FR2743776A1 - Method of placing document packets in containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves feeding the packets in line but spaced on a horizontal conveyor belt (4) so that one of the sides is parallel to the axis of the conveyor. During conveying, the dimensions (x,y) of the longitudinal and transverse sides of each packet are measured. Successive packets come into contact at the downstream part of the conveyor, with a pusher (7) which can move longitudinally in the reverse direction to the conveyor. the pusher adjusts the position of the packets centrally with respect to a hopper with an open base which overhangs the container and which is lowered into it to fill the container.

Description

METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR DEPOSITING A GROUP OF
PACKAGES WITHIN A CONTAINER
The present invention relates to a method for depositing a group of packages in at least one row inside a container.

 It also relates to an automated installation for the implementation of this process.

 The invention relates more particularly to packets which have a general rectangular parallelepiped shape, or approximately rectangular rectangular shape.

 The invention was conceived and developed within the framework of a particular application, namely the automatic containerization of bundles of publications and of bundled and / or encircled boxes coming from a sorter.

 The packages are magazine burdens, sometimes made up of two juxtaposed packages, of variable formats, encircled, bundled, and encircled cartons of identical base surface but of slightly variable height.

 The mass of packages to be containerized is very variable, between 1 and 26 kilograms.

As an indication, the packages have the following dimensions:
- length between 145 and 500 mm;
- width between 100 and 380 mm;
- height between 35 and 400 mm.

 The cartons have a length of 480 mm, a width of 350 mm, and a height between 170 mm and 150 mm.

 Finally, the containers intended to receive these packages have an overall length of 1200 mm, an overall width of 800 mm, an overall height of 900 mm and a maximum laden mass of 500 kg.

 The objective of the invention is to propose a method and an installation making it possible to deposit automatically, and with the least loss of space possible this type of package - which, conventionally, will be designated by the generic term "package" in the description and the claims which follow - this at a high rate, the overall hourly flow sought being of the order of 300 packets per hour.

 To the knowledge of the applicant, in the state of the art, there is no process or installation designed for this type of automated operation.

The method according to the invention is remarkable in that it consists in providing the following steps:
a) the packages are moved to the tail-leu-leu, spaced apart on a horizontal conveyor belt moving so that one of its sides is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor;
b) during this movement, the dimensions of the longitudinal and transverse sides of each package are measured;
c) successively bringing each package into abutment at the downstream end of the conveyor against a pusher - said to be longitudinal - movable longitudinally, in the opposite direction to the direction of advance of the conveyor;
d) using this pusher, the package is made to move backwards longitudinally, by sliding it in the opposite direction on the conveyor, over a stroke which is a function of the previously measured longitudinal dimension of the package, so as to center it on a opening bottom basket overhanging the container and arranged on one side of the conveyor, this basket being vertically movable;
e) by means of another pusher - said to be transverse - the package is transferred transversely to the nacelle, the stroke of the pusher being a function of the transverse dimension, previously measured of the package;
f) these operations are repeated so as to form on the nacelle a row of adjacent packages, in contact by their longitudinal sides;
g) the basket is lowered inside the container, near its bottom;
h) the bottom of the basket is opened so as to allow the row of packages to escape and to deposit it at the bottom of the container.

Furthermore, according to a certain number of advantageous, non-limiting characteristics of the invention:
- The method provides for the possibility of tilting the packages at a right angle after the measurement of their dimensions carried out in step b), and before their abutment in step c);
- the packages come into contact by their short side, if necessary, after tilting, against the longitudinal pusher
- Several rows of packages are placed in the container, by juxtaposing them next to each other, parallel to the transverse direction, a conveyor device ensuring the step-by-step movement of the container in the longitudinal direction to allow the juxtaposition of the different rows ;;
- Several layers of packages, or rows of packages, are stacked in the container, the descent stroke of the nacelle in the latter being controlled for the deposition of the different layers;
- a nacelle is used, the bottom of which consists of a pair of pivoting flaps each articulated around transverse axes situated on the opposite edges of the base of the nacelle, and capable of selectively occupying a substantially horizontal position in which the bottom of the nacelle is closed or a vertical - or approximately vertical - folded down position, in which the bottom is open, the internal free edges of these flaps, which are facing each other when the bottom is closed , being located substantially in the transverse median vertical plane of the nacelle, the stroke of the pusher acting at the stage ensuring the positioning of the packets - in a centered or slightly off-centered manner - relative to this median plane;
- according to a preferred embodiment, in which stacks - or layers - are produced, the height of the packages is also measured during their movement on the transporter, the downward travel of the nacelle in the container being a function, if applicable, the maximum height of the packages in the row previously deposited in it.

