the product (10) which is received and supported by the part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2) brought to the level of the support plane (21 ), so as to maintain the product (10) stable during passage thereof from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2) (see figures from 7 to 12).
  • the return pulleys of the belt (34) are activatable in rotation when the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) is moved so as to reduce the length of the relative lower branch (32), in such a way that the belt (34) follows and remains in contact with the upper end of the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
  • a transmission belt (40) can be provided, which winds about one of the return pulleys of the belt (34) and which is movable contemporaneously with the movement of the belt (31 ).
  • This configuration of the apparatus (100) advantageously ensures optimal maintaining of the stability and orientation of both the products (10) transported by the conveyor band (1 1 ) and the product (10) which time by time passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
  • the stabilising means (3) in place of the appendage (33), comprise a second belt (35) arranged consecutively and neared to the belt (31 ), wound on relative return pulleys so as to define a relative lower branch (36) facing the support plane (21 ), and which is arranged consecutively to and neared to the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ).
  • the second belt (35) is thus arranged in such a way that the relative lower branch (36) constitutes a continuous abutment for the upper end of the products (10) which pass from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
  • the second belt (35) is movable in synchrony with the movement of the belt (31 ) so that when the belt (31 ) is moved to reduce the length of the relative lower branch (32), the second belt (35) is moved so as to correspondingly increase the length of the relative lower branch (36), so that the lower branch (36) remains always neared to the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ).
  • the second belt (35) is open, with the relative two ends fixed and wound on relative two return pulleys, the rotation axes of which are translatable in a translation direction opposite the transport direction (W) of the products and concordant with the translation direction (x) of the belt (31 ).
  • the second belt (35) will also be loop-closed on relative return pulleys, of which at least two with the relative rotation axes translatable in a translation direction opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10) and concordant with the translation direction (x) of the belt (31 ).
  • the second belt (35) has a conformation and a movement that are specular to that of the band (25) which constitutes the support means (2), so that the lower branch (36) of the second belt (35) follows the same change in length as the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2), i.e. the increase in length of the upper portion (26) of the band (25), in correspondence with each length reduction of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor means (1 ) and the corresponding reduction in length of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ).
  • the apparatus (100) can include transferring the group of products (101 ) transversally, from one side or the other, of the support plane (21 ), for example on a storage plane (not illustrated) situated laterally to the support plane (21 ), by means of a pusher member (also not illustrated).
  • the apparatus can also include the use of handling members (not illustrated) configured and movable in such a way as to grip and lift the group of products (101 ) from the support plane (21 ) and transfer them to other storage stations of groups of products which are still to be packaged.
  • handling members not illustrated
  • the apparatus can also include the use of handling members (not illustrated) configured and movable in such a way as to grip and lift the group of products (101 ) from the support plane (21 ) and transfer them to other storage stations of groups of products which are still to be packaged.
  • the loop-closed band (25) can be used to transfer the group of products (101 ) formed on the relative upper portion (26) downstream towards other work stations for packaging the groups of products (101 ), by activation of the upper portion (26) in a concordant direction with the transport direction (W) of the products along the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor means (1 ).
  • the stabilising means (3) include the use of the second belt (35)
  • the lower branch (36) of the second belt (35) will be activated in synchrony and concordant with the activation of the upper portion (26) of the band (25), in such a way as to maintain contact with the upper end of the products of the group of products (101 ), and keep them stable, during transfer downstream thereof.
  • the products (10) are conveyed resting on the base thereof on the upper conveyor branch (12), distanced from one another, towards the winding end (13), with the relative upper end contacting the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3).
  • a first product (10) reaches the winding end (13) and is detected by the sensor means (102)
  • the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) are translated in synchrony so as to translate along the first guide (17) and the second guide (18), in the same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to move the winding end (13) in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) and so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount of at least equal to the base of the product (10).
  • the rotation axes of the first upstream pulley (28) and the second downstream pulley (29) of the band (25) are moved in synchrony so as to translate along the relative guide (200) in the same translation direction (Y), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so that a part of portion (27) of band (25), which is arranged below the upper portion (26) and wound on the upstream pulley (28), is added and taken to the level of the upper portion (26) of the band (25) so as to increase the length of the upper portion (26) by an entity identical to the added part of portion (27) so that the upper portion (26) remains always neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) and provides support for the product passing from the upper conveyor branch (12) to the upper branch (26) of the band (25).
  • the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) is moved so as to translate in the translation direction (x) opposite the transport direction (W), so that the belt (34) of the appendage (33) can be abutted and contacted by the upper end of the first product (10), or, in the other possible embodiment in which the appendage (33) is not included, the second belt (35) is also moved so as to correspondingly translate the belt (31 ) so that the relative lower branch (36) is always neared to the lower branch of the belt (31 ).
