FR3122654A1 - RECEPTACLE USED FOR TRANSPORTING OBJECTS IN A PRODUCTION LINE - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: RECEPTACLE USED FOR TRANSPORTING OBJECTS IN A PRODUCTION LINE The invention relates to a bucket-type receptacle (1) for transporting an object (O) in a production line, the receptacle (1) having a cavity intended to receive the object (O) along an axis (Z) and comprising:- at least one cooperation element (2) having a contact zone against which the object (O) is intended to be brought into abutment during its installation in the cavity; - at least one support element (3) of the cooperation element (2) allowing centrifugal movement of the cooperation element (2) relative to the cavity; - elastic return means of the cooperation element (2) according to a centripetal displacement; the cooperation elements (2) being intended to exert a force for centering and/or blocking an object (O) received in the cavity. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

RECEPTACLE USED FOR TRANSPORTING OBJECTS IN A PRODUCTION LINE

The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of production line elements (or conveyor line). More specifically, the invention relates to receptacles intended to receive an object, to convey this object to a processing station and to present said object for carrying out the processing.

The production of an object can be carried out in series to gain in production rate. This mass production may use automated conveying systems to move objects from one location to another. For this conveying, it is possible to use buckets intended to receive and support the objects.

In addition, buckets can be used to present the transported object to a processing step and to hold them during processing. For example, processing can consist of engraving, printing, depositing a label, etc.

Conventionally, these buckets can consist of blocks comprising a cavity following the shape of the object, thus forming a suitable receptacle.

The bucket may have a recess on one of its faces to present the surface of the object to be treated.

Within a production line and according to an illustrative example, the objects in progress can be picked up and deposited in a bucket by means of a mechanical arm. The objects are then routed inside the receptacle of the bucket and presented to an engraving stage. The cup has a recess through which the engraving operation is carried out, the object must therefore be oriented correctly in relation to this window so that the engraving is carried out at the chosen location on the external wall of the object. During engraving, the object therefore remains in the bucket. The engraved object can then be transported to another station, still inside the bucket, to receive another treatment.

However, these buckets have drawbacks:
- the shape of the cup cavity must be made to measure in relation to the object;
- the shape of the cup cavity and the shape of the object being made to correspond with each other, the shape of the object cannot be subject to slight variations under penalty of the object not becomes incompatible with the bucket;
- if the object is incorrectly placed inside the bucket, it may remain stuck across the cavity and the processing steps will not be carried out effectively;
- if the object has a cross-section of essentially cylindrical shape, it can carry out undesired rotational movements inside the cup, thus risking being badly positioned for the processing steps.

In the field of the invention, several improvements have been proposed to overcome these drawbacks.

It is in particular known the patent document published under the number FR3024871. This document describes a receptacle taking the form of a metal cup consisting of a base and a peripheral wall delimiting a location intended to receive an object such as a bottle. The peripheral walls receive rollers (two or four) mounted on elastic axes allowing to exert an elastic return. When inserting the object into the slot, the object then rolls on the rollers which then exert a force to center and/or block the object in the slot.

Thanks to this solution, the elastic return holds the bottle and the roller exerts pressure without damaging the surface of the objects. In addition, objects that may have small shape differences can be conveyed into the bucket. However, a limit in the shape variations of the objects is identified, and in the end this solution turns out to be costly because each bucket is ultimately used for a specific bottle shape.

The patent document published under the number EP2590881 is also known, which describes a conveying bucket in which rollers can be carried by arms extending from a bottom for receiving an object in the bucket. More specifically, each roller is coupled in rotation between the upper ends of two adjacent arms. It is indicated that these arms can be rigid or flexible.

The design of this type of bucket does not provide satisfactory retention of an object in the bucket, and although suitable for receiving different objects, does not offer the capacity to receive such objects if their size or shape varies beyond a certain limit.

The aim of the invention is in particular to meet these needs.

More specifically, the object of the invention is to propose a conveyor bucket which can suitably receive more objects of different shape and size than what the conveyor buckets according to the invention allow.

The invention also aims to provide such a bucket which effectively centers an object in the conveying location that it delimits, and which effectively locks it in position.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a bucket which is more profitable than those of the prior art.

