EP0000304A1 - Sorting machine for articles and installation for handling articles comprising at least one of such sorting machines - Google Patents

Sorting machine for articles and installation for handling articles comprising at least one of such sorting machines Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0000304A1
EP0000304A1 EP78400023A EP78400023A EP0000304A1 EP 0000304 A1 EP0000304 A1 EP 0000304A1 EP 78400023 A EP78400023 A EP 78400023A EP 78400023 A EP78400023 A EP 78400023A EP 0000304 A1 EP0000304 A1 EP 0000304A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sorting machine
objects
clamp
spindle
clamps
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP78400023A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0000304B1 (en
Inventor
Yvan De Rancourt De Mimerand
Jean Goullet
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.)
Hotchkiss Brandt Sogeme HBS SA
Original Assignee
Hotchkiss Brandt Sogeme HBS SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Hotchkiss Brandt Sogeme HBS SA filed Critical Hotchkiss Brandt Sogeme HBS SA
Publication of EP0000304A1 publication Critical patent/EP0000304A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0000304B1 publication Critical patent/EP0000304B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B07C3/02—Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • B07C3/08—Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution using arrangements of conveyors
    • B07C3/082—In which the objects are carried by transport holders and the transport holders form part of the conveyor belts
    • B07C3/087—In which the objects are carried by transport holders and the transport holders form part of the conveyor belts the objects being taken up in transport files or holders which are not part of the conveyor belts
    • 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
    • B65G47/60—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from conveyors of the suspended, e.g. trolley, type
    • B65G47/61—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from conveyors of the suspended, e.g. trolley, type for articles
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S209/00—Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
    • Y10S209/912—Endless feed conveyor with means for holding each item individually
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S209/00—Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
    • Y10S209/922—Miscellaneous feed conveyors