The automated installation, intended to deposit a group of packages in at least one row inside a container is remarkable in that it comprises:
- a horizontal conveyor with moving conveyor;
- a longitudinal pusher disposed at the downstream end thereof;
- a transverse pusher placed upstream of the longitudinal pusher;
- a nacelle with an opening bottom arranged on the side of the conveyor, in the working axis of the transverse pusher, this nacelle being movable vertically;
- a mobile step-by-step conveyor, which supports the container and makes it pass under the nacelle;
- means for measuring the dimensions of the packages;
- A programmable controller, which controls and controls the movements of said lifters, the nacelle, and the conveyor according to the result of the dimensional measurements carried out by said means.

In one possible embodiment, this installation comprises an additional transverse pusher located in the entry area of said conveyor, capable of pushing the packages transversely to put them in reference along one of the lateral edges of the conveyor, an incremental encoder associated with this additional transverse pusher allowing to measure the transverse dimension of each packet
Preferably, this installation comprises, upstream of the transporter:
- a gravity conveyor with inclined rollers, with which is associated a set of belts capable of causing a pre-separation of the packages, while advancing them;
- a conveyor-brake conveyor;
- a moving conveyor-spacer.

 Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the description and the appended drawings which represent, by way of example a preferred embodiment of the installation and which illustrate the various stages of the process.

In these drawings:
- Figure 1 is a schematic view from above of the entire installation
- Figure 2 is a schematic view, along a vertical plane disposed transversely relative to the conveyor, of the additional transverse pusher;
- Figure 3 shows, still schematically, in a longitudinal vertical plane, on the one hand the transverse pusher mounted at the downstream end of the conveyor and on the other hand the main transverse pusher (the latter being seen at the end);
- Figure 4 is a view, in a transverse vertical plane, of the main transverse pusher and of the nacelle;
- Figures 5 and 6 are front and side views of the nacelle;
- Figure 7 is a schematic view, in a longitudinal vertical plane, of the device used to move the nacelle in the vertical direction;
- Figure 8 is a partial bottom view of Figure 6 - detail seen according to arrow VIII -, which shows the locking system, in the closed position, of the two components of the bottom of the nacelle;
- Figure 9 shows, in cross section, the conveyor supporting the container;
- Figures 10, 10A, 10B and 10C are diagrams intended to show how the measurement of the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of a package takes place during its movement on the conveyor;
- Figure 11 is a similar view showing the tilting - or twisting - at right angles to a package;
- Figure 12 is a similar view, which shows the positioning of the package in the axis of the nacelle by means of the longitudinal pusher;
- Figures 13 and 13A illustrate the step of transferring a package from the transporter in the nacelle ;;
- Figures 13B and 13C illustrate the formation of a row of packages in the nacelle, above the container;
- Figure 14 is a diagram, seen from above, illustrating the formation of several parallel rows andjuxtaposed inside a container;
- Figures 15, 15A and 15B are diagrams, this time seen in a transverse vertical plane, which illustrate the containerization of a stack of several layers.

FIG. 1 shows two axes oriented perpendicular OX,
OY, which correspond to directions conventionally called "longitudinal" and, respectively, "transverse" in the following description and in the claims.

 As we will see later, the packets will move first according to OX (from left to right of the figure), then according to OY (from top to bottom in the figure).

 The reference 1 designates the conveyor located furthest upstream from the installation, and which constitutes the chute for receiving the packages. It is a conveyor with free rollers which are slightly inclined downwards according to OY, so that they come to bear against a set of superposed polycord belts 1 1 mounted on one of the edges of the conveyor 1, in this case its right edge. The reference 12 relates to the downstream return roller of the belts 1 1; the latter are continuously driven by an appropriate motor so as to advance the packets, while carrying out a first ginning - that is to say a pre-separation - of these.

 Following the conveyor 1 are installed two endless belt conveyors 2 and 3.

 The transporter 2 is a brake transporter, whose role is to retain the packets located upstream, if it is stopped.

 The conveyor 3 is a spacer conveyor, operating by acceleration to properly separate the packets delivered by the brake mat 2 from each other.

 Following the spacer mat 3 is installed a main conveyor 4, the function of which is to convey, one after the other, separately, the different packages in the direction of its downstream end, where there is a pusher forming a stop for the packages, as will be explained later.

 While the belt 3 is a band with strong adhesion capable of ensuring good separation of the packages, the conveyor belt 4 is a smooth band allowing the packages to slide.