These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a bucket-type receptacle, for transporting an object in a production line, the receptacle having a cavity intended to receive the object along a Z axis and comprising:
- At least one cooperation element having a contact zone against which the object is intended to be brought into abutment during its installation in the cavity;
- At least one support element of the cooperation element allowing centrifugal movement of the cooperation element with respect to the cavity;
- Elastic return means of the cooperation element according to a centripetal displacement;
- the cooperation elements being intended to exert a force for centering and/or blocking an object received in the cavity,
characterized in that at least one support element has:
- an amount extending to an upper part;
- two side extensions, each side extension comprising a supporting part and a connecting part, the connecting part extending from the upper part of the upright to the supporting part,
and in that each carrying part carries a cooperation element, the connecting parts and the upright being at least partially elastically deformable.

Thanks to the design of the receptacle according to the invention, the upper part of the post can move closer to or move away from the Z axis because the post is at least partially elastically deformable. This amount thus forms a means of elastic return of the upper part to a rest position.

In addition, independently of the mobility of the upper part, the two cooperation elements carried by the bearing parts of the two lateral extensions can approach or move away from the Z axis independently of each other. This independence is permitted thanks to the connection parts which are at least partially elastically deformable and which also form elastic return means in a rest portion.

If a large object with an irregular surface is introduced into the cavity, then:
- the upper part of the upright has the ability to move away elastically from the Z axis to allow the insertion of the object, under the effect of pulling backwards produced by the contact of the object with the two elements of cooperation, and
- the two elements of cooperation, can adopt positions relative to the Z axis different from each other, moving away more or less from the Z axis.

In other words, each cooperation element can have its position adjusted more precisely to the shape of the object.

In addition, the centering capabilities of the two cooperation elements of a support element are then differentiated and can be different depending on the shape of the object and its position relative to the cavity.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connection parts and the upright are entirely elastically deformable.

The design of these parts is thus easier.

Preferably, for each support element, the upright is integral with the two side extensions.

The post and the side extensions are thus formed in a monolithic manner, and they have an intrinsic elastic deformation capacity relative to the material used to form them.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the two lateral extensions of a support element together describe an arc of a circle partially surrounding the cavity.

These lateral extensions describing an arc of a circle reinforce the centering of the object in the cavity.

According to an advantageous characteristic, each cooperation element is formed by a roller, each bearing part being formed by a bearing axis of a cooperation element, preferably the roller has an annular groove on its outer face.

Such rollers facilitate the insertion of the object into the cavity and its centering and locking in the cavity.

In the case where the roll has a small width, it can be considered as a roller.

According to a first variant embodiment, the receptacle comprises a seat above which the support element or elements extend, the support element or elements being integral with the seat.

The seat and the support elements thus form a monolithic whole from a single material. This material also confers their capacity for elastic deformation to the support elements.

According to a second variant embodiment, the receptacle comprises a seat above which the support element or elements extend, the support element or elements being reversibly assembled to the seat.

The support elements can then be easily and quickly changed.

Preferably, the receptacle comprises, for each support element, a protective casing opposite the cavity with respect to the support element, the protective casing providing a space for movement of the support element.

The protective casing prevents external objects from coming into direct contact with the support element and either disturbing its operation or degrading it.

In this case, preferably, the protective casing has, for each connection part, a spacing abutment capable of cooperating with the connection part, the protective casing being carried by at least one at least partially elastically deformable arm, s extending from a conveying base of the receptacle.

The conveyor base of the receptacle includes or integrates the seat if necessary.

Thanks to this design, the protective housing also has a capacity for movement with respect to the Z axis.

This allows the support elements to deform centrifugally with respect to the cavity up to a point where the load-bearing parts of the support element come into contact with the spacers of the protective housing, at which point the elastic restoring force against centrifugal displacement of these elements becomes greater. Indeed, the elastic return force becomes greater due to the resistance exerted by the protective casing.

The spacer stops also prevent the cooperating elements from coming into contact with the shroud when the support elements are moved toward the shrouds.

According to a first embodiment, the protective casing is integral with the support element.

The protective casing and the support elements thus form a monolithic element formed in one go.

