EP3535209A1

EP3535209A1 - Device for handling products

Info

Publication number: EP3535209A1
Application number: EP17804931.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Claude WAELDIN
Original assignee: Gebo Packaging Solutions France SAS
Current assignee: Sidel Engineering and Conveying Solutions SAS
Priority date: 2016-11-02
Filing date: 2017-10-31
Publication date: 2019-09-11
Also published as: FR3058135A1; US20190283985A1; WO2018083413A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for handling products (2) between a workstation (1) and another station having a collecting surface (3), having at least two mobile tables (4) that are each provided with a receiving surface (5), said at least two mobile tables (4) being configured to be able to be disposed side by side, adjacent to said collecting surface (3), so as to be able to transfer products at the same time between the at least two tables (4) and the collecting surface (3). The present invention also relates to a method for handling products (2) between a workstation (1) and another station by means of a device according to the invention.

Description

Product handling device

The present invention is in the field of equipment for conveying within an industrial line for processing products. It relates more particularly to a product handling device between a workstation and another station.

In the field of the invention, a product treatment line generally comprises a set of successive stations, which transform the product until the final production of a pallet comprising a superposition of layers each comprising products, sometimes grouped together in groups. pack, crates, burdens, or others. Downstream of the line, the full pallet is then processed for shipment, eventually passing through a central logistics management, including automatic warehouse type. The product treatment lines concerned by the invention therefore perform at least one secondary packaging function by virtue of which the products in the unit are prepared for mass shipment. The line may also have upstream functions, such as preparation, production, manufacture, storage, of the product itself, upstream of such secondary packaging for shipping purposes.

A large quantity of identical successive products is therefore treated in a similar way within the successive stations of the line. The line thus provides globally continuously the same treatment to successive products, and at a global rate that defines the performance of the line.

This kind of line is necessarily provided with means for moving products between the stations. Conventionally, they are mechanical belt type conveyors endless, able to rotate continuously and on which the products rest by their lower part to be driven by him between its two ends. Suitable storage solutions also make it possible to buffer between the successive stations.

A conveying solution for a treatment line with an accumulation between two product treatment stations in the unit is for example proposed in document EP1497208 and is based on the succession of a module transforming a single-wire flow into a multi-wire stream, a accumulation module of such a flow multi-filier, then a module for transforming the multi-wire flow into a single-wire flow.

Another solution for moving between two treatment stations to the unit is proposed in the document FR2998282, and essentially relies on an endless conveyor belt conveyor, a transfer solution to a fixed accumulation table, for a transfer solution. from said table to another mechanical belt conveyor.

However, there is an evolution in the use of such packaging lines for quantities of identical products increasingly low. The processed product formats are therefore changed more and more frequently and the necessary changes and reconfigurations of the line are then also more and more frequent. In addition, the format change may not only require a new setting of line items, but also the substitution of some line items to others, compatible with the new product processed. This reconfiguration of the line at the level of the equipment that constitutes it is also brought by the normal evolution of the line, to add new machines, replace some others, etc.

It is therefore increasingly important to be able to have a packaging line, upstream of the full pallet processing logistics facility, which is as flexible as possible, able to adapt very quickly to new packaging formats. products and that it is also very easy to upgrade to new configurations. The line must also, preferably, provide such flexibility and adaptability in the least expensive way possible.

The inventor first considered substituting fixed mechanical conveyors by autonomous mobile trucks, which then perform this function of moving products between machines within the line. The machines, or treatment stations, can therefore be fixed and positioned at different locations in the workshop, or even repositioned, or even added, or even deleted, without having to reconsider the design of fixed mechanical conveying solutions. Adding a treatment station in the line then possibly only needs to be taken into account in the programming of the carriages. However the time of transfer of the products of the trolleys to the machines can be quite long, which induces the need to have a large number of trolleys. But their ability to travel independently makes them quite expensive.

In addition the output of products of some machines is high, which leads to provide large trolleys, quite bulky, which makes it difficult to manage the movements of these trolleys in the heart of a production workshop while avoiding collisions .

The object of the present invention is to overcome at least part of these disadvantages by proposing an accumulation surface opposite which are simultaneously several independent tables of smaller dimensions, one after the other, and which, individually and if necessary, can be moved by a single motor trolley.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a device for handling products between a workstation and another station comprising an accumulation surface, characterized in that it comprises at least two movable tables each provided with a surface of home, said at least two movable tables being configured able to be arranged side by side, adjacent to said accumulation surface, so as to be able to transfer products at the same time between the at least two tables and the accumulation surface.

