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EP3562766A1 - Device for transferring products - Google Patents

Device for transferring products

Info

Publication number
EP3562766A1
EP3562766A1 EP17840486.9A EP17840486A EP3562766A1 EP 3562766 A1 EP3562766 A1 EP 3562766A1 EP 17840486 A EP17840486 A EP 17840486A EP 3562766 A1 EP3562766 A1 EP 3562766A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
products
conveyor
thrust
thrust means
intermediate conveyor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP17840486.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Julien Berger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sidel Engineering and Conveying Solutions SAS
Original Assignee
Gebo Packaging Solutions France SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gebo Packaging Solutions France SAS filed Critical Gebo Packaging Solutions France SAS
Publication of EP3562766A1 publication Critical patent/EP3562766A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/34—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor 
    • B65G47/46—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points
    • B65G47/51—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination
    • B65G47/5104—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination for articles
    • B65G47/5109—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor  and distributing, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination for articles first In - First Out systems: FIFO
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/02—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors
    • B65G47/04—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles
    • B65G47/06—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines
    • B65G47/08—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding
    • B65G47/082—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding grouping articles in rows
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/52—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices
    • B65G47/68—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor
    • B65G47/682—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor from a single conveyor lane consisting of one conveyor or several adjacent conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/52—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices
    • B65G47/68—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor
    • B65G47/71—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor the articles being discharged or distributed to several distinct separate conveyors or to a broader conveyor lane
    • B65G47/715—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor the articles being discharged or distributed to several distinct separate conveyors or to a broader conveyor lane to a broader conveyor lane
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/74—Feeding, transfer, or discharging devices of particular kinds or types
    • B65G47/82—Rotary or reciprocating members for direct action on articles or materials, e.g. pushers, rakes, shovels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02—Articles
    • B65G2201/0235—Containers
    • B65G2201/0244—Bottles

