MX2008002592A - Device and method for continuously producing a defective-free carrier strip - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for continuously selecting defective components (2) from a certain amount of components (2) which are arranged in a detachable manner on a carrier strip (3) in at least one continuous row, and adevice (80) and method for continuously producing a carrier strip (3), which is void of defects, from a carrier strip (3) whereon components (2) are arranged in at least one continuous row, and which comprises defective components (2) and components which are void of defects (2). Said device (1) for continuously selecting defective components (2) comprises a control device (10) which is used to determine defective components, a transfer device (20) which is used to transfer selected, defective components (2), at least one separation device (30, 31, 32), which at least partially separates each component (2) from the carrier strip (3) and replaces it in an offset manner in relation to the preceding position on the carrier strip (3), and at least one selection device (40), which selects a component (2) which is determined as defective by the control device (10) and at least partially separates it from the carrier strip (3) in such a manner that said component is removed by the transfer device (20). Said device can be used, for example, in the production of labels (smart labels).

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF A PERFECT CONVEYOR BAND FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a device for continuously separating defective components from a multitude of components, which are arranged consecutively in at least one row in removable form on a band. conveyor, and a device and a method for the continuous generation of a perfect conveyor belt from a conveyor belt with components that are arranged consecutively on it in at least one row, the conveyor belt comprising defective and perfect components. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the production of continuous conveyor belts on which the components are arranged sequentially in a row, there may be a requirement that only capable or perfect components be found on the conveyor belt. This is the case, for example, when the conveyor belt is fed as an endless belt by an automatic feeding machine and the components are electronic data carriers that characterize, for example a pallet or a package. Usually, as a prior stage in the production of a perfect conveyor belt of this type there is a REF. : 190359 Conveyor belt on which both perfect elements and defective components are arranged. The defect rate is usually determined by the production waste in the production of the components. In EP 1 096 423 A2 methods and devices are described for producing such a perfect conveyor belt. In a first variant described there, the perfect conveyor belt is produced from two conveyor belts on which respectively perfect and defective components are disposed. On the first conveyor belt, only defective components are detached by means of a separating device and then removed. Only perfect components are detached from the second conveyor belt and then inserted into the gaps of the first conveyor belt that are produced by the removal of the defective components. After the replacement process the first conveyor belt constitutes the perfect conveyor belt. In the second variant, a first conveyor belt is provided on which perfect and defective components are again placed. All the components of the first conveyor belt are removed first to produce the perfect conveyor belt. Among the Released components are now transferred in a selection process exclusively functional components on the second empty conveyor belt, whereby this is constituted in the perfect conveyor belt. However, by virtue of the selective processes of detachment and transfer, process variants can be present in both variants in which it is necessary to reduce the speed of a conveyor belt in order to guarantee a safe operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for the continuous separation of defective components, and a device and a method for the continuous production of a perfect conveyor belt that allows safe operation at high speed. The invention solves this problem by means of a device for the continuous separation of defective components according to claim 1, a device for the continuous production of a perfect conveyor belt in accordance with claim 13 and a method for the continuous production of a conveyor belt perfect in accordance with claim 17. The devices and the method have in common that the components are disposed detachable on the web transporter That is to say, they can be detached without destroying them from the conveyor belt and then replacing them. As material of the conveyor belt can be used, for example, paper material coated with silicone or something similar. In the components and / or on the conveyor belt, an adhesive layer can be applied which allows a detachable connection between the conveyor belt and the component. The device for the continuous separation of defective components comprises a control device for detecting defective components and a transfer device for grasping defective components to be removed. The control device can use various criteria to determine the state of a component. If the components are electronic components with a memory that can be read without contact, then it is possible to carry out, for example, a verification of the serial number of the electronic component or a verification of special memory contents by means of a radio interface. