Method and unit for supplying flat articles

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of supplying articles.

[0002] In particular, the present invention may be used to advantage for supplying articles, such as labels, strips or collars, to a line for packing products such as cigarettes. In the following description, specific reference is made purely by way of example to supplying a cigarette packing line with collars of the type comprising a central panel, and two lateral wings connected to the central panel along respective preformed bend lines.

[0003] In the tobacco industry, known packing lines form packets of cigarettes by wrapping a group of cigarettes in a respective sheet of wrapping material to form an inner wrapping; placing a collar, of the type described above, on the inner wrapping; and folding a blank about the inner wrapping and the collar. Known packing lines are normally reciprocating types, i.e. in which the elements forming the packets of cigarettes move in steps and the members manipulating the elements move back and forth.
Reciprocating packing lines are known to employ reciprocating conveyors for supplying the inner wrappings, and collar supply units located along the conveyors and normally comprising a pickup element movable back and forth between a pickup station, where a waiting collar is picked up, and a supply station where the collar is supplied to a respective stationary inner wrapping.

[0004] Supply units of the above type are extremely efficient when operated in reciprocating manner, even at very high speed, but have proved totally unsuitable for continuous packing lines on which the conveyors are assumed to travel continuously and the inner wrappings to be fed through the supply station at a given speed.

[0005] GB-A1-2063811 discloses a feeding unit for supplying blanks to respective groups of cigarettes carried by a continuous straight conveyor along a first straight path. The feeding unit comprises a continuously rotating rotor, which is provided with a plurality of equally spaced peripheral clip pockets and is able to feed the blanks retained in the clip pockets along a second curved path tangent in a point of tangency to the first straight path. A blank is inserted in a respective clip pocket and, as the rotor turns, is transported along the second path towards the point of tangency, at which the blank is transferred to the continuous straight conveyor and coupled with a respective group of cigarettes.

[0006] The feeding unit disclosed in GB-A1-2063811 is efficient when operated in a continuos manner at a relatively low speed, but is unsuitable for use at the relatively high speed of a modern continuous packaging machine owing to the fact that the first and second path are superimposed only at the point of tangency and the transfer of each blank is to be performed in a too short time.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of supplying articles which is directed to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks and, in particular, a method whereby the articles may be supplied to a continuous packing line at relatively high speed.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a method of supplying articles as recited in Claim 1.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a unit for supplying articles.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a unit for supplying articles as recited in Claim 12.

[0011] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a plan view, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of a central portion of a continuous cigarette packing line, and a preferred embodiment of the supply unit according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of a detail in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a larger-scale view, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of a detail in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a larger-scale view, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of a first preferred embodiment of a detail in Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a larger-scale view, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of a second preferred embodiment of the Figure 4 detail.

[0012] Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a central portion of a machine 2 for forming packets of cigarettes (not shown) and comprising a continuous packing line 3 for feeding, at a given traveling speed V1 and along a substantially straight path P1, a succession 4 of substantially parallelepiped products 5, each defining the content of a respective packet of cigarettes, and a supply unit 6 for assigning each product 5 a respective collar 7 having a central panel 8 and two lateral wings 9 connected to panel 8 along respective preformed bend lines 10 parallel to each other and to a central longitudinal axis 7a of collar 7.

[0013] Line 3 comprises a conveyor 11 extending along a path P1 from a loading station S1, where conveyor 11 receives products 5 (in known manner not shown), to an unloading station S3 where (in known manner not shown) conveyor 11 releases products 5 together with respective collars 7. Line 3 also comprises a number of pockets 12 for conveying products 5, and which are equally spaced with a spacing K1 and travel with conveyor 11 at speed V1 in a direction D1 and crosswise to the long longitudinal axes 5a of products 5. Conveyor 11 comprises a conveyor belt 13 looped about two pulleys (not shown) defining, on belt 13, a conveying branch 14 extending through a supply station S2 located between stations S1 and S3 and where each pocket 12 containing a respective product 5 is assigned, in use, a respective collar 7.