Definitions

  • the present invention is in the field of conveying products within an industrial processing line. It relates more particularly to a product transfer device, able to transfer products between a conveyor and an accumulation surface.
  • US4610347 discloses a device for transferring products from an input conveyor to an accumulation surface, to then form product bundles. This device requires a complementary means of batch separation, to be able to transversely push a lot before the arrival of the first product of the next batch.
  • GB2174667 discloses a device for transferring products from an input conveyor to an accumulation surface in the form of a wide transverse conveyor, passing through a fixed sliding surface.
  • the transfer to the accumulation surface is carried out by pushing, by means of a plate following the longitudinal movement of the products on the input conveyor in order to reduce the risks of falling products. Nevertheless the risk of falling is always important when passing on the fixed part of slip.
  • the present invention aims to overcome at least in part these disadvantages, and proposes for this purpose to interpose, between the accumulation surface and the main conveyor, an intermediate conveyor, which can then be slowed down to a sufficiently low speed so that the products are transferred transversely without risk of falling to or from the accumulation surface, and accelerated to a speed sufficiently close to that of the main conveyor so that the transfer to or from the main conveyor is also done without risk of fall.
  • Such a solution makes it possible to avoid an additional downstream means of batch separation, and thus allows a significant space saving.
  • the present invention thus proposes a method of transferring products between a main conveyor configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction, and an accumulation surface, characterized in that it is done by means of an intermediate conveyor and a pushing means, and in that it comprises the following steps: - acceleration of the intermediate conveyor,
  • the transfer of products can be done continuously between a main conveyor operating at constant speed and a fixed accumulation surface in the direction of travel of the conveyor with a reduced risk of falling products, the transfer steps are producing between two surfaces whose relative longitudinal velocity relative to each other is substantially zero. This avoids having to create spaces between batches, by another means, upstream on a main input conveyor. It also avoids creating unnecessary spaces between batches on a main output conveyor, in the corresponding configurations.
  • said thrust means may comprise a thrust wall, longitudinally movable, configured capable of following the longitudinal movement of the products during the transfer steps, which, by monitoring the longitudinal movement of the products, makes it possible to avoid retaining the column; upstream the time of the passage of the thrust wall or, conversely, to hit the products with a means of thrust too fast transversely
  • said method may further comprise the following steps, some steps may be performed at least partially at the same time as others:
  • the thrust means is engaged only with the products it transfers and does not disturb the products upstream and / or downstream present on the main conveyor.
  • the longitudinal relative speed between the products and the thrust means is substantially zero, so that the stability of the products is improved and the risk of falling reduced.
  • the thrust wall and the intermediate conveyor thus circulate longitudinally for a moment at the same speed as the main conveyor, and then slow down essentially to a standstill, so that the products are transferred transversely to the accumulation surface with a relative speed. longitudinal zero or virtually zero,
  • the method according to the invention may further comprise the following steps:
  • the thrust means returns to position to transfer the next batch of products without disturbing the products present on the main conveyor, and a new transfer cycle can begin.
  • the return is also faster and less ample than if the return must be in the horizontal plane.
  • the invention also relates to a device for transferring products between a main conveyor configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction, and an accumulation surface, said device comprising said main conveyor, said accumulation surface and a thrust means, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate conveyor, arranged between the main conveyor and the accumulation surface and adjacent to, and flush with the main conveyor, so permitting transfer of products by transverse displacement of said thrust means between the main conveyor and the intermediate conveyor, and in that the intermediate conveyor has a drive means distinct from the main conveyor so as to be able to vary the speed of the intermediate conveyor independently of that of the main conveyor.
  • the transfer of products can be done continuously between a main conveyor operating at constant speed and a fixed accumulation surface with a risk of reduced product falls, the transfer stages occurring between two surfaces whose speed relative to each other is substantially zero.
  • said thrust means may comprise a thrust wall
  • said thrust wall can be movable longitudinally, so during transfer between the main and intermediate conveyors, the thrust means may be engaged only with the products it transfers and not disturb the products upstream and / or downstream present on the main conveyor; moreover during the transfer steps, the longitudinal relative velocity between the products and the thrust means may be substantially zero, so that the stability of the products is improved and the risk of falling reduces,
  • said thrust means may furthermore comprise a holding wall, this simple device making it possible to add to the thrust means a wall situated downstream of the products in the direction in which they are pushed, and thus to limit the risk of falls; of products during their transfer, as well as the risk of loss of the longitudinal alignment, - said holding wall may be movable longitudinally, and the stability of the products is further improved, and further the holding wall may be integral with the thrust wall, which simplifies the device, -
  • the product transfer device may comprise a secondary thrust means, configured to push the products between the intermediate conveyor and the accumulation surface, so the thrust means can transfer the products between the main and intermediate conveyors, which allows faster transfer cycles,
  • said thrust means may be configured to push the products between the main conveyor and the intermediate conveyor on the one hand, and on the other hand between the intermediate conveyor and the accumulation surface, which makes it possible to carry out the invention with a minimum of moving parts, and therefore a limited cost
  • said thrust means may comprise a lifting mechanism, configured to allow it to pass over the products, so that the thrust means can return to position to transfer the next batch of products without disturbing the products present on the main conveyor, and avoiding a long cycle back in a horizontal plane, and a new transfer cycle can begin.
  • the present invention further relates to an accumulation system, comprising a main input conveyor, a main output conveyor and an accumulation surface disposed between these two conveyors.
  • This system is particular according to the invention in that it comprises an intermediate input conveyor, and / or an intermediate output conveyor and at least one input thrust means and an output thrust means, configured according to the invention. any of the embodiments listed above.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view in sequence of a method according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view in sequence of a method according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the transfer device shown in FIG. 1, makes it possible to transfer products 1 between a main conveyor 2 and an accumulation surface 3 by means of an intermediate conveyor 4.
  • the Main conveyor 2 and the intermediate conveyor 4 each have their own drive means, which allows independent operation, especially at different speeds.
  • the main conveyor 2 can for example operate at a constant speed, or at least regulated by the needs of the machine to which it is connected, while the intermediate conveyor 4 can operate at variable speed, typically between a zero speed and the speed of the conveyor principal 2.
  • the directions X, Y and Z will be named as follows: the direction X represents the longitudinal direction of advance of the products 1 on the main conveyor 2, the direction Y the horizontal direction perpendicular to X, and the direction Z the vertical direction.
  • the main conveyor 2 and the intermediate conveyor 4 are arranged adjacent to each other, conveying the products 1 according to X. Moreover, during the transfer of products 1 between the main conveyor 2 and intermediate 4, the two conveyors 2, 4 operate substantially at the same speed. The transfers are carried out according to Y by a thrust means 5.
  • the thrust means 5 is fixed longitudinally. It is then necessary to provide a thrust of the products 1 sufficiently fast, especially at the beginning of the thrust movement. Indeed the thrust means 5 engages a longitudinal batch of products 1 on the main conveyor 2, and it must push this longitudinal batch to the intermediate conveyor 4. During the pushing movement, the first product 1 not to be engaged by the pushing means 5 continues its course on the main conveyor 2, and must be pushed during the next cycle. It is then important that this product 1 does not hit the thrust means 5; he must be fast enough to escape. For example, the thrust means 5 can start its acceleration before engaging the following products 1, so as to engage them with a non-zero initial speed.
  • the thrust means 5 can move longitudinally along X at the same speed as the conveyors 2, 4.
  • the relative speed between the products 1 and the thrust means 5 is thus substantially zero, which makes it possible not to disturb the products 1 upstream and / or downstream of the set of products 1 being transferred, while starting the thrust movement with a transverse initial velocity substantially zero. This presents in particular the advantage of a better stability of the products 1 during the thrust.
  • the intermediate conveyor 4 and the accumulation surface 3 are arranged adjacent to each other. In other words, the intermediate conveyor 4 runs along an edge of the accumulation surface 3. In addition, during the transfer of products 1 along Y between the intermediate conveyor 4 and the accumulation surface 3, the intermediate conveyor 4 operates at zero speed. or almost zero after deceleration. Transfers between the intermediate conveyor 4 and the accumulation surface 3 are made by a transfer means which can be the thrust means 5, which continues its course along Y, or another transfer means that takes the relay.
  • the device according to the invention can be implemented according to a transfer method comprising the following steps:
  • step II Fig. 1 and step III Fig. 2 transfer of the products 1 between the two conveyors 2, 4 by the action of the thrust means 5 moving longitudinally along X at the speed of the intermediate conveyor 4 (step II Fig. 1 and step III Fig. 2),
  • step II Fig. 1 and step I Fig. 2 Deceleration of the intermediate conveyor 4 (step II Fig. 1 and step I Fig. 2), possibly until the stoppage, and transfer of the products 1 between the intermediate conveyor 4 and the accumulation surface 3 (step III fig. 1 and step II Fig. 2).
  • the stages of shifting of the intermediate conveyor 4, whether accelerations or decelerations, are performed with sufficiently low acceleration values to limit the risk of falling, or longitudinal sliding that would lose the positioning
  • the accelerating values are also sufficiently high so that the transfer process is not too long and the transfer device does not take up too much space.
  • higher acceleration or deceleration values can be provided when intermediate conveyor 4 is empty, and lower when loaded with products 1.
  • the transfer process follows a cycle in which successive batches of products 1 are transferred.
  • a batch of products 1 is transferred along Y between the main conveyor 2 and the accumulation surface 3 before the transfer process of the next batch of products is initiated. This makes it possible to use only one and the same thrust means 5 in the transfer device according to the invention, and thus to avoid additional costs.
  • the method according to the invention can be used to transfer products from a main conveyor 2 to an intermediate conveyor 4, then from the intermediate conveyor 4 to an accumulation surface 3, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the products 1 are arranged on the main conveyor 2, for example in the form of a single-line file.
  • the main conveyor 2 operates at a substantially constant speed, which may correspond to the output speed of an upstream machine.
  • the method according to the invention then comprises the following steps:
  • the transfers according to Y of the products 1 of the main conveyor 2 to the intermediate conveyor 4, then of the intermediate conveyor 4 to the accumulation surface 3, can be done by a single thrust means 5.
  • the thrust means 5 makes a return to position to transfer the next batch of products 1, on the other side of the main conveyor 2.
  • This return can be carried out integrally in a plane horizontal, for example if the thrust means 5 is sufficiently movable longitudinally, such as for example using a longitudinal drive belt.
  • the return may comprise a vertical displacement, in order to pass over the products 1.
  • the method according to the invention can also be used to transfer products 1 from an accumulation surface 3 to a main conveyor 2, as illustrated in FIG. 2. After being stored on the accumulation surface 3 for a longer or shorter time, it is desired to bring the products 1 for example to a downstream machine.
  • the method according to the invention then comprises the following steps:
  • the thrust means 5 comprises a thrust wall 6, arranged to push the products 1, and a holding wall 7, disposed on the other side of the products 1 so as to prevent a fall forward of products 1 during the thrust, and to ensure the longitudinal alignment of the products 1.
  • the thrust wall 6 is movable longitudinally during the transfer cycle, the holding wall 7 remaining stationary according to X during this transfer. It may be a plate 6, movable longitudinally with respect to the thrust means 5 in a reciprocating motion in a frame that comprises said thrust means 5.
  • the spacing between the thrust wall 6 and the holding wall 7 may be adjustable, to adjust to the size of the products.
  • the holding wall 7 can extend from a frame of the thrust means 5, the latter being mounted on a transverse slide.
  • An actuator of the electric motor type makes it possible to produce the movements according to Y of the thrust means 5, by means of a belt for example.
  • Said cross slide is itself fixed on a frame mounted on a vertical slide.
  • An actuator of the electric motor type makes it possible to produce the vertical movements along Z of the thrust means 5, by means of a belt for example.
  • the frame of the thrust means 5 may comprise a plate which can be fixed on a carriage movable longitudinally along a longitudinal slide, and actuated by a belt connected to a motor arranged on the frame.
  • Each of the motors can operate in both directions, to allow a movement back and forth, and can be associated with a frequency converter, allowing it to vary the speed of movement of the plate.
  • the thrust means 5 may comprise only a thrust wall 6 and be devoid of a holding wall 7.
  • the main conveyor 2 for example as an input conveyor, operates at a speed which is driven by a machine upstream.
  • the products 1 transported by the main conveyor 2 are placed one behind the other without space, and then deposited in the form of longitudinal batches of products against each other, said batches being placed one beside the other. other transversely.
  • the device according to the invention makes it possible to transfer the products 1 from the main conveyor 2 without it being necessary to previously create batches separated from one another by a space, as is generally the case in the solutions of the state of the technique.
  • the thrust means 5 is movable transversely along Y, to effect the thrust.
  • An acceleration value of this movement, a maximum speed, and a deceleration value can be provided.
  • a lower deceleration value can be provided than the acceleration value, to prevent the products 1 from continuing their transverse travel alone, and lead to a batch of products shifted, especially if the thrust means 5 has no wall 7. Indeed, they are slowed transversely by the friction on the conveyor 2, 4 or the accumulation surface 3, and the thrust means 5 should preferably not slow more strongly than the slowdown produced by this friction.
  • the thrust means 5 once the thrust has been performed, must then return to a position enabling it to search for the next batch of products 1, and to transfer it to the accumulation surface. It must do so without hitting the following products 1, that it must push transversely along Y during the next cycle.
  • the thrust means 5 makes a vertical movement along Z greater than the height of the products 1, to pass over the products 1 when it has to look for the next batch of products 1 on the accumulation surface 2 and insert the thrust wall between two successive batches of products 1 along the Y axis.
  • the acceleration and deceleration values of these vertical movements according to Z will be determined solely according to the mechanical means used. implement, the thrust means 5 not interacting with the products 1 during these movements.
  • the thrust means 5, or only the thrust wall 6, can be animated with a longitudinal movement to accompany the movement of the products 1, and allow zero relative speed between the thrust wall 6 and the products 1.
  • a longitudinal speed difference of zero or at least less than one or a few tenths of a meter per second, between the intermediate conveyor 4 and the main conveyor 2 on the one hand, and with the accumulation surface 3 on the other hand for transfers may be considered sufficiently low to significantly reduce the risk of falling of products 1 due to this difference.
  • the transfer device according to the invention can be integrated into an accumulation system.
  • Such an accumulation system can be placed between an upstream machine and a downstream machine, and can create a buffer stock of products 1 so that in case of unavailability or slowing down of the machine downstream for example , the upstream machine can continue to operate at a normal rate, and that in case of stopping the machine upstream, the machine downstream can continue to be fed.
  • the accumulation system has an accumulation surface 3, a main inlet conveyor and a main output conveyor.
  • the transfer device according to the invention comprising in particular an intermediate conveyor 4 with variable speed, can then be used either to carry out the product transfers 1 between the main input conveyor and the accumulation surface, or to carry out the transfers. of products 1 between the accumulation surface 3 and the main output conveyor, or to perform both types of transfers.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for transferring products (1) between a main conveyor (2) configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction, and an accumulation surface (3), characterised in that it is carried out by means of an intermediate conveyor (4) and a pushing means (5), and in that it includes the following steps: accelerating the intermediate conveyor (4), and transferring products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the main conveyor (2) by the action of said pushing means (5); and decelerating the intermediate conveyor (4), and transferring products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the accumulation surface (3). The present invention also relates to a device (1) for transferring products between a main conveyor (2), configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction, and an accumulation surface (3), making it possible in particular to carry out the method according to the invention.