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to resort to a reaction speed when introducing the component in an electromagnetic field, etc. It is also possible to use optical control by cameras in connection with image processing algorithms to detect a defective component. The transfer device takes a defective component and transports it out of the conveyor belt for further processing, for example, recycling or confinement. According to the invention, at least one separating device is provided that detaches each component at least partially from the conveyor belt and replaces it on the conveyor belt moved relative to a previous position, and at least one selection device that selects a component detected as defective by the control device, at least partially detached from the conveyor belt, so that it can be grasped by the transfer device. By virtue of which each component is thus carefully detached from the conveyor belt, and that, in case the component is free from defects, it is again placed on the conveyor belt in a displaced position a selective detachment process is not required depending on the state of the component that may make it necessary to reduce the speed of the band. That is, the detachment process can be carried out at the full speed of the band. This increases the performance of a device of this type. The separating device and the selection device work in such a way that for the selection of a defective component, partially detached, a force is applied which deflects it towards the device of transfer, whereby a transfer is made. A force is not applied to a perfect component, due to which it is placed again with its detached area on a displaced section of the conveyor belt. In a further development, the separating device comprises a first deviating device of the conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor belt is guided on the first deviating device of the conveyor belt, and by deviating the conveyor belt from a transport direction to a conveyor direction. detachment the first deviator device of the conveyor belt causes partial detachment of the component in the transport direction. Preferably the separating device further comprises a second deviating device of the conveyor belt, the conveyor being guided on the first deviating device of the conveyor belt and the second deviating device on the conveyor belt, the second deviating device on the conveyor belt it effects a deviation of the conveyor belt to the conveying direction in an associated deflection section, and in the deflection section the component at least partially detached from the conveyor belt is repositioned on the conveyor belt. The first and the second diverter device of the conveyor belt allow a simple detachment or detachment and subsequent displaced transfer of the perfect components on the conveyor belt. Preferably the separating device further comprises an inversion cylinder, the conveyor being guided over the first deviating device of the conveyor belt, the reversing cylinder and the second deviating device of the conveyor belt. This allows a simple and flexible control of the conveyor belt, being that by the position of the reversing cylinder relative to the diverter devices of the conveyor belt it is possible to adjust various parameters, for example, a degree of displacement. Preferably, the first deviator device of the conveyor belt has a first surface in a transport plane of the conveyor belt and the second deviator device of the conveyor belt a second surface in the transport plane of the conveyor belt, being that between the first surface and the second surface a gap is formed, and a rotation axis of the reversing cylinder is outside the transport plane. The edges of the first and second surfaces delimiting the interstice preferably extend parallel. The axis of rotation of the inversion cylinder can be extended in the center of the gap, parallel to the edges in the horizontal direction, and in the vertical direction offset relative to the transport plane by a value that is greater than a diameter of the reversing cylinder. In a further development, the selection device comprises a separating roller with which a defective component at least partly detached from the conveyor belt is deflected for selection in the direction of the transfer device. The separating roller can exert pressure, for example, against an area of the component detached from the conveyor belt, whereby, as a consequence of the force incident, it moves or deflects in the direction of the transfer device. Alternatively or additionally the selection device comprises a compressed air device by means of which a defective component detached at least partially from the conveyor belt is blown for selection in the direction of the transfer device. In a refinement the transfer device comprises a transfer cylinder for grasping the defective components. Preferably the transfer cylinder has distributed on its periphery air circulation openings that serve to produce a negative pressure or controllable positive pressure that has the effect of adhesion or detachment of a defective component grasped. A configuration of this type supports the transfer and removal transport of the defective component by virtue of the component being sucked against the transfer cylinder by negative pressure. The controlled negative pressure can be switched off or transformed into a positive pressure at a suitable position of the cylinder, for example, by stripping off the defective component, whereby a detachment of the component is facilitated. Preferably a collector cylinder is provided which is in functional engagement with the transfer cylinder to receive the defective components, with a defective component being transferred from the transfer cylinder to the collector cylinder. The collector cylinder can collect the defective components in several layers, whereby the transfer cylinder is returned to its operating state by the detachment of the defective component. In a refinement, an oppressive cylinder is provided which allows a component applied to be pressed onto the conveyor belt. When a perfect component is first detached from the conveyor belt by the separating device and then repositioned on it, the adhesion of the component to the conveyor belt is first diminished. However, in the case of diminished membership there is a risk that the The component will re-detach in subsequent sections of the conveyor belt, for example, in the area of deviations of the conveyor belt. To compensate for this effect the component is pressed against it, whereby the original adhesion is again approximately equalized. In an improvement, the components are arranged in several rows on the conveyor belt, and a selection device is associated to each row. Consequently, the rows may share the control device, the transfer device and the release device. But by virtue of the fact that the sequence of defective and perfect components may be different between the respective rows, a separate selection device is provided for each row. The arrangement of the components in several rows on the conveyor belt allows parallel processing, that is, the possible yield increases in an approximately proportional way to the number of rows. The device according to the invention for the continuous production of a perfect conveyor belt comprises a device according to the invention for the continuous separation of defective components described above and at least one delivery device that introduces a perfect component in the zones of the conveyor belt from which a defective component was separated.