[0014] As shown more clearly in Figure 3, each pocket 12 is substantially U-shaped, and comprises two lateral walls 15, which are crosswise to direction D1, extend from and transversely outwards of belt 13, and comprise respective cavities 16 formed in respective inner lateral surfaces 17 of walls 15 to receive wings 9 of a collar 7. More specifically, belt 13 is defined externally by a flat surface 18 defining, with surfaces 17 of each pocket 12, a seat 19 for receiving a respective product 5, the small lateral surfaces 20 of which are positioned contacting surfaces 17 to close inner cavities 16 and so define, in use, respective housings for wings 9 of respective collar 7. Lateral walls 15 are defined at the top by respective top surfaces 21, which are crosswise to respective surfaces 17 and parallel to surface 18, and are separated from surface 18 by a distance less than that between two large lateral surfaces 22 of product 5 inside respective seat 19.

[0015] Unit 6 supplying collars 7 provides for supplying station S2 with one collar 7 for each pocket 12, collar 7 being oriented with respective axis 7a crosswise to direction D1 and with wings 9 housed inside cavities 16. As shown more clearly in Figure 1, unit 6 comprises a production line 23 for producing a succession 24 of collars from a strip 25 of cardboard, and feeding collars 7 to a pickup station S4. Unit 6 also comprises at least two pickup heads 26 for feeding respective collars 7 along a given path P2 extending through station S4, where heads 26 travel at a given first speed U1 to pick up respective collars 7, and through a release station coincident with station S2, where heads 26 are located over pockets 12 and travel at a given second speed U2, equal to speed V1, to feed respective collars 7 into respective pockets 12, and paths P1 and P2 are superimposed along a common portion T along which path P2 assumes a straight configuration identical to that of path P1.

[0016] Line 23 comprises two powered feed rollers 27 rotating about respective horizontal axes and located one over and substantially contacting the other to engage and feed strip 25 in a given direction D2, substantially parallel to direction D1, along a path P4 extending along a plate 28 parallel to branch 14 and having a shaped end edge 29. Line 23 also comprises a conveyor belt 30, which extends, in line with plate 28, along path P4 to station S4, has a conveying branch 31 'at a lower level than plate 28, and comprises a number of transverse projections 32 defining, on belt 30, respective conveying pockets 33 for conveying collars 7 and equally spaced in direction D2 with a spacing K2. Conveyor belt 30 is of a width, measured crosswise to direction D2, substantially equal to the distance between two preformed bend lines 10 of a collar 7, and feeds collars 7 to station S4 at a speed V2 equal to speed U1 of heads 26 and in time with heads 26; and pockets 33 receive respective collars 7 with axes 7a of collars 7 parallel to direction D2.

[0017] Line 23 also comprises a cutting tool 34 of the same shape, in horizontal section, as collar 7, and having, on the side facing plate 28, an edge 35 complementary to edge 29. Tool 34 moves in an alternated manner crosswise to direction D2 and in front of edge 29 to cut a collar 7 off strip 25 by cooperating with plate 28 at each forward stroke, and to feed collar 7 into a respective pocket 33 so that wings 9 project outwards of pocket 33 on either side of belt 30, and so that central panel 8 is positioned contacting conveying branch 31 of belt 30 and is detached from rear projection 32 of respective pocket 33. Line 23 also comprises two helical folding plates 36, which extend along opposite sides of conveying branch 31 of belt 30, and are engaged by wings 9 of each collar 7 to fold wings 9 about respective preformed bend lines 10 and squarely with respect to central panel 8, and to position panel 8 against rear projection 32 of respective pocket 33 by virtue of the friction exerted on wings 9.

