CONVEYOR, SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR HANDLING ITEMS

Abstract

A conveyor configured including a de-stratifying module having a first sector with an upper surface receiving items and a second sector with an upper surface receiving, wherein the second sector is consecutive to the first sector; a sorter moving items and sorter is consecutively to the de-stratifying module; a converging module moving items and is consecutive to the sorter; a descent connecting the sorter with the converging module.

Claims

1. A conveyor configured to handle items comprises at least one de-stratifying module configured to move a plurality of items along an advancement trajectory, wherein said de-stratifying module includes: at least one first sector having an upper surface configured to receive in support one or more of the items, at least one second sector having a respective upper surface configured to receive in support one or more of the items, wherein the second sector is consecutive to the first sector, with respect to a respective advancement trajectory of the second sector, at least one sorter configured to move a plurality of the items along a respective advancement trajectory of the sorter, wherein the sorter is placed consecutively to the de-stratifying module, relative to the advancement trajectory of the de-stratifying module, at least one converging module configured to move a plurality of the items along an advancement trajectory of the converting module, wherein the converging module is consecutive to the sorter, relative to the advancement trajectory of the sorter, at least one descent connecting the sorter with the converging module.

2. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the sorter comprises an input and at least one output, wherein the converging module comprises at least one input and at least one output, wherein the converging module is configured to move items along the respective advancement trajectory of the converging module between said input and output, and wherein the at least one descent is placed at the at least one output of the sorter and connects the at least one output of the sorter with the input of the converging module, wherein the at least one descent comprises a plane tilted with respect to an ideal horizontal plane by an angle in a range of 30 to 70.

3. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the descent comprises at least one roller having a rotation axis transverse to the advancement trajectory tract defined by the sorter, and wherein the roller of the descent is at least partially rubber coated.

4. The conveyor according to claim 3, wherein the descent comprises a consecutive tilted plane, and wherein the roller of the descent is configured to define with an item resting on said roller a friction coefficient greater than a friction coefficient definable by the same item placed on the tilted plane of the descent.

5. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the second sector is configured to define an ascent path, tilted with respect to the upper surface of the first sector.

6. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the second sector extends longitudinally between an input and an output, and wherein the sorter defines a support plane configured to receive in support the one or more items, wherein the support plane of the sorter is placed below the output of the second sector or is aligned with said output.

7. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the first sector is configured to define with an item disposed on said upper surface a predetermined friction coefficient lower than a predetermined friction coefficient definable between the same item and the upper surface of the second sector.

8. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sector and the second sector is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface of the respective sector according to a reciprocating motion, during which said sector performs at least one reversal of motion.

9. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the first sector is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface of said first sector at a first speed, and wherein the second sector is configured to move an ideal point on the upper surface of said second sector at a second speed higher than the first speed of the first sector.

10. The conveyor according to claim 1, comprising at least one roller arranged at the output of the second sector, wherein said roller is configured to rotate about an axis transverse to the advancement trajectory imparted by the de-stratifying module, and wherein said roller has a rubberized outer surface.

11. The conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the first sector and the second sector comprises respective conveyor belts, at least partly made of rubber, and wherein the sorter and the converging module each comprises a respective roller conveyor.

12. The conveyor according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one diverging module having at least one input and at least one output, wherein the diverging module is configured to move the items from the input to the output at least along a respective advancement trajectory, wherein said diverging module is downstream the converging module with respect to the advancement trajectory of the items, wherein the diverging module has at least one first and at least one second zone side-by-side one to the other, wherein the first zone of the diverging module is configured to impart to the items resting on the same according to an advancement motion having a main component parallel to the main advancement direction and a lateral component, transverse to the main component, which allows said items to be moved away from the second zone, wherein the second zone has a abut surface suitable for receiving the items, said second zone being configured to move the items resting on said second zone toward the output, at least along said main advancement direction, and wherein the second zone of the diverging module comprises at least one tilted tract at which the abut surface of said second zone is, in cross-section according to a plane orthogonal to the main direction of advancement, tilted with respect to the support plane defined by the first zone.

13. The conveyor according to claim 12, wherein the tilted tract has, according to the main direction of advancement, a variable inclination along its extension.

14. A conveyor configured to handle items comprising: at least one de-stratifying module configured to move a plurality of the items along an advancement trajectory of the de-stratifying module, wherein said de-stratifying module has: at least one first sector having an upper surface configured to receive in support one or more the items, at least one second sector having a respective upper surface configured to receiving in support one or more of the items, wherein the second sector is consecutive to the first sector, with respect to a respective advancement trajectory, wherein the upper surface of the second sector is configured to define an ascent path, tilted with respect to the upper surface of the first sector, and wherein the upper surface of the first sector is configured to define with an item disposed on said upper surface a predetermined friction coefficient lower than a predetermined friction coefficient definable between the same item and the upper surface of the second sector.

15. The conveyor according to claim 14, wherein the first sector is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface of said first sector at a first speed, and wherein the second sector is configured to move an ideal point on the upper surface of said second sector at a second speed higher than the first speed of the first sector.

16. The conveyor according to claim 14, wherein the second sector extends longitudinally between an input and an output, wherein the conveyor further comprises at least one roller arranged at the output of the second sector, wherein said roller is configured to rotate about an axis transverse to the advancement trajectory imparted by the de-stratifying module, and wherein said roller has a rubberized outer surface.

17. A conveyor for handling items comprising: at least one de-stratifying module configured to move a plurality of items along an advancement trajectory, wherein said de-stratifying module has: at least one first sector having an upper surface suitable for receiving in support one or more of the items, and at least one second sector having a respective upper surface also suitable for receiving in support one or more items, wherein the second sector is consecutive to the first sector, with respect to a respective advancement trajectory, wherein at least one of the first sector and the second sector is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface of the respective sector according to a reciprocating motion, during which said sector performs at least one reversal of motion.

18. The conveyor according to claim 17, wherein the first sector is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface of said first sector at a first speed, wherein the second sector is configured to move an ideal point on the upper surface of said second sector at a second speed higher than the first speed of the first sector.

19. The conveyor according to claim 18, wherein a ratio between the second speed defined by the second sector and the first speed defined by the first sector is in a range of 1.5 to 15.

20. The conveyor according to claim 17, wherein the upper surface of the second sector is configured to define an ascent path, tilted with respect to the upper surface of the first sector by an angle greater than 120 degrees.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0226] Some embodiments and aspects of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, provided for illustrative purposes only and therefore not limiting wherein:

[0227] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an item handling system comprises at least one conveyor;

[0228] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a de-stratifying module of a conveyor in accordance with a first realization form;

[0229] FIG. 4 is a side view of the de-stratifying module in FIG. 2;

[0230] FIG. 5 is a side view of an additional de-stratifying module;

[0231] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a descent connecting an output of a sorter with an input of a converging module;

[0232] FIGS. 7A through 7C are schematic views showing the movement of a plurality of items by a conveyor;

[0233] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a conveyor in accordance with a second realization form;

[0234] FIG. 9 is another view showing a items handling system comprising at least one conveyor in accordance with a third embodiment;

[0235] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic views showing the movement of a plurality of items by a handling system;

[0236] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a diverging module;

[0237] FIG. 12 is a detailed sectional view of the diverging module in FIG. 11;

[0238] FIGS. 13A and 13B schematically show a movement of items by a diverging module;

[0239] FIGS. 14 and 15 are embodiments variants of a handling system for a plurality of items comprising at least one conveyor.

DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS

[0240] In this description, corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated by the same numerical references. The figures may illustrate the subject matter of the invention by means of representations that are not to scale; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures, relating to the subject matter of the invention, may relate only to schematic representations.

[0241] The terms vertical, horizontal, under, under, over, above, descent, and ascent refer to a condition of conveyor use during which the conveyor performs, or is usable for, the movement of items, such as from a collection station to one or more sorting areas along an advancement direction.

[0242] The term singularized refers to the arrangement of a plurality of items consecutively along one or more predetermined lines that are substantially parallel to the direction of advancement of the items.

[0243] The conveyor and/or handling system described and claimed below may comprises at least one control unit (50) that is responsible for controlling operating conditions put in place by the conveyor and/or handling system itself, as well as for controlling steps in the process of handling items. The control unit may be a single unit or consist of a plurality of distinct control units depending on design choices and operational requirements. By control unit is meant an electronic type component, which may comprises at least one of: a digital processor (CPU), an analog type circuit, or a combination of one or more digital processors with one or more analog type circuits. The control unit may be configured or programmed to perform certain steps: this may be accomplished in practice by any means that allows the control unit to be configured or programmed. For example, in the case of a control unit comprises one or more CPUs and one or more memories, one or more programs may be stored in appropriate memory banks attached to the CPU(s); the program(s) contain instructions that, when executed by the CPU(s), program or configure the control unit to perform the operations described in relation to the control unit. Alternatively, if the control unit is or comprises analog type circuitry, then the control unit circuitry may be designed to include circuitry configured, in use, to process electrical signals in such a way as to perform the steps related to the control unit.

[0244] Parts of the method described here may be implemented by means of a data processing unit, or control unit, which is technically substitutable for one or more electronic processors designed to execute a portion of a software program or firmware loaded onto a memory medium. Such a software program may be written in any programming language of a known type. The electronic processors, if two or more in number, may be interconnected by means of a data connection such that their computing powers are in any way shared; the same electronic processors may thus be installed in even geographically different locations, realizing through the aforementioned data connection a distributed computing environment.

[0245] The data processing unit, or control unit, may be a general purpose processor configured to perform one or more parts of the process identified in this disclosure through the software program or firmware, or be an ASIC or dedicated processor or FPGA specifically programmed to perform at least part of the operations of the process described here.

[0246] The memory medium may be non-transitory and may be internal or external to the processor, or control unit, or data processing unit, and mayspecificallybe a memory geographically located remote from the processor. The memory medium may likewise be physically divided into multiple portions, or in cloud form, and the software program or firmware may be physically provide for portions stored on geographically divided portions of memory.

[0247] The term item means an object or compound of objects of any nature. The item may be of the type designed to contain one or more products of various kinds; for example, the item may comprise a package, a parcel, or a box. The item may be of any shape and size, a function of the type and size of the product housed in the item.

[0248] Actuator means any device capable of causing movement on a body, for example, upon command from the control unit (receipt by the actuator of a command sent by the control unit). The actuator may be electric (e.g., an electric motor), pneumatic, mechanical (e.g., a spring), or hydraulic (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder).

[0249] The term active condition means a condition during which at least part of the transport sector (e.g., at least one among the first sector, the second sector, and optionally the intermediate sector) is in motion to allow the movement of at least one item along an advancement trajectory.

[0250] The term disabled condition means a condition during which the transport sector (e.g., at least one of the first sector, the second sector, and optionally the intermediate sector) is stopped.

[0251] The term operational condition means a condition of the conveyor during which at least one of said transport sectors (e.g., at least one among the first sector, the second sector and optionally the intermediate sector) is in the active condition; in fact, the operational condition represents the combination of the active and inactive conditions of said transport sectors during which the movement of items along the advancement trajectory is expected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conveyor

[0252] The reference number 1 generally indicates a conveyor that may be used in the sector of handling facilities for various kinds of items, such as the mail sorting and distribution sector, the feeding and parcel distribution sector. Conveyor 1 may be employed to receive a plurality of bulk items and provide a singularized flow of items.

