WO2012172445A1

WO2012172445A1 - A device for actuating a selective and ordered sorting of objects in a plurality of stations

Info

Publication number: WO2012172445A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/052555
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea Toro
Original assignee: System S.P.A.
Priority date: 2011-06-16
Filing date: 2012-05-22
Publication date: 2012-12-20
Also published as: ITMO20110149A1

Abstract

A device for activating a selective and ordered sorting of objects in a plurality of stations of an operative type associated with a sorting apparatus, comprises: at least one flexible member (2) that is loop-wound such as to configure at least one active branch destined to undergo, on command, longitudinal displacements of a predetermined entity; and a plurality of gripping members (3) constrained at predetermined distances along the flexible member (2). The gripping members (3) are destined to perform, on command, a gripping and/or a release of the objects in predetermined positions and are supplied by a source of power that is conveyed to each of them by ducts (4), which are connected by means of a rotating joint (5) to an external supply conduit (6). Each gripping member (3) is provided with a command valve (7), which is piloted in a contactless manner by means of fixed external means operating in predetermined positions at the said stations.

Description

A device for actuating a selective and ordered sorting of objects in a plurality of stations.

Description

Technical Field

A device for activating a selective and ordered sorting of objects in a plurality of stations forms the subject matter of the present invention.

The invention has a useful application specifically, but not exclusively, in the step of sorting flat objects such as tiles, slabs or the like, in the case where, that is, the flat objects, slabs, tiles or the like coming from a feed line are suitably selected on the basis of precise characteristics and then separated and grouped so as to constitute various groups of homogeneous objects, normally arranged in stacks. Once a predetermined number of homogeneous objects is reached, each group is then arranged in a package.

Background art

Realisations suited to the purpose and capable of performing the entire operation of selection and subsequent packaging are part of the prior art. The most frequent applications pertain to the field of the ceramic tile industry.

For example, the use of apparatuses specifically predisposed to carry out the selection and the sorting of ceramic tiles or slabs is known; these apparatuses operate by picking up the individual flat objects from a feed line so as to selectively place them in stations where, usually in the case of flat objects, they are grouped so as to form stacks of homogenous objects or, as is commonly said, objects belonging to the same "choice". In this case, when the predetermined number of homogeneous objects is reached, the single stack is inserted in a package.

A known sorting apparatus such as this comprises, for example, a double loop-wound chain taut between wheels with horizontal axes of rotation so that a lower, active double branch is defined; said branch is commanded so as to undergo longitudinal displacements of a predetermined entity, on command. A predetermined number of gripping members are fixed along the double chain, positioned at predetermined distances from each other and they serve the function of carrying out, on command, the gripping and/or the release of the (flat) objects on various stations (or posts) where the formation of stacks of the objects themselves and the relative packaging take place.

The gripping and/or release function is normally performed by sucker gripping members, which are driven by pneumatic power that is suitably conveyed to each of them by ducts, which are connected by means of a rotating joint to an external supply conduit.

At each station (or post), there is provided a mechanical actuator that pilots, by means of a mechanical control, the valves with which each gripping member is equipped. These valves serve the function of commanding the activation and/or the deactivation of the single, sucker-gripping members so that they carry out the gripping procedure and/or place the single objects solely in the stations to which they are specifically and selectively destined. Activation or deactivation of the individual, sucker gripper member is carried out by a mechanical actuator that acts on a specific movable element, the displacement of which intervenes directly on the valve control member, thereby determining the piloting thereof.

The modalities described hereinabove regarding the intervention of the actuator are precisely those that are at the root of the principal problem that the present invention proposes to solve. In fact, such modalities of direct action on the valve manoeuvring or piloting member are the cause of a series of drawbacks and disadvantages ranging from the noise produced by the device to the possible occurrence of various malfunctioning problems such as phenomena related to wear, if not breakage, of the parts that come into physical contact, also in relation to a high number of cycles.

Furthermore, such known devices frequently have delayed responses mainly attributable to the high inertia of some of their components.

Other drawbacks are ascribable to a certain structural complexity, which also involves non-negligible production costs.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and disadvantages, giving rise to a device for activating a selective and ordered sorting of objects in a plurality of stations.

The advantages of the present invention are represented by simplicity of construction, low costs and reduced dimensions.

