WO2019228863A1

WO2019228863A1 - Preparation of batches of products

Info

Publication number: WO2019228863A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/063107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincent Brachet; Grégory CHOPLIN
Original assignee: Gebo Packaging Solutions France
Priority date: 2018-05-29
Filing date: 2019-05-21
Publication date: 2019-12-05
Also published as: FR3081850A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for continuously preparing batches (2) of products (3) from a continuous flow of products (3) conveyed one behind the other on a delivery conveying means (4), characterised in that it successively comprises at least: - one unit (5) for consolidating products (3) intended to form longitudinal groups (6) of products (3) on the delivery conveying means (4) using a plurality of stops (7) each mounted on a shuttle (8), which circulates on at least one guide means (9) by virtue of at least one linear motor principle; and - a unit (10) for batching products (3) intended to form transverse batches (2) of at least one group (6) and comprising at least one transverse thrust means (11) for transversely transferring said groups (6) up to a transit surface (12). The invention also relates to a corresponding installation and method.

Description

PREPARATION OF LOTS OF PRODUCTS

The present invention relates to the general field of conveying products within an industrial processing line, and in particular relates to a device, an installation and a method of implementation for preparing batches of products to be packaged. together.

In this field, the products, which can be bottles, cans, bottles, boxes, boxes, cartons, bundles, are conveyed between successive processing stations using conveyors. These treatment stations, or machines, can be dedicated both to the production of products to the unit, such as, for example, a blower, a labeller or a filler, as their conditioning with a view to their shipment, such as a wrapping machine, a packager or a palletizer.

When packaged, products that were previously processed individually are collected as batches of products to be packaged together for ease of transportation and handling. Such batches are in principle formed of a plurality of products arranged in preferentially rectangular matrix form, with or without a quincunx. The packaging machine may for example be a shrinkwrapper, which coats the batches of products with a plastic film so as to form bundles or a packager, which has the batches of products in crates.

Conventionally, the preparation of batches, especially for a shrinkwrapper, is operated as follows. The products leave the last processing station of the industrial line in a single-spaced stream of products. There is then a bulk accumulation zone and then a corridor zone in which the products are conveyed in a multi-filament stream of several parallel lines, each line flowing in a separate corridor. This zone makes it possible to define the number of products that each packaged lot will comprise in its transversal dimension to the scrolling of the products. A selection station, commonly called "cassette" is then formed to generate spaces between successive batches along the conveying direction. Such a cassette comprises retractable stops movable along the conveying direction which fit temporarily between the products of each line belonging to two separate lots. Such a position is for example described in document EP 2 331 433 A1.

This solution conventionally used nevertheless has the following drawbacks.

First of all, the transition from a single-stream of products to a bulk accumulation zone requires the succession of several conveyors over a long distance. An installation provided with such a device therefore has a high impasto on the ground, which is undesirable.

In addition, during the passage from the bulk accumulation zone to the parallel corridors of product circulation, there are numerous blockages of products causing multiple stops of the shrinkwrapper as well as damage or even breakage of products. .

On the other hand, when changing the product format or when changing the batch size (for example, to change from batch preparation to three rows and two columns to batch preparation with three rows and three columns) several adjustments, including mechanical settings must be made, for example to adjust the spacing and / or the number of corridors or, to adjust the spacing between the retractable stops of the cassette. In some cases it may even be necessary to change the cassette.

Another defect of such an installation lies in the fact that the position of the products or batches is not permanently known.

In addition, such an installation requires increased vigilance on the part of the operator at the beginning and at the end of production to check that all the corridors contain products, so that they can begin to complete bundles and finish the production. by wrapping complete lots.

An alternative configuration consists in grouping products from the single-wire flow, then separating these groups by routing them to different conveyors. Such a solution is described in the document WO 2015/036159, in which, at the exit of a transfer wheel, the products circulate at regular intervals along a line on the upper face of a conveyor displacing the products in a longitudinal direction. . A grouping unit positioned along said conveyor is provided with stops mounted movably on independent carriages. Each abutment slows down the first product downstream, the time that other products come closer carried by the conveyor to form a group. The stop is then retracted to allow free movement of the group thus formed always along the conveyor to a distribution station. As input, each group is directed to an upper conveyor or to a lower conveyor, via an inclined wall, which passes from one switch position to another. Each group of products then comes into contact with the wall that directs it to one of the upper or lower conveyors.

If such an installation makes it possible to group products from a single-wire flow, the orientation by switching causes slippings in contact with the products with the inclined plate, which is likely to cause random movements of the products and to separate their grouping previously performed.

Another known solution is described in the document WO 2017/221317, in which a conveyor feeds a single-row product stream, transversely, a transport station equipped with independent shuttles. Each shuttle receives the downstream product from the queue and moves, so that the next product is loaded onto the next shuttle. Each shuttle comprises, with respect to its direction of movement, a downstream abutment, limiting the displacement of the product in this direction. The stop of the shuttle located upstream then prevents the movement of the product backwards. Shuttle loaded products are moved and moved to a position where the products are unloaded simultaneously, again transversely to the direction of movement of the shuttles, through a pusher acting again transversely to the grouped shuttles.

If such a solution converts a single product stream into groups, it requires a stop equipped with a shuttle by product, making it all the more expensive and complex implementation. In addition, feeding transversely to the movement of the shuttles, limits the possible use for high production rates.

There remains a need for a solution to at least partially solve the aforementioned problems. The invention aims precisely to meet this need. Thus, the invention aims to provide a compact solution with a reduced risk of blockages, versatile and advantageously able to know the position of the products.

To do this, the invention proposes to initially form longitudinal groups of products during their conveying, by means of retractable stops displaced by linear motor. In a second step, these groups are pushed, transversely to the direction along which the groups extend, on a transit surface, in order to obtain batches in which one or more groups are gathered along the direction of transfer.

The invention thus relates to a device for preparing batches of products continuously from a continuous stream of products transported behind one another on a conveying means of supply in a direction of supply.

This device is characterized in that it comprises successively:

a product grouping unit intended to form longitudinal groups of said products transported on the supply conveying means, by means of a plurality of stops each mounted on a shuttle which circulates on at least one guide means, included by the grouping unit, the movement of the shuttles on the guide means is achieved using a linear motor at least on a portion of this guide means, the shuttles circulating independently of each other at least on said portion of the guide means; and

a product slugging unit for forming transverse batches of at least one group and comprising a plurality of transverse thrust means for transferring said groups transversely to said feeding direction onto said transit surface of which the unit is provided; the said transit surface along at least a portion of the feed conveyor means corresponding to at least the portion on which the product groups are already constituted, a separate thrust means being used to transfer each group intended to belong to the same lot.

Therefore, the invention makes it possible to group the products from and directly on the conveyor means in the feed direction, before transversely transferring each group, in order to form batches. The invention also relates to an installation comprising a device for preparing batches of products as described above.

This installation is characterized in that it comprises mounted directly downstream of said preparation device, a machine for packaging said batches of products delivered by the preparation device, said machine may in particular be a shrinkwrapper or a packager.

The subject of the invention is also a method implementing this preparation device, namely a process for preparing batches of products from a continuous stream of products transported one behind the other on a conveying conveyance means. along a conveying direction of supply.