  • the method includes steps of:
  • a conveyor means (1 ) comprising a loop-closed conveyor band (1 1 ) which has an upper conveyor branch (12), on which the products ( 10) are arranged resting with the relative base on the upper conveyor branch (12) according to a transport direction (W), and a winding end (13), the conveyor band (1 1 ) being activatable in such a way that the upper conveyor branch ( 12) transports the products (10) one following another towards and to the winding end (13);
  • a support means (2) which comprises a support plane (21 ), for supporting the products (10), having an upstream end (22) and an additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ), the support means (2) being arranged in such a way that the support plane (21 ) is positioned consecutively and neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) of the loop- closed conveyor band (11 ), - predisposing stabilising means (3) for maintaining the products (10) stable during transport thereof by means of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ), the stabilising means (3) being predisposed superiorly of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ), facing the upper conveyor branch (12), and adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12).
  • the method further includes steps of:

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Abstract

An apparatus (100) for forming a group of products (101) queued one following another, comprising: a conveyor means (1) comprising a loop-closed conveyor band (11) which has an upper conveyor branch (12), for transporting products (10) according to a transport direction (W), and a winding end (13); a support means (2) which comprises a support plane (21), for supporting the products (10), having an upstream end (22) and an additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21). Each time a product (10) conveyed on the upper conveyor branch (12) reaches the winding end (13), the winding end (13) is movable so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount at least equal to the base of the product (10), and, at the same time, a part (24) of the additional, support portion (23) of the support plane (21) is, time by time, movable so as to be brought to the level of the support plane (21) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21) towards the winding end (13) by an amount such that the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21) is maintained constantly flanked to the winding end (13) so as to receive and support the product (10).

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR FORMING A GROUP OF PRODUCTS QUEUED ONE FOLLOWING ANOTHER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning the packaging of products, for example groups of bottles or vials, in cardboard boxes or by means of wrapping operations using covering film.
In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a group of products queued with respect to one another which then are to be packaged and packed, for example inserted in cardboard boxes or wrapped using covering films, or possibly transferred onto a storage plane in order to form a grouping of several rows of groups of products queued one following another which will then have to be inserted in a relative box.
For the purpose of carrying out the packing, once the products have been subjected to the relative processing operations (such as for example in the case of bottles or vials, filling, closing and possibly labelling them) they must first be grouped, i.e. neared and stored one following another in order to form a row of products and, thereafter, the formed group of products is inserted in cardboard boxes or wrapped using covering films.
Before inserting them in cardboard boxes or wrapping them in covering films, it is possible to form, for example on a storage plane, groupings of several rows of products queued one following another and then packing the groups.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Today, in order to realise a grouping of queued and stored products one following another, the products are transported by a conveyor, for example a conveyor belt (or band), which directs the products towards a zone where the grouping, queueing and storing operations of the products one following another are carried out, as well as their subsequent packaging.
In general, the products transported on the conveyor belt are distanced from one another and therefore to realise the grouping thereof and to queue them and store them one following another a fixed abutment is used: in this way, a first product is halted by the fixed abutment and the following products are queued, one following another, and stored against the first product, up to forming a group of products in a row, one following another, with the desired number of products to be packed.
This grouping mode does not pose any particular problems for these products which have a form and profile which enables them to be queued one following another and stored against the fixed abutment without repercussions for the stability and reciprocal orientation thereof. In fact, for these products, the continuous pushing action that the conveyor belt exerts on the products that are already queued one following another, and stationary against the fixed abutment, does not lead to any consequence on the stability and orientation thereof.
This type of product is commonly known, in the sector jargon, as "storable". There are however products which, owing to the particular form and profile of the body thereof, are not "storable", in the sense that these products, once queued one following another against the fixed abutment by action of the push of the conveyor belt which acts beneath them, in order to transport the other products which are to be queued to those already waiting, would tend to lose the mutual stability and orientation thereof and would, substantially, fall.
At present, in order to obviate the above-described drawback, these "non- storable" products are arranged and positioned in special support elements, known as a "godet", or container, which are mounted and predisposed on the conveyor belt to maintain the products in position. The godets used have a shape and structure that enable adaptation to a single type of product: therefore, different godets will be necessary according to the various product formats.
Consequently, each time a different type of product is to be used, all the godets will have to be replaced by other godets having a complementary shape to that of the new products.
The replacement of the godets further requires time and labour, and therefore also not insignificant delays due to halting.
Apart from this drawback, the godets can be subject to breakage; in these cases it is necessary to be equipped with new godets and therefore incur further costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the light of the above, the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks. The aim is attained by an apparatus for forming a group of products queued one following another according to claim 1.