Description

Dispositif de transfert de produits  Product transfer device

La présente invention se situe dans le domaine du convoyage de produits au sein d'une ligne industrielle de traitement. Elle concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif de transfert de produits, apte à transférer des produits entre un convoyeur et une surface d'accumulation. The present invention is in the field of conveying products within an industrial processing line. It relates more particularly to a product transfer device, able to transfer products between a conveyor and an accumulation surface.

Le document US4610347 présente un dispositif de transfert de produits d'un convoyeur d'entrée vers une surface d'accumulation, afin de former ensuite des fardeaux de produits. Ce dispositif nécessite un moyen complémentaire de séparation de lots, pour pouvoir pousser transversalement un lot avant l'arrivée du premier produit du lot suivant.  US4610347 discloses a device for transferring products from an input conveyor to an accumulation surface, to then form product bundles. This device requires a complementary means of batch separation, to be able to transversely push a lot before the arrival of the first product of the next batch.

Le document GB2174667 présente un dispositif de transfert de produits d'un convoyeur d'entrée vers une surface d'accumulation sous la forme d'un convoyeur transversal large, en passant par une surface fixe de glissement. Le transfert vers la surface d'accumulation est effectué par poussée, au moyen d'une plaque suivant le mouvement longitudinal des produits sur le convoyeur d'entrée afin de réduire les risques de chutes de produits. Néanmoins le risque de chute est toujours important lors du passage sur la partie fixe de glissement. La présente invention a pour objet de pallier au moins en partie ces inconvénients, et propose pour cela d'interposer, entre la surface d'accumulation et le convoyeur principal, un convoyeur intermédiaire, qui peut alors être ralenti jusqu'à une vitesse suffisamment faible pour que les produits soient transférés transversalement sans risque de chute depuis ou vers la surface d'accumulation, et accéléré jusqu'à une vitesse suffisamment proche de celle du convoyeur principal pour que le transfert vers le- ou du convoyeur principal se fasse également sans risque de chute. Une telle solution permet d'éviter un moyen supplémentaire aval de séparation de lots, et permet donc un gain de place significatif.  GB2174667 discloses a device for transferring products from an input conveyor to an accumulation surface in the form of a wide transverse conveyor, passing through a fixed sliding surface. The transfer to the accumulation surface is carried out by pushing, by means of a plate following the longitudinal movement of the products on the input conveyor in order to reduce the risks of falling products. Nevertheless the risk of falling is always important when passing on the fixed part of slip. The present invention aims to overcome at least in part these disadvantages, and proposes for this purpose to interpose, between the accumulation surface and the main conveyor, an intermediate conveyor, which can then be slowed down to a sufficiently low speed so that the products are transferred transversely without risk of falling to or from the accumulation surface, and accelerated to a speed sufficiently close to that of the main conveyor so that the transfer to or from the main conveyor is also done without risk of fall. Such a solution makes it possible to avoid an additional downstream means of batch separation, and thus allows a significant space saving.

La présente invention propose ainsi un procédé de transfert de produits entre un convoyeur principal configuré pour convoyer des produits dans un sens longitudinal, et une surface d'accumulation, caractérisé en ce qu'il se fait par le moyen d'un convoyeur intermédiaire et d'un moyen de poussée, et en ce qu'il comporte les étapes suivantes : - accélération du convoyeur intermédiaire, The present invention thus proposes a method of transferring products between a main conveyor configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction, and an accumulation surface, characterized in that it is done by means of an intermediate conveyor and a pushing means, and in that it comprises the following steps: - acceleration of the intermediate conveyor,

- transfert de produits entre le convoyeur intermédiaire et le convoyeur principal par l'action dudit moyen de poussée,  - transfer of products between the intermediate conveyor and the main conveyor by the action of said thrust means,

- décélération du convoyeur intermédiaire,  deceleration of the intermediate conveyor,

- transfert de produits entre le convoyeur intermédiaire et la surface d'accumulation.  - transfer of products between the intermediate conveyor and the accumulation surface.

Grâce à ces dispositions, le transfert de produits peut se faire en continu entre un convoyeur principal fonctionnant à vitesse constante et une surface d'accumulation fixe dans le sens de déplacement du convoyeur avec un risque de chutes de produits réduit, les étapes de transfert se produisant entre deux surfaces dont la vitesse longitudinale relative l'une par rapport à l'autre est sensiblement nulle. On évite ainsi de devoir créer des espaces entre lots, par un autre moyen, en amont sur un convoyeur principal d'entrée. On évite également de créer des espaces inutiles entre lots sur un convoyeur principal de sortie, dans les configurations correspondantes.  With these provisions, the transfer of products can be done continuously between a main conveyor operating at constant speed and a fixed accumulation surface in the direction of travel of the conveyor with a reduced risk of falling products, the transfer steps are producing between two surfaces whose relative longitudinal velocity relative to each other is substantially zero. This avoids having to create spaces between batches, by another means, upstream on a main input conveyor. It also avoids creating unnecessary spaces between batches on a main output conveyor, in the corresponding configurations.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques ;  According to other characteristics;

- le transfert de produits entre le convoyeur intermédiaire et la surface d'accumulation peut se faire par le moyen dudit moyen de poussée, ceci permettant de simplifier le dispositif mettant en œuvre le procédé selon l'invention.  the transfer of products between the intermediate conveyor and the accumulation surface can be done by means of said thrust means, this making it possible to simplify the device implementing the method according to the invention.

- ledit moyen de poussée peut comporter une paroi de poussée, mobile longitudinalement, configurée apte à suivre le mouvement longitudinal des produits pendant les étapes de transfert, ce qui, grâce au suivi du mouvement longitudinal des produits, permet d'éviter de retenir la colonne en amont le temps du passage de la paroi de poussée ou, inversement, de heurter les produits avec un moyen de poussée trop rapide transversalement  said thrust means may comprise a thrust wall, longitudinally movable, configured capable of following the longitudinal movement of the products during the transfer steps, which, by monitoring the longitudinal movement of the products, makes it possible to avoid retaining the column; upstream the time of the passage of the thrust wall or, conversely, to hit the products with a means of thrust too fast transversely

~ ledit procédé pouvant comporter en outre les étapes suivantes, certaines étapes pouvant être réalisées au moins partiellement en même temps que d'autres :  ~ said method may further comprise the following steps, some steps may be performed at least partially at the same time as others:

• accélération longitudinale de la paroi de poussée avant le transfert de produits entre les deux convoyeurs, de sorte que la paroi de poussée atteint un mouvement qui a la vitesse et le sens de circulation du convoyeur principal ; • décélération longitudinale de la paroi de poussée avant le transfert de produits entre le convoyeur intermédiaire et la surface d'accumulation, de sorte que la paroi de poussée s'arrête dans la direction longitudinale pour une vitesse relative longitudinale la plus faible possible entre le convoyeur intermédiaire et la surface d'accumulation. • longitudinal acceleration of the thrust wall before the transfer of products between the two conveyors, so that the thrust wall reaches a movement that has the speed and direction of movement of the main conveyor; • longitudinal deceleration of the thrust wall before the transfer of products between the intermediate conveyor and the accumulation surface, so that the thrust wall stops in the longitudinal direction for the lowest possible longitudinal relative speed between the conveyor intermediate and the accumulation surface.

Ainsi, lors du transfert entre les convoyeurs principal et intermédiaire, le moyen de poussée n'est en prise qu'avec les produits qu'il transfère et ne perturbe pas les produits en amont et/ou en aval présents sur le convoyeur principal. De plus, lors des étapes de transfert, la vitesse relative longitudinale entre les produits et le moyen de poussée est sensiblement nulle, de telle sorte que la stabilité des produits est améliorée et le risque de chute réduit. La paroi de poussée et le convoyeur intermédiaire circulent donc longitudinalement pendant un moment à la même vitesse que le convoyeur principal, puis ralentissent essentiellement jusqu'à l'arrêt, pour que les produits soient transférés transversalement sur la surface d'accumulation avec une vitesse relative longitudinale nulle ou pratiquement nulle,  Thus, during the transfer between the main and intermediate conveyors, the thrust means is engaged only with the products it transfers and does not disturb the products upstream and / or downstream present on the main conveyor. In addition, during the transfer steps, the longitudinal relative speed between the products and the thrust means is substantially zero, so that the stability of the products is improved and the risk of falling reduced. The thrust wall and the intermediate conveyor thus circulate longitudinally for a moment at the same speed as the main conveyor, and then slow down essentially to a standstill, so that the products are transferred transversely to the accumulation surface with a relative speed. longitudinal zero or virtually zero,

- le procédé selon l'invention peut comporter en outre les étapes suivantes :  the method according to the invention may further comprise the following steps:

• levée du moyen de poussée jusqu'à ce qu'il soit au-dessus des produits,  Lifting the pushing means until it is above the products,

• retour transversal du moyen de poussée et retour longitudinal de la paroi de poussée,  • transversal return of the thrust means and longitudinal return of the thrust wall,

• descente du moyen de poussée,  • lowering the thrust means,

ainsi le moyen de poussée retourne en position pour transférer le lot de produits suivant sans perturber les produits présents sur le convoyeur principal, et un nouveau cycle de transfert peut débuter. Le retour est aussi plus rapide et moins ample que si le retour doit se faire dans le plan horizontal.  thus the thrust means returns to position to transfer the next batch of products without disturbing the products present on the main conveyor, and a new transfer cycle can begin. The return is also faster and less ample than if the return must be in the horizontal plane.