 On the side of the conveyor 4, in the entry zone of the latter, a series of photoelectric cells 41 are installed, capable of detecting the referencing of the load along one of the edges of the conveyor, in this case the left edge if we consider the direction of advance OX.

 The conveyor 4 is also associated with an incremental encoder 40, the function of which is to measure the dimension of the load along the axis OX.

 Still in the entry zone on the conveyor 4 is a first pusher 5 - called auxiliary - which is movable transversely - that is to say in the direction OY - and whose function is to repel the packets circulating on the carrier towards the row - or ramp - of cells 41.

 With the mobile pusher 4 is associated an incremental encoder 50, able to measure the displacement of the pusher, and correlatively, to measure the transverse dimension of each packet.

 A little downstream of the pusher 4 is mounted a sensor 42 - or a vertical battery of sensors - used to measure the height of the packets, that is to say their dimension in the vertical direction, perpendicular to the plane OX, OY.

 In this zone, on the same side of the conveyor as the cell ramp 41, there is a retractable finger - or stop - 43 whose function is to ensure, if necessary, the tilting at right angles of the packages, so as to modify their orientation on a 90 "angle.

 It is a transversely movable finger, controlled by a jack.

 In the retracted position, the finger does not protrude relative to the longitudinal edge of the conveyor 4.

 On the other hand, in the extended position, it projects above the belt, and therefore intercepts the package transported by the latter, causing it to turn over at right angles.

 At the downstream end of the conveyor 4 there are two pushers, one referenced 6, acting transversely, and the other, referenced 7, acting longitudinally.

 In the standby position, the pushing member - in this case a plate 61 of the pusher 6 is located outside the conveyor, behind one of the longitudinal edges of the latter, in this case the same edge as that where the ramp 41 and the retractable stop 43 are located (on the left of the conveyor).

 The amplitude of movement of the pushing member 61 is sufficient to transfer the packages from the conveyor 4 onto a nacelle 8 situated on the other side of the conveyor, as will be explained below.

 The pushing member 710 of the longitudinal pusher 7 is, in the standby position, all "at the end" of the conveyor 4. It is adapted to serve as a stop for each package circulating on the conveyor, then to push it back, the bottom of the package then sliding on the mat, in order to position it opposite the member 61 and to position it, either in alignment with the nacelle 8, or in a slightly off-center manner with respect thereto.

 Each of the pushers 6, 7 is associated with an incremental encoder 60, respectively 70, capable of controlling the displacement strokes of these pushers.

 The nacelle 8 has the general shape of a "U" whose base has (seen from above) a rectangular outline, with the large side oriented transversely (parallel to OY).

The branches of "are vertical profiles suspended from a gallows.

 The base has a bottom composed of two articulated flaps 81a and 81b, which can selectively occupy either a horizontal position, in which the bottom is closed, or a vertical - or approximately vertical - position in which the bottom is open.

 The operation of these components will be explained later, more particularly with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8.

 When the bottom is closed, it is flush, that is to say substantially in the same horizontal plane as the carpet 4.

 An intermediate bearing surface, ensuring continuity for the transfer of the packets from the mat 4 to the bottom of the nacelle can advantageously be provided. Such a bonding surface is shown moreover, and designated 401, in FIG. 4.

 The nacelle 8 is movable in the vertical direction.

 It can be moved down from its standby position in which it is flush with the carpet 4, to penetrate inside the container intended to receive the packages, and which is referenced C in the figures.

 The nacelle is associated with an incremental encoder 80 ensuring the control of the vertical displacement of the nacelle.

 In Figure 1 is designated by To the vertical and transverse median plane of the nacelle, which substantially coincides with the facing edges of the two pivoting flaps 81a and 81b when they are in the raised position (closed bottom).

 This plane To passes substantially through the center of the thrust member 61.

The container C is itself supported by a conveyor 9, which is movable in a step-by-step movement in the longitudinal direction, that is to say parallel to
OX.

 It is arranged to pass the container below the nacelle.

 When the nacelle 8 is in the high position, the bottom 81 is located above the container.

 When the basket descends, it enters the interior of the container, as will be explained later.

 The conveyor 9 is associated with a set of three sensors distributed along the latter, and referenced 90, capable of monitoring and measuring the movement of the conveyor 9, and correspondingly, of the container C carried by the latter.

 The conveyor 9 is a chain conveyor, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

 Provision is also made for handling means, not shown, which allow a full container to be removed and replaced by an empty container.

