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EP2794130B2 - Machine for sorting of flat articles having heterogeneous physical properties and according method - Google Patents
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EP2794130B2 - Machine for sorting of flat articles having heterogeneous physical properties and according method - Google Patents

Machine for sorting of flat articles having heterogeneous physical properties and according method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2794130B2
EP2794130B2 EP12781380.6A EP12781380A EP2794130B2 EP 2794130 B2 EP2794130 B2 EP 2794130B2 EP 12781380 A EP12781380 A EP 12781380A EP 2794130 B2 EP2794130 B2 EP 2794130B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stacker
flat
stacking
sorting
zone
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP12781380.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2794130A1 (en
EP2794130B1 (en
Inventor
Guy Darmon
Xavier BASTIEN
Pierre Campagnolle
Jean-Michel Reboul
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.)
Solystic SAS
Original Assignee
Solystic SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Application filed by Solystic SAS filed Critical Solystic SAS
Publication of EP2794130A1 publication Critical patent/EP2794130A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2794130B1 publication Critical patent/EP2794130B1/en
Publication of EP2794130B2 publication Critical patent/EP2794130B2/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • B07C1/00—Measures preceding sorting according to destination
    • B07C1/02—Forming articles into a stream; Arranging articles in a stream, e.g. spacing, orientating
    • B07C1/04—Forming a stream from a bulk; Controlling the stream, e.g. spacing the articles
    • 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
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/38—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by movable piling or advancing arms, frames, plates, or like members with which the articles are maintained in face contact
    • B65H29/40—Members rotated about an axis perpendicular to direction of article movement, e.g. star-wheels formed by S-shaped members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/58—Article switches or diverters
    • B65H29/60—Article switches or diverters diverting the stream into alternative paths
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/06—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled on edge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42—Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/421—Forming a pile
    • B65H2301/4214—Forming a pile of articles on edge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
    • B65H2404/60—Other elements in face contact with handled material
    • B65H2404/65—Other elements in face contact with handled material rotating around an axis parallel to face of material and perpendicular to transport direction, e.g. star wheel
    • B65H2404/652—Other elements in face contact with handled material rotating around an axis parallel to face of material and perpendicular to transport direction, e.g. star wheel having two elements diametrically opposed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2406/00—Means using fluid
    • B65H2406/10—Means using fluid made only for exhausting gaseous medium
    • B65H2406/12—Means using fluid made only for exhausting gaseous medium producing gas blast
    • B65H2406/122—Nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
    • B65H2511/10—Size; Dimensions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
    • B65H2511/20—Location in space
    • B65H2511/22—Distance
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
    • B65H2511/40—Identification
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
    • B65H2511/40—Identification
    • B65H2511/414—Identification of mode of operation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2513/00—Dynamic entities; Timing aspects
    • B65H2513/20—Acceleration or deceleration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2513/00—Dynamic entities; Timing aspects
    • B65H2513/40—Movement
    • B65H2513/42—Route, path
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2557/00—Means for control not provided for in groups B65H2551/00 - B65H2555/00
    • B65H2557/20—Calculating means; Controlling methods
    • B65H2557/23—Recording or storing data
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/19—Specific article or web
    • B65H2701/1916—Envelopes and articles of mail