L'invention concerne aussi un dispositif de transfert de produits entre un convoyeur principal configuré pour convoyer des produits dans un sens longitudinal, et une surface d'accumulation, ledit dispositif comportant ledit convoyeur principal, ladite surface d'accumulation et un moyen de poussée, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un convoyeur intermédiaire, disposé entre le convoyeur principal et la surface d'accumulation et adjacent au, et à fleur avec le convoyeur principal, de sorte à permettre un transfert de produits par déplacement transversal dudit moyen de poussée entre le convoyeur principal et le convoyeur intermédiaire, et en ce que le convoyeur intermédiaire dispose d'un moyen d'entraînement distinct par rapport au convoyeur principal de sorte à pouvoir faire varier la vitesse du convoyeur intermédiaire indépendamment de celle du convoyeur principal. The invention also relates to a device for transferring products between a main conveyor configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction, and an accumulation surface, said device comprising said main conveyor, said accumulation surface and a thrust means, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate conveyor, arranged between the main conveyor and the accumulation surface and adjacent to, and flush with the main conveyor, so permitting transfer of products by transverse displacement of said thrust means between the main conveyor and the intermediate conveyor, and in that the intermediate conveyor has a drive means distinct from the main conveyor so as to be able to vary the speed of the intermediate conveyor independently of that of the main conveyor.

Grâce à ces dispositions, le transfert de produits peut se faire en continu entre un convoyeur principal fonctionnant à vitesse constante et une surface d'accumulation fixe avec un risque de chutes de produits réduit, les étapes de transfert se produisant entre deux surfaces dont la vitesse relative l'une par rapport à l'autre est sensiblement nulle. With these provisions, the transfer of products can be done continuously between a main conveyor operating at constant speed and a fixed accumulation surface with a risk of reduced product falls, the transfer stages occurring between two surfaces whose speed relative to each other is substantially zero.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques r According to other characteristics r

- ledit moyen de poussée peut comporter une paroi de poussée, said thrust means may comprise a thrust wall,

■- ladite paroi de poussée peut être mobile longitudinalement, ainsi lors du transfert entre les convoyeurs principal et intermédiaire, le moyen de poussée peut n'être en prise qu'avec les produits qu'il transfère et ne pas perturber les produits en amont et/ou en aval présents sur le convoyeur principal ; de plus lors des étapes de transfert, la vitesse relative longitudinale entre les produits et le moyen de poussée peut être sensiblement nulle, de telle sorte que la stabilité des produits est améliorée et le risque de chute réduit, ■ - said thrust wall can be movable longitudinally, so during transfer between the main and intermediate conveyors, the thrust means may be engaged only with the products it transfers and not disturb the products upstream and / or downstream present on the main conveyor; moreover during the transfer steps, the longitudinal relative velocity between the products and the thrust means may be substantially zero, so that the stability of the products is improved and the risk of falling reduces,

- ledit moyen de poussée peut comporter en outre une paroi de maintien, ce dispositif simple permettant d'adjoindre au moyen de poussée une paroi se trouvant en aval des produits dans la direction dans laquelle ils sont poussés, et donc de limiter le risque de chutes de produits lors de leur transfert, ainsi que le risque de perte de l'alignement longitudinal, - ladite paroi de maintien peut être mobile longitudinalement, ainsi la stabilité des produits est encore améliorée, et en outre la paroi de maintien peut être solidaire de la paroi de poussée, ce qui simplifie le dispositif, - le dispositif de transfert de produits peut comporter un moyen de poussée secondaire, configuré pour pousser les produits entre le convoyeur intermédiaire et la surface d'accumulation, ainsi le moyen de poussée peut ne transférer les produits qu'entre les convoyeurs principal et intermédiaire, ce qui permet d'effectuer des cycles de transfert plus rapides, said thrust means may furthermore comprise a holding wall, this simple device making it possible to add to the thrust means a wall situated downstream of the products in the direction in which they are pushed, and thus to limit the risk of falls; of products during their transfer, as well as the risk of loss of the longitudinal alignment, - said holding wall may be movable longitudinally, and the stability of the products is further improved, and further the holding wall may be integral with the thrust wall, which simplifies the device, - The product transfer device may comprise a secondary thrust means, configured to push the products between the intermediate conveyor and the accumulation surface, so the thrust means can transfer the products between the main and intermediate conveyors, which allows faster transfer cycles,

- ledit moyen de poussée peut être configuré pour pousser les produits d'une part entre le convoyeur principal et le convoyeur intermédiaire, d'autre part entre le convoyeur intermédiaire et la surface d'accumulation, ce qui permet de réaliser l'invention avec un minimum de pièces mobiles, et donc un coût limité,  said thrust means may be configured to push the products between the main conveyor and the intermediate conveyor on the one hand, and on the other hand between the intermediate conveyor and the accumulation surface, which makes it possible to carry out the invention with a minimum of moving parts, and therefore a limited cost,

- ledit moyen de poussée peut comporter un mécanisme de levage, configuré pour lui permettre de passer au-dessus des produits, ainsi le moyen de poussée peut retourner en position pour transférer le lot de produits suivant sans perturber les produits présents sur le convoyeur principal, et en évitant un long cycle de retour dans un plan horizontal, et un nouveau cycle de transfert peut débuter.  said thrust means may comprise a lifting mechanism, configured to allow it to pass over the products, so that the thrust means can return to position to transfer the next batch of products without disturbing the products present on the main conveyor, and avoiding a long cycle back in a horizontal plane, and a new transfer cycle can begin.

La présente invention concerne encore un système d'accumulation, comprenant un convoyeur principal d'entrée, un convoyeur principal de sortie et une surface d'accumulation disposée entre ces deux convoyeurs. Ce système est particulier selon l'invention en ce qu'il comporte un convoyeur intermédiaire d'entrée, et/ou un convoyeur intermédiaire de sortie et au moins un moyen de poussée d'entrée et un moyen de poussée de sortie, configurés selon l'un quelconque des modes de réalisation listés ci-dessus.  The present invention further relates to an accumulation system, comprising a main input conveyor, a main output conveyor and an accumulation surface disposed between these two conveyors. This system is particular according to the invention in that it comprises an intermediate input conveyor, and / or an intermediate output conveyor and at least one input thrust means and an output thrust means, configured according to the invention. any of the embodiments listed above.

La présente invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui fait suite, en référence aux figures annexées dans lesquelles : The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures in which:

- La figure 1 est une vue schématique en séquence d'un procédé selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.  - Figure 1 is a schematic view in sequence of a method according to a first embodiment of the invention.

- La figure 2 est une vue schématique en séquence d'un procédé selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.  FIG. 2 is a schematic view in sequence of a method according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Le dispositif de transfert selon l'invention, représenté en fig. 1 , permet de transférer des produits 1 entre un convoyeur principal 2 et une surface d'accumulation 3 par l'intermédiaire d'un convoyeur intermédiaire 4. Le convoyeur principal 2 et le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 disposent chacun de leur propre moyen d'entraînement, ce qui permet un fonctionnement indépendant, en particulier à des vitesses différentes. Le convoyeur principal 2 peut par exemple fonctionner à vitesse constante, ou au moins régulée par les besoins de la machine à laquelle il est relié, alors que le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 peut fonctionner à vitesse variable, typiquement entre une vitesse nulle et la vitesse du convoyeur principal 2. The transfer device according to the invention, shown in FIG. 1, makes it possible to transfer products 1 between a main conveyor 2 and an accumulation surface 3 by means of an intermediate conveyor 4. The Main conveyor 2 and the intermediate conveyor 4 each have their own drive means, which allows independent operation, especially at different speeds. The main conveyor 2 can for example operate at a constant speed, or at least regulated by the needs of the machine to which it is connected, while the intermediate conveyor 4 can operate at variable speed, typically between a zero speed and the speed of the conveyor principal 2.

