EP4217295A1 - Variable-capacity store and plant comprising such a store - Google Patents

Variable-capacity store and plant comprising such a store

Info

Publication number
EP4217295A1
EP4217295A1 EP21790994.4A EP21790994A EP4217295A1 EP 4217295 A1 EP4217295 A1 EP 4217295A1 EP 21790994 A EP21790994 A EP 21790994A EP 4217295 A1 EP4217295 A1 EP 4217295A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conveyor
store
articles
designed
transmission component
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP21790994.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Luca CALZOLARI
Michele Ferrari
Giuliano Gamberini
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.)
GD SpA
Original Assignee
GD 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 GD SpA filed Critical GD SpA
Publication of EP4217295A1 publication Critical patent/EP4217295A1/en
Pending 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
    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/35—Adaptations of conveying apparatus for transporting cigarettes from making machine to packaging machine
    • 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
    • B65G21/16—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths
    • B65G21/18—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths in three-dimensionally curved paths
    • 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
    • B65G47/34—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor 
    • B65G47/46—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points
    • B65G47/51—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination
    • B65G47/5104—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination for articles
    • B65G47/5109—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination for articles first In - First Out systems: FIFO
    • B65G47/5113—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination for articles first In - First Out systems: FIFO using endless conveyors
    • B65G47/5118—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination for articles first In - First Out systems: FIFO using endless conveyors with variable accumulation capacity
    • B65G47/5122—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination for articles first In - First Out systems: FIFO using endless conveyors with variable accumulation capacity by displacement of the conveyor-guiding means, e.g. of the loose pulley-type

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a variable-capacity store for articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular substantially cylindrical articles.
  • the present invention further relates to a plant comprising such a store.
  • Variable-capacity stores for cigarettes of the type described in patent application No. EP3514086A1 are known in the field of the tobacco processing industry.
  • Such stores comprise a conveying assembly, which is designed to convey the articles along a segment of a path and has a first conveyor and a second conveyor; and at least one moving assembly for moving at least one between the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to one another between a first configuration, in which the first conveyor and the second conveyor at least partially overlap one another, and a second configuration, in which the second conveyor has a first active portion, which is not aligned with the first conveyor.
  • a conveying assembly which is designed to convey the articles along a segment of a path and has a first conveyor and a second conveyor
  • at least one moving assembly for moving at least one between the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to one another between a first configuration, in which the first conveyor and the second conveyor at least partially overlap one another, and a second configuration, in which the second conveyor has a first active portion, which is not aligned with the first conveyor.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a variable-capacity store and a plant, which allow overcoming, at least partially, the drawbacks of the known art and are, at the same time, easy and cost-effective to manufacture.
  • variable-capacity store and a plant are provided according to what indicated in the appended independent claims and, preferably, in any of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on the mentioned independent claims.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of plant with a store in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the store of Figure 1 in a first operating configuration
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the store of Figure 1 in a different operating configuration
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of the store of Figure 1 in a different operating configuration
  • FIG. 5 is a front view of a further embodiment of a store in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a rear view of the store of Figure 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view, with some details removed for the sake of clarity, of the store of Figures 5 and 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of a further embodiment of a store in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the store of Figure 8.
  • FIG. 10 is the view of Figure 9 with some details removed for the sake of clarity;
  • FIG. 11 illustrates, on an enlarged scale and in perspective, details of the machine of Figures 5-7;
  • FIG. 12 illustrates, on an enlarged scale and in perspective, details of the machine of Figures 8-10.
  • reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a variable-capacity store for articles 2 of the tobacco processing industry, in particular substantially cylindrical articles (more precisely, cigarettes).
  • the store 1 is part of a plant PL, which comprises at least one (processing) machine M (typically, a machine that produces articles 2) connected to the store 1.
  • the plant PL also comprises a further (processing) machine M’ (typically, a machine that packs articles 2) and a further store 1’.
  • the store 1 is arranged upstream of the machine M and is connected to it by means of a conveyor C; the store 1 ’ is arranged between the machines M and M’.
  • the store 1’ is structurally analogous to the mentioned store 1. Therefore, what is indicated in the following with regard to the structure and the operation of the store 1 also applies to the store 1’.
  • the store 1 comprises a conveying system 3 for conveying the articles 2 (in particular, a mass of articles 2) from an input station 4 to an output station 5 along a path P with a variable length.
  • the store 1 is of a "first in, first out” (FIFO) type.
  • the conveying system 3 comprises at least one conveying assembly 6 (in particular, at least two conveying assemblies 6 - for example as illustrated for the embodiments of Figures 5 and 8), which is designed to convey the articles 2 along a respective first segment of the path P in a direction A and comprises a respective conveyor 7 and a respective conveyor 8.
  • at least one conveying assembly 6 in particular, at least two conveying assemblies 6 - for example as illustrated for the embodiments of Figures 5 and 8
  • the conveying system 3 comprises at least one conveying assembly 6 (in particular, at least two conveying assemblies 6 - for example as illustrated for the embodiments of Figures 5 and 8), which is designed to convey the articles 2 along a respective first segment of the path P in a direction A and comprises a respective conveyor 7 and a respective conveyor 8.
  • the conveying system 3 further comprises at least one moving assembly 9 for moving at least one between the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 relative to one another between a first configuration (for example illustrated in Figure 3), in which the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 at least partially overlap one another, and a second configuration (for example illustrated in Figure 2), in which the conveyor 8 has an active portion 10, which is not aligned with the conveyor 7, passing through at least one intermediate configuration (for example illustrated in Figure 4), in which the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 partially overlap one another and the conveyor 8 has an active portion 11 , which is not aligned with the conveyor 7 and is shorter than the active portion 10.