This method is characterized in that it comprises for each batch formation, the succession of the following steps:

- (i) forming at least one longitudinal group of products on the feed conveying means, positioning at least one abutment in contact with a product at one end of the group to be suitably formed and adjusting the speed of the feed. circulating said at least one stop in the feed conveyance direction with respect to the speed of the feed conveyor means; and

(ii) successively transferring each group of the batch to be formed from the conveying means to a transit surface using at least one thrust means which acts in a transverse thrust movement with respect to the feed conveying direction, the stroke of the at least one thrust means being adapted to position each group at the desired location.

The invention will be better understood thanks to the description below, which is based on possible embodiments, explained in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, with reference to the appended figures, in which FIGS. 1 to 4 show schematically views. tops of batch preparation devices according to different embodiments of the invention.

The invention therefore firstly relates to a device 1 for preparing batches 2 of products 3 continuously from a continuous stream of products 3 transported one behind the other on a conveying means 4.

The products 3 treated are generally containers like bottles, flasks, cans, cans or others. These products 3 are generally carried upright by the supply conveyor 4, that is to say that their base rests on the conveyor 4 and their height, namely their largest dimension is substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane, including vertical. The base of the products 3 may be circular, oblong, square, rectangular or other, but is preferably circular or oblong.

As indicated above, the device 1 according to the invention is located in a product production and packaging line 3, more precisely between two machines of such a system installation.

Such a line is generally formed of a first entity, called production, intended to finalize the products 3 to the unit. This first production entity supplies product, directly or indirectly via intermediary conveyors, the device 1 in a continuous stream and single products, namely one after the other, at regular intervals or not, preferentially to regular intervals This entity may for example include machines such as a blower, a filler, a capper and / or a labeler.

Downstream of the production entity, such an installation generally comprises a second entity, called packaging, intended to facilitate the handling and transport of the products 3. This entity may comprise a packaging machine 21, in the image of a shrinkwrapper or a packager, intended to hold together batches 2 of several products. The packaging machine 21 is in principle followed by a palletizer which makes it possible to stack several layers each formed of a plurality of batches 2 thus packaged, on the same pallet.

The device 1 according to the invention can in particular be between the production entity and the packaging entity of a production line and product packaging 3 to the chain. In particular, it can be arranged between the last machine contributing to the manufacture of said products 3, like a labeller or a corking machine, for example, and a packaging machine 21 of lots 2 of products 3 boxing or wrapping machine type.

Preferably, the device 1 is directly downstream of a rotating output star of a filling machine or labeling machine. Preferably, the device 1 is directly upstream of a shrinkwrapper. The device 1 makes it possible to form batches 2 of products 3 continuously, that is to say, during their conveying within the line, with a view to their packaging.

In general, a batch 2 of products 3 corresponds to a set of products 3 intended to become integral with each other by a machine disposed downstream of the device 1. A batch 2 is formed of a plurality of products 3 arranged in the form of of preferentially rectangular matrix, with or without a quincunx. In this case, the products 3 of the same batch 2 extend along two directions preferably perpendicular to each other. However, the products 3 belonging to a lot 2 can also extend in a single direction, that is to say that the lot 2 is wide of a single product 3. The products 3 of the same batch are generally joined to each other. However, there may be a small gap between two products 3 side by side of the same batch 2. This space is preferably smaller than the smallest dimension of the products 3, that is to say in principle of a size smaller than the width of the base or the diameter of the products 3. It is generally less than one centimeter. This space is also in principle less than the distance between a lot 2 and lot 2 placed directly before or after him. The pitch between two successive batches 2 depends in principle on the pace of the shrinkwrapper.

The products 3 are conveyed by the feed conveying means 4 whose upper surface extends in a substantially horizontal conveying plane, along a feed conveying direction 20 which may be rectilinear or not, preferably straight. This supply conveying means 4 is generally represented by a belt conveyor, formed of an endless belt wound around two windings located respectively at the upstream and downstream ends of said conveying means 4. It can also be formed of a succession of belt conveyors. Said supply conveying means 4 may be independent or included in the device 1.

On the supply conveying means 4, the products 3 are transported one behind the other along a single line extending along the supply conveying direction 20. Before being processed by the device 1 according to the In the invention, the products 3 are generally spaced from each other by a non-zero, regular or non-regular distance, that is to say that two successive products 3 are not in contact. In general, the preparation device 1 is characterized in that it comprises successively:

a grouping unit 5 of products 3 intended to form longitudinal groups 6 of products 3 on the supply conveying means 4 by means of a plurality of abutments 7 each mounted on a shuttle 8 which circulates on at least guide means 9 by at least one linear motor principle; and

- A product 10 slugging unit 3 for forming transverse batches 2 of at least one group 6 and comprising at least one transverse pushing means 11 for transferring said groups 6 transversely to a transit surface 12.

Thus, the device 1 prepares batches 2 of products by means of two more or less successive units, namely a grouping unit 5 and a lumping unit 10.

The grouping unit 5 makes it possible to form longitudinal groups 6 of products 3, that is to say, groups 6 whose products 3 extend along a single direction, namely, the conveying direction 20. A group 6 is formed of a plurality of products 3, that is to say, of at least two products 3, these products 3 being placed side by side in the conveying direction of feed. 20. The products 3 of the same group 6 are generally contiguous to each other. There may however be a small gap between two products 3 side by side of the same group 6. This space is preferably smaller than the smallest dimension of the products 3, that is to say in principle of a size smaller than the width of the base or the diameter of the products 3. This space is also in principle less than the distance separating a group 6 from the group 6 which precedes or follows it on the supply conveying means 4. It is usually less than one centimeter.

The grouping unit 5 acts on the products 3 to group them during their routing by the feed conveying means 4. To do this, it comprises a plurality of stops 7 being classically also called fingers or cleats. Each abutment 7 is fixed on a shuttle 8 movable along a guide means 9. The grouping unit 5 thus comprises at least one guide means 9, and preferably a single guide means 9 on which a plurality of circulates. shuttles 8 each surmounted by a stop 7. The shuttles 8 move on the guiding means 9 using at least one linear motor principle, the stator of which is formed by the guiding means 9 and the rotor is formed by the shuttles 8. Thus, the displacement shuttles 8 on the guiding means 9 is produced by means of a linear motor at least on a portion of this guiding means 9, preferably on the whole of the guiding means 9. The fact of using the linear motor principle only on a portion of the guide means makes it possible to reduce the costs of the device 1. Through this linear type motorization, the shuttles 8 then move independently of each other at least over a portion of the guide means 9, so that they can move away and approach according to what is desired, during their movement to form the groups 6. Thus, the relative position of the stops 7 on said guide means 9, and therefore the distance between two separate stops 7, is subject to change. This advantageously results in a capacity of the grouping unit 5 to form groups 6 of the products 3 brought in an irregular flow without prior accumulation step.

The guiding means 9 is positioned relative to the supply conveying means 4, and therefore with respect to the products 3 which are displaced by this conveying means 4, that the stops 7 are capable of acting, that is to say ie to come into contact with the products 3, at least on a portion of the guide means 9, called the active portion. When the movement of the shuttles 8 on the guiding means 9 is implemented using a linear motor only on a portion of this guiding means 9, this portion corresponds in principle to at least the active portion of the guiding means 9. guide. When a stop 7 is able to come into contact with a product 3, it is said to be active. Specifically, the guide means 9 is along the supply conveyor means 4 on one side or above it. Such a grouping unit 5 is thus particularly advantageous insofar as it occupies little space on the ground and allows an operator to easily intervene on the line since the supply conveyor means 4 is easily accessible at least by a side and / or from above. More specifically, the supply conveying means 4 can be easily accessible from above and from one side or both sides.