Dans un but de meilleure compréhension des mouvements, on nommera les directions X, Y et Z de la manière suivante : la direction X représente la direction longitudinale d'avancée des produits 1 sur le convoyeur principal 2, la direction Y la direction horizontale perpendiculaire à X, et la direction Z la direction verticale. In order to better understand the movements, the directions X, Y and Z will be named as follows: the direction X represents the longitudinal direction of advance of the products 1 on the main conveyor 2, the direction Y the horizontal direction perpendicular to X, and the direction Z the vertical direction.

Le convoyeur principal 2 et le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 sont disposés adjacents l'un de l'autre, convoyant les produits 1 selon X. De plus, lors du transfert de produits 1 entre les convoyeurs principal 2 et intermédiaire 4, les deux convoyeurs 2, 4 fonctionnent sensiblement à la même vitesse. Les transferts sont réalisés selon Y par un moyen de poussée 5. The main conveyor 2 and the intermediate conveyor 4 are arranged adjacent to each other, conveying the products 1 according to X. Moreover, during the transfer of products 1 between the main conveyor 2 and intermediate 4, the two conveyors 2, 4 operate substantially at the same speed. The transfers are carried out according to Y by a thrust means 5.

On peut prévoir que le moyen de poussée 5 est fixe longitudinalement. Il faut alors prévoir une poussée des produits 1 suffisamment rapide, en particulier au début du mouvement de poussée. En effet le moyen de poussée 5 s'engage sur un lot longitudinal de produits 1 sur le convoyeur principal 2, et il doit pousser ce lot longitudinal vers le convoyeur intermédiaire 4. Pendant le mouvement de poussée, le premier produit 1 à ne pas être engagé par le moyen de poussée 5 poursuit sa course sur le convoyeur principal 2, et doit être poussé lors du cycle suivant. Il est alors important que ce produit 1 ne heurte pas le moyen de poussée 5 ; celui-ci doit être suffisamment rapide pour lui échapper. Par exemple le moyen de poussée 5 peut démarrer son accélération avant d'engager les produits 1 suivants, de sorte à les engager avec une vitesse initiale non nulle. It can be provided that the thrust means 5 is fixed longitudinally. It is then necessary to provide a thrust of the products 1 sufficiently fast, especially at the beginning of the thrust movement. Indeed the thrust means 5 engages a longitudinal batch of products 1 on the main conveyor 2, and it must push this longitudinal batch to the intermediate conveyor 4. During the pushing movement, the first product 1 not to be engaged by the pushing means 5 continues its course on the main conveyor 2, and must be pushed during the next cycle. It is then important that this product 1 does not hit the thrust means 5; he must be fast enough to escape. For example, the thrust means 5 can start its acceleration before engaging the following products 1, so as to engage them with a non-zero initial speed.

Selon un mode préféré de réalisation de l'invention, lors du transfert des produits 1 entre les convoyeurs 2 et 4, le moyen de poussée 5 peut se déplacer longitudinalement selon X à la même vitesse que les convoyeurs 2, 4. La vitesse relative entre les produits 1 et le moyen de poussée 5 est ainsi sensiblement nulle, ce qui permet de ne pas perturber les produits 1 en amont et/ou en aval de l'ensemble de produits 1 en cours de transfert, tout en démarrant le mouvement de poussée avec une vitesse initiale transversale sensiblement nulle. Ceci présente en particulier l'avantage d'une meilleure stabilité des produits 1 pendant la poussée. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, during the transfer of the products 1 between the conveyors 2 and 4, the thrust means 5 can move longitudinally along X at the same speed as the conveyors 2, 4. The relative speed between the products 1 and the thrust means 5 is thus substantially zero, which makes it possible not to disturb the products 1 upstream and / or downstream of the set of products 1 being transferred, while starting the thrust movement with a transverse initial velocity substantially zero. This presents in particular the advantage of a better stability of the products 1 during the thrust.

Le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 et la surface d'accumulation 3 sont disposés adjacents l'un de l'autre. Autrement dit, le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 longe un bord de la surface d'accumulation 3. De plus, lors du transfert de produits 1 selon Y entre le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 et la surface d'accumulation 3, le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 fonctionne à vitesse nulle ou quasi nulle après une décélération. Les transferts entre le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 et la surface d'accumulation 3 sont réalisés par un moyen de transfert qui peut être le moyen de poussée 5, qui poursuit sa course selon Y, ou un autre moyen de transfert qui prend le relai. The intermediate conveyor 4 and the accumulation surface 3 are arranged adjacent to each other. In other words, the intermediate conveyor 4 runs along an edge of the accumulation surface 3. In addition, during the transfer of products 1 along Y between the intermediate conveyor 4 and the accumulation surface 3, the intermediate conveyor 4 operates at zero speed. or almost zero after deceleration. Transfers between the intermediate conveyor 4 and the accumulation surface 3 are made by a transfer means which can be the thrust means 5, which continues its course along Y, or another transfer means that takes the relay.

Dans le but de transférer des produits 1 entre un convoyeur principal 2 et une surface d'accumulation 3, le dispositif selon l'invention peut être mis en œuvre selon un procédé de transfert comprenant les étapes suivantes : In order to transfer products 1 between a main conveyor 2 and an accumulation surface 3, the device according to the invention can be implemented according to a transfer method comprising the following steps:

- accélération du convoyeur intermédiaire 4 jusqu'à une vitesse proche, voire égale, de la vitesse du convoyeur principal 2 (étape I fig. 1 et étape - Acceleration of the intermediate conveyor 4 to a speed close to or equal to the speed of the main conveyor 2 (step I, Fig. 1 and step

III fig. 2), et transfert des produits 1 entre les deux convoyeurs 2, 4 par l'action du moyen de poussée 5 se déplaçant longitudinalement selon X à la vitesse du convoyeur intermédiaire 4 (étape II fig. 1 et étape III fig. 2),III fig. 2), and transfer of the products 1 between the two conveyors 2, 4 by the action of the thrust means 5 moving longitudinally along X at the speed of the intermediate conveyor 4 (step II Fig. 1 and step III Fig. 2),

- décélération du convoyeur intermédiaire 4 (étape II fig. 1 et étape I ftg. 2), éventuellement jusqu'à l'arrêt, et transfert des produits 1 entre le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 et la surface d'accumulation 3 (étape III fig. 1 et étape II fig. 2). - Deceleration of the intermediate conveyor 4 (step II Fig. 1 and step I Fig. 2), possibly until the stoppage, and transfer of the products 1 between the intermediate conveyor 4 and the accumulation surface 3 (step III fig. 1 and step II Fig. 2).

Ce procédé se répète de manière cyclique. This process is repeated cyclically.

Les étapes de changement de vitesse du convoyeur intermédiaire 4, qu'il s'agisse d'accélérations ou de décélérations, sont réalisées avec des valeurs d'accélération suffisamment faibles pour limiter le risque de chutes, ou de glissement longitudinal qui ferait perdre le positionnement longitudinal, des produits 1. Les valeurs d'accélérations sont par ailleurs suffisamment élevées pour que le procédé de transfert ne soit pas trop long et que le dispositif de transfert ne prenne pas trop d'espace. On peut prévoir en particulier des valeurs d'accélération ou décélération plus fortes lorsque le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 est vide, et plus faibles lorsqu'il est chargé de produits 1.  The stages of shifting of the intermediate conveyor 4, whether accelerations or decelerations, are performed with sufficiently low acceleration values to limit the risk of falling, or longitudinal sliding that would lose the positioning The accelerating values are also sufficiently high so that the transfer process is not too long and the transfer device does not take up too much space. In particular, higher acceleration or deceleration values can be provided when intermediate conveyor 4 is empty, and lower when loaded with products 1.

Le procédé de transfert suit un cycle au cours duquel des lots successifs de produits 1 se trouvent transférés. Préférablement, un lot de produits 1 est transféré selon Y entre le convoyeur principal 2 et la surface d'accumulation 3 avant que le procédé de transfert du lot de produits suivant ne soit initié. Ceci permet de n'utiliser qu'un seul et même moyen de poussée 5 dans le dispositif de transfert selon l'invention, et donc d'éviter les surcoûts. The transfer process follows a cycle in which successive batches of products 1 are transferred. Preferably, a batch of products 1 is transferred along Y between the main conveyor 2 and the accumulation surface 3 before the transfer process of the next batch of products is initiated. This makes it possible to use only one and the same thrust means 5 in the transfer device according to the invention, and thus to avoid additional costs.