Definitions

  • vement and attachment capable of taking one by one each clamp to hang it on one of the hooks a succession of fixed supports or receptacle pins in number equal to the number of possible addresses for objects; at least one release device capable of unhooking the clamp from the movable hook to hang it on the receptacle pin corresponding to the destination of the object it supports as soon as there is coincidence between the position of the hook and this pin.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a sorting machine capable of receiving the objects to be sorted supported each by
  • the present invention relates to an object sorting machine and more particularly such a machine specially adapted for sorting objects carried by grippers capable of being detached from a fixed support to be hung on a mobile support and vice versa. It also relates to installations for handling objects carried by their gripper comprising at least one sorting machine according to the invention.
  • Such a machine essentially comprises a so-called intermediate storage spindle intended to receive objects from work stations located upstream of the sorting machine; a succession of movable supports in the form of hooks driven in movement by a transfer device at least one member for taking forceps and direct them to their destination.
  • each object 100 is supported by a clamp 1 preferably of the type described in the French patent application EN 77/19 823 filed on June 28, 1977 in the name of the Applicant. It is a clamp used to connect an object (the pouch in this case) and a fixed or mobile support. It is characterized by the combination which is made of the choice of the material in which it is made, cooperating with the particular configuration which is given to it to allow its attachment, its unhooking and possibly the curling of several clamps, these operations can be carried out in most difficult conditions, for example in the case where they must be performed automatically and on the fly.
  • Such a clamp 1 carrying an object 100 for example, a pouch shown in Figure 1 has an open.
  • ture 4 made throughout the thickness of the clamp according to a profile 5 releasing a slot 6 preferably open on the middle of the upper side of the clamp.
  • the profile of this opening is very important; indeed, it contributes to the accomplishment of at least two essential functions. On the one hand, it delimits an opening large enough to allow a support to easily enter it, even if the clamp and this support are animated by a significant relative movement relative to each other (operation carried out at the fly). On the other hand it must lead to a configuration of walls facilitating the sliding of the clamp on its support until a state of equilibrium is established.
  • Bosses can be provided on the clamps. They then serve as spacers in the cases. where a succession of pliers is used and where a determined distance must be respected between each pliers.
  • the sorting machine according to the invention consists, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 on the one hand, of a device ensuring the entry of the pockets 100 carried by their gripper 1 in the sorting machine in the form of a storage spindle called intermediate spindle 103 on which the pockets have been skewered by any manual or automatic handling means and on the other hand a transfer device 104 consisting of a chain provided with hooks 30 on at least one side, but preferably on both sides. Motorized wheels 173 move the chain 104 and change the level from B to H.
  • Two tiling devices such as 106 prevent the pockets from catching on each other when the level is changed.
  • Sampling and hooking members 141 are responsible for removing, one by one, the pouches stored on the intermediate spindle 103 and for hanging them on the hooks 30 of the chain 104.
  • a succession of receptacle pins 105 in number equal to that possible sorting directions is provided.
  • the receptacle pins 105 in this case are arranged so that they equip the two high and low levels (H and B) and this on each of the two front and rear faces of the machine.
  • a level change device 106 or tiling device and a face change device are then provided and allow the correct operation of a sorting machine constructed according to this arrangement.
  • the face changing device comprises a fixed release member 161, a helical pin 170, a hooking member 141 for the pockets from this pin 170 on a hook 30 of the transfer chain located: on the front face.
  • the last receptacle pin of the high level of the front face on which the non-addressed pockets come to hang due to an error in particular of reading or addressing corresponds to a direction of scrap.
  • FIG. 5 provides a better understanding of the operation of a sorting machine according to the invention.
  • the sleeves are tracked individually from the read head.
  • the loss of a pocket during a hanging, a stall or a change of face causes the machine to stop, which restarts after the intervention of an operator.
  • a logic control device 163 ensures the distribution of the pockets on the hooks of the transfer chain 104.
  • a clock 183 ensures the synchronization of the operations.
  • Each step of the chain advances by one clock pulse on line 184. The step is chosen so as to ensure a clock frequency compatible with the control device and sufficient precision to allow commands stall and hooking.
  • the read head reads the hex codes carried by the sleeves and translates them into receptacle pin addresses 105.
  • a link circuit 181 transfers these addresses to a logic circuit 192 which controls the routing of the objects and supplies logic of referral 191 the order of unhooking the pouches when they have reached their destination.
  • Link circuits 193 ensure the transmission of the addresses of the pockets which pass from a transfer zone controlled by a logic circuit 192 to another transfer zone controlled by another logic circuit 192.
  • the objects progress in the direction indicated by the arrows from the front face A passing from the low level A B to the high level A ⁇ towards the rear face B also from the low level B B to the high level B H. Objects which have not been directed towards any receptacle pin are directed towards a start direction R.
  • a sorting machine finds a application in any installation for processing objects comprising at least one sorting operation whatever the operations carried out upstream or downstream of the sorting area.
  • a laboratory deals with work that reaches it from various sources, including resellers (druggists, tobacco shops, photographers) who act as intermediaries with customers.
  • the films are placed in a standardized pocket on which information is printed in code and / or in clear as well as information relating to the customer's request.
  • These pockets are collected by a collection service at a frequency which is variable depending on the size of the resellers and / or laboratories.
  • FIGs 6 and 7 illustrate the general arrangement of an installation according to the invention more particularly suitable for sorting photographic sleeves after invoicing.
  • an installation of this type would also be suitable for any application comprising at least one sorting operation and this whatever the nature of the workstations located upstream and downstream of the sorting machine itself.
  • Such an installation essentially consists of at least one sorting machine of the type which has been described previously and of a handling system responsible for picking up objects at a work station (namely in the example described, billing stations) and route them to the sorting machine itself.
  • These pockets 100 provided with their clamps 1 carrying an address indexing arrive by any handling means.
  • These billing items print the invoice from the customer, who ordered the photographic work.
  • the pockets are taken one by one by ur or several operators who execute the billing operations and then hang the pockets on storage pins 15 placed in front of them. These are removed one by one to be hung by means of a hooking member 141 on a first transfer device ld2 which drives them towards an intermediate spindle 103 ensuring the connection between the transfer device and the sorting machine properly said.
  • a release member (161) plugs the sleeves onto this intermediate spindle 103. They are then again taken one by one from the intermediate spindle 103 and attached to a second transfer device (104) forming part of the machine sorting. They scroll past an index recognition device 205 which acts on release means capable of threading them onto a receptacle pin 105. Each address corresponds to a specific receptacle pin. Misdirected objects are routed to a waste pin 108.
  • the handling device consists of a chain 151, of the same type, for example, that which equips the transfer device of the sorting machine itself, provided on its front face with hooks such that 30 can receive the pockets 100 by means of the clamps 1.
  • Motorized wheels 153 ensure the movement of the chain 151.
  • a device 106 for tiling the pockets in the turns ensures the passage of these from a low level towards a high level (or vice versa.
  • the direction of scrolling of the objects is reversed at each level and the means of attachment of the clamps must always move in a vertical plane. It is therefore essential to pass the clamps and the objects that they carry one on top of the other during a rotation of the driving means by 180 °.
  • This operation is defined as being a tiling operation and it is carried out by means of a so-called tiling member (referenced 106) without p roduce a significant distance from objects.
  • An organ of this type is described in French patent application EN 77/19 823 filed on June 28, 1977 in the name of the Applicant. It essentially consists, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, of a cam 90 concentric with the trajectory of the hooks 30 and having a suitable profile which makes the clamps pivot (a), (b), (c) (carrying their objects (a 1 ). (b 1 ) (c 1 ) during part of the rotation so as to impart a slight rotation to them on the hook 30, thus ensuring the curling, that is to say covering it over each other. other objects hanging from the clamps.
  • FIG 11 in which clearly appears the beginning of overlapping, accentuating the clamps (a), (b) and (c) illustrates this operation.
  • the cam 90 bends its profile to allow the clamps to return to their equilibrium position.
  • this operation is all the easier to carry out when the objects are flatter.
  • the removal and attachment of the grippers taken from a spindle whether it is a storage spindle 15 of the handling device M or the intermediate spindle 103 (accessory of the sorting machine in accordance with l 'invention) can be achieved by means of a hooking device 141 as described in the French patent application EN 77/19 823 filed on 28.6.77 in the name of the Applicant. It is essentially constituted as shown in Figures 12 and 13 of a unitary distributor cooperating with the attachment device itself.
  • the distributor receives the clamps, one behind the other on an inclined spindle 15, and the first clamp comes into abutment on the second guillotine 20, the first guillotine 21 being raised.
  • the first guillotine 21 is lowered, between the first and the second clamp which follows it and retains the second clamp while the first clamp is released by raising the second guillotine 20.
  • These two guillotines are linked by a lever system , itself controlled by an electromagnet 22. The reciprocating movement of the two guillotines ensures the unitary distribution of the clamps, at the desired moment.
  • the hooking device "on the fly" proper which receives from the spindle concerned 15 or 103 the clamps one by one, is constituted by a pushing member responsible for pressing the clamps against a set of stops as explained more clearly below.
  • This can for example be a set of two ratchet wheels 25 and 26 of different diameter, having the same number of teeth and palées on the same axis inclined relative to the path of the hooks intended to receive the pliers and also relative to the axis of the spindle. They are driven by a "stepping" motor or any other ratchet and indexing system.
  • the profile of the teeth is particular in that it is suitable for unitary reception of the clamps and consequently of the objects, and their thrust in support.
  • the attachment is done as follows: The hook 30 having penetrated into the triangular orifice of the clamp makes it slightly rotate around the spindle until the stop (J) stops this rotation. The hook, continuing its course, causes an offset of the edges of the slot of the pliers which escapes both the end of the spindle (15) and the stop (H), shorter than the stop (G). The clamp resumes, by its elasticity its original shape (edges of the slot, one opposite the other) and is suspended on the drive hook 30, The trajectory of the transfer or handling system is perpendicular to the spindle axis.
  • a logic controller for example, can be intended to prohibit the approach of a clamp on its stops (H and G ) as long as a free hook is not announced by a proximity detector. The attachment in these conditions is therefore automatic.
  • the release device 161 may in particular be of the type described in the French patent application already referenced above.
  • An exemplary embodiment of such a release device is described by means of the figures (14, 15 and 16).
  • the aim of this system is to automatically transfer the clamps supporting the objects of the hooks 30 in movement in a determined direction towards a fixed receiving pin, for example inclined downward.
  • This result is obtained by means of a cam 79 having the configuration of a fork.
  • the profile of the latter is such that it slides the clamps on the hook concerned, in the axis of the latter, when the receiving pin 15 or 105 is located opposite the triangular opening of the pliers. If the cam is held in a fixed position, each clamp slides on the straight slope of the cam and at the moment when the receiving pin is opposite the triangular opening of the clamp, the curved part of the cam 70 abruptly ends the movement of dropout.
  • the installation described above can be improved by combining other functions with it. It is indeed possible with such a combination of means to provide a qualitative and quantitative management of the pouches, as well as individual monitoring operations of the pouches from their entry into one of the billing stations to the exit of the sorting machine for so as to avoid the loss of one of them.
  • the present invention has many applications other than those which have been described previously. It can be applied in particular to the storage and automatic destocking of consumer products, for example certain hardware products, the automatic preparation of individualized packages, consisting of small objects of different nature. It can also be applied to the classification and automatic search of documents.
  • the arrangement of the sorting machine and of an installation in accordance with the invention is modular from the mechanical, electrical and electronic point of view, for example by module of 32 directions, which gives great flexibility in terms of its manufacture.

Abstract

Machine de tri d'objets et installation de manutention d'objets comportant au moins une telle machine de tri. L'invention concerne une machine de tri d'objets. Ces objets sone soutenus par des pinces. Des moyens adaptés assurent le décrochage et l'accrochage "à la volée" des pinces (1) sur une broche intermédiaire fixe (103) et des crochets mobiles (30) qui coopèrent avec des systèmes de transfert (102) et (104) pour assurer le transport des objets depuis un poste de travail situé en amont de la machine jusqu'à une succession de broches receptacles (105) correspondant chacune à une adresse donnée. Les objets sont ainsi dirigés vers ces broches réceptacles (105) pour y être accrochés selon leur destination finale. Dans une application l'installation est destinée à trier les pochettes de travaux photographiques après facturation.Object sorting machine and object handling installation comprising at least one such sorting machine. The invention relates to an object sorting machine. These objects are supported by clamps. Appropriate means ensure the unhooking and hooking "on the fly" of the clamps (1) on a fixed intermediate spindle (103) and movable hooks (30) which cooperate with transfer systems (102) and (104) for ensure the transport of objects from a work station located upstream of the machine to a succession of receptacle pins (105) each corresponding to a given address. The objects are thus directed towards these receptacle pins (105) to be hung there according to their final destination. In one application, the installation is intended to sort the pockets of photographic work after invoicing.