  • a first configuration for example illustrated in Figure 3
  • the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 at least partially overlap one another
  • a second configuration for example illustrated in Figure 2
  • the conveyor 8 has an active portion 10, which is not aligned with the conveyor 7, passing through at least one intermediate configuration (for example illustrated in Figure 4)
  • the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 partially overlap one another and the conveyor 8 has an active portion 11 , which is not aligned with
  • the moving assembly 9 is arranged on a rear side of the (of the store 1 relative to the) conveyors 7 and 8.
  • front side of the conveyors 7 and 8 is understood as the side visible to the operator when arranged in front of the store 1, i.e. in front of the machine M; consequently, “rear side” of the conveyors 7 and 8 is understood as the side not visible to the operator when arranged in front of the store 1, i.e. in front of the machine M.
  • the fact that the moving assembly 9 is arranged on a rear side of the (of the store 1 relative to the) conveyors 7 and 8 means that an operator can be arranged in a position such that the conveyors 7 and 8 are arranged between the operator and the moving assembly 9.
  • the moving assembly 9 is arranged on the opposite side of the conveyors 7 and 8 relative to the machine M.
  • the conveying system 3 also comprises at least one further conveying assembly CG, which is designed to convey the articles 2 along a respective second segment of the path P in a second direction B different from the direction A (in particular, substantially opposite the direction A).
  • the first and the second segments are arranged one higher than the other. More precisely but not necessarily, the second segment is downstream of the first segment (even more precisely, below - underneath - the first segment).
  • the moving assembly 9 is arranged on a rear side of (the store 1 relative to) the first segment (and the second segment) of the path P.
  • the conveyor 7 has one end 12 arranged along the aforementioned respective segment and the active portions 10 and 11 extend from the end 12 beyond the conveyor 7 (in particular, along the path P; more precisely, along the respective segment).
  • the segment In the first configuration (i.e., when the conveyors 7 and 8 are in the first configuration), the segment has a first length; in the second configuration (i.e., when the conveyors 7 and 8 are in the second configuration), the segment extends along at least the (part of the) conveyor 7 and the (at least part of the) active portion 10 and has a second length, which is greater than the first length; in the intermediate configuration (i.e., when the conveyors 7 and 8 are in the intermediate configuration), the segment extends along the (at least part of the) conveyor 7 and the (at least part of the) active portion 11 and has a third length, which is greater than the first length and smaller than the second length.
  • the conveyor 7 moves the articles 2 forward along a first part of the aforementioned segment of the path P to the end 12.
  • the articles 2 are transferred to the conveyor 8 (more precisely, the active portion - 10 or 11 - of the conveyor 8), which moves said articles 2 forward along a second part of the aforementioned segment and transfers them, in turn, to the following conveying assembly, for example to the conveying assembly CG - Figures 2-4 - or to another conveying assembly 6 - Figures 5 and 8 (in these cases, more precisely, to the conveyor 7 of the following conveying assembly 6).
  • the conveying assembly CG both in the embodiment of Figures 2-4 and in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 8, is the conveying assembly immediately upstream of the output station 5.
  • Such conveying assembly GC which conveys the articles 2 along the second segment of the path P, is not extendable in length, i.e. it has a fixed length. In other words, the length of the second segment of the path P is fixed.
  • the moving assembly 9 can move (more precisely, translate) the conveyors 7 and 8 relative to one another (more precisely, the conveyor 8 relative to the conveyor 7). In this manner, it is possible to vary the length of the active portion of the conveyor 8 and thus of the segment of the path P (thus modifying the capacity of the store 1) even while the articles 2 are being moved forward along the segment of the path P.
  • the conveyor 8 has an active portion 13, which is not aligned with the conveyor 7 (more precisely, which extends from the end 12 beyond the conveyor 7, in particular along the path P). Additionally or alternatively, also in the second configuration ( Figure 3) the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 partially overlap one another.
  • the (each) conveyor 7 is mounted so as to be substantially fixed (for example, on a panel 16) and the moving assembly 9 is designed to move the (each) conveyor 8 relative to the respective conveyor 7.
  • the (each) conveyor 7 is arranged above the respective conveyor 8. This allows obtaining a simpler and more efficient operation of the store 1.
  • the input station 4 is arranged in a higher position than (above) the output station 5. In this manner, the passing of the articles 2 from each conveyor 7 to the respective conveyor 8 (and, possibly, from one conveying assembly 6 to the other or to the conveying assembly CG) is facilitated (by exploiting the force of gravity).
  • the store 1 (more precisely, the conveying system 3) also comprises at least one control unit 14 (schematically illustrated in Figure 1) designed to adjust the speed of the (of each) conveyor 7, of the (of each) conveyor 8 and of the moving assembly 9 in a coordinated manner, so as to maintain the height of the mass of articles 2 substantially constant (in particular, along the path P).
  • control unit 14 (schematically illustrated in Figure 1) designed to adjust the speed of the (of each) conveyor 7, of the (of each) conveyor 8 and of the moving assembly 9 in a coordinated manner, so as to maintain the height of the mass of articles 2 substantially constant (in particular, along the path P).
  • each conveyor 7 and each conveyor 8 comprise at least one respective operating motor (of a type known per se and not illustrated), which is separate from the other operating motors; the conveying assembly 9 is provided with at least one moving motor MM (for example visible in Figures 6, 7, 9 and 10), which is separate from the operating motors.
  • the control unit 14 is designed to adjust the speed of each operating motor and of the moving motor in a coordinated manner so as to maintain the height of the mass of articles 2 substantially constant (both over time and along the path P).