With the apparatus proposed by the present invention, the products can be queued one following another on the additional support portion of the support plane, which time by time is brought to the same level as the support plane, without any pushing action being exerted thereon.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming a group of products queued one following another, according to claim 14.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Specific though not exclusive embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:
- figure 1 is a schematic illustration, in a front view, of a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus for forming a group of products queued one following another of the present invention; figures from 2 to 6 are schematic front views of the apparatus of figure 1 in successive operating configurations for formation of a group of products queued one following another;
- figures from 7 to 9 illustrate the apparatus of figure 1 in respective schematic perspective views, in which the apparatus is shown in different operating steps for forming a group of products queued one following another; - figure 10 is a view of detail K1 of figure 2, in larger scale;
- figure 11 is a view of detail K2 of figure 3, in larger scale;
- figure 12 is a view of detail K3 of figure 4, in larger scale;
- figures from 13 to 16, in respective schematic front views, a second possible preferred embodiment of the apparatus so as to form groups of products queued one following another, represented in various operating configurations for formation of the groups of products.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the accompanying tables of drawings, reference numeral (100) indicates the apparatus for forming a group of products (101 ) queued one following another, in its entirety.
The apparatus (100) comprises a conveyor means (1 ) comprising a loop- closed conveyor band (11 ) which has an upper conveyor branch (12), for transporting products (10) according to a transport direction (W), with the products (10) and the relative base resting on the upper conveyor branch (12), and a winding end (13).
The conveyor band (11 ) is activatable in such a way that the upper conveyor branch (12) transports the products (10) one after another in the transport direction (W) towards and to the winding end (13).
The apparatus (100) further comprises a support means (2) which comprises a support plane (21 ), for supporting the products (10), having an upstream end (22) and an additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ). In particular, the support means (2) is arranged in such a way that the support plane (21 ) is positioned consecutively and neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) of the loop-closed conveyor band (1 1 ) towards which the products (10) are conveyed.
The apparatus (100) of the invention is such that the conveyor means (1 ) is configured so that the winding end (13), each time a product (10) conveyed on the upper conveyor branch (12) reaches the winding end (13), is movable in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount at least equal to the base of the product (10), and, at the same time, a part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) is, time by time, movable so as to be brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) at the winding end (10) by an amount identical to the part (24) of additional support portion (23) brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) (see for example the sequence from figure 2 to figure 3, and then from figure 3 to figure 4, and respectively the relative larger-scale details, from figure 10 to figure 1 1 , and from figure 1 1 to figure 12). In this way, the support plane (21 ) is constantly neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) so as to provide support to the base of the product (10) and thus to support the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2). Therefore, owing to this particularity, the products (10) transported to the winding end (13) are time by time received and restingly supported by the part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which time by time is brought to the level of the support plane (21 ).
The part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ), once brought to the level of the support plane (21 ), constitutes a rest surface for a relative product (10) which will therefore not be subjected to any pushing action.
In particular, the conveyor means (1 ) and the support means (2) are mutually arranged in such a way that the support plane (21 ) and the upper conveyor branch (12) are coplanar. The apparatus (100) of the present invention advantageously enables storing and queueing a plurality of products (10) one following another on the support plane (21 ) without any risk of falling onto one another. In the invention, the support plane (21 ) ensures maintaining the stability and reciprocal orientation of the products (10), independently of the type of the base and the body of the product (10).
In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated in the accompanying figures of the drawings, the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ), can comprise a plurality of support elements which are constrained and hinged to one another and which are movable so as to be brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) towards the winding end (13), so as to receive and support a relative product (10).
The support means (2) and in particular the additional support portion (23), arranged below the support plane (21 ) and movable so that a part (24) thereof can be, time by time, brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) in order to increase the relative length thereof, and thus restingly receive the products
(10) in arrival from the conveyor band (1 1 ) in order to group the products (10), can be also realised in entirely different ways and fashioned by the technical expert in the sector on the basis of the expert's knowledge and ability.
The apparatus (100) preferably comprises a sensor means (102) (visible for example in figures 1 , 2 10, 13), which is arranged so as to detect when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13) of the loop-closed conveyor band
(1 1 ) , so that the winding end_(13)_can.be.moved. in an.opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount at least equal to the base of the product (10).
In particular, the sensor means (102) is predisposed so as to be movable contemporaneously with the movement of the winding end (13) so as to be always positioned, with respect to the winding end (13), in a position such as to be able to detect when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13).
By way of example, the sensor means can for example be constituted by a photodetector.
Further, the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a support structure (6) (represented schematically in figure 1 ) which bears the sensor means (102), which support structure (6) is movable contemporaneously with the movement of the winding end (13) in such a way as maintain the sensor means (102) always positioned at the winding end (13). The support structure (6) can be arranged laterally and flanked to the conveyor band (1 1 ). The sensor means (102) advantageously enables very precisely and reliably detecting when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ), in this way it is possible to move, without delay, and contemporaneously, both the winding end (13), in order to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12), and the part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ), which must be brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ), so that it is always neared, with the relative upstream end (22), to the upper conveyor branch (12) in order to restingly receive the product (10) that passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2). The conveyor means (1 ) preferably comprises a first winding pulley (14) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) defining the winding end (13) towards which the products (10) are conveyed, and a second return pulley (15) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) arranged upstream of the first pulley (14) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10). In particular, the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) are translatable in synchrony according to a same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to move the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) in order to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) (see for example figures from 2 to 4, and the relative larger-scale views in figures from 10 to 12).