The stops 7 generally comprise a wall disposed substantially vertically and transversely to the conveying direction when they act on products 3 to form groups 6.

The transition from the inactive to active position stops 7 and vice versa can be achieved in several ways. A first solution is to mount each stop on a jack, which moves away or approaches the abutments 7 of the products 3. Alternatively, this passage can be effective simply because of the arrangement and the geometry of the guide means 9. Thus when the guiding means 9 is sufficiently close to the supply conveying means 4 and thus the products 3 disposed thereon, the stops 7 can become active and come into contact with the products 3 to form groups 6. The stops 7 then act on the products 3 until the guiding means 9 moves sufficiently away from the products 3 so that the stops 7 are no longer in contact with the products 3.

Again alternatively, and preferably, this passage can be achieved by means of a cam which can have the function of moving the stops 7 closer to or away from the products 3 by causing a translation movement with respect to the shuttles 8 which move them are carried in a direction transverse to the feed conveying direction 20, in a substantially horizontal plane.

For the formation of a group 6 of products 3, generally one or two stops 7 are brought into contribution by coming into contact with the products 3, while the shuttles 8 which carry them circulate at a different speed from that of the conveyor means d brought 4 to brake and / or accelerate one or more products 3 to belong to the group 6 to form. The way of forming groups 6 will be detailed more precisely in the rest of the text.

The lumping unit 10 is intended to form batches 2 of products 3 from groups 6 obtained using the grouping unit 5. The lumping unit 10 is therefore located downstream of the unit of grouping 5. Such batches 2 are formed of at least one group 6 of products 3, preferably of at least two groups 6 of products 3. When the products 3 of a batch 2 extend along a single direction, said longitudinal, the lot 2 is formed of a single group 6 of products 3, in short along a line. When the products 3 of a lot 2 extend along two directions, the batch 2 is formed of several groups 6 side by side along a direction transverse to the direction in which the products 3 extend within of each group 6, in sum according to at least two lines. The transverse and longitudinal directions along which the products 3 of a batch 2 can extend are preferably perpendicular to one another. Thus, a lot 2 comprises the number of products 3 constituting each group 6 along its longitudinal direction, and as many products 3 as number of groups 6 close together to form a lot 2, along its direction cross. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of a lot 2 corresponds to the dimension along which the products 3 of each group 6 are aligned and the transverse dimension of a lot 2 corresponds to the dimension along which the groups 6 are aligned or arranged side by side by the lumping unit 10. When a lot 2 is wide of a single product 3, it is formed of a single group 6.

In order to form batches 2, the device 1, and more specifically, the lumping unit 10, comprises at least one transit surface 12 against which the conveying means 4 feeds. This surface 12 extends substantially in a horizontal plane and is flush with the upper surface of the supply conveying means 4. This surface 12 thus runs along at least a portion of the supply conveying means 4 corresponding at least to the portion on which the groups 6 of products 3 are already constituted. The transit surface 12 can extend on one side of the feed conveying means 4. Preferably, the supply conveying direction 20 is rectilinear in its portion which adjoins the transit surface 12. The transit surface 12 is preferably rectangular in shape.

The lumping unit 10 further comprises at least one transverse thrust means 11 which transfers, in particular in a transverse sweeping motion, the groups 6 of products 3 onto the transit surface 12. More precisely, this thrust is carried out in one direction 15 which is transverse, especially perpendicular, to the supply conveying direction 20 at the level where the groups 6 are transferred. In certain embodiments, the thrust means 11 transfers the groups 6 from the feed conveying means to the transit surface 12 while following the products 3 during their circulation along the conveying direction. feed. In these embodiments the transfer is said to be carried out in "tracking" and the transfer direction 15 is in principle not perpendicular to the supply conveying direction 20. Said at least one thrust means 11 can be situated on the opposite side to the transit surface 12, with respect to the supply conveying means 4.

Thus, in some embodiments, it is possible to adjust the spacing of groups 6 of products 3 on the transit surface 12, along the transfer direction 15, so as to form batches 2 comprising the desired number groups 6.

In general, the thrust means 11 may be formed by any means capable of transferring the groups 6 of products 3 in a transverse thrust movement. In principle, such a means 11 therefore extends longitudinally, that is to say, along the supply conveying direction 20. Preferably, it may comprise at least one longitudinal vertical wall in order to move the groups 6 to the transit surface 12 in a transverse scanning movement. Such a vertical wall is movable from a retracted position to a transfer position, and vice versa, via intermediate positions. In the retracted position, the wall does not interfere with the path traveled by the products 3 along the supply conveyor means 4. In the transfer position, the wall is moved by crossing the conveying conveyance means 4, until to move by pushing the products 3 of each group 6 onto said transit surface 12.

Such a thrust means 11 may also be represented by a rotary pusher.

As indicated above, the batches 2 are formed of at least one group 6 of products 3. Preferably, they comprise at least two groups 6 of products 3.

Thus, according to an additional possible characteristic, the batches 2 are formed of at least two groups 6 of products 3.

In this case, the batches 2 can be called "two-dimensional", that is to say that the products 3 constituting these batches 2 extend along two directions, longitudinal and transverse, these two directions being preferentially perpendicular to each other. one with respect to the other. Thus, each batch 2 comprises at least four products 3. To do this, at least two products 3 are gathered longitudinally through the grouping unit 5, then at least two groups 6 of products 3 are gathered transversely through the slugging unit 10.

The guide means 9 may be in different ways. It can for example be formed of a simple guide extending substantially along the feed conveying means 4 on which the shuttles 8 flow in both directions, a forward direction substantially corresponding to the direction of flow of the products 3 on the feed conveying means 4 and a return direction substantially corresponding to the opposite direction to that of the direction of movement of the products 3 on the feed conveying means 4. Generally, the groups 6 of products 3 are formed when the shuttles 8 circulate in the forward direction and, when they come back in their initial position while traveling in the return direction, with a view to forming new groups 6.

Preferably, the at least one guiding means 9 defines a closed circulation loop. Thus, according to an additional possible feature, said at least one guide means 9 defines a closed circulation loop.

Such a closed circulation loop may in particular be oblong, similar to a racetrack. Preferably, the circulation loop extends in a plane parallel or perpendicular to the conveying plane.

The fact that the shuttles 8 circulate on a closed loop advantageously allows the device 1 according to the invention to operate at a high rate to the extent that they can flow continuously in the same direction of circulation.

The circulation loop is generally formed of straight portions and curved portions. Preferably, the straight portions extend along the feed conveying direction 20.

In general, at least one abutment 7 is used to form a group 6 of products 3. Preferably, two abutments 7 are used to form a group 6 of products 3.

Thus, according to an additional possible feature, the stops 7 are able to act in pairs to form each longitudinal group of products 3.

In this case, each pair of stops 7 is intended to form a group 6 of products 3 at a time. The two stops 7 belonging to the same pair can be mounted on shuttles 8 which each run on a separate guide means 9, these two guide means 9 can be arranged on either side of the conveying means of supply, in order to face each other. Preferably, the device 1 comprises a single guide means 9. In this case, the two stops 7 which act together to form a group 6 of products 3 are each mounted on a separate shuttle 8, these two shuttles 8 traveling on the same means guide 9.

The groups 6 of products 3 can then be formed as follows by means of a bet of abutments 7. A stop 7 is placed between the product 3 furthest downstream of the group 6 to be formed and the product 3 which precedes it directly on the supply conveying means 4, while the other abutment 7 is placed between the product 3 furthest upstream of the group 6 to be formed and the product 3 which succeeds it directly on the feed conveying means 4. 7 abutments are placed within the flow of products 3 they circulate substantially at the same speed as the supply conveying means 4.

