FR3075188A1 - DEVICE AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING FRONT OR SIDE PRODUCTS SIMULTANEOUSLY AT THEIR CONVEYAGE - Google Patents

Abstract

 The invention relates to a positioning device (1) for positioning products (2) simultaneously with their conveying one behind the other on a conveying means (3) in a conveying plane (4) and along a conveying direction (5).  This device is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of positioning means (7), each comprising a pair of fingers (8) mounted movably on at least one guide means (9), said guide means (9) defining a closed circulation loop and having a first portion (10) and a second portion (12) arranged downstream of the first portion (10), each finger (8) being movable independently of the others on said guide means (9), and in that it is configured to selectively convey the products (2), either to a pair of fingers (8) located on said first portion (10) of the closed circulation loop at least for a rotation of the product (2) at a predetermined angle, either towards a pair of fingers (8) located on said second portion (12) for longitudinal positioning of the product (2).  The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING PRODUCTS OF

FRONT OR SIDE SIMULTANEOUSLY TO THEIR CONVEYANCE

DESCRIPTION [01] The present invention relates to the general field of conveying products within an industrial processing line, and in particular relates to a device and a particular implementation method, making it possible to position the products, it that is to say to modulate their spacing within the queue and / or to modify their orientation perpendicular to the conveying plane.

[02] In this area, the products, which can be bottles, cans, flasks, boxes, cases, cartons, bundles, or the like, are conveyed between successive processing stations using conveyors. These processing stations, or machines, can be dedicated both to the production of products, such as a blower, a labeling machine or a filling machine, as well as to their packaging for shipment. , like for example a shrinkwrapper, a case packer or a palletizer.

[03] Some of these products, for example bottles, have flattened faces at their side wall, in particular for affixing a label presenting information on their content. Such bottles, or products, thus have a main axis which is vertical when the products are positioned upright on a flat support. They also optionally have an oblong section in the conveying plane.

[04] Depending on the way in which these products are positioned, one may thus be able to read, or not, said information which is on their flattened faces. Their orientation on the displays is therefore important for traders and consumers. The orientation of the products once in the box is also an important factor for optimizing the volume of said boxes.

[05] In addition, within the same production line, when the products are processed and conveyed in a line, they can alternatively be in touch or be spaced regularly or not, depending on the needs of the positions concerned. It is thus necessary, generally several times within a complete installation, to modify the spacing between the products according to the constraints imposed by the downstream machine. For example, a filler is generally fed by a rotary star in which the products are in step, with a specific step length, imposed by the distance between two successive notches of the star each accommodating a product. Conversely, a case packer is generally fed by groups of a predefined number of products, in principle at the touch of a button.

[06] A solution conventionally used to modify the orientation of the products around an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane or to bring the products into line consists in the use of a worm. However, such a solution has certain drawbacks, including the following:

- the screw used to orient the products and / or to put them in step has dimensions adapted to the products and a specific pitch. Also, when the types of processed products change shapes or dimensions, it is necessary to change the screws. It is the same when you want to change the pitch of the products. However, a screw change requires immobilizing the installation, which affects its general productivity;

it is also necessary to provide a storage area, close to the installation, for the storage of worms adapted to the different products to be oriented or brought into line. The overall installation can thus be excessively bulky. Such an installation can also prove to be expensive, since it is necessary to provide several different screws;

- Furthermore, it is known that worms can generate damage to the products, due to friction between the screw and the products;

- Finally, this type of device only allows to modify the orientation of products or to put products in step, and not to modulate the spacing between products more generally.

[07] The document FR 3 018 789 describes an installation offering an alternative to the use of worms to modify the orientation of the products. The orientation of the products is carried out by handling each product separately, using an actuator dedicated to said product and moving transversely to the conveying direction. The orientation being carried out while the products are transported by a conveyor, the actuators are also mobile along the conveying direction so as to be able to accompany the products while they orient them. The mobility of the actuators along the conveying direction is obtained by virtue of the fact that the latter are mounted on slides which run along the conveyor. However, a drawback of such an installation is that the actuators make regular back-and-forth movements along the conveying direction, to get back into position and change the orientation of new products on the conveyor. This limits the processing rate, and therefore results in reduced productivity.

[08] In order to remedy this drawback, other installations are known which make it possible to modify the orientation of the products, and which do not require the use of a worm. An installation is known for example in which the orientation of the products is carried out while the products are transported by at least one conveyor, via actuators acting on the products by a movement transverse to the conveying direction. The actuators are mounted movable independently of each other on a guide means formed for example of a rail. The guide means is located on one side of the conveyor and defines a closed circulation loop, a portion of which is located along the conveying direction. The actuators thus rotate the products when they are in the portion of the closed loop which runs along the conveyor, and accompany them in their movement along the conveying direction before continuing their circulation along a return section. of the loop. However, such a system, if it makes it possible to produce a pitching or a grouping of the products after their orientation, it is relatively bulky because the orientation of the products is carried out in support of them along the longitudinal direction. .

