WO2021105897A1

WO2021105897A1 - Device for grouping packs and method for grouping packs

Info

Publication number: WO2021105897A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/061145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Guidi
Original assignee: Elettric 80 S.P.A.
Priority date: 2019-11-25
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Also published as: IT201900022107A1

Abstract

A device (1) for grouping packs (A) comprises a formation conveyor (2) supported by a respective framework (3) for transferring the packs (A) according to a pre-established advancement direction (4), for the formation of groups (B) constituted by a predetermined number of packs (A); the device (1) comprises a plurality of actuators (5) distributed according to at least one row (6) parallel to the advancement direction (4) and arranged along at least one side of the packs (A) transferred on the formation conveyor (2), the row (6) of the actuators (5) is selectively movable on a plane parallel to the advancing plane of the packs (A) and transverse to the advancement direction (4); the actuators (5) are controlled by a control processor (7) which drives the selected stopping and/or thrusting of the packs (A), in order to obtain the formation of ordered groups (B); methods are also provided for grouping the packs (A) attained with the grouping device (1).

Description

“DEVICE FOR GROUPING PACKS AND METHOD FOR GROUPING PACKS”

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION.

The present invention refers to a device for grouping packs, as well as to a method for grouping packs.

According to the present invention, the aforesaid packs are grouped by the device entering a palletizer, in order to allow an easier movement of the grouped packs simultaneously for the stacking and the organization on a pallet, so as to obtain a higher operating speed and a more reliable treatment of the packs with respect to the state of the prior art.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART.

In the packaging field, the term palletization defines the organization of the arrangement and of the packing for example of packs of products set in particular on a pallet: through the palletization, layers of packs are created which in turn, being superimposed, form the loading unit, which must have a suitable stability, in consideration of all the stresses which can intervene during the transport from the production factory to the store.

In the context of palletization systems, there may therefore be the need to group the packs entering device that will carry out the palletization, or palletizer, i.e. the automatic and/or robotic device used for stacking and organizing the packs on the pallet, in order to allow the subsequent movement - displacement, rotation, lifting - of the set of the grouped packs in a simultaneous manner.

This grouping operation allows a more reliable treatment of the packs and a higher operating speed, in terms of packs per unit of time, of the movement devices. In addition, it may be necessary to space the aforesaid groups of packs in a controlled manner in order to allow the optimal operation of the subsequent movement devices.

There are various solutions currently available for achieving such objects; the most common of these will be discussed hereinbelow, listing the disadvantages or the limitations for each.

According to a first solution, the grouping of the packs is obtained by a grouping device by means of a storage conveyor and a brake conveyor: this solution therefore provides for the use of a pack feeding conveyor, termed storage conveyor, and of a brake conveyor which serves for stopping the feeding of the packs.

The storage conveyor can be attained by means of friction rollers, i.e. rollers capable of sliding with respect to the transmission that drives them, or by means of modular chain belts provided with small idle rollers.

In general, this type of conveyor is capable of moving the packs with a limited thrust force: in such a manner, if the packs downstream of the storage conveyor are stopped, this can continue to function beneath the packs being stored, without damaging them and/or without being damaged.

The brake conveyor can be attained by means of rubber-covered rollers or rubber-covered belts; in general such type of conveyor is capable, at the moment when it is stopped, of stopping both the packs above it and those present in the preceding storage conveyor.

The packs can be guided transversely with respect to the advancement direction by means of suitable guides.

A system is also present for detecting the position of the packs, for example comprising a photocell positioned at the area defined between the final end of the brake conveyor and the start of a subsequent conveyor.

Also present is a device for controlling the advancement of the brake conveyor, for example comprising an encoder.

In practical operation, for the formation of the groups of packs, provision is made for the photocell to detect the position of the first pack of the group to be created, and the advancement of the brake conveyor for a pre-established length corresponding to that of the group of packs to be formed, i.e. corresponding to the number of packs provided for that specific application.

Once such length is reached, the brake conveyor is stopped and the group of the packs thus formed can advance on the subsequent conveyor, while the packs of the subsequent group to be formed are maintained braked and stopped by the brake conveyor which has stopped.

Also multiple devices of such type can be provided for, arranged in parallel, providing a suitable inlet with multiple channels: in such case, the conveyors of each device are arranged parallel to each other, such to be able to simultaneously form different groups of packs to be subsequently treated as a single group. The formation of the different groups of packs from the respective inlet channels must be synchronized.

The just-described solution nevertheless has the following disadvantages: the operation of one such device is based on the friction between the surface of the brake conveyor and that of the transported packs, and is thus conditioned by many different factors such as the presence of water on the packs, condensation, environmental humidity, variations in the surface finish of the packs, variations in the surface of the brake conveyor, for example due to the accumulation of dust, and still other factors; all this clearly involves an overall reduction of the reliability of the device, as well as a frequent maintenance thereof.

As described above, the operation of the device is discontinuous and intermittent, since the brake conveyor must be stopped and restarted for the suitable formation of each created group of packs: consequently, the less stable packs can be subjected to drops due to the accelerations/decelerations due to the restarts/stops of the brake conveyor.

In addition, the wear of the components of these conveyors with discontinuous operation is considerably higher than that of conveyors used with continuous operation.

The operation of this type of grouping device is even less reliable if the packs to be grouped have limited size, with particular reference to the size of the pack that corresponds to the advancement direction on the conveyor. In this case, the errors which can be introduced in the photocell detecting the position, in controlling the advancement length or in the stopping time of the conveyor can become considerable and it is not possible to correct these.

The operation might not be reliable in the case of unstable packs, in particular at the zones of passage between the different conveyors where they are more subject to possible drops; in case of errors in forming a group of packs, there is no possibility of correction, nor is there the possibility of direct and immediate correction of the error, and therefore the direct manual intervention of an operator is required.