To obtain high transport speeds, several delivery devices are conveniently used which are preferably arranged spaced apart from one another in the transport direction. The combination of separator and supplier device allows to produce a perfect conveyor belt with high speed by virtue of which it is possible to carry out a separation without reducing the speed of the conveyor belt. In an improvement, an additional conveyor belt containing exclusively perfect components is associated with the delivery device. In a refinement, the components are identifiers. Preferably a programming unit is provided which programs the identifiers on the perfect conveyor belt. The identifiers are preferably used in identification tags. In the method according to the invention for the continuous generation of a perfect conveyor belt each component is detached at least partially from the conveyor belt, a defective component at least partially detached is removed, a perfect component is replaced placed on the belt Conveyor and a removed component is replaced by a perfect component. In a refinement, a speed of the conveyor belt is constant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other advantages and characteristics of the invention arise from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention which are schematically represented by drawings. They show: Figure 1 a device for the continuous separation of defective identifiers for a case in which a separation is not necessary, Figure 2 a device for the continuous separation of defective identifiers for a case in which a separation is necessary, Figure 3 a device for the continuous generation of a perfect conveyor belt with the device for the continuous separation of figure 1, and figure 4 a device for the continuous generation of a perfect conveyor belt on which the identifiers are arranged in several rows on the conveyor belt . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a device 1 for continuously separating defective components in the form of identifiers from a multitude of identifiers 2, which are arranged equidistantly, consecutively in a row in releasable form on a conveyor belt 3. The identifiers are arranged on the conveyor belt 3 centered in relation to a transport direction x. On the conveyor belt 3, perfect and defective identifiers 2 can be arranged. The identifiers 2 are made as components in the form of flexible, flat sheet and in each case comprise an integrated circuit not shown with identification function, which is coupled with a leaf-shaped antenna. On its side facing the conveyor belt 3, the identifiers 2 are provided with a layer of glue not shown, which allows the identifiers to be applied and detached several times. 2 in / of the conveyor belt 3. The device 1 comprises a control device or a reading device 10 for detecting the defective identifiers 2, a transfer device in the form of a transfer cylinder 20 for grabbing the defective identifiers 2 to be separated, a separating device comprising a first device diverter of the conveyor belt, a second device 31 diverter of the conveyor belt and an inversion cylinder 32 that at least partially detaches each identifier 2 from the conveyor belt 3 and, in case it is perfect, it replaces it on the belt 3 of transport moved relative to a previous position, a selection device in the form of a roller 40 spacer that deflects an identifier 2 at least partially detached from the conveyor belt 3 that the control device 10 detects as being defective in the direction of the transfer cylinder 20, so that the transfer cylinder 20 takes it and withdraws it, a control unit 50 which is coupled with the control device 10, the transfer cylinder 20 and the spreader roller 40, and a collector cylinder 60 which is in coupling functional with the transfer cylinder 20 to receive the defective identifiers. The operation of the device 1 is described below. In the operating state of the device 1 shown in FIG. 1, all the identifiers 2 shown are perfect, that is, there is no separation of an identifier 2. The identifiers 2 are fed to it. continuously to the device 1 on the conveyor belt 3 in the transport direction x with a high invariable speed, for example, 1.5 m / s. The reading unit 10 reads the status of an identifier 2 wirelessly and transmits it to the control unit 50. By virtue of the fact that in the illustrated embodiment all the identifiers are perfect, no separation takes place, that is to say, the separating roller 40 does not receive a control. The conveyor belt 3 is guided on the separating device in the form of the first deviator device 30 of the conveyor belt, of the reversing cylinder 2 and of the second diverter device 31 of the conveyor belt. The first deviator device 30 of the conveyor belt has a first flat surface 34 in the conveying direction x of the conveyor belt 3, and the second diverter device 31 of the conveyor belt has a second planar surface 35 in the transport direction x of the conveyor belt. conveyor belt 3, wherein an interstice 33 is formed between the first surface 34 and the second surface 35. The edges of the first and second surfaces delimiting the gap 33 extend parallel. A rotational axis of the reversing cylinder 32 extends parallel to the edges, horizontally in the center of the gap and displaced downward in the vertical direction with respect to the surfaces 34 and 35 for a value that is approximately twice the diameter of the inversion cylinder 32. As shown in Figure 1, by means of its first diverter device 30 of the conveyor belt, the separating device effects the partial detachment of the identifier 2 in the transport direction x at the beginning of the gap 33 by diverting the conveyor belt 3 from the conveyor belt. direction x of transport to a direction of detachment. One side or respectively surface 36 of the device 30 deviator of the conveyor belt inclined downwards forms an acute angle with the surface 34, the path of the conveyor belt having the effect that the identifier 2 detaches in this zone automatically from the conveyor belt 3 and that by virtue of its flexural stiffness it moves over the interstice 33 in the transport