In the case where the support elements are assembled reversibly to the seat, then the protective casing is also assembled to the seat during assembly of the support elements to the seat.

According to a second embodiment, the protective casing is assembled in a reversible manner to the seat.

The protective casing is then assembled independently to the seat and can be changed easily and quickly.

According to an advantageous design, the receptacle comprises:
- A generic conveying base and an insert, the insert presenting the support element(s) and delimiting the cavity;
- Means for assembling the insert in the generic conveying base.

Thanks to this design, the generic conveyor base can be used for several types of insert.

Therefore, when the insert does not have the capacity to receive an object that has dimensions that are too different from those for which it is designed, then it is possible to change the insert for another more suitable one. In this way, the cost of replacement is limited by keeping the conveying base.

In addition, replacement is quick and easy. This is particularly advantageous in the event that one of the components carried by the insert breaks.

In this case, preferably, the insert is monolithic.

The insert is thus formed from a material in one go, for example by additive manufacturing.

This facilitates the creation of receptacles adapted to certain objects. Indeed, the additive manufacturing of the insert can be carried out quickly for a given generic conveying base.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of various preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:

there is a schematic representation according to a perspective view of a cup-type receptacle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

there is a schematic representation according to an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the receptacle in which it comprises a generic conveying base and an insert independent of the generic conveying base;

there is a top view of the receptacle according to the first embodiment illustrated by the ;

there is a longitudinal sectional view of the receptacle according to the second embodiment;

there is a perspective view of the medallion shown on the , more specifically illustrating an element of cooperation.

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a receptacle 1, bucket type, for transporting an object O in a production line, is shown.

With reference to the , the receptacle 1 has a cavity intended to receive the object O along an axis Z.

Receptacle 1 includes:
- a conveying base 6;
- A seat 4, on which the object O received in the cavity is likely to rest;
- Cooperation elements 2 with the object O during its installation in the cavity;
- support elements 3 of the cooperation elements 2, these support elements 3 extending above the seat 4.

The cooperation elements 2 are intended to exert a force for centering and/or blocking the object O received in the cavity. Indeed, the cooperation elements 2 have a contact zone against which the object O is intended to be brought to bear during its installation in the cavity.

As detailed below, the support elements 3 of the cooperation elements 2 allow centrifugal movement of the cooperation elements 2 with respect to the Z axis, and in other words with respect to the cavity. In addition, the receptacle 1 also comprises elastic return means of the cooperation elements 2 according to a centripetal displacement, that is to say an elastic return of the cooperation elements 2 to an initial position in the direction of the Z axis.

According to the present embodiments, the receptacle 1 comprises two support elements 3.

With reference to the second embodiment illustrated by Figures 2 to 4, the receptacle 1 comprises a conveying base 6 composed of a generic conveying base 61 and an insert 62 distinct from the generic conveying base 61.

The insert 62 is complementary in shape to a housing 610 presented by the generic conveying base 61.

The insert 62 has for this purpose legs 620 suitable for fitting into the housing 610 to assemble the insert 62 to the generic conveying base 61.

In this embodiment, the receptacle 1 also includes means for assembling the insert 62 in the generic conveying base 61.

These assembly means can for example take the form of a screw screwed through a wall of the generic conveying base 61 until it reaches the insert 62.

According to the first embodiment illustrated by the , the conveying base 6 carries the seat 4. The conveying base 6 also carries the support elements 3.

According to the second embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, the seat 4 is carried by the insert 62. In this case, the insert 62 also carries the support elements 3.

With reference to the two embodiments, the seat 4 takes the form of a flat platform 40 pierced in its center.

According to the principle of the invention, and with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the receptacle 1 comprises two support element 3 framing the cavity.

Each support element 3 has:
- An upright 31 which extends in height up to an upper part 311 of the upright 31;
- two lateral extensions 32, each lateral extension 32 comprising a carrier part 321 and a connection part 322, the connection part 322 extending from the upper part 311 of the upright 31 to the carrier part 321.

More specifically, each upright 31 extends from the seat 4.

The uprights 31 extend parallel to the Z axis from the periphery of the seat 4, above the seat 4.