The two abutments 7 are then brought closer to one another by bringing the two shuttles 8 carrying them closer so that they come into contact with the products 3 of the ends of the products 3 to be grouped together. To do this, the shuttle 8 carrying the abutment 7 the furthest downstream may for example circulate more slowly than the supply conveying means 4, or even flow in the opposite direction relative to the products 3 to group, while the shuttle 8 carrying the abutment 7 the most upstream can circulate substantially at the same speed as the feed conveying means 4. Alternatively, the shuttle 8 carrying the abutment 7 the furthest downstream can circulate substantially at the same speed as the conveying means 4, while the shuttle 8 bearing the upstream stop 7 can circulate more rapidly than the conveying means 4. According to yet another alternative, the shuttle 8 carrying the abutment 7 can, by example circulate more slowly than the supply conveyor means 4, or even flow in the opposite direction relative to the products 3 to group, while the shuttle 8 carrying the abutment 7 upstream can move faster than the means of conv In other words, either the shuttle 8 carrying the abutment 7 furthest downstream slows down and the shuttle 8 carrying the other abutment 7 substantially retains its speed, or the shuttle 8 carrying the stop 7 the most downstream substantially maintains its speed and the shuttle 8 carrying the other abutment 7 accelerates, or the shuttle 8 carrying the stop 7 downstream slows down and the shuttle 8 carrying the other abutment 7 accelerates. As indicated above, a stop 7 can also act alone to form a group 6 of products 3. In this case, this stop 7 can be placed between the product 3 furthest downstream of the group 6 to be formed and the product 3 which precedes it directly on the feed conveying means 4, the shuttle 8 bearing this stop 7circulant then slower than the feed conveying means 4, or in the opposite direction with respect to the products 3 to be grouped, so as to accumulate the products 3 to group behind this stop. Another possibility is to place this abutment 7 between the product 3 furthest upstream of the group 6 to be formed and the product 3 which succeeds it directly on the supply conveying means 4, the shuttle 8 bearing this abutment 7 then flowing more quickly than the conveying conveyance means 4, so as to push the products 3 to group one behind the other.

As indicated above, the device 1 comprises a lumping unit 10, in principle disposed downstream of the grouping unit 5, and which acts on the groups 6 of products 3 formed at the grouping unit 5 to produce lots 2 of products 3 for subsequent packaging.

This lumping unit 10 comprises a transit surface 12 on which the groups 6 are transferred from the supply conveying means 4, in a transverse and horizontal pushing movement along a transfer direction 15. The direction of rotation transfer 15 then extends in a substantially horizontal plane, and is inclined, or even perpendicular, with respect to the supply conveying direction 20 at the level of the slugging unit 10. This direction is therefore inclined, or even perpendicular to the longitudinal direction along which the products 3 are aligned within groups 6.

The groups 6 can be transferred onto this transit surface 12 so that the products 3, once on this surface 12 are arranged in batches 2. Alternatively this surface 12 can contribute to the preparation of the batches 2 without however allowing the formation of batches 2 finalized. These different possibilities will be detailed in the rest of the text.

According to an additional possible characteristic, the transit surface 12 is equipped with a transit conveyor 13 which circulates in a transit conveying direction 14. Such a transit conveyor 13 then brings the products 3 in the form of batches 2 or not, to a packaging machine 21 arranged downstream. The transit conveying direction 14 extends in principle in a substantially horizontal plane. It may in particular be parallel or perpendicular to the continuous flow of products 3 on said feed conveying means 4 at the level of the slugging unit 10.

In general, and as shown in FIG. 3, when the transit conveying direction 14 is parallel to the continuous flow of products 3 on said feed conveying means 4 at the level of the slugging unit 10, it is that is to say longitudinal, the lumping unit 10 may comprise several thrust means 11, that is to say elements provided with separate actuating means.

In particular, the lumping unit 10 can comprise as many thrust means 11 as groups 6 to be assembled within the same batch 2. These thrust means 11 are generally sized to push a group 6 of products 3, c that is to say that their length substantially corresponds to the longitudinal dimension of the groups 6. These thrust means 11 can be arranged successively along the feed conveying means 4, vis-à-vis the transit surface 12. The thrust stroke is then set decreasing from one thrust means 11 to the next along the supply conveying direction 20, so that the most upstream thrust means 11 positions the group 6 of each batch. 2 which will be furthest away from the conveying conveyance means 4 and that the following thrust means 11 successively position the groups 6 of each batch 2 which will be closer and closer to the conveying means 4. We note that in this case, the device 1 comprises a plurality of thrust means 11, a separate thrust means 11 being used to transfer each group 6 intended to belong to the same batch 2.

Of course, when the transit conveying direction 14 is longitudinal and the batches 2 to constitute are formed of a single group 6, only one thrust means 11 is sufficient. Thus, in this configuration where the transit conveying direction 14 is longitudinal, the batches 2 can be formed on the transit surface 12. The supply of the packaging machine 21 downstream is then carried out in principle frontally from the transit surface 12, and this machine thus receives batches 2 to be packaged in a single-row flow of batches 2.

In embodiments where the transit conveying direction 14 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of feed 11 (That is to say, it can be parallel to the direction of transfer of the groups 6 on said transit surface 12) that is to say transverse, several configurations are possible.

According to the dimensions of the transit surface 12, in particular, according to the length of its dimension which extends transversely to the flow of products 3 on the transit surface 12, that is to say, along the direction of supply conveyor 20, the transit surface 12 is able or not to accommodate several groups 6 and therefore several batches 2 of products 3 side by side along this direction.

The transit surface 12 may for example be able to accommodate a single group 6 of products 3 along the supply conveying direction 20 at the level of the slugging unit 10, as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, two groups 6 which follow each other directly along the feed conveying direction 20, follow each other directly along the transfer direction 15, once they are on the transit surface 15, while belonging or not to the same batch 2 of products 3. The lumping unit 10 then comprises in principle a single thrusting means 11 which can successively push the groups 6 of products 3 supplied by the conveying means 4 onto the transit surface 12.

According to other embodiments, the transit surface 12 may be able to accommodate several group 6 of products 3 along the supply conveying direction 20 at the level of the slugging unit 10, as represented in FIGS. and 4. The transit surface 12 can then advantageously, besides contributing to the formation of the batches 2, act as an accumulation surface. According to these alternative embodiments, the lumping unit 10 can then be provided with a single thrust means 11 as shown in FIG. 4 or else with several successive thrust means 11 along the supply conveying direction 20 vis-à-vis the transit surface 12. When the device 1 comprises a single thrust means 11, it extends in principle over the entire length of the transit surface 12 along the conveying direction 20 and is able to simultaneously push the groups 6 of products 3 on the supply conveyor 4, to the transit surface 12, as shown in Figure 4. When there are several means of thrust 11 successive, preferably, there are as many as groups 6 may be present along the longitudinal direction of the transit surface 12. They can act simultaneously or not. Preferably, each thrust means 11 acts on a group 6 distinct as shown in Figure 2.

When the transit conveying direction 14 is transverse, the batches 2 can be formed directly on the transit surface 12 or not.

When formed directly on the transit surface 12, the at least one pushing means 11 can push the group (s) 6 onto the transit surface 12 just behind another group (s). (s) 6 so as to group them together to form batches 2 or else he can push the group (s) 6 onto the transit area 12 leaving a larger space with the group (s) 6 which (s) precede (s) along the transit conveying direction 14 so as to space successive batches 2. In this case, the transit surface 12 may, for example, feed frontally a packaging machine 21 located downstream of the device 1, in batches 2 of products 3.