[0018] Unit 6 also comprises a known epicyclic transmission 37 connected at the input to a drive motor (not shown) and at the output to, and for moving, heads 26. More specifically, transmission 37 comprises a carousel conveyor 38 rotating about a main axis 38a of rotation of transmission 37 extending crosswise to a plane Z defined by conveying branch 31 of belt 30; and, for each head 26, a respective conveying shaft 39, which is mounted for rotation about a respective axis 39a parallel to axis 38a of conveyor 38, and is movable back and forth along its own axis 39a, as well as cyclically and continuously along an endless path P3 extending about axis 38a and substantially in the form of an equilateral triangle with substantially rounded vertices 40. One of vertices 40 is located at pickup station S4 and is aligned with axes 7a of collars 7 arranged parallel to direction D2, while the other two vertices 40 are located alongside conveying branch 14 of conveyor 11, and are aligned with each other and with direction D1, so that one of the sides L of said equilateral triangle is parallel to direction D1.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, each pickup head 26 comprises a U-shaped fork 41 having a respective longitudinal axis 41a crosswise to respective axis 39a, and in turn comprising a central body 42 connected to respective shaft 39, and two arms 43 extending from body '42, parallel to each other and to respective axis 41a, and separated from each other by a distance substantially equal to the distance between two preformed bend lines 10 of a collar 7. In respective cross sections, arms 43 are substantially L-shaped, and are defined by respective top portions 44 coplanar with each other and parallel to plane Z, and by respective lateral portions 45 parallel to each other and extending transversely from respective portions 44. Portions 44 and 45 have respective flat surfaces 46 and 47 facing conveyor 38 and forming respective right angles 48, the vertices of which are separated from each other by a distance equal to the distance between two preformed bend lines 10.

[0020] By means of a known cam device (not shown), each shaft 39 is movable, as stated, parallel to its own axis 39a, between a first raised operating position, in which shaft 39 positions surfaces 46 of respective head 26 at a given distance over plane Z, and a second raised operating position, in which shaft 39 positions surfaces 46 at the same height as plane Z at station S4 (Figure 2). Shaft 39 is also movable through a lowered operating position, in which shaft 39 positions surfaces 46 substantially coplanar with the exposed surface 22 of a product 5 in respective seat 19, and positions lateral portions 45 alongside small lateral surfaces 20 of product 5 to insert wings 9 inside cavities 16 at station S2.

[0021] Each fork 41 has a respective gripping device 49 comprising a number of suction holes 50 formed through surfaces 46 and 47 of respective arms 43, a known pneumatic suction device (not shown) common to all of forks 41, and a number of conduits 51 formed through portions 44 and 45 to connect holes 50 and said suction device. Device 49 also comprises a known distributor (not shown) for activating suction through holes 50, as of station S4, to enable respective head 26 to pick up a respective collar 7, and for deactivating suction at station S2 to enable head 26 to release respective collar 7 onto a conveying pocket 12 containing a respective product 5.

[0022] In actual use, conveyor 11 of continuous packing line 3 feeds products 5, crosswise to respective long longitudinal axes 5a, continuously along path P1 and at speed V1 through station S2. At the same time, line 23 for producing collars 7 feeds collars 7 at speed V2 to station S4, where each collar 7 arrives with wings 9 folded squarely with respect to panel 8, and where each collar 7 is picked up by a respective pickup head 26, is fed along path P2, and is assigned to a respective product 5 along common portion T of paths P1 and P2.

[0023] More specifically, conveyor 38 of epicyclic transmission 37 is rotated continuously (anticlockwise in Figure 1) about axis 38a to feed shafts 39 along path P3, while at the same time rotating shafts 39 about respective axes 39a. The transmission ratio of transmission 37 is such that path P3 is in the form of an equilateral triangle; that, at station S2 and at least along side L of the equilateral triangle parallel to direction D1, arms 43 of each head 26 are maintained crosswise to direction D1 along portion T; and that, at station S4 and at least along the respective vertex 40, arms 43 are positioned parallel to direction D2.

[0024] Moreover, transmission 37 so rotates conveyor 38 and shafts 39 that, as stated, heads 26 travel, at station S4, at a speed U1 directed parallel to direction D2 and equal to speed V2 at which collars 7 are fed to station S4, and travel, at station S2, at a speed U2 equal to speed V1 of products 5 and greater than speed U1, in that speed V1 of products 5 in direction D1 is greater than speed V2 of collars 7 in direction D2. As conveyor 38 feeds each head 26 through station S4 at speed U1, the rotation of conveyor 38 and shaft 39 about respective axes 38a and 39a positions axis 41a of head 26 parallel to direction D2 and therefore parallel to preformed bend lines 10 and axes 7a of collars 7. Moreover, as each head 26 is fed through station S4, shaft 39, previously set to the first raised operating position along path P3 between stations S2 and S4 to lift surfaces 46 to a higher level than plane Z, is set to the second raised operating position the instant axis 41a of head 26 is positioned parallel to and aligned with direction D2, so that surfaces 46 and 47 are positioned respectively contacting central panel 8 and wings 9 of a collar 7, which may be picked up by suction by head 26 and fed along path P2.