By the expressions "above the seat", it is understood that the uprights 31 are located in a volume above a plane in which the seat 4 is inscribed. Consequently, the uprights 31 can overhang seat 4, or not overhang seat 4.

The seat 4 is provided with a peripheral rim 41 at least at the level of the support elements 3. This peripheral rim takes the form of a bead protruding above a plane in which the flat surface of the seat 4.

Each carrying part 321 carries a cooperation element 2.

Consequently, each support element 3 makes it possible to carry two cooperation elements 2.

The support elements 3 take the form of T.

Indeed, the amount 31 extends from a periphery of the seat 4 parallel to the axis Z. Arriving at the upper part 311 of the amount 31, the two lateral extensions 32 extend on either side of the part high 311, essentially perpendicular to a plane in which the Z axis and the upright 31 are inscribed.

According to the present embodiments, the upper part 311 of an upright 31 is an end part.

However, it is possible according to other embodiments that the upper part 311 is not the end part, and that the upright has for example an upper end part than the upper part, and from which two other lateral extensions s would extend, according to a design similar to those extending from the upper part 311. The support element 3 would then take the form of a cross with a double crosspiece, for example the form adopted by the “Cross of Lorraine”.

As illustrated by Figures 1 to 3, the two lateral extensions 32 of a support element 3 together describe an arc of a circle which partially surrounds the cavity.

The two lateral extensions can thus partially surround an object in the cavity.

Still according to the principle of the invention, the connection parts 322 and the upright 31 are at least partially elastically deformable and preferably entirely elastically deformable.

As illustrated by Figures 1 to 4, and according to the present embodiments, the receptacle 1 comprises for each support element 3 a protective casing 5.

The following description of a protective casing 5 applies to other protective casings 5.

The protective casing 5 is opposed to the cavity, and thus to the Z axis, with respect to the support element 3 which it protects.

This protective casing 5 provides a clearance space for its support element 3.

In this way, the movement of the support element 3, and in particular its centrifugal movement relative to the cavity, is not prevented by the protective casing 5.

The protective casing takes a partially cylindrical shape to protect the cooperation elements 2.

Referring to Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5, the protective casing 5 has ribs extending in the direction of the bearing parts 321. These ribs each have a spacer abutment 50 which is able to cooperate with the connecting part 322.

In the position at rest of the support elements 3 and of the cooperation elements 2, that is to say in a position in which they are not subject to any external constraint such as that which is likely to be exerted by an object inserted in the cavity, the spacer stops are remote from the connection parts 322.

As illustrated by Figures 1 to 4, the protective casing 5 is carried by two arms 51 which extend from the conveying base 6 of the receptacle, essentially parallel to the Z axis.

These arms 51 are at least partially elastically deformable.

In the case where the insertion of an object into the cavity causes the centrifugal displacement of the cooperation elements 2, then the bearing parts 321 can come into contact with the spacing stops 50. From this moment, the stops d spacing 50 make it possible to prevent the cooperation elements 2 from coming into contact against the protective casing 5.

According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, for each support element 3, the upright 31 is made in one piece with the two lateral extensions 32.

According to the two illustrated embodiments, the support elements 3 are integral with the seat 4.

However, according to another embodiment not illustrated, the support elements 3 are assembled to the seat 4 in a reversible manner. For example, the support elements 3 can be clipped onto the seat 4 with male/female assembly means distributed over the support elements 3 and the seat 4, or even coupled to the seat 4 using screw.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the protective casing 5 is made in one piece with the support elements 3.

The protective casing 5 can also be integral either directly with the conveying base 6, or only integral with the insert 62 depending on the embodiments.

It is also possible for the protective casing 5 to be designed to be assembled reversibly on the seat 4.

For example, the protective casing(s) 5 can be clipped onto the seat 4 with male/female assembly means distributed over the protective casing(s) 5 and the seat 4, or even coupled to the seat 4 using screws.

In this case, the protective casing 5 may be integral with the support element 3 which it protects, and these two elements are reversibly coupled in one go on the seat 4.

According to the first embodiment illustrated by the , the conveying base 6 is made in one piece with the seat 4, the support elements 3, and the protective casings 5.