When the batches 2 are not finalized directly on the transit surface 12, the at least one thrust means 11 can systematically push the group (s) 6 on the transit surface 12 just behind one (of) other (s) group (s) 6. The transit surface 12 then carries a compact stream of groups 6 aligned along the transit conveying direction 14 along one or more queues depending in particular on the dimension along which extend the groups 6 on the surface 12, that is to say here, the longitudinal dimension of the transit surface 12. The supply of the packaging machine 21 is then in principle in the lateral via an additional transfer of products 3 also by pushing, on an output conveying means 18, as detailed later and shown in Figure 4.

The at least one thrust means 11 can materialize in different ways. It may for example comprise one or more longitudinal walls which extend in a vertical plane at least during the transfer of the groups 6 of products 3. It may for example comprise a wall intended to push at least one group 6 and one The groups 6 are then between two walls when they are transferred to the transit surface 12. The at least one thrust means 11 can be just as easily well be figured by a single so-called push wall. Alternatively, he can be represented by a plurality of walls, at least one of which is used for each thrust.

Thus, according to an additional possible feature, said at least one thrust means 11 comprises at least one wall supported by at least one carriage 16 which circulates on a rail 17 using a linear motor principle.

Thus, the movement of the at least one wall is managed using a linear motor. Preferably, such a system comprises a plurality of walls which makes it possible to improve the rate. The trolleys 16 which support the walls are thus independently movable along the rail 17, which allows them to adapt to the flow of groups 6 to be transferred so that a wall is always disposed to transfer a group 6 ready to being.

Such a rail 17 may in particular extend in a vertical plane substantially along the transfer direction 15. It may for example form a closed circulation loop substantially along the transfer direction 15. Alternatively, it may comprise two guides fixed substantially horizontal (respectively a guide to which the carriages 16 travel along the direction of transfer 15 and a return guide, placed above the guide and on which the carriages 16 travel along the opposite direction) and two vertical elevator guides disposed directly upstream and directly downstream of the fixed guides for passing the carriages 16 of the guide to the guide return and vice versa.

Such a thrust means 11 may comprise several rails 17 side by side along the conveying direction of supply 20, so that a wall is supported by several carriages 16. This is particularly useful when the thrust means 1 1 is capable of simultaneously transferring several groups 6 which follow each other along the supply conveying direction 20, and that it can therefore prove to be heavy.

According to an additional possible feature, said at least one thrust means 11 comprises a robotic manipulator to ensure its displacement.

In these embodiments, the robotic manipulator can then allow the wall (s) of the thrust means 11 to be inserted from above, to carry out the transverse thrust of the groups 6 on the transit surface 12 and then to withdraw from the top. Thus, the circulation of the products 3 on the conveying means 4 of supply is not prevented by G insertion the wall (s) and the transit conveyor 13 can get back on the wall (s) retracted (s).

As indicated above, depending on the length of the dimension along which the groups 6 extend on the transit surface 12, it can accommodate a single group 6 along this dimension or, several groups 6 one behind the other, this succession of groups 6 forming a rank. In this second case, it may be advantageous to have a thrust means 11 large enough longitudinally to transfer with a thrust a whole row formed of several groups 6 of products 3.

Thus, according to an additional possible feature, said at least one thrust means January 1 is sized to transfer several groups 6 simultaneously.

In other words, the wall (s) it comprises have a length substantially corresponding to the longitudinal dimension of the transit surface 12, that is to say, the direction along which extend the groups 6 on the surface 12, the latter being able to accommodate a succession of several groups 6 of products 3 aligned longitudinally, as shown in Figure 4.

Thus, such a thrust means 11 transfers simultaneously several groups 6 one after the other on the supply conveying means 4 along the supply conveying direction 20, each of these groups 6 being intended to belong to a separate lot 2.

According to an additional possible feature, the lumping unit 10 further comprises an output conveying means 18 extending along the downstream portion of the transit surface 12 transversely to the circulation of the products 3 on the transit surface 12 , the batches 2 being pushed along the transfer direction 15 from the transit surface 12 to the exit conveying means 18 by means of at least one transfer means 19.

Such a lining unit 10 proves particularly advantageous when the transit surface 12 is equipped with a transit conveyor 13 which circulates in the transfer direction 15 and that it conveys rows (that is to say one set of products 3 aligned along a longitudinal line or line) formed of several groups 6 of products 3.

Several batches 2 can be formed simultaneously along the longitudinal dimension of such a transit surface 12. However, the packaging machine 21 disposed downstream of the device 1 is not necessarily capable of receiving a multi-filament stream of lots 2.

The fact of having such an output conveying means 18 then advantageously makes it possible to feed the packaging machine 21 with a stream of batches 2 arranged according to a number of files that it is able to process, for example two, as in figure 4, but this flow can be just as unifilar. In addition, such a device 1 also advantageously allows the transit surface 12 to act as an accumulation surface, that is to say a buffer surface for temporarily storing a fluctuating amount of products to ensure a production in continuous industrial line despite punctual stops or operation at different rates, the machine upstream and / or downstream with respect to this surface.

The outlet conveying means 18 preferably extends in a horizontal plane, parallel to the conveying conveyance means 4, that is to say in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, it extends perpendicularly to the transit conveying direction 14 and to the transfer direction 15. The output conveying means 18 in principle runs along the transit surface 12 at its downstream edge. It is preferably flush and butted with the transit surface 12.

According to this configuration, in order to optimize the accumulation surface on the transit surface 12, when the groups 6 of products 3 are transferred from the supply conveying means 4 to the transit surface 12, they can be arranged just after the groups 6 which precede them on this surface 12. In other words, the transfer of the products 3 onto the transit surface 12 can be carried out so that the space is as small as possible between two successive groups 6, along the transit conveying direction 14. The batches 2 are therefore not necessarily finalized at the transit surface 12 according to this configuration.

The at least one transfer means 19 then makes it possible to evacuate the products 3 in the form of batches 2 on the output conveyor 18 in a direction corresponding in particular to the transfer direction 15.

The at least one transfer means 19 may be similar at least to the thrust means 11 detailed above.

In certain modes, a single thrust means 11 can act as both thrust means 11 and transfer means 19. This is particularly advantageous when the thrust means 11 comprises at least one wall supported by at least one carriage 16 which circulates on a rail 17 by means of a linear motor principle. In this case, the (s) rail (s) 17 extends (ent) from the supply conveying means 4 to the output conveying means 18. Thanks to the linear motor principle, it is indeed possible to introduce a single row of products 3 and to go out several rows simultaneously.

In other modes where the thrust means 11 is different from the transfer means 19, the thrust means 11 may for example be formed of two walls intended to grip the row of products to be introduced on the transit surface while the means transfer 19 may comprise a number of walls adapted so that each group of the (2) transferred batch (s) is sandwiched between two walls during the transfer on the output conveyor 18. Typically, the transfer means can then include n + 1 walls when the 2 formed batches comprise n groups 6. Two separate robotic manipulators can then be used to ensure the respective displacement of the thrust means 11 and the transfer means 19.

Preferably, the thrust means 11, just like the transfer means 19 when there is one, are capable of transferring a whole row of products 3.