Description

vement et d'accrochage capable de prélever une par une chaque pince pour l'accrocher à un des crochets une succession de supports fixes ou broches réceptacles en nombre égal au nombre d'adresse possible pour les objets ; au moins un organe de décrochage capable de décrocher la pince du crochet mobile pour l'accrocher à la broche réceptacle correspondant à la destination de l'objet qu'elle soutient dès qu'il y a coîncidence entre la position du crochet et cette broche.vement and attachment capable of taking one by one each clamp to hang it on one of the hooks a succession of fixed supports or receptacle pins in number equal to the number of possible addresses for objects; at least one release device capable of unhooking the clamp from the movable hook to hang it on the receptacle pin corresponding to the destination of the object it supports as soon as there is coincidence between the position of the hook and this pin.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide des explications qui vont suivre et des figures jointes parmi lesquelles

  • - la figure 1 montre un objet en forme de pochette soutenue par une pince ;
  • - les figures 2, 3 et 4 représentent schématiquement, selon plusieurs vues, les éléments essentiels d'une machine de tri d'objets soutenus par une pince conforme à l'invention ;
  • - la figure 5 permet de mieux comprendre le fonctionnement d'une machine de tri selon l'invention ;
  • - la figure 6 représente l'agencement général d'une installation comportant une machine de tri selon l'invention
  • - les figures 7 et 8 montrent les éléments essentiels d'un système de manutention capable de coopérer avec une machine de tri-selon l'invention ;
  • - les figures 9, 10 et 11, selon des vues différentes, représentent une forme de réalisation d'un organe de tuilage des objets ;
  • - les figures 12 et 13 représentent, selon des vues différentes, une forme de réalisation d'un organe de prélèvement et d'accrochage des pinces ;
  • - les figures 14 15 et 16 représentent, selon des vues différentes, un organe de décrochage des pinces.
The invention will be better understood with the aid of the explanations which follow and of the appended figures among which
  • - Figure 1 shows an object in the form of a pouch supported by a clamp;
  • - Figures 2, 3 and 4 schematically represent, according to several views, the essential elements of a machine for sorting objects supported by a clamp according to the invention;
  • - Figure 5 provides a better understanding of the operation of a sorting machine according to the invention;
  • - Figure 6 shows the general arrangement of an installation comprising a sorting machine according to the invention
  • - Figures 7 and 8 show the essential elements of a handling system capable of cooperating with a sorting machine according to the invention;
  • - Figures 9, 10 and 11, according to different views, show an embodiment of a member for tiling objects;
  • - Figures 12 and 13 show, according to different views, an embodiment of a member for picking up and hooking the clamps;
  • - Figures 14 15 and 16 show, according to different views, a clamp release device.

Pour faciliter la compréhension, les mêmes éléments portent les mêmes références dans toutes les figures.To facilitate understanding, the same elements are given the same references in all the figures.

La présente invention concerne donc une machine-de tri capable de recevoir les objets à trier soutenus chacund parThe present invention therefore relates to a sorting machine capable of receiving the objects to be sorted supported each by

La présente invention concerne une machine de tri d'objets et plus particulièrement une telle machine spécialement adaptée pour trier des objets portés par des pinces capables d'être décrochées d'un support fixe pour être accrochées sur un support mobile et vice-versa. Elle concerne également les installations de manutention d'objets portés par leur pince comportant au moins une machine de tri conforme à l'invention.The present invention relates to an object sorting machine and more particularly such a machine specially adapted for sorting objects carried by grippers capable of being detached from a fixed support to be hung on a mobile support and vice versa. It also relates to installations for handling objects carried by their gripper comprising at least one sorting machine according to the invention.

Le fait d'utiliser des pinces pour assurer la liaison entre les objets à trier et les supports mobiles-ou fixés présentent de grands avantages dans la mesure où leur manipulation est facile à mettre en oeuvre et assure toutes les garanties de fiabilité. C'est précisément le but de la présente invention de remplir ces conditions. Celle-ci concerne une machine de tri d'objets portant chacun une indexation d'adressage et étant soutenu par une pince servant de liaison entre l'objet qu'elle porte et un support fixe ou mobile. Une telle machine comprend essentiellement une broche de stockage dite intermédiaire destinée à recevoir les objets en provenance de postes de travail situés en amont de la machine de tri ; une succession de supports mobiles se présentant sous la forme de crochets entraînés en mouvement par un dispositif de transfert au moins un organe de prélève- une pince et de les orienter vers leur destination. finale.. Avant de décrire une telle machine de tri il convient donc auparavant de voir quel type de pinces est le mieux adapté pour coopérer avec la combinaison des moyens mise en oeuvre dans une machine selon l'invention.The use of pliers to ensure the connection between the objects to be sorted and the mobile or fixed supports have great advantages insofar as their handling is easy to implement and ensures all the guarantees of reliability. It is precisely the aim of the present invention to fulfill these conditions. This relates to an object sorting machine each carrying an address indexing and being supported by a clamp serving as a link between the object which it carries and a fixed or mobile support. Such a machine essentially comprises a so-called intermediate storage spindle intended to receive objects from work stations located upstream of the sorting machine; a succession of movable supports in the form of hooks driven in movement by a transfer device at least one member for taking forceps and direct them to their destination. Before describing such a sorting machine, it is therefore necessary beforehand to see which type of pliers is best suited to cooperate with the combination of means used in a machine according to the invention.

Comme le montre la figure l'chaque objet 100 est soutenu par une pince 1 de préférence du type de celui qui est décrit dans la demande de brevet français EN 77/19 823 déposée le 28 Juin 1977 au nom de la Demanderesse. Il s'agit d'une pince servant de liaison entre un objet (la pochette dans le cas présent) et un support fixe ou mobile. Elle est caractérisée par la combinaison qui est faite du choix du matériau dans lequel elle est réalisée, coopérant avec la configuration particulière qui lui est donnée pour permettre son accrochage, son décrochage et éventuellement le tuilage de plusieurs pinces, ces opérations pouvant être effectuées dans les conditions les plus difficiles par exemple dans le cas où elles doivent être réalisées automatiquement et à la volée.As shown in the figure, each object 100 is supported by a clamp 1 preferably of the type described in the French patent application EN 77/19 823 filed on June 28, 1977 in the name of the Applicant. It is a clamp used to connect an object (the pouch in this case) and a fixed or mobile support. It is characterized by the combination which is made of the choice of the material in which it is made, cooperating with the particular configuration which is given to it to allow its attachment, its unhooking and possibly the curling of several clamps, these operations can be carried out in most difficult conditions, for example in the case where they must be performed automatically and on the fly.