In addition, if there is more than one conveyor, with multiple inlet channels, the synchronization between the different channels might not be reliable for the above-listed reasons. According to another solution, the group of the packs can be carried out by means of a grouping device with bar separator: this solution provides for the use of a pack feeding conveyor, termed storage conveyor, of a pack separation conveyor, defined meter, and of a unit for forming the bar groups.

The storage conveyor can be made for example by means of friction rollers, i.e. capable of sliding with respect to the transmission that drives them, or by means of modular chain belts provided with small idle rollers.

In general, this type of conveyor is capable of moving the packs with a limited thrust force. In such a manner, if the packs downstream of the conveyor are stopped, the conveyor can continue to operate beneath the packs being accumulated without damaging them and/or without being damaged.

The separation conveyor is constituted by two conveyor belts in sequence, in which the speed of the second belt is always higher than the first: in the passage between the first belt and the second belt, the packs are clearly moved away by a distance proportional to the ratio of the speeds of the two belts themselves.

The bar formation unit is constituted by a bar or by a plurality of bars mounted on a pair of chains or belts, or still other movement systems, and by an underlying conveyor, e.g. a roller conveyor or modular chain belt conveyor.

A system of guides of the bars is provided that is adapted to allow the insertion thereof between two consecutive packs that were previously spaced by the separation conveyor. The packs can be guided transversely with respect to the advancement direction by suitable guides.

In practical operation, the formation of the groups of packs according to this solution occurs in the following manner: the first pack of the group to be formed is transferred onto the separation conveyor of the device; a bar is inserted, in particular by lowering it, before the first of the packs of the group to be formed; the packs following the first pack of the group to be formed are transferred onto the separation conveyor of the device; by maintaining in this step a speed of the bar that is suitably lower than the speed of the belt, the packs on the belt are compacted and aligned against the bar itself; once the grouping of the pre-established number of packs is completed, the bar is removed, in particular by lifting it, allowing the group of the compacted packs thus formed to advance to the subsequent conveyor.

The device can be provided with multiple series of bars in order to attain the operation with higher operating speeds.

Also such solution nevertheless has the following disadvantages: the operation of this device is based on the friction between the surfaces of the belts of the separation conveyor and that of the conveyed packs, and thus, as seen above for the preceding solution, it is conditioned by many different factors such as the presence of water on the packs, condensation, environmental humidity, variations in the surface finish of the packs, variations in the surface of the brake conveyor, for example due to dust accumulation and still other factors; all this clearly involves an overall reduction of the device reliability, as well as the need for the frequent maintenance of such device; the operation might not be reliable in the case of unstable packs, in particular at the zones of passage between the different conveyors where they are more subjected to possible drops; the bar formation unit limits the accessibility to the conveyors and to the packs present in this zone; the bars moreover have a considerable bulk, also due to the devices necessary for the movement thereof; the bar formation unit is attained with mechanical systems that require maintenance; in case of errors in the formation of a group of packs, there is no possibility of correction, nor possibility of direct and immediate detection of the error, and therefore the direct manual intervention of an operator is required.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION.

The technical task of the present invention is to improve the state of the art in the field of grouping packs for the formation of layers of packs.

In the scope of such technical task, one object of the present invention is to implement a device with high reliability of use and reduced maintenance, whose operation is not affected by factors such as the presence of water on the packs, condensation, environmental humidity, variations in the surface finish of the packs, variations in the surface of the conveyor, for example due to the accumulation of dust, and similar problems.

A further object of the present invention is to implement a device which allows the effective and stable transportation, independent of speed variations, also of the more unstable packs, for example unstable due to their size and/or conformation, allowing the optimal grouping thereof without risks of drops also at the zones of passage between different conveyors.

Still another object of the present invention is to devise a device with limited wear of its components.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which allows automatically correcting possible errors of positioning in the final grouping of the packs, without requiring the intervention of an operator.

A further object of the present invention is to implement a device which, if an inlet with multiple channels is provided, allows the optimal synchronization of the simultaneous formation of the different groups of packs from the respective channels.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a device for grouping packs is provided, according to claim 1.

In particular, the device is of the type associable with at least one formation conveyor supported by a respective framework and adapted to transfer the packs according to a pre- established advancement direction, for the formation of groups constituted by a predetermined number of packs, the device comprising a plurality of actuators distributed according to at least one row parallel to the advancement direction and arranged along at least one side of the packs transferred on the formation conveyor, such at least one row of actuators being selectively movable on a plane parallel to the advancing plane of the packs and transverse to the advancement direction, the actuators being controlled by at least one control processor for the selective stopping and/or thrusting of the packs, for the formation of ordered groups. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for grouping packs, with at least one grouping device, comprising the steps of providing at least a plurality of packs; providing at least one formation conveyor for transferring packs according to a predefined advancement direction; providing at least one said grouping device; sending, to the formation conveyor, at least a predetermined number of packs equal to that necessary for the formation of a first group plus at least one pack for the formation of at least one subsequent group; driving at least one actuator for stopping, for a predetermined time, at least the first pack of at least one subsequent group whose position is instantaneously detected by the detection means; selectively driving, in controlled stop sequence, the actuators following the stop actuator of the first pack of the at least one subsequent group, for advancing at adjusted speed, substantially equal to or lower than the advancement speed of the formation conveyor, at least the first pack and the subsequent packs of the at least one subsequent group, so as to compact the latter, and for the predetermined spacing between the groups; repeating such sequence of steps for the groups following the first group.

In addition, a method is also provided for grouping packs with at least one grouping device comprising the steps of: providing at least a plurality of packs; providing at least one formation conveyor for transferring packs according to a predefined advancement direction; providing at least one said grouping device; sending, to the formation conveyor, at least a predefined number of packs equal to that necessary for the formation of a first group plus at least one pack for the formation of at least one subsequent group; driving at least one actuator for thrusting, in the advancement direction, the final pack of the first group whose position is instantaneously detected by the detection means; selectively driving, in controlled thrust sequence, the actuators following the thrust actuator of the final pack of said first group, for advancing at adjusted speed, substantially equal to or higher than the advancement speed of the formation conveyor, at least the final pack and the preceding packs of the first group, so as to compact the latter, and for the predetermined spacing between the groups; repeating such sequence of steps for the groups following the first group.