[09] Consequently, there is a need to improve the existing by contributing at least partially to the resolution of the problems identified above, in particular by having a compact system, versatile and operating at high rates, and allowing to modify the orientation of products perpendicular to the conveying plane and / or to modify the spacing between products within a line of products.

[10] The invention thus aims to propose a solution in which the same structure is capable, for each product circulating on a conveying means, or to modify at least the orientation of the product perpendicular to the conveying plane, that is to say -to say to make the product undergo a rotation along an axis, in particular vertical, or to modify the longitudinal position of the product along the conveying direction. The modification of the longitudinal position of the products along the conveying direction can correspond to a modification of an already existing pitch, to a setting of the products to the pitch, or to a grouping of the products together. Another objective of the invention is also that such a device is able to operate with products of various sizes and shapes, without requiring modifications or adjustments.

[11] To do this, the invention proposes to move products, individually or in groups, during their circulation along a conveying direction. The invention implements a system of fingers movable with respect to each other circulating on a guide means. In practice, two fingers are used to move each entity, one being in contact with its upstream end, the other, with its downstream end. The system is configured to selectively route each entity, either to a pair of fingers located in a first area of the guide means at least for rotation of the entity by a predetermined angle, or to a pair of fingers located in a second area guide means for modifying the longitudinal position of the entity along the conveying direction.

[12] The subject of the invention is therefore a positioning device for positioning products simultaneously with their conveying one behind the other on a conveying means in a conveying plane and along a conveying direction.

[13] This device is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of positioning means, each comprising a pair of fingers mounted movably on at least one guide means, said guide means defining a closed circulation loop extending along a plane substantially parallel to the conveying plane and having a first portion and a second portion arranged downstream of the first portion in the conveying direction, the fingers of the same pair being able to act together on at least one product, each finger being movable independently of the others on said guide means, and in that it is configured to selectively convey the products, either to a pair of fingers situated on said first portion of the closed circulation loop at least for a rotation of the product according to a predetermined angle, either towards a pair of fingers located on said second portion for longitudinal positioning of the product .

[14] The invention also relates to a method using this device, namely a method for positioning products simultaneously with their conveying one behind the other on a conveying means in a conveying plane and along a conveying direction.

[15] This process is characterized in that each positioning of product (s) comprises the following successive steps:

- (i) conveying said at least one product, either to a pair of fingers located on said first portion of the closed circulation loop, or to a pair of fingers located on said second portion of the closed circulation loop;

- (ii) define the location of the at least one product to be positioned on the conveying means;

- (iii) correspondingly position the pair of fingers of a positioning means;

- (iv) moving the at least one product relative to the conveying means by moving the pair of fingers, the displacement of the product relative to the conveying means consisting of a rotation of a predetermined angle about an axis perpendicular to the plane conveying and / or a modification of the relative position of the product along the conveying direction.

[16] The invention will be better understood thanks to the description below, which is based on possible embodiments, explained in an illustrative and in no way limiting manner, with reference to the appended figures, in which figures 1 to 4 show perspective views in which products 2 are positioned during their conveying according to different embodiments of the invention.

[17] The invention therefore firstly relates to a positioning device 1 for positioning products 2 simultaneously with their conveying one behind the other on a conveying means 3 in a conveying plane 4 and along a conveying direction 5.

[18] The products 2 treated are generally containers like bottles, flasks, cans, cans or the like. These products 2 have a base on which they can rest when standing, and a height corresponding to their largest dimension. The base of the products 2 can be circular, oblong, square, rectangular or other, but is preferably circular or oblong.

[19] When the products 2 have a base whose two dimensions are of different size, therefore not square, they are generally oriented longitudinally, whether in individual form, or collectively in the form of groups of products. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the products 2 within such product groups are then generally held together, for example via a film 6, and are oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction 5. The product groups are themselves oriented longitudinally, in other words their largest dimension is parallel to the conveying direction 5. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the products 2 are each oriented individually along the longitudinal conveying direction 5, the axis of symmetry of the base products corresponding to the largest dimension of the shape, in particular oblong, is parallel to the conveying direction

5.

[20] As indicated above, the device 1 according to the invention is located within a production and packaging line for products 2, more precisely between two machines of such a chain installation. It makes it possible to position the products 2, in other words to modulate their spacing within a single-wire flow and / or to modify their orientation perpendicular to the conveying plane 4 according to the arrangement required by the station downstream of the device 1. The device 1 is generally intended to prepare the products 2 for packing, in which case the downstream machine is a case packer. However, other uses of the device 1 can be envisaged, and the machines concerned can also be, in particular, a filler, a labeling machine, a shrinkwrapper, or the like.

[21] Within the meaning of the present invention, by modifying the orientation of a product 2 is meant the fact of rotating the product at a predetermined angle, about an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane 4, in order to change its orientation relative to the conveying direction 5. Preferably, the predetermined angle is between 45 ° and 90 °, more preferably substantially equal to 90 °.