Une telle pince 1 portant un objet 100, par exemple, une pochette représentée sur la figure 1 comporte une ouver-. ture 4 faite dans toute l'épaisseur de la pince selon un profil 5 libérant une fente 6 ouverte de préférence sur le milieu du côté supérieur de la pince. Le profil de cette ouverture est très important ; en effet, il contribue à l'accomplissement d'au moins deux fonctions essentielles. D'une part, il délimite une ouverture suffisamment grande pour permettre à un support d'y pénétrer facilement, même si la pince et ce support sont animés d'un mouvement relatif important l'un par rapport à l'autre (opération effectuée à la volée). D'autre part il doit conduire à une configuration de parois facilitant le glissement de la pince sur son support jusqu'à ce qu'un état d'équilibre s'établisse. Un profil évolutif délimitant une surface décroissant de la fente jusqu'à la base de l'ouverture remplit cette condition, c'est pourquoi d'ailleurs, le profil triangulaire représenté sur la figure 1 pour cette ouverture 4 est plus particulièrement adapté pour l'accomplissement de ces deux fonctions. En effet la base du triangle peut être choisie en fonction de l'application considérée et assurer ainsi les conditions nécessaires à l'accomplissement de la première fonction (pénétration du support à la volée). Il est tenu compte dans chaque cas des dimensions du support. Les côtés du triangle constituant les parois de l'ouverture présentent une pente également adaptable à l'application considérée et capable de favoriser le glissement dont il a été question précédemment. Le sommet du triangle coïncide avec la fente 6 dont la section présente une surface inférieure à celle du support. Elle délimite deux parties situées de part et d'autre d'un plan passant, par exemple, par l'axe de la fente. Compte tenu de sa présence, les deux parties peuvent être décalées par rapport à ce plan dans un sens inverse l'une de l'autre, libérant ainsi un espace libre qui facilite le décrochage de la pince. Néanmoins pour que cela se réalise correctement et c'est là qu'intervient la nature du matériau, il faut que celui-ci présente, tout d'abord un coëfficient d'élasticité suffisamment élevé pour que, compte tenu de l'épaisseur de la pince, la déformation ne soit pas permanente, la pince par effet de ressort retrouvant alors automatiquement sa forme initiale à la fin de l'opération de décrochage. Mais il faut également que ce matériau présente un coëfficient de frottement faible pour ne pas s'opposer au glissement de la. pince mais au contraire l'accentuer encore. Il existe sur le marché ; des matières plastiques remplissant ces conditions, faciles à mettre en oeuvre par injection, découpage ou moulage. Des bossages peuvent être prévus- sur les pinces.. Ils servent alors d'entretoises dans les cas. où une succession de pinces est utilisée et où une distance déterminée doit être respectée entre chaque pince.Such a clamp 1 carrying an object 100, for example, a pouch shown in Figure 1 has an open. ture 4 made throughout the thickness of the clamp according to a profile 5 releasing a slot 6 preferably open on the middle of the upper side of the clamp. The profile of this opening is very important; indeed, it contributes to the accomplishment of at least two essential functions. On the one hand, it delimits an opening large enough to allow a support to easily enter it, even if the clamp and this support are animated by a significant relative movement relative to each other (operation carried out at the fly). On the other hand it must lead to a configuration of walls facilitating the sliding of the clamp on its support until a state of equilibrium is established. An evolving profile delimiting a decreasing surface from the slot to the base of the opening fulfills this condition, which is why, moreover, the triangular profile represented in Figure 1 for this opening 4 is more particularly suitable for the performance of these two functions. Indeed the base of the triangle can be chosen according to the application considered and thus ensure the conditions necessary for the accomplishment of the first function (penetration of the support on the fly). The dimensions of the support are taken into account in each case. The sides of the triangle constituting the walls of the opening have a slope also adaptable to the application considered and capable of promoting the sliding which has been mentioned above. The apex of the triangle coincides with the slot 6, the section of which has a surface area smaller than that of the support. It delimits two parts situated on either side of a plane passing, for example, by the axis of the slot. Given its presence, the two parts can be offset relative to this plane in an opposite direction from each other, thus freeing up a free space which facilitates the release of the clamp. However, for this to be done correctly and this is where the nature of the material comes in, it must first of all have a sufficiently high elasticity coefficient so that, taking into account the thickness of the gripper, the deformation is not permanent, the gripper by spring effect then automatically regains its initial shape at the end of the stall operation. But it is also necessary that this material has a low coefficient of friction so as not to oppose the sliding of the. clip but on the contrary accentuate it further. It exists on the market; plastic materials fulfilling these conditions, easy to use by injection, cutting or molding. Bosses can be provided on the clamps. They then serve as spacers in the cases. where a succession of pliers is used and where a determined distance must be respected between each pliers.

La machine de tri conforme à l'invention est constituée comme le montrent les figures 2, 3 et 4 d'une part, d'un dispositif assurant l'entrée des pochettes 100 portées par leur pince 1 dans la machine de tri se présentant sous la forme d'une broche de stockage dite broche intermédiaire 103 sur laquelle les pochettes ont été embrochées par tout moyen de manutention manuel ou automatique et d'autre part d'un dispositif de transfert 104 constitué d'une chaîne munie de crochets 30 sur au moins une face, mais de préférence sur les deux faces. Des roues motorisées 173 assurent le déplacement de la chaîne 104 et le changement de niveau de B vers H.The sorting machine according to the invention consists, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 on the one hand, of a device ensuring the entry of the pockets 100 carried by their gripper 1 in the sorting machine in the form of a storage spindle called intermediate spindle 103 on which the pockets have been skewered by any manual or automatic handling means and on the other hand a transfer device 104 consisting of a chain provided with hooks 30 on at least one side, but preferably on both sides. Motorized wheels 173 move the chain 104 and change the level from B to H.

Deux dispositifs de tuilage tel que 106 évitent aux pochettes de s'accrocher entre elles lors du changement de niveau. Des organes de prélèvement et d'accrochage 141 sont chargés de prélever, une par une, les pochettes stockées sur la broche intermédiaire l03 et de les accrocher sur les crochets 30 de la chaîne 104. Une succession de broches receptacles 105 en nombre égal à celui des directions possibles de tri est prévue. Quand une pince portant son objet dont l'adresse a été préalablement lue par un moyen de lecture approprié 305 se présente devant la broche réceptacle qui correspond à sa destination, un ordre est donné à un organe de décrochage 161 de décrocher la pince' tout en permettant son embrochage sur la broche réceptacle à laquelle l'objet qu'elle porte est destiné.Two tiling devices such as 106 prevent the pockets from catching on each other when the level is changed. Sampling and hooking members 141 are responsible for removing, one by one, the pouches stored on the intermediate spindle 103 and for hanging them on the hooks 30 of the chain 104. A succession of receptacle pins 105 in number equal to that possible sorting directions is provided. When a clip carrying its object, the address of which has been previously read by an appropriate reading means 305, is presented in front of the receptacle pin which corresponds to its destination, an order is given to a release device 161 to unhook the clip ' while allowing it to be plugged into the receptacle pin for which the object it is carrying is intended.

Pour augmenter la capacité de tri de la machine sans pour cela accroître exagérément ses dimensions,une disposition caractéristique de l'invention peut être réalisée. Les broches réceptacles 105 dans ce cas sont disposées de telle sorte qu'elles équipent les deux niveaux haut et bas (H et B) et ceci sur chacune des deux faces avant et arrière de la machine. Un dispositif de changement de niveau 106 ou dispositif de tuilage et un dispositif de changement de face sont alors prévus et permettent le fonctionnement correct d'une machine de tri construite selon cet agencement. Le dispositif de changement de face comporte un organe de décrochage 161 fixe, une broche hélicoïdale 170, un organe d'accrochage 141 des pochettes à partir de cette broche 170 sur un crochet 30 de la chaîne de transfert située :sur la face avant. La dernière broche réceptacle du niveau haut de la face avant sur laquelle viennent s'accrocher les pochettes non adressées en raison d'une erreur notamment de lecture ou d'adressage correspond à une direction de rebut.To increase the sorting capacity of the machine without excessively increasing its dimensions, a characteristic arrangement of the invention can be implemented. The receptacle pins 105 in this case are arranged so that they equip the two high and low levels (H and B) and this on each of the two front and rear faces of the machine. A level change device 106 or tiling device and a face change device are then provided and allow the correct operation of a sorting machine constructed according to this arrangement. The face changing device comprises a fixed release member 161, a helical pin 170, a hooking member 141 for the pockets from this pin 170 on a hook 30 of the transfer chain located: on the front face. The last receptacle pin of the high level of the front face on which the non-addressed pockets come to hang due to an error in particular of reading or addressing corresponds to a direction of scrap.