direction x towards the second deviator device 31 of the conveyor belt. The identifier 2 is longer than the gap 33, so that it is detached as a maximum from the conveyor belt 3 by a fraction determined by the gap 33. Having passed the identifier 2 the gap 33 its front region reaches the second diverter device 31 of the conveyor belt in a deviation section in which the conveyor belt 3 is again guided in the transport direction x. As soon as the identifier 2 reaches the conveyor belt 3 in the deflection section, the identifier detached from the conveyor belt 3 in the region of the gap 33 is replaced on the conveyor belt 3 displaced with respect to its original position. The new positioning can be assisted by a cylinder of oppression not shown which has the effect of pressing against the conveyor belt 3 an identifier repositioned and with it the adhesiveness increases approximately to a value as it existed previously to the detachment. Consequently, if an identifier 2 is perfect, it moves with partial detachment of the conveyor belt 3 over the gap 33 and it is replaced placed on the conveyor belt 3. This process can be carried out with a high and constant speed of the conveyor belt. Figure 2 shows a case in two different moments of time in which an identifier 2 that moves over the interstice 33 is separated, that is, it is not placed again on the conveyor belt 3. The reading unit 10 reads the status of an identifier 2 wirelessly and transmits it to the control unit 50. By virtue of the fact that in the embodiment shown the identifier moving over the gap 33 is defective, it must be separated, that is to say that after the partial detachment it should not be placed on the conveyor belt 3 again. For this purpose, the control unit 50 controls the spacer roller 40 so that it presses from below against an area detached from the identifier 2 when the defective identifier 2 moves over the gap 33. Consequently the identifier 2 is deflected or bent out of position. the transport direction x and pressed against the transfer cylinder. The transfer cylinder 20 has distributed on its periphery air circulation openings 21 which serve to produce a negative pressure or controllable positive pressure, the control unit 50 providing a control of compressed air. In the case shown, a negative pressure occurs which results in an adhesion of the defective identifier 2 to the periphery of the transfer cylinder 20. As shown, the identifier 2 is continually detached from the conveyor belt 3 and is taken up by the transfer cylinder 20. Finally, the identifier 2 is completely adhered to the transfer cylinder 20 due to the negative pressure and is transported in the direction of the collector cylinder 60 that is in functional coupling with the transfer cylinder 20. When the identifier 2 enters the peripheral region of the collector cylinder 60 with the adhesive layer applied to its lower part, the identifier 2 is detached from the transfer cylinder 20 in the direction of the collector cylinder 60 by virtue of the adhesion forces. It is possible that the negative pressure generated in the area of the openings 21 or that transforms into a positive pressure will be deactivated. The manifold cylinder 60 is suspended from a rocker 61 which is rotatably mounted on a turning shaft 62. The Defective identifiers are applied or consecutively pasted onto the manifold cylinder 60, so that it is possible for several layers of overlapping identifiers to be formed. An increase in the thickness of the layer is automatically compensated by a tilting of the rocker 61. By exceeding the thickness of the layer by a certain measure it is possible to replace the collector cylinder 60 with a new cylinder 60 collector. After the separation a gap is produced on the conveyor belt 3 in which a perfect identifier must then be inserted. This is described with reference to figure 3. Figure 3 shows a device 80 for the continuous production of a perfect conveyor belt with the device 1 for the continuous separation of figure 1. The device 80 comprises, in addition to the device 1 already shown in figure 1, a supply device 70 that inserts a perfect identifier 2 into the gaps or respectively the zones of the conveyor belt 3 from which a defective identifier 2 was separated. The supply device 70 comprises a storage reel 71 on which an additional conveyor belt 72 is wound on, on which only perfect identifiers 2 are applied. The conveyor belt 72 is guided on a roller 73 derailleur and an inversion device 74. The reversing device 74 produces by virtue of its shape a deviation of the band in a region 75 so that there an identifier 2 supplied by the storage reel 71 detaches from the additional conveyor belt 72 and is applied precisely adjusted on the band. 2 conveyor in a recess of a previously separated identifier. The additional conveyor belt 72 is then wound on a winding device 76. The supply device 70 is not operated continuously, but is activated only when the device 1 previously separated from the conveyor belt 2 an identifier 2. In the transport direction x downstream of the supply device 70 can be provided a programming device to program the perfect 2 identifiers. There it is possible, for example, to enter manufacturer information or a product key in an identifier memory. To increase the performance of the device 80 shown in Figure 3, the identifiers 2 can be arranged on the conveyor belt 2 in several rows. Figure 4 shows a device 80a modified for this purpose in a view in the transport direction x. The device 80a is suitable for the processing of a 3 'conveyor belt with three rows of identifiers 2. Fundamentally, the device 80a has the same structure as the device 80 and works analogously. However, the device 80a comprises three selector devices, in each case in the form of a compressed air device 40a, 40b and 40c which are associated with a respective row of the conveyor belt 3 '. Additionally a manifold 60a, 60b and 60c per row is provided. The compressed air devices 40a, 40b and 40c work independently of one another, since there may be cases in which, in relation to the same position in the transport direction x, it is necessary to separate an identifier from one row and not in another. When an identifier is selected or separated, the associated device 40a, 40b, 40c produces a flow of compressed air which has the effect of diverting the identifier to be separated in the direction of the transfer cylinder 20. The removal and withdrawal transport of the defective identifier 2 is effected in the same manner as in the device 80 shown in FIG. 3. A defective identifier 2 is then applied on a cylinder 60a, 60b, 60c dedicated to its row. The modalities shown allow a production safe of perfect conveyor belts simultaneously with a high speed, by means of which the possible yield is optimized.