[0025] As conveyor 38 feeds each head 26 at speed U2 through station S2, and more specifically along common portion T of paths P1 and P2, the rotation of conveyor 38 and shaft 39 about respective axes 38a and 39a positions axis 41a of head 26 crosswise to direction D1 and therefore parallel to axes 5a of products 5. Moreover, as conveyor 38 feeds each head 26 along portion T, and once head 26 is aligned vertically with a pocket 12, shaft 39 is moved into the lowered operating position to assign respective collar 7 to product 5 inside pocket 12 and insert wings 9 of collar 7 inside cavities 16, and to release collar 7 onto product 5 once the suction through holes 50 is cut off by said distributor.

[0026] In the example embodiment shown, supply unit 6 comprises two pickup heads 26 for alternately picking up and supplying collars 7, but a greater number of heads 26 may be provided, depending substantially on the structural characteristics of continuous packing line 3, or on the type of article to be assigned to product 5 at station S2.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a head 26 comprising a gripping device 52, which is a variation of, and provides for the same functions as, gripping device 49 described above, but which differs by being mechanical as opposed to pneumatic. That is, for each arm 43 of respective fork 41, device 52 comprises a jaw element 53 movable to and from a gripping position in which element 53, in cooperation with respective arm 43 and with the other element 53 and other arm 43, grips a collar 7 on surfaces 46 and 47. Elements 53 are operated by a known control device (not shown) associated with epicyclic transmission 37, and which provides for moving elements 53 to and from the respective gripping positions in such a manner as to prevent elements 53 from interfering with collars 7 during pickup or supply.

Claims

1. A method of supplying articles to a continuous line (3) conveying products (5), in such a manner as to assign a respective article (7) to each product (5), the method comprising the steps of picking up the articles (7) at a pickup station (S4); feeding the articles (7) along a given first path (P2); and supplying the articles (7) to a supply station (S2) located along a second path (P1) along which said products (5) are fed;
said articles (7) being assigned to the respective products (5) along a given portion (T) of said first path (P2) common to said second path (P1); the articles (7) and the products (5) being fed in a given first direction (D1) and at the same given first speed (VI) at least along said given portion (T), the method being characterized in that said given portion (T) is not a substantially single-point portion.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, characterized by comprising the further step of feeding said articles (7) to said pickup station (S4) at a given second speed (V2) and in a given second direction (D2).

3. A method as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that said articles (7) are fed along said first path (P2) by respective pickup and conveying means (26), each having an axis (39a) of orientation movable along an annular third path (P3).

4. A method as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that said third path (P3) is substantially triangular-shaped, at least one of the vertices (40) of which is substantially rounded.

5. A method as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that two of said vertices (40) are aligned with each other and with said first direction (D1).

6. A method as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that one substantially rounded said vertex (40) is substantially located at said pickup station (S4).

7. A method as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 2 to 6, characterized in that said first and said second speed (V1, V2) differ from each other.

8. A method as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 2 to 7, characterized in that said first speed (V1) is greater than said second speed (V2).

9. A method as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 2 to 8, characterized in that said first and said second direction (D1, D2) are parallel to each other.

10. A method as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 2 to 9, characterized in that said first path (P2) is an annular path extending about a central axis (38a); said second path (P1) being a substantially straight path.

11. A method as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 2 to 10, characterized in that said articles (7) each comprise a central panel (8), and two lateral wings (9) on opposite sides of the panel (8) and connected to the panel (8) along respective preformed bend lines (10) parallel to each other and to a central longitudinal axis (7a) of the article (7); said articles (7) being fed to said pickup station (S4) with the respective central longitudinal axes (7a) parallel to said given second direction (D2), and being fed to said supply station (S2) with the respective central longitudinal axes (7a) crosswise to said first direction (D1).