[0253] Conveyor 1 may comprise a de-stratifying module 2 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) configured to receive a plurality of bulk P items and move them along an advancement A trajectory. The detail, FIGS. 3 and 4 show a de-stratifying module 2 comprises only a first sector 3 immediately followed by a second sector 4 while FIG. 5 shows a de-stratifying module 2 comprises an intermediate sector 60, interposed between said first and second sectors 3, 4.

[0254] The sectors of the de-stratifying module are placed consecutively to each other with respect to the advancement trajectory A; in detail, the first sector 3 is configured to receive a plurality of bulk P items and move them to the second sector 4 which is configured to either receive P items directly from the first sector 3 or directly from the intermediate sector 60 and move them out of the de-stratifying module 2.

[0255] The first sector 3 comprises an upper surface 5 suitable for receiving one or more P items directly in support; the upper surface 5 defines a support plane tilted with respect to an ideal horizontal plane. The support plane of the first sector 3 may be tilted with respect to an ideal horizontal plane by a predetermined angle (FIG. 4) to define a tilted path of the items, e.g., lower than 20, optionally between 5 and 18, even more optionally between 12 and 16. In detail, the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3 is configured to define a downward path of the items.

[0256] The first sector 3 extends longitudinally between an input 3a and an output 3b, optionally to define a length of said first sector 3. In fact, the first sector 3 is configured to move items P along the advancement trajectory A from input 3a in the direction of output 3b: the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3 extends between said input 3a and output 3b. In detail, the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3 has a length defined by the distance present between input 3a and output 3b which may be between 1200 and 5000 mm, optionally between 1500 and 2500 mm. The length of the upper surface 5 defines the length of the first sector 3.

[0257] On the other hand, the width of the first sector 3 is measured orthogonally to the advancement trajectory A of the items on the first sector 3 and along the support plane defined by said upper surface 5, which may be lower than the length of the first sector 3. Specifically, the ratio of the length to the width of the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3 is more than 1.2, optionally between 1.5 and 2.5.

[0258] The second sector 4 has a respective upper surface 6 suitable for receiving one or more items P directly in support; the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 defines a respective support plane which may be tilted with respect to an ideal horizontal plane on which said conveyor rests, for example, by a predetermined angle (FIG. 4) greater than 5, optionally between 10 and 30, even more optionally between 20 and 30. In detail, the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 is configured to define an upward path of items. In fact, the actuation of the second sector 4 allows at least part of the plurality of items P to be moved either arriving from the first sector 3, or directly from the intermediate sector 60, ascent along the advancement trajectory A, toward the output from the de-stratifying module 2.

[0259] The support plane of the second sector 4 is tilted with respect to the support plane of the first sector 3, e.g., to define an angle of inclination greater than 120, optionally between 130 and 160: said angle being measured between the upper surfaces 5, 6 of the first and second sectors3, 4 toward the support side of the P items (FIG. 4). The second sector 4 extends longitudinally between an input 4a and an output 4b, optionally to define a length of said second sector 4. The second sector 4 is configured to move the P items along the advancement trajectory A toward the output 4b, optionally between input 4a and output 4b.

[0260] As may be seen from FIG. 4, the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 may extend between said input 4a and output 4b or as shown in FIG. 5, if either the first sector or the intermediate sector 60 are overlapping with the second sector 4, extend only for a tract of the total length of said sector ascent 4. For example, the ratio of the total length of the second sector 4 to the on upper surface 6 of the same sector may be more than 1.2, optionally between 1.5 and 3.

[0261] In more detail still, the total length of the second sector 4, defined by the present distance between input 4a and output 4b, may be more than 600 mm, optionally between 700 mm and 2000 mm, even more optionally between 700 mm and 1200 mm; the length of the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4, on the other hand, may be between 200 mm and 2000 mm, optionally between 400 mm and 1200 mm.

[0262] The total length of the second sector 4 may be equal to or lower than the length of the first sector 3; in detail, the ratio of the length of the first sector 3 to the length of the second sector 4 may be greater than 1.1, optionally be between 1.3 and 2. In contrast, the ratio between the length of the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3 and the length of the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 may be between 0.2 and 1, optionally be between 0.2 and 0.7. In fact, this ratio varies depending on how much the ascent tract overlaps the descent tract or the intermediate tract 60.

[0263] On the other hand, the width of the second sector 4 is measured orthogonally to the advancement trajectory A of items P and along the support plane defined by the same surface 6, which may be lower than the length of said second sector 4. In detail, the ratio of the length to the width of the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 is more than 1.2, optionally between 1.5 and 2.5. In detail, the width of the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 may be between 700 and 2000 mm, optionally between 1000 and 1500 mm. As mentioned above, the second sector 4 may be placed immediately consecutive to the first sector 3 (optionally descent): in such a configuration, the upper surface 6 of the second sector receives the items P unloaded from the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3. The widths of the upper surfaces 5, 6 of the first and second sectors 3, 4 are equal; for example, the ratio between the widths of the upper surfaces 5, 6 of the first and second sectors3, 4 is between 0.9 and 1.1.

[0264] As mentioned above, the de-stratifying module 2 may additionally comprise an intermediate sector 60 interposed between the first sector 3 and the second sector 4. If present, the intermediate sector 60 is configured to directly receive one or more items from the first sector 3 and move one or more items onto the second sector 4, again along the advancement trajectory A. As shown in FIG. 5, intermediate sector 60 is immediately consecutive to the first sector 3 and immediately upstream of the second sector 4 with respect to advancement trajectory A.

[0265] The intermediate sector 60 has a respective upper surface 61 also suitable for receiving in support one or more items P. The upper surface 61 of the intermediate sector 60 defines a respective support plane, which may be horizontal. In fact, the support plane defined by the upper surface 61 of the intermediate sector 60 may be tilted with respect to the support plane of the first sector 3 by an angle .sub.1, for example, between 150 and 175, optionally between 160 and 170, and tilted by an angle .sub.2 with respect to the support plane defined by the second sector 4, for example, between 140 and 170, optionally between 150 and 160. The upper surface 61 of intermediate sector 60 is configured to define a flat path. The presence of intermediate sector 60 may make it possible to avoid, under some special conditions, excessive accumulation of items between the first sector and the second sector.

[0266] The intermediate sector 60 extends longitudinally between an input 60a and an output 60b, optionally defining a length of said intermediate sector. Intermediate sector 60 may also be at least partially overlapping at least one between the first sector and the second sector; in fact, depending on the level of overlap, an extension of the upper surface 61 is determined.

[0267] In fact, the total length of the intermediate sector 60, defined by the maximum distance between input 60a and output 60b, may be more than 600 mm, optionally between 700 mm and 2000 mm, even more optionally between 700 mm and 1200 mm; conversely, depending on the level of overlap of said sector with the first sector, the length of the upper surface 61 is determined, which extends for at least a part of the tract between input 60a and output 60b of intermediate sector 60. As visible in FIG. 5, the upper surface 61 may in fact extend in length from output 60b to an intermediate zone of said intermediate sector 60. Quantitatively, the length of the upper surface 61 of intermediate sector 60 may thus be between 200 and 2000 mm, optionally between 400 and 1200 mm. In fact, the ratio of the total length of intermediate sector 60 to the on upper surface 61 of the same sector may be more than 1.2, optionally between 1.5 and 3.

[0268] The width of the intermediate sector is also measured orthogonally to the advancement trajectory A and along the support plane defined by the intermediate sector, which may be lower than the length of the same sector. For example, the ratio of the length to the width of the upper surface 61 of the intermediate sector 60 may be between 0.3 and 2. Quantitatively, the width of the upper surface 61 of intermediate sector 60 may be between 500 and 2000 mm, optionally between 700 and 1500 mm.

[0269] On the other hand, the ratio of the length of the first sector 3 to the length of the intermediate sector 60 may be more than 1.1, optionally it is between 1.3 and 2, while the ratio of the length of the second sector 4 to the length of the intermediate sector 60 may be between 0.7 and 2, optionally between 0.8 and 1.5.

[0270] As mentioned above, depending on the level of sector overlap, the length of the support surfaces may vary, independent of the total length of the transport sector. For example, the ratio of the length of the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3 to the length of the upper surface 61 of the intermediate sector 60 may be between 0.2 and 1, optionally between 0.2 and 0.7; the ratio of the length of the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 to the length of the upper surface 61 of the intermediate sector 60, on the other hand, may be between 0.7 and 2, optionally between 0.8 and 1.5.

[0271] The de-stratifying module 2 may comprise a frame 9 that supports said first and second sectors 3, 4 and, if present, the intermediate sector 60 and allows them to be spaced from the ground.

[0272] Input 3a and output 3b of the first sector 3 are placed at different distances from the ground G. For example, input 3a of the first sector 3 may be placed at a distance D1 from the ground G while output 3b of the first sector 3 may be placed at a distance D2 from the ground lower than the distance D1 (FIG. 4). Quantitatively, the distance D1 may be between 800 and 1700 mm, optionally between 1000 and 1500; however, the distance D2 may be between 600 and 1500, optionally between 700 and 1200 mm.

[0273] Similarly, input 4a and output 4b of the second sector 4 are placed at different distances from the ground G. For example, input 4a of the second sector 4 may be placed at a distance D3 from the ground while output 4b of the second sector 4 may be placed at a distance D4 from the ground, which is greater than distance D3 (FIG. 4). Quantitatively, the distance D3 may be between 600 and 1500 mm, optionally between 700 and 1200, while the distance D4 may be between 800 and 1700, optionally between 1000 and 1500 mm.

[0274] As shown in FIG. 4, in the absence of the intermediate sector, the output 3b of the first sector 3 may be placed at the input 4a of the second sector 4. In detail, the output 3b of the first sector 3 may be placed above the input 4a of the second sector 4: thus, the first sector 3 may unload one or more items at the input 4a of the second sector 4. The distance D1 present between input 3a of the first sector 3 and the ground may be greater than the distance D4 present between output 4b of the second sector4 and ground G (FIG. 3).

[0275] If the intermediate sector 60 is present, this may be placed at least partially below the output 3b of the first sector 3 so that the latter may directly unload items onto the upper surface 61. Under this condition, input 60a of intermediate sector 60 is placed below the entire first sector.

[0276] Additionally, the intermediate sector 60 may be at least partially placed above the second sector 4 so that said intermediate sector 60 may arrange the items directly on the upper surface 6. Under this condition, the output 60b of the intermediate sector is placed above the input 4a of the second sector 4 while the output 4b of the latter is instead placed at a greater height than the height at which the output 60b of the intermediate sector 60 is placed (FIG. 5).

[0277] Functionally, the first sector 3 is configured to move the plurality of items P placed on the upper surface 5: the movement of items is imparted by the movement of the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3, which generates a movement of one or more items resting on that surface.

[0278] In detail, the first sector 3 is configured to move an ideal point on the upper surface 5 of said first sector 3 at a first speed. The first speed may be constant or variable during the active condition. For example, the first sector 3 may be configured to move at least a part of the upper surface 5 (optionally an ideal point of the upper surface 5) according to continuous motion and/or intermittent motion and/or reciprocating motion. In case of continuous motion, the first speed imparted by the first sector 3 may be constant or variable. In case of intermittent or reciprocating motion, the speed imparted by the first sector 3 is variable during the active condition. The first speed may be between 0.07 m/s and 0.5 m/s, even more optionally between 0.09 m/s and 0.3 m/s, even more optionally between 0.09 m/s and 0, 2 m/s.