Le procédé selon l'invention peut être utilisé afin de transférer des produits d'un convoyeur principal 2 à un convoyeur intermédiaire 4, puis du convoyeur intermédiaire 4 vers une surface d'accumulation 3, comme illustré en fig. 1. Après être sortis par exemple d'une machine amont, les produits 1 sont disposés sur le convoyeur principal 2, par exemple sous forme d'une file unifilaire. Le convoyeur principal 2 fonctionne à une vitesse essentiellement constante, qui peut correspondre à la vitesse de sortie d'une machine amont. Le procédé selon l'invention comporte alors les étapes suivantes : The method according to the invention can be used to transfer products from a main conveyor 2 to an intermediate conveyor 4, then from the intermediate conveyor 4 to an accumulation surface 3, as illustrated in FIG. 1. After exiting for example from an upstream machine, the products 1 are arranged on the main conveyor 2, for example in the form of a single-line file. The main conveyor 2 operates at a substantially constant speed, which may correspond to the output speed of an upstream machine. The method according to the invention then comprises the following steps:

- arrivée d'une file de produits 1 sur le convoyeur d'entrée 2,  - arrival of a product line 1 on the input conveyor 2,

- accélération du moyen de poussée 5 et du convoyeur intermédiaire 4, éventuellement au même moment, par exemple jusqu'à une vitesse proche, voire égale, de la vitesse du convoyeur d'entrée 2,  - Acceleration of the thrust means 5 and the intermediate conveyor 4, possibly at the same time, for example to a speed close to or equal to the speed of the input conveyor 2,

- transfert des produits 1 du convoyeur d'entrée 2 vers le convoyeur intermédiaire 4, par l'action du moyen de poussée 5,  - Transfer of the products 1 of the input conveyor 2 to the intermediate conveyor 4, by the action of the thrust means 5,

- ralentissement du convoyeur intermédiaire 4, par exemple jusqu'à une vitesse presque nulle, voire nulle,  slowing of the intermediate conveyor 4, for example to a speed that is almost zero or even zero,

- transfert des produits 1 du convoyeur intermédiaire 4 vers la surface d'accumulation 3 par l'action du moyen de poussée 5 ou un autre moyen de poussée complémentaire, et ce préférablement jusqu'à un endroit prédéterminé, en particulier contre les produits déjà présents sur la surface d'accumulation, ou directement au bord opposé. Les produits 1, stockés sur la surface d'accumulation 3, peuvent y rester pendant un certain temps ou repartir immédiatement vers une machine aval.  - Transfer of the products 1 of the intermediate conveyor 4 to the accumulation surface 3 by the action of the thrust means 5 or other complementary thrust means, and preferably to a predetermined location, particularly against the products already present on the accumulation surface, or directly on the opposite edge. The products 1, stored on the accumulation surface 3, can remain there for a certain time or immediately return to a downstream machine.

Ces étapes peuvent alors se répéter plusieurs fois de façon cyclique, créant à chaque fois un lot et le transférant vers la surface d'accumulation 3. These steps can then be repeated several times cyclically, each time creating a batch and transferring it to the accumulation surface 3.

Les transferts selon Y des produits 1 du convoyeur principal 2 au convoyeur intermédiaire 4, puis du convoyeur intermédiaire 4 à la surface d'accumulation 3, peuvent se faire par un unique moyen de poussée 5. Lorsque les produits 1 sont transférés sur la surface d'accumulation 3, le moyen de poussée 5 effectue un retour en position pour transférer le lot de produits 1 suivant, de l'autre côté du convoyeur principal 2. Ce retour peut s'effectuer intégralement dans un plan horizontal, par exemple si le moyen de poussée 5 est suffisamment mobile longitudinalement, comme par exemple à l'aide d'une courroie motrice longitudinale. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, le retour peut comprendre un déplacement vertical, afin de passer au-dessus des produits 1. The transfers according to Y of the products 1 of the main conveyor 2 to the intermediate conveyor 4, then of the intermediate conveyor 4 to the accumulation surface 3, can be done by a single thrust means 5. When the products 1 are transferred onto the surface of the 3, the thrust means 5 makes a return to position to transfer the next batch of products 1, on the other side of the main conveyor 2. This return can be carried out integrally in a plane horizontal, for example if the thrust means 5 is sufficiently movable longitudinally, such as for example using a longitudinal drive belt. In another embodiment, the return may comprise a vertical displacement, in order to pass over the products 1.

Le procédé selon l'invention peut aussi être utilisé afin de transférer des produits 1 d'une surface d'accumulation 3 vers un convoyeur principal 2, comme illustré en fig. 2. Après avoir été stockés sur la surface d'accumulation 3 pendant un temps plus ou moins long, on veut amener les produits 1 par exemple vers une machine aval. Le procédé selon l'invention comporte alors les étapes suivantes : The method according to the invention can also be used to transfer products 1 from an accumulation surface 3 to a main conveyor 2, as illustrated in FIG. 2. After being stored on the accumulation surface 3 for a longer or shorter time, it is desired to bring the products 1 for example to a downstream machine. The method according to the invention then comprises the following steps:

- présence de produits 1 sur la surface d'accumulation 2, sous forme de lots longitudinaux les uns contre les autres dans une direction transversale,  - Presence of products 1 on the accumulation surface 2, in the form of longitudinal batches against each other in a transverse direction,

- décélération longitudinale du convoyeur intermédiaire 4 et le cas échéant du moyen de poussée 5, par exemple jusqu'à une vitesse nulle ou presque nulle,  longitudinal deceleration of the intermediate conveyor 4 and, if appropriate, of the thrust means 5, for example up to a zero or almost zero speed,

- transfert des produits 1 de la surface d'accumulation 2 vers le convoyeur intermédiaire 4, à vitesse longitudinale nulle ou quasi nulle,  transfer of the products 1 from the accumulation surface 2 to the intermediate conveyor 4, at zero or almost zero longitudinal speed,

- accélération du convoyeur intermédiaire 4, et le cas échéant du moyen de poussée 5, par exemple jusqu'à une vitesse proche de, voire égale à, la vitesse du convoyeur principal 2,  - Acceleration of the intermediate conveyor 4, and if appropriate the thrust means 5, for example to a speed close to or equal to the speed of the main conveyor 2,

- transfert des produits 1 du convoyeur intermédiaire 4 vers le convoyeur principal 2.  - Transfer of the products 1 of the intermediate conveyor 4 to the main conveyor 2.

Ces étapes peuvent alors se répéter plusieurs fois de façon cyclique, transférant à chaque fois un lot de ia surface d'accumulation 3 vers le convoyeur principal 2. Dans certains modes de réalisation, tel que celui représenté aux fig. 1 et 2, le moyen de poussée 5 comporte une paroi de poussée 6, disposée de façon à pousser les produits 1, et une paroi de maintien 7, disposée de l'autre côté des produits 1 de façon à empêcher une chute en avant des produits 1 lors de la poussée, et de garantir l'alignement longitudinal des produits 1. Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, seule la paroi de poussée 6 est mobile longitudinalement à l'occasion du cycle de transfert, la paroi de maintien 7 restant immobile selon X pendant ce transfert. Il peut s'agir d'une plaque 6, mobile longitudinalement par rapport au moyen de poussée 5 en un mouvement de va- et-vient dans un châssis que comprend ledit moyen de poussée 5. L'écartement entre la paroi de poussée 6 et la paroi de maintien 7 peut être réglable, pour s'ajuster à la dimension des produits. These steps can then be repeated several times cyclically, each time transferring a batch of the accumulation surface 3 to the main conveyor 2. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the thrust means 5 comprises a thrust wall 6, arranged to push the products 1, and a holding wall 7, disposed on the other side of the products 1 so as to prevent a fall forward of products 1 during the thrust, and to ensure the longitudinal alignment of the products 1. According to a particular embodiment, only the thrust wall 6 is movable longitudinally during the transfer cycle, the holding wall 7 remaining stationary according to X during this transfer. It may be a plate 6, movable longitudinally with respect to the thrust means 5 in a reciprocating motion in a frame that comprises said thrust means 5. The spacing between the thrust wall 6 and the holding wall 7 may be adjustable, to adjust to the size of the products.

La paroi de maintien 7 peut s'étendre depuis un châssis du moyen de poussée 5, ce dernier étant monté sur une glissière transversale. Un actionneur de type moteur électrique permet de produire les mouvements selon Y du moyen de poussée 5, par l'intermédiaire d'une courroie par exemple.  The holding wall 7 can extend from a frame of the thrust means 5, the latter being mounted on a transverse slide. An actuator of the electric motor type makes it possible to produce the movements according to Y of the thrust means 5, by means of a belt for example.

Ladite glissière transversale est elle-même fixée sur un châssis monté sur une glissière verticale. Un actionneur de type moteur électrique permet de produire les mouvements verticaux selon Z du moyen de poussée 5, par l'intermédiaire d'une courroie par exemple.  Said cross slide is itself fixed on a frame mounted on a vertical slide. An actuator of the electric motor type makes it possible to produce the vertical movements along Z of the thrust means 5, by means of a belt for example.