  • control unit 14 is designed to adjust the operation of the conveyors 7 and 8 (more precisely, of their operating motors) and of the moving assembly 9 (in particular, of its moving motor) so as to vary the capacity of the store 1 (and the quantity of articles 2 moved forward through the input and output stations 4 and 5) as a function of the requirements of the machine M and/or M’ arranged downstream and/or upstream of the store 1 (and/or of the store 1 ’).
  • control unit 14 adjusts the speeds of the conveyors 7 and 8 accordingly (so as to have a higher speed at the input station 4 and a lower speed at the output station 5) and operates the moving assembly 9 so as to increase the capacity of the store 1 (by lengthening the active portion of at least one conveyor 8; more precisely, by lengthening the active portion of each conveyor 8).
  • the conveyor 7 is designed to move the articles 2 forward at a first speed VI ; the moving assembly 9 is designed to move the conveyor 8 at a second speed V2; and the conveyor 8 is designed to move the articles 2 forward at a third speed V3.
  • difference and/or sum of speeds is understood as a vectorial difference and/or sum of speeds (in other words, the speeds are considered vectors and their orientation - direction and way - becomes relevant).
  • the moving assembly 9 comprises a transmission assembly 15, which is designed to transmit motion (in particular in the direction A; more specifically in the directions A and B) towards (to) at least one between the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 (in order to move it with respect to the other).
  • the transmission assembly 15 is designed to transmit motion towards (to) at least one of the conveyors 7 and 8 so as to obtain a relative movement between the conveyors 7 and 8.
  • the store 1 also comprises a (protective) panel 16, which is interposed between the transmission assembly 15 on one side and the conveyors 7 and 8 on the other side.
  • the transmission assembly 15 is arranged on the opposite side of the panel 16 relative to the conveyors 7 and 8.
  • the moving assembly 9 is chosen from the assembly consisting of: a rack system (for example illustrated in Figures 6 and 7), a worm screw system (for example illustrated in Figures 9 and 10) and a system with a linear electric motor (not illustrated).
  • the store 1 works, surprisingly, more precisely and efficiently (maintenance work is reduced). Moreover, the store 1 is particularly not very bulky.
  • the moving assembly 9 is chosen from the assembly consisting of: a rack system, a worm screw system and a combination of the same.
  • the moving assembly comprises a transmission component 17, which is integral to one between the conveyors 7 and 8 (in particular, to the conveyor 8) and has at least one first protrusion 17’ (protruding element); and a transmission component 18, which has at least one second protrusion 18’ (protruding element) designed to engage the first protrusion 17’ so that the transmission component 18 can transmit motion (in particular, a translation motion; in particular, in the direction of longitudinal extension of the transmission component 17; in particular, in the direction A and/or B) to the transmission component 17.
  • motion in particular, a translation motion; in particular, in the direction of longitudinal extension of the transmission component 17; in particular, in the direction A and/or B
  • At least one transmission system 19 (for example, comprising a shaft - as in Figure 7 - and/or another gear and/or a belt - as in Figure 10) is directly connected to the transmission component 18 in order to move (in particular, rotate) said transmission component 18.
  • the panel 16 is arranged between the conveyors 7 and 8 on one side and the transmission system 19 on the other side. According to some embodiments, the panel 16 is arranged between the conveyors 7 and 8 on one side and the transmission system 19 and (at least partially) the transmission component 18 (and, in some cases, also the transmission component
  • the aforementioned transmission assembly 15 comprises the transmission system 19 and the transmission component 18 (and, in some cases, also the transmission component 17).
  • the transmission component 17 comprises (is) at least one rack, which is integral to one of the conveyors 7 and 8 (in particular, to the conveyor 8); and the transmission component 18 comprises (is) at least one sprocket, which engages the rack and is designed to cause the rack to move (longitudinally) by rotating.
  • the protrusions 17’ and 18’ are the teeth of the rack and of the sprocket, respectively.
  • the transmission system 19 comprises a rotating shaft 20 (and/or another gear) directly connected to the sprocket in order to rotate said sprocket.
  • the rotating shaft 20 is substantially integral to the sprocket and is integral to it.
  • the panel 16 has at least one slit 16’, through which the sprocket partially extends to engage the rack.
  • the sprocket has a rotation axis arranged on the opposite side of the panel 16 relative to the conveyor 7 (and, in particular, to the conveyor 8).
  • the transmission component 17 comprises (is) a threaded rod, which is integral to one between the conveyors 7 and 8 (in particular, to the conveyor 8); the transmission component
  • the protrusions 17’ and 18’ are the threads of the threaded rod and of the through hole 21, respectively. More precisely but not necessarily, the threaded rod is parallel to the direction A and extends (partially) through the through hole.
  • the transmission system 19 comprises a transmission belt 22 directly connected to the transmission component 18 in order to rotate said transmission component 18.
  • the moving assembly 9 further comprises at least one connection arm 23 between the transmission component 17 (in particular, the threaded rod) and one between the conveyors 7 and (in particular, the conveyor 8).
  • the moving assembly 9 is a worm screw system and the transmission component 17 has a threaded through hole 21, which is integral to one between the first conveyor 7 and the second conveyor 8 (in particular, to the second conveyor 8). Therefore, the second transmission component 18comprises (is) a threaded rod, which engages the through hole, which is designed to move longitudinally along the threaded rod.
  • the panel 16 has at least the slit 16’, through which the arm 23 extends (and, in use, slides).
  • the (each) conveyor 7 (of a first conveying assembly 6 or of a first series of conveying assemblies 6) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the articles 2 forward in the direction A;
  • the (each) conveyor 8 (of a first conveying assembly 6 or of a first series of conveying assemblies 6) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the articles 2 forward in the direction A.