[0279] In a preferred but not limiting embodiment, the first sector 3, during the active condition, is configured to move at least a part of the upper surface (optionally at least an ideal point of the upper surface 5) according to a reciprocating motion, during which said first sector 3 performs at least one reversal of motion. In detail, during the reciprocating motion the first sector 3 is configured to: [0280] perform a plurality of advancement displacements of an ideal point of the upper surface 5 of said first sector 3, wherein each advancement displacement is performed at an advancement rate, [0281] perform a plurality of return displacements of the same ideal point of the upper surface 5 of said first sector 3, wherein each return displacement is performed at a return speed.

[0282] During the reciprocating motion, two consecutive advancement displacements are interspersed with a return displacement (optionally the return displacement is interposed between two advancement displacements to define a reciprocating motion of the first sector 3). In greater detail, the first sector 3, during the advancement displacement, is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface 5 approaching the output 3b of the same first sector 3. In greater detail still, the first sector 3, during the return displacement, is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface 5 of said first sector 3 approaching the input 3a of the same first sector 3. Similarly, during the intermittent motion two consecutive advancement displacements are interspersed with a stop of the first sector.

[0283] The advancement speed of an ideal point on the upper surface 5, during the advancement displacement, has the same trajectory and opposite direction as the return speed during the return displacement of the same ideal point on the upper surface 5. For the displacement of items along the advancement trajectory A and toward the second sector 4, a advancement displacement greater than the return displacement may be expected; to make this advancement displacement greater than the return displacement, it is possible to work on the time duration of the displacements (e.g., the duration of the advancement displacement is greater than the duration of the return displacement) and/or it is possible to work on the speed modules. For example, the ratio of the advancement speed (optionally the advancement speed module) to the return speed (optionally the return speed module) of the first sector 3 may be between 0.5 and 5, optionally between 0.8 and 4, even more optionally between 1 and 3. In a nonlimiting form of realization, the modulus of the advancement speed defined by the first sector 3 is greater than the modulus of the return speed defined by the same first sector 3. The resultant of the advancement speed and the return speed defines the first speed of the first sector 3. The advancement speed (optionally the modulus of the advancement speed) of an ideal point on the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3 is between 0.1 m/s and 0.5 m/s, even more optionally between 0.1 m/s and 0.4 m/s. As may be seen, for reciprocating motion, the modulus of the advancement speed is greater than the first speed because it is compensated by the speed of the return modulus.

[0284] As mentioned above, in order to determine an advancement displacement greater than the return displacement, the modulus (length) of the advancement and return displacements may also be operated as a alternative or in addition to a speed adjustment. For example, the ratio between the modulus of the advancement displacement of an ideal point of the upper surface 5 of said first sector 3 and the modulus of the return displacement of the same ideal point of the upper surface 5 of said first sector 3 may be between 1.5 and 5, optionally between 1.5 and 3. In fact, the same function of advancing the upper surface may be obtained by keeping the advancing velocities and the return speed with the same modulus and opposite direction, operating, however, with run times. Maintaining a modulus of the advancement speed equal to the modulus of the return speed for the same run time actually results in a cycle where the net advance is zero. On the other hand, maintaining an advancement time twice as long as the return time results in objects advancing at least the difference between the advancement space.

[0285] Of course, a combined movement of the first sector 3 may be provided. In fact, depending on the requirements, it is possible to selectively activate a movement according to a reciprocating, continuous and intermittent motion.

[0286] The second sector 4 is also configured to move the plurality of items P placed on the upper surface 6. In detail, the movement of the items is imparted by the movement of the upper surface 6 of second sector 4 which generates a movement of one or more items resting on that surface.

[0287] In detail, the second sector 4 is configured to move an ideal point on the upper surface 6 of said second sector 4 at a second speed. The second speed may be constant or variable during the active condition. For example, the second sector 4 may be configured to move at least a part of the upper surface 6 (optionally an ideal point of the upper surface 6) according to continuous motion and/or intermittent motion and/or reciprocating motion. In case of continuous motion, the first speed imparted by the second sector 4 may be constant or variable. In case of intermittent motion or reciprocating motion, the speed imparted by the second sector 4 is variable during the active condition. The second speed may be between 0.5 m/s and 2 m/s, even more optionally between 0.6 m/s and 1.5 m/s, even more optionally between 0.6 m/s and 1.3 m/s.

[0288] In a preferred but not limiting embodiment of the invention, the second sector 4, during the active condition, is configured to move at least a part of the upper surface (optionally at least an ideal point of the upper surface 6) according to a reciprocating motion, during which said second sector 4 performs at least one reversal of motion. In detail, during the reciprocating motion the second sector 4 is configured to: [0289] perform a plurality of advancement displacements of an ideal point of the upper surface 6 of said second sector 4, wherein each advancement displacement is performed at an advancement rate, [0290] perform a plurality of return displacements of the same ideal point of the upper surface 6 of said second sector 4, wherein each return displacement is performed at a return speed.

[0291] During the reciprocating motion, two consecutive advancement displacements are interspersed with a return displacement (optionally the return displacement is interposed between two advancement displacements to define an reciprocating motion of the second sector 4). In greater detail, the second sector 4, during the advancement displacement, is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface 6 approaching the output 4b of the same second sector 4. In greater detail still, the second sector 4, during the return displacement, is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface 6 of said second sector 4 approaching the input 4a of the same second sector 4. Similarly, during the intermittent motion two consecutive advancement displacements are interspersed with a stop phase of the second sector.

[0292] In the case of reciprocating motion, the advancement speed of an ideal point of the upper surface 6 of said second sector 4, during the advancement displacement, has the same trajectory and opposite direction as the return speed during the return displacement of the same ideal point of the upper surface 6 of said second sector 4. For the displacement of the items along the advancing trajectory A and exiting the de-stratifying module 2, it is possible to predict an advancing displacement greater than the returning displacement; to make this advancing displacement be greater than the returning displacement, it is possible to work on the time durations of the displacements (e.g., the duration of the advancing displacement is greater than the duration of the returning displacement) and/or it is possible to work on the speed modules. For example, the ratio of the advancement speed (optionally the advancement speed module) to the return speed (optionally the return speed module) in the first sector 3 may be between 0.5 and 5, optionally between 0.8 and 4, even more optionally between 1 and 3. In a non-limiting form of realization, the modulus of the advancement speed defined by second sector 4 is greater than the modulus of the return speed defined by the same second sector 4.

[0293] The resultant of the advancement speed and the return speed defines the second speed of the second sector 4. The advancement speed (optionally the modulus of the advancement speed) of an ideal point on the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4, during the active condition, is between 0.5 m/s and 2.5 m/s, still more optionally between 0.7 m/s and 2 m/s, still more optionally between 0.8 m/s and 2 m/s. As may be seen, for reciprocating motion, the modulus of the advancement speed is greater than the second speed because it is compensated by the speed of the return modulus.

[0294] As mentioned above, in order to determine an advancement displacement greater than the return displacement, the modulus (length) of the advancement and return displacements may also be operated as an alternative or in addition to a speed adjustment. For example, the ratio between the modulus of the advancement displacement of an ideal point of the upper surface 6 of said second sector 4 and the modulus of the return displacement of the same ideal point of the upper surface 6 of said second sector 4 may be between 1.5 and 5, optionally between 1.5 and 3.

[0295] As mentioned above for the first sector, it is also possible for the second sector to maintain the same modulus between advancement speed and return and work on different run times. In fact, maintaining a modulus of the advancement speed equal to the modulus of the return speed for the same run time results in a cycle where the net advancement speed is zero. On the other hand, maintaining an advancement time twice as long as the return time results in objects advancing at least the difference between the advancement space.

[0296] Additionally, a combined movement of the second sector 4 may be provided. In fact, depending on the requirements, it is possible to selectively activate a movement according to a reciprocating, continuous and intermittent motion.

[0297] The first speed of the first sector 3 (in the case of reciprocating motion, the modulus of the first speed i.e., the resultant between the advancement and return speeds) may be lower than the second speed of the second sector 4; in particular, the ratio of the second speed to the first speed may be between 1.5 and 15, optionally between 1.5 and 10, even more optionally between 2 and 7. The two different speed profiles allow the second sector 4 to quickly carry away incoming items from the first sector 3 and resting on the second surface: thus, the speed variations between the two sectors (3 and 4) helps the de-stratifying module 2 to arrange P items (e.g., parcels) possibly overlapping on a single plane. This condition is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7C; as may be seen, the second sector 4, as soon as the items reach the upper surface 6, they are taken away from said second sector 6: the stack of P items placed on the first sector 3 is somehow flattened so as to arrange the largest number of items on a single plane. The upward slope of the second sector, and optionally also the downward slope defined by the first sector 3, help to drop any P items placed above others in such a way as to de-stratify one or more overlapping items.

[0298] As mentioned above, in addition to or as an alternative to varying velocities it is possible to work with run times. Again, to effectively move items away from the first sector 3 in the desired manner, it is possible to keep the same module for the first and second velocities and work on different run times. In this way, instead of working on different speed modules it is possible to work with different displacements, i.e., to generate a advancement displacement of the upper surface (or resultant of the advancement displacement in the case of reciprocating motion) of the second sector 4 (or if present from the intermediate sector 60) that is greater from the advancement displacement (or resultant of the advancement displacement in the case of reciprocating motion) of the upper surface of the former first sector 3. [0299] in case of a drop of a large amount of items on the de-stratifying module 2, it is also possible to initiate a reciprocating or intermittent motion of at least one between the first sector 3 and the second sector 4. The reciprocating or intermittent motion allows inducing a kind of oscillatory motion of the stack of items that facilitates the dropping of overlapping items in order to generate as linearized a flow of items as possible.

[0300] Additionally, the movement of first sector 3 may be independent of the movement of second sector 4. In fact, conveyor 1 provides an operating condition during which at least one of said first sector 3 and second sector 4 is in the active condition. For example, first sector 3 and second sector 4 may have a simultaneous active condition; in such a situation, first sector 3 guides one or more items to second sector 4 while the latter moves, if any, one or more items out of de-stratifying module 2. Alternatively, at least one between the first sector 3 and ascent 4 may be in the active condition while the other may be in an inactive condition (in the inactive condition the upper surface of the sector in question is stationary). In this way, conveyor 1 may selectively activate the transport sector of interest to create as smooth and linearized a flow of items out of the de-stratifying module as possible.

[0301] As mentioned above, if present, the intermediate sector 60 prevents unwanted accumulation of items entering the second sector 4 thus allowing the latter to effectively de-stratify any overlapping items. If intermediate sector 60 is present, it too is mobile independent of sectors 3 and 4 so that each sector may serve the correct number of items to the immediately consecutive sector or exiting from de-stratifying module 2. For example, intermediate sector 60 is also configured to move, during an active intermediate sector condition, the plurality of items P placed on the upper surface 61. In detail, the movement of the items is imparted by the movement of the upper surface 61 of the intermediate sector 60, which generates a movement of one or more items resting on said surface 61.