The conveying base 6, the seat 4, the support elements 3 and the protective casings 5 then form a monolithic assembly.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated by the at 4, it is the insert 62 which is then made in one piece with the seat 4, the support elements 3, and the protective casings 5.

The insert 62, the seat 4, the support elements 3 and the protective casings 5 then form a monolithic assembly.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous because:
- the manufacturing time of a receptacle 1, or repair of this receptacle 1, is accelerated from the moment when the generic conveying base 61 already exists, the insert 62 being able to be obtained by additive manufacturing;
- The only manufacture of an insert 62 specific to an object O is economical in terms of material because it is not necessary to remanufacture the conveying base 61;
- It is possible to quickly change the insert 62 while leaving the conveying base 61 on the conveying line;
- the receptacle offers a greater capacity for conveying objects O of different dimensions thanks to the geometric freedom offered by additive manufacturing and the hollow shape of the conveying base, in fact, the seat can be positioned above the base slot or inside the base slot.

As illustrated by Figures 1 to 5, each cooperation element 2 is formed by a roller.

In this case, each carrying part 321 is formed by a bearing axis of a cooperation element 2.

Rollers are designed to roll over the surface of an object O as it is inserted into the cavity.

This facilitates the insertion of an object into the cavity and the application of a centering force.

With reference to the , the roller has on its outer face an annular groove 20.

More specifically, the roller has an outer surface whose section takes the form of a V.

The two ends 20 of the V can then both be in contact against the object O to be centered in the cavity during its insertion.

The receptacle 1 according to the invention thus offers a greater capacity for receiving objects of various shapes while having the ability to be modified quickly in the event that the dimensions of the object to be conveyed are too large or too small vis- vis-à-vis the initial reception capacities.

The material used to produce, among other things, the elastically deformable parts of the receptacle can for example be polyamide 12 (PA 12) plastic.

Claims (12)

Bucket-type receptacle (1), for transporting an object (O) in a production line, the receptacle (1) having a cavity intended to receive the object (O) along an axis (Z) and comprising:
- at least one cooperation element (2) having a contact zone against which the object (O) is intended to be brought into abutment during its installation in the cavity;
- at least one support element (3) of the cooperation element (2) allowing centrifugal movement of the cooperation element (2) with respect to the cavity;
- elastic return means of the cooperation element (2) according to a centripetal movement;
the cooperation elements (2) being intended to exert a force for centering and/or blocking an object (O) received in the cavity,
characterized in that at least one support element (3) has:
- an amount (31) extending to an upper part (311);
- two lateral extensions (32), each lateral extension (32) comprising a bearing part (321) and a connecting part (322), the connecting part (322) extending from the upper part (311) of the upright ( 31) up to the carrier part (321),
and in that each carrying part (321) carries a cooperation element (2), the connecting parts (322) and the post (31) being at least partially elastically deformable. Receptacle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, for each support element (3), the upright is integral with the two lateral extensions (32). Receptacle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two lateral extensions (32) of a support element (3) together describe an arc of a circle partially surrounding the cavity. Receptacle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each cooperation element (2) is formed by a roller, each carrying part (321) being formed by a bearing axis of a cooperation element ( 2), preferably the roller has an annular groove on its outer face. Receptacle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a base (4) above which the support element(s) (3) extend, the support element(s) (3) having come in one piece with the seat (4). Receptacle (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a seat (4) above which the support element or elements (3) extend, the support element or elements ( 3) being assembled reversibly to the seat (4). Receptacle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, for each support element (3), a protective casing (5) opposite the cavity with respect to the support element (3) , the protective casing (5) providing a space for movement of the support element (3). Receptacle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protective casing (5) has, for each connection part (322), a spacing stop (50) capable of cooperating with the connection part (322) , the protective casing (5) being carried by at least one at least partially elastically deformable arm (51) extending from a conveying base (6) of the receptacle (1). Receptacle (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the protective casing (5) is integral with the support elements (3). Receptacle (1) according to any one of Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the protective casing (5) is assembled in a reversible manner to the seat (4). Receptacle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:
- a generic conveying base (61) and an insert (62), the insert (62) presenting the support element(s) (3) and delimiting the cavity;
- Means for assembling the insert (62) in the generic conveying base (61). Receptacle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the insert (62) is monolithic.