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

The characteristics of the invention will be better understood by every man skilled in the art from the following description and from the enclosed drawing tables, given as a non limiting example, in which: figure 1 is an axonometric view of a device for grouping packs, associated with a formation conveyor, according to the present invention; figure 2 is a front view of a device for grouping packs, associated with a formation conveyor, according to the invention; figure 3 is a plan view of a plurality of devices, associated with respective formation conveyors and with respective storage conveyors, according to the invention; figure 4 is a detailed plan view of the device, highlighting a possible embodiment of the actuators in a step of thrusting the packs; figure 5 is a detailed plan view of the device, highlighting the actuators, of the same embodiment of figure 4, in a step of stopping the packs; figure 6 is a detailed plan view of the device, highlighting another possible embodiment of the actuators in a step of thrusting the packs; figure 7 is a detailed plan view of the device, highlighting the actuators, of the same embodiment of figure 6, in a step of stopping the packs; figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of the actuators of the embodiment represented in figures 6 and 7; figure 9 is a sectional view, according to the plane IX-IX of figure 8, of heads of the actuators; figure 10 is a detailed plan view of the device, highlighting a further possible embodiment of the actuators in a step of thrusting the packs; figure 11 is a detailed plan view of the device, highlighting the actuators, of the same embodiment of figure 10, in a step of stopping the packs; figure 12 is a front view of a device highlighting still another possible embodiment of the actuators, associated with a formation conveyor, according to the invention; figure 13 is a partial axonometric view of the device of figure 12, associated with a formation conveyor; figure 14 is a detailed enlargement of figure 13, highlighting actuators of rotary type; figure 15 is a detailed plan view of the device of figure 12, highlighting the actuators in a step of thrusting the packs; figure 16 is a detailed plan view of the device of figure 12, highlighting the actuators in a step of stopping the packs; figure 17 is a plan view of a plurality of devices of figure 12, associated with respective formation conveyors and with respective storage conveyors, according to the invention; figure 18 is a side view, with several parts in cross section view, of a device for grouping packs according to another version of the present invention; figure 19 illustrates, in transverse view, a first type of actuator used in the device for grouping packs pursuant to the preceding figure; figure 20 is a transverse view, with several parts in cross section view, of the device for grouping packs pursuant to figure 18; figure 21 is a transverse view, with several parts in cross section view, of the device for grouping packs pursuant to figures 18 and 20 provided with a plurality of second types of actuators; figures 22 and 23 illustrate, in axonometric view, a second type of actuator used in the device for grouping packs pursuant to the preceding figure; and figure 24 is a side view, with several parts in cross section view, of a device for grouping packs according to still another version of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION.

With reference to the enclosed figures, reference number 1 overall indicates a device for grouping packs, of the type associable with at least one formation conveyor 2 supported by a respective framework 3 and adapted to transfer the packs A (figures 3-7) according to a pre-established advancement direction 4, for the formation of groups B constituted by a predetermined number of packs A.

The device 1 comprises a plurality of actuators 5 distributed according to at least one row 6 parallel to the aforesaid advancement direction 4 and arranged along at least one side of the packs A transferred on the formation conveyor 2. More in detail, the row 6 of the actuators 5 is selectively movable on a plane parallel to that of the formation conveyor 2 on which the packs A advance and transverse to the advancement direction 4. Two parallel rows 6 can be provided, each arranged along a respective side of the packs A.

The actuators 5 are controlled by at least one control processor 7, for the selective stopping and/or thrusting of the packs A, so as to form ordered groups B.

In particular, the device 1 comprises means 8 for instantaneously detecting the position of each of the packs A moving on at least such formation conveyor 2: the detection means 8 are controlled by the control processor 7 for the selective driving of the actuators 5 to stop or thrust the packs A.

Each of the actuators 5 comprises a main body 9 associated with a contact member 10 controlled selectively movable between an inactive position, in which it does not intercept the packs A, and an operative position, in which it is moved away, cantilevered from the main body 9, and intercepts at least one respective pack A for the stopping or thrusting of the same.

According to one possible embodiment, the abovementioned contact member 10 can comprise a stem 11 slidable within the main body 9, and provided with a shaped head 12. The stem 11 is controlled selectively movable according to a respective driving axis 13 between an inactive position, in which the shaped head 12 is substantially adjacent to the main body 9 and does not intercept the packs A, and an operative position, in which the stem 11 exits cantilevered from the main body 9 and the shaped head 12 intercepts a respective pack A for the stopping or thrusting of the same. In such solution, the actuators 5 are of linear type.

More in detail, the shaped head 12 comprises at least one flat surface 12a which defines a stop abutment for the packs A, and at least one tilted thrust surface 12b for said packs A.

In another possible embodiment, represented in figures 6 to 9, each shaped head 12 can also comprise, on at least one side adjacent to another shaped head 12, at least one relief 12c, and on the opposite side, adjacent to a further shaped head 12, at least one recess 12d, for the mutual engagement of the shaped heads 12 with the respective reliefs 12c slidably inserted in corresponding recesses 12d. In particular, the recess 12d can be provided, on the side of the shaped head 12 defining the at least one flat surface 12a for stop abutment of the packs A, and the relief 12c can thus be provided on the opposite side.

In a further possible solution, the contact member 10 comprises a stem 14 for thrusting a respective oscillating element 15 rotatably associated with the main body 9. Also the stem 14 is controlled selectively movable according to a respective driving axis 13 between an inactive position, in which the stem 14 is at least partially housed in the main body 9 and the oscillating element 15 does not intercept the packs A, and an operative position, in which the stem 14 exits cantilevered from the main body 9 and thrusts the oscillating element 15 against a respective pack A for the stopping or thrusting of the same. Also for such solution, the actuators 5 are of linear type.