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to a machine for sorting flat objects having heterogeneous physical characteristics, the sorting machine comprising at least one sorting outlet equipped with a stacker capable of stacking flat objects on edge in a zone of stacking, the stacker being controlled by a control / control unit according to at least one unstacking program setting predetermined operating parameters of the stacker such as in particular the pitch between the flat objects, the conveying speed of the flat objects, such as described in EP-A-2,165,776 or FR-A-2 925 474 .
  • the invention also relates to a method for sorting flat objects having heterogeneous physical characteristics in which the flat objects are stacked on edge in a stacking zone according to predetermined operating parameters such as in particular the pitch between the flat objects, the speed of conveying flat objects.
  • a flat object designates in particular, but not exclusively, a postal item.
  • Postal items which can be sorted and stacked by means of the sorting machine, may have variable dimensions, but also variable mechanical characteristics, particularly as regards their rigidity.
  • These postal items can be, among others, a simple letter, a magazine, an envelope with or without window, a newspaper, or a catalog presented in a plastic envelope or paper, with or without bellows.
  • a flat objects sorting machine comprises a feed inlet with a magazine, as well as a destacker for serially setting edge flat objects. The latter are then usually conveyed to an acquisition system, then directed to sorting outlets aligned next to each other.
  • each sorting outlet is equipped with a stacker capable of stacking on edge, on a stacking zone, the flat objects.
  • the stacker comprises a stacking area of variable dimensions, allowing the reception of flat objects accumulating in a pile.
  • This stacking zone is delimited by a movable retaining element under the effect of the accumulation of flat objects.
  • the stacking zone is further defined by a jogging edge, against which the flat objects abut.
  • a rotary actuator is set in motion upon the arrival of each flat object in the direction of the stacking zone to accompany the stacking of flat objects.
  • sorting machines dedicated to the format of flat objects to be treated.
  • predetermined formats such as the "letter” format for flat objects of small dimensions, the "flat” format for large flat objects.
  • closed folds such as letters
  • open folds such as some magazines.
  • Flat objects can also be in different materials such as for example paper, plastic.
  • the sorting machines are set so that their operating parameters are optimally adapted to a predetermined type of flat objects (format, nature, material). These settings of the functional parameters allow the sorting machines to achieve high sorting yields.
  • the sorting machines are no longer dedicated to a predetermined type of flat objects and must be compatible with several types of flat objects.
  • the sorting machines are set according to median operating parameters compatible with the different types of flat objects.
  • these median operating parameters while they may be optimal for one type of flat objects, are not optimal for the others, which generally results in lower yields of the sorting machine compared to the use of machines. dedicated sorting machines.
  • the object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages by providing a flat object sorting machine and method suitable for accommodating flat objects of various types while ensuring optimal sorting yields.
  • the object of the invention is a machine for sorting flat articles having heterogeneous physical characteristics, this sorting machine comprising at least one sorting outlet equipped with a stacker capable of stacking flat objects on edge in a stacking zone, the stacker being controlled by a control / control unit according to at least one unstacking program setting predetermined operating parameters of the stacker such as in particular the pitch between the flat objects, the conveying speed of the objects plates, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of programs each assigned to a predefined type of flat objects having predetermined physical characteristics, in that it comprises means for determining the predetermined physical characteristics of each flat object arriving in the region. stacker, the control / control unit being arranged, after determination, to assign a predefined type of flat objects the flat object arriving in the stacker and to enable unstacking corresponding program for applying predetermined operating parameters during stacking of the flat object arriving.
  • the idea underlying the invention is to determine the physical characteristics of each flat object before its arrival in the stacker and use these physical characteristics to optimally parameterize the stacker according to the type of flat objects to which the flat object arriving in the stacker belongs.
  • the invention extends to a method for sorting flat objects having heterogeneous physical characteristics during which, by means of a stacker, flat objects are stacked on edge in a stacking zone according to predetermined operating parameters.
  • predetermined operating parameters such as in particular the pitch or the gap between the flat objects, the conveying speed of the flat objects, characterized in that predefined types of flat objects having predefined physical characteristics are predefined, in that upstream of the stacker, the physical characteristics of each flat object arriving in the stacker are determined, in that a predefined type of flat objects is assigned to the incoming flat object and that according to the predefined type assigned, applies predetermined specific operating parameters when stacking the incoming flat object.
  • the flat objects sorting machine 100, 101 comprises a plurality of conveyor belts 10, 11, 12, 13 defining a main conveying direction symbolized by the arrow D1, and a plurality of secondary conveying directions of which only one is represented and symbolized by the arrow D2.
  • the sorting machine 1 is thus able to transport the flat objects 100, 101 on edge, in nip between these conveyor belts 10, 11, 12, 13.
  • Each secondary conveying direction D2 is separated from the main conveying direction D1, a bifurcation, by a switching flap 2 capable of automatically pivoting to guide the flat objects 100, 101 towards one or other of the main conveying directions D1 and secondary D2, according to a predetermined sorting plan.
  • Each secondary conveying direction D2 opens into a sorting outlet equipped with a stacker 3.
  • the stacker 3 comprises a stacking zone 30 delimited by a retaining element 31 movable in translation along a rod 32.
  • the retaining element 31 can thus be moved between a stack start position and a position of end of stack. During this movement, the position of the retaining element 31 is continuously adapted to the height of the stack of flat objects 100 formed in the stacking zone 30.
  • This retaining element 31 is moreover coupled to return means (not shown) tending to return it to its stack start position.
  • the stacker 3 further comprises a rotary actuator 4, of the bucket wheel type, rotatable about an axis A substantially perpendicular to the main conveying directions D1 and secondary D2.
  • the rotary actuator 4 is placed in the path of the flat objects 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30 in the secondary direction D2.
  • This rotary actuator 4 comprises a hub carried by the axis A and which extend two lugs 41, curved in opposite directions to that of the arrival of the flat objects 101 in the secondary conveying direction D2.
  • the lugs 41 define slots 42 able to be successively, as the rotary actuator 4 rotates, facing the trajectory of the flat objects 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30 in the secondary direction D2.
  • the rotary actuator 4 is coupled to a brushless type motor or permanent magnet motor on the rotor with rotor position sensor (not shown) whose starting instant and speed profile can be controlled by a control unit / command (not shown).
  • This brushless type motor has for example a torque of at least about 7 Nm.
  • the brushless type motor is thus able to start, accelerate, slow down and stop the rotary actuator 4 to adapt to the types of objects. 101 dishes arriving and stacking.
  • the brushless type motor makes it possible to carry out these operations with rapid and frequent changes in the acceleration and / or the speed reference, without overheating, with excellent repeatability and precise compliance with the instructions.
  • the brushless type motor thus allows different operating cycles depending in particular on the weight and dimensions of the flat objects 100, 101, while applying a resistant torque and / or adapted motor.
  • flat objects 100, 101 of standard dimensions can thus be stacked at a standard speed of 4 m / s (80%), or at a lower speed of 3.5 m / s for flat objects 100 , 101 of larger dimensions.
  • the sorting machine 1 also comprises a rear end flap 5 provided upstream of the stacking zone 30, between the switching flap 2 and the rotary actuator 4.
  • the rear flap 5 is provided on the same side as the rotary actuator 4 with respect to the trajectory of the flat objects 100, 101 and pivotally mounted about an axis B with respect to which it is movable between a retracted position (illustrated by the Figures 1 and 2 ) and an active position (illustrated by the figure 3 ). In its retracted position, the rear flap 5 is set back from the trajectory of the flat objects 101 arriving in the secondary direction D2 and in particular of the stacking zone 30. Thus, it does not interfere with the flat objects 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30.
  • the rear flap 5 In its active position, the rear flap 5 is pivoted towards the stacking zone 30, it intersects the trajectory of the flat objects 101 arriving in the secondary direction D2.
  • the rear-end flap 5 is controlled by the control / command unit so as to move from its retracted position to its active position when the trailing edge of the flat object 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30 passes the 5.
  • the rear-end flap 5 plates the flat object 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30 against the stack of flat objects 100 already formed in this same stacking zone 30.
  • the role of the front flap rear 5 is to clear the rear edge of each flat object 101 of the conveyor belt 13 when the flat object 101 tends to remain aligned with the secondary path D2 and less flatten on the stack being formed.
  • the sorting machine 1 also comprises a blowing nozzle 6 provided upstream of the stacking zone 30 between the rear flap 5 and the rotary actuator 4.
  • the blast nozzle 6 is disposed on the other side of the trajectory of the flat objects 100, 101 with respect to the rear flap 5 and the rotary actuator 4.
  • the blowing nozzle 6 is able to send an air jet cutting the trajectory of the flat objects 101 arriving in the zone of Stacking 30. This air jet tends to fold any open pan of the flat object 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30, against its face. Indeed, it is common to encounter a defect of folding for some open flat objects 101, for example of the magazine type, whose cover page oriented side of the stacking zone 30 may tend to bend at the time of publication. stacking.
  • the air jet makes it possible to keep the blanket closed or fold it down if it tends to open.
  • the blowing nozzle 6 is controlled by the control unit to be in the closed state (as illustrated by the Figures 1 and 3 ) without sending an air jet or in an open state (as illustrated by the figure 2 ) to send a jet of air.
  • This air jet is preferably oriented downstream and towards the stacking zone 30.
  • the sorting machine 1 finally comprises detection means 7, for example a camera, a scale, a laser or any other suitable equipment, making it possible to detect predetermined physical characteristics of the flat objects 101 before their arrival in the stacker 3, for example the length, the height, the thickness, the weight, the rigidity, the material, the nature of the flat objects 101.
  • detection means 7, symbolized schematically by a camera are provided upstream of the stacker 3 and in particular upstream of the rear-end flap 5, the blowing nozzle 6 and the rotary actuator 4.
  • the predetermined physical characteristics of the flat objects 101 arriving in the stacker 3 are obtained by means of storage means obtained during previous sorting passes.
  • the sequence of flat objects 101 is known, prior to the sorting machine 1, and in particular the sequence of the predetermined characteristics of these flat objects 101.
  • these predetermined characteristics could be detected during a preliminary sorting step and stored on any type of support such as for example a file, an RFID card.
  • the determination means may consist of predetermined characteristic reading means previously recorded for a given sequence of flat objects to be stacked.
  • the control / command unit uses these predetermined physical characteristics to control the operating parameters of the stacker 3 and more specifically those of the rear-end flap 5, the blast nozzle 6 and the rotary actuator 4.
  • the sorting machine 1 comprises a plurality of programs each intended for a predetermined type of flat objects.
  • the number of predefined types of flat objects depends on the targeted fineness of settings.
  • Each predefined type of flat objects is associated with predetermined operating parameters optimized for this predefined type. It is thus possible to predefine combinations between predefined types and predefined operating parameters such as in the nonlimiting examples listed below.
  • the operating parameters of the stacker 3 can of course be crossed differently to obtain a large number of other possible combinations of operating parameters.
  • the flat object 101 has progressed towards the stacking zone 30 and is located beyond the detection means 7. It is at the height of the rear flap 5 always in its retracted position, engaged in the slot 42 of the At this stage, the rotary actuator 4 is controlled to start at a starting instant Td1-3 and according to a speed profile PV1-5 adapted.
  • the blowing nozzle 6 is controlled by the control / command unit to pass, at the instant of blow Ts1, from its closed state to its open state to fold down a portion of the flat object 101 possibly ajar.
  • the detecting means 7 are then able to detect the physical characteristics of the next flat object 101 before it arrives in the stacker 3.
  • the flat object 101 is accompanied in its stack by the rotary actuator 4.
  • the blowing nozzle 6 is controlled by the control / control unit to be in the closed state
  • the detecting means 7 are able to detect the physical characteristics of the next flat object 101
  • the rotary actuator 4 continues to be controlled according to the adapted speed profile PV1-5.
  • the rear flap 5 is controlled by the control / command unit to pass, in a predetermined time Tp1-2, from its retracted position to its active position to press the rear edge of the flat object 101 arriving in the zone d stacking on the stack of flat objects 100 already formed.
  • the sorting machine 1 and the sorting method according to the invention thus make it possible to stack all types of flat objects 100, 101 reliably and efficiently, taking into account their differences in physical characteristics in order to apply optimal specific operating parameters. to ensure a good sorting efficiency of flat objects 100, 101.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Stacking Of Articles And Auxiliary Devices (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

L'invention concerne de façon générale une machine de tri d'objets plats présentant des caractéristiques physiques hétérogènes, la machine de tri comprenant au moins une sortie de tri équipée d'un empileur apte à empiler les objets plats sur chant dans une zone d'empilage, l'empileur étant piloté par une unité de contrôle/commande selon au moins un programme de dépilage fixant des paramètres de fonctionnement prédéterminés de l'empileur tel que notamment le pas entre les objets plats, la vitesse de convoyage des objets plats, comme décrit dans EP-A-2 165 776 ou FR-A-2 925 474 .The invention relates generally to a machine for sorting flat objects having heterogeneous physical characteristics, the sorting machine comprising at least one sorting outlet equipped with a stacker capable of stacking flat objects on edge in a zone of stacking, the stacker being controlled by a control / control unit according to at least one unstacking program setting predetermined operating parameters of the stacker such as in particular the pitch between the flat objects, the conveying speed of the flat objects, such as described in EP-A-2,165,776 or FR-A-2 925 474 .