[0302] In detail, intermediate sector 60 is configured to move an ideal point of the upper surface 61 of said intermediate sector 60 at a third speed, either constant or variable. For example, intermediate sector 60 may be configured to move at least a part of upper surface 61 (optionally an ideal point of upper surface 61) according to continuous motion and/or intermittent motion and/or reciprocating motion. In case of continuous motion, the first speed imparted by the intermediate sector 60 may be constant or variable. In case of intermittent or reciprocating motion, the speed imparted by intermediate sector 60 is variable during the active condition. The third speed may be between 0.1 m/s and 1.2 m/s, even more optionally between 0.3 m/s and 1 m/s.

[0303] In a preferred but not limiting embodiment of the invention, the intermediate sector 60 is configured to move at least part of the upper surface according to a continuous motion. Of course, the possibility of providing an reciprocating or intermittent motion of the intermediate sector 60 is not excluded. Additionally, a combined motion of intermediate sector 60 may be provided. In fact, depending on the requirements, it is possible to selectively activate a movement according to a reciprocating, continuous and intermittent motion.

[0304] The third speed is higher than the movement speed of the preceding first sector 3 and lower than the consecutive second sector 4. The higher speed of the downstream sector allows items to be taken away quickly from the preceding sector, allowing them to be de-stratified.

[0305] The movement of the intermediate sector 60 may also be independent of that of the first sector 3 and the second sector. In fact, conveyor 1 provides an operating condition during which at least one of these sectors is in the active condition. For example, the first sector 3, intermediate sector 60 and second sector 4 may have a simultaneous active condition or, alternatively, at least one among the first sector 3, intermediate sector 60 and second sector 4 may be in the active condition while the other may be in an inactive condition (in the inactive condition, the upper surface of the sector in question is stationary). In this way, conveyor 1 may selectively activate the sector of interest to create as smooth and linearized a flow of items out of the de-stratifying module as possible.

[0306] Conveyor 1 may comprise a control unit 50 active in command over the sectors of the de-stratifying module and configured to independently command the activation said sectors (e.g., the active and inactive condition of each sector) as well as independently control the motion type and movement speeds of each sector.

[0307] The conveyor 1 may comprise at least one active sensor at the de-stratifying module 2 and connected with the control unit 50; the sensor may comprise at least one of a camera, a photocell, and be configured to emit a signal representative of at least one control parameter, for example, representative of at least one of the following information: the presence of one or more items on the upper surface 5 of the first sector 3, the presence of one or more items at the output 3b of the first sector 3, the presence of one or more items at the input 3a of the first sector. The control unit 50 may be configured to control at least the activation of said first sector 3 according to the signal emitted by said sensor.

[0308] Identically, control unit 50 may also be active in command over the second sector 4 and, if present, intermediate sector 60 to independently control the activation/deactivation of these sectors as well as the motion parameters of each sector during the active condition.

[0309] The at least one active sensor at the de-stratifying module 2 may comprises at least one first and at least one second sensor 51, 52 associated with the first sector 3 and ascent 4, respectively (FIG. 2). The first sensor 51 is connected to the control unit 50 and configured to emit a signal representative of the presence of one or more items at output 3b of the first sector 3 while the second sensor 52 is connected to the control unit 50 and configured to emit a signal representative of the presence of one or more items at output 4b of the second sector 4. The control unit is configured to receive the signals from the first and second sensors 51, 52 and control, according to said signals, the movement of said first sector 3 and second sector 4 (and if the intermediate sector is present) to control the movement of items P placed on said sectors.

[0310] In detail, the control unit 50 may be configured to selectively control, independently, the activation/deactivation of each transport sector, for example according to at least one signal emitted by an active sensor at the de-stratifying module 2. Further, the control unit is configured to independently control each sector to control its motion parameters during the active condition. In this way the control unit, depending on the signals emitted by the at least one sensor is configured to manage as effectively as possible the movement of the items placed on the de-stratifying module this to generate, already at this module 2 a homogeneous and as linearized as possible flow of items.

[0311] Structurally, the first sector 3 may comprises at least one of: a conveyor belt, a roller conveyor, a conveyor belt with a plurality of rollers integrated. A first sector 3 comprising a conveyor belt slidingly wrapped around two idler rollers (optionally end rollers) and further presenting one or more free rollers interposed between the idler rollers, configured to support an upper tract of said conveyor belt (i.e., the upper surface 5), has been illustrated in a non-limiting way in the attached figures. The first sector 3 comprises at least one actuator, such as an electric motor, configured to move the conveyor belt. The actuator in the first sector 3 may be active on at least one of the rollers in the first sector 3 to define a motorized roller. The control unit 50 may then be active in command on the actuator of the first sector 3 to control the active and stop condition of the first sector 3.

[0312] The conveyor belt in the first sector 3 may be at least partly, optionally entirely, made of rubber so that the belt itself may define, in cooperation with the items resting on it, a coefficient of friction suitable for ensuring the movement, e.g., descent, of items along the advancement trajectory A of the de-stratifying module.

[0313] Similarly, the second sector 4 may comprises at least one of: a conveyor belt, a roller conveyor, a conveyor belt with integrated a plurality of rollers. Illustrated in a non-limiting way in the attached figures is a second sector 4 comprising a conveyor belt slidingly wound around two idler rollers and further presenting one or more free rollers interposed between the idler rollers, optionally configured to support an upper tract of said conveyor belt (i.e., upper surface 6). The second sector 4 comprises at least one actuator, such as an electric motor, configured to move the conveyor belt. The actuator of the second sector 4 may be active on at least one of the rollers of the roller conveyor to define a motorized roller. The control unit 50 may then be active in control on the actuator of the second sector 4 and configured to control the active and stop condition of the second sector 4.

[0314] For example, the conveyor belt in the second sector 4 is at least partly, optionally entirely, made of rubber so that the belt itself may define, in cooperation with the items resting on it, a coefficient of friction suitable for ensuring the movement, e.g., ascent, of the items along the advancement trajectory A.

[0315] The intermediate sector 60 may comprises the same structure as the first and second sectors as shown in FIG. 5 and thus present a conveyor belt wound between two idlers.

[0316] The conveyor belt in intermediate sector 60 may also at least partly, optionally entirely, be made of rubber so that the belt itself may define, in cooperation with the items resting on it, a coefficient of friction suitable for ensuring the movement of the items along the advancement trajectory A.

[0317] A de-stratifying module 2 wherein the first sector, the second sector and, if present, the intermediate sector, comprises respective conveyor belts, optionally made of rubber, has been illustrated in a non-limiting way in the attached figures.

[0318] Conveyor belts in such sectors of the de-stratifying module 2 may be made from the same material so that the same sectors may define with one item, essentially the same coefficient of friction. Alternatively, the conveyor belts may be made from different materials so that the same may define, with the same item, different coefficients of friction. For example, if present first sector 3, intermediate 60 and ascent 4, these may have belts made of different materials such that: [0319] the coefficient of friction defined between an item and the conveyor belt in the first sector 3 is lower between the coefficient of friction defined between the same item and the intermediate sector 60, [0320] the coefficient of friction defined between an item and the conveyor belt of intermediate sector 60 is lower between the coefficient of friction defined between the same item and the second sector 4.

[0321] If the de-stratifying module 2 comprises only the first and second sectors 3, 4, the coefficient of friction defined between an item and the conveyor belt in the first sector 3 is lower than the coefficient of friction defined between the same item and the second sector 4.

[0322] In fact, the increasing coefficient of friction between consecutive stations along the advancement trajectory increases the ability to carry away an item from the preceding sector and thus de-stratify items placed on the de-stratifying module 2.

[0323] Conveyor 1 may comprises only the de-stratifying module 2 (FIGS. 3 and 4) described above and thus may be used to receive P items in bulk to arrange at least part of the overlapping items on a single floor; in fact, de-stratifying module 2 is configured to arrange, at output 4b of the second sector 4, more items on a single floor, avoiding, as far as possible, the provision of overlapping items.

[0324] A second embodiment of the conveyor 1 is shown in FIG. 8, which comprises, in addition to de-stratifying module 2, at least one sorter 10. De-stratifying module 2 and sorter 10 are configured to move a plurality of P items along an advancement trajectory A; sorter 10 is placed immediately consecutive (downstream) to de-stratifying module 2, relative to advancement trajectory A, and configured to receive items exiting from de-stratifying module 2.

[0325] Sorter 10 defines a support plane 11 that is horizontal, i.e., tilted with respect to the upper surface 6, ascent, of the second sector 4 of the de-stratifying module 2. This support plane 11 may instead be substantially parallel to the upper surface 61 of the intermediate sector 60.

[0326] The sorter 10 comprises an input 10a and at least one output: the sorter 10 is configured to move items P along the advancement trajectory A between the input 10a and the at least one output of the sorter 10 itself. Input 10a is placed at output 4b of the second sector 4: specifically, input 10a faces output 4b of the second sector 4. The support plane 11 defined by sorter 10 may be placed at a lower height than the height of output 4b of the second sector 4: support plane 11 (thus input 10a of sorter 10) is placed below output 4b of the second sector 4 so that items exiting from de-stratifying module 2 may fall on support plane 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the possibility of providing a support plane 11 placed at the same height as the output 4b of the second sector is not ruled out.

[0327] Sorter 10 may also be immediately consecutive to de-stratifying module 2 (FIG. 8). Alternatively, conveyor 1 may comprise at least one roller a roller 90 arranged at output 4b of the second sector 4: roller 90 is arranged at an equal height to output 4b of the second sector.

[0328] Such a roller 90 is then interposed between the output 4b of the second sector 4 and the sorter 10. The roller 90 is configured to rotate about a transverse axis, optionally orthogonal to the advancement trajectory A imparted by the second sector 4. The roller 90 may have an outer surface that is at least partially rubberized to essentially define a friction roller. Alternatively, the roller 90 may be made of metal. The roller 90 may be fixed at the output 4b so as to guide the items onto the sorter 10; in such a configuration, the roller may only rotate about its own axis. Alternatively, the roller 90 may be movable approaching and receding from the de-stratifying module 2, such as along a direction substantially parallel to the advancement trajectory imparted by the de-stratifying module. In greater detail, the roller 90 may be movable along a direction substantially parallel to the support plane 11 of the sorter 10. In one embodiment, the roller 90 may normally be maintained in a position close to the de-stratifying module, such as by means of elastic elements, such as one or more springs. Roller 90 may be moved away from the de-stratifying module 2, for example, by an actuator also controlled by control unit 50. For example, control unit 50 may be configured to control the actuator upon signaling from a proximity sensor located at the roller, configured to emit a signal representative of any items wedged between de-stratifying module 2 and roller 90. The roller 90 may have a length equal to a width of the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4. Additionally, the roller 90 may be of a motorized type and configured to contact and support items exiting the second sector 4.

[0329] Structurally, the sorter 10 also comprises a frame that allows the sorter 10 itself to rest on the ground and arrange the support plane 11 at a distance from the ground G. For example, the support plane 11 of the sorter may be placed at a distance from the ground between 750 and 1600 mm, even more optionally between 900 and 1400 mm.