12. A unit for supplying articles to a continuous line (3) conveying products (5), in such a manner as to assign a respective article (7) to each product (5), the unit (6) comprising pickup and conveying means (26) for picking up the articles (7) at a pickup station (S4) and feeding the articles (7) along a given first path (P2) extending through a supply station (S2) located along a second path (P1) along which said products (5) are fed; said first and second paths (P2, P1) having a common portion (T) at said supply station (S2) to enable said pickup and conveying means (26) to assign each article (7) to a respective product (5) traveling, in use, at a given first speed (V1) along said common portion (T) and in a given first direction (D1); said pickup and conveying means (26) being provided with actuating means (37) for moving the pickup and conveying means (26) at said given first speed (V1) at least along said common portion (T); and the unit 6 being characterized in that said common portion (T) is not a substantially single-point portion.

13. A unit as claimed in Claim 12, characterized by comprising supply means (23) for supplying said articles (7) to said pickup station (S4) at a given second speed (V2) and in a given second direction (D2).

14. A unit as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said pickup and conveying means '(26) have an axis (39a) of orientation movable along an annular third path (P3) to feed said articles (7) along said first path (P2).

15. A unit as claimed in Claim 14, characterized in that said third path (P3) is substantially triangular-shaped, at least one of the vertices (40) of which is substantially rounded.

16. A unit as claimed in Claim 15, characterized in that two of said vertices (40) are aligned with each other and with said first direction (D1).

17. A unit as claimed in Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that one substantially rounded said vertex (40) is substantially located at said pickup station (S4).

18. A unit as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 12 to 17, characterized in that said first and said second speed (V1, V2) differ from each other.

19. A unit as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 12 to 18, characterized in that said first and said second direction (D1, D2) are parallel to each other.

20. A unit as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 12 to 19, characterized in that said first path (P2) is an annular path extending about a central axis (38a); said second path (P1) being a substantially straight path.

21. A unit as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims from 12 to 20, characterized in that said pickup and conveying means (26) comprise at least two substantially U-shaped pickup heads (26); and, for each said pickup head (26), a gripping device (49; 52) for picking up and retaining a respective said article (7).

22. A unit as claimed in Claim 21, characterized in that said gripping device (49) is a pneumatic gripping device.

23. A unit as claimed in Claim 21, characterized in that said gripping device (52) is a mechanical gripping device.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zum Zuführen von Artikeln bzw. Gegenständen zu einer kontinuierlichen Linie (3), die Produkte (5) fördert bzw. transportiert, in einer derartigen Weise um einen entsprechenden Gegenstand (7) jedem Produkt (5) zuzuweisen, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte eines Aufnehmens der Gegenstände (7) an einer Aufnahmestation (S4); eines Zuführens der Gegenstände (7) entlang eines gegebenen ersten Pfads bzw. Wegs (P2); und eines Zuführens der Gegenstände (7) zu einer Zufuhrstation (S2) umfaßt, die entlang eines zweiten Pfads (P1) angeordnet ist, entlang weichem die Produkte (5) zugeführt werden; wobei die Gegenstände (7) den entsprechenden Produkten (5) entlang eines gegebenen Abschnitts (T) des ersten Pfads (P2) zugewiesen werden, der mit dem zweiten Pfad (P1) gemeinsam ist; wobei die Gegenstände (7) und die Produkte (5) in einer gegebenen ersten Richtung (D1) und mit derselben gegebenen, ersten Geschwindigkeit (V1) zumindest entlang des gegebenen Abschnitts (T) zugeführt werden, wobei das Verfahren dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß der gegebene Abschnitt (T) nicht ein im wesentlichen punktförmiger bzw. aus einem einzigen Punkt bestehender Abschnitt ist.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet durch ein Umfassen des weiteren Schritts eines Zuführens der Gegenstände (7) zu der Aufnahmestation (S4) mit einer gegebenen zweiten Geschwindigkeit (V2) und in einer gegebenen zweiten Richtung (D2).