  • the active portion (10, 11 and/or 13) of the conveyor 8 (the active portion 10 and the active portion 11) extends from the end 12 in the direction A.
  • the moving assembly 9 is designed to move (translate) the (each) conveyor 8 in the direction A; more precisely, the moving assembly 9 is also designed to move (translate) the conveyor 8 in a direction B (equal to and) opposite the direction A. In other words, the moving assembly 9 is also designed to move (translate) the conveyor 8 back and forth in the direction A.
  • the conveying assemblies 6 comprise a first conveying assembly 6 and at least one second conveying assembly 6 (arranged in succession).
  • the first conveying assembly 6 (for example, in Figure 1, the first starting from the top) is designed to move the articles 7 forward in the direction A
  • the second conveying assembly 6 (for example, in Figure 1, the second starting from the top) is designed to move the articles 2 forward in a direction B substantially opposite the direction A.
  • the conveying system 3 comprises at least one guiding device 24 (at least two - in particular, a plurality of - guiding devices 24), which (each of which) is designed to allow the passage of the articles between two successive conveying assemblies 6 or between the conveying assembly 6 and the conveying assembly CG (each guiding device 24 is arranged between two successive conveying assemblies) and divert the articles 2 so as to define a curve of the path P.
  • each guiding device 24 comprises a curved (more precisely, rigid) guide 25 externally delimiting the mentioned curve and, more specifically, a curved (more precisely, rigid) guide 26 internally delimiting the mentioned curve. Even more specifically, the curve of the path is approximately 180°.
  • each guiding device 24 is integral to a respective conveyor 8 and, in particular, is arranged at one end of such respective conveyor 8.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract

A variable-capacity store for cylindrical articles (2) of the tobacco processing industry; the store (1) comprises a plurality of conveying assemblies (6), each of which is designed to move the articles forward along a segment of a path (P) with a variable length and provided with an upper conveyor (7) and a lower conveyor (8), which is arranged below the upper conveyor (7); a moving assembly (9) arranged behind the conveyors (7, 8) is designed to translate the lower conveyor (8) so as to achieve a lengthening and/or a shortening of the mentioned segment of the path (P) and consequently an increase and/or a decrease in the capacity of the store (1).

Description

"Variable-capacity store and plant comprising such a store"
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102020000022315 filed on 22/09/2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a variable-capacity store for articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular substantially cylindrical articles. The present invention further relates to a plant comprising such a store.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Variable-capacity stores for cigarettes of the type described in patent application No. EP3514086A1 are known in the field of the tobacco processing industry.
Such stores comprise a conveying assembly, which is designed to convey the articles along a segment of a path and has a first conveyor and a second conveyor; and at least one moving assembly for moving at least one between the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to one another between a first configuration, in which the first conveyor and the second conveyor at least partially overlap one another, and a second configuration, in which the second conveyor has a first active portion, which is not aligned with the first conveyor. When passing from the first to the second configuration, the segment that the articles have to travel lengthens.
With particular reference to the moving assembly illustrated in the figures of EP3514086A1, such stores have several drawbacks among which we note: the possibility of being subject to failures and/or flaws, some components that are bulky and potentially dangerous for the operators.
The object of the present invention is to provide a variable-capacity store and a plant, which allow overcoming, at least partially, the drawbacks of the known art and are, at the same time, easy and cost-effective to manufacture.
SUMMARY In accordance with the present invention, a variable-capacity store and a plant are provided according to what indicated in the appended independent claims and, preferably, in any of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on the mentioned independent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting example embodiments thereof, wherein:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of plant with a store in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a front view of the store of Figure 1 in a first operating configuration;
- Figure 3 is a front view of the store of Figure 1 in a different operating configuration;
- Figure 4 is a front view of the store of Figure 1 in a different operating configuration;
- Figure 5 is a front view of a further embodiment of a store in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 6 is a rear view of the store of Figure 5;
- Figure 7 is a perspective view, with some details removed for the sake of clarity, of the store of Figures 5 and 6;
- Figure 8 is a front view of a further embodiment of a store in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the store of Figure 8;
- Figure 10 is the view of Figure 9 with some details removed for the sake of clarity;
- Figure 11 illustrates, on an enlarged scale and in perspective, details of the machine of Figures 5-7; and
- Figure 12 illustrates, on an enlarged scale and in perspective, details of the machine of Figures 8-10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a variable-capacity store for articles 2 of the tobacco processing industry, in particular substantially cylindrical articles (more precisely, cigarettes).
In particular, the store 1 is part of a plant PL, which comprises at least one (processing) machine M (typically, a machine that produces articles 2) connected to the store 1. In some non-limiting cases, the plant PL also comprises a further (processing) machine M’ (typically, a machine that packs articles 2) and a further store 1’.
According to some non-limiting embodiments, the store 1 is arranged upstream of the machine M and is connected to it by means of a conveyor C; the store 1 ’ is arranged between the machines M and M’.
In particular, the store 1’ is structurally analogous to the mentioned store 1. Therefore, what is indicated in the following with regard to the structure and the operation of the store 1 also applies to the store 1’.
The store 1 comprises a conveying system 3 for conveying the articles 2 (in particular, a mass of articles 2) from an input station 4 to an output station 5 along a path P with a variable length.
It should be noted that, in particular, the store 1 is of a "first in, first out" (FIFO) type.
With particular reference to Figures 2-4, the conveying system 3 comprises at least one conveying assembly 6 (in particular, at least two conveying assemblies 6 - for example as illustrated for the embodiments of Figures 5 and 8), which is designed to convey the articles 2 along a respective first segment of the path P in a direction A and comprises a respective conveyor 7 and a respective conveyor 8.
