Device and method for delivering oriented elements
AssigneeGebo Packaging Solutions France
InventorEmmanuel Roth
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is a sorting device for elements of the cap or stopper type, used to close a bottle or vial, or of the plastic preform type. The device includes a continuous conveyor arranged to travel in a conveying direction and equipped with successive transverse stop members between which the elements can rest in transverse alignment. The sorting device includes an ejector for ejecting the elements from the conveyor by moving the elements essentially along the length of the transverse stop members, the ejector include at least one push member which can move at least transversely to the conveying direction so as to push the elements towards the exit zone. Also disclosed is a corresponding method.
Claims10
A sorting device for elements of a cap or lid configured to close a jar or bottle, or a plastic preform, the sorting device comprising:
- a continuous conveying system configured to be moved in a conveying direction and equipped with successive transverse stops between which the elements are able to rest in the form of a transverse alignment and be transported by said conveying system from a supply zone of the sorting device;
- a discharge zone, in an area in which the elements leave the conveying system after having been brought to the discharge zone by the conveying system, the discharge zone being sized to receive a column of a single element;
- and
- an ejection system configured to remove the elements from the conveying system by moving the elements essentially along the transverse stops, the ejection system comprising
- at least one pusher configured to be moved at least transversely to the direction of conveying to push the elements toward the discharge zone, and
- an endless band belt, on which is mounted overhanging at least one pin forming the pusher and having an end that acts on the elements,
- wherein only elements that conform to a specific positioning criterion are conveyed from the supply zone to the discharge zone.
A sorting method for elements including caps, lids, and other parts configured to close a container, and elements with a collar, including a plastic bottle preform, said method comprising:
- conveying the elements on a conveying system moving in a conveying direction, from a supply zone to a discharge zone located on one side of said conveying system;
- removing from the conveying system, toward the discharge zone, the elements that are presently on the conveying system;
- and
- removing the elements from the conveying system by pushing the elements by contact with a movable pusher,
- wherein the speed of one movement of the pusher transversely to the conveying direction is fast enough to ensure that the one movement of the pusher causes one element located at the end of the conveying system near the discharge zone and one element located at the other end to pass through an opening of the discharge zone, taking into account the movement of the conveying system in the conveying direction, and
- the pusher is movable both transversely to the conveying direction, from one side to the other side of the conveying system, and in said conveying direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.