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gegenstände (7) entlang des ersten Pfads (P2) durch entsprechende Aufnahme- und Fördermittel (26) gefördert werden, weiche jeweils eine Achse (39a) mit einer Ausrichtung bzw. Orientierung aufweisen, die entlang eines ringförmigen dritten Pfads (P3) bewegbar ist.

4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der dritte Pfad (P3) im wesentlichen dreieckig geformt ist, wobei wenigstens einer der Scheitel bzw. Spitzen (40) im wesentlichen abgerundet ist.

5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwei der Scheitel bzw. Spitzen (40) miteinander und mit der ersten Richtung (D1) ausgerichtet sind bzw. fluchten.

6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der eine im wesentlichen abgerundete Scheitel (40) im wesentlichen an der Aufnahmestation (S4) angeordnet ist.

7. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste und zweite Geschwindigkeit (V1, V2) sich voneinander unterscheiden.

8. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste Geschwindigkeit (V1) größer als die zweite Geschwindigkeit (V2) ist.

9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste und die zweite Richtung (D1, D2) parallel zueinander sind.

10. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der erste Pfad (P2) ein ringförmiger Pfad ist, der sich um eine zentrale Achse (38a) erstreckt; wobei der zweite Pfad (P1) ein im wesentlichen gerader Pfad ist.

11. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gegenstände (7) jeweils eine zentrale Platte bzw. Tafel (8) und zwei seitliche Flügel (9) auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Platte (8) aufweisen, und welche mit der Platte (8) entlang entsprechend vorgeformter Biegelinien (10) verbunden werden, die parallel zueinander und zu einer zentralen Längsachse (7a) des Gegenstands (7) sind; wobei die Gegenstände (7) zu der Aufnahmestation (S4) mit der entsprechenden zentralen Längsachse (7a) parallel zu der gegebenen zweiten Richtung (D2) zugeführt werden und zu der Zufuhrstation (S2) mit der entsprechenden zentralen Längsachse (7a) querverlaufend zu der ersten Richtung (D1) zugeführt werden.

12. Einheit zum Zuführen von Artikeln bzw. Gegenständen zu einer kontinuierlichen Linie (3), die Produkte (5) fördert, in einer derartigen Weise um einen entsprechenden Gegenstand (7) jedem Produkt (5) zuzuweisen, wobei die Einheit (6) Aufnahme- und Fördermittel (26) zum Aufnehmen der Gegenstände (7) an einer Aufnahmestation (S4) und zum Zuführen der Gegenstände (7) entlang eines gegebenen ersten Pfads bzw. Wegs (P2) umfaßt, der sich durch eine Zufuhrstation (S2) erstreckt, die entlang eines zweiten Pfads (P1) angeordnet ist, entlang welchem die Produkte (5) zugeführt werden, wobei die ersten und zweiten Pfade (P2, P1) einen gemeinsamen Abschnitt (T) an der Zufuhrstation (S2) umfassen, um es den Aufnahme- und Fördermitteln (26) zu ermöglichen, jeden Gegenstand (7) einem entsprechenden Produkt (5) zuzuordnen, welches sich in der Verwendung bei einer gegebenen, ersten Geschwindigkeit (V1) entlang dem gemeinsamen Abschnitt (T) und in einer gemeinsamen vorgegebenen Richtung (D1) bewegt; wobei die Aufnahme- und Fördermittel (26) mit Betätigungsmitteln (37) zum Bewegen der Aufnahme- und Fördermittel (26) mit der gegebenen ersten Geschwindigkeit (V1) entlang zumindest dem gemeinsamen Abschnitt (T) versehen sind, wobei die Einheit (6) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß der gemeinsame Abschnitt (T) nicht ein im wesentlichen punktförmiger bzw. aus einem Punkt bestehender Abschnitt ist,

13. Einheit nach Anspruch 12, gekennzeichnet durch ein Umfassen von Zufuhrmittein (23) zum Zuführen der Gegenstände (7) zu der Aufnahmestation (S4) mit einer gegebenen zweiten Geschwindigkeit (V2) und in einer gegebenen zweiten Richtung (D2).