Le châssis du moyen de poussée 5 peut comporter une plaque qui peut être fixée sur un chariot mobile longitudinalement le long d'une glissière longitudinale, et actionné par une courroie reliée à un moteur disposé sur le châssis.  The frame of the thrust means 5 may comprise a plate which can be fixed on a carriage movable longitudinally along a longitudinal slide, and actuated by a belt connected to a motor arranged on the frame.

Chacun des moteurs peut fonctionner dans les deux sens, pour permettre un mouvement de va et vient, et peut être associé à un variateur de fréquence, lui permettant de faire varier la vitesse du mouvement de la plaque.  Each of the motors can operate in both directions, to allow a movement back and forth, and can be associated with a frequency converter, allowing it to vary the speed of movement of the plate.

Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, le moyen de poussée 5 peut ne comprendre qu'une paroi de poussée 6 et être dépourvu de paroi de maintien 7.  In other embodiments, the thrust means 5 may comprise only a thrust wall 6 and be devoid of a holding wall 7.

On pourrait prévoir aussi de rendre mobile longitudinalement le moyen de poussée 5 complet comportant fa paroi de poussée 6 et éventuellement la paroi de maintien 7.  Provision could also be made to make longitudinally movable the thrust means 5 complete with its thrust wall 6 and possibly the holding wall 7.

Le convoyeur principal 2, par exemple comme convoyeur d'entrée, fonctionne à une vitesse qui est pilotée par une machine en amont. Les produits 1 transportés par le convoyeur principal 2 sont placés l'un derrière l'autre sans espace, et déposés ensuite sous forme de lots longitudinaux de produits l'un contre l'autre, iesdits lots étant placés l'un à côté de l'autre transversalement.  The main conveyor 2, for example as an input conveyor, operates at a speed which is driven by a machine upstream. The products 1 transported by the main conveyor 2 are placed one behind the other without space, and then deposited in the form of longitudinal batches of products against each other, said batches being placed one beside the other. other transversely.

Le dispositif selon l'invention permet de transférer les produits 1 depuis le convoyeur principal 2 sans qu'il ne soit nécessaire de créer préalablement des lots séparés entre eux par un espace, comme c'est généralement le cas dans les solutions de l'état de la technique.  The device according to the invention makes it possible to transfer the products 1 from the main conveyor 2 without it being necessary to previously create batches separated from one another by a space, as is generally the case in the solutions of the state of the technique.

Par un réglage adapté de l'instant de départ du mouvement de poussée, de l'accélération et de la vitesse maximale de chacun des mouvements longitudinal et transversal, on peut obtenir un transfert d'un lot de produits 1 sans percuter un produit 1 du lot suivant, et un retour du moyen de poussée 5 à temps pour le transfert du lot suivant dans les mêmes conditions. By a suitable adjustment of the start time of the thrust movement, the acceleration and the maximum speed of each of the longitudinal and transverse movements, it is possible to obtain a transfer of a batch of products 1 without hitting a product 1 of the next batch, and a return of the thrust means 5 in time for the transfer of the next batch under the same conditions.

Le moyen de poussée 5 est mobile transversalement selon Y, pour effectuer la poussée. On peut prévoir une valeur d'accélération de ce mouvement, une vitesse maximale, et une valeur de décélération. On peut prévoir une valeur de décélération plus faible que la valeur d'accélération, pour éviter que les produits 1 ne poursuivent leur course transversale seuls, et amènent à un lot de produits décalé, surtout si le moyen de poussée 5 ne comporte pas de paroi de maintien 7. En effet ils sont ralentis transversalement par le frottement sur le convoyeur 2, 4 ou la surface d'accumulation 3, et le moyen de poussée 5 ne doit donc de préférence pas ralentir de façon plus forte que le ralentissement produit par ce frottement.  The thrust means 5 is movable transversely along Y, to effect the thrust. An acceleration value of this movement, a maximum speed, and a deceleration value can be provided. A lower deceleration value can be provided than the acceleration value, to prevent the products 1 from continuing their transverse travel alone, and lead to a batch of products shifted, especially if the thrust means 5 has no wall 7. Indeed, they are slowed transversely by the friction on the conveyor 2, 4 or the accumulation surface 3, and the thrust means 5 should preferably not slow more strongly than the slowdown produced by this friction.

Le moyen de poussée 5, une fois la poussée effectuée, doit ensuite revenir dans une position lui permettant de chercher le lot suivant de produits 1, et de ie transférer sur la surface d'accumulation. Il doit le faire sans heurter les produits 1 suivants, qu'il doit pousser transversalement selon Y lors du cycle suivant. On peut imaginer un mouvement longitudinal selon X suffisamment rapide et ample pour atteindre ce but, en décalant le moyen de poussée 5 selon X jusqu'à passer au-delà de tous les produits 1 au moins du lot suivant. Ceci est plus facilement réalisable dans le cas où le moyen de poussée 5 ne comporte qu'une simple paroi de poussée 6, en l'absence de paroi de maintien 7, qui obligerait également à passer au-delà de tous les produits 1 du lot qui vient d'être poussé.  The thrust means 5, once the thrust has been performed, must then return to a position enabling it to search for the next batch of products 1, and to transfer it to the accumulation surface. It must do so without hitting the following products 1, that it must push transversely along Y during the next cycle. One can imagine a longitudinal movement along X sufficiently fast and wide to achieve this goal, by shifting the thrust means 5 along X to pass beyond all products 1 at least the next batch. This is more easily achieved in the case where the thrust means 5 comprises only a single thrust wall 6, in the absence of a holding wall 7, which would also require to pass beyond all the products 1 of the batch which has just been pushed.

Plus simplement, on peut prévoir que le moyen de poussée 5 effectue un mouvement vertical selon Z d'une valeur supérieure à la hauteur des produits 1, pour passer au-dessus des produits 1 lorsqu'il doit chercher le lot suivant de produits 1 sur la surface d'accumulation 2 et insérer la paroi de poussée entre deux lots successifs de produits 1 selon l'axe Y. Les valeurs d'accélération et de décélération de ces mouvements verticaux selon Z seront à déterminer uniquement en fonction des moyens mécaniques mis en œuvre, le moyen de poussée 5 n'étant pas en interaction avec les produits 1 pendant ces mouvements.  More simply, it can be provided that the thrust means 5 makes a vertical movement along Z greater than the height of the products 1, to pass over the products 1 when it has to look for the next batch of products 1 on the accumulation surface 2 and insert the thrust wall between two successive batches of products 1 along the Y axis. The acceleration and deceleration values of these vertical movements according to Z will be determined solely according to the mechanical means used. implement, the thrust means 5 not interacting with the products 1 during these movements.

Enfin le moyen de poussée 5, ou seulement la paroi de poussée 6, peut être animé d'un mouvement longitudinal pour accompagner le mouvement des produits 1 , et permettre une vitesse relative nulle entre la paroi de poussée 6 et les produits 1. Finally, the thrust means 5, or only the thrust wall 6, can be animated with a longitudinal movement to accompany the movement of the products 1, and allow zero relative speed between the thrust wall 6 and the products 1.

Une différence de vitesse longitudinale nulle ou au moins inférieure à un ou quelques dixièmes de mètre par seconde, entre le convoyeur intermédiaire 4 et le convoyeur principal 2 d'une part, et avec la surface d'accumulation 3 d'autre part pour les transferts respectifs correspondants pourra notamment être considérée comme suffisamment faible pour réduire significativement le risque de chutes de produits 1 du fait de cette différence.  A longitudinal speed difference of zero or at least less than one or a few tenths of a meter per second, between the intermediate conveyor 4 and the main conveyor 2 on the one hand, and with the accumulation surface 3 on the other hand for transfers The respective ratios may be considered sufficiently low to significantly reduce the risk of falling of products 1 due to this difference.

Le dispositif de transfert selon l'invention peut être intégré à un système d'accumulation. Un tel système d'accumulation peut être placé entre une machine en amont et une machine en aval, et permet de créer une réserve tampon de produits 1 afin qu'en cas d'indisponibilité ou de ralentissement de cadence de la machine en aval par exemple, la machine en amont puisse continuer à fonctionner à une cadence normale, et qu'en cas d'arrêt de la machine en amont, la machine en aval puisse continuer à être alimentée. Le système d'accumulation comporte une surface d'accumulation 3, un convoyeur principal d'entrée et un convoyeur principal de sortie. Le dispositif de transfert selon l'invention, comprenant notamment un convoyeur intermédiaire 4 à vitesse variable, peut alors être utilisé soit pour effectuer les transferts de produits 1 entre le convoyeur principal d'entrée et la surface d'accumulation, soit pour effectuer les transferts de produits 1 entre la surface d'accumulation 3 et le convoyeur principal de sortie, soit pour effectuer les deux types de transferts. The transfer device according to the invention can be integrated into an accumulation system. Such an accumulation system can be placed between an upstream machine and a downstream machine, and can create a buffer stock of products 1 so that in case of unavailability or slowing down of the machine downstream for example , the upstream machine can continue to operate at a normal rate, and that in case of stopping the machine upstream, the machine downstream can continue to be fed. The accumulation system has an accumulation surface 3, a main inlet conveyor and a main output conveyor. The transfer device according to the invention, comprising in particular an intermediate conveyor 4 with variable speed, can then be used either to carry out the product transfers 1 between the main input conveyor and the accumulation surface, or to carry out the transfers. of products 1 between the accumulation surface 3 and the main output conveyor, or to perform both types of transfers.