 As an indication, the end portion of the roller conveyor 1 which is equipped with the belts 11 has a length of 3,040 mm; the conveyor 2 has a length of the order of 1000 mm; the conveyor 3 a length of the order of 1200 mm and the conveyor 4 a length of 2500 mm.

 These conveyors have an overall width of the order of 870 mm.

 The conveyor belt 2, 3 and 4 is at a height of the order of 1400 mm from the ground.

 With reference to FIG. 2, we will now describe the structure and the operation of the auxiliary transverse pusher 5.

 This comprises a mobile chassis fitted with a thrust plate 51 situated in a vertical longitudinal plane, this chassis being supported by bearings 510, 511 capable of sliding on bars or fixed transverse tubes 52 disposed at a certain distance from the - above the carpet 4 (sufficient distance so as not to obstruct the passage of the tallest packages).

 The bearing surface of the upper side of the belt 4 has been designated by the reference 400, a surface which can, in a well-known manner, consist of a sliding sole, or be constituted by transverse rollers mounted mad (rollers which are visible at Figure 3).

 The transverse movement of the push plate 51 is controlled by an electric geared motor 55, via an endless chain or transmission belt 54, guided on end return sprockets 540, 541, and connected to the movable chassis 5 by means of 'a liaison body 53.

 The geared motor 55 is a two-speed brake geared motor of known type, capable of stopping instantly when it has traveled a certain distance, controlled by the encoder 50 which is associated with it.

 In Figure 2, there is shown in solid lines the pusher 5 in its standby position.

 The plate 51 is then just plumb with the right longitudinal edge of the mat 4.

 Its displacement towards the opposite edge - outward stroke - is symbolized by the arrow I.

 The pusher, referenced 5 ′, has been shown in dashed lines when it has finished a forward race, and it begins its return to the waiting position, movement symbolized by the arrow I ′.

 As an indication, the outward and return speeds are respectively 30 and 60 m / min (meters per minute).

 Still for information, the height of the plate 51 is of the order of 200 mm, its lower edge arriving at a short distance (a few millimeters) from the mat 4.

 The longitudinal pusher 7 disposed at the downstream end of the conveyor belt 4 comprises a horizontal movable frame 71 provided at its end facing the conveyor 4 with a pusher member 710; the latter has the form of a transverse and vertical plate, of low height.

 On the opposite side, the frame 71 carries bearings capable of sliding on tubes or fixed longitudinal bars 72, also horizontal.

 The mobile chassis drive means, similar to those used for the pusher 5, comprise an electric brake gearmotor 75, capable of driving an endless chain or belt 74 passing over idler sprockets 740, 741, the one - in this case the pinion 741 - is motor, the element 74 being connected to the movable frame by means of a connecting piece 73.

 In its standby position, shown in solid lines in FIG. 3, the plate 710 constitutes a stop for each package arriving at the end of the conveyor 4.

 By moving the pusher backwards, that is to say against the direction of the conveyor belt advance, symbolized by the arrow J, the package can be rolled back over a certain stroke in order to bring it either into the alignment of the pusher 6 and the nacelle 8, that is to say in a position slightly offset with respect to this alignment, in order to offset the removal as will be explained below.

 During this movement, the bottom of the package slides on the belt 4, the latter continuing to advance.

 As an indication, the speed of movement of the pusher 7, both in the forward direction and in the return direction, is of the order of 12 m / min, its displacement stroke being of the order of 250 mm.

 The transverse pusher 6 is visible both viewed from the front in FIG. 4 and seen from the rear in FIG. 3.

 Its structure is similar to that of pusher 5.

 It comprises a mobile suspended chassis, which can slide on fixed guides 62 arranged transversely and horizontally above the conveyor 4. This chassis carries a thrust plate 61, vertical and longitudinal, having, for information only, a height of 200 mm and a length of about 400 mm.

 This plate is indented by a rectangular cut down and downstream of the conveyor, over a height sufficient to allow the passage of the pushing member 710, even if the movements of the two pushers come to interfere, as we understand. upon observation of FIG. 3 in which an intermediate position of the plate 710 has been shown in broken dashed lines.

 The presence of this cutout therefore allows the pusher 61 to start its outward travel while the pusher 7 begins its return travel, which allows to work in masked time.

 As is also the case for the other pushers, the movable frame of the pushbutton 6 is driven by an electric brake-gearmotor 65 via a chain or a transmission belt 64 passing over pinions 640, 641, and a connecting piece 63 .

 The forward movement of the pusher 6 allows it to transfer a package located on the carpet 4, via the support piece 401 previously mentioned, on the bottom 81 (which is in the closed position) of the nacelle 8 .