[22] On the conveying means 3, the products 2 are transported one behind the other in a single line extending along the conveying direction 5. Before their positioning using the device according to the invention, the products 2 are generally spaced from each other by a regular non-zero distance or not, that is to say that two successive products 2 are not in contact. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "spacing" or distance between two products 2 means the distance which separates the downstream end of a first product 2 from the upstream end of a second product 2 located downstream of the first product in the conveying direction 5.

[23] The conveyor means 3 corresponds to a single conveyor or to a chain of several conveyors one after the other along the conveyor direction 5. Generally, the conveyor means 3 corresponds to a succession between a conveyor upstream 3a, and a downstream conveying means 3b. The upstream conveyor 3a extends along a conveying direction 5 which is rectilinear, and in a conveying plane 4, in particular horizontal. The downstream conveying means 3b extends in the same conveying plane 4, and can either extend following the upstream conveyor 3a along the conveying direction 5, or be offset with respect to the upstream conveyor 3a, according to a direction transverse to the conveying direction 5. The downstream conveying means 3a can for example consist of a conveyor, similar to the upstream conveyor 3a or not. As a variant, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the downstream conveying means 3b can consist of a sliding sole. The conveyor (s) used in the present invention is (are) in principle a conveyor (s) with chain, belt, belt or belt which circulates (s) around at at least two windings located at the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor (s). The conveying plane 4 extends over the upper surface of the conveying means 3 which supports the products 2.

[24] According to the invention, the device 1 comprises a plurality of positioning means 7, each comprising a pair of fingers 8 movably mounted on at least one guide means 9, said guide means 9 defining a closed circulation loop s extending along a plane substantially parallel to the conveying plane 4 and having a first portion 10 and a second portion 12 arranged downstream of the first portion 10 in the conveying direction 5, the fingers 8 of the same pair being able to act together on at least one product 2, each finger 8 being movable independently of the others on said guide means 9.

[25] According to the invention also, the device 1 is configured to selectively route the products 2, either to a pair of fingers 8 located on said first portion 10 of the closed circulation loop at least for a rotation of the product at an angle predetermined, either towards a pair of fingers 8 located on said second portion 12 for a longitudinal positioning of the product 2.

[26] For the purposes of the present invention, the longitudinal positioning of product 2 means a change in the spacing between this product 2 and the product which precedes and / or succeeds it.

[27] The closed circulation loop defined by the guide means 9 comprises at least one curved section 14 and a straight section 16. Preferably, the straight section 16 extends substantially along the conveying direction 5, downstream of the curved section 14. In the illustrative examples of FIGS. 1 to 4, the closed circulation loop is of oblong shape and comprises two rectilinear sections 16 parallel and of the same dimensions, and two curved sections 14 each connecting the two parallel sections 16. The first and second portions 10, 12 of the closed circulation loop belong to at least one curved section

14.

[28] The fact that the positioning means 7 circulate on a closed loop advantageously allows the device 1 according to the invention to operate at a high rate insofar as they can circulate continuously in the same direction of circulation.

[29] Each positioning means 7 is intended to position a product 2 or a group of products 2 at the same time using a pair of fingers

8. To position a product 2, a finger 8 of a positioning means is placed at the downstream end of the product 2 while the other finger is placed at the upstream end of the product 2. It is is the same when the element to be positioned is a group of products 2. More precisely, a finger 8 of a positioning means 7 is placed at the level of the downstream end of the group of products 2 while the other finger 8 is placed at the upstream end of the group of products 2. Depending on the location of the closed circulation loop where the positioning means 7 interacts with a product 2 or a group of products 2, in other words according to whether it interacts in the first portion 10 or the second portion 12 of the loop, the positioning means 7 is thus able to move a product 2 or a group of products 2 either by holding it to make it describe a rotation at a predetermined angle, or by pre-pos itionnant to perform a longitudinal positioning of the product or group of products in a straight section 16 of the circulation loop. Within the meaning of the present invention, the term “pre-positioning” of a positioning means 7 means the insertion of the fingers 8 of this positioning means 7 into the flow of products 2, on either side of a product 2 or product group 2, but without coming into direct contact with it. In the case where the positioning means 7 interacts with a product 2 or a group of products 2 in the first portion 10 of the guide means 9, for a rotation of the product 2 or group of products 2, this can optionally be followed of a longitudinal positioning of the product or group of products 2, in the rectilinear section 16.

[30] During the longitudinal positioning of product 2 or group of products 2 in the rectilinear section 16, the positioning means 7 is thus able to move the latter at a speed different from that of the conveying means 3 which transports it (s) (nt), and therefore to bring it (s) together or to move them away from the products 2 which precede it. When a positioning means 7 is brought to position several products 2 longitudinally at the same time, it can in particular group them, that is to say bring them closer to each other for example until forming a compact group of products 2 , that is to say a single line of products 2 brought together. The grouping of products consists in forming a batch of products or several batches spaced from each other, such batches can for example be collected subsequently to form a row or a column of products 2 in a box.