L'invention concerne également un procédé de tri d'objets plats présentant des caractéristiques physiques hétérogènes au cours duquel on empile les objets plats sur chant dans une zone d'empilage selon des paramètres de fonctionnement prédéterminés tels que notamment le pas entre les objets plats, la vitesse de convoyage des objets plats.The invention also relates to a method for sorting flat objects having heterogeneous physical characteristics in which the flat objects are stacked on edge in a stacking zone according to predetermined operating parameters such as in particular the pitch between the flat objects, the speed of conveying flat objects.

Au sens de l'invention, un objet plat désigne notamment, mais non exclusivement, un envoi postal. Les envois postaux, susceptibles d'être triés et empilés grâce à la machine de tri, peuvent présenter des dimensions variables, mais également des caractéristiques mécaniques variables, en particulier en ce qui concerne leur rigidité. Ces envois postaux peuvent être, entre autres, une lettre simple, un magazine, une enveloppe avec ou sans fenêtre, un journal, ou encore un catalogue présenté dans une enveloppe en matière plastique ou en papier, avec ou sans soufflet.For the purposes of the invention, a flat object designates in particular, but not exclusively, a postal item. Postal items, which can be sorted and stacked by means of the sorting machine, may have variable dimensions, but also variable mechanical characteristics, particularly as regards their rigidity. These postal items can be, among others, a simple letter, a magazine, an envelope with or without window, a newspaper, or a catalog presented in a plastic envelope or paper, with or without bellows.

Technique antérieurePrior art

De manière classique, une machine de tri d'objets plats comprend une entrée d'alimentation avec un magasin, ainsi qu'un dépileur pour la mise en série sur chant des objets plats. Ces derniers sont alors en général convoyés vers un système d'acquisition, puis dirigés vers des sorties de tri alignées les unes à côté des autres. De façon classique, chaque sortie de tri est équipée d'un empileur apte à empiler sur chant, sur une zone d'empilage, les objets plats. L'empileur comporte une zone d'empilage de dimensions variables, permettant la réception des objets plats s'accumulant en pile. Cette zone d'empilage est délimitée par un élément de retenue mobile sous l'effet de l'accumulation des objets plats. La zone d'empilage est par ailleurs délimitée par une rive de taquage, contre laquelle les objets plats viennent en butée. Un actionneur rotatif est mis en mouvement lors de l'arrivée de chaque objet plat en direction de la zone d'empilage pour accompagner l'empilage des objets plats.Conventionally, a flat objects sorting machine comprises a feed inlet with a magazine, as well as a destacker for serially setting edge flat objects. The latter are then usually conveyed to an acquisition system, then directed to sorting outlets aligned next to each other. Conventionally, each sorting outlet is equipped with a stacker capable of stacking on edge, on a stacking zone, the flat objects. The stacker comprises a stacking area of variable dimensions, allowing the reception of flat objects accumulating in a pile. This stacking zone is delimited by a movable retaining element under the effect of the accumulation of flat objects. The stacking zone is further defined by a jogging edge, against which the flat objects abut. A rotary actuator is set in motion upon the arrival of each flat object in the direction of the stacking zone to accompany the stacking of flat objects.

De manière traditionnelle, le tri et l'empilage des objets plats se fait au moyen de machines de tri dédiées en fonction du format d'objets plats à traiter. Il existe ainsi plusieurs formats prédéterminés, tel que le format « lettre » pour les objets plats de petites dimensions, le format « flat » pour les objets plats de grandes dimensions. Il existe également différentes natures d'objets plats, les plis fermés tels que les lettres, les plis ouverts tels que certains magazines. Les objets plats peuvent également se présenter dans des matériaux différents tels que par exemple le papier, le plastique. Les machines de tri sont réglées de sorte que leurs paramètres de fonctionnement soient adaptés de manière optimale à un type d'objets plats (format, nature, matériau) prédéterminé. Ces réglages des paramètres fonctionnels permettent aux machines de tri d'atteindre des rendements de tri élevés.Traditionally, the sorting and stacking of flat objects is done by means of sorting machines dedicated to the format of flat objects to be treated. There are thus several predetermined formats, such as the "letter" format for flat objects of small dimensions, the "flat" format for large flat objects. There are also different natures of flat objects, closed folds such as letters, open folds such as some magazines. Flat objects can also be in different materials such as for example paper, plastic. The sorting machines are set so that their operating parameters are optimally adapted to a predetermined type of flat objects (format, nature, material). These settings of the functional parameters allow the sorting machines to achieve high sorting yields.

Cependant, pour répondre aux besoins de traitement, il est souvent nécessaire de pouvoir traiter, sur une même machine de tri, des objets plats de types différents. Ainsi, les machines de tri ne sont plus dédiées à un type d'objets plats prédéterminé et doivent être compatibles avec plusieurs types d'objets plats. De ce fait, les machines de tri sont réglées selon des paramètres de fonctionnement médians compatibles avec les différents types d'objets plats. Toutefois, ces paramètres de fonctionnement médians, s'ils peuvent être optimaux pour un type d'objets plats, ne le sont pas pour les autres, ce qui engendre globalement des baisses de rendement de la machine de tri comparé à l'utilisation de machines de tri dédiées.However, to meet the processing needs, it is often necessary to be able to treat, on the same sorting machine, flat objects of different types. Thus, the sorting machines are no longer dedicated to a predetermined type of flat objects and must be compatible with several types of flat objects. As a result, the sorting machines are set according to median operating parameters compatible with the different types of flat objects. However, these median operating parameters, while they may be optimal for one type of flat objects, are not optimal for the others, which generally results in lower yields of the sorting machine compared to the use of machines. dedicated sorting machines.

Exposé de l'inventionPresentation of the invention

Le but de l'invention est de remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant une machine et un procédé de tri d'objet plats aptes à accueillir des objets plats de type variés tout en garantissant des rendements de tris optimaux.The object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages by providing a flat object sorting machine and method suitable for accommodating flat objects of various types while ensuring optimal sorting yields.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une machine de tri d'objets plats présentant des caractéristiques physiques hétérogènes, cette machine de tri comprenant au moins une sortie de tri équipée d'un empileur apte à empiler les objets plats sur chant dans une zone d'empilage, l'empileur étant piloté par une unité de contrôle/commande selon au moins un programme de dépilage fixant des paramètres de fonctionnement prédéterminés de l'empileur tel que notamment le pas entre les objets plats, la vitesse de convoyage des objets plats, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte une pluralité de programmes attribués chacun à un type prédéfini d'objets plats ayant des caractéristiques physiques prédéterminées, en ce qu'elle comporte des moyens de détermination des caractéristiques physiques prédéterminées de chaque objet plat arrivant dans l'empileur, l'unité de contrôle/commande étant agencée, après détermination, à attribuer un type prédéfini d'objets plats à l'objet plat arrivant dans l'empileur et à activer le programme de dépilage correspondant pour appliquer des paramètres de fonctionnement prédéterminés lors de l'empilage de l'objet plat arrivant.For this purpose, the object of the invention is a machine for sorting flat articles having heterogeneous physical characteristics, this sorting machine comprising at least one sorting outlet equipped with a stacker capable of stacking flat objects on edge in a stacking zone, the stacker being controlled by a control / control unit according to at least one unstacking program setting predetermined operating parameters of the stacker such as in particular the pitch between the flat objects, the conveying speed of the objects plates, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of programs each assigned to a predefined type of flat objects having predetermined physical characteristics, in that it comprises means for determining the predetermined physical characteristics of each flat object arriving in the region. stacker, the control / control unit being arranged, after determination, to assign a predefined type of flat objects the flat object arriving in the stacker and to enable unstacking corresponding program for applying predetermined operating parameters during stacking of the flat object arriving.