In detail, the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a wedge-shaped element (8) which is arranged internally of the loop-closed conveyor band (11 ) at the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) and which is associated to the first winding pulley (14) of the conveyor band (11 ), so as to maintain, as far as possible, the terminal part of the upper conveyor branch (12) flat and straight at the winding end (13).
The conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a third winding pulley (16) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) which is idle on a relative fixed rotation axis with respect to the translation direction (Z) and which is arranged downstream of the second return pulley (15) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) and upstream of the first winding pulley (14) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10).
Further, the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a drive pulley (180) arranged upstream of the first winding pulley (14) of the second return pulley (15) and the third pulley (16), with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), which drive pulley (180) transmits the drive to the conveyor band (11 ).
Further, the conveyor means (1 ) can comprise a fourth winding pulley (19) for moving the conveyor band (11 ), arranged between the drive pulley (180) and the second return pulley (15) so as to complete the winding of the conveyor band (11 ) and so as to keep the conveyor band (11 ) of the conveyor means (1 ) tensed.
In this case, the conveyor band (11 ) will be wound on the drive pulley (180), on the first winding pulley (14), on the second return pulley (15), on the third fixed pulley (16) and on the fourth winding pulley (19). The winding configuration advantageously ensures an excellent tensioning of the conveyor band (1 1 ).
The conveyor means (1 ) preferably comprises guide means (17, 18) (illustrated schematically in figure 1 ) for guiding the translation of the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and of the second return pulley (15). The guide means (17, 18) comprise a first guide (17), parallel to the upper conveyor branch (12), for guiding the translation of the rotation axis of the first winding pulley (14) and a second guide (18), parallel to the upper conveyor branch (12), for guiding the translation of the rotation axis of the second return pulley (15). In this way, the first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) can be translated in synchrony along respectively the first guide (17) and the second guide (18) according to a same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to move the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) in order to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12).
For example, the first guide (17) and the second guide (18) can be realised on a single body, such as for example a same plate, or predisposed on a same carriage.
In detail, when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13) and is detected by the sensor means (102), the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) are translated in synchrony along the first guide (17) and the second guide (18), in the same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) by an amount at least identical to the base of the product (10), and, and, at the same time, a part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) is brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) at the winding end thereof (13) by an amount identical to the part (24) of additional support portion (23) borne at the level of the support plane (21 ). In this way, the support plane (21 ) is thus constantly neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) so as to provide support to the base of the product (10) and thus to support the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
The support means (2) preferably comprises a band (25) which is wound on at least a pair of pulleys (28, 29), a first upstream pulley (28) and a second downstream pulley (29) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to have an upper portion (26) defining the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2) and the first upstream pulley (28) defining the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ) neared to the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ).
In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in the figures, the band (25) is open, with the two ends fixed, and winds on the pair of pulleys (28, 29) (see for example in detail figure 1 , figures from 7 to 9, or figures from 13 to 16).
In a further possible embodiment, not illustrated, the band (25) is instead loop- closed and winds on the pair of pulleys (25, 26) and on other return pulleys and drive pulleys, with a winding pathway that is substantially alike to that of the conveyor band (11 ). In both cases, the rotation axes of the pair of pulleys (28, 29) (the first upstream pulley (28) and the second downstream pulley (29)) are always translatable in synchrony in a translation direction (Y) opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10) each time the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) is moved so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) so that a part of a portion (27) of band (25), arranged beneath the upper portion (26) and wound on the first upstream pulley (28), is added and brought to the level of the upper portion (26) (see for example the sequence of figures from 7 to 9).
In this way, the length of the upper portion (26) is increased at the winding end (13) by an entity equal to the part of portion (27) of band (25) brought to the level of the upper portion (26) and, consequently, the upper portion (26) remains always neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) in such a way as to provide support to the base of the product (10), and thus in such a way as to support the product (10), which passes from the upper conveyor branch (12) to the upper portion (26) of the band (25).
As indicated in the foregoing in relation to the conveyor means (1 ), the support means (2) can in turn comprise a wedge-shaped element (9) which is arranged internally of the band (25) and which is associated to the first upstream pulley (28) at the upstream end (22) of the band (25) in such a way as to maintain, as far as possible, the upstream end (22) of the band (25) flat and straight.
In this way, the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) and the upstream end (22) of the band (25) will be perfectly coplanar.
The wedge-shaped element (8) of the conveyor means (1 ) and the wedge- shaped element (9) of the support means (2) advantageously ensure that the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) and the upstream end (22) of the band (15) have straight parts which are perfectly queued and coplanar with one another in such a way as to provide a sort of straight coplanar rest for the products (10) during passage thereof from the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) to the part of portion (27) of band (25) brought to the level of the upper portion (26) of the band (25).
Further, the support means (2) can comprise guide means (200) for guiding the translation of the rotation axes of the pair of pulleys (28, 29) on which the band (25) is wound (see for example figure 1 , where the guide means (200) have been illustrated in an entirely schematic way).