[31] Such fingers 8 are movable along at least one guide means 9 disposed next to (on the left or right side when looking in the conveying direction 5) of the conveying means 3, along that -this. The device 1 according to the invention is thus particularly advantageous, insofar as it occupies little space on the ground and allows an operator to intervene easily on the line since the conveyor means 3 is accessible from above and from one side. (the side opposite to that where the guide means (s) 9 is located).

[32] The guide means 9 is arranged in such a way that the fingers 8 are capable of acting or not on the products 2, depending on their position along the guide means 9. Each finger 8 is capable of act on a product 2, that is to say to come into contact with it, at least on a portion of the guide means 9. When it is capable of coming into contact with a product 2, a finger 8 is said to be active.

[33] In principle, the fingers 8 may each comprise a wall 18, in particular a plane, which makes it possible to position the products 2 when the fingers 8 are active. In certain embodiments, each finger 8 can consist of a wall 18.

[34] Such a wall 18 can in particular extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane tangent to the circulation loop at the location where the finger 8 is positioned on the guide means 9.

[35] For the purposes of the present invention, a portion of the guide means 9 on which a finger is active is called the active portion of the guide means 9. Conversely, a portion of the guide means 9 on which a finger is inactive is called inactive portion of the guide means 9. When a finger 8 circulates on a guide means 9, it thus alternately passes over active and inactive portions.

[36] Generally, a guide means 9 comprises two active portions 14, 16, essentially corresponding to one of the curved sections 14 and to one of the straight sections 16. Such active portions 14, 16 generally correspond to the portions of the means of guide 9 closest to the receiving surface of the conveying means 3. As indicated previously, the positioning means 7, which circulate in the same direction along the guide means 9, become active in the curved active portion 14 of the guide means 9, either in the first portion 10, or in the second portion 12 depending on the routing carried out for each product 2. In the case where a positioning means 7 becomes active in the first portion 10 of the guide means 9, the walls 18 of the positioning means 7 define with a direction 20 perpendicular to the conveying direction 5, when it becomes active, a predetermined angle, in particular a comp angle reef between 45 ° and 90 °. Preferably, the predetermined angle is substantially equal to 90 °, that is to say that the walls 18 of the positioning means 7 extend substantially along the conveying direction 5. In the case where a means of positioning 7 becomes active in the second portion 12 of the guide means 9, the walls 18 of the positioning means 7 define with a direction 20 perpendicular to the conveying direction 5, when it becomes active, a predetermined angle, in particular an angle between 15 ° and 60 ° depending on the radius of the curved section 14 and the dimensions of the product 2. Those skilled in the art are able to correctly configure the device 1 so that the predetermined angle corresponds to the insertion of the fingers 8 of a positioning means 7 in the flow of products 2, on either side of a product 2 or group of products 2. The positioning means 7 generally remain active in the rectilinear active portion 16 the guiding means 9, for example for setting the pitch or grouping the products 2.

[37] The fingers 8 can in particular pass from the inactive to active position and vice versa simply by the arrangement and the geometry of the guide means (s) 9 which carry them, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Such a configuration is particularly simple and therefore economical. By circulating on the guide means 9, the fingers 8 approach the products 2 until they are able to come into contact with them and therefore become active. The fingers 8 then act on the products 2 until the products 2 are moved away from the guide means 9, as will be described in more detail below.

[38] The fingers 8, and therefore the positioning means 7, are movable independently of each other on the guide means 9. In other words, the relative position of the fingers 8 on the guide means 9, and therefore the distance between two different fingers 8 is liable to be modified. This advantageously results in a capacity of the positioning device 1 to position the products 2 supplied in an irregular flow.

[39] According to a first embodiment, said at least one guide means 9 is mounted movable in translation relative to said conveying means 3, in a direction 20 in particular parallel to the conveying plane 4 and perpendicular to the conveying direction 5 , so as to allow the selective routing of the products 2. Said at least one guide means 9 is mounted movable in translation relative to the conveying means 3, so as to present, opposite the upstream conveyor 3a, fingers 8 located either on its first portion 10, or its second portion 12, depending on whether at least one rotation of the product 2 is desired or else only a longitudinal positioning of the product 2. In the case where the guide means 9 has fingers 8 located on its first portion 10 opposite the upstream conveyor 3a for a rotation of the product 2, this can optionally be followed by a longitudinal positioning of the product, in the rectilinear section 16. In a first variant of this first embodiment, the products 2 arrive in individual form on the conveying means 3. The products are then positioned individually by the positioning device 1. In a second variant of this first embodiment, the products 2 arrive in collective form, in the form of product groups, on the conveying means 3. The product groups 2 are then each positioned by the positioning device 1.

[40] According to a second embodiment, said conveying means 3 is mounted movable in translation relative to said at least one guide means 9, in a direction 20 in particular parallel to the conveying plane 4 and perpendicular to the conveying direction 5 , so as to allow the selective routing of products 2.

