Method and device for horizontally transferring layers of articles between adjacent modules

摘要

The invention comprises a transfer unit (34) for horizontal movement of a group or layer of articles (10) between at least two adjacent modules (12, 14, 30) while substantially maintaining the relative positions of a plurality of articles (16) constituting the group or layer of articles (10). The transfer unit (34) comprises a horizontal support surface (24) for the layer of articles (10), at least one first bar (46) or push bar for horizontally moving the layer of articles (10) that contacts the rear of the group or layer of articles in the direction of transport or feed to an adjacent module (14, 30) and at least one second bar (40) or support bar contacting the front of the layer of articles (10), the movements of which are at least temporarily coupled with the push bar or first bar (20) in the direction of transfer (20), A first horizontal section of the movement of the first bar (46) or push bar, to generate the horizontal pushing movement at the level of the layer of articles (10) moving on the support surface (24) is longer than a second horizontal section of the movement of the second bar (40) or support bar to generate the horizontal supporting movement for the layer of articles (10).

主权项

1. Transfer (34) unit for horizontal movement of a group or layer of articles (10) between at least two adjacent modules (12, 14, 30) whilst substantially maintaining the relative positions of a plurality of articles (16) constituting the group or layer of articles (10), comprising: a horizontal support surface (24) for the layer of articles (10) that is connected to the transfer unit (34); at least one first bar (46) or push bar coupled to a first drive system, the at least one first bar (46) or push bar positioned to touch the articles from behind in a conveyance or transfer direction, the first drive system comprising a first electric motor, the first drive system configured to cause the at least one first bar (46) to horizontally move the layer of articles (10) to an adjacent module (14, 30) via a transfer having a constant speed phase whereby the layer of articles (10) are moved at a constant speed and a deceleration phase whereby the layer of articles (10) are slowed to a stop; and at least one second bar (40) or support bar coupled to a second drive system comprising a second electric motor that can be controlled independently of the first drive system, the at least one second bar (40) or support bar positioned to contact the front of the layer of articles (10) during the constant speed phase of the transfer, wherein the second drive system is configured to separate the at least one second bar (40) or support bar from the front of the layer of articles (10) during the deceleration phase of the layer of articles (10), after the deceleration of the layer of articles (10) has commenced and prior to the stop of the layer of articles (10).