In particular, the oscillating element 15 comprises at least one free end 15a which defines a stop abutment for the packs A, and an intermediate thrust portion 15b for the packs, elastic means 16 being provided for automatic return of the oscillating element 15 into the shown inactive configuration. The elastic means 16 can for example comprise a spring which works under traction, connected at one end to the main body 9, and at the other end to the oscillating element 15.

The actuators 5 are separately controlled, independent of each other by means of the control processor 7, and are distributed in the row 6 with the respective driving axes 13 parallel to each other.

The actuators 5 can be of the type with pneumatic cylinder, or of electric or electromechanical type, or of still another type.

In a further embodiment of the device 1, the actuators 5 can be of rotary type: in such case, the main body 9 of each of the rotary actuators 5 is associated with a contact member 10 of eccentric type controlled selectively movable between an inactive position, in which it does not intercept the packs A, and an operative position, in which it intercepts at least one respective pack A for the stopping or thrusting of the same.

The contact members 10 of eccentric type have rotation axis 10a perpendicular to the plane of advancement of the packs A; and, for example, each contact member 10 of eccentric type can be constituted by an eccentric disc 10b, or even by an eccentric roller, or by a cam, or the like.

The aforesaid formation conveyor 2 is of continuous advancement type, and in particular is adapted for the controlled sliding beneath the packs A, when the aforesaid packs A are stopped, or thrust at higher speed, due to the actuators 5.

In particular, the formation conveyor 2 can be of the type with friction rollers, adapted to slide with respect to a respective driving transmission, or it can be of modular chain belt type, provided with small idle rollers, or of the type with smooth modular chain belt, so as to attain a calibrated friction with the abutment surface of the packs to be transported. According to the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the actuators 5 are positioned along a respective row 6 and associated with a frame 17 which is situated above the formation conveyors 2; naturally different support elements (not illustrated) are also possible of the actuators 5 arranged laterally or below the formation conveyors 2.

The frame 17, or the other support elements, allows positioning the actuators 5 themselves at a variable distance with respect to the formation conveyor 2, the aforesaid distance can be predefined and modified as a function of the type of packs to be grouped. In particular, the frame 17 is adapted for the selective movement of at least one row 6 on a plane parallel to the advancing plane of the packs A and transverse to the advancement direction 4, for the adaptation to the different sizes of the packs A.

More in detail, the number of the actuators 5, the mutual distance between them, and the distance between the possible rows 6 of actuators 5 are variable and adjustable based on the size characteristics of the packs A to be grouped.

In addition, the device can comprise at least one guide 18 for sliding the packs A according to the aforesaid advancement direction 4.

The abovementioned guide 18 is constituted by at least one elongated bar arranged at least along a side of the packs A being transferred on the formation conveyor 2, the bar being associated with the frame 17. For example, two guides 18 can be provided for, each arranged along a respective side of the packs A.

The task of the guides 18 is to facilitate the sliding of the packs A when the actuators 5 are not driven.

The abovementioned detection means 8 can comprise a distribution of photocells, or a distribution of ultrasound locators, or optical measurement bars, or other types of detection sensors, arranged along one side or both sides of the packs A, having reading direction horizontal or vertical and associated with the frame 17. As stated above, the detection means 8 allow instantaneously detecting the position of each pack A during their advancement.

More in detail, the frame 17 comprises lateral uprights 19 associated with the framework 3 and connected two-by-two by respective crosspieces 20, which in the embodiment are arranged at the top, but which could also be arranged differently.

Each of the crosspieces 20 comprises at least one arm 21, arranged towards the formation conveyor 2 and which is selectively movable according to a direction that is transverse with respect to the advancement direction of the packs A.

The terminal ends 21a of the arms 21 are connected to at least one support element 22 for at least the actuators 5 and for the at least one guide 18. Such support element 22 has longitudinal extension parallel to the advancement direction 4, and has for example elongated plate-like conformation.

The device can also be associated with an inlet 23 with multiple channels 24 for the packs A: in such case, at least one respective row 6 of actuators 5 and respective detection means 8 are provided for each channel 24, and a single formation conveyor 2 can be provided for all the channels 24, or a respective formation conveyor 2 for each channel 24.

When multiple formation conveyors 2 are provided, these are arranged parallel to each other for the simultaneous synchronized formation of respective groups B of packs A by means of the actuators 5 and the detection means 8 controlled by the at least one control processor 7.

The device 1 can also be associated with at least one storage conveyor 25 situated upstream of the formation conveyor 2, for feeding the packs A to such conveyor 2.

The storage conveyor 25 is adapted for the controlled sliding beneath the packs A, when the same packs A are adjacent, in queue, due to the stopping, by means of the actuators 5, of the subsequent packs A along the formation conveyor 2.

The storage conveyor 25 can be of the type with friction rollers, adapted to slide with respect to the respective driving transmission, or it is of the type with modular chain belt provided with small idle rollers.

The storage conveyor 25 is adapted to move the packs with a limited thrust force; in such a manner, if the packs A arranged downstream of the storage conveyor 25 are stopped, the latter can continue to operate beneath the packs A being accumulated without damaging them and/or without being damaged.

Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for grouping packs A, driven with the device 1 described above.

The method comprises the steps of providing at least a plurality of packs A; providing at least one formation conveyor 2 for transferring packs A according to a predefined advancement direction 4; providing at least one grouping device 1.

The method also comprises the step of sending the formation conveyor 2 at least a predetermined number of packs A equal to that necessary for the formation of a first group B plus at least one pack A for the formation of at least one subsequent group B.

The method also comprises the step of driving at least one actuator 5 for stopping, for a predetermined time, at least the first pack A of at least one subsequent group B, whose position is instantaneously detected by the detection means 8.

The method comprises the further step of selectively driving, in controlled stopping sequence, the actuators 5 following the stopping of the first pack A of the at least one subsequent group B, for advancing with adjusted speed, substantially equal to or lower than the advancing speed of the formation conveyor 22, at least the first pack A and the subsequent packs A of the at least one subsequent group B, so as to compact the latter, and for the predetermined spacing between the groups B.