[0330] The at least one output of sorter 10 may be placed to the side of input 10a of the same sorter 10. In other words, the at least output of sorter 10 may be angularly offset from input 10a, for example, by an angle between 30 and 120, even more optionally by an angle between 40 and 95, from input 10a of the same sorter.

[0331] In fact, the tract of advancement trajectory A defined by sorter 10 (optionally for a preponderant part) may be transverse, optionally orthogonal, to the tract of advancement trajectory A defined by de-stratifying module 2. In other words, the de-stratifying module 2 is configured to move one or more items along at least one main advancement direction (a rectilinear direction as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C) transverse, optionally orthogonal, to at least one respective main advancement direction (said direction is also rectilinear) imparted to the items by sorter 10: the movement imparted by the de-stratifying module 2 and sorter 10 along the respective main advancement directions defines the advancement trajectory A of items P.

[0332] FIGS. 7A-7C show an advancement trajectory defined by a predominantly straight tract at de-stratifying module 2 and a predominantly straight tract at sorter 10; the two tracts are joined by a curvilinear connecting tract, inserted to schematize a possible course of the P items, which, as they output de-stratifying module 2, undergo a transverse movement with respect to the movement imparted by de-stratifying module 2.

[0333] As shown schematically in FIG. 15, sorter 10 may comprises a single input facing output 4b of the second sector 4 of the de-stratifying module and a single output 10b facing input 10a. In such a configuration, sorter 10 is configured to move the items along an advancement trajectory A that follows the advancement of the items on the de-stratifying module without performing transverse or orthogonal movements relative to the main advancement direction of the items on the de-stratifying module. In such a configuration, the sorter extends longitudinally in length between input 10a and output 10b.

[0334] The at least one output of sorter 10 may comprise a first and a second output 10b, 10b opposed to each other (FIG. 8): each of said first and second outputs 10b, 10b is side-by-side (placed to the side) with input 10a. In such a configuration, sorter 10 extends longitudinally between the first and second outputs 10b, 10b, to define a length of said sorter 10. The length of the sorter may be between 700 and 2000 mm, optionally between 1000 and 1500 mm.

[0335] As described above, sorter 10 may be placed transversely to de-stratifying module 2 (see, for example, FIGS. 8 and 14) and receive items from said de-stratifying module 2. The length of sorter 10 may be equal to or greater than the width of the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 of de-stratifying module 2; in detail, the ratio of the length of sorter 10 to the width of the upper surface 6 of the second sector 4 may be between 1 and 2, optionally between 1 and 1.5.

[0336] As schematized for example in FIGS. 8 and 9, sorter 10 may comprise at least one first and at least one second zone Z1, Z2 side by side with respect to the main advancement direction defined by sorter 10; the first and second zones Z1, Z2 both define at least part of input 10a. In detail, the first zone Z1 extends from a longitudinal centerline zone of the sorter itself to the first output 10b: the first zone Z1 is configured to move to the items P that are resting on the first zone itself to at least one of said first and second outputs 10b, 10b, along a T1 direction. The second zone Z2, on the other hand, extends from the longitudinal centerline zone of the sorter itself to the second output 10b: the second zone Z2 is configured to move to P items that are resting on the second zone itself toward at least one of said first and second outputs 10b, 10b, along a T2 direction.

[0337] As may be seen, the direction T1 of movement of the item on said first zone Z1 is basically parallel to the direction T2 of movement of the item on said second zone Z2: each movement direction T1, T2 of item placed on said first and/or second zone Z1, Z2 is transverse to the tract of advancement trajectory defined on the de-stratifying module 2.

[0338] In fact, if present the first and second output 10b, 10b of the sorter, the sorter may comprise the first and second zones Z1, Z2 so that the items may be moved: all to the first output 10b, all to the second output 10b or partly to the first output 10b and partly to the second output 10b.

[0339] The first and second zones are basically symmetrical; in particular, they have the same surface extension. In detail, the first and second zones have a surface extension between 0.5 and 3 m.sup.2, optionally between 0.5 and 2 m.sup.2, each.

[0340] As mentioned above, conveyor 1 may comprise a control unit 50. This unit may be connected and active in command on sorter 10 to control the movement of items on sorter 10. In detail, control unit 50 is active in command on the first and second zones Z1, Z2 of sorter 10 and is configured to independently control said first and second zones Z1, Z2.

[0341] As seen in FIG. 8, conveyor 1 may comprises at least one sensor 53, such as a camera and/or photocell, associated with sorter 10 and configured to emit a signal representative of at least one control parameter comprising representative of at least one of the following information: the presence of one or more items on the sorter, the presence of one or more items at said at least one output of the sorter 10, the presence of one or more items at the first output 10b of the sorter, the presence of one or more items at the second output 10b of the sorter, the presence of one or more items at the input 10a of the sorter, the presence of one or more items at the output 4b of the second sector 4 of the de-stratifying module 2.

[0342] The associated sensor 53 is connected to control unit 50 which is configured to control the movement independently of said first and second zones Z1, Z2, according to the signal emitted by said sensor 53.

[0343] Structurally, the sorter 10 may comprises at least one of: a conveyor belt, a roller conveyor. In the attached figures, a sorter 10 comprising a roller conveyor 10 comprising a plurality of rollers side-by-side with each other and presenting an axis of rotation which is (optionally for a preponderant part of the trajectory A) tilted with respect to the advancement trajectory A defined on the sorter 10 has been illustrated in a non-limiting way: optionally, the axis of rotation of the rollers of the sorter's roller conveyor 10 is orthogonal to the main direction of advancement A of the items on said sorter 10. The rollers of the sorter roller table 10 are parallel to each other, and side by side to define the support plane 11. In detail, the roller table of sorter 10 comprises between 15 and 60 rollers, optionally between 20 and 40. The rollers of the sorter 10 roller table are optionally identical to each other in both shape and size; in particular, each roller comprises a diameter between 30 and 80 mm, optionally between 40 and 70 mm, and has a length, measured along its respective axis of rotation, between 700 and 2000 mm, optionally between 800 and 1500 mm.

[0344] The sorter 10 comprises at least one respective actuator, such as an electric motor, configured to move the sorter to allow the movement of the items on the support plane 11 from the input 10a to the at least one output. In greater detail, the at least one actuator is configured to allow rotation of at least some of the rollers of the roller conveyor which, in turn, move the items resting on the support plane 11 toward the output of the sorter 10. In greater detail still, the at least one actuator may comprise at least one first and at least one second actuator respectively active on the first and second zones Z1, Z2.

[0345] Control unit 50 is connected to the first and second actuators (optionally to electric motors) to independently control the movement (optionally the speed) of the rollers of the first and second zones Z1, Z2. In detail, control unit 50 is configured to: [0346] control the rotation of the rollers of the first and second zones Z1, Z2 according to one direction of rotation to move the items on the support plane 11 to either the first output 10b or the second output 10b, [0347] control the rotation of the rollers of the first zone Z1 according to a counter-rotating direction with respect to the rotation of the rollers of the second zone Z2 to move the items on the first zone Z1 to the first output 10b and the items on the second zone Z2 to the second output 10b.

[0348] In fact, depending on the configuration of incoming items from de-stratifying module 2, control unit 50 is configured to control electric motors to distribute said items to the two outputs 10b, 10b. The control unit may be configured to control only the direction of rotation of the rollers so that said control unit may only adjust the direction of movement; alternatively, control unit 50 may be further configured to adjust the speed of rotation of the rollers of the first and second groups of the roller conveyor.

[0349] As shown in FIG. 6, at least the last roller 91 of the roller conveyor of sorter 10 placed at the at least one output of said sorter may at least partially rubber-coated, optionally to define a rubberized roller. In detail, the at least the last roller 91 of each roller conveyor of the sorter 10 placed at the at least the first and second output of said sorter is at least partially rubber coated, optionally to define a rubberized roller, optionally of a motorized type.

[0350] Conveyor 1, in a third embodiment, may comprise sorter 10 and a converging module 20, or it may comprise, in sequence, de-stratifying module 2, sorter 10, and converging module 20.

[0351] The sorter 10 and the converging module 20 are configured to move a plurality of items P along an advancement trajectory A. The converging module 20 is placed immediately consecutive to the sorter 10, with respect to the advancement trajectory A, i.e., downstream of said sorter: the converging module 20 is placed at the at least one output of the sorter.

[0352] The converging module 20 defines a respective support plane configured to receive in support one or more items P arriving from the sorter 10. The support plane of the converging module 20 is horizontal, optionally parallel to the support plane 11 of the sorter 10. In fact, the converging module 20 comprises a respective frame configured to allow the ground support of said converging module 20 itself and distance from the ground said converging module whose support plane may be placed at a distance from the ground between 500 and 2000 mm, even more optionally between 600 and 1500 mm.

[0353] In detail, converging module 20 comprises at least one input 20a and at least one output 20b: converging module 20 is configured to move items P along the advancement trajectory A between input 20a and output 20b. As may be seen from the merged figures, input 20a of the converging module 20 may be angularly offset from input 20a, i.e., tilted from input 20a by an angle between 30 and 120, even more optionally by an angle between 40 and 95 (FIG. 14). Input 20a also be placed to the side of the output as, for example shown in FIG. 1.

[0354] In both configurations, the tract of advancement trajectory A defined by the converging module 20 is (optionally for a preponderant part) transverse, optionally orthogonal, to the tract of advancement trajectory A defined by sorter 10. In detail, converging module 20 is configured to move one or more items along a main advancement direction (a straight tract) transverse, optionally orthogonal, to the respective main advancement direction imparted to the items by sorter 10.

[0355] In FIGS. 7A-7C, a advancement trajectory A defined by a predominantly straight tract at sorter 10 and a predominantly straight tract at converging module 20 was illustrated; in the joined figures, a curvilinear connecting tract between the two straight sections of the advancement trajectory Aper was illustrated in a non-limiting way to schematize a possible course of items P which, on leaving sorter 10 undergo a transverse (optionally orthogonal) movement with respect to the movement imparted by converging module 20.

[0356] The converging module 20 extends longitudinally between a first and second longitudinal end portions 26, 26 opposed to each other: the support plane of the converging module 20 extends between said first and second longitudinal end portions 26, 26. Dimensionally, the converging module 20 has a length defined by the distance present between said first and second longitudinal end portions 26, 26 which is between 1000 and 3000 mm, optionally between 1500 and 2500 mm. The length of the converging module may be equal to or greater than the length of sorter 10; for example, the ratio of the length of converging module 20 to the length of sorter 10 is between 1 and 2.5, optionally between 1.2 and 2.

[0357] The converging module 20 further has a first and second transverse end portions 24, 25 (FIG. 6) that are also opposed to each other and suitable for connecting the first and second longitudinal end portions 26, 26. The first and second transverse end portions are placed at a predetermined distance to essentially define a width of the converging module 20, e.g., between 700 and 2000 mm, optionally between 800 and 1700 mm.

[0358] Input 20a of converging module 20 may be defined at at least one of said first and second transverse end portions 24, 25, optionally only at the first transverse end portion (FIG. 1): input 20a may be defined at interposition between the first and second longitudinal end portions 26, 26. The converging module 20 has in only input 20a placed and one output 20b: the output is defined at the second longitudinal end portion 26.