In general, the device 1 comprises a means of information of the location of the products 3, in principle mounted at the level of the grouping unit 5, upstream of the stops 7 in the feed conveyance direction 20 to identify the location of products 3 to group. The device 1 can then also include a control unit for receiving the signal from said information means and conditioning the operation of the device 1, in particular by placing the stops 7 substantially at the level of the products 3 to be grouped, along the conveying direction supply 20.

Such means of information of the position of the products is preferably a detection cell also called sensor or detector, or even a camera.

At the end of their grouping, the products 3 are in principle referenced, because the groups 6 are against at least one stop 7 whose position is known at each moment. The control unit can then manage the operation of the slugging unit 10 by using the position data of the groups 6 to appropriately place the thrust means (s) 11. According to some embodiments, the device 1 may comprise at least one cycler at the level of the downstream part of the device 1, that is to say in an area where the batches 2 have already been formed, in order to optimize the arrangement. products 3 within lots 2, for their packaging.

The invention also relates to an installation 22 comprising a device 1 for preparing batches 2 of products 3 as described above.

This installation 22 is characterized in that it furthermore comprises, mounted directly downstream of said device 1, a machine 21 intended to package said batches 2 of products 3 delivered by the device 1, said machine 21 possibly being a wrapping machine or a packager.

Thus, the batches 2 can be brought by the device 1 to a packaging machine 21, especially without there being a machine between the device 1 and the packaging machine 21. In other words, only conveyors intended to pass the products 1 from the device 1 and the packaging machine 21 may be present between these two elements. Such a machine is then fed frontally by the batches 2 leaving the device 1, that is to say that the batches 2 reach the packaging machine 21 while continuing their journey at the end of the device 1. Thus, the batches 2 can flow on the transit surface 12 to reach a packaging machine 21. Alternatively, when the device 1 comprises an output conveying means 18, the batches 2 can be transported on this conveying means 18 to reach a packaging machine 21.

The subject of the invention is also a method implementing device 1 as described above, namely a process for preparing batches 2 of products 3 from a continuous stream of products 3 transported one behind the other on a feed conveying means 4 along a feed conveying direction 20.

This method is characterized in that it comprises for each batch formation 2, the succession of the following steps:

- (i) forming at least one longitudinal group 6 of products 3 on the supply conveying means 4, positioning at least one abutment 7 in contact with a product 3 located at one end of the group 6 to form appropriately and adjusting the flow velocity of said at least one stop 7 in the supply conveying direction 20 with respect to the speed of the supply conveying means 4; and

- (ii) successively transferring each group 6 of the batch 2 to be formed from the conveying means 4 to a surface transit 12 using at least one thrust means 11 which acts in a transverse thrust movement relative to the supply conveying direction 20, the stroke of the at least one thrust means 11 being adapted to position each group 6 at the desired location.

A group 6 may for example be positioned on the transit surface 12 just behind the group 6 which directly precedes it, that is to say just behind the group 6 which has been introduced on the transit surface 12 directly before it, 6. This is particularly the case when these two groups 6 are destined to belong to the same lot 2. It is also possible that all the groups 6 are arranged one after the other along an transfer direction 15, regularly spaced and relatively close to each other, regardless of whether or not they are intended to belong to the same batch 2. In this case, the lots 2 can be finalized during a step ( iii) subsequent transfer.

Alternatively, a more or less large space can be deliberately arranged between two groups 6 pushed successively on the transit surface 12, so for example to create a space between two successive batches 2.

Thus, the stroke of the thrust means 11 is regulated so as to position each group 6 at a predetermined distance from the group 6 which precedes it on the transit surface 12.

According to an additional possible feature, the batch preparation method 2 further comprises a step (iii) of transferring all the products 3 belonging to the same batch 2 from the transit surface 12 to an exit conveying means 18 using at least one transfer means 19 which acts in a thrust movement similar to that of step (II).

The thrust movement operated by the transfer means 19 extends in principle substantially in the same plane and along the same direction as the thrust movement operated by the thrust means 11. Thus, it generally extends in a substantially horizontal plane, or even horizontal, and along a direction transverse to that along which extend the groups 6 on the transit surface 12, preferably along the direction of transfer 15, preferably the along the transit conveying direction 14, preferably along a direction perpendicular to that along which the groups 6 extend on the transit surface 12. Preferably, such a transfer means 19 is able to transfer several rows of products 3 simultaneously. In particular, it can transfer an entire lot 2 or even several lots 2 simultaneously. To do this, the transfer means 19 may be provided with a plurality of longitudinal vertical walls, which follow each other along the transfer direction 15, so that each group 6 transferred is between two walls.

According to an additional possible characteristic, the transfer step (ii) and, if appropriate, the transfer step (iii) can be performed simultaneously for several groups 6 belonging to distinct lots 2.

According to these embodiments, the transit surface 12 can be dimensioned to receive in its longitudinal dimension rows of products 3 formed of several longitudinal groups 6. In addition, the thrust means 11, and the transfer means 19 if appropriate , can extend substantially over the entire longitudinal dimension of the transit surface 12 so as to transfer the products 3 rank by rank on the transit surface 12, then, if necessary, on the outlet conveying means 18.

In the embodiments illustrated in the appended figures, various possible configurations of device 1 are shown.

In each of the appended figures, the products 3 are brought within the device 1 in a single-wire flow of products 3 regularly spaced or not, with the aid of a conveying means 4 for feeding, along a supply conveying direction 20, called longitudinal. The upper surface of the supply conveying means which supports the products 3 extends in particular in a substantially horizontal or even horizontal conveying plane.

The products 3 on this feed conveying means 4 can in particular come from a machine for manufacturing products 3 of filling, labeling or capping type, for example. Thus, the products 3 can be transferred from an output wheel of a machine for finalizing the products 3 to the unit up to the feed conveying means 4. In this case, the feed conveying means 4 is in principle tangent to said output wheel.

The feed conveying means 4 then conveys the products 3 to a grouping unit 5 dedicated to forming longitudinal groups 6 of products 3. The grouping units 5 shown in the appended figures comprise a single guide means 9, which are extends along the supply conveying means 4 and which defines a loop of closed traffic. On each device 1 shown in the accompanying figures, the guiding means 9 is shown above the feed conveying means 4.

In FIGS. 1 and 4, the groups 6 formed by the grouping unit 5 comprise three products 3 each. In FIG. 2, they comprise four products 3 each and in FIG. 3 they comprise two products 3 each. The groups shown are formed of products 3 contiguous to each other, that is to say in key touch but these products 3 could just as easily be brought closer to each other within a group 6.

In the accompanying figures, each group 6 is formed by means of two stops 7 each mounted on a shuttle 8 which circulates along the guide means 9 according to a linear motor principle. The stops 7 may also be called cleats or fingers. To do this, the abutments 7 fit into the product stream 3 as follows. A stop 7 is positioned downstream of the first product 3 of the group 6 to be formed (and upstream of the group 6 which precedes it on the supply conveying means 4) and another stop 7 is positioned upstream of the last product 3 of the group 6 to be formed (and downstream of the product 3 which succeeds it on the supply conveying means 4). The shuttles 8 carrying this pair of abutments 7 then approach each other to come into contact respectively with the product 3 furthest downstream and the product 3 furthest upstream of the group 6 to form and then bring the products 3 closer together. intended to belong to the same group 6, each other. To do this, the shuttles 8 can be positioned using a control means receiving a positioning information of the products 3 with the aid of a detection cell.

In the grouping units 5 shown in the accompanying figures, the stops 7 pass from the inactive position to active and vice versa by the geometry of the guide means 9, in particular for reasons of simplification of the figures. It should be noted that these stops 7 could just as well, or even preferably, be mounted movable in translation on the shuttles 8 and move from the inactive position to active and vice versa using a cam as described above.