The method also provides for repeating the sequence of steps now seen for the groups B following the first group.

Also forming the object of the present invention is another method for grouping packs A, still driven with the device 1 described above.

The aforesaid method comprises the steps of providing at least a plurality of packs A; providing at least one formation conveyor 2 for transferring packs A according to a predefined advancement direction 4; providing at least one grouping device 1. The method also comprises the step of sending, to the formation conveyor 2, at least a predetermined number of packs A equal to that necessary for the formation of a first group B plus at least one pack A for the formation of at least one subsequent group.

The method also comprises the step of driving at least one actuator 5 for thrusting according to such advancement direction 4 of the final pack A of the first group B whose position is instantaneously detected by the detection means 8.

The method comprises the further step of selectively driving, in controlled thrust sequence, the actuators 5 following the thrust actuator of the final pack A of the first group B, for advancing with adjusted speed, substantially equal to or higher than the advancing speed of the formation conveyor 2, at least the final pack A and the preceding packs A of the first group B, so as to compact the latter, and for the predetermined spacing between the groups B.

The method also provides for repeating the sequence of above-described steps for the groups B following the first group. Both the above-described methods can comprise a step of selectively stopping and thrusting in combination, by means of the actuators 5, a predefined number of packs A identified instantaneously by the detection means 8, for the correction of possible errors detected in the positioning of the packs A and the correct group of the same.

The operation of the device 1 is therefore the following. The formation of the groups B is attained by means of the selective stopping and/or thrusting of the packs B, whose instantaneous position is detected by the detection means 8, by the actuators 5 interfaced with the control processor 7.

As stated above, the actuators 5 are distributed in rows 6 parallel to the advancement direction 4 and along one side or both sides of the packs A transferred on the formation conveyor 2.

The actuators 5 can be driven independently of each other, so as to intercept the packs B with the respective contact members 10, in order to stop or thrust them.

When the actuators 5 are not driven, the respective contact members 10 do not interfere with the normal advancing of the packs B. The number of the actuators 5 and their mutual distance can be adjusted based on the characteristics, in particular on the size, of the packs A to be treated.

As seen above, the rows 6 of actuators 5 are associated with arms 21 that allow the adjustment of the position thereof according to a direction that is transverse with respect to the advancement direction of the packs A, still in order to allow the adaptation to packs A of different size.

For such purpose, it is possible to adjust the height of the rows 6 of actuators 5 with respect to the formation conveyor 2.

The formation conveyor 2, as seen above, is of continuous advancement type and can slide beneath the packs A, without damaging them or being damaged, and the storage conveyor 25 can be provided before the formation conveyor 2 itself.

The grouping of the packs A can occur with different modes, essentially ascribable to an operation in which the packs A are braked and to an operation in which the packs A are thrust by the actuators A, and a combination of such modes.

In the case of operation with braking of the packs A, these are transferred from the storage conveyor 25 to the formation conveyer 2. The speed of the storage conveyor 25 is suitably adjusted higher than that of the formation conveyor 25, preferably in a manner such to maintain the packs A in mutual contact during the transfer.

When a number of packs A are fed onto the formation conveyor 2 equal to the number necessary for the formation of a first group B, plus at least one pack of a subsequent group B, an actuator is driven, or a pair of opposite actuators 5 are driven, when two rows 6 are provided, one for each side of the packs A, in the position most suitable for stopping/braking the first pack A of the group B following the first group being formed, and if necessary also the preceding actuators 5 are driven.

The actuators 5 positioned after the first actuator to be driven are then actuated and deactivated progressively and selectively as the first pack A of the group B following the first group advances, so as to brake the advancement thereof in a controlled manner.

The driving of one or more actuators 5 at the pack A involves stopping the pack A itself and subsequent packs for the duration of the driving of the actuators (or of the actuator). By suitably and sequentially driving the actuation and the deactivation of the actuators 5, stops can be obtained for the packs belonging to the group B following the first group and, consequently, for the packs A of all the subsequent groups B to follow.

The sequence of selectively actuating and deactivating the actuators 5 allows the mechanical braking of the first pack A of the group B following the first group and of the subsequent packs A, also of the groups B to follow, suitably adjusting the advancing speed thereof, in order to maintain it at a value lower than or equal to that of the underlying formation conveyor 2.

In such a manner, the first and the subsequent group B, and the groups B to follow, of packs A can be moved away by the pre-established distance for the subsequent treatments. The possibility of driving the actuators 5 in sequence allows attaining the spacing of the groups B of packs A with a gradual and delicate braking, since - rather than having a single stopping time, which involves a thrust of greater size and duration on the packs A - there can be multiple stopping moments distributed over a greater time span.

The selective activation of the actuators 5 must occur at a moment such to place the contact members 10 in contact with the pack A in the optimal position, so as to stop it/brake it for the necessary time, which is made possible by the presence of the detection means 8, in turn interfaced, like the actuators 5, with the control processor 7, which instantaneously determine the position of the packs A.

The sequence described above is repeated for each subsequent group B independent of the number of packs A or of the length of the group B.

During the transfer of the groups B, the position and the spacing of the packs A are continuously monitored by the detection means 8: in such a manner, if an excessive spacing of packs A in a given group B is detected, the device 1 can automatically correct the error encountered by simply driving corresponding actuators 5 to stop/brake the first pack A of such group B for a time sufficient for recompacting the same.

In the same manner, if the spacing between two subsequent groups B is smaller than that pre-established, the sequence of driving the actuators 5 is suitably controlled in order to slow the second of the groups B for the time necessary for restoring the correct distance. Once a group B with a pre-established number of packs A reaches the end of the formation conveyor 2, it is transferred to the subsequent stations, for example also to another conveyor or to the palletizer, if necessary deactivating the actuators 5 across from the group.

In the case of thrusting operation for the packs A, these are transferred from the storage conveyor 25 to the formation conveyor 2. The speed of the storage conveyor 25 is suitably adjusted higher than that of the formation conveyor 25, in a manner such to preferably maintain the packs A in mutual contact during the transfer.