The conveying system 3 further comprises at least one moving assembly 9 for moving at least one between the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 relative to one another between a first configuration (for example illustrated in Figure 3), in which the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 at least partially overlap one another, and a second configuration (for example illustrated in Figure 2), in which the conveyor 8 has an active portion 10, which is not aligned with the conveyor 7, passing through at least one intermediate configuration (for example illustrated in Figure 4), in which the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 partially overlap one another and the conveyor 8 has an active portion 11 , which is not aligned with the conveyor 7 and is shorter than the active portion 10.
In particular, the moving assembly 9 is arranged on a rear side of the (of the store 1 relative to the) conveyors 7 and 8. In particular, "front side" of the conveyors 7 and 8 is understood as the side visible to the operator when arranged in front of the store 1, i.e. in front of the machine M; consequently, "rear side" of the conveyors 7 and 8 is understood as the side not visible to the operator when arranged in front of the store 1, i.e. in front of the machine M. In other words, the fact that the moving assembly 9 is arranged on a rear side of the (of the store 1 relative to the) conveyors 7 and 8 means that an operator can be arranged in a position such that the conveyors 7 and 8 are arranged between the operator and the moving assembly 9.
In this manner, both the bulk of the store 1 and the risk of operators being injured due to the moving assembly 9 are reduced.
In particular, the moving assembly 9 is arranged on the opposite side of the conveyors 7 and 8 relative to the machine M.
Advantageously but not necessarily, the conveying system 3 also comprises at least one further conveying assembly CG, which is designed to convey the articles 2 along a respective second segment of the path P in a second direction B different from the direction A (in particular, substantially opposite the direction A). In particular, the first and the second segments are arranged one higher than the other. More precisely but not necessarily, the second segment is downstream of the first segment (even more precisely, below - underneath - the first segment).
According to some non-limiting embodiments, the moving assembly 9 is arranged on a rear side of (the store 1 relative to) the first segment (and the second segment) of the path P.
In particular, the conveyor 7 has one end 12 arranged along the aforementioned respective segment and the active portions 10 and 11 extend from the end 12 beyond the conveyor 7 (in particular, along the path P; more precisely, along the respective segment).
In the first configuration (i.e., when the conveyors 7 and 8 are in the first configuration), the segment has a first length; in the second configuration (i.e., when the conveyors 7 and 8 are in the second configuration), the segment extends along at least the (part of the) conveyor 7 and the (at least part of the) active portion 10 and has a second length, which is greater than the first length; in the intermediate configuration (i.e., when the conveyors 7 and 8 are in the intermediate configuration), the segment extends along the (at least part of the) conveyor 7 and the (at least part of the) active portion 11 and has a third length, which is greater than the first length and smaller than the second length.
In particular, in use, the conveyor 7 moves the articles 2 forward along a first part of the aforementioned segment of the path P to the end 12. At this point, the articles 2 are transferred to the conveyor 8 (more precisely, the active portion - 10 or 11 - of the conveyor 8), which moves said articles 2 forward along a second part of the aforementioned segment and transfers them, in turn, to the following conveying assembly, for example to the conveying assembly CG - Figures 2-4 - or to another conveying assembly 6 - Figures 5 and 8 (in these cases, more precisely, to the conveyor 7 of the following conveying assembly 6).
It is specified that the conveying assembly CG, both in the embodiment of Figures 2-4 and in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 8, is the conveying assembly immediately upstream of the output station 5. Such conveying assembly GC, which conveys the articles 2 along the second segment of the path P, is not extendable in length, i.e. it has a fixed length. In other words, the length of the second segment of the path P is fixed.
It should be noted that, even while the articles 2 are being moved forward along the segment of the path P, the moving assembly 9 can move (more precisely, translate) the conveyors 7 and 8 relative to one another (more precisely, the conveyor 8 relative to the conveyor 7). In this manner, it is possible to vary the length of the active portion of the conveyor 8 and thus of the segment of the path P (thus modifying the capacity of the store 1) even while the articles 2 are being moved forward along the segment of the path P.
According to some non-limiting embodiments (as for example illustrated in the accompanying figures), also in the first configuration (Figure 3) the conveyor 8 has an active portion 13, which is not aligned with the conveyor 7 (more precisely, which extends from the end 12 beyond the conveyor 7, in particular along the path P). Additionally or alternatively, also in the second configuration (Figure 3) the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 partially overlap one another.
Advantageously but not necessarily, the (each) conveyor 7 is mounted so as to be substantially fixed (for example, on a panel 16) and the moving assembly 9 is designed to move the (each) conveyor 8 relative to the respective conveyor 7.
In this manner, it is possible to contain the lateral bulk of the store 1. In this regard, it should be noted that, when both the conveyors 7 and 8 are movable, in order to obtain the same maximum capacity of the store 1, it is necessary to increase the width of said store 1 (in order to give sufficient moving space to the conveyors 7). According to some non-limiting embodiments, the (each) conveyor 7 is arranged above the respective conveyor 8. This allows obtaining a simpler and more efficient operation of the store 1.
Advantageously but not necessarily, the input station 4 is arranged in a higher position than (above) the output station 5. In this manner, the passing of the articles 2 from each conveyor 7 to the respective conveyor 8 (and, possibly, from one conveying assembly 6 to the other or to the conveying assembly CG) is facilitated (by exploiting the force of gravity).