L'idée à la base de l'invention est de déterminer les caractéristiques physiques de chaque objet plat avant son arrivée dans l'empileur et d'utiliser ces caractéristiques physiques pour paramétrer l'empileur de manière optimale en fonction du type d'objets plats auquel l'objet plat arrivant dans l'empileur appartient.The idea underlying the invention is to determine the physical characteristics of each flat object before its arrival in the stacker and use these physical characteristics to optimally parameterize the stacker according to the type of flat objects to which the flat object arriving in the stacker belongs.

La machine de tri selon l'invention peut avantageusement présenter les particularités suivantes :

  • les moyens de détermination comportent des moyens de détection prévus en amont de l'empileur et aptes à détecter les caractéristiques prédéterminées de l'objet plat arrivant dans l'empileur ;
  • l'empileur comporte au moins un élément de retenue apte à recevoir les objets plats empilés et un actionneur rotatif apte à empiler les objets plats contre l'élément de retenue, l'actionneur rotatif étant couplé à un moteur sans balai commandé par l'unité de contrôle/commande selon le programme de dépilage actif pour activer l'un au moins des instant de démarrage et profil de vitesse en conséquence ;
  • l'empileur comporte au moins un volet front arrière prévu à l'amont de la zone d'empilage, le volet front arrière étant mobile entre une position escamotée dans laquelle il est en retrait de la zone d'empilage pour ne pas interférer avec les objets plats arrivant dans la zone d'empilage et une position active dans laquelle il est pivoté vers la zone d'empilage de sorte à plaquer l'arrière de l'objet plat en cours d'empilage vers la zone d'empilage, le volet front arrière étant piloté par l'unité de contrôle/commande pour passer de ses positions escamotée à active en fonction du programme de dépilage actif ;
  • l'empileur comporte au moins une buse de soufflage prévue à l'amont de la zone d'empilage et apte à envoyer un jet d'air coupant la trajectoire des objets plats arrivant dans la zone d'empilage pour tendre à rabattre un pan ouvert de l'objet plat vers l'objet plat, la buse de soufflage étant pilotée par l'unité de contrôle/commande pour envoyer le jet d'air en fonction du programme de dépilage actif.
The sorting machine according to the invention may advantageously have the following particularities:
  • the determination means comprise detection means provided upstream of the stacker and able to detect the predetermined characteristics of the flat object arriving in the stacker;
  • the stacker comprises at least one retaining element adapted to receive the stacked flat objects and a rotary actuator capable of stacking the flat objects against the retaining element, the rotary actuator being coupled to a brushless motor controlled by the unit control / command according to the active unstacking program to activate at least one start time and speed profile accordingly;
  • the stacker comprises at least one rear flap provided upstream of the stacking zone, the rear flap being movable between a retracted position in which it is set back from the stacking zone so as not to interfere with the flat objects arriving in the stacking zone and an active position in which it is pivoted towards the stacking zone so as to press the rear of the flat object being stacked towards the stacking zone, the shutter trailing edge being controlled by the control / command unit to move from its retracted to active positions according to the active unstacking program;
  • the stacker comprises at least one blowing nozzle provided upstream of the stacking zone and able to send an air jet cutting the trajectory of flat objects arriving in the stacking zone to tend to fold an open pan from the flat object to the flat object, the blow nozzle being controlled by the control / command unit to send the air jet according to the active unstacking program.

L'invention s'étend à un procédé de tri d'objets plats présentant des caractéristiques physiques hétérogènes au cours duquel, au moyen d'un empileur, on empile les objets plats sur chant dans une zone d'empilage selon des paramètres de fonctionnement prédéterminés tels que notamment le pas ou l'écart entre les objets plats, la vitesse de convoyage des objets plats, caractérisé en ce que l'on prédétermine des types prédéfinis d'objets plats ayant des caractéristiques physiques prédéterminées, en ce qu'en amont de l'empileur, on détermine les caractéristiques physiques de chaque objet plat arrivant dans l'empileur, en ce que l'on attribue un type prédéfini d'objets plats à l'objet plat arrivant et qu'en fonction du type prédéfini attribué, on applique des paramètres de fonctionnement spécifiques prédéterminés lors de l'empilage de l'objet plat arrivant.The invention extends to a method for sorting flat objects having heterogeneous physical characteristics during which, by means of a stacker, flat objects are stacked on edge in a stacking zone according to predetermined operating parameters. such as in particular the pitch or the gap between the flat objects, the conveying speed of the flat objects, characterized in that predefined types of flat objects having predefined physical characteristics are predefined, in that upstream of the stacker, the physical characteristics of each flat object arriving in the stacker are determined, in that a predefined type of flat objects is assigned to the incoming flat object and that according to the predefined type assigned, applies predetermined specific operating parameters when stacking the incoming flat object.

Le procédé de tri selon l'invention peut avantageusement présenter les particularités suivantes :

  • pour réaliser la détermination du type prédéfini, on détecte en amont de l'empileur les caractéristiques physiques prédéterminées de l'objet plat arrivant dans l'empileur ;
  • pour réaliser l'empilage, on utilise un actionneur rotatif que l'on actionne au moyen d'un moteur de type sans balai dont on commande au moins l'instant de démarrage et le profil de vitesse en fonction du type prédéfini d'objet plat déterminé ;
  • pour réaliser l'empilage, on utilise au moins un volet front arrière que l'on dispose à l'amont de la zone d'empilage et que l'on déplace entre une position escamotée dans laquelle il est en retrait de la zone d'empilage pour ne pas interférer avec les objets plats arrivant dans la zone d'empilage et une position active dans laquelle il est pivoté vers la zone d'empilage de sorte à plaquer l'arrière de l'objet plat en cours d'empilage vers la zone d'empilage, on commande le passage du volet front arrière entre ses positions escamotée et active en fonction du type prédéfini d'objet plat détecté ;
  • pour réaliser l'empilage, on utilise au moins une buse de soufflage prévue à l'amont de la zone d'empilage pour envoyer un jet d'air coupant la trajectoire des objets plats arrivant dans la zone d'empilage pour tendre à rabattre un pan ouvert de l'objet plat vers l'objet plat, on commande la buse de soufflage en fonction du type d'objet plat détecté.
The sorting method according to the invention may advantageously have the following particularities:
  • to carry out the determination of the predefined type, the predetermined physical characteristics of the flat object arriving in the stacker are detected upstream of the stacker;
  • to perform the stacking, a rotary actuator is used which is actuated by means of a brushless type motor which is controlled at least the start time and speed profile according to the predefined type of flat object determined;
  • in order to carry out the stacking, at least one rear-end flap is used which is arranged upstream of the stacking zone and which is moved between a retracted position in which it is set back from the zone of stacking so as not to interfere with the flat objects arriving in the stacking zone and an active position in which it is pivoted towards the stacking zone so as to press the rear of the flat object being stacked towards the stacking zone, the passage of the trailing edge shutter is controlled between its retracted and active positions according to the predefined type of detected flat object;
  • to achieve the stacking, at least one blowing nozzle is used upstream of the stacking zone to send an air jet cutting the trajectory of flat objects arriving in the stacking zone to tend to fold a open pan of the flat object towards the flat object, one controls the nozzle of blow according to the type of flat object detected.