 The structure of the latter will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

 The nacelle 8 is carried by a carriage 84 which can move vertically and whose guidance and actuation device will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

 The nacelle is essentially composed of a pair of horizontal crosspieces 82 each suspended, in its central zone, from a vertical upright 83; each upright 83 is itself suspended from the end of a transverse and horizontal beam 830, forming a bracket, mounted on the carriage 84.

 The elements 82, 83 and 830 are metal profiles of "cl" section, the opening of which faces outwards.

 Each of the crosspieces 82 carries, on its internal face, a pair of hinges 810 of transverse axis, serving for the articulation of a flap 81. The reference numbers of one of the flaps, and of the elements associated with it have have been assigned index a; items relating to the other component have been assigned the index b.

 As can be immediately understood from a simple observation of FIG. 6, the flaps 81a and 81b can selectively occupy either a raised, horizontal position, in which each flap constitutes the half-bottom of the nacelle.

 The two flaps have a rectangular shape, and have the same dimensions, so that their internal edges 81a, 81lb, which come opposite one another when the bottom is closed, are located substantially in the vertical transverse median plane To of the nacelle.

 A locking device ensures the mutual locking of the two flaps in their raised position.

 This system comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 87 fixed under one of the flaps, in this case under the flap 81b, and the rod of which carries a slide 870 provided with a pair of movable fingers 871.

 As seen more particularly in Figure 8, when the cylinder 87 is retracted, the ends of the fingers 871 pass through openings formed in the facing flanges 81 lb and 81 la of the flaps.

 When the jack 87 is extended, the slide 870, and correspondingly the fingers 871, are moved outward, so that the fingers protrude from the holes, the flaps can therefore pivot freely downwards, under the effect of gravity, to occupy a position referenced 81'a and 81'b in FIG. 6.

 In this state, the bottom of the nacelle is open, and the package P which was supported by the flaps can escape freely downwards.

 The package P being centered on the opening bottom, it escapes in principle following a strictly vertical trajectory, its bottom remaining perfectly horizontal.

 A pair of lateral jacks 85a, 85b, raise the bottom via a pair of arms 86a, 86b which are pivotally mounted about an axis 860a, 860b, respectively, vertical and transverse.

 The free end of each arm 86a, 86b, carries a roller 861a, respectively 861b, able to come into contact and to roll against the bottom of the associated flap to cause this lifting.

 In Figure 6, there is shown the system controlled by the cylinder 85a (retracted) in the inactive position (allowing the free opening of the flap 81a), while the cylinder 85b is in extension, keeping the flap 81b raised.

 Of course, in practice, the lifting of the two components is done simultaneously. After lifting, the locking system is activated, and the lifting systems are again made inactive.

 FIG. 7 schematically represents the device for controlling the vertical movements of the nacelle.

 This device comprises a frame formed by a base - or base - 89 fixed to the ground, an upper cross member 891, and a pair of vertical uprights 890 connecting the base 89 to the cross member 891.

 The uprights 890 are U-shaped section rails which serve as guides for the carriage 84, the latter being provided with suitable rollers 840 ensuring its rolling without play in the guides 890.

 The carriage 84, to which the brackets 830 already mentioned, which support the nacelle, are fixed, is attached in its middle part, to the ends of a chain or of a belt 88.

 One end of the element 88 is fixed to the underside of the carriage, and the other to its upper face.

 The element 88 is guided at its lower and upper parts on return gears 881, respectively 882.

 The pinion 881 is mounted on the base 89; the pinion 882 is mounted on the cross member 891.

 The chain - or belt - 88 has a strictly vertical arrangement.

 The drive of the chain, via the pinion 881, is carried out by means of a two-speed brake gear motor, also fixed on the base 89.

 As already said, an incremental encoder 80 is associated with this geared motor.

 Figure 9 shows, in cross section, the conveyor 9 which is used to move the container C under the nacelle.

 The container C rests, via feet PC, on horizontal and longitudinal chains 95 which can slide on guides 850 carried by a frame 91.

 The frame 91 is placed on the ground by means of feet 910 adjustable in height.

 The chains 95 are driven by means of a pair of pinions 94 which are immobilized both in rotation and in translation on a transverse shaft 92 mounted and guided in rotation in the frame 91.

 This same shaft is integral with a second pinion 93 connected by a chain (not shown) to the output pinion of a brake gearmotor 930, also fixed to the frame 91.

 As an indication, the speed of movement of the chains 95 is of the order of 15 m per minute.

 As mentioned above, a set of three sensors 90 of known type (not shown) ensures the advance travel of these chains.

 Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 15, we will explain how a containerization operation of packages is carried out by means of the installation which has just been described.

 As already said, all of the sensors, encoders, motors and jacks which have just been described are connected to a programmable controller which will control and synchronize the different stages of the operation.

 The method of the invention will be described in an application in which it is a matter of containerizing packets distributed both in the form of several transverse, parallel and adjacent rows, and in the form of layers (stacks). It is therefore a dimensional containerization.

 It goes without saying that the invention also applies to two-dimensional containerizations, either in the form of a simple stacking of several rows, or in the form of a juxtaposition of several rows, directly at the bottom of the container.

 Of course, the mode of containerization adopted will depend on the nature of the packages, and on the relative dimensions of the container with respect to the dimensional ranges of the packages.

 In the application described, the shape and capacity of the containers used, and the average dimensions of the packages, in each of the three directions, are such that it is often possible to containerize three rows of three packages on three levels (i.e. a number total of 27 packets), provided that each packet is oriented as well as possible, to reduce the volume of the interstices as much as possible.

 FIG. 10 represents a packet P which has just left the accelerator belt 3 and is located at the entrance to the conveyor 4. Its advance thereon is symbolized by laflècheF1.

 In the containerization mode chosen, it is provided that in each row of packages, these are in mutual contact by a large side.

 Their long sides should therefore correspond to their longitudinal dimension, that is to say be parallel to OX, since their containerization will be transverse (parallel OY).

 This is the case of the package shown in Figure 10.

 This is located just on the right edge of the conveyor 4, due to the jogging previously carried out on the roller conveyor 1, by means of the belts 11.

 An appropriate presence sensor, of a type known per se (not shown), makes it possible to detect the arrival of the packet P in front of the auxiliary pusher 5.

 The latter is then actuated so as to push the package onto the opposite edge of the conveyor, as illustrated in FIG. 10A.

 During this transfer, the packet follows an oblique trajectory, symbolized by F2.

 When the left edge of the package arrives under the cell ramp 41, this means that the package is correctly positioned, and the movement of the pusher 5 is stopped. It is then actuated in the opposite direction (return stroke) to return to its initial position - or standby position - as shown in Figures 10 and 10C.

 The package has been pushed back by the pusher 5 opposite the cells 41 until at least two cells in the series have been obscured, so as to ensure that the package is indeed parallel to the edge of the conveyor.

 The illustration in FIG. 10b corresponds to the end of the thrust, the package therefore finding a longitudinal trajectory symbolized by F3.

 During the forward movement of the pusher 5, the incremental encoder 50 measured the movement of movement of the pusher. The value of this stroke is a function of the transverse dimension, in this case the width, designated y, of the package P.

 Indeed, if we designate (see Figure 10) by I the width of the belt and (see Figure 10B) by k the forward stroke of the pusher, we have y = l - k.

 This provides information on the dimension y, and this information is transmitted to the programmable controller.

 At the same time, the incremental encoder 40, synchronized by an appropriate presence sensor, measured the other dimension x, that is to say the length of the packet.

 This information is also transmitted to the PLC.

 Finally, the height of the packet, measured on passage by the sensor, or the sensor ramp, 42, is also information transmitted to the programmable controller.

 FIG. 10C illustrates the continuation of the advance of the packet (arrow F3), while the pusher 5 has returned to its starting point (arrow I ').

 As illustrated in FIG. 11, assuming that it is the small side of the package which corresponds to the longitudinal direction, the rocking finger 43 is actuated to intercept the edge of the package and change its orientation to 90 "(arrow F5, figure 11).

 Thus each package comes into abutment at the downstream end of the conveyor 4 by its short side, against the pusher 7.

 As illustrated in FIG. 12, the pusher 7 is then actuated to move the package back and center it on the plane To of the nacelle, in the axis of the transverse pusher 6.

 This backward movement of the package is symbolized by the arrow J in FIG. 12.

 Of course, the amplitude of this movement, governed by the programmable controller and controlled by the incremental encoder 70, is a function of the length of the packet; the movement of the pusher will be all the more important as the length of the package is small.

 The transverse pusher 6 is then actuated, as symbolized by the arrow K in FIG. 12. The package is then transferred to the nacelle 8 (arrow F6), while being correctly centered on the plane To, or slightly off-center with respect to this plan.

 FIGS. 13 to 13C illustrate the different steps allowing the formation of a row of packets P1, P2, P3 on the nacelle.

 The first packet P1 is pushed back to the opposite end of the nacelle 8. The stroke of the pusher 6, controlled by the incremental encoder 60, is of course a function of the value of the short side (width y) of this packet.