La figure 5 permet de mieux comprendre le fonctionnement d'une machine de tri conforme à l'invention. Les pochettes sont suivies individuellement à partir de la tête de lecture. La perte d'une pochette lors d'un accrochage, d'un décrochage ou d'un changement de face entraîne l'arrêt de la machine qui redémarre après l'intervention d'un opérateur. Un dispositif logique de commande 163 assure la distribution des pochettes sur les crochets de la chaîne de transfert 104. Une horloge 183 assure la synchronisation des opérations. A chaque avance d'un pas de la chaîne correspond une impulsion de l'horloge sur la ligne 184. Le pas est choisi de façon à assurer une fréquence de l'horloge compatible avec le dispositif de commande et une précision suffisante pour permettre les commandes de décrochage et d'accrochage. La tête de lecture lit les codes d'intexation portés par les pochettes et les traduit en des adresses de broches réceptacles 105. Un circuit de liaison 181 transnet ces adresses à un circuit logique 192 qui contrôle l'acheminement des objets et fournit à une logique d'aiguillage 191 l'ordre de décrochage des pochettes lorsqu'elles sont arrivées à destination. Des circuits de liaison 193 assurent la transmission des adresses des pochettes qui passent d'une zone de transfert contrôlée par un circuit logique 192 à une autre zone de transfert contrôlée par un autre circuit logique 192. Les objets progressent dans le sens indiqué par les flèches depuis la face avant A en passant du niveau bas AB au niveau haut A― vers la face arrière B également du niveau bas BB au niveau haut BH. Les objets qui n'ont été dirigés vers aucune broche réceptacle sont conduits vers une direction de.rebut R.Figure 5 provides a better understanding of the operation of a sorting machine according to the invention. The sleeves are tracked individually from the read head. The loss of a pocket during a hanging, a stall or a change of face causes the machine to stop, which restarts after the intervention of an operator. A logic control device 163 ensures the distribution of the pockets on the hooks of the transfer chain 104. A clock 183 ensures the synchronization of the operations. Each step of the chain advances by one clock pulse on line 184. The step is chosen so as to ensure a clock frequency compatible with the control device and sufficient precision to allow commands stall and hooking. The read head reads the hex codes carried by the sleeves and translates them into receptacle pin addresses 105. A link circuit 181 transfers these addresses to a logic circuit 192 which controls the routing of the objects and supplies logic of referral 191 the order of unhooking the pouches when they have reached their destination. Link circuits 193 ensure the transmission of the addresses of the pockets which pass from a transfer zone controlled by a logic circuit 192 to another transfer zone controlled by another logic circuit 192. The objects progress in the direction indicated by the arrows from the front face A passing from the low level A B to the high level A― towards the rear face B also from the low level B B to the high level B H. Objects which have not been directed towards any receptacle pin are directed towards a start direction R.

Une machine de tri conforme à l'invention trouve une application dans toute installation de traitement d'objets comportant au moins une opération de tri quelque soient les opérations effectuées en amont ou en aval de la zone de triage.A sorting machine according to the invention finds a application in any installation for processing objects comprising at least one sorting operation whatever the operations carried out upstream or downstream of the sorting area.

Pour mieux illustrer l'invention une application de la machina de tri est maintenant décrite. Il s'agit d'une installation destinée a trier les pochettes de travaux photographiques après facturation. Un laboratoire traite des travaux qui lui parviennent de diverses sources, et notamment des revendeurs, (droguistes, bureaux de tabac, photographes) lesquels servent d'intermédiaires avec la clientèle. Les pellicules sont placées dans un pochette normalisée sur laquelle des informations sont imprimées en code et/ou en clair ainsi que des informations relatives à la demande du client. Ces pochettes sont collectées par un service de ramassage suivant une fréquence qui est variable selon l'importance des revendeurs et/ou des laboratoires.To better illustrate the invention, an application of the sorting machine is now described. It is an installation intended to sort the pockets of photographic work after invoicing. A laboratory deals with work that reaches it from various sources, including resellers (druggists, tobacco shops, photographers) who act as intermediaries with customers. The films are placed in a standardized pocket on which information is printed in code and / or in clear as well as information relating to the customer's request. These pockets are collected by a collection service at a frequency which is variable depending on the size of the resellers and / or laboratories.

Lorsqu'elles arrivent au laboratoire, elles sont vidées de leur contenu qui est inséré dans le cycle de fabrication avec un repère. Eh fin de cycle, les tirages retrouvent leur pochette d'origine. La lecture automatique des données permanentes, complétées par l'insertion des données spécifiques du client, conduisent à l'édition des données de facturation. On conçoit à ce moment que les pochettes ont perdu leur ordre d'origine et qu'elles doivent être triées pour pouvoir être affectées au véhicule assurant le circuit de distribution adéquat. Les pochettes sont rendues. solidaires de pinces telles que décrites précédemment au mayen de la figure 1..When they arrive at the laboratory, they are emptied of their content which is inserted into the manufacturing cycle with a marker. At the end of the cycle, the prints find their original pocket. Automatic reading of permanent data, supplemented by the insertion of specific customer data, leads to the editing of billing data. It will be understood at this time that the pockets have lost their original order and that they must be sorted in order to be able to be assigned to the vehicle providing the appropriate distribution circuit. The sleeves are returned. integral with clamps as described above in the mayen of FIG. 1.

Les figures 6 et 7 illustrent l'agencement général d'une installation conforme à l'invention plus particulièrement adaptée au tri des pochettes photographiques après facturation. Comme cela a été dit précédemment une installation de ce type conviendrait également pour toute application comportant au moins une opération de tri et ceci quelle que soit la nature des postes de travail se trouvant en amont et en aval de la machine de tri proprement dite.Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the general arrangement of an installation according to the invention more particularly suitable for sorting photographic sleeves after invoicing. As mentioned above, an installation of this type would also be suitable for any application comprising at least one sorting operation and this whatever the nature of the workstations located upstream and downstream of the sorting machine itself.

Une telle installation est constituée essentiellement d'au moins une machine de tri du type de celle qui a été décrite précédemment et d'un système de manutention chargé de prélever les objets au niveau d'un poste de travail (à savoir dans l'exemple décrit, les postes de facturation) et de les acheminer vers la machine de tri proprement dite.Such an installation essentially consists of at least one sorting machine of the type which has been described previously and of a handling system responsible for picking up objects at a work station (namely in the example described, billing stations) and route them to the sorting machine itself.

Ces pochettes 100 munies de leurs pinces 1 portant une indexation d'adressage arrivent par un moyen de manutention quelconque. Ces postes de facturation impriment la facture du client, auteur de la commande des travaux photographiques. Les pochettes sont prises une par une par ur ou plusieurs opérateurs qui exécutent les opérations de facturation puis accrochent les pochettes sur des broches de stockage 15 placées devant eux. Celles-ci sont prélevées une par une pour être accrochées au moyen d'un organe d'accrochage 141 à un premier dispositif de transfert ld2 qui les entraîne vers une broche intermédiaire 103 assurant la liaison entre le dispositif de transfert et la machine de tri proprement dite. Un organe de décrochage (161) assure l'embrochage des pochettes sur cette broche intermédiaire 103. Ellessont alors à nouveau prélevées une par une au niveau de la broche intermédiaire 103 et accrochées à un second dispositif de transfert (104) faisant partie de la machine de tri. Elles défilent devant un dispositif de reconnaissance d'index 205 qui agit sur des moyens de décrochage capable de les enfiler sur une broche réceptacle 105. A chaque adresse correspond une broche réceptacle déterminée. Les objets mal adressés sont acheminés vers une broche de rebut 108.These pockets 100 provided with their clamps 1 carrying an address indexing arrive by any handling means. These billing items print the invoice from the customer, who ordered the photographic work. The pockets are taken one by one by ur or several operators who execute the billing operations and then hang the pockets on storage pins 15 placed in front of them. These are removed one by one to be hung by means of a hooking member 141 on a first transfer device ld2 which drives them towards an intermediate spindle 103 ensuring the connection between the transfer device and the sorting machine properly said. A release member (161) plugs the sleeves onto this intermediate spindle 103. They are then again taken one by one from the intermediate spindle 103 and attached to a second transfer device (104) forming part of the machine sorting. They scroll past an index recognition device 205 which acts on release means capable of threading them onto a receptacle pin 105. Each address corresponds to a specific receptacle pin. Misdirected objects are routed to a waste pin 108.