[41] According to a third embodiment, the positioning device 1 further comprises means for selective deflection of the products 2, arranged on said conveying means 3 and configured to deflect the products 2 on the conveying means 3 so as to allow the selective routing of products. Such means for selective deflection of the products consist, for example, of a device, for example of triangular or "Y" shape, for deflecting the products 2 either towards a pair of fingers 8 located on the first portion 10 of the loop closed from circulation, that is to a pair of fingers 8 located on the second portion 12. Those skilled in the art will be able to choose an upstream conveyor 3a sufficiently wide for the device 1 according to this third embodiment.

[42] Other embodiments, not shown in the figures, correspond to combinations between the first, second, and third embodiments described above.

[43] Generally, each finger 8 is mounted on a shuttle 22. The shuttles 22 cooperate with the guide means 9, so that the fingers 8 circulate along the guide means 9. The fingers 8 can be mounted fixed or mobile on shuttles 22.

[44] According to a possible additional characteristic, each finger 8 is mounted on a shuttle 22 which circulates on a guide means 9 by virtue of a principle of a linear magnetic motor.

[45] The fact that the shuttles 22 are driven using a magnetic linear motor advantageously makes it possible to dispense with a system requiring a wired power supply complicated to implement because the fingers 8 circulate in a loop closed.

[46] In addition, thanks to the use of the linear motor principle, the speed of each shuttle 22 is variable and the position of each shuttle 22 is controlled by the unit and known at all times. The shuttles 22 are movable in a controlled and known manner, which advantageously makes it possible to know at each instant with precision the position of a product 2, when it interacts with a positioning means 7 formed by two fingers 8 each carried by a shuttle 22. The shuttles 22 are thus advantageously mobile relative to one another.

[47] Alternatively, each finger 8 is mounted on a shuttle 22 which circulates on a guide means 9 thanks to an engine on board each shuttle 22.

[48] It should be noted that it is generally not possible to bring two consecutive fingers 8 and in particular the two walls 18 belonging to them together until they come into contact. Indeed, as indicated above, each finger 8 is generally mounted on a shuttle 22 which cooperates with a guide means 9. It follows that two successive fingers 8 are at least spaced from each other by a corresponding distance to the dimension of the shuttle 22 which is located substantially along the circulation loop. In practice, it happens that two successive fingers 8 mounted on the same guide means 9 cannot be brought close enough to be able to come into contact simultaneously, one with the upstream end and the other with the downstream end, the same product 2.

[49] Thus, according to a possible additional characteristic, the device 1 comprises two guide means 9 arranged one above the other, each positioning means 7 comprising a finger 8 mounted on one of the guide means 9 and a finger 8 mounted on the other guide means

9.

[50] The fingers 8 belonging to the same positioning means 7 are then each mounted movable on a separate guide means 9. As a result, there is advantageously no possible limitation in the proximity of two successive fingers 8 since they are fixed alternately on a guide means 9 and another guide means 9. Thus, the fingers 8 of the same positioning means can be located on either side of a product 2 while each being in contact with said product 2, regardless of the smallest dimension of this product 2.

[51] Preferably, the two guide means 9 are parallel to each other and each define a closed circulation loop which extends in a circulation plane substantially parallel to the conveying plane 4, and therefore in particular horizontal .

[52] Generally, the two guide means 9 arranged one above the other are placed so that the fingers 8 of each guide means 9 can act on products 2. The two guide means 9 are most often identical, in particular for the active portions 14, 16, and offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the planes of circulation of the loops.

[53] The fingers 8 of a guide means 9 may be different from the fingers 8 of the other guide means 9, in particular of different length, so that the fingers 8 can act on products 2, whatever the guide means 9 along which they circulate.

[54] As indicated above, the fingers 8 can pass from the inactive position to the active position and vice versa simply by the arrangement and the geometry of the guide means (s) 9 which carry them. In this case, the change of position of a finger 8 is carried out simply during the passage of this finger 8 in fixed zones of the device 1. As indicated previously, the passage from the inactive position to the active position of the fingers 8 s 'performs in the curved active portion 14 of the guide means 9, either in the first portion 10 or in the second portion 12 according to the routing carried out upstream for the products 2.

[55] Such a particularly simple architecture advantageously makes it possible to dispense with a system requiring a wired power supply which is complicated to implement because the fingers 8 circulate in a closed loop.

[56] According to a possible additional characteristic, the device 1 further comprises a means of information on the location and / or dimensions of the products 2, mounted upstream of the positioning means 7 in the conveying direction 5, to identify the location and / or dimensions of each product 2 to be positioned, as well as a control unit to receive the signal from said information means and condition the operation of the device 1, in particular by placing the positioning means 7 substantially at the level of the products 2 to position.

[57] Such a means of information on the location and / or dimensions of the products 2 is preferably a detection cell also called a sensor or detector.

[58] Such a control loop architecture allows easy switching from one product format to another, without requiring complex additional equipment or manual adjustment to do this.