In the appended figures, once the longitudinal groups 6 have been formed, they arrive, again with the aid of the conveying means 4, at a level of a slugging unit 10, dedicated to forming batches 2 of products 3 as described above.

It should be noted that in certain embodiments not shown in the appended figures, the lumping unit 10 can also be at the same level of the device 1 as the grouping unit 5. In other words, in this case the groups 6, once formed, are directly transferred to the transit surface 12 or at least in contact with the grouping unit 5 until they are transferred to the transit surface 12. In these configurations, the guiding means 9, and the transit surface 12 can be found on either side of the conveying conveyance means 4 and facing each other, at least in part.

In the appended figures, batches 2 configured as follows are prepared using the slugging unit 10. The device 1 of FIG. 1 forms batches 2 of six products 3 from two groups 6 of three products 3 each. The device 1 of FIG. 2 forms batches 2 of twelve products 3 from three groups 6 of four products 3 each. The device 1 of FIG. 3 forms batches 2 of four products 3 from two groups 6 of two products 3 each. The device 1 of FIG. 4 forms batches 2 of nine products 3 from three groups 6 of three products 3 each.

The batches 2 shown in the figures are formed at least by successive transverse thrust of each group 6 intended to belong to the same batch 2, from the supply conveying means 4, to a transit surface 12. These thrust movements are produced by means of at least one thrust means 11 extending longitudinally along the supply conveying direction 20. The thrust movement is carried out in a substantially horizontal plane, or even horizontally, along a transfer direction 15 which is preferably perpendicular to the supply conveying direction 20, at the level of the slugging unit 10.

During the transfer of the products 3 onto the transit surface 12, the feed conveying means 4, or at least the conveyor belonging to the feed conveying means 4, which is at the level of the bunting unit 10 if the conveying conveyance means 4 is formed of a succession of conveyors, can be slowed, especially until stopped. It may be the same for the transit surface 12, when it is equipped with a transit conveyor 13. Alternatively, the transfer of products 3 on the transit surface 12 can be carried out in "tracking", that is to say that the thrust means 11 follows the groups 6 of products 3 transported by the supply conveying means 4 while pushing them on the transit surface 12. In this case, the transfer direction 15 is generally not perpendicular to the supply conveying direction 21.

The loosening units 10 shown in the attached figures will now be described.

In Figure 1, the lumping unit 10 comprises a single thrust means 12 provided with at least one longitudinal thrust wall and in particular vertical. The batches 2 are directly formed during their transfer on the transit surface 12. The thrust means 12 is sized to push a group 6 of products 3 at a time, that is to say that its longitudinal dimension corresponds substantially to the longitudinal dimension of the groups 6 formed by the grouping unit 5. The transit area 12 is also dimensioned to accommodate a single group 6 along its longitudinal dimension, that is to say to accommodate rows of products 3 formed of a single group. This surface 12 is equipped with a transit conveyor 13 which circulates along a transit conveying direction 14 corresponding to the transfer direction 15 and which is substantially perpendicular or even perpendicular to the supply conveying direction 20 products 3, at the level of the slugging unit 10.

The formation of the batches 2 can be carried out as follows: the conveyors 4 and 13 can be stopped. A group 6 is transferred to the transit surface 12. The conveyors 4 and 13 are restarted so that a new group 6 conveyed by the supply conveying means 4 arrives at the level of the bunting unit 10 and so that the transit surface 12 can accommodate a new group 6. The conveyors 4 and 13 are then stopped again and a new group 6 is transferred to the transit surface 12. A lot 2 is then formed. The conveyors 4 and 13 are then restarted again so that a new group 6 conveyed by the supply conveying means 4 arrives at the level of the lumping unit 10 and so that the transit area 12 can accommodate a new group 6 sufficiently spaced from lot 2 formed. A new lot 2 is then formed in the same way. The batches 2 formed are then transported by the transit conveyor 13 to a packaging machine 21. As indicated above, the batches 2 can also be formed without requiring the stopping of the conveyors 4 and 13 but can be carried out using a thrust carried out in "tracking".

The slugging unit 10 of FIG. 2 is similar to that of FIG. 1 except that two batches 2 are conveyed side by side along the longitudinal direction. This lining unit 10 then comprises two separate thrust means 11 which follow each other along the supply conveying direction 20. One could have imagined a single thrust means sized to transfer two groups 6 which follow each other on the means supply conveyor 4 in place of two schematized thrust means 11. In this figure, the transit surface 12 is then dimensioned to accommodate rows of products 3 formed of two groups 6.

As for the lumping unit 10 of FIG. 3, it is distinguished in particular from those of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the transit surface 12 is equipped with a transit conveyor 13 which circulates along a direction of travel. transit conveyor 13 substantially parallel or even parallel to the supply conveying direction 21. In this figure, the transfer direction 15 and the transit conveying direction 13 may therefore be perpendicular. In other words, the supply conveying means 4 and the transit conveyor 13 circulate along the same direction, this direction being longitudinal.

The lumping unit 10 shown comprises two thrust means 11 each provided with at least one longitudinal thrust wall and in particular vertical. Each thrust means January 1 is dedicated to push one of the groups 6 intended to belong to the same batch 2. They are one after the other along the supply conveying direction 20 and have substantially the length of a group 6. In this FIG. 3, the batches 2 are formed directly during the transfer of the groups 6 onto the transit surface 12. To do this, the first thrust means 11, that is to say , that disposed the most upstream, pushes a first group 6 (shown with a horizontal line in Figure 3), along the transfer direction 15, on the transit surface 12, far enough for a second group 6 it can be arranged between this first group 6 and the conveying conveyance means 4 so as to form a batch 2. As for the second thrust means 11, that is to say, the one arranged the most downstream, it grows a second group 6 (shown with crosses in the figure), along the transfer direction 15, on the transit surface 12 near the first group 6, between the latter and the supply conveying means 4. This pushing movement is carried out while the transit conveyor 13 has previously advanced along. the transit conveying direction 14 so that the two groups 6 can be aligned along the transfer direction 15. Thus, the stroke of the first thrust means 11 is longer than that of the second thrust means 11. A transfer of the products 3 on the transit surface 12 by means of a "tracking" thrust is here particularly preferred insofar as the conveyors 4 and 13 circulate here substantially along the same direction.

In embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 3, that is to say, when the transit conveying direction 13 is longitudinal, the transit conveyor 13 in principle transports a single stream of batches 2 to a machine packing 21 downstream.

With regard to the lumping unit 10 of FIG. 4, just like the units of FIGS. 1 and 2, it comprises a transit surface 12 equipped with a transit conveyor 13 which circulates along a conveying direction transverse transit 13, more precisely, substantially perpendicular or even perpendicular to the supply conveying direction 20 and which can correspond to the transfer direction 15.

Like the unit 10 of FIG. 2, the rows of products 3 transferred on the transit surface are formed of several groups 6. More specifically, they are formed of eight groups 6 each. On the other hand, the thrust means 11 is unique here and alone allows the transfer of a whole row of products 3.