Lorsque l'une des broches- réceptacles est pleine, son contenu est déchargé dans une caissette de manutention. Celles-ci sont ensuite regroupées par lot de distribution avec des moyens de manutention qui ne font pas partie de la présente invention.When one of the receptacle pins is full, its contents are discharged into a handling box. These are then grouped together by distribution batch with handling means which are not part of the present invention.

On retrouve les pincipaux éléments et organes déjà décrits lors de la description de la machine de tri proprement dite. Des exemples de réalisation de ces principaux organes, de tuilage (106), d'accrochage (141), de décrocnage (161) utilisés aussi bien dans la zone de manutention que dans la zone de tri (machine de tri et ses accessoires sont maintenant décrits.We find the main elements and organs already described during the description of the sorting machine itself. Examples of embodiment of these main members, curling (106), attachment (141), stall (161) used both in the handling area and in the sorting area (sorting machine and its accessories are now described.

Comme le montre la figure 8, le dispositif de manutention est constitué d'une chaîne 151, du même type, par exemple, que celle qui équipe le dispositif de transfert de la machine de tri proprement dite, munie sur sa face avant de crochets tels que 30 pouvant recevoir les pochettes 100 par l'intermédiaire des pinces 1. Des roues motorisées 153 assurent le déplacement de la chaîne 151. Un dispositif de tuilage 106 des pochettes dans les virages assure le passage de celles-ci d'un niveau bas vers un niveau haut (ou vice versa. Le sens de défilement des objets est inversé à chaque niveau et les moyens d'accrochage des pinces doivent se déplacer toujours dans un plan vertical. Il est donc indispensable de faire passer les pinces et les objets qu'ils portent les uns par dessus les autres pendant une rotation des moyens d'entraînement de 180°. Cette opération est définie comme étant une opération de tuilage et elle est réalisée au moyen d'un organe dit de tuilage (référencé 106) sans que se produise un éloignement sensible des objets. Un organe de ce type est décrit dans la demande de brevet français EN 77/19 823 déposée le 28 juin 1977 au nom de la Demanderesse. Il est essentiellement constitué comme le montrent les figures 9, 10 et 11 d'une came 90 concentrique à la trajectoire des crochets 30 et présentant un profil adapté qui fait pivoter les pinces (a), (b), (c) (portant leurs objets (a1). (b1) (c1) pendant une partie de la rotation de manière à leur imprimer une légère rotation sur le crochet 30, assurant ainsi le tuilage c'est-à-dire le recouvrant les uns sur les autres des objets suspendus aux pinces.As shown in Figure 8, the handling device consists of a chain 151, of the same type, for example, that which equips the transfer device of the sorting machine itself, provided on its front face with hooks such that 30 can receive the pockets 100 by means of the clamps 1. Motorized wheels 153 ensure the movement of the chain 151. A device 106 for tiling the pockets in the turns ensures the passage of these from a low level towards a high level (or vice versa. The direction of scrolling of the objects is reversed at each level and the means of attachment of the clamps must always move in a vertical plane. It is therefore essential to pass the clamps and the objects that they carry one on top of the other during a rotation of the driving means by 180 °. This operation is defined as being a tiling operation and it is carried out by means of a so-called tiling member (referenced 106) without p roduce a significant distance from objects. An organ of this type is described in French patent application EN 77/19 823 filed on June 28, 1977 in the name of the Applicant. It essentially consists, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, of a cam 90 concentric with the trajectory of the hooks 30 and having a suitable profile which makes the clamps pivot (a), (b), (c) (carrying their objects (a 1 ). (b 1 ) (c 1 ) during part of the rotation so as to impart a slight rotation to them on the hook 30, thus ensuring the curling, that is to say covering it over each other. other objects hanging from the clamps.

La figure 11 sur laquelle apparaît clairement le commencement de recouvrement allant en s'accentuant des pinces (a), (b) et (c) illustre cette opération. Lorsque celle-ci est terminée, et que les objets se trouvent pratiquement les uns sur les autres, la came 90 infléchit son profil pour permettre aux pinces de retrouver leur position d'équilibre. Il faut toutefois noter que cette opération est d'autant plus facile à réaliser que les objets sont plus plats.Figure 11 in which clearly appears the beginning of overlapping, accentuating the clamps (a), (b) and (c) illustrates this operation. When it is finished, and the objects are practically on top of each other, the cam 90 bends its profile to allow the clamps to return to their equilibrium position. However, it should be noted that this operation is all the easier to carry out when the objects are flatter.

Le prélèvement et l'accrochage des pinces-prélevées au niveau d'une broche qu'il s'agisse d'une broche de stockage 15 du dispositif de manutention M ou de la broche intermédiaire 103 (accessoire de la machine de tri conforme à l'invention) peut être réalisé au moyen d'un organe d'a-crochage 141 tel qu'il est décrit dans la demande de brevet français EN 77/19 823 déposée le 28.6.77 au nom de la Demanderesse. Il est essentiellement constitué comme le montrent les figures 12 et 13 d'un répartiteur unitaire coopérant avec le dispositif d'accrochage proprement dit.The removal and attachment of the grippers taken from a spindle whether it is a storage spindle 15 of the handling device M or the intermediate spindle 103 (accessory of the sorting machine in accordance with l 'invention) can be achieved by means of a hooking device 141 as described in the French patent application EN 77/19 823 filed on 28.6.77 in the name of the Applicant. It is essentially constituted as shown in Figures 12 and 13 of a unitary distributor cooperating with the attachment device itself.