Présentation sommaire des dessinsBrief presentation of the drawings

La présente invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation pris à titre d'exemple nullement limitatif et illustré par les dessins annexés, dans lesquels les figures 1 à 3 sont des vues schématique en coupe d'une partie de la machine de tri selon l'invention représentée selon trois configurations de fonctionnement différentes.The present invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the detailed description of an embodiment taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which the Figures 1 to 3 are schematic sectional views of a portion of the sorting machine according to the invention shown in three different operating configurations.

Description des modes de réalisationDescription of the embodiments

En référence aux figures 1 à 3, la machine de tri 1 d'objets plats 100, 101 comporte une pluralité de bandes transporteuses 10, 11, 12, 13 définissant une direction de convoyage principale symbolisée par la flèche D1, et une pluralité de directions de convoyage secondaires dont seule une est représentée et symbolisée par la flèche D2. La machine de tri 1 est ainsi apte à transporter les objets plats 100, 101 sur chant, en pincement entre ces bandes transporteuses 10, 11, 12, 13. Chaque direction de convoyage secondaire D2 est séparée de la direction de convoyage principale D1, en une bifurcation, par un volet d'aiguillage 2 apte à pivoter automatiquement pour guider les objets plats 100, 101 vers l'une ou l'autre des directions de convoyage principale D1 et secondaire D2, en fonction d'un plan de tri prédéterminé. Chaque direction de convoyage secondaire D2 débouche en une sortie de tri équipée d'un empileur 3.With reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the flat objects sorting machine 100, 101 comprises a plurality of conveyor belts 10, 11, 12, 13 defining a main conveying direction symbolized by the arrow D1, and a plurality of secondary conveying directions of which only one is represented and symbolized by the arrow D2. The sorting machine 1 is thus able to transport the flat objects 100, 101 on edge, in nip between these conveyor belts 10, 11, 12, 13. Each secondary conveying direction D2 is separated from the main conveying direction D1, a bifurcation, by a switching flap 2 capable of automatically pivoting to guide the flat objects 100, 101 towards one or other of the main conveying directions D1 and secondary D2, according to a predetermined sorting plan. Each secondary conveying direction D2 opens into a sorting outlet equipped with a stacker 3.

L'empileur 3 comporte une zone d'empilage 30 délimitée par un élément de retenue 31 mobile en translation le long d'une tige 32. L'élément de retenue 31 peut ainsi être déplacé entre une position de début de pile et une position de fin de pile. Au cours de ce déplacement, la position de l'élément de retenue 31 est adaptée en continue à la hauteur de la pile d'objets plats 100 constituée dans la zone d'empilage 30. Cet élément de retenue 31 est par ailleurs couplé à des moyens de rappel (non représentés) tendant à le ramener dans sa position de début de pile.The stacker 3 comprises a stacking zone 30 delimited by a retaining element 31 movable in translation along a rod 32. The retaining element 31 can thus be moved between a stack start position and a position of end of stack. During this movement, the position of the retaining element 31 is continuously adapted to the height of the stack of flat objects 100 formed in the stacking zone 30. This retaining element 31 is moreover coupled to return means (not shown) tending to return it to its stack start position.

L'empileur 3 comporte en outre un actionneur rotatif 4, de type roue à godets, mobile en rotation autour d'un axe A sensiblement perpendiculaire aux directions de convoyage principale D1 et secondaire D2. L'actionneur rotatif 4 est placé dans la trajectoire des objets plats 101 arrivant dans la zone d'empilage 30 selon la direction secondaire D2. Cet actionneur rotatif 4 comporte un moyeu porté par l'axe A et duquel s'étendent deux ergots 41, incurvés dans des sens opposés à celui de l'arrivée des objets plats 101 selon la direction de convoyage secondaire D2. Les ergots 41 définissent des fentes 42 aptes à se trouver successivement, au fil de la rotation de l'actionneur rotatif 4, en regard de la trajectoire des objets plats 101 arrivant dans la zone d'empilage 30 selon la direction secondaire D2. Lorsqu'un objet plat 101 arrive en regard d'un ergot 41, son front avant est reçu dans la fente 42 et accompagné pendant l'empilage. L'actionneur rotatif 4 est couplé à un moteur de type sans balai ou moteur à aimant permanent sur le rotor avec capteur de position rotorique (non représenté) dont l'instant de démarrage et le profil de vitesse peuvent être commandés par une unité de contrôle/commande (non représentée). Ce moteur de type sans balai a par exemple un couple d'au moins environ 7 Nm. Le moteur de type sans balai est ainsi apte à démarrer, accélérer, ralentir et arrêter l'actionneur rotatif 4 pour s'adapter aux types d'objets plats 101 arrivant et à empiler. Le moteur de type sans balai permet de réaliser ces opérations avec changements rapides et fréquents de l'accélération et/ou de la consigne de vitesse, sans échauffement, avec une excellente répétitivité et un respect précis des consignes. Le moteur de type sans balai autorise ainsi des cycles de fonctionnement différents en fonction notamment du poids et des dimensions des objets plats 100, 101, tout en appliquant un couple résistant et/ou moteur adapté. A titre d'exemple, les objets plats 100, 101 de dimensions standards peuvent ainsi être empilés à une vitesse standard de 4 m/s (80%), ou à une vitesse inférieure de 3,5 m/s pour les objets plats 100, 101 de plus grandes dimensions.The stacker 3 further comprises a rotary actuator 4, of the bucket wheel type, rotatable about an axis A substantially perpendicular to the main conveying directions D1 and secondary D2. The rotary actuator 4 is placed in the path of the flat objects 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30 in the secondary direction D2. This rotary actuator 4 comprises a hub carried by the axis A and which extend two lugs 41, curved in opposite directions to that of the arrival of the flat objects 101 in the secondary conveying direction D2. The lugs 41 define slots 42 able to be successively, as the rotary actuator 4 rotates, facing the trajectory of the flat objects 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30 in the secondary direction D2. When a flat object 101 arrives opposite a lug 41, its front edge is received in the slot 42 and accompanied during stacking. The rotary actuator 4 is coupled to a brushless type motor or permanent magnet motor on the rotor with rotor position sensor (not shown) whose starting instant and speed profile can be controlled by a control unit / command (not shown). This brushless type motor has for example a torque of at least about 7 Nm. The brushless type motor is thus able to start, accelerate, slow down and stop the rotary actuator 4 to adapt to the types of objects. 101 dishes arriving and stacking. The brushless type motor makes it possible to carry out these operations with rapid and frequent changes in the acceleration and / or the speed reference, without overheating, with excellent repeatability and precise compliance with the instructions. The brushless type motor thus allows different operating cycles depending in particular on the weight and dimensions of the flat objects 100, 101, while applying a resistant torque and / or adapted motor. For example, flat objects 100, 101 of standard dimensions can thus be stacked at a standard speed of 4 m / s (80%), or at a lower speed of 3.5 m / s for flat objects 100 , 101 of larger dimensions.