The apparatus (100) preferably comprises stabilising means (3) for maintaining the products (10) stable during transport thereof by means of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ) and in the passage thereof from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2). The stabilising means (3) are arranged superiorly of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ), facing the upper conveyor branch (12), and are adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12) so as to be able to contact the upper end of the products (10).
The stabilising means (3) are then movable in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch (12) in the transport direction (W) of the products, so as to maintain the contact with the upper end of the products (10) in order to maintain the products (10) stable during transport thereof.
The stabilising means (3) advantageously ensure that the products (10), during transport thereof on the conveyor band (11 ), maintain the stability and orientation thereof, avoiding the possibility of losing balance by effect of the push of the conveyor band (1 1 ) underlying the products (10).
The stabilising means (3) preferably comprise a belt (31 ) loop-closed about relative return pulleys, of which at least one drive pulley and at least two translatable pulleys in synchrony correspondingly to the first winding pulleys (15) and to the second return pulley (16) of the conveyor means (1 ), and which defines a lower branch (32) arranged superiorly and facing the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ), and adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12), so as to contact the upper end of the products (10) during transport thereof (see for example figures from 7 to 13 and 15-16 in detail).
The belt (31 ) is predisposed so as to be activatable in such a way that the relative lower branch (32) moves in the transport direction (W) of the products in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) (see in particular figures from 10 to 12). In this way, the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ), being in contact with the upper end of the products (10) and moving in the transport direction (W) of the products (10) in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch, (12) accompanies the products (10) towards the winding end (13), maintaining them perfectly stable. In this regard, the stabilising means (3) can comprise a plurality of presser elements (7) which are arranged internally of the loop-closed belt (31 ) so as to press on the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) so that the lower branch (32) is always in contact with the upper end of the products (10) during transport thereof. The plurality of presser elements (7) advantageously guarantees that the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) can maintain the products (10) in position even if the products (10) are of different heights.
The belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) is preferably configured so as to be movable in a translation direction (x) opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), each time the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (11 ) is moved in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) for reducing the length of the upper conveyor branch (12), so as to correspondingly reduce the length of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) by an amount equal to the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) (see figures from 7 to 12).
In the first embodiment, illustrated in figures from 1 to 12, the stabilising means (3) can further comprise an appendage (33) which is arranged consecutively and downstream of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ), with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), and comprises a loop-closed belt (34) wound on relative return pulleys.
The appendage (33) is arranged in such a way that belt (34) can be abutted and contacted by the upper end of the product (10) which is received and supported by the part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2) brought to the level of the support plane (21 ), so as to maintain the product (10) stable during passage thereof from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2) (see figures from 7 to 12).
The return pulleys of the belt (34) are activatable in rotation when the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) is moved so as to reduce the length of the relative lower branch (32), in such a way that the belt (34) follows and remains in contact with the upper end of the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
For example, a transmission belt (40) can be provided, which winds about one of the return pulleys of the belt (34) and which is movable contemporaneously with the movement of the belt (31 ). This configuration of the apparatus (100) advantageously ensures optimal maintaining of the stability and orientation of both the products (10) transported by the conveyor band (1 1 ) and the product (10) which time by time passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
In the second embodiment, illustrated in figures from 13 to 16, the stabilising means (3), in place of the appendage (33), comprise a second belt (35) arranged consecutively and neared to the belt (31 ), wound on relative return pulleys so as to define a relative lower branch (36) facing the support plane (21 ), and which is arranged consecutively to and neared to the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ). The second belt (35) is thus arranged in such a way that the relative lower branch (36) constitutes a continuous abutment for the upper end of the products (10) which pass from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
In particular, the second belt (35) is movable in synchrony with the movement of the belt (31 ) so that when the belt (31 ) is moved to reduce the length of the relative lower branch (32), the second belt (35) is moved so as to correspondingly increase the length of the relative lower branch (36), so that the lower branch (36) remains always neared to the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ). In the embodiment illustrated in figures from 13 to 16, the second belt (35) is open, with the relative two ends fixed and wound on relative two return pulleys, the rotation axes of which are translatable in a translation direction opposite the transport direction (W) of the products and concordant with the translation direction (x) of the belt (31 ). In a further possible embodiment, not illustrated, in a case where the support means (2) comprises a loop-closed band (25), the second belt (35) will also be loop-closed on relative return pulleys, of which at least two with the relative rotation axes translatable in a translation direction opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10) and concordant with the translation direction (x) of the belt (31 ).
In substance, in both the two possible embodiments now described, the second belt (35) has a conformation and a movement that are specular to that of the band (25) which constitutes the support means (2), so that the lower branch (36) of the second belt (35) follows the same change in length as the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2), i.e. the increase in length of the upper portion (26) of the band (25), in correspondence with each length reduction of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor means (1 ) and the corresponding reduction in length of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ). Once a group of products (101 ) has formed on the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2) (see for example figure 6 in which a group of products (101 ) has been formed comprising 6 products, the apparatus (100) can include transferring the group of products (101 ) transversally, from one side or the other, of the support plane (21 ), for example on a storage plane (not illustrated) situated laterally to the support plane (21 ), by means of a pusher member (also not illustrated).