Bien que la description ci-dessus se base sur des modes de réalisation particuliers, elle n'est nullement limitative de la portée de l'invention, et des modifications peuvent être apportées, notamment par substitution d'équivalents techniques ou par combinaison différente de tout ou partie des caractéristiques développées ci-dessus. Although the description above is based on particular embodiments, it is in no way limiting to the scope of the invention, and modifications may be made, in particular by substitution of technical equivalents or by a different combination of all or some of the features developed above.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS 1. Procédé de transfert de produits (1) entre un convoyeur principal (2) configuré pour convoyer des produits dans un sens longitudinal, et une surface d'accumulation (3), caractérisé en ce qu'il se fait par le moyen d'un convoyeur intermédiaire (4) disposé entre, et à fleur avec, ladite surface d'accumulation (3) et ledit convoyeur principal (2),et d'un moyen de poussée (5), et en ce qu'il comporte les étapes suivantes : A method of transferring products (1) between a main conveyor (2) configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction, and an accumulation surface (3), characterized in that it is done by means of an intermediate conveyor (4) arranged between, and flush with, said accumulation surface (3) and said main conveyor (2), and a thrust means (5), and in that it comprises the steps following: - accélération du convoyeur intermédiaire (4), et transfert de produits (1) entre le convoyeur intermédiaire (4) et le convoyeur principal (2) par l'action dudit moyen de poussée (5),  - Acceleration of the intermediate conveyor (4), and transfer of products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the main conveyor (2) by the action of said thrust means (5), - décélération du convoyeur intermédiaire (4), et transfert de produits (1) entre le convoyeur intermédiaire (4) et ia surface d'accumulation (3).  deceleration of the intermediate conveyor (4), and transfer of products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the accumulation surface (3). 2. Procédé selon la revendication précédente dans lequel le transfert de produits (1) entre le convoyeur intermédiaire (4) et ia surface d'accumulation (3) se fait par le moyen dudit moyen de poussée (5). 2. Method according to the preceding claim wherein the transfer of products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the accumulation surface (3) is by means of said thrust means (5). 3. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes dans lequel ledit moyen de poussée (5) comporte une paroi de poussée (6), mobile longitudinalement, configurée apte à suivre le mouvement longitudinal des produits pendant les étapes de transfert.  3. Method according to one of the preceding claims wherein said thrust means (5) comprises a thrust wall (6), longitudinally movable, configured adapted to follow the longitudinal movement of the products during the transfer steps. 4. Procédé selon la revendication précédente comportant en outre les étapes suivantes, certaines étapes pouvant être réalisées au moins partiellement en même temps que d'autres :  4. Method according to the preceding claim further comprising the following steps, some steps can be performed at least partially at the same time as others: - accélération longitudinale de la paroi de poussée (6) avant le transfert de produits (1) entre les deux convoyeurs (2, 4),  longitudinal acceleration of the thrust wall (6) before the transfer of products (1) between the two conveyors (2, 4), - décélération longitudinale de la paroi de poussée (6) avant le transfert de produits (1) entre le convoyeur intermédiaire (4) et la surface d'accumulation (3).  - Longitudinal deceleration of the thrust wall (6) before the transfer of products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the accumulation surface (3). 5. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, comportant en outre les étapes suivantes : - levée du moyen de poussée (5) jusqu'à ce qu'il soit au-dessus des produits (1), 5. Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising the following steps: lifting the thrust means (5) until it is above the products (1), - retour transversal du moyen de poussée (5) et retour longitudinal de la paroi de poussée (6),  transverse return of the thrust means (5) and longitudinal return of the thrust wall (6), - desœnte du moyen de poussée (5).  - Out of the thrust means (5). 6. Dispositif de transfert de produits (1) entre un convoyeur principal (2), configuré pour convoyer des produits dans un sens longitudinal, et une surface d'accumulation (3), ledit dispositif comportant ledit convoyeur principal (2), ladite surface d'accumulation (3) et un moyen de poussée (5), caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un convoyeur intermédiaire (4), disposé entre le convoyeur principal (2) et la surface d'accumulation (3) et adjacent au, et à fleur avec le convoyeur principal (2), de sorte à permettre un transfert de produits (1) par déplacement transversal dudit moyen de poussée (5) entre le convoyeur principal (2) et le convoyeur intermédiaire (4), et en ce que le convoyeur intermédiaire (4) dispose d'un moyen d'entraînement distinct par rapport au convoyeur principal (2) de sorte à pouvoir faire varier la vitesse du convoyeur intermédiaire (4) indépendamment de celle du convoyeur principal (2).  Product transfer device (1) between a main conveyor (2), configured to convey products in a longitudinal direction, and an accumulation surface (3), said device comprising said main conveyor (2), said surface accumulation device (3) and a thrust means (5), characterized in that it comprises an intermediate conveyor (4) arranged between the main conveyor (2) and the accumulation surface (3) and adjacent to the and flush with the main conveyor (2), so as to allow product transfer (1) by transverse displacement of said thrust means (5) between the main conveyor (2) and the intermediate conveyor (4), and in that that the intermediate conveyor (4) has a separate drive means with respect to the main conveyor (2) so that the speed of the intermediate conveyor (4) can be varied independently of that of the main conveyor (2). 7. Dispositif de transfert de produits (1) selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel ledit moyen de poussée (5) comporte une paroi de poussée (6).  7. Product transfer device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said thrust means (5) comprises a thrust wall (6). 8. Dispositif de transfert de produits (1) selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel ladite paroi de poussée (6) est mobile longitudinalement.  8. Product transfer device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said thrust wall (6) is movable longitudinally. 9. Dispositif de transfert de produits (1) selon l'une des revendications 6 à 8 dans lequel ledit moyen de poussée (5) comporte en outre une paroi de maintien (7).  9. Product transfer device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8 wherein said thrust means (5) further comprises a holding wall (7). 10. Dispositif de transfert de produits (1) selon la revendication précédente dans lequel ladite paroi de maintien (7) est mobile longitudinalement.  10. Product transfer device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein said holding wall (7) is movable longitudinally. 11. Dispositif de transfert de produits (1) selon l'une des revendications 6 à 10, comportant un moyen de poussée (5) secondaire, configuré pour pousser les produits (1) entre le convoyeur intermédiaire (4) et la surface d'accumulation (3).  11. Product transfer device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, comprising a secondary thrust means (5), configured to push the products (1) between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the surface of accumulation (3). 12. Dispositif de transfert de produits (1) selon l'une des revendications 6 à 10, dans lequel ledit moyen de poussée (5) est configuré pour pousser les produits d'une part entre le convoyeur principal (2) et le convoyeur intermédiaire (4), d'autre part entre le convoyeur intermédiaire (4) et la surface d'accumulation (3). 12. Product transfer device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein said thrust means (5) is configured to push the produced on the one hand between the main conveyor (2) and the intermediate conveyor (4), on the other hand between the intermediate conveyor (4) and the accumulation surface (3). 13. Dispositif de transfert de produits (1) selon l'une des revendications 6 à 12 dans lequel ledit moyen de poussée (5) comporte un mécanisme de levage, configuré pour lui permettre de passer au-dessus des produits (1).  13. Product transfer device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 12 wherein said thrust means (5) comprises a lifting mechanism, configured to allow it to pass over the products (1).
EP17840486.9A 2016-12-27 2017-12-22 Device for transferring products Pending EP3562766A1 (en)

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FR1663414A FR3061159B1 (en) 2016-12-27 2016-12-27 PRODUCT TRANSFER SYSTEM
PCT/FR2017/053840 WO2018122524A1 (en) 2016-12-27 2017-12-22 Device for transferring products

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CN110114288A (en) 2019-08-09
US11155422B2 (en) 2021-10-26
US20190322465A1 (en) 2019-10-24
FR3061159B1 (en) 2020-11-13
WO2018122524A1 (en) 2018-07-05

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