This aim is achieved by the present invention, as identified, claimed and described herein below.

Description of the invention

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the invention at hand, embodiments illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic plan views from above of the layouts of the two "selection" lines, wherein the invention is operative;

Figure 3 is a schematic lateral view in vertical elevation of the sorting apparatus indicated by "1"; Figure 4 shows a detail in a partially sectioned perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention appearing in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a detail similar to that of Figure 4, relating to a second embodiment.

With reference to the above-mentioned figures, "1" schematically indicates a sorting apparatus capable of carrying out the operation of selection and subsequent packaging of objects, which in the case illustrated herein consist of flat objects 15, particularly ceramic tiles or slabs.

The apparatus illustrated highlights those parts that specifically concern the sorting function, which essentially consists of picking up the individual (flat) objects 15, in this case ceramic tiles or slabs, from a feed line 30, transferring them and then placing them selectively according to a pre- established order at different stations 10, where stacks 25 of flat objects 15 that are homogeneous, or to use a common expression in the sector, belonging to the same "choice", are formed. When a predetermined number of homogeneous flat objects is reached, the individual stack 25 is then inserted in a package by means of a procedure that is not illustrated in the appended figures.

In the layout appearing in Figure 1, the various stations 10, the number thereof being equal to the number of "choices", are physically located on a sole conveyor line 100 whereby the completely formed stacks 25 are evacuated.

In the layout appearing in Figure 2, the various stations 10, the number thereof being equal to the number of "choices", are physically located on different conveyor lines 100 whereby the completely formed stacks 25 are evacuated.

In its most essential structure, the sorting apparatus 1 comprises - at least one flexible member 2 that is loop-wound such as to configure at least one active branch 20 suitably motorised to undergo, on command, longitudinal displacements (that is, in the same direction as the branch) of a predetermined entity;

- a plurality of gripping members 3 constrained at predetermined distances along said flexible member 2, said gripping members 3 being destined to perform, on command, a gripping and/or a release of single flat objects 15 in predetermined positions (that is, at one of the stations 10) and they are supplied by a source of pneumatic power necessary for the activation of the gripping members 3, power which is conveyed to each of them by ducts 4. The ducts, in turn, are connected by means of a rotating joint 5 to an external supply conduit 6.

Each gripping member 3 is provided with a command valve 7, which is piloted in a contactless manner by means of fixed external means operating in predetermined positions at each one of the stations 10.

In the embodiment illustrated herein, there is provided a pair of flexible members 2 that are matched and loop-wound such as to configure two active branches 20 parallel to each other, whereto the gripping members 3 are fixed.

The gripping members 3 are of the sucker type. In fact, they comprise one or more suckers 31 - in this case, three - each, and they are supplied by a source of pneumatic power, the transmission of which is achieved by means of a fluid, normally air, which is conveyed by the ducts 4 that consecutively connect the gripping members 3.

In the first embodiment illustrated, the command valves 7 are also pneumatically piloted. In fact, they are activated, on command, at the positioning of the gripping members 3 in the stations 10. More specifically, the piloting or activation thereof takes place by means of fixed external means that are located at the stations 10. Each one of the external means comprises at least one nozzle 8, positioned externally to the relative station 10, flanking the gripping members 3 and predisposed to exhibit, at least at a predetermined relative position with respect to a single gripping member 3, an outlet mouth 28 thereof. The outlet mouth 28 is aligned and facing, at a short distance, an inlet mouth 9 of a conduit 11 solidly connected to the valve 7.

On command, through the mouth 28, the single nozzle 8, activated by a solenoid valve that is not pointed out in the figures, emits a jet of air onto the inlet mouth 9, which collects it and transmits it to the valve 7 by means of the conduit 11.

In fact, the conduit 11 is the conduit piloting the command valve 7 associated with the gripping member (3), in the sense that it is the conduit that transmits to the valve the fluid blown into the inlet mouth 9 by the nozzle 8.

In fact, each nozzle 8 is activated to emit, on command by the said solenoid valve, a fluid jet, which, in the predetermined alignment position, is directed exactly into the inlet mouth 9.