When, on the formation conveyor 2, a number of packs A are fed equal to the number necessary for the formation of a first group B, plus at least one pack of a subsequent group B, an actuator (or a pair of opposite actuators 5, when two rows 6 are provided, one for each side of the packs A) is driven into the position more suitable for thrusting the final pack A of the first group B.

The actuators 5 positioned after the first driven actuator are then progressively actuated and deactivated, subsequently coming into contact with the rear end of the final pack A of the first group B, then thrusting forward such final pack A itself and consequently the other packs A of the first group B which precede it.

Actuators of another type (not illustrated) can also be provided, which come into contact at different points of the packs A of the first group B, naturally if this is allowed by the shape of the packs A and consequently by the suitable shape of the actuators.

The selective actuation and deactivation sequence of the actuators 5 creates a gradual thrust in advancement direction of the final pack A of the first group B, since the speed thereof can be adjusted, maintaining it higher than that of the underlying formation conveyor 2. In such a manner, the first group B of packs A and the subsequent group can be spaced by the value pre-established for the subsequent operations. The possibility of driving the actuators 5 in sequence allows attaining the spacing of the groups B of packs A in a gradual and delicate manner, since - rather than having a single thrust moment which involves a thrust of greater size and duration on the packs A - there can be multiple thrust moments distributed over a greater time span.

The selective activation of the actuators 5 must occur at a moment such to make the contact members 10 come into contact with the pack A in the optimal position, so as to thrust it forward by the necessary distance, which is made possible by the presence of the detection means 8 (interfaced, like the actuators 5, with the control processor 7) which instantaneously determine the position of the packs A.

The above-described sequence is repeated for each subsequent group B independent of the number of packs A or of the length of the group B.

During the transfer of the groups B, the position and the spacing of the packs A are continuously monitored by the detection means 8: in such a manner, if an excessive spacing of packs A in a given group B is detected, the processor 7 allows correcting the detected error by simply slowing the speed of the formation conveyor 2 for a time sufficient for recompacting the packs A.

Alternatively, the processor 7 can correct the detected error by increasing the speed of the sequence for driving the actuators 5.

If a spacing of two groups B is detected to be smaller than the pre-established value, the sequence for driving corresponding actuators 5 for thrusting the final pack A of the group B into the more forward position can be sped up for the time necessary for restoring the correct distance between the groups B.

Once a group B of a pre-established number of packs A reaches the end of the formation conveyor 2, it is transferred to the subsequent stations, for example also to another conveyor or to a palletizer.

The two operation modes, in braking or thrusting the packs A, can also be combined with each other in order to attain the optimal operation for each case.

In such situation, the actuators 5 can be driven both on the front of the group B of packs A and on the back of the group B of packs A.

In such a manner, the group B can be contained on the front and on the rear by the actuators 5, increasing the stability of the packs A, in particular when they are particularly unstable due to their size and/or conformation.

For example, if the device 1 is in braking operation for the packs A, and a spacing is detected of one or more packs A in a given group B, the thrusting driving of corresponding actuators 5 can also be combined, even only relative to such given group B.

This possibility for example automatically allows the same device 1 to resolve possible jamming of packs A that are outside the tolerance range, without involving machine stops or manual interventions by the operators.

If an inlet 23 with multiple channels 24 for the packs A is provided, multiple devices 1 can be provided, and multiple advancing conveyors 2 and respective storage conveyors 25, which are arranged parallel to each other such to be able to simultaneously form different groups B of packs A, so they can be subsequently treated as a single group B; or a single advancing conveyor 2 can be provided, having a suitable transverse size, on which multiple rows 6 of actuators 5 are provided.

In both cases, in the presence of inlet 23 with multiple channels 24, the groups B of packs A from the different inlet channels 24 can be synchronized with each other, due to the selective intervention of the actuators 5 which compact the packs A by stopping or thrusting the same.

As seen above, the correct operation of the device is allowed by the actuators 5 which can stop/brake or thrust the packs A in order to group them in an optimal manner, and is not based on the friction between the surface of the conveyor and that of the packs as instead occurs in the known devices: therefore, the device 1 of the present invention is not affected by factors such as the presence of water on the packs, condensation, environmental humidity, variations in the surface finish of the packs, variations in the surface of the conveyor, for example due to dust accumulation, and similar problems, which translates into a high reliability of use.

In addition, as seen, the operation of the device 1 is continuous, i.e. the formation conveyor 2, and the respective storage conveyor 25, has a constant speed, and does not undergo sudden variations, stops or accelerations: this involves a further increase of reliability of the device 1 with respect to the known solutions, since it allows an effective and stable transportation of the packs A, otherwise subject to drops that are typical of the discontinuous operation.

Also in the case of packs A that are particularly unstable due to their size and/or conformation, the operation of the device 1 is reliable and effective, since the packs A can be stabilized at the front and at the rear due to the actuators 5, ensuring the correct advancing thereof also at the zones of passage between the different conveyors, and the optimal final group.

Additionally, the continuous operation of the formation conveyor 2, and of the respective storage conveyor 25, involves a wear of the components that is lower than that of the conveyors used with discontinuous operation, hence less maintenance is required. Moreover, as seen above, the possible errors of positioning of the packs A are immediately detected by the detection means 8, which allow an automatic correction of such errors by means of the actuators 5, without requiring the manual intervention of an operator.

Finally, even if an inlet 23 with multiple channels 24 is provided, and/or there are more than one formation conveyors 2 and storage conveyors 25, the device 1 allows the optimal synchronization of the simultaneous formation of the different groups B of packs A from the respective channels.

In figures 18-24, other versions of the present invention are illustrated; in the description of these further versions, the parts that are equivalent or similar to the preceding embodiments maintain the same reference numbers.