[0359] Input 20a of converging module 20 faces the output of sorter 10; the lateral position of input 20a relative to output 20b causes items to enter the converging module from the side and for them to undergo an immediate change of trajectory; in such a configuration, the length of the converging module 20 (optionally defined by the distance present between the first and second longitudinal end portions 26, 26) is equal to or greater than the width of the sorter 10; specifically, the ratio of the length of the converging module 20 to the width of the sorter 10 is between 1 and 2.5, optionally between 1.2 and 2. The transverse position of the converging module 20 relative to the sorter 10 allows the converging module to quickly take away incoming items from sorter 10 to optimize linearization of item flow and optionally arrange any overlapping items in the sorter 10 area on a single plane.

[0360] Again from a structural point of view and going into more detail, the converging module 20 may comprises at least one first and at least one second zone 21, 22 side by side with respect to the main advancement direction defined by the converging module itself. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, only one between the first and second zones 21, 22 of the converging module 20 defines input 20a of the converging module 20 itself.

[0361] The first zone 21 of the converging module extends from the first transverse end portion 24 to a transverse centerline zone of the converging module 20 while the second zone 22 of the converging module 20 extends from the second transverse end portion 25 to the transverse centerline zone of the converging module.

[0362] The first and second zones 21, 22 of the converging module may be symmetrical and have, in a non-limiting way, the same surface extension, for example, between 0.5 and 3 m.sup.2, optionally between 0.5 and 2 m.sup.2.

[0363] Although the main motion of the converging module is predominantly rectilinear along the main advancement direction, that module 20 is configured to also impart a lateral movement to guide the items not only along said main advancement direction but also toward a central zone of the converging module. In detail, the first zone 21 of the converging module 20 is configured to impart to the items P resting on it an advancement motion along the main advancement direction defined by the converging module and a lateral movement in the direction of the adjacent second zone 22. The second zone 22 of the converging module 20 is configured to impart to items P that are resting on it a advancement motion along the main advancement direction defined by the converging module and a lateral movement in the direction of the second adjacent zone 22.

[0364] The movement of items along sorter 10 and along converging module 20 is initially schematized in FIGS. 7A through 7C; in these figures we see how the incoming flow of items from de-stratifying module 2 is distributed. In FIGS. 10A through 10B, on the other hand, the function of the converging module 20 is better illustrated; indeed, these figures show how the incoming fluid flow from sorter 10 is somehow at least partially linearized and singularized.

[0365] As described above, input 20a may be placed to the side of output 20b; we also do not rule out the possibility of providing an input 20a facing output 20b as shown in FIG. 15.

[0366] As mentioned, conveyor 1 may comprise a control unit 50 which may be connected and active in command on converging module 20 to control the movement of items from input 20a to output 20b. Specifically, control unit 50 may be active in command on the first and second zones 21, 22 of the converging module to control said zones independently of each other.

[0367] Conveyor 1 may comprise at least one sensor 54, for example comprising a camera and/or photocell, located at output 20b of converging module 20 or downstream of converging module 20 and configured to emit a signal representative of at least one control parameter representative of at least one of the following information: the presence of one or more items on the converging module, the presence of one or more items at the output of the converging module, the presence of one or more items at the input 20a of the converging module, the presence of one or more items at the at least one output of the sorter.

[0368] Sensor 54 is connected to control unit 50 which is configured to control the movement of said first and second zones 21, 22 of the converging module according to the signal emitted by said sensor 54.

[0369] Structurally, the converging module 20 comprises at least one roller bed comprising a plurality of rollers side-by-side with each other and presenting an axis of rotation tilted with respect to (optionally to a preponderant part of) the advancement trajectory A defined by the converging module 20: in particular, the axis of rotation of the rollers is tilted with respect to the main advancement direction defined by the converging module itself, for example, by an angle of between 40 and 85, optionally between 50 and 85. At least some of the rollers of the converging module 20 roller table are parallel to each other and side by side to define the support plane for items P. In detail, the converging module 20 roller table comprises between 30 and 150 rollers, optionally between 50 and 100. The rollers of the roller table of the converging module 20 are optionally identical to each other in both shape and size; for example, each roller table of the converging module has a diameter of between 30 and 80 mm, optionally between 40 and 70 mm, and a length, measured along the respective axis of rotation, of between 350 and 1500 mm, optionally between 400 and 1000 mm.

[0370] As described above, the converging module may comprise the first and second zones 21, 22. In such a configuration, the roller conveyor of the converging module 20 may comprise a first group and a second group of rollers respectively suitable for defining said first and second zones 21, 22. The first group of rollers of the roller conveyor of the converging module 20 comprises a number of rollers between 15 and 80, optionally between 20 and 50; the axis of rotation of the rollers of the first group of the roller conveyor of the converging module 20 is tilted with respect to the main direction of advancement defined by the converging module 20 itself, for example, by an angle between 40 and 85, optionally between 50 and 85. Similarly, the second group of rollers of the roller conveyor of the converging module 20 comprises between 15 and 80, optionally between 20 and 50; the axis of rotation of the rollers of the second group of the roller conveyor of the converging module 20 is also tilted with respect to the main advancement direction defined by the converging module 20 itself, for example, by an angle between 40 and 85, optionally between 50 and 85.

[0371] The inclination of the rollers of the roller conveyor of the first zone 21 of the converging module 20 allows said first zone 21 to impart to the items P an advancement motion along the main advancement direction defined by the converging module toward the output 20b and a lateral movement in the direction of the second zone 22 of the same converging module. In the same way, the tilting of the rollers of the roller conveyor of the second zone 22 allows the items P to impart to the items P an advancement motion along the main advancement direction defined by the converging module toward the output 20b and a lateral movement in the direction of the first zone 21 of the same converging module.

[0372] Converging module 20 may comprise only said first and second zones 21, 22. Alternatively, the converging module 20 may comprise a third zone 23 interposed between the first and second zones 21, 22 of the same converging module 20, i.e., placed at the transverse end portion of said module. The third zone 23 of the converging module 20 extends between the first and second longitudinal end portions 26, 26 i.e., along the entire length of the same converging module. The third zone 23 may comprise a conveyor belt configured to impart to the items arranged on said third zone 23 solely a movement along the main advancement direction toward the output 20b of the converging module.

[0373] The movement of the rollers of the roller conveyor and optionally the conveyor belt may be imparted by at least one actuator of the converging module 20 comprising, for example, an electric motor. In detail, the at least one actuator may comprise a single electric motor active on the roller conveyor or may comprise at least one first and second electric motors respectively active on the rollers of the first and second roller conveyor assemblies. The converging module 20 may further comprises an electric motor independently active on the conveyor belt of the converging module 20, defining the third zone 23.

[0374] Control unit 50 may be connected to said at least one actuator of the converging module to independently control the movement of said converging module with respect to sorter 10 and, if present, with respect to de-stratifying module 2. The control unit may be connected to each of the actuators (optionally electric motors) of the converging module to independently control the activation of the first and second roller conveyor assemblies and optionally the third zone conveyor belt.

[0375] Control unit 50 may be configured to control only the activation/deactivation of the electric motors to allow the rotation of the rollers in the roller conveyor; alternatively, Control Unit 50 may be further configured to adjust the rotation speed of the electric motors to control the speed of movement of the items placed on the converging module.

[0376] Conveyor 1 may comprise a single converging module 20. Alternatively, as shown in the merged figures, conveyor 1 may comprise two opposing converging modules 20 with respect to sorter 10. In detail, in the configuration wherein sorter 10 comprises the first and second outputs 10b, 10b, conveyor 1 may comprise two opposing converging modules. In detail, the at least one converging module 20 may comprise a first and a second converging module in accordance with the converging module described above; the first converging module 20 is configured to receive incoming items from the first output 10b of the sorter 10 while the second converging module is configured to receive incoming items from the second output 10b of the sorter 10: the first and second converging modules are configured to move items along respective main advancement directions parallel to each other.

[0377] Conveyor 1 may comprise at least one descent 95 that connects the at least one output of sorter 10 with the input 20a of the converging module; the at least one descent 95 may include a plane tilted with respect to an ideal horizontal plane, for example, by an angle between 30 and 70, optionally between 35 and 60. The at least one descent 95 may comprise a metal sheet configured to essentially define a ramp configured to allow items to slide from the support plane 11 of the sorter to the support plane of the converging module 20. The metal sheet may extend between a first end portion located near the sorter 10 and a second end portion located at the converging module 20 (FIG. 6). The metal sheet may extend entirely along a plane, or it may have, at the second end portion a vertical tract facing the converging module 20 configured to generate between said descent 95 and the converging module 20 a height difference (jump) suitable for introducing an additional destabilizing element for any overlapping items.

[0378] As shown in FIG. 6, the descent 95 may comprise at least one roller 96 presenting a rotation axis orthogonal to the defined advancement trajectory tract of sorter 10; this roller 96 extends across a width of sorter 10 and is placed at the at least one output of sorter 10, optionally side by side with respect to the roller 91 of sorter 10.

[0379] Roller 96 of descent 95 may also be at least partially rubber-coated to define a rubberized roller configured to define with an item resting on said roller 96 a coefficient of friction greater than the coefficient of friction definable by the same item placed on the metal sheet of the same descent 95.

[0380] As shown in FIG. 6, the at least one roller of descent 95 may comprise a plurality of parallel and side-by-side rollers placed in the vicinity of the sorter, spaced from the converging module 20. Each roller 96 may be of a motorized type, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6, it may be connected in motion with at least one roller of the sorter roller conveyor 10, such as by one or more friction rollers.

[0381] In detail, the at least one descent 95 of conveyor 1 may comprise a first descent 95 and a second descent 95; the first descent 95 is configured to connect the first output 10b of sorter 10 with input 20a of the first converging module, while the second descent 95 is configured to connect the second output 10b of sorter 10 with input 20a of the second converging module. The descent further favors the arrangement of items along a single bedding plane possibly arriving from the sorter in an overlapping configuration. In fact, descent 95 may favor dropping an item placed on top of another so that said dropped item may be properly linearized in the converging module 20.

[0382] As seen for example in FIG. 2, control unit 50 may be connected to the de-stratifying module, sorter 10 (see connection line c), converging module 20 (see connection line d), sensor 51 active at the first sector 3, sensor 52 active at the second sector (see connection line g). In this way, control unit 50 may be configured to independently control each part/module of conveyor 1 according to the arrangement of items in each of said parts/modules. In fact, the items are placed in bulk on the de-stratifying module; in this condition, it is not possible to know in advance the progress of the items on the conveyor: thanks to the control unit 50, it is possible to control the activation of each part/module (e.g., the speeds of the descent and ascent sectors 3, 4, the direction and/or speeds of rotation of the sorter rollers, the rotation of the rollers of the converging module roller conveyor) in order to optimize the movement of the advancing items on the conveyor for the purpose of singularizing them.

[0383] In a fourth embodiment, conveyor 1 may comprise only a diverging module 30 configured to move P items along a advancement trajectory A, specifically along a main advancement direction.

[0384] At least one part of the diverging module 30 defines a support plane configured to receive in support one or more items P, for example, arriving from the converging module 20. The support plane of the diverging module 30 is essentially horizontal, optionally parallel to the support plane 11 of the sorter 10 and the converging module 20. The support plane of the diverging module 30 may be placed at the same height as the support plane of the converging module 20 so that the moving items on the converging module may be served to the diverging module 30 placed at essentially the same height as the converging module 20. In detail, the support plane of the diverging module 30 may be placed at a distance from the ground between 500 and 2000 mm, even more optionally between 600 and 1500 mm.