The command valve 7 is preferably of the three-way, two-position type and it is, to be precise, pneumatically commanded by means of the nozzles 8 in a contactless manner as concerns mechanical parts, at each station 10. The use of two nozzles 8, and of two corresponding inlet mouths (9) on two opposite sides of the same gripping member 3 is provided so as to realise the displacement of the movable member of the valve 7 in the various working configurations: initial gripping of the flat object and release or placement of the same flat object in the station 10 being predetermined on the basis of the "choice". In the situation of centring of the positioning of the single gripping member 3 on an individual station 10, a jet of air is emitted from the mouth 28 into the inlet mouth 9 facing and aligned with the corresponding mouth 28. The transmission of fluid to the command valve 7 takes place through the conduits 11. In this manner, pneumatic piloting of the command valve 7 takes place.

Activation of the valve 7, which commands the activation or the release of the flat object 15 on the part of the suckers of the single gripping member 3, takes place with the accuracy required to centre the single flat object 15 on the relative stack being formed, with the "contactless" modality, without giving rise to problems resulting from mechanical wear, and thus permitting high levels of constancy and duration to be maintained regarding the performance of the entire apparatus.

Moreover, the device permits marked reduction of noise levels with respect to the prior art.

In another embodiment, there may be provided a single command valve 7' on each gripping member 3, however, with electromagnetic activation of said valve 7'. In this case as well, the activation is "contactless", wherein the command valve 7 is of an electromagnetic type and activated by fixed, external means located at the stations 10, and said means is essentially constituted by electromagnets 18.

Each of the electromagnets is positioned at each station 10, and like the nozzles 8 in the preceding embodiment, each one is destined to position itself at least at a predetermined position with respect to the single gripping member 3, facing and at a short distance from an electromagnetic sensor 19, which, when activated, is able to command electromagnetically the command valve 7'. In this case as well, the command valve 7' is of the three-way, two-position type and it operates on the objects 15 as described previously, commanding the gripping and/or the release on the part of the suckers of the single gripping member 3.

Other embodiments of the invention may provide different types of gripping elements in place of those described hereinabove. For example clamp gripping members can be used, the activation of which requires the employment of appropriate command valves.

Claims

1). A device for actuating a selective and ordered sorting of objects in a plurality of stations of an operative type associated with a sorting apparatus (1), comprising:

- at least one flexible member (2) that is loop-wound such as to configure at least one active branch (20) destined to undergo, on command, longitudinal displacements of a predetermined entity;

- a plurality of gripping members (3) constrained at predetermined distances along the said at least one flexible member (2), the gripping members (3) of the said plurality being destined to perform, on command, a gripping and/or a release of said objects in predetermined positions and being supplied by a source of power necessary for the activation of the gripping members (3), the power being conveyed to each of them by ducts (4), which are connected by means of a rotating joint (5) to an external supply conduit (6);

each one of the said gripping members (3) is provided with a command valve (7), which is piloted in a contactless manner by means of fixed external means operating in predetermined positions at the said stations

(10);

said power source being of a pneumatic type and transmission being achieved by means of a fluid, which is conveyed by the said ducts (4) that consecutively connect the gripping members (3), which are suckers.

2. The device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the said fixed external means, located at the said stations (10), comprise nozzles (8), each one being positioned at a said station (10) and destined to exhibit, at least at a predetermined relative position with respect to a single gripping member (3), an outlet mouth thereof aligned and facing, at a short distance, an inlet mouth (9) of a command conduit (11) of the command valve (7) associated with the said gripping member (3); said inlet mouth (9) being solidly constrained to the gripping member (3) and said conduit (11) being connected to the command valve (7); each nozzle (8) being destined to emit, on command, a fluid jet into the said inlet mouth (9).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterised in that the said command valve (7) is pneumatically activated, of the three-way, two position type and pneumatically commanded, at each station (10), by means of two nozzles (8), each of which cooperates with an inlet mouth (9) thereof, each of which is connected to the command valve (7) by means of a conduit (11) thereof.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterised in that each said command valve is electromagnetically activated.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that the said fixed external means, located at the said stations (10), comprise electromagnets (18), one being positioned at each said station (10) and destined to position itself at least at a predetermined relative position with respect to the single gripping member (3), facing and at a short distance from an electromagnetic sensor (19), which, when activated, is able to command electromagnetically a command valve (7') associated with the said gripping member (3).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterised in that the said command valve (7') is a three-way, two-position valve.