According to some non-limiting embodiments, the store 1 (more precisely, the conveying system 3) also comprises at least one control unit 14 (schematically illustrated in Figure 1) designed to adjust the speed of the (of each) conveyor 7, of the (of each) conveyor 8 and of the moving assembly 9 in a coordinated manner, so as to maintain the height of the mass of articles 2 substantially constant (in particular, along the path P).
More precisely, each conveyor 7 and each conveyor 8 comprise at least one respective operating motor (of a type known per se and not illustrated), which is separate from the other operating motors; the conveying assembly 9 is provided with at least one moving motor MM (for example visible in Figures 6, 7, 9 and 10), which is separate from the operating motors. Even more precisely, the control unit 14 is designed to adjust the speed of each operating motor and of the moving motor in a coordinated manner so as to maintain the height of the mass of articles 2 substantially constant (both over time and along the path P).
In particular, the control unit 14 is designed to adjust the operation of the conveyors 7 and 8 (more precisely, of their operating motors) and of the moving assembly 9 (in particular, of its moving motor) so as to vary the capacity of the store 1 (and the quantity of articles 2 moved forward through the input and output stations 4 and 5) as a function of the requirements of the machine M and/or M’ arranged downstream and/or upstream of the store 1 (and/or of the store 1 ’).
For example, when the productivity of the machine arranged upstream of the store 1 (or, more precisely, store 1 ’) is greater than the requirements of the machine arranged downstream of the store 1, the control unit 14 adjusts the speeds of the conveyors 7 and 8 accordingly (so as to have a higher speed at the input station 4 and a lower speed at the output station 5) and operates the moving assembly 9 so as to increase the capacity of the store 1 (by lengthening the active portion of at least one conveyor 8; more precisely, by lengthening the active portion of each conveyor 8).
According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveyor 7 is designed to move the articles 2 forward at a first speed VI ; the moving assembly 9 is designed to move the conveyor 8 at a second speed V2; and the conveyor 8 is designed to move the articles 2 forward at a third speed V3. The control unit 14 is designed to control the operation of the conveyor 7 so as to adjust the third speed V3 as a function of the difference between the first speed VI and the second speed V2, in particular so that the third speed V3 is substantially equal to the difference between the first speed VI and the second speed V2 (V3=V1-V2).
It should be noted that, in the present text, difference and/or sum of speeds is understood as a vectorial difference and/or sum of speeds (in other words, the speeds are considered vectors and their orientation - direction and way - becomes relevant).
Advantageously but not necessarily, the moving assembly 9 comprises a transmission assembly 15, which is designed to transmit motion (in particular in the direction A; more specifically in the directions A and B) towards (to) at least one between the conveyor 7 and the conveyor 8 (in order to move it with respect to the other). In other words, the transmission assembly 15 is designed to transmit motion towards (to) at least one of the conveyors 7 and 8 so as to obtain a relative movement between the conveyors 7 and 8.
According to some non-limiting embodiments, the store 1 also comprises a (protective) panel 16, which is interposed between the transmission assembly 15 on one side and the conveyors 7 and 8 on the other side. In other words, the transmission assembly 15 is arranged on the opposite side of the panel 16 relative to the conveyors 7 and 8.
In this manner, it is possible to further increase safety, by reducing the risks for the operators.
Advantageously but not necessarily, the moving assembly 9 is chosen from the assembly consisting of: a rack system (for example illustrated in Figures 6 and 7), a worm screw system (for example illustrated in Figures 9 and 10) and a system with a linear electric motor (not illustrated).
It has been experimentally observed that, in this manner, the store 1 works, surprisingly, more precisely and efficiently (maintenance work is reduced). Moreover, the store 1 is particularly not very bulky.
More precisely but not necessarily, the moving assembly 9 is chosen from the assembly consisting of: a rack system, a worm screw system and a combination of the same.
Advantageously but not necessarily (with particular reference to Figures 7, 10, 11 and 12), the moving assembly comprises a transmission component 17, which is integral to one between the conveyors 7 and 8 (in particular, to the conveyor 8) and has at least one first protrusion 17’ (protruding element); and a transmission component 18, which has at least one second protrusion 18’ (protruding element) designed to engage the first protrusion 17’ so that the transmission component 18 can transmit motion (in particular, a translation motion; in particular, in the direction of longitudinal extension of the transmission component 17; in particular, in the direction A and/or B) to the transmission component 17.
According to some non-limiting embodiments, at least one transmission system 19 (for example, comprising a shaft - as in Figure 7 - and/or another gear and/or a belt - as in Figure 10) is directly connected to the transmission component 18 in order to move (in particular, rotate) said transmission component 18.
In these cases, more precisely but not necessarily, the panel 16 is arranged between the conveyors 7 and 8 on one side and the transmission system 19 on the other side. According to some embodiments, the panel 16 is arranged between the conveyors 7 and 8 on one side and the transmission system 19 and (at least partially) the transmission component 18 (and, in some cases, also the transmission component
17 - see, for example, Figure 10) on the other side.
In particular, it should be noted that, in these cases, the aforementioned transmission assembly 15 comprises the transmission system 19 and the transmission component 18 (and, in some cases, also the transmission component 17).
According to some non-limiting embodiments (wherein the moving assembly 9 is a rack system - see Figures 11 and from 5 to 7), the transmission component 17 comprises (is) at least one rack, which is integral to one of the conveyors 7 and 8 (in particular, to the conveyor 8); and the transmission component 18 comprises (is) at least one sprocket, which engages the rack and is designed to cause the rack to move (longitudinally) by rotating. In these cases (as better illustrated in Figure 11), the protrusions 17’ and 18’ are the teeth of the rack and of the sprocket, respectively.
For example, the transmission system 19 comprises a rotating shaft 20 (and/or another gear) directly connected to the sprocket in order to rotate said sprocket. In particular, the rotating shaft 20 is substantially integral to the sprocket and is integral to it.