[59] According to a possible additional characteristic, the device 1 also comprises at least one means 24 for extracting the products 2, in particular in batches, towards a side 25 situated opposite the guide means

9. This makes it possible to facilitate the subsequent treatment of the products by stations positioned downstream of the device 1, either for the purpose of packaging the products 2, or for any other treatment operation on these.

[60] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one means 24 for extracting the products 2 is a means for transversely pushing the products, said transverse pushing means 24 being mounted movable along an action movement between an inactive position and an active position, said action movement being parallel to the conveying plane 4 and having the effect of acting on at least one product 2 by pushing it. This makes it possible to move the products 2 transversely to a downstream treatment station. It is thus possible to create matrix groups of products 2 by successive pushes of several rows of products 2, each matrix group of products comprising several rows, for example to go to a case packer or to a shrinkwrapper. The means of transverse thrust of the products is for example constituted by an independent external pusher.

[61] For the purposes of the present invention, the term transverse thrust of the products means any thrust movement taking place in a direction parallel to the conveying plane 4, and inclined at a non-zero angle with the conveying direction 5. Without that this is not limiting in the context of the present invention, the non-zero angle can in particular be substantially equal to 90 °. In fact, the transverse pushing means 24 can pass from its inactive position to its active position when the products 2 stop, and therefore from the single conveyor or from the downstream conveying means 3b supporting them, in which case the pushing is preferably carried out. in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction 5. The transverse pushing means 24 can also pass from its inactive position to its active position in a product tracking mode 2 (also called “tracking >> in English”), in which case the products 2 continue to advance along the conveying direction 5 while being pushed, which produces a biasing thrust movement relative to the conveying direction 5.

[62] According to a possible additional characteristic, said at least one guide means 9 comprises a third portion 26 arranged downstream of the second portion 12 in the conveying direction 5, the third portion being a removable part mounted movable in translation according to a direction 20 parallel to the conveying plane 4 and perpendicular to the conveying direction 5, said removable part 26 forming said transverse product pushing means. This makes it possible to propose a simple means of extracting the products 2, and not requiring the use of an external device to carry out the extraction. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the inactive and active positions of the third portion 26 respectively. According to this embodiment, in the active position of the third portion 26, the products 2 are pushed out of the sliding sole 3b, towards one side 25 located opposite the guide means (s) 9.

[63] The third portion 26 belongs to one of the straight sections 16, more particularly to the straight section 16 forming the straight active portion. This rectilinear active portion 16 is generally divided into two sub-portions: an upstream sub-portion in which the longitudinal positioning of the products 2 can take place, and a downstream sub-portion corresponding to the third portion 26. Thus, the sub-portion upstream corresponds to a pitching or grouping of the products 2, while the downstream sub-portion corresponds to a thrust of the products 2 perpendicular to the conveying direction 5.

[64] According to another particular embodiment, not shown in the figures, said at least one means 24 for extracting the products 2 is a robot provided with means for gripping the products, in particular individual means for gripping the products. The downstream processing station that the robot forms is then a mobile station. The robot can extract the products 2 either when they are stopped, and therefore from the single conveyor or from the downstream conveying means 3b supporting them, or in a mode for monitoring the products 2 (also called "tracking" in English ). The means for gripping the products comprise, for example, a gripping bell, in particular provided with one or more gripping tulips. Such a robot can then advantageously transport several products 2 or groups of products 2 at the same time, for example to a case packer or even directly in a box.

[65] The subject of the invention is also a method implementing the device as described above, namely a method for positioning products simultaneously with their conveying one behind the other on a conveying means 3 in a plane conveyor 4 and along a conveyor direction 5 using the device 1 as defined above.

[66] This process is characterized in that each positioning of product (s) 2 comprises the following successive steps:

- (i) route said at least one product 2, either to a pair of fingers 8 located on said first portion 10 of the closed circulation loop, or to a pair of fingers 8 located on said second portion 12 of the closed loop of circulation;

- (ii) define the location of the at least one product 2 to be positioned on the conveying means 3;

- (iii) correspondingly position the pair of fingers 8 of a positioning means 7;

- (iv) move the at least one product 2 relative to the conveying means 3 by moving the pair of fingers 8, the displacement of the product 2 relative to the conveying means 3 consisting of a rotation of a predetermined angle around an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane 4 and / or in a modification of the relative position of the product 2 along the conveying direction 5.

[67] Step (i) for conveying the products 2 consists in selectively conveying the products 2, either to a pair of fingers 8 located on the first portion 10 of the closed circulation loop at least for a rotation of the product 2 at a predetermined angle, either towards a pair of fingers 8 located on the second portion 12 for longitudinal positioning of the product 2. In a first embodiment, step (i) is carried out by translational displacement of the guide means 9 relative to the conveying means 3, in a direction 20 in particular parallel to the conveying plane 4 and perpendicular to the conveying direction 5. In a second embodiment, step (i) is carried out by translational displacement of the conveying means 3 relative to the guiding means 9, in a direction 20 in particular parallel to the conveying plane 4 and perpendicular to the conveying direction 5. In a third embodiment on, step (i) is carried out by means of selective deviation of the products 2, arranged on the conveying means 3 and configured to deflect the products 2 on the conveying means 3 so as to allow the selective routing of the products . According to this third embodiment, the products 2 are for example prepositioned on the conveying means 3 according to whether they are intended to be deflected towards a pair of fingers 8 located on the first portion 10 of the closed circulation loop, or towards a pair of fingers 8 located on the second portion 12.