In figure 18, a device for grouping packs 101 is illustrated, which is associated with at least one formation conveyor 102 supported by a respective framework 3 and adapted to transfer the packs A (figures 20, 21) according to a pre-established advancement direction 4, for the formation of groups B constituted by a predetermined number of packs A.

In this version, the formation conveyor 102 comprises a conveyor belt 103 provided with idle rollers 104, the conveyor belt 103 can be of modular self-supporting type, made of plastic, or it can be a modular chain, formed by a plurality of modules 107 that are hinged to each other.

The idle rollers 104 are projecting on both sides, upper and lower, with respect to the surface of the conveyor belt 103.

From the upper side, the idle rollers 104 are intended to come into contact with the packs A, while from the lower side a series of actuators 105 (figures 18, 19) or 115 (figures 21- 23) are situated which can selectively come into contact with the lower surface of the idle rollers 104.

In the embodiment of figure 19, the actuator 105 comprises a plate 108 connected to one or more pneumatic cylinders 109; such cylinders can also be of another type, for example of hydraulic or electric type.

In the embodiment of figures 22, 23, the actuator 115 comprises a plate 108 which is connected to slidable guides 112 provided with elastic return elements 113. The plate 108 is also connected to a movement module 114, which can lift a central portion 116 by a few millimeters, according to the direction H; such central portion 116 in turn lifts the plate 108.

During the advancement according to the direction 4, the packs A are abutted against the formation conveyor 102 and they are moved together with this. It must also be observed that, normally, the lower surface of the idle rollers 104 is not in contact with the plates 108 of the actuators 105, 115.

If it is necessary to form a group B, one or more actuators 105, 115 are driven, which come into contact with the lower surface of the idle rollers 104 by means of the plate 108. Due to the contact between the plate 108, which is stationary with respect to the advancement direction 4 of the formation conveyor 102, and the lower surface of the idle rollers 104, the peripheral speed of the upper surface of the idle rollers 104 is doubled with respect to the advancing speed of the formation conveyor 102.

The consequent effect is therefore to accelerate the packs A which are situated on the formation conveyor 102 at the plate 108 which was lifted in contact with the idle rollers 104.

As with the preceding embodiments, the selective activation of the actuators 105, 115 allows thrusting forward the pack A by the distance necessary for the formation of the group B, this being possible due to the presence of the detection means 8 (interfaced, like the actuators 105, 115, with the control processor 7) which instantaneously determine the position of the packs A.

It must be observed that, in this version of the present invention, the actuators 5 arranged at the sides of the packs A are no longer present and the formation of the groups B is obtained by means of the formation conveyor 102.

Figure 24 illustrates another version of the present invention.

In this version, a second belt 120 is provided that is arranged between the lower surface of the idle rollers 104 and the plates 108 of the actuators 105, 115, and such second belt 120 can be moved in the two senses at a variable speed, or it can be stationary.

The second belt 120 has a first surface 121, with high friction coefficient, intended to come into contact with the lower surface of the idle rollers 104 and a second surface 122, with low friction coefficient, intended to come into contact with the plates 108 of the actuators 105, 115.

Normally, the lower surface of the idle rollers 104 is not in contact with the upper surface 122 of the second belt 120.

When one or more actuators 105, 115 are actuated, the plate 108 comes into contact with the second belt 120 which, as a function of its speed and movement sense, can rotate the idle rollers 104 in a suitable manner in order to accelerate, stop, slow or move backward the packs A that are situated at the plate 108 that was lifted in contact with the second belt 120.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

In addition, all the details can be substituted by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be of any type depending on the requirements, without departing from the protective scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Device (1) for grouping packs (A) comprising at least one formation conveyor (2, 102) supported by a respective framework (3) and adapted to transfer said packs (A) according to a pre-established advancement direction (4), for the formation of groups (B) constituted by a predetermined number of said packs (A), characterized in that it comprises a plurality of actuators (5, 105) distributed according to at least one row (6, 106) parallel to said advancement direction (4) and arranged along at least one side of said packs (A) transferred on said formation conveyor (2, 102), said at least one row (6, 106) of actuators (5, 105) being selectively movable on a plane parallel or intersecting to the advancing plane of said packs (A) and transverse to said advancement direction (4), said actuators (5, 105) being controlled by at least one control processor (7) for the selective stopping and/or thrusting of said packs (A), for the formation of said ordered groups (B).

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising means (8) for detecting the instantaneous position of each of said packs (A) moving on at least said formation conveyor (2, 102), said detection means (8) being controlled by said control processor (7) for the selective driving of said actuators (5, 105) to stop or thrust said packs (A).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of said actuators (5) comprises a main body (9) associated with a contact member (10) controlled selectively movable between an inactive position, in which it does not intercept said packs (A), and an operative position, in which it is moved away, cantilevered from said main body (9) and intercepts at least one respective pack (A) for stopping or thrusting the same.

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein said contact member (10) comprises a stem

(11) slidable within said main body (9), said stem (11) being provided with a shaped head

(12) and being controlled selectively movable according to a respective driving axis (13) from an inactive position, in which said shaped head (12) is substantially next to said main body (9) and does not intercept said packs (A), to an operative position, in which said stem (11) exits cantilevered from said main body (9) and said shaped head (12) intercepts a respective pack (A) for stopping or thrusting the same.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein said shaped head (12) comprises at least one flat surface (12a) which defines a stop abutment for said packs (A), and at least one tilted thrust surface (12b) for said packs (A).

6. Device according to one of claims 4 or 5 wherein each of said shaped heads (12) comprises, on at least one side adjacent to another shaped head (12), at least one relief (12c), and on the opposite side, adjacent to a further shaped head (12), at least one recess (12d), for the mutual engagement of said shaped heads (12) with said respective reliefs (12c) slidably inserted in said corresponding recesses (12d).