Le répartiteur reçoit les pinces, les unes derrière les autres sur une broche inclinée 15, et la première pince vient en butée sur la seconde guillotine 20, la première guillotine 21 étant relevée. La première guillotine 21 s'abaisse, entre la première et la seconde pince qui la suit et retient la seconde pince pendant que la .première pince est libérée par le relèvement de la seconde guillotine 20. Ces deux guillotines sont liées par un système à leviers, lui-même commandé par un électroaimant 22. Le mouvement alternatif des deux guillotines assure la répartition unitaire des pinces, au moment désiré. Le dispositif d'accrochage "à la volée" proprement dit qui reçoit à partir de la broche concernée 15 ou 103 les pinces une à une, est constitué par un organe de poussée chargé de plaquer les pinces contre un jeu de butées comme cela est expliqué plus clairement ci-dessous. Celui-ci peut être par exemple un ensemble de deux roues à rochet 25 et 26 de diamètre différent, ayant le même nombre de dents et palées sur un même axe incliné par rapport à la trajectoir des crochets destinés à recevoir les pinces et aussi par rapport à l'axe de la broche. Elles sont entraînées par un moteur "pas à pas" ou tout autre système à rochet et indexation, Le profil des dents est particulier en ce qu'il convient à la réception unitaire des pinces et par conséquent des objets, et à leur poussée en appui sur des butées (H et G) qui forment avec l'axe de la broche un angle inférieur à 90°. Il en résulte une position inclinée des pinces qui est indispensable à la fonction "accrochage à la volée" des pinces sur les supports mobiles tel que le crochet 30 qui peut ainsi pénétrer dans l'orifice triangulaire de la pince et entraîner celle-ci. Le maintien en position sensiblement verticale des.pinces pendant la durée de l'accrochage est obtenu par le moyen d'une butée (J) qui limite la rotation de la pince dans un plan vertical, ce qui a pour effet d'éviter un fort balancement de la pince juste après son transfert sur le crochet concerné. L'accrochage se fait de la manière suivante : Le crochet 30 ayant pénétré dans l'orifice triangulaire de la pince fait légèrement tourner celle-ci autour de la broche jusqu'à ce que la butée (J) stoppe cette rotation. Le crochet, poursuivant sa course, provoque un décalage des bords de la fente de la pince qui échappe à la fois à l'extrémité de la broche (15) et à la butée (H), plus courte que la butée (G). La pince reprend, par son élasticité sa forme primitive (bords de la fente, l'un en face de l'autre) et se trouve suspendue sur le crochet d'entraînement 30, La trajectoire du système de transfert ou de manutention est perpendiculaire à l'axe de la broche. Les commandes.du répartiteur et du dispositif d'accrochage, déjà synchronisées, doivent également l'être, avec le passage d'un crochet libre, de manière à ce que chaque pince soit déjà en appui sur ses butées (H et G) avant que ce crochet libre, ne pénètre dans l'orifice triangulaire de la pince à accrocher.The distributor receives the clamps, one behind the other on an inclined spindle 15, and the first clamp comes into abutment on the second guillotine 20, the first guillotine 21 being raised. The first guillotine 21 is lowered, between the first and the second clamp which follows it and retains the second clamp while the first clamp is released by raising the second guillotine 20. These two guillotines are linked by a lever system , itself controlled by an electromagnet 22. The reciprocating movement of the two guillotines ensures the unitary distribution of the clamps, at the desired moment. The hooking device "on the fly" proper which receives from the spindle concerned 15 or 103 the clamps one by one, is constituted by a pushing member responsible for pressing the clamps against a set of stops as explained more clearly below. This can for example be a set of two ratchet wheels 25 and 26 of different diameter, having the same number of teeth and palées on the same axis inclined relative to the path of the hooks intended to receive the pliers and also relative to the axis of the spindle. They are driven by a "stepping" motor or any other ratchet and indexing system. The profile of the teeth is particular in that it is suitable for unitary reception of the clamps and consequently of the objects, and their thrust in support. on stops (H and G) which form an angle of less than 90 ° with the axis of the spindle. This results in an inclined position of the clamps which is essential for the "hanging on the fly" function of the clamps on the mobile supports such as the hook 30 which can thus penetrate into the triangular orifice of the clamp and drive the latter. Maintaining the pliers in a substantially vertical position for the duration of the attachment is obtained by means of a stop (J) which limits the rotation of the pliers in a vertical plane, which has the effect of avoiding a strong rocking of the clamp immediately after its transfer to the hook concerned. The attachment is done as follows: The hook 30 having penetrated into the triangular orifice of the clamp makes it slightly rotate around the spindle until the stop (J) stops this rotation. The hook, continuing its course, causes an offset of the edges of the slot of the pliers which escapes both the end of the spindle (15) and the stop (H), shorter than the stop (G). The clamp resumes, by its elasticity its original shape (edges of the slot, one opposite the other) and is suspended on the drive hook 30, The trajectory of the transfer or handling system is perpendicular to the spindle axis. The controls of the distributor and the hooking device, already synchronized, must also be synchronized, with the passage of a free hook, so that each clamp is already resting on its stops (H and G) before only this free hook, enters the triangular hole of the clip to hang.

Un organe de commande logique, par exemple, peut être prévu pour interdire l'approche d'une pince sur ses butées (H et G) tant qu'un crochet libre n'est pas annoncé par un détecteur de proximité. L'accrochage dans ces conditions est donc automatique.A logic controller, for example, can be intended to prohibit the approach of a clamp on its stops (H and G ) as long as a free hook is not announced by a proximity detector. The attachment in these conditions is therefore automatic.

L'organe de décrochage 161 peut être notamment du type de celui qui est décrit dans la demande de brevet français déjà référencée ci-dessus. Un exemple de réalisation d'un tel organe de décrochage est décrit au moyen des figures (14, 15 et 16). Ce système à pour but de transférer.automatiquement les pinces supportant les objets des crochets 30 en mouvement dans un sens déterminé vers une broche réceptrice fixe par exemple 15 inclinée vers le bas. Ce résultat est obtenu au moyen d'une came 79 présentant la configuration d'une fourchette. Le profil de celle-ci est tel qu'il fait glisser les pinces sur le crochet concerné, dans l'axe de.celui-ci, au moment où la broche réceptrice 15 ou 105 se trouve en face de l'ouverture triangulaire de la pince. Si la came est maintenue en position fixe chaque pince glisse sur la pente rectiligne de la came et au moment où la broche réceptrice se trouve en face de l'ouverture triangulaire de la pince, la partie curviligne de la came 70 termine brusquement le mouvement de décrochage.The release device 161 may in particular be of the type described in the French patent application already referenced above. An exemplary embodiment of such a release device is described by means of the figures (14, 15 and 16). The aim of this system is to automatically transfer the clamps supporting the objects of the hooks 30 in movement in a determined direction towards a fixed receiving pin, for example inclined downward. This result is obtained by means of a cam 79 having the configuration of a fork. The profile of the latter is such that it slides the clamps on the hook concerned, in the axis of the latter, when the receiving pin 15 or 105 is located opposite the triangular opening of the pliers. If the cam is held in a fixed position, each clamp slides on the straight slope of the cam and at the moment when the receiving pin is opposite the triangular opening of the clamp, the curved part of the cam 70 abruptly ends the movement of dropout.

L'instàllation décrite ci-dessus peut être améliorée en y associant d'autre fonctions. On peut en effet avec une telle combinaison de moyens prévoir une gestion qualitative et quantitative des pochettes, ainsi que des opérations de suivi individuelles des pochettes depuis leur entrée dans l'un des postes de facturation jusqu'à la sortie de la machine de tri de façon à éviter la perte de l'une d'entre elles.The installation described above can be improved by combining other functions with it. It is indeed possible with such a combination of means to provide a qualitative and quantitative management of the pouches, as well as individual monitoring operations of the pouches from their entry into one of the billing stations to the exit of the sorting machine for so as to avoid the loss of one of them.

La présente invention a de nombreuses applications autres que celles qui ont été décrites précédemment. Elle peut s'appliquer notamment au stockage et au déstockage automatique de produits de grande consommation,par exemple de certains produits de quincaillerie, de la préparation automatique de colis individualisés, constitués de petits objets de nature différente. Elle peut s'appliquer aussi au classement et à la recherche automatique de documents.The present invention has many applications other than those which have been described previously. It can be applied in particular to the storage and automatic destocking of consumer products, for example certain hardware products, the automatic preparation of individualized packages, consisting of small objects of different nature. It can also be applied to the classification and automatic search of documents.

L'agencement de la machine de tri et d'une installation conformes à l'invention est modulaire du point de vue mécanique, électrique et électronique par exemple par module de 32 directions ce qui donne une grande souplesse au niveau de sa fabrication.The arrangement of the sorting machine and of an installation in accordance with the invention is modular from the mechanical, electrical and electronic point of view, for example by module of 32 directions, which gives great flexibility in terms of its manufacture.