[68] Step (ii) of defining the position of the products 2 can be carried out using a means of information on the position and / or dimensions of the products 2 placed upstream of the positioning means 7 It may in particular be a position sensor. Such a sensor can be coupled with a control-command unit, in particular for the displacement of the positioning means 7 along the guide means (s) 9, so that they are positioned so as to be able to act on the products 2 Such a control unit can also adjust the speed of a possible downstream conveyor 3b as a function of the product flow 2 detected by the information means.

[69] Thus, during step (iii), the positioning means 7 are positioned to arrive at substantially the same level as the products 2 when the fingers 8 pass into the active position to position the products 2. In other words, the two fingers 8 of a positioning means 7 are placed on either side of the element to be positioned, the element to be positioned being one or more products 2 being on the conveying means 3.

[70] As indicated above, the fingers 8 can therefore move along the guide means (s) 9 at a speed different from the speed of the conveying means 3. In addition, the fingers 8 move independently of each other. others along the guide means (s) 9. That is to say that they can approach or move away, and travel at different speeds. Thus, they are able to position products 2 spaced irregularly.

[71] In the case where a positioning means 7 becomes active in the first portion 10 of the guide means 9, the fingers 8 of this positioning means 7 receive a product 2 in the space between their walls 18 and tighten in particular simultaneously in order to come into contact with the product 2 concerned. In the case where a positioning means 7 becomes active in the second portion 12 of the guide means 9, the fingers 8 of this positioning means 7, once pre-positioned sufficiently close to a product 2, one upstream , the other downstream of this product 2, circulate substantially at the same speed as the conveying means 3 along the direction 5 in order to maintain their respective positions relative to the product 2, until reaching their active position. Once active, they can then tighten, in the active rectilinear portion 16, in order to come into contact with the product 2 concerned and thus be substantially at a distance corresponding to the length of product 2 along the conveying direction. 5.

[72] During step (iv), the fingers 8 of a positioning means 7 are in their active position and are in contact with the products 2 to move them. Throughout this displacement step, the fingers 8 move on the guide means 9; a finger 8 being in contact with the downstream end of the element to be moved while the other finger 8 is in contact with the upstream end of this element, the element to be moved possibly being one or more products 2.

[73] In the case where a positioning means 7 becomes active in the first portion 10 of the guide means 9, the fingers 8 of this positioning means 7 hold the product 2 or group of products 2 to make it describe a rotation according to a predetermined angle, along the remaining portion of the curved section 14. This displacement by rotation can then optionally be followed by a longitudinal positioning of the product 2 or group of products 2 in the rectilinear active portion 16, the fingers 8 remaining in contact with product 2 or group of products 2. In the case where a positioning means 7 becomes active in the second portion 12 of the guide means 9, the fingers 8 of this positioning means 7 modify the relative position of product 2 or group of products 2 in the rectilinear active portion 16, along the conveying direction 5.

[74] Within the meaning of the present invention, by modification of the relative position of a product 2 or group of products 2 along the conveying direction 5 is understood a modification of the spacing between two products 2 or groups of products 2 successive along the conveying direction 5.

[75] In the present invention, due to the geometry of the guide means (s) 9 and its (their) arrangement relative to the conveying means 3, the fingers 8 of each positioning means 7 pass through. active position at different times.

[76] According to a possible additional technical characteristic, the method further comprises a step (v) of extraction of the at least one product 2, during which the product 2 is extracted towards a side 25 located opposite the means of guide 9, along a direction in particular parallel to the conveying plane 4. This makes it possible to facilitate the subsequent treatment of the products by stations positioned downstream of the device 1, either with a view to packaging the products 2, or any other processing operation on these. Generally, step (v) is carried out simultaneously for several products 2 moved independently, that is to say for products 2 moved by different positioning means 7.

[77] According to a possible additional technical characteristic, the positioning of the products 2 corresponds to a rotation and / or to a pitching of the products 2.

4 [78] According to another possible additional characteristic, the positioning of the products 2 corresponds to a rotation and / or to a grouping of the products 2 so as to form one or more batches of products.

[79] In the appended Figures 1 to 4, different possible configurations of device 1 are shown, corresponding, for each figure, to one of the three embodiments described above.

[80] Figure 1 illustrates a device configuration 1 corresponding to a rotation of the products 2 around an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane 4, optionally followed by a pitching or grouping of the products 2. The rotation products 2 is carried out by following the curve defined by the active curved portion 14 of the guide means 9.