The batches 2 of products 3 are not finalized at the transit surface 12 in FIG. 4, but during the subsequent transfer of the groups 6 onto an output conveying means 18 that comprises the lamination unit 10. Thus, the transit surface 12 advantageously plays the role of accumulation surface. The rows are transferred to the transit surface 12 one after the other until they are positioned relatively close to each other, that is to say without sparing a larger space between two successive rows whose products 3 aligned transversely are intended to belong to batches 2 different than between two successive rows whose products 3 aligned transversely are intended to belong to the same lots 2. It advantageously results in an optimization of the occupation of the transit area 12. Indeed , in proceeding in this way, it is possible to store more products 3 on the transit surface 12, if the lots 2 were directly formed on the transit surface 12.

The outlet conveying means 18 of FIG. 4 extends in a substantially horizontal plane, or even a horizontal plane, and along a substantially perpendicular direction, or even perpendicular to the transit conveying direction 14, in particular, along the longitudinal direction.

The width of this output conveying means 18 is dimensioned to transport two batches 2 of products 3 in front, that is to say side by side, to a downstream packaging machine 21. It could equally well be sized to carry for example one or three lots 2 front.

The products 3 are transferred onto the output conveying means 18 by means of a transfer means 19 by means of a thrust movement, in particular along the transit conveying direction 13 in a plane substantially horizontal, or even horizontal. The transfer means 19 and the thrust means 11 may or may not belong to the same tool.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the transfer means 19 pushes here all the batches 2 aligned longitudinally on the transit surface 12 simultaneously with the exit conveying means 18. In other words, it simultaneously pushes as many ranks that of number of groups 6 per batch 2. Thus, it comprises at least as many vertical walls as groups 6 in each batch 2. It begins by transferring a first series of lots 2 which extends over the entire width of the conveyor 13 and which corresponds to the row furthest downstream on the transit surface 12. It transfers these products 3 sufficiently far from the transit surface so that the output conveying means 18 can accommodate a second queue of batches 2 between the transferred first row and the transit surface 12, on the output conveying means 18. At this time, the transit conveyor 13 as well as the outlet conveying means 18 (at least the part that runs along the surface transit 12 if the output conveying means is formed of a succession of conveyors) can be stopped. The transit conveyor 12 can then advance until rows of products 3 are present at the downstream end of the transit area 12. The second batch line 2 can then be transferred using the same transfer means 19 on the output conveying means 19, this second file being represented above the first, on FIG. 4 represents the situation at the end of the transfer of the second batch line 2. Of course, it is also possible to imagine that a transfer means 19 simultaneously transfers the two rows of lots 2 to the conveying means. This may in particular be the case when the walls of the transfer means 19 are supported by carriages 16 which circulate on at least one rail 17 by means of a linear motor principle, such a rail 17 is extending along the transit conveying direction 14. In effect, the walls can thus transfer rows of products 3 which are close to each other on the transit surface 12, then transfer them while forming a significant spacing between the Lots 2 of the top row and Lots 2 of the bottom row in Figure 4.

It should be noted that in all the appended figures, the thrust means 11 and the transfer means 19 represented are represented by vertical walls which are not representative of the number of longitudinal walls that comprise these means 11, 19, but rather indicate a minimum number of walls within these means 11,19. Moreover, the appended figures do not specify the type of means 11, 19 used. Thus, these means 11, 19 may as well comprise robotic manipulators as rail / trolley systems to ensure their movements, as described above, or any other system capable of performing the (s) step (s) of thrust of batch preparation method 2. The thrust means 11, in particular in FIGS. 1 to 3, may also be represented by rotary pushers.

Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to supply a packaging machine 21 in batches 2 of products 3 ready to be packed together with a particularly compact device compared to existing solutions, while avoiding the problems of blockages, falls and damage to products 3. This results in improved efficiency in terms of efficiency. The proposed solution is of particular interest, insofar as it is flexible since it makes it possible to modulate the configuration of the batches 2 and the format of the products 3 without requiring specific adjustments, in particular mechanical ones. In addition, in some embodiments, the products 3 may be referenced, at least in close order, throughout the batch preparation process 2.

Claims

RE VENDIC ATIONS

1. Device (1) for batch preparation (2) of products (3) continuously from a continuous stream of products (3) transported one behind the other on a conveying conveyance means (4). along a feed direction (20), comprising at least one transit surface (12) against which said feed conveying means (4) flows,

characterized in that it comprises successively:

- a grouping unit (5) of products (3) for forming longitudinal groups (6) of said products (3) transported on the supply conveying means (4), using a plurality of stops (7) each mounted on a shuttle (8) which circulates on at least one guide means (9), understood by the grouping unit (5), the movement of the shuttles (8) on the guide means (9) is realized using a linear motor at least on a portion of this guide means (9), the shuttles (8) circulating independently of each other at least on said portion of the guide means (9); and

- a product slugging unit (10) (3) for forming transverse batches (2) of at least one group (6) and comprising a plurality of transverse pushing means (11) for transferring said groups (6) transversely to said feed direction (20) to said transit surface (12) of which the slugging unit (10) is provided, said transit surface (12) skirting at least a portion of the feed conveying means (4) corresponding at least to the portion on which the groups (6) of products (3) are already constituted, a separate thrust means (11) being used to transfer each group (6) intended to belong to the same batch ( 2).

2. Preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that

the batches (2) consist of at least two groups (6) of products (3).

3. Preparation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

said at least one guide means (9) defines a closed circulation loop.

4. Device (1) for preparing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the abutments (7) are able to act in pairs to form each longitudinal group (6) of products (3).

5. Device (1) for preparing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the transit surface (12) is equipped with a transit conveyor (13) which circulates at the level of the bunting unit (10) in a transit conveying direction (14) parallel or perpendicular to the feeding direction (20) on said supply conveying means (4).

6. Device (1) for preparing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

said at least one thrust means (11) comprises at least one wall supported by at least one trolley (16) which flows on a rail (17) by means of a linear motor principle.

7. Device (1) for preparing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

said at least one thrust means (11) comprises a robotic manipulator to ensure its displacement.

8. Device (1) for preparing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

said at least one pushing means (11) is dimensioned to transfer several groups (6) simultaneously.

9. Device (1) for preparing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the bunting unit (10) comprises an output conveying means (18) extending along the downstream portion of the transit surface (12) transversely to the circulation of the products (3) on the transit surface ( 12), the batches (2) being pushed along the transfer direction (15) from the transit surface (12) to the exit conveying means (18) with at least one transfer medium (19).

10. Installation (22) comprising a device (1) for preparing batches (2) of products (3) as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

it comprises mounted directly downstream of said device (1), a machine (21) for packaging said batches (2) of products (3) delivered by the device (1), said machine may in particular be a shrinkwrapper or a packager.

11. A method of implementation of the device (1) of preparation according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that it comprises for each batch formation (2), the succession of the following steps:

- (i) forming at least one longitudinal group (6) of products (3) on the feed conveying means (4), positioning at least one stop (7) in contact with a product (3) located at an end of the group (6) to be suitably formed and adjusting the flow velocity of said at least one stop (7) in the supply conveying direction (20) with respect to the speed of the conveying means of brought (4); and

- (ii) successively transferring each group (6) of the batch (2) to be formed from the feed conveying means (4) onto a transit surface (12) using at least one pushing means (11) acting in transverse thrust movement with respect to the feed conveying direction (20), the stroke of the at least one thrust means (11) being adapted to position each group (6) at the location wish.

12. The method of claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a step (iii) of transferring all the products (3) belonging to the same batch (2) from the transit surface (12) to a means output conveying apparatus (18) using at least one transfer means (19) which acts in a thrust movement similar to that of step (ii).

Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that

the transfer step (ii) and, if appropriate, the transfer step (iii) can be performed simultaneously for several groups (6) belonging to distinct batches (2).