To determine the pushing stroke of the next packet P2 (see Figure 13A) The programmable controller will take into account not only the width of this packet
P2, but also that of the previously transferred packet P1, against which the P2 packet will be added.

 This also applies to the following packet P3 (see FIG. 13B).

 If the space available to receive the third package is not sufficient, the programmable controller will directly control the formation of the next row.

When a row is in place on the nacelle, the latter is lowered inside the container, the bottom is open, and all the packages constituting the row are deposited either on the bottom of the container, or on the layer previously filed.

 The nacelle is then raised to its standby position, the bottom closed and locked, and the next package - designated P4 in FIG. 13C - can in turn be placed on the nacelle.

 Figure 14 illustrates the process of forming several adjacent rows R1, R2, R3 constituting the same layer, in this case the first, inside the container C.

 A first row R1 has already been deposited.

 The conveyor 9 has moved the container C over a certain distance, the advance stroke symbolized by L in FIG. 14, being controlled by the sensors 90.

 The amplitude of the advance stroke can be calculated by the programmable controller as a function of the length of the largest packet in row R1 already placed in the container. It can also be predetermined, identical for each row.

 The container is installed under the nacelle 8 in a position for waiting for the packages which will constitute the row R2.

 In the situation illustrated in FIG. 14, two packages Q1 and Q2 intended to form the lower layer of row R2 are already in place in the nacelle, while the next package Q3 is positioned in front of the pusher 6.

 The next packet Q'1 arrives on carrier 4.

 Preferably, in order to best occupy the available space, the packages constituting the lateral rows R1 and R3 are slightly offset towards the wall of the container C, relative to the median plane of the nacelle when the packages are placed there. This offset has for example a value of the order of 20 mm. This makes it possible, when these rows are removed, to attach them as closely as possible to the front and rear faces of the container, freeing up maximum space for the central row R2. This, on the other hand, is transferred centered on the nacelle.

 The program takes this departure into account to control the stroke of pusher 7 differently, depending on the row number.

 Once a layer of rows has been placed, the next layer is formed, as shown in Figures 15, 15A, 15B.

 FIG. 15 represents a container C, the bottom of which is lined with a first layer of rows R of three packets P1, P2, P3.

On the nacelle 8, the packages P ′ 1 are in the standby position. P '2 and
P '3 which will constitute a row of the second layer, while the first package
P "1 which will constitute either the first packet of the neighboring row, or the first packet of the next layer (third and last layer) is waiting on the conveyor 4, in front of the pusher 6.

 FIG. 14A shows the step of depositing a row of the second layer, referenced R ′, in the container C.

 FIG. 14B shows the nacelle 8 after it has risen out of the container, in the standby position for the package P "1.

 The automaton is programmed so that during the descent of the nacelle 8 inside the container, with a view to depositing the first row, the descent takes place as low as possible; this stroke is controlled by the incremental encoder 80.

 In fact, the lower the basket is in the container, the smoother the deposition, without significant shock of the packages. In addition, as the packages are centered, or slightly off-center, on the opening bottom, they do not tip, or tip little, during deposition.

 The amplitude of the descent of the nacelle is however limited to provide a clearance space allowing the complete opening of the flaps.

 For the deposition of the following layers, the amplitude of descent of the nacelle is controlled by the greatest height of the packets constituting the row which has just been deposited, and also, of course, the clearance space (invariable ) pivoting shutters.

 It goes without saying that provision can be made, by ad-hoc programming of the automaton, for orienting certain packets by means of finger 43 so as to give them a different orientation from that initially planned in order to occupy the l space that will be available to receive it at a given location in the container.

 Thus, for example, if the length of the pack is greater than the width of the nacelle, it will have to be oriented in such a way that its long side comes to bear against the pusher 7.

 The installation according to the invention has great flexibility so that it can be adapted to various shapes and dimensions of products, the software used in the automaton being adapted to requirements.

 Thus, for example, one could conceive of juxtaposing and / or superimposing in the same container rows of packages having their long side oriented longitudinally with rows of packages having their long side arranged transversely.

 In the event that the container wall is screened and / or transparent, it is possible, using appropriate sensors, to measure the effective (maximum) height of the first layer deposited there, then to program accordingly - and to control - the course of the nacelle for the removal of the next layer (second layer).

 We act in the same way for the second and third layers.

However, the removal of the latter is prevented if the location (in height) available is insufficient relative to the height of the packages that present themselves.