Alternatively the apparatus can also include the use of handling members (not illustrated) configured and movable in such a way as to grip and lift the group of products (101 ) from the support plane (21 ) and transfer them to other storage stations of groups of products which are still to be packaged.
In a case in which the support means (2) is constituted by a band (25) loop- closed at least on the pair of pulleys (28, 29), the loop-closed band (25) can be used to transfer the group of products (101 ) formed on the relative upper portion (26) downstream towards other work stations for packaging the groups of products (101 ), by activation of the upper portion (26) in a concordant direction with the transport direction (W) of the products along the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor means (1 ).
In this circumstance, when the stabilising means (3) include the use of the second belt (35), the lower branch (36) of the second belt (35) will be activated in synchrony and concordant with the activation of the upper portion (26) of the band (25), in such a way as to maintain contact with the upper end of the products of the group of products (101 ), and keep them stable, during transfer downstream thereof.
There follows a brief description of the apparatus (100) of the present invention, considering the support means (2) to be constituted by the band (25) wound on the pair of pulleys (18, 29).
The products (10) are conveyed resting on the base thereof on the upper conveyor branch (12), distanced from one another, towards the winding end (13), with the relative upper end contacting the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3). When a first product (10) reaches the winding end (13) and is detected by the sensor means (102), the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) are translated in synchrony so as to translate along the first guide (17) and the second guide (18), in the same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to move the winding end (13) in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) and so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount of at least equal to the base of the product (10).
At the same time, the rotation axes of the first upstream pulley (28) and the second downstream pulley (29) of the band (25) are moved in synchrony so as to translate along the relative guide (200) in the same translation direction (Y), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so that a part of portion (27) of band (25), which is arranged below the upper portion (26) and wound on the upstream pulley (28), is added and taken to the level of the upper portion (26) of the band (25) so as to increase the length of the upper portion (26) by an entity identical to the added part of portion (27) so that the upper portion (26) remains always neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) and provides support for the product passing from the upper conveyor branch (12) to the upper branch (26) of the band (25).
At the same time, the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) is moved so as to translate in the translation direction (x) opposite the transport direction (W), so that the belt (34) of the appendage (33) can be abutted and contacted by the upper end of the first product (10), or, in the other possible embodiment in which the appendage (33) is not included, the second belt (35) is also moved so as to correspondingly translate the belt (31 ) so that the relative lower branch (36) is always neared to the lower branch of the belt (31 ).
The same operations are repeated each time a successive product (10) reaches the winding end (13) and is detected by the sensor means (102).
Lastly, the steps of the method for forming a group of products ( 101 ) queued one following another of the invention, are set out below. The method includes steps of:
- predisposing a conveyor means (1 ) comprising a loop-closed conveyor band (1 1 ) which has an upper conveyor branch (12), on which the products ( 10) are arranged resting with the relative base on the upper conveyor branch (12) according to a transport direction (W), and a winding end (13), the conveyor band (1 1 ) being activatable in such a way that the upper conveyor branch ( 12) transports the products (10) one following another towards and to the winding end (13);
- predisposing a support means (2) which comprises a support plane (21 ), for supporting the products (10), having an upstream end (22) and an additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ), the support means (2) being arranged in such a way that the support plane (21 ) is positioned consecutively and neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) of the loop- closed conveyor band (11 ), - predisposing stabilising means (3) for maintaining the products (10) stable during transport thereof by means of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ), the stabilising means (3) being predisposed superiorly of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ), facing the upper conveyor branch (12), and adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12).
The method further includes steps of:
- transporting the products (10) one after another by means of the upper conveyor branch (12) in the transport direction (W) towards the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ),
- adjusting the stabilising means (3) with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12) so that the stabilising means (3) contact the upper end of the products (10), and moving the stabilising means (3) in the transport direction (W) of the products in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch (12) so as to maintain the contact with the upper end of the products (10) in order to maintain the products (10) stable during transport thereof, and, each time a product (10) reaches the winding end (13), moving the winding end (13) in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) for reducing the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount at least equal to the base of the product (10) and, at the same time, moving a part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) so as to bring the part (24) to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) at the winding end (13) by an amount identical to said part (24) of additional support portion (23) brought to the level of the support plane (21 ), the support plane (21 ) being constantly neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) so as to provide support to the base of the product (10) and thus to support the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).