La machine de tri 1 comporte également un volet front arrière 5 prévu à l'amont de la zone d'empilage 30, entre le volet d'aiguillage 2 et l'actionneur rotatif 4. Le volet front arrière 5 est prévu du même coté que l'actionneur rotatif 4 par rapport à la trajectoire des objets plats 100, 101 et monté pivotant autour d'un axe B par rapport auquel il est mobile entre une position escamotée (illustrée par les figures 1 et 2) et une position active (illustrée par la figure 3). Dans sa position escamotée, le volet front arrière 5 est en retrait de la trajectoire des objets plats 101 arrivant selon la direction secondaire D2 et en particulier de la zone d'empilage 30. Ainsi, il n'interfère pas avec les objets plats 101 arrivant dans la zone d'empilage 30. Dans sa position active, le volet front arrière 5 est pivoté vers la zone d'empilage 30, il coupe la trajectoire des objets plats 101 arrivant selon la direction secondaire D2. Le volet front arrière 5 est piloté par l'unité de contrôle/commande de sorte à passer de sa position escamotée à sa position active lorsque le front arrière, de l'objet plat 101 arrivant dans la zone d'empilage 30, passe devant le volet front arrière 5. Ainsi, le volet front arrière 5 plaque l'objet plat 101 arrivant dans la zone d'empilage 30 contre la pile d'objets plats 100 déjà formée dans cette même zone d'empilage 30. Le rôle du volet front arrière 5 est de dégager le front arrière de chaque objet plat 101 de la bande transporteuse 13 quand cet objet plat 101 a tendance à rester aligné avec la trajectoire secondaire D2 et à moins bien se plaquer sur la pile en cours de formation.The sorting machine 1 also comprises a rear end flap 5 provided upstream of the stacking zone 30, between the switching flap 2 and the rotary actuator 4. The rear flap 5 is provided on the same side as the rotary actuator 4 with respect to the trajectory of the flat objects 100, 101 and pivotally mounted about an axis B with respect to which it is movable between a retracted position (illustrated by the Figures 1 and 2 ) and an active position (illustrated by the figure 3 ). In its retracted position, the rear flap 5 is set back from the trajectory of the flat objects 101 arriving in the secondary direction D2 and in particular of the stacking zone 30. Thus, it does not interfere with the flat objects 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30. In its active position, the rear flap 5 is pivoted towards the stacking zone 30, it intersects the trajectory of the flat objects 101 arriving in the secondary direction D2. The rear-end flap 5 is controlled by the control / command unit so as to move from its retracted position to its active position when the trailing edge of the flat object 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30 passes the 5. Thus, the rear-end flap 5 plates the flat object 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30 against the stack of flat objects 100 already formed in this same stacking zone 30. The role of the front flap rear 5 is to clear the rear edge of each flat object 101 of the conveyor belt 13 when the flat object 101 tends to remain aligned with the secondary path D2 and less flatten on the stack being formed.

La machine de tri 1 comporte également une buse de soufflage 6 prévue à l'amont de la zone d'empilage 30 entre le volet front arrière 5 et l'actionneur rotatif 4. La buse de soufflage 6 est disposée de l'autre coté de la trajectoire des objets plats 100, 101 par rapport au volet front arrière 5 et à l'actionneur rotatif 4. La buse de soufflage 6 est apte à envoyer un jet d'air coupant la trajectoire des objets plats 101 arrivant dans la zone d'empilage 30. Ce jet d'air tend à rabattre tout pan ouvert de l'objet plat 101 arrivant dans la zone d'empilage 30, contre sa face. En effet, il est fréquent de rencontrer un défaut de pliage pour certains objets plats 101 ouverts, par exemple de type magazine, dont la page de couverture orientée du coté de la zone d'empilage 30 peut avoir tendance à se plier au moment de l'empilage. Le jet d'air permet de maintenir la couverture fermée ou de la rabattre si elle a tendance à s'ouvrir. La buse de soufflage 6 est pilotée par l'unité de contrôle pour être en l'état fermé (comme illustrée par les figures 1 et 3) sans envoyer de jet d'air ou en l'état ouvert (comme illustrée par la figure 2) pour envoyer un jet d'air. Ce jet d'air est de préférence orienté vers l'aval et vers la zone d'empilage 30.The sorting machine 1 also comprises a blowing nozzle 6 provided upstream of the stacking zone 30 between the rear flap 5 and the rotary actuator 4. The blast nozzle 6 is disposed on the other side of the trajectory of the flat objects 100, 101 with respect to the rear flap 5 and the rotary actuator 4. The blowing nozzle 6 is able to send an air jet cutting the trajectory of the flat objects 101 arriving in the zone of Stacking 30. This air jet tends to fold any open pan of the flat object 101 arriving in the stacking zone 30, against its face. Indeed, it is common to encounter a defect of folding for some open flat objects 101, for example of the magazine type, whose cover page oriented side of the stacking zone 30 may tend to bend at the time of publication. stacking. The air jet makes it possible to keep the blanket closed or fold it down if it tends to open. The blowing nozzle 6 is controlled by the control unit to be in the closed state (as illustrated by the Figures 1 and 3 ) without sending an air jet or in an open state (as illustrated by the figure 2 ) to send a jet of air. This air jet is preferably oriented downstream and towards the stacking zone 30.

Selon le mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté, la machine de tri 1 comporte enfin des moyens de détection 7 par exemple une caméra, une balance, un laser ou tout autre équipement adapté, permettant de détecter des caractéristiques physiques prédéterminées des objets plats 101 avant leur arrivée dans l'empileur 3, par exemple la longueur, la hauteur, l'épaisseur, le poids, la rigidité, le matériau, la nature des objets plats 101. Ces moyens de détection 7, symbolisés schématiquement par une caméra, sont prévus en amont de l'empileur 3 et en particulier en amont du volet front arrière 5, de la buse de soufflage 6 et de l'actionneur rotatif 4.According to the embodiment of the invention shown, the sorting machine 1 finally comprises detection means 7, for example a camera, a scale, a laser or any other suitable equipment, making it possible to detect predetermined physical characteristics of the flat objects 101 before their arrival in the stacker 3, for example the length, the height, the thickness, the weight, the rigidity, the material, the nature of the flat objects 101. These detection means 7, symbolized schematically by a camera, are provided upstream of the stacker 3 and in particular upstream of the rear-end flap 5, the blowing nozzle 6 and the rotary actuator 4.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention non représenté, les caractéristiques physiques prédéterminées des objets plats 101 arrivant dans l'empileur 3 sont obtenus par le biais de moyens de mémorisation obtenu lors de passes de tri précédentes. Dans ce cas, la séquence d'objets plats 101 est connue, préalablement à la machine de tri 1, et en particulier la séquence des caractéristiques prédéterminées de ces objets plats 101. A cet effet, ces caractéristiques prédéterminées ont pu être détectées lors d'une étape de tri préalable et mémorisées sur tout type de support tel que par exemple un fichier, une carte RFID. Ainsi, les moyens de détermination peuvent consister en des moyens de lecture de caractéristiques prédéterminées préalablement enregistrées pour une séquence donnée d'objets plats à empiler.According to another embodiment of the invention not shown, the predetermined physical characteristics of the flat objects 101 arriving in the stacker 3 are obtained by means of storage means obtained during previous sorting passes. In this case, the sequence of flat objects 101 is known, prior to the sorting machine 1, and in particular the sequence of the predetermined characteristics of these flat objects 101. For this purpose, these predetermined characteristics could be detected during a preliminary sorting step and stored on any type of support such as for example a file, an RFID card. Thus, the determination means may consist of predetermined characteristic reading means previously recorded for a given sequence of flat objects to be stacked.