14. Einheit nach Anspruch 12 oder 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Aufnahmeund Fördermittel (26) eine Achse (39a) einer Ausrichtung bzw. Orientierung aufweisen, die entlang eines ringförmigen dritten Pfads (P3) bewegbar ist, um die Gegenstände (7) entlang dem ersten Pfad (P2) zuzuführen.

15. Einheit nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der dritte Pfad (P3) im wesentlichen dreieckig geformt ist, wobei wenigstens eine(r) der Scheitel bzw, der Spitzen (40) derselben im wesentlichen abgerundet ist.

16. Einheit nach Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwei der Scheitel (40) miteinander und mit der ersten Richtung (D1) ausgerichtet sind.

17. Einheit nach Anspruch 15 oder 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der im wesentlichen eine abgerundete Scheitel (40) im wesentlichen an der Aufnahmestation (S4) angeordnet ist.

18. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 12 bis 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste und zweite Geschwindigkeit (V1, V2) sich voneinander unterscheiden.

19. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 12 bis 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste und zweite Richtung (D1, D2) parallel zueinander sind.

20. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 12 bis 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der erste Pfad (P2) ein ringförmiger Pfad ist, der sich um eine zentrale Achse (38a) erstreckt; wobei der zweite Pfad (P1) ein im wesentlichen gerader Pfad ist.

21. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 12 bis 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Aufnahme- und Fördermittel (26) wenigstens zwei im wesentlichen U-förmige Aufnahmeköpfe (26) und für jeden Aufnahmekopf (26) eine Greifvorrichtung (49; 62) zum Aufnehmen und Zurückhalten eines entsprechenden Gegenstands (7) umfassen.

22. Einheit nach Anspruch 21, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Greifvorrichtung (49) eine pneumatische Greifvorrichtung ist.

23. Einheit nach Anspruch 21, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Greifvorrichtung (52) eine mechanische Greifvorrichtung ist.

Revendications

1. Un procédé de fourniture d'articles à une chaîne (3) continue transportant des produits (5), de manière à affecter un article (7) respectif à chaque produit (5), le procédé comprenant les étapes de prélèvement des articles (7) en un poste de prélèvement (S4); de fourniture des articles (7) le long d'un premier chemin (P2) donné; et de fourniture des articles (7) à un poste d'alimentation (S2) placé le long d'un deuxième chemin (P1), le long duquel lesdits produits (5) sont fournis; lesdits articles (7) étant affectés aux produits (5) respectifs, le long d'une partie (T) donnée dudit premier chemin (P2), commune audit deuxième chemin (P1); les articles (7) et les produits (5) étant fournis en une première direction (D1) donnée et à la même première vitesse (V1) donnée, au moins le long de ladite partie (T) donnée, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie (T) donnée n'est pas une partie sensiblement ponctuelle.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait de comprendre l'étape supplémentaire de fourniture desdits articles (7) audit poste de prélèvement (S4), à une deuxième vitesse (V2) donnée et dans une deuxième direction (D2) donnée.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits articles (7) sont fournis le long dudit premier chemin (P2) par des moyens de prélèvement et de transport (26) respectifs, ayant chacun un axe d'orientation (39a) mobile le long d'un troisième chemin (P3) annulaire.

4. Procédé selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit troisième chemin (P3) est sensiblement en forme de triangle, dont au moins l'un des sommets (40) est sensiblement arrondi.

5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que deux desdits sommets (40) sont alignés avec chaque autre et avec ladite première direction (D1).

6. Procédé selon la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce qu'un sommet (40) desdits sommets sensiblement arrondi est placé pratiquement audit poste de prélèvement (S4).

7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 6 précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite première et ladite deuxième vitesses (V1, V2) diffèrent de chaque autre.

8. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 7 précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite première vitesse (V1) est supérieure à ladite deuxième vitesse (V2).

9. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 8 précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite première et ladite deuxième direction (D1, D2) sont parallèles à chaque autre.

10. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 9 précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit premier chemin (P2) est un chemin annulaire s'étendant autour d'un axe central (38a); ledit deuxième chemin (P1) étant un chemin sensiblement rectiligne.

11. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 10 précédentes, caractérisé en ce que lesdits articles (7) comprennent chacun un panneau central (8) et deux ailes (9) latérales, situées sur des côtés opposés du panneau (8) et reliées au panneau (8) sur des lignes courbes (10) préformées parallèles à chaque autres et à un axe longitudinal (7a) central de l'article (7); lesdits articles (7) étant amenés audit poste de prélèvement (S4) alors que les axes longitudinaux (7a) centraux respectifs sont parallèles à ladite deuxième direction (D2) donnée, et étant fournis audit poste d'alimentation (S2), avec les axes longitudinaux centraux (7a) transversaux à ladite première direction (D1).

12. Unité de fourniture d'articles à une chaîne (3) continue, transportant des produits (5), de manière à affecter un article (7) respectif à chaque produit (5), l'unité (6) comprenant des moyens de prélèvement et de transport (26) pour prélever des articles (7) à un poste de prélèvement (S4) et fournir les articles (7) le long d'un premier chemin (P2) donné, s'étendant à travers un poste d'alimentation (S2) placé sur un deuxième chemin (P1), le long duquel lesdits produits (5) sont amenés; lesdits premiers et deuxièmes chemins (P2; P1) ayant une partie (T) commune audit poste d'alimentation (S2) pour permettre auxdits moyens de prélèvement et de transport (26) d'affecter chaque article (7) à un produit (5) respectif, se déplaçant, en utilisation, à une première vitesse (V1) donnée, le long de ladite partie (T) commune et dans une première direction (D1) donnée; lesdits moyens de prélèvement et de transport (26) étant munis de moyens d'actionnement (37), pour déplacer les moyens de prélèvement et de transport (26) à ladite première vitesse (V1) donnée au moins le long de ladite partie (T) commune, et l'unité (6) étant caractérisée en ce que ladite partie (T) commune n'est pas une partie sensiblement ponctuelle.

13. Unité selon la revendication (12), caractérisée par le fait de comprendre des moyens d'alimentation (23) pour fournir lesdits articles (7) audit poste de prélèvement (S4) à une deuxième vitesse (V2) donnée et sous une deuxième direction (D2) donnée.

14. Unité selon la revendication 12 ou 13, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de prélèvement et de transport (26) ont un axe (39a) d'orientation déplaçable le long d'un troisième chemin (P3) annulaire, pour fournir lesdits articles (7) le long dudit premier chemin (P2).

15. Unité selon la revendication 14, caractérisée en ce que ledit troisième chemin (P3) est à forme sensiblement triangulaire, dont au moins un des sommets (40) est sensiblement arrondi.

16. Unité selon la revendication 15, caractérisée en ce que deux desdits sommets (40) sont alignés avec chaque autre et avec ladite première direction (D1).

17. Unité selon la revendication 15 ou 16, caractérisée en ce qu'un tel sommet (40) sensiblement arrondi est pratiquement placé audit poste de prélèvement (S4).

18. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 17 précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite première et ladite deuxième vitesse (V1, V2) sont différentes l'une de l'autre.

19. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 18 précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ladite première et ladite deuxième directions (D1, D2) sont parallèles à chaque autre.

20. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 19 précédentes, caractérisée en ce que chaque dit premier chemin (P2) est un chemin annulaire s'étendant autour d'un axe central (38a); ledit deuxième chemin (P1) étant un chemin sensiblement rectiligne.

21. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 20 précédentes, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de prélèvement et de transport (26) comprennent au moins deux têtes de prélèvement (26) sensiblement en forme de U; et, pour chaque dite tête de prélèvement (26), un dispositif de saisie (49; 52) pour prélever et retenir un dit article (7) respectif.

22. Unité selon la revendication 21, caractérisée en ce que ledit dispositif de prélèvement (49) est un dispositif de saisie pneumatique.

23. Unité selon la revendication 21, caractérisée en ce que ledit dispositif de prélèvement (52) est un dispositif de saisie mécanique.

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