Advantageously but not necessarily, the panel 16 has at least one slit 16’, through which the sprocket partially extends to engage the rack. In particular, the sprocket has a rotation axis arranged on the opposite side of the panel 16 relative to the conveyor 7 (and, in particular, to the conveyor 8).
According to some non-limiting embodiments (wherein the moving assembly 9 is a worm screw system - see Figures 12 and from 8 to 10), the transmission component 17 comprises (is) a threaded rod, which is integral to one between the conveyors 7 and 8 (in particular, to the conveyor 8); the transmission component
18 has a threaded through hole 21, engages the threaded rod and is designed to cause the threaded rod to move (longitudinally) by rotating.
In these cases (as better illustrated in Figure 12), the protrusions 17’ and 18’ are the threads of the threaded rod and of the through hole 21, respectively. More precisely but not necessarily, the threaded rod is parallel to the direction A and extends (partially) through the through hole.
For example, the transmission system 19 comprises a transmission belt 22 directly connected to the transmission component 18 in order to rotate said transmission component 18.
Advantageously but not necessarily, the moving assembly 9 further comprises at least one connection arm 23 between the transmission component 17 (in particular, the threaded rod) and one between the conveyors 7 and (in particular, the conveyor 8).
According to a further embodiment not illustrated and analogous to the one shown in Figures 8-10, the moving assembly 9 is a worm screw system and the transmission component 17 has a threaded through hole 21, which is integral to one between the first conveyor 7 and the second conveyor 8 (in particular, to the second conveyor 8). Therefore, the second transmission component 18comprises (is) a threaded rod, which engages the through hole, which is designed to move longitudinally along the threaded rod.
According to some non-limiting embodiments, the panel 16 has at least the slit 16’, through which the arm 23 extends (and, in use, slides).
Advantageously but not necessarily, the (each) conveyor 7 (of a first conveying assembly 6 or of a first series of conveying assemblies 6) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the articles 2 forward in the direction A; the (each) conveyor 8 (of a first conveying assembly 6 or of a first series of conveying assemblies 6) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the articles 2 forward in the direction A. The active portion (10, 11 and/or 13) of the conveyor 8 (the active portion 10 and the active portion 11) extends from the end 12 in the direction A. In particular, the moving assembly 9 is designed to move (translate) the (each) conveyor 8 in the direction A; more precisely, the moving assembly 9 is also designed to move (translate) the conveyor 8 in a direction B (equal to and) opposite the direction A. In other words, the moving assembly 9 is also designed to move (translate) the conveyor 8 back and forth in the direction A.
According to some non-limiting embodiments (as for example illustrated in Figures 5 and 8), the conveying assemblies 6 comprise a first conveying assembly 6 and at least one second conveying assembly 6 (arranged in succession). The first conveying assembly 6 (for example, in Figure 1, the first starting from the top) is designed to move the articles 7 forward in the direction A, the second conveying assembly 6 (for example, in Figure 1, the second starting from the top) is designed to move the articles 2 forward in a direction B substantially opposite the direction A.
According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveying system 3 comprises at least one guiding device 24 (at least two - in particular, a plurality of - guiding devices 24), which (each of which) is designed to allow the passage of the articles between two successive conveying assemblies 6 or between the conveying assembly 6 and the conveying assembly CG (each guiding device 24 is arranged between two successive conveying assemblies) and divert the articles 2 so as to define a curve of the path P. In particular, each guiding device 24 comprises a curved (more precisely, rigid) guide 25 externally delimiting the mentioned curve and, more specifically, a curved (more precisely, rigid) guide 26 internally delimiting the mentioned curve. Even more specifically, the curve of the path is approximately 180°.
Advantageously but not necessarily, a system for adjusting the conveying speeds (upstream and/or downstream of the mentioned curve) is also provided in order to ensure a homogeneous conveying flow (i.e. a homogeneous mass of articles 2). Advantageously but not necessarily, each guiding device 24 is integral to a respective conveyor 8 and, in particular, is arranged at one end of such respective conveyor 8.
Unless stated otherwise, the contents of the references (articles, books, patent applications, etc.) cited in this text are integrally quoted herein. In particular, the mentioned references are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A variable-capacity store for articles (2) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular substantially cylindrical articles; the store (1) comprises a conveying system (3) for conveying the articles (2) from an input station (4) to an output station (5) along a path (P) with a variable length; the conveying system (3) comprises at least one first conveying assembly (6), which is designed to convey the articles (2) along a respective first segment of the path (P) in a first direction and comprises a first conveyor (7) and a second conveyor (8); and at least one moving assembly (9) for moving at least one between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) relative to one another between a first configuration, in which the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) at least partially overlap one another, and a second configuration, in which the second conveyor (8) has a first active portion (10), which is not aligned with the first conveyor (7), going through at least one intermediate configuration, in which the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) at least partially overlap one another and the second conveyor (8) has a second active portion (11), which is not aligned with the first conveyor (7) and is shorter than the first active portion (10); in the first configuration, said first segment has a first length; in the second configuration, said first segment extends along at least part of the first conveyor (7) and at least part of the first active portion (10) and has a second length, which is greater than the first length; in the intermediate configuration, said first segment extends along at least part of the first conveyor (7) and at least part of the second active portion (11) and has a third length, which is greater than the first length and smaller than the second length; the store (1) being characterized in that said moving assembly (9) is arranged on a rear side of the first conveyor (7) and of the second conveyor (8).
2. The store according to claim 1 and comprising a panel (16); the moving assembly (9) comprising a transmission assembly (15), which is designed to transmit motion towards at least one between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8); said panel being interposed between the transmission assembly (15) on one side and the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) on the other side.