7. Device according to claim 3, wherein said contact member (10) comprises at least one stem (14) for thrusting a respective oscillating element (15) rotatably associated with said main body (9), said stem (14) being controlled selectively movable according to a respective driving axis (13) from an inactive position, in which said stem (14) is housed at least partially in said main body (9) and said oscillating element (15) does not intercept said packs (A), to an operative position, in which said stem (14) exits cantilevered from said main body (9) and thrusts said oscillating element (15) against a respective pack (A) for the stopping or thrusting of the same.

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein said oscillating element (15) comprises at least one free end (15a) which defines a stop abutment for said packs (A), and an intermediate thrust portion (15b) for said packs (A), elastic means (16) being provided for the automatic return of said oscillating element (15) into said inactive configuration.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuators (5) are controlled independently from each other by means of said control processor (7).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said formation conveyor (2) is of continuous advancement type, and is adapted for the controlled sliding beneath said packs (A).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuators (5) are associated according to said at least one row (6) with at least one frame (17) adapted for positioning said actuators (5) suspended at a predefined variable distance with respect to said formation conveyor (2), and adapted for the selective movement of said at least one row (6) on a plane parallel to that of advancement of said packs (A) and transverse to said advancement direction (4), for adapting to the different sizes of said packs (A).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of said actuators (5), the mutual distance of said actuators (5) and the distance between the rows (6) of said actuators (5) are variable and adjustable based on the size characteristics of said packs (A) to be grouped.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one slide guide (18) for sliding said packs (A) according to said advancement direction (4).

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein said at least one guide (18) is constituted by at least one elongated bar arranged at least along one side of said packs (A) being transferred on said formation conveyor (2), said bar being associated with said frame (17).

15. Device according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein said frame comprises lateral uprights (19) associated with said framework (3) and connected two-by-two by respective crosspieces (20), each of said crosspieces (20) comprising at least one arm (21), arranged towards said formation conveyor (2) and selectively movable according to a direction transverse with respect to said advancement plane of said packs (A), the terminal ends (21a) of said arms (21) being connected to at least one support element (22) for at least said actuators (5) and for said at least one guide (18), said support element (22) having longitudinal extension parallel to said advancement direction (4).

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is associated with an inlet (23) with multiple channels (24) for said packs (A), at least one respective row (6) of said actuators (5) and respective detection means (8) for each channel (24) being provided, and a single formation conveyor (2) being provided for all said channels (24) or a respective formation conveyor (2) being provided for each channel (24), said formation conveyors (2) being arranged parallel to each other for the simultaneous synchronized formation of respective groups (B) of packs (A) by means of said actuators (5) and said detection means (8) controlled by said at least one control processor (7).

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one storage conveyor (25) situated upstream of said formation conveyor (2) for feeding said packs (A) to the latter, said storage conveyor (25) being adapted for the controlled sliding beneath said packs (A) when they are in line, for stopping the subsequent packs (A) by means of the actuators (5) along the formation conveyor (2).

18. Device according to one of claims 1-3, wherein said actuators (5) are of rotary type, said main body (9) of each of said rotary actuators (5) being associated with a respective contact member (10) of eccentric type, controlled selectively movable from an inactive position, in which it does not intercept said packs (A), to an operative position, in which it intercepts at least one respective pack (A) for stopping or thrusting the same.

19. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said formation conveyor (102) comprises a conveyor belt (103) provided with idle rollers (104) projecting on both sides, upper and lower, with respect to the surface of the conveyor belt (103).

20. Device according to the preceding claim, comprising a series of actuators (105; 115) which can selectively come into contact with the lower surface of said idle rollers (104) by means of a respective plate (108).

21. Device according to the previous claim, comprising a second belt (120) arranged between the lower surface of the idle rollers (104) and the plates (108) of the actuators (105; 115), said second belt (120) having a first surface (121), with a high coefficient of friction, intended to come into contact with the lower surface of the idle rollers (104) and a second surface (122), with low friction coefficient, intended to come into contact with the plates (108) of the actuators (105; 115).

22. Method for grouping packs, attained with at least one grouping device according to claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing at least one plurality of packs (A); providing at least one formation conveyor (2) for transferring packs (A) according to a predefined advancement direction (4); providing at least one said grouping device (1); sending, to said formation conveyor (2), at least one predetermined number of packs (A) equal to that necessary for forming a first group (B) plus at least one pack (A) for the formation of at least one subsequent group (B); driving at least one actuator (5) for stopping, for a predetermined time period, at least said first pack (A) of said at least one subsequent group (B) whose position is instantaneously detected by said detection means (8); selectively driving, in controlled stopping sequence, said actuators (5) following the stopping of said first pack (A) of said at least one subsequent group (B), for advancing at adjusted speed, substantially equal to or less than the advancing speed of said formation conveyor (2), at least said first pack (A) and the subsequent packs (A) of said at least one subsequent group (B), so as to compact the latter, and for the predetermined spacing between said groups (B); repeating said sequence of steps for the groups (B) following the first.

23. Method for grouping packs, attained with at least one grouping device according to claims 1 to 18, comprising the steps of: providing at least one plurality of packs (A); providing at least one formation conveyor (2) for transferring packs (A) according to a predefined advancement direction (4); providing at least one said grouping device (1); sending, to said formation conveyor (2), at least one number of predetermined packs (A) equal to that necessary for forming a first group (B) plus at least one pack (A) for forming at least one subsequent group (B); driving at least one actuator (5) for thrusting in said advancement direction (4) the final pack (A) of said first group (B) whose position is instantaneously detected by said detection means (8); selectively driving, in controlled thrust sequence, said actuators (5) following the thrusting of said final pack (A) of said first group (B), for advancing at adjusted speed, substantially equal to or higher than the advancing speed of said formation conveyor (2), at least said final pack (A) and the preceding packs (A) of said first group (B), so as to compact the latter, and for the predetermined spacing between said groups (B); repeating said sequence of steps for the groups (B) following the first. Method according to one of claims 19 or 20, comprising the step of stopping and thrusting selectively in combination, by means of said actuators (5), a predefined number of packs (A) instantaneously identified by said detection means (8), for the correction of possible errors detected in the positioning of the packs (A) and the correct