L'unité de contrôle/commande se sert de ces caractéristiques physiques prédéterminées pour piloter les paramètres de fonctionnement de l'empileur 3 et plus spécifiquement ceux du volet front arrière 5, de la buse de soufflage 6 et de l'actionneur rotatif 4. A cet effet, la machine de tri 1 comporte une pluralité de programmes destinés chacun à un type prédéterminé d'objets plats. Le nombre de types prédéfinis d'objets plats dépend de la finesse de réglages visée. A chaque type prédéfini d'objets plats on associe des paramètres de fonctionnement prédéterminés optimisés pour ce type prédéfini. On peut ainsi prédéfinir des combinaisons entre types prédéfinis et paramètres de fonctionnement prédéfinis tel que dans les exemples non limitatifs listés ci-après.The control / command unit uses these predetermined physical characteristics to control the operating parameters of the stacker 3 and more specifically those of the rear-end flap 5, the blast nozzle 6 and the rotary actuator 4. For this purpose, the sorting machine 1 comprises a plurality of programs each intended for a predetermined type of flat objects. The number of predefined types of flat objects depends on the targeted fineness of settings. Each predefined type of flat objects is associated with predetermined operating parameters optimized for this predefined type. It is thus possible to predefine combinations between predefined types and predefined operating parameters such as in the nonlimiting examples listed below.

Type prédéfini 1 + paramètres de fonctionnement 1 :

  • longueur : inférieure à 210 mm
  • hauteur : inférieure à 150 mm
    • ∘ profil de vitesse Pv1 pour l'actionneur rotatif 4 (environ 4 m/s)
    • ∘ démarrage de l'actionneur rotatif 4 à l'instant de démarrage Td1
    • ∘ pas utilisation du volet front arrière 5 (en position escamotée)
    • ∘ pas utilisation de la buse de soufflage 6 (en l'état fermé)
Preset type 1 + operating parameters 1:
  • length: less than 210 mm
  • height: less than 150 mm
    • ∘ Pv1 speed profile for the rotary actuator 4 (about 4 m / s)
    • ∘ start of the rotary actuator 4 at the start time Td1
    • ∘ no use of the rear flap 5 (in the retracted position)
    • ∘ no use of the blowing nozzle 6 (in the closed state)

Type prédéfini 2 + paramètres de fonctionnement 2 :

  • longueur : inférieure à 210 mm
  • hauteur : supérieure à 150 mm
    • ∘ profil de vitesse Pv2 pour l'actionneur rotatif 4 (environ 3.5 m/s)
    • ∘ démarrage de l'actionneur rotatif 4 à l'instant de démarrage Td2
    • ∘ pas utilisation du volet front arrière 5 (en position escamotée)
    • ∘ pas utilisation de la buse de soufflage 6 (en l'état fermé)
Preset type 2 + operating parameters 2:
  • length: less than 210 mm
  • height: greater than 150 mm
    • ∘ Pv2 speed profile for the rotary actuator 4 (about 3.5 m / s)
    • ∘ start of the rotary actuator 4 at the start time Td2
    • ∘ no use of the rear flap 5 (in the retracted position)
    • ∘ no use of the blowing nozzle 6 (in the closed state)

Type prédéfini 3 + paramètres de fonctionnement 3 :

  • longueur : supérieure à 210 mm
  • matériau : plastique
    • ∘ profil de vitesse PV3 pour l'actionneur rotatif 4,
    • ∘ démarrage de l'actionneur rotatif 4 à l'instant de démarrage Td2
    • ∘ utilisation du volet front arrière 5 (en positions escamotée et active)
    • ∘ pas utilisation de la buse de soufflage 6 (en l'état fermé)
Preset type 3 + operating parameters 3:
  • length: greater than 210 mm
  • material: plastic
    • ∘ PV3 speed profile for the rotary actuator 4,
    • ∘ start of the rotary actuator 4 at the start time Td2
    • ∘ use of the rear flap 5 (in retracted and active positions)
    • ∘ no use of the blowing nozzle 6 (in the closed state)

Type prédéfini 4 + paramètres de fonctionnement 4 :

  • longueur : supérieure à 210 mm
  • objet plat ouvert
    • ∘ profil de vitesse PV4 pour l'actionneur rotatif 4 (environ 3.5 m/s)
    • ∘ démarrage de l'actionneur rotatif 4 à l'instant de démarrage Td2
    • ∘ utilisation du volet front arrière 5 (passage de la position escamotée à la position active à l'instant de pivotement Tp1)
    • ∘ utilisation de la buse de soufflage 6 (passage de l'état fermé à l'état ouvert à l'instant de soufflage Ts1)
Preset type 4 + operating parameters 4:
  • length: greater than 210 mm
  • open flat object
    • ∘ PV4 speed profile for rotary actuator 4 (approx. 3.5 m / s)
    • ∘ start of the rotary actuator 4 at the start time Td2
    • ∘ use of the rear-end flap 5 (passage from the retracted position to the active position at the instant of rotation Tp1)
    • ∘ use of the blowing nozzle 6 (transition from the closed state to the open state at the blowing instant Ts1)

Type prédéfini 5 + paramètres de fonctionnement 5 :

  • longueur : supérieure à 210 mm
  • matériau : plastique
    • ∘ profil de vitesse PV5 pour l'actionneur rotatif 4 (environ 3.5 m/s)
    • ∘ démarrage de l'actionneur rotatif 4 à l'instant de démarrage Td3
    • ∘ utilisation du volet front arrière 5 (passage de la position escamotée à la position active à l'instant de pivotement Tp2)
    • ∘ pas utilisation de la buse de soufflage 6 (en l'état fermé)
Preset type 5 + operating parameters 5:
  • length: greater than 210 mm
  • material: plastic
    • ∘ PV5 speed profile for the rotary actuator 4 (about 3.5 m / s)
    • ∘ start of the rotary actuator 4 at the start time Td3
    • ∘ use of the rear-end flap 5 (passage from the retracted position to the active position at the instant of rotation Tp2)
    • ∘ no use of the blowing nozzle 6 (in the closed state)

Les paramètres de fonctionnement de l'empileur 3 peuvent bien entendu être croisés différemment pour obtenir un grand nombre d'autres combinaisons possibles de paramètres de fonctionnement.The operating parameters of the stacker 3 can of course be crossed differently to obtain a large number of other possible combinations of operating parameters.

Le procédé de tri d'objets plats 100, 101, mis en oeuvre au moyen d'une machine de tri 1 telle que décrite précédemment, est explicité ci-après.The method for sorting flat objects 100, 101, implemented by means of a sorting machine 1 as described above, is explained below.

En référence à la figure 1 certains objets plats 100 ont déjà été empilés dans la zone d'empilage 30, éloignant peu à peu l'élément de retenue 31 de l'actionneur rotatif 4. Le prochain objet plat 101 à empiler est convoyé par les bandes transporteuses 10, 11, 12 et guidé selon la direction secondaire D2 au moyen du volet d'aiguillage 2. L'actionneur rotatif 4 est en position pour recevoir l'objet plat 101 dans sa fente 42 et le guider pendant l'empilage. La buse de soufflage 6 est en l'état fermé et le volet front arrière 5 est dans sa position escamotée. A ce stade, grâce aux moyens de détections, on détecte les caractéristiques physiques de l'objet plat 101 avant qu'il n'arrive dans l'empileur 3. Au moyen par exemple d'une première table de correspondance on détermine le type prédéterminé d'objets plats correspondant aux caractéristiques physiques détectées pour l'objet plat 101 arrivant et on attribue en conséquence un type prédéfini à l'objet plat 101. Ainsi, avant que cet objet plat 101 n'arrive dans l'empileur 3 sur la base du type prédéfini, on est en mesure de piloter le fonctionnement du volet front arrière 5, de la buse de soufflage 6 et de l'actionneur rotatif 4 pendant l'empilage.With reference to the figure 1 some flat objects 100 have already been stacked in the stacking zone 30, gradually moving away the retaining element 31 from the rotary actuator 4. The next flat object 101 to be stacked is conveyed by the conveyor belts 10, 11, 12 and guided in the secondary direction D2 by means of the switching flap 2 The rotary actuator 4 is in position to receive the flat object 101 in its slot 42 and guide it during stacking. The blowing nozzle 6 is in the closed state and the rear flap 5 is in its retracted position. At this stage, thanks to the detecting means, the physical characteristics of the flat object 101 are detected before it arrives in the stacker 3. By means, for example, of a first correspondence table, the predetermined type is determined. flat objects corresponding to the physical characteristics detected for the arriving flat object 101 and a predefined type is accordingly assigned to the flat object 101. Thus, before this flat object 101 arrives in the stacker 3 on the base of the predefined type, it is possible to control the operation of the rear flap 5, the blowing nozzle 6 and the rotary actuator 4 during stacking.