Claims

1 ) An apparatus (100) for forming a group of products (101 ) queued one following another, comprising: a conveyor means (1 ) comprising a loop-closed conveyor band (1 1 ) which has an upper conveyor branch (12), for transporting products (10) with the relative base resting on the upper conveyor branch (12) according to a transport direction (W), and a winding end (13), the conveyor band (1 1 ) being activatable in such a way that the upper conveyor branch (12) transports the products (10) one after another, according to the transport direction (W), towards and to the winding end (13); a support means (2) which comprises a support plane (21 ), for supporting the products (10), having an upstream end (22) and an additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ), the support means (2) being arranged in such a way that the support plane (21 ) is positioned consecutively and neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) of the loop-closed conveyor band (11 ) towards which the products (10) are conveyed, wherein the conveyor means (1 ) is configured so that the winding end (13), each time a product (10) conveyed on the upper conveyor branch (12) reaches the winding end (13), is movable in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount at least equal to the base of the product (10), and, at the same time, a part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) is, time by time, movable so as to be brought to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) at the winding end (13) by an amount identical to the part (24) of additional support portion (23) brought to the level of the support plane (21 ), the support plane (21 ) being constantly neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) so as to provide support to the base of the product (10) and thus to support the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2), the apparatus (100) being characterised in that it comprises stabilising means (3) for maintaining the products (10) stable during transport thereof by means of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ), the stabilising means (3) being predisposed superiorly of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (11 ), facing the upper conveyor branch (12), and adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12) so as to to contact the upper end of the products (10), the stabilising means (3) being movable in the transport direction (W) of the products in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch (12) so as to maintain the contact with the upper end of the products (10) in order to maintain the products (10) stable during transport thereof.
2) The apparatus (100) of claim 1 , comprising a sensor means (102) which is arranged so as to detect when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13) of the loop-closed conveyor band (1 1 ), so that the winding end (13) can be moved in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount at least equal to the base of the product (10).
3) The apparatus (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the sensor means (102) is predisposed so as to be movable contemporaneously with the movement of the winding end (13) in such a way as to be always positioned, with respect to the winding end (13), in a position in which it is able to detect when a product (10) reaches the winding end (13).
4) The apparatus (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the conveyor means (1 ) comprises a first winding pulley (14) of the conveyor band (11 ) defining the winding end (13) towards which the products (10) are conveyed, and a second return pulley (15) of the conveyor band (11 ) arranged upstream of the first pulley (14) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and the second return pulley (15) being translatable in synchrony according to a same translation direction (Z), opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to move the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) in order to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12).
5) The apparatus (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the conveyor means (1 ) comprises a third winding pulley (16) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) which is idle on a relative fixed rotation axis with respect to the translation direction (Z) and which is arranged downstream of the second return pulley (15) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) and upstream of the first winding pulley (14) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10).
6) The apparatus (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the conveyor means (1 ) comprises guide means (17, 18) for guiding the translation of the rotation axes of the first winding pulley (14) and of the second return pulley (15).
7) The apparatus (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the guide means (17, 18) comprise a first guide (17), parallel to the upper conveyor branch (12), for guiding the translation of the rotation axis of the first winding pulley (14) and a second guide (18), parallel to the upper conveyor branch (12), for guiding the translation of the rotation axis of the second return pulley (15).
8) The apparatus (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support means (2) comprises a band (25) which is wound on at least a pair of pulleys (28, 29), a first upstream pulley (28) and a second downstream pulley (29) with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), so as to have an upper portion (26) defining the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2), the first upstream pulley (28) defining the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ) neared to the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ), the rotation axes of the pair of pulleys (28, 29) being translatable in synchrony in a translation direction (Y) opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10) each time the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) is moved so as to reduce the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) so that a part of a portion (27) of band (25), arranged beneath the upper portion (26) and wound on the first upstream pulley (28), is added and brought to the level of the upper portion (26) so as to increase the length of the upper portion (26) at the winding end (13) by an amount that is equal to said part of portion (27) of band (25) brought to the level of the upper portion (26), the upper portion (26) being constantly neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) so as to provide support to the base of the product (10) and therefore support the product (10) which passes from the upper conveyor branch (12) to the upper portion (26) of the band (25).
9) The apparatus (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the support means (2) comprises guide means (200) for guiding the translation of the rotation axes of the pair of pulleys (28, 29) on which the band (25) is wound.
10) The apparatus (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilising means (3) comprise a belt (31 ) loop-closed about relative return pulleys so as to have a lower branch (32) arranged superiorly of and facing the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ), and being adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12) so as to contact the upper end of the products (10) during transport thereof, the lower branch (32) being movable in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch (12) in the transport direction (W) of the products.
11 ) The apparatus (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) is configured so as to be movable in a translation direction (x) opposite the transport direction (W) of the products (10), each time the winding end (13) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) is moved in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) for reducing the length of the upper conveyor branch (12), so as to correspondingly reduce the length of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ) by an amount equal to the length of the upper conveyor branch (12).