[0385] The diverging module 30 comprises at least one input 30a and at least one output 30b: the diverging module 30 is configured to move items P along the advancement trajectory A between input 30a and output 30b. As visible from the merged figures, input 30a of the diverging module 30 may be facing output 20b of the converging module 20: output 30b of the converging module 30 is opposite and facing output 30b of the same diverging module 30.

[0386] The tract of advancement trajectory A defined by the diverging module 30 is (optionally for a preponderant part) parallel to the tract of advancement trajectory A defined by the converging module 20. In detail, the diverging module 30 is configured to move one or more items along a main advancement direction (a straight tract) parallel to the respective main advancement direction imparted to the items by the converging module.

[0387] The diverging module 30 extends longitudinally between an opposing first and second longitudinal end portions 36, 36 (FIG. 11). Dimensionally, the diverging module 30 has a length defined by the distance present between said first and second longitudinal end portions 36, 36 which is between 1000 and 3000 mm, optionally between 1500 and 2500 mm. The length of the converging module 20 may be equal to the length of the diverging module 30.

[0388] The diverging module 30 further has a first and second transverse end portions 34, 35 (FIG. 11) that are also opposed to each other and suitable for connecting the first and second longitudinal end portions 36, 36 of the same diverging module 30. The first and second transverse end portions are placed at a predetermined distance to essentially define a width of the diverging module 30, e.g., between 700 and 2000 mm, optionally between 800 and 1700 mm.

[0389] The input 30a is defined at the first 36 longitudinal end portion while the output is defined opposite and said input 30a, that is, at the second 36 longitudinal end portion of the diverging module 30. The position of the input 30a of the converging module 30 may be facing the output of the converging module 20 such that the items enter the diverging module 30 head-on; in such a configuration, it may be useful for the width of the converging module 20 to be equal to the width of the diverging module 30.

[0390] Again from a structural point of view and going into more detail, the diverging module 30 may comprise at least one first and at least one second zone 31, 32 side by side, optionally with respect to the main direction of advancement (prevailing straight tract of movement imparted by the diverging module 30) defined by the diverging module 30 itself.

[0391] In detail, the first zone 31 extends for at least one tract of a total longitudinal extension of the diverging module 30, that is, for at least part of the total length of the diverging module 30. The first zone 31 may extend from the input 30a of the diverging module 30 in the direction of the output, to define at least part of said input 30a of the diverging module. The first zone 31 may extend from the output 30b of the diverging module in the direction of the input to define at least part of the output 30b of the diverging module 30. In fact, the first zone 31 may extend for a tract greater than 50%, optionally greater than 80%, of the total longitudinal extension (or length) of the diverging module, optionally measured along the main direction of advancement of items on said diverging module 30.

[0392] In the joined figures, the first zone 31 extends, in a non-limiting way, along the entire length of the diverging module 30, between the first and second longitudinal end portions 36, 36. For example, the first zone 31 may have a surface extension between 0.5 and 3 m.sup.2, optionally between 0.5 and 2 m.sup.2.

[0393] The first zone 31 defines at least part of said support plane and is configured to impart to the items P resting on it an advancement motion having a main component substantially parallel to the main advancement direction and a lateral component, transverse to the main component.

[0394] The lateral component imparted by the first zone 31 is configured to move items away from the second zone 32. In fact, the first zone 31 allows items to be moved partly along the main advancement direction and partly away from the second zone 32.

[0395] Structurally, the first zone 31 may comprise a roller conveyor having a plurality of rollers side by side and presenting an axis of rotation tilted with respect to (optionally to a preponderant part of) the advancement trajectory A defined by the diverging module 30: in particular, the axis of rotation of the rollers is tilted with respect to the main direction of advancement defined by the diverging module 30 itself, for example, by an angle of 40 to 85, optionally 50 to 85. At least some of the rollers in the roller conveyor of the diverging module 30 are parallel to each other and side by side to define the support plane. In detail, the roller bed of the first zone 31 of the diverging module 30 may comprises between 18 and 80 rollers, optionally between 20 and 50. The rollers of the first zone roller conveyor 31 are optionally identical to each other in both shape and size; for example, each roller conveyor of the first zone roller conveyor 31 of the diverging module 30 may comprise a diameter of between 30 and 80 mm, optionally between 40 and 70 mm, and a length, measured along the respective axis of rotation, of between 350 and 1500 mm, optionally between 400 and 1000 mm.

[0396] The inclination of the rollers of the roller conveyor of the first zone 31 of the diverging module 30 allows said first zone 31 to impart to the P items an advancement motion along the main advancement direction toward the output 30b and a lateral motion away from the second zone 32 of the same diverging module 30.

[0397] The second zone 32 is also configured to move items P resting on said second zone 32 from input 30a to output 30b. The second zone 32 extends for at least one tract of a total longitudinal extension of the diverging module 30, that is, for at least part of the total length of the diverging module 30. The second zone 32 may extend from the input 30a of the diverging module 30 in the direction of the output, to define at least part of said input 30a of the diverging module. The second zone 32 may extend from the output 30b of the diverging module in the direction of the input to define at least part of the output 30b of the diverging module 30. In fact, the second zone 32 may extend for a tract greater than 50%, optionally greater than 80%, of the total longitudinal extension (or length) of the diverging module, optionally measured along the main direction of advancement of items on said diverging module 30.

[0398] In the joined figures, the second zone 32 extends, in a non-limiting way, along the entire length of the diverging module 30 i.e., between the first and second longitudinal end portions 36, 36. For example, the first zone 31 may have a surface extension between 0.1 and 2 m.sup.2, optionally between 0.1 and 1 m.sup.2.

[0399] The second zone 32 of the diverging module 30 is configured to impart to the P items resting on it an advancement motion having a main component essentially parallel to the main advancement direction and a lateral component, transverse to the main component.

[0400] The lateral component imparted by the second zone 32 is configured to move items either approaching or receding from the first zone 31.

[0401] In particular, as visible from the united figures, the second zone 32 has a support surface suitable for receiving items and moving them to the output 30b.

[0402] As visible in FIG. 11, the second zone 32 of the diverging module comprises at least one tilted tract 37: The support surface of the second zone 32, at the tilted tract 37 and in section according to a plane orthogonal to the main advancement direction, is tilted with respect to the defined support plane of the first zone 31 of the same diverging module 30.

[0403] The tilted tract 37 may have a longitudinal extension lower than a total longitudinal extension of the second zone 32 itself; in other words, the tilted tract 37 may have a shorter length than the total length of the diverging module 30. For example, the ratio of the longitudinal extension of tilted tract 37 to the total longitudinal extension of the second zone 32 may be lower than 0.8, optionally between 0.7 and 0.2 (longitudinal extension and total longitudinal extension are measured along the main advancement direction).

[0404] The tilted tract 37 has, with respect to the support plane of the first zone 31, a maximum inclination between 15 and 35, even more optionally between 15 and 30. In particular, this inclination de defined by the support surface of the second tract. The tilted tract 37 has, according to the main direction of advance, a variable inclination along its extension. As may be seen, tilted tract 37 in fact exhibits a twisted shape. For example, the tilted tract 37 may exhibit a first and a second twist one immediately consecutive to the other along the main advancement direction defined by the diverging module 30: the first and second twists are symmetrical to each other with respect to a centerline plane of the tilted tract, orthogonal to the main direction of advancement of the diverging module 30.

[0405] It is precisely the tilted tract 37 that allows the second zone to move items approaching or receding from the first zone (FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a configuration wherein the second zone moves items approaching the first zone). In fact, the tilted tract 37 allows items advancing on the diverging module 30 to be tilted in such a way as to generate the fall on an adjacent zone (e.g., the first zone 31) of any item placed on top of another item.

[0406] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the second zone 32 may comprise only one tract tilted 37 and placed at a longitudinal centerline zone of the diverging module; the possibility of arranging the tilted tract 37 at input 30a or at output 30b is not excluded.

[0407] Instead, FIG. 11 shows a second zone 32 comprises a first 37 tilted tract and at least one second 37 tilted tract, each in accordance with the tilted tract described above. Each of said first and second tilted tracts 37, 37 defines a respective twist of the second zone 32. The first and second tracts may have reverse twists such that the first tilted tract 37 may guide any overlapping items falling on the first zone 31 while the second tilted tract 37 may guide any overlapping items falling on a zone opposite the first zone 31 (if any).

[0408] As visible in FIG. 11, the second zone 32 has: [0409] a first tract extending from the 30a input of the diverging module to a portion of the longitudinal centerline, [0410] a second tract extending from the longitudinal centerline portion to output 30b of diverging module 30.

[0411] The first 37 tilted tract may be defined within the first tract of the second zone 32, while the second 37 tilted tract may be defined within the second tract of the second zone 32.

[0412] Structurally, the second zone 32 comprises a conveyor belt 38 which defines the support surface of the second zone 32. The conveyor belt 38 is slidingly wrapped around at least one first and second idler rollers, optionally arranged at the input 30a and output 30b, respectively. The conveyor belt 38 of the second zone 32 may be made at least partially of rubber so as to define a support surface that, in cooperation with the items, defines a coefficient of friction, for example, greater than that defined by the first zone 31.

[0413] In greater detail still, the second zone 32 of the diverging module 30 comprises: [0414] at least one support track 39, optionally extending from input 30a to output 30b of the diverging module, [0415] the conveyor belt 38 engaged to the support track 39. Conveyor belt 38 is movable by sliding relative to support track 39 to move the items in support of said conveyor belt.

[0416] The conveyor belt 38 may comprises at least one groove and/or ledge engaged to a respective ledge and/or groove of the supporting track 39.

[0417] Wherein the second zone has the at least one tilted tract 37, the second zone 32 may further comprise at least one incliner 60 engaged between said support track 39 and said conveyor belt 38: the incliner 60 is configured to incline at least in tract of conveyor belt 38 to define said tilted tract 37. As may be seen from FIG. 12, the inclinator 60 may comprise at least one plate, optionally fixed to the support track 39, tilted with respect to the support plane defined by the first zone 31 of the diverging module above which the conveyor belt 38 is movable for sliding.

[0418] In addition to or in place of the tilted tract 37, at least a part of the second zone 32 of the diverging module 30 may emerge receding from the support plane of the first zone 31 to define a rise 65 (FIG. 11). comprises a rise ramp 65a and a descent ramp 65b consecutively arranged along the main advancement direction A of the diverging module 30.

[0419] Rise ramp 65a results in inclination to the support plane defined by the first zone 31 by an angle of lower than 30, specifically between 3 and 25. The descent ramp 65b also results tilted with respect to the support plane defined by the first zone 31 by an angle of lower than 30, specifically between 3 and 25. In fact, rise 65 defines with respect to the first zone 31 a maximum height difference between 2 cm and 20 cm, optionally between 2 cm and 15 cm.