3. The store according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving assembly (9) is chosen from the group consisting of: a rack system, a worm screw system and a system with a linear electric motor.
4. The store according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moving assembly (9) comprises a first transmission component (17), which is integral to one between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) (in particular, to the second conveyor (8)) and has at least one first protrusion; a second transmission component (18), which has at least one second protrusion designed to engage said at least one first protrusion so that the second transmission component (18) can transmit motion to the first transmission component (17); and at least one transmission system (19) (for example, comprising a shaft and/or another gear and/or a belt) directly connected to the second transmission component (18) so as to rotate the second transmission component (18).
5. The store according to claim 4, and comprising a panel (16), which is arranged between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) on one side and at least the transmission system (19) on the other side.
6. The store according to any one of the claims 4 or 5, wherein the moving assembly (9) is a rack system; the first transmission component (17) comprises at least one rack, which is integral to one between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) (in particular, to the second conveyor (8)); and the second transmission component (18) comprises at least one sprocket, which engages the rack and is designed to cause the rack to move by rotating; for example, the transmission system (19) comprises a rotary shaft (20) and/or another gear directly connected to the sprocket in order to rotate the sprocket.
7. The store according to claim 6, and comprising a panel (16), which is arranged between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) on one side and the transmission system on the other side; said panel (16) having at least one slit (16’), through which the sprocket at least partially extends to engage the rack; in particular, the sprocket has a rotation axis arranged on the opposite side of said panel (16) relative to the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8). 14
8. The store according to one of the claims 4 or 5, wherein the first transmission component comprises (is) a threaded rod, which is integral to one between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) (in particular, to the second conveyor (8)); the second transmission component (18) has a threaded through hole (21), engages the threaded rod and is designed to cause the threaded rod to move longitudinally by rotating; for example, the transmission system comprises a belt (22) directly connected to the second transmission component (18) in order to rotate the second component (18).
9. The store according to claim 8, and comprising a panel, which is arranged between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) on one side and the transmission system (19), the threaded rod and the second transmission component (18) on the other side; the moving assembly further comprises at least one connection arm (23) between the threaded rod and one between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) (in particular, the second conveyor (8)); said panel (16) having at least one slit (16’), through which said arm extends.
10. The store according to one of the claims 4 or 5, wherein the first transmission component (17) has a threaded through hole (21), which is integral to one between the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) (in particular, to the second conveyor (8)); the second transmission component (18) comprises (is) a threaded rod, which engages the through hole, which is designed to longitudinally move along the threaded rod.
11. The store according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying system (3) also comprises at least one second conveying assembly (6; CG), which is designed to convey the articles (2) along a respective second segment of the path (P); the first and the second segment being arranged one higher than the other; the input station (4) is arranged in a higher position than the output station (5); in particular, the first conveying assembly (6) is designed to convey the articles from the input station (4) and the second conveying assembly (6; CG) is designed to convey the articles to the output station (5).
12. The store according to claim 11, wherein the second conveying assembly (CG) 15 is arranged immediately upstream of the output station (5) and the second segment of the path (P), along which the second conveying assembly (CG) conveys the articles (2), has a fixed length.
13. The store according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying system (3) is designed to convey a mass of said articles (2); the store (1) further comprises a control unit (14), which is designed to adjust the speed of the first conveyor (7), of the second conveyor (8) and of the moving assembly (9) in a coordinated manner, so as to cause the height of the mass of articles (2) to be substantially constant along said path (P); in particular, the first conveyor (7) and the second conveyor (8) comprise a respective operating motor, which is separate from the other operating motors; in particular, the moving assembly (9) is provided with at least one moving motor (MM), which is separate from the operating motors; in particular, the control unit (14) is designed to adjust the speed of each operating motor and of the moving motor (MM) in a coordinated manner, so as to cause the height of the mass of articles (2) to be substantially constant.
14. A plant to handle articles of the tobacco processing industry comprising at least one processing machine (M; M’) and at least one store (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; the store (1) being connected to the processing machine (M; M’).
EP21790994.4A 2020-09-22 2021-09-22 Variable-capacity store and plant comprising such a store Pending EP4217295A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102020000022315A IT202000022315A1 (en) 2020-09-22 2020-09-22 VARIABLE CAPACITY WAREHOUSE AND PLANT INCLUDING SUCH A WAREHOUSE
PCT/IB2021/058636 WO2022064381A1 (en) 2020-09-22 2021-09-22 Variable-capacity store and plant comprising such a store

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EP4217295A1 true EP4217295A1 (en) 2023-08-02

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EP21790994.4A Pending EP4217295A1 (en) 2020-09-22 2021-09-22 Variable-capacity store and plant comprising such a store

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IT (1) IT202000022315A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022064381A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2618905C3 (en) * 1976-04-29 1980-09-25 Maschinenfabrik Alfred Schmermund Gmbh & Co, 5820 Gevelsberg Intermediate storage in the form of a transfer conveyor
PL215734B1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2014-01-31 Int Tobacco Machinery Poland Storage and transport device for elongated bar-like elements
US8006831B1 (en) * 2010-04-15 2011-08-30 Deere & Company Multifunction conveyor side extrusions
US8241098B1 (en) * 2011-05-12 2012-08-14 Latimer Leslie B Adjustable conveyor assembly for a combine
IT201800001487A1 (en) 2018-01-19 2019-07-19 Gd Spa Variable capacity warehouse.
CN211109436U (en) * 2019-11-27 2020-07-28 天津凤禾航空制造有限公司 Horizontal conveyer of adjustable length

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