Claims (9)

1. Machine de tri d'objets portant chacun une indexation d'adressage et étant soutenu par une pince (1) servant de liaison entre l'objet (100) qu'il porte et un support fixe ou mobile caractérisé en ce qu'elle comprend : une broche de stockage (103) dite intermédiaire destinée à recevoir les objets 100 en provenance des postes de travail situés en amont de la machine de tri ; une succession de supports mobiles se présentant sous la forme de crochets (30) entraînés en mouvement par un dispositif de transfert (104) ; au moins un organe de prélèvement et d'accrochage (141) capable de prélever une par une chaque pince (1) pour l'accrocher à un des crochets (30) ; une succession de supports fixes ou broches réceptacle (105) en nombre égal au nombre d'adresses possibles pour les objets ; des organes de décrochage (161) capables de décrocher la pince (1) du crochet mobile (30) pour l'accrocher à la broche réceptacle (105) correspondant à l'objet (100) qu'elle soutient dès qu'il y a coïncidence entre la position du crochet (30) et cette broche réceptacle (105)1. Object sorting machine each carrying an address indexing and being supported by a clamp (1) serving as a connection between the object (100) which it carries and a fixed or mobile support characterized in that it comprises: a so-called intermediate storage spindle (103) intended to receive the objects 100 coming from the work stations located upstream of the sorting machine; a succession of movable supports in the form of hooks (30) driven in movement by a transfer device (104); at least one removal and attachment member (141) capable of removing one by one each clamp (1) to hang it on one of the hooks (30); a succession of fixed supports or receptacle pins (105) in a number equal to the number of possible addresses for the objects; release devices (161) capable of unhooking the clamp (1) from the movable hook (30) to hang it on the receptacle pin (105) corresponding to the object (100) which it supports as soon as there is coincidence between the position of the hook (30) and this receptacle pin (105) 2. Machine de tri selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que les crochets (30) et les broches réceptacles (105) sont disposés sur deux niveaux, l'un dit haut et l'autre bas .2. Sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the hooks (30) and the receptacle pins (105) are arranged on two levels, one said top and the other bottom. 3. Machine de tri selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisée en ce que les crochets (30) et les broches réceptacles (105) sont disposés sur deux niveaux, d'une part sur la face avant, et d'autre part sur la face arrière de la machine .3. Sorting machine according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the hooks (30) and the receptacle pins (105) are arranged on two levels, on the one hand on the front face, and on the other part on the rear side of the machine. 4. Machine de tri selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisée en.ce qu'elle comprend en outre un organe de tuilage (106) capable d'assurer le recouvrement des pinces (1) durant leur passage du niveau haut au niveau bas et vice-versa.4. Sorting machine according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises a curling member (106) capable of ensuring the recovery of the clamps (1) during their passage from the high level to the low level and vice versa. 5. Machine de tri selon l'une des revendications 1 et 3, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre un organe de tuilage (106) capable d'assurer le recouvrement des pinces (1) durant leur passage du niveau haut au niveau bas et vice-versa ainsi qu'un dispositif de changement de face capable d'assurer le passage des objets de l'une des faces vers l'autre.5. Sorting machine according to one of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that it further comprises a curling member (106) capable of ensuring the covering of the clamps (1) during their passage from the high level to the low level and vice versa as well as a change device from the front capable of ensuring the passage of objects from one of the faces to the other. 6. Machine de tri selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif de changement de face comporte : une broche hélicoïdale (170), un organe de décrochage (161) chargé de décrocher une pince (1) du crochet (30); qui la supporte sur l'une des faces de la machine pour l'accrocher à la broche hélicoïdale (170) ; un organe de prélèvement et d'accrochage (141) pour prélever-la pince de la broche hélicoïdale (170) pour l'accrocher sur un nouveau crochet (30) appartenant à l'autre face de la machine ;6. Sorting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the face changing device comprises: a helical spindle (170), a release member (161) responsible for unhooking a clamp (1) from the hook (30); which supports it on one of the faces of the machine to hang it on the helical spindle (170); a pick-up and hooking member (141) for picking up the clamp from the helical spindle (170) to hang it on a new hook (30) belonging to the other face of the machine; 7. Machine de tri selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre des moyens de lecture (205) des indexations d'adressage, de transmission des données fournies par les moyens de lecture aux organes de décrochage (161) chargés de décrocher la pince (1) d'un crochet (30) mobile, pour l'accrocher à la broche réceptable (105) correspondant à la destination de l'objet qu'elle soutient.7. Sorting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises reading means (205) of the address indexing, of transmission of the data supplied by the reading means to the release devices ( 161) responsible for unhooking the clamp (1) from a movable hook (30), to hang it on the receptable pin (105) corresponding to the destination of the object it supports. 8. Installatiôn de manutention d'objets comportant au moins une machine de tri conforme à l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins une broche de stockage capable de recevoir les pinces (1) équipées de leur objet en provenance d'un poste de travail situé en amont de la machine de tri; un dispositif de manutention portant des crochets entraînés en mouvement et chargés de transporter les objets (100) depuis la broche de stockage (15) jusqu'à la broche intermédiaire (103) de la machine de tri ; au moins un moyen de prélèvement et d'accrochage (141) capable de prélever une par.une les pinces au niveau de la broche de stockage (15) et de les accrocher à l'un des crochets du système de manutention ; au moins un organe de décrochage (161) capable de décrocher la pince du crochet qui la supporte pour l'accrocher à la broche intermédiaire (103).8. Installation for handling objects comprising at least one sorting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one storage spindle capable of receiving the clamps (1) equipped with their object in from a work station located upstream of the sorting machine; a handling device carrying hooks driven in movement and responsible for transporting the objects (100) from the storage spindle (15) to the intermediate spindle (103) of the sorting machine; at least one picking up and hanging means (141) capable of picking up one part of the clamps at the level of the storage spindle (15) and of hanging them on one of the hooks of the handling system; at least one release device (161) capable of unhooking the clip from the hook which supports it to hang it on the intermediate pin (103). 9. Installation de manutention selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que les objets triés sont des pochettes contenant des travaux photographiques ; le poste de travail situé en amont est un poste de facturation chargé d'imprimer la facture du client auteur de la commande des travaux photographiques qui constitue l'indexation d'adresse en fonction de laquelle la machine de tri assure le transfert de chaque pochette vers sa destination finale.9. Handling installation according to claim 8, characterized in that the sorted objects are pockets containing photographic work; the work station located upstream is a billing station responsible for printing the invoice of the customer author of the photographic work order which constitutes the address indexing according to which the sorting machine ensures the transfer of each pocket to its final destination.
EP78400023A 1977-07-05 1978-06-16 Sorting machine for articles and installation for handling articles comprising at least one of such sorting machines Expired EP0000304B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7720658 1977-07-05
FR7720658A FR2396598A1 (en) 1977-07-05 1977-07-05 OBJECT SORTING MACHINE AND OBJECT HANDLING INSTALLATION INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE SUCH SORTING MACHINE

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EP0000304A1 true EP0000304A1 (en) 1979-01-10
EP0000304B1 EP0000304B1 (en) 1981-01-07

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EP78400023A Expired EP0000304B1 (en) 1977-07-05 1978-06-16 Sorting machine for articles and installation for handling articles comprising at least one of such sorting machines

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US (1) US4303503A (en)
EP (1) EP0000304B1 (en)
DE (1) DE2860401D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2396598A1 (en)

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US4303503A (en) 1981-12-01
DE2860401D1 (en) 1981-02-26
FR2396598A1 (en) 1979-02-02
FR2396598B1 (en) 1980-01-18

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