 It would be possible to replace the series of cells 41 by a support pallet, movable on springs, and forming a contact, against which the packages would be applied by the pusher 5.

 Similarly, the pushing member 710 could be provided with a pallet of this type.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS 1. Method for depositing a group of packages (P) in at least one row (R) inside a container (C), these packages (P) having a general rectangular parallelepiped shape - or approximately rectangular rectangular shape - according to which: a) the packages are moved to the tail-leu-leu, spaced apart on a horizontal conveyor (4) with a movable belt so that one of its sides is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X ) the transporter (4); b) during this displacement, the dimensions (x, y) of the longitudinal and transverse sides of each package (P) are measured;  c) successively bringing each package into abutment at the downstream end of the conveyor (4) against a pusher (7) - said to be longitudinal - movable longitudinally, in the opposite direction to the direction of advance of the conveyor (4);  d) using this pusher (7), the package is made to retract longitudinally, by sliding it in the opposite direction on the conveyor (4), over a stroke which is a function of the previously measured longitudinal dimension of the package, so as to center it on a nacelle with an opening bottom overhanging the container (C) and disposed on one of the sides of the conveyor (4), this nacelle (8) being movable vertically;  e) by means of another pusher (6) - said to be transverse - the package is transferred transversely to the nacelle (8), the stroke of the pusher being a function of the transverse dimension, previously measured of the package;  f) these operations are repeated so as to form on the nacelle a row (R) of adjacent packages (P1, P2, P3), in contact by their longitudinal sides;  g) the basket is lowered inside the container (C), near its bottom;  h) the bottom of the basket (8) is opened so as to allow the row (R) of packages to escape and to deposit it at the bottom of the container (C).  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it provides for the possibility of tilting at a right angle the packages (P) after the measurement of their dimensions carried out in step (b), and before their abutment of the 'step (c).  3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the packages come into contact by their short side, if necessary, after tilting, against the longitudinal pusher (7).  4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that several rows (R1, R2, R3) of packages are deposited in the container (C), juxtaposing them side by side, in parallel in the transverse direction (Y), a conveyor device (9) ensuring the step-by-step movement of the container (C) in the longitudinal direction (X) to allow the juxtaposition of the different rows.  5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that several layers of packages, or rows (R, R ', R ") of packages are stacked in the container (C), the stroke of descent of the nacelle (8) in the latter being controlled for the deposition of the different layers.  6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a nacelle is used, the bottom of which consists of a pair of pivoting flaps (81a, 81b) each articulated around transverse axes (810a, 810b) situated on opposite edges of the base of the nacelle, and capable of selectively occupying a substantially horizontal position in which the bottom of the nacelle is closed or a vertical position - or approximately vertical - folded down, in which the bottom is open, the internal free edges (81 la, 81 lb) of these flaps, which are opposite one another when the bottom is closed, being located substantially in the median transverse vertical plane (To) of the nacelle, the stroke of the pusher (7) acting in step (d) ensuring the positioning of the packages, in a centered or slightly off-centered manner, relative to this median plane (To).  7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, for producing stacks, according to claim 4, characterized in that the height (H) of the packages is also measured during their movement on the conveyor (4 ), the descent stroke of the nacelle (8) in the container being a function, if necessary, of the maximum height of the packets of the row previously deposited therein.  8. Automated installation for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:  - a horizontal conveyor (4) with moving belt;  - a longitudinal pusher (7) disposed at the downstream end thereof;  - a transverse pusher (6) placed upstream of the longitudinal pusher;  - a nacelle (8) with an opening bottom disposed on the side of the conveyor (4), in the working axis of the transverse pusher (6), this nacelle (8) being movable vertically;  - a conveyor (9) mobile step by step, which supports the container (C) and makes it pass below the nacelle;  - Means (50, 40, 42) for measuring the dimensions of the packages (P);  - a programmable automaton, which controls and controls the movements of said pushers (6, 7), of the nacelle (8), and of the conveyor (9) according to the result of the dimensional measurements carried out by said means (50, 40, 42).  9. Installation according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises an additional transverse pusher (5) located in the entry area of said conveyor (4), capable of pushing the packages transversely to put them in reference along one of the lateral edges of the conveyor (4), an incremental encoder associated with this additional transverse pusher (5) making it possible to measure the transverse dimension (y) of each package.  1 0. Installation according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises, upstream of said conveyor (4):  - A gravity conveyor (1) with inclined rollers (10), to which is associated a set of belts (11) capable of causing a pre-separation of the packages, while advancing them;  - a conveyor-brake (2) with moving belt;  - a conveyor-spacer (3) with movable belt.