[0420] The rise ramp 65a may extend longitudinally (i.e., in the direction of the length of the second zone 32) for a tract lower than 50% of the total extension of the second zone 32, optionally lower than 30% of the total extension of the second zone 32. Rise ramp 65a may extend from input 30a of the diverging module in the direction of output 30b. Similarly, the descent ramp 65b may extend for a tract of lower than 50% of the total extension of the second zone 32, optionally lower than 30% of the total extension of the second zone 32; the descent ramp 65b may extend from output 30b of the diverging module in the direction of input 30a. In fact, rise 65 may extend the entire length of diverging module 10.

[0421] Structurally, rise 65 may be defined by the support track 39 above which the conveyor belt 38 is slidingly movable.

[0422] FIG. 11 illustrates, in a non-limiting way, a tilted tract 37 placed above the rise 65. In this condition, the tilted 60 is fixed to the rise ramp and/or the descent ramp in interposition between the conveyor 38 and the support track 39.

[0423] The first and second zones 31, 32 of diverging module 30 are independent. In detail, the first and second zones 31, 32 of the diverging module 30 are both configured to directly receive P items from the converging module 20 and move the items independently of each other.

[0424] The diverging module 30 may comprise only said first and second zones 31, 32. Alternatively, the diverging module 30 may comprise a third zone 33 side by side the second zone 32 on the opposite side of the first zone 31. In fact, the third zone 33 is symmetrical to the first zone with respect to the second zone 32.

[0425] The third zone 33 may be similar to the first zone 31 both functionally and structurally. In detail, the third zone 33 may be symmetrical to the first zone and have the same structure as described above in relation to the first zone. Specifically, the third zone 33 is configured to move P items that are resting on said third zone 33 from input 30a to output 30b.

[0426] As mentioned above, at least one part of the diverging module 30 defines a support plane; the third zone 33 may define, in cooperation with the first zone, the support plane. The third zone 33 of the diverging module 30 is configured to impart to the items P resting on it an advancement motion having a main component substantially parallel to the main advancement direction and a lateral component, transverse to the main component. The lateral component imparted by the third zone 33 is configured to move the items away from the second zone 32 and away from the first zone 31.

[0427] As described above, although the main movement of the diverging module 30 is predominantly rectilinear along the main advancement direction, that module 30 is configured to also impart a lateral movement to guide the items, in addition to along said main advancement direction, to a lateral zone of the diverging module 30. In detail, the first zone 31 of the diverging module 30 is configured to impart to the items resting on it an advancement motion along the main advancement direction defined by the diverging module 30 and a lateral movement away from the adjacent second zone 32.

[0428] Identically, the third zone 33 of the diverging module 30 is configured to impart to the P items resting on it an advancement motion along the main advancement direction defined by the diverging module 30 and a lateral movement away from the first zone 31.

[0429] Wherein there is a first and third zone, the diverging module may comprise the second zone 32 with the first 37 tilted tract configured to guide any overlapping items falling on the first zone 31 and the second 37 tilted tract configured to guide any overlapping items falling on the third zone 33.

[0430] As indicated above, conveyor 1 may comprise only the diverging module described above, or alternatively it may comprise at least one of de-stratifying module 2, sorter 10, and converging module 20. The movement of items along the sorter, converging module 20, and diverging module 30 is initially schematized in FIGS. 10A and 10B; in these figures it may be seen how the flow of items arriving from the converging module is distributed.

[0431] Control unit 50 of conveyor 1 may be further connected and active in command on diverging module 30 (see connection line a shown schematically in FIG. 2) to control the movement of items from input 30a to output 30b of diverging module 30. In particular, the control unit 50 may be active in command on the first and second zones 31, 32 of the diverging module 30 to control said zones independently of each other.

[0432] The sensor 54, for example comprising a camera and/or photocell, may be placed at the output 30b of the diverging module 30 and configured to emit a signal representative of at least one control parameter representative of at least one of the following information: the presence of one or more items on the diverging module 30, the presence of one or more items at the output of the diverging module 30, the presence of one or more items at the input 30a of the diverging module 30, the presence of one or more items at the at least one output from the converging module, the presence of one or more items at the input to the converging module.

[0433] Sensor 54 is connected to control unit 50 which is configured to control the movement of said first and second zones 31, 32 (and optionally the third zone) of diverging module 30, depending on the signal emitted by said sensor 54.

[0434] The movement of the rollers of the first zone roller conveyor 31 and optionally the conveyor belt may be imparted by at least one diverging module actuator 30 comprises, for example, an electric motor.

[0435] Control unit 50 may be connected to said at least one actuator of diverging module 30 to independently control the movement of said diverging module 30 with respect to sorter 10 and converging module 20 and, if present, with respect to de-stratifying module 2. The control unit may be connected to each of the actuators (optionally electric motors) of diverging module 30 to independently control the activation of the first and second roller conveyor assemblies and optionally the third zone conveyor belt 33.

[0436] Control unit 50 may be configured to control only the activation/deactivation of the electric motors to allow the rotation of the rollers in the roller conveyor; alternatively, control unit 50 may be further configured to adjust the rotation speed of the electric motors to control the speed of movement of the items placed on diverging module 30.

[0437] Conveyor 1 may comprise a single diverging module 30. Alternatively, as shown in the joined figures, conveyor 1 may comprise two diverging modules 30, one for each of the converging modules.

[0438] As may be seen, for example, from FIG. 2, control unit 50 may be further connected to diverging module 30 (see connection line a) and sensor 54 (see connection line h). In fact, the items are placed in bulk on the de-stratifying module 2; in this condition, it is not possible to know a priori the progress of the items on conveyor 1: thanks to control unit 50, it is possible to control the activation of each part/module (e.g., the speeds of the first and second sectors, the direction and/or speeds of rotation of the sorter rollers, the rotation of the rollers of the converging module, the rotation of the rollers of the diverging module) in order to optimize the movement of the items P being advanced on conveyor 1.

[0439] Conveyor 1 in accordance with the fourth realization form may comprise only diverging module 30. Conveyor 1 in further realization forms may comprise, in addition to diverging module 30, at least one of said de-stratifying module 2, sorter 10, and converging module 20. For example, conveyor 1 may comprise only a diverging module 30 placed downstream of a converging module 20; alternatively, conveyor 1 may comprise, placed consecutively to each other, de-stratifying module 2, sorter 10, converging module 20, and finally diverging module 30.

[0440] The diverging module 30 may also be placed upstream of each de-stratifying module 2 so that the same module may properly distribute items to module 2, for example, to increase the ability to de-stratify items.

Handling System

[0441] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system 100 for movement P items comprising a conveyor 1 in accordance with the description above.

[0442] The handling system 100 may further comprises at least one selector switch 40 placed downstream of the diverging module 30 with respect to the advancement trajectory A of items P along said system 100. Selector switch 40 extends longitudinally between an input 40a and an output 40b: input 40a of selector switch 40 is directly facing output 30b of diverging module 30 while output 40b of selector switch 40 is opposite input 40a of the same selector switch 40. Selector switch 40 may comprises: [0443] at least one first zone configured to receive items moved from at least the first zone 31 of the diverging module 30 and to impart items that are in support of it an advancement mode along the advancement trajectory A from input 40a to output 40b of the selector, [0444] at least one second zone configured to receive the items moved by the third zone 33 of the diverging module 10 and to impart to the items resting on it an advancement motion along the advancement trajectory A from input 40a to output 40b of the selector.

[0445] Control unit 50 may also be active in command on selector switch 40 to control said first and second zones; in particular, control unit 50 is active on at least the first zone of selector switch 40 to impart a advancement motion along advancement trajectory A with a first speed profile and active on at least the second zone of selector switch 40 to impart a advancement motion along advancement trajectory A with a second speed profile independent of the first speed profile.

[0446] However, Selector 40 may comprise additional zones as shown in FIG. 9; each zone may include a speed-controlled conveyor belt from Control Unit 50. Controlling each zone by different speed profiles allows the selector to further linearize the flow of items along the advancement trajectory. For example, selector 40 may be of the type in accordance with what is described in relation to the selector module in Patent Application No. WO2014136033A1, from page 38, line 10, to page 49, line 17.

[0447] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, system 100 may further comprises a control module 200 placed at the output of selector 40 and configured to emit a signal representative of the position of the items exiting the selector and in particular representative of the presence of one or more overlapping items. Control module 200 may be connected to the control unit, which is configured to emit an alarm signal wherein the presence of one or more overlapping items is identified. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, between the selector and the control module, the system 100 may further comprises another diverging module 30 in accordance with the above.

Item Handling Process

[0448] Also forming an object of the present invention is a process for handling items, for example using a conveyor 1 and/or a system 100 in accordance with the description above.

[0449] The process involves the arrangement of a plurality of bulk items on the de-stratifying module 2, for example, at input 3a of the first sector 3. The first sector moves, optionally descent, at least a portion of said items to the second sector 4 (FIGS. 7A and 7B), optionally passing through the intermediate sector 60. The process may involve moving at least some of the items along the first sector 3 at a first speed which are then served to the second sector 4: P items exiting the output 3b of the first sector 3 are arranged at the input of the second sector 4, optionally passing through intermediate sector 60.

[0450] The second sector 4 moves, ascent, the items resting on the upper surface 6 toward the output 4b of said sector, at a second speed higher than the first speed: the second speed may be adjusted so that the ratio between the second and first speed is between 1.5 and 5, optionally between 2 and 4.

[0451] The second sector is configured to move one or more items outside de-stratifying module 2, for example, to serve sorter 10 (FIG. 7C).

[0452] Items are arranged on sorter 10 at input 10a and toward the at least one output, e.g., first and/or second output 10b, 10b.

[0453] Sorter 10 moves the items away from the de-stratifying module 2 along a main, transverse, optionally orthogonal, advancement direction imparted to the items on the de-stratifying module 2 (FIG. 7C).

[0454] The items exiting the sorter are supplied to the converging module 20 which moves at least a portion of said items P along said converging module 20 along the advancement trajectory A in the direction of output 20b. The items moving on the converging module 20 move along the main advancement direction transverse, optionally orthogonal, to the main advancement direction of the items P placed on sorter 10: the items resting on the converging module are moved away from sorter 10.

[0455] The sorter 10 may directly supply the output items from the sorter to input 20a of the converging module 20. Alternatively, the items may be moved on the at least one descent (95 or 95 descent) which connects the at least one output of the sorter with input 20a of the converging module 20 (FIG. 7C).

[0456] Items resting on the first and second zones 21, 22 of the converging module 20 are moved along the main advancement direction while undergoing lateral movement to the transverse centerline zone, optionally to the third zone 23.

[0457] The output items from the converging module are at least partly linearized (placed along a line) or at least partly singularized.

[0458] The process may also involve moving the output items from the converging module, onto diverging module 30 and optionally onto the selector. In detail, items exiting the output 20b of converging module 20 are served to input 30a of diverging module 30. Items resting on the first and second zones 32, 32 of the diverging module 30 are moved along the main advancement direction while undergoing lateral movement away from the transverse centerline zone (FIGS. 10A and 10B).

[0459] P items exited by the diverging module 30 may be fed into the selector 40 which moves them along at least one main advancement direction substantially parallel to the main advancement direction defined by the diverging module. The selector has a plurality of longitudinal extension zones parallel to each other that may be adjusted independently of each other according to different speed profiles. In this way, the selector is able to manage the output order of items from selector 40.

[0460] While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms comprise or comprising do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms a or one do not exclude a plural number, and the term or means either or both, unless the disclosure states otherwise. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.