[81] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate, for their part, device configurations 1 corresponding to a pitching and / or a grouping of products 2 or groups of products 2.

[82] Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible, for each product circulating on a conveying means, either to modify at least the orientation of the product perpendicular to the conveying plane, or to modify the longitudinal position of the product along of the conveying direction. The proposed solution is particularly simple and versatile, insofar as the same device can make it possible to modify the orientation of products as well as to modify an already existing step, to put products in step, or to group products together, without requiring any adjustment. In addition, this solution is compact and allows an operator to access the products easily, while being compatible with high speed operation.

Although the above description is based on particular embodiments, it is in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and modifications can be made, in particular by substitution of technical equivalents or by any combination other than any or part of the characteristics developed above.

Claims (15)

1. Positioning device (1) for positioning products (2) simultaneously with their conveying one behind the other on a conveying means (3) in a conveying plane (4) and along a conveying direction ( 5), characterized in that it comprises a plurality of positioning means (7), each comprising a pair of fingers (8) mounted movably on at least one guide means (9), said guide means (9) defining a closed circulation loop extending along a plane substantially parallel to the conveying plane (4) and having a first portion (10) and a second portion (12) arranged downstream of the first portion (10) in the conveying direction (5), the fingers (8) of the same pair being able to act together on at least one product (2), each finger (8) being movable independently of the others on said guide means (9), and in this that it is configured to selectively route products (2), either to u a pair of fingers (8) located on said first portion (10) of the closed circulation loop at least for a rotation of the product (2) by a predetermined angle, either towards a pair of fingers (8) located on said second portion (12) for longitudinal positioning of the product (2). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one guide means (9) is mounted movable in translation relative to said conveying means (3), in a direction (20) in particular parallel to the conveying plane ( 4) and perpendicular to the conveying direction (5), so as to allow the selective routing of the products (2). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said conveying means (3) is mounted movable in translation relative to said at least one guide means (9), in a direction (20) notably parallel to the plane of conveying (4) and perpendicular to the conveying direction (5), so as to allow the selective routing of the products (2). 4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means for selective deflection of the products, arranged on said conveying means (3) and configured to deflect the products (2) on the means of conveying (3) so as to allow the selective routing of the products (2). 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two guide means (9) arranged one above the other, each positioning means (7) comprising a finger (8) mounted on one of the guide means (9) and a finger (8) mounted on the other guide means (9). 6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each finger (8) is mounted on a shuttle (22) which circulates on a guide means (9) by virtue of a principle of magnetic linear motor. 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a means of information on the location and / or dimensions of the products (2), mounted upstream of the positioning means (7) in the conveying direction (5), to identify the location and / or dimensions of each product (2) to be positioned, as well as a control unit to receive the signal from said information means and condition the operation of the device, in particular by placing the positioning means (7) substantially at the level of the products (2) to be positioned. 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one means (24) for extracting the products (2), in particular in batches, towards a side (25) located at the opposite the guide means (9). 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least one means (24) for extracting the products (2) is a means for transversely pushing the products, said transverse pushing means (24) being mounted movable along an action movement between an inactive position and an active position, said action movement being parallel to the conveying plane (4) and in particular perpendicular to the conveying direction (5) and having the effect of acting on the minus a product (2) by pushing it. 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that said at least one guide means (9) comprises a third portion (26) arranged downstream of the second portion (12) in the conveying direction (5), the third portion (26) being a removable part mounted movable in translation in a direction (20) parallel to the conveying plane (4) and perpendicular to the conveying direction (5), said removable part (26) forming said transverse thrust means products. 11 .A device according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least one means (24) for extracting the products (2) is a robot provided with means for gripping the products, in particular individual means for gripping the products. 12. Method for positioning products (2) simultaneously with their conveying one behind the other on a conveying means (3) in a conveying plane (4) and along a conveying direction (5) at the using the device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, method characterized in that each positioning of product (s) (2) comprises the following successive steps: - (i) conveying said at least one product (2), either to a pair of fingers (8) located on said first portion (10) of the closed circulation loop, or to a pair of fingers (8) located on said second portion (12) of the closed circulation loop; - (ii) define the location of the at least one product (2) to be positioned on the conveying means (3); - (iii) correspondingly position the pair of fingers (8) of a positioning means (7); - (iv) moving the at least one product (2) relative to the conveying means (3) by moving the pair of fingers (8), the displacement of the product (2) relative to the conveying means (3) consisting of a rotation of a predetermined angle about an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane (4) and / or in a modification of the relative position of the product (2) along the conveying direction (5). 13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a step (v) of extraction of the at least one product (2), during which the product (2) is extracted towards one side (25) located opposite the guide means (9), along a direction in particular parallel to the conveying plane (4). 14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the positioning of the products (2) corresponds to a rotation and / or to a pitching of the products (2). 15. Method according to claim 12 to 13, characterized in that the positioning of the products (2) corresponds to a rotation and / or to a grouping of the products (2) so as to form one or more batches of products (2).