Ensuite, en référence à la figure 2, l'objet plat 101 a progressé vers la zone d'empilage 30 et est situé au-delà des moyens de détection 7. Il est à la hauteur du volet front arrière 5 toujours dans sa position escamotée, engagé dans la fente 42 de l'actionneur rotatif 4. A ce stade, l'actionneur rotatif 4 est commandé pour démarrer à un instant de démarrage Td1-3 et selon un profil de vitesse PV1-5 adaptés. De plus, la buse de soufflage 6 est pilotée par l'unité de contrôle/commande pour passer, à l'instant de soufflage Ts1, de son état fermé à son état ouvert pour rabattre un pan de l'objet plat 101 éventuellement entrouvert. Les moyens de détections 7 sont alors aptes à détecter les caractéristiques physiques du prochain objet plat 101 avant son arrivée dans l'empileur 3.Then, with reference to the figure 2 , the flat object 101 has progressed towards the stacking zone 30 and is located beyond the detection means 7. It is at the height of the rear flap 5 always in its retracted position, engaged in the slot 42 of the At this stage, the rotary actuator 4 is controlled to start at a starting instant Td1-3 and according to a speed profile PV1-5 adapted. In addition, the blowing nozzle 6 is controlled by the control / command unit to pass, at the instant of blow Ts1, from its closed state to its open state to fold down a portion of the flat object 101 possibly ajar. The detecting means 7 are then able to detect the physical characteristics of the next flat object 101 before it arrives in the stacker 3.

Ensuite, en référence à la figure 3, l'objet plat 101 est accompagné dans son empilage par l'actionneur rotatif 4. A ce stade, la buse de soufflage 6 est pilotée par l'unité de contrôle/commande pour être en l'état fermé, les moyens de détections 7 sont aptes à détecter les caractéristiques physiques du prochain objet plat 101 et l'actionneur rotatif 4 continue à être piloté selon le profil de vitesse PV1-5 adapté. Le volet front arrière 5 est piloté par l'unité de contrôle/commande pour passer, en un instant Tp1-2 prédéterminé, de sa position escamotée à sa position active pour plaquer le front arrière de l'objet plat 101 arrivant dans la zone d'empilage sur la pile d'objets plats 100 déjà formée.Then, with reference to the figure 3 , the flat object 101 is accompanied in its stack by the rotary actuator 4. At this stage, the blowing nozzle 6 is controlled by the control / control unit to be in the closed state, the detecting means 7 are able to detect the physical characteristics of the next flat object 101 and the rotary actuator 4 continues to be controlled according to the adapted speed profile PV1-5. The rear flap 5 is controlled by the control / command unit to pass, in a predetermined time Tp1-2, from its retracted position to its active position to press the rear edge of the flat object 101 arriving in the zone d stacking on the stack of flat objects 100 already formed.

La machine de tri 1 et le procédé de tri selon l'invention permettent ainsi d'empiler de manière fiable et efficace tout type d'objets plats 100, 101 en tenant compte de leurs différences de caractéristiques physiques pour appliquer des paramètres de fonctionnement spécifiques optimaux permettant d'assurer un bon rendement de tri des objets plats 100, 101.The sorting machine 1 and the sorting method according to the invention thus make it possible to stack all types of flat objects 100, 101 reliably and efficiently, taking into account their differences in physical characteristics in order to apply optimal specific operating parameters. to ensure a good sorting efficiency of flat objects 100, 101.

Claims (2)

  1. A sorting machine (1) for sorting flat articles (100, 101) having non-uniform physical characteristics, said sorting machine (1) having at least one sorting outlet equipped with a stacker (3) suitable for stacking said flat articles (100, 101) on edge in a stacking zone (30), said stacker (3) being controlled by a monitoring and control unit in compliance with at least one unstacking program that sets predetermined operating parameters for said stacker (3) such as, in particular, the pitch between said flat articles (100, 101), the speed at which said flat articles (100, 101) are conveyed,
    said stacker (3) has at least one retaining element (31) suitable for receiving said stacked flat articles (100, 101) and a rotary actuator (4) suitable for stacking said flat articles against said retaining element (31),
    said stacker (3) has at least one trailing edge flap (5) provided upstream from said stacking zone (30), said trailing edge flap (5) being mounted to move between a retracted position in which it is set back from said stacking zone (30) so as not to interfere with said flat articles (101) arriving in said stacking zone (30) and an active position in which it is pivoted towards said stacking zone (30) so as to press the trailing portion of the flat article (101) being stacked towards said stacking zone (30), said trailing edge flap (5) being controlled by said monitoring and control unit so as to go from its retracted position to its active position as a function of said active unstacking program
    characterized in that said stacker (3) has at least one blower nozzle (6) provided upstream from said stacking zone (30) and suitable for blowing a jet of air cutting across the path of the flat articles (101) arriving in said stacking zone (30) so as to urge any open piece of said flat article (101) to re-close towards said flat article (101), said blower nozzle (6) being controlled by said monitoring and control unit to blow said jet of air as a function of said active unstacking program,
    in that said rotary actuator (4) being coupled to a brushless motor controlled by said monitoring and control unit in compliance with the active unstacking program for activating at least one of the start instant and speed profile accordingly,
    in that said sorting machine further comprises a plurality of programs, each of which is assigned to a predefined type of flat article (100, 101) having predetermined physical characteristics,
    in that it comprises determination means (7) for determining the predetermined physical characteristics of each incoming flat article (101) arriving in said stacker (3),
    and in that said monitoring and control unit being arranged to act after said determination to assign a predefined type of flat article to said flat article (101) arriving in said stacker (3) and to activate said corresponding unstacking program to control the operating parameters of the trailing edge flap, the blower nozzle and the rotary actuator according to a certain combination of optimal operation to ensure the stacking of said flat article.
  2. A sorting machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said determination means include detection means (7) provided upstream from said stacker (3) and suitable for detecting said predetermined characteristics of said flat article (101) arriving in said stacker (3).
EP12781380.6A 2011-12-23 2012-10-09 Machine for sorting of flat articles having heterogeneous physical properties and according method Not-in-force EP2794130B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1162391A FR2984774B1 (en) 2011-12-23 2011-12-23 FLAT OBJECT SORTING MACHINE HAVING HETEROGENEOUS PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND METHOD OF SORTING THESE FLAT OBJECTS
PCT/FR2012/052291 WO2013093250A1 (en) 2011-12-23 2012-10-09 Machine for sorting flat objects having heterogeneous physical characteristics, and method for sorting said flat objects

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CN103958081B (en) 2016-11-09
WO2013093250A1 (en) 2013-06-27
US20140231317A1 (en) 2014-08-21
JP2015500739A (en) 2015-01-08
FR2984774B1 (en) 2014-02-14
AU2012356654B2 (en) 2015-01-22
FR2984774A1 (en) 2013-06-28
PT2794130E (en) 2016-02-08
US9539617B2 (en) 2017-01-10
EP2794130A1 (en) 2014-10-29
CN103958081A (en) 2014-07-30
JP6039685B2 (en) 2016-12-07
DK2794130T4 (en) 2018-12-10
EP2794130B1 (en) 2015-11-25
DK2794130T3 (en) 2016-01-11

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