12) The apparatus (100) of the preceding claim, wherein the stabilising means (3) further comprise an appendage (33) which is arranged consecutively and downstream of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ), with respect to the transport direction (W) of the products (10), and comprising a loop-closed belt (34) wound on relative return pulleys, the appendage (33) being arranged in such a way that the loop-closed belt (34) can be abutted and contacted by the upper end of the product (10) which is received and supported by the part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2) brought to the level of the support plane (21 ), the return pulleys of the loop-closed belt (34) being activatable in rotation when the belt (31 ) of the stabilising means (3) is translated in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products for reducing the length of the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ). 13) The apparatus (100) of claim 1 1 , characterised in that the stabilising means (3) comprise a second belt (35) arranged consecutively and neared to the belt (31 ), wound on relative return pulleys so as to define a relative lower branch (36) facing the support plane (21 ) of the support means (2), and which is arranged consecutively to and neared to the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ), so as to constitute a continuous abutment for the upper end of the products (10) which pass from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2), the second belt (35) being movable in synchrony with the movement of the belt (31 ) so that when the belt (31 ) is moved to reduce the length of the relative lower branch (32), the second belt (35) is moved so as to correspondingly increase the length of the relative lower branch (36), so that the lower branch (36) is always neared to the lower branch (32) of the belt (31 ).
14) A method for forming a group of products (101 ) queued one following another, including steps of: - predisposing a conveyor means (1 ) comprising a loop-closed conveyor band
(1 1 ) which has an upper conveyor branch (12), on which the products (10) are arranged resting with the relative base resting on the upper conveyor branch
(12) according to a transport direction (W), and a winding end (13), the conveyor band (1 1 ) being activatable in such a way that the upper conveyor branch (12) transports the products (10) one after another towards and to the winding end (13); - predisposing a support means (2) which comprises a support plane (21 ), for supporting the products (10), having an upstream end (22) and an additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) which is arranged below the upstream end (22) of the support plane (21 ), the support means (2) being arranged in such a way that the support plane (21 ) is positioned consecutively and neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) of the loop- closed conveyor band (11 ) towards which the products (10) are conveyed;
- predisposing stabilising means (3) for maintaining the products (10) stable during transport thereof by means of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ), the stabilising means (3) being predisposed superiorly of the upper conveyor branch (12) of the conveyor band (1 1 ), facing the upper conveyor branch (12), and adjustable with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12), said method further comprising steps of:
- transporting the products (10) one after another by means of the upper conveyor branch (12) in the transport direction (W) towards the winding end ( 13) of the conveyor band ( 1 1 ),
- adjusting the stabilising means (3) with respect to the upper conveyor branch (12) so that the stabilising means (3) contact the upper end of the products
(10), and moving the stabilising means (3) in the transport direction (W) of the products in synchrony with the upper conveyor branch (12) so as to maintain the contact with the upper end of the products (10) in order to maintain the products (10) stable during transport thereof, and, each time a product (10) reaches the winding end (13), moving the winding end (13) in an opposite direction to the transport direction (W) of the products (10) for reducing the length of the upper conveyor branch (12) by an amount at least equal to the base of the product (10) and, at the same time, moving a part (24) of the additional support portion (23) of the support plane (21 ) so as to bring the part (24) to the level of the support plane (21 ) so as to increase the length of the support plane (21 ) at the winding end (13) by an amount identical to said part (24) of additional support portion (23) brought at the level of the support plane (21 ), the support plane (21 ) being constantly neared to the upper conveyor branch (12) with the relative upstream end (22) neared to the winding end (13) so as to provide support to the base of the product (10) and thus to support the product (10) which passes from the conveyor means (1 ) to the support means (2).
EP18821728.5A 2017-11-09 2018-11-08 An apparatus for forming a group of products queued one following another Withdrawn EP3707087A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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IT201700127979 2017-11-09
PCT/IB2018/058781 WO2019092634A1 (en) 2017-11-09 2018-11-08 An apparatus for forming a group of products queued one following another

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CN110525717A (en) * 2019-08-16 2019-12-03 佛山市瀛辉包装机械设备有限公司 A kind of double dry glue shaping mechanisms of single piece type packing board

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IT1244384B (en) * 1990-11-05 1994-07-11 Mopa LUNG FOR THE ACCUMULATION AND LIBERATION IN EQUIDISTANT ROWS OR WITH A PROGRAMMED CADENCE OF PRODUCTS COMING FROM A CONTINUOUS ADVANCE LINE ARRANGED IN NON-EQUIDISTANT RANGES.
DE4123446C1 (en) * 1991-07-16 1992-12-10 August Krempel Soehne Gmbh & Co, 7143 Vaihingen, De
JP2553992B2 (en) * 1992-07-09 1996-11-13 株式会社フジキカイ Accumulation equipment for supplies
ITRE20030014A1 (en) * 2003-02-13 2004-08-14 Bema Srl "ORDERING DEVICE FOR SOLID OBJECTS"
DE102009019462A1 (en) * 2009-03-10 2010-09-16 Hochland Natec Gmbh Method and device for generating formatted complete packages
EP2653413A1 (en) * 2012-04-19 2013-10-23 Marel Iceland EHF A conveyor system and a method for producing a sequence of discrete food items from plurality of incoming food objects
MX2016015367A (en) * 2014-05-23 2017-11-15 Intelligrated Headquarters Llc Gapping systems and methods.

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