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. Device for the continuous separation of defective components from a multitude of components, which are arranged consecutively in at least one row in removable form on a conveyor belt, with a control device for detecting defective components, and - a transfer device for grabbing defective components to be separated, characterized in that it comprises - at least one separating device that detaches each component at least partially from the conveyor belt and returns it to be placed on the conveyor belt displaced relative to a previous position, and - at least one selector device that selects a component at least partially detached from the conveyor belt, detected as defective by the control device so that it is taken by the device of transfer. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating device comprises a first deviating device of the conveyor belt, the conveyor being guided on the first deviating device of the conveyor belt, and the first deviating device of the conveyor belt. transporter has the effect of partial detachment of the component in the transport direction by diverting the conveyor belt from a transport direction to a detachment direction. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating device comprises a second deviating device of the conveyor belt, the conveyor being guided over the first deviating device of the conveyor belt and the second deviating device of the conveyor belt , that the second deviating device of the conveyor belt effects a deviation of the conveyor belt to the transport direction in a dedicated deviation section and that in the deviation section the new positioning on the conveyor belt of the at least partially detached component takes place. of the conveyor belt. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the separating device comprises an inversion cylinder, the conveyor being guided on the first deviating device of the conveyor belt, the inverter cylinder and the second deviating device of the conveyor belt . Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first deviating device of the conveyor belt comprises a first surface in a transport plane of the conveyor belt and the second deviator device of the conveyor belt comprises a second surface in the plane of transport of the conveyor belt, wherein a gap is formed between the first and the second surface and a rotation axis of the inversion cylinder is outside the transport plane. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selector device comprises a separating roller with which a defective component at least partially detached from the conveyor belt is deflected for selection in the direction of the transfer device. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selector device comprises a compressed air device with which a defective component at least partially detached from the conveyor belt is blown for selection in the direction of the transfer device. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device is a transfer cylinder for catching defective components. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the transfer cylinder comprises air circulation openings distributed on its periphery which serve to produce a negative pressure or controllable positive pressure which has the effect of adhesion or detachment of a defective component has been. 10. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a collection cylinder is in functional coupling with the transfer cylinder to receive defective components, wherein a defective component is transferred from the transfer cylinder to the collection cylinder. 11. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an oppressor cylinder has the effect of pressing a component that was replaced onto the transport belt. 12. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are arranged in several rows on the conveyor belt and a selection device is dedicated to each row. Device for the continuous production of a perfect conveyor belt of a conveyor belt having on it components that are arranged consecutively in at least one row, the conveyor belt including defective and perfect components, characterized in that it comprises a device for separation continuous of defective components according to any of claims 1 to 11, and - at least one supply device that inserts a perfect component in the zones of the conveyor belt from which a defective component was separated. 14. Device in accordance with the 7 claim 12, characterized in that the supply device is associated with an additional conveyor belt that exclusively contains perfect components. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components are identifiers. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that a programming unit programs the identifiers on the perfect conveyor belt. 17. Method for the continuous production of a perfect conveyor belt of a conveyor belt having on it components that are sequentially arranged in at least one row, the conveyor belt including defective and perfect components, characterized in that it comprises the stages of detaching at least partially each component of the conveyor belt, remove a defective component at least partially detached, - replace on the conveyor belt a perfect component in displaced position, and - replace a removed component with a perfect component. 18. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that a speed of the conveyor belt is constant.