With these features, the mobile tables are smaller than the accumulation surface, and can therefore be moved more easily in a crowded environment.

According to other characteristics:

said at least two movable tables can be configured to be each displaceable by a self-contained shuttle, further improving the flexibility of the device,

said device may comprise means for translating a table along the accumulation surface, making it possible to perform translations simultaneously with displacements, and to save time,

said translational means may be disposed integral with the accumulation surface, and may comprise a moving drive means along the accumulation surface, making it possible to carry out the translations in the absence of the autonomous shuttle,

said device may comprise a free space for at least one table upstream and / or downstream of said at least two tables, this making it possible to place tables in the waiting position before and / or after having been loaded or unloaded, and reduce cycle times,

- Said device may comprise a hitching means from one table to another, and a table can be secured to at least one other and can pull or push it; the action on a single table can therefore cause the translation of a whole train of tables.

The present invention also relates to a product handling method between a workstation and another station, by means of a device according to the invention, and comprising the following steps:

- transfer of products between said at least two tables and the accumulation surface,

moving a first of said at least two tables,

- Then, moving a second of said at least two tables.

According to other characteristics:

said method may comprise, before the displacement of the second of said at least two tables, the following complementary step:

depositing a complementary table in the extension of said at least two tables, so as to form with the latter a set similar to that of the first two tables, thus, it will be possible to save cycle time by a group translation of tables,

said complementary step can be carried out after the displacement of the first table, so that no free space is used in the extension of said at least two tables, thus gaining the surface used on the ground,

said moving of the tables can be done by means of one and the same shuttle, making it possible to reduce the overall investment,

simultaneous translation of tables can be done by translation of a table pulling at least one other table, allowing a saving of cycle time.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures in which:

- Figure 1 is a side view of a handling device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view in sequence of a method according to a first embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 3 is a schematic view in sequence of a method according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view in sequence of a method according to a third embodiment of the invention.

The subject of the invention is a product treatment line comprising a workstation 1 and a handling device 2. The handling device 2 makes it possible to transport the products between the station 1 and another station of the product treatment line. .

The handling device 2 comprises an accumulation surface 3 disposed at the workstation 1, and for accommodating products waiting during the transport phases between the station 1 and another station of the treatment line.

The handling device 2 comprises at least two mobile tables 4 each provided with a reception surface 5 on which products can be placed.

When the two tables 4 are in place against the accumulation surface 3, the products can be transferred from the station 1 to the tables 4 or vice versa. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reception surfaces 5 of the 4 can be flush with the accumulation surface 3, which allows to transfer the products of the accumulation surface 3 to the tables 4 by a transfer means which is a simple means of lateral thrust, if necessary a means configured to push one row of products at a time, thereby transferring non-stitched products, keeping them unstitched after the transfer. The pushing means can of course also be configured to push part of a row. Such a transfer means may for example be part of the station 1 or each table 4.

The accumulation surface is fed by a conveyor January 1, bringing the treated products from a product treatment station, or releasing the products received on the accumulation surface 3 to the next station. The station 1 further comprises a means of transferring the products between the conveyor 11 and the accumulation surface 3. This means is preferably a thrust means, and the accumulation surface 3 is disposed adjacent and flush with the conveyor 1 1. The accumulation surface 3 may comprise a means of transport towards the outlet, either the tables 4 or the conveyor 1 1, for example a transverse wide conveyor, to bring the products to the edge of the accumulation surface 3 against which are arranged the tables 4 or the conveyor 1 1, on the other side. When the tables 4 are full, and must be moved, the accumulation surface 3 buffers, so that the station 1 can continue its activity, and deliver products by the conveyor 1 1, until the establishment of other tables 4, empty, which can be filled in turn. The buffer function is also implemented when, conversely, the tables 4 serve to bring products to be treated.

The conveyor 1 1 can also transport the products to a processing station of the products, these being brought by the tables 4, then transferred to the accumulation surface 3. Here too, when the tables 4 are empty, and must be replaced, the products accumulated on the accumulation surface 3 are sufficiently numerous to feed the conveyor 1 1 until the arrival of other tables 4 full.

In order to move a table 4 between the station 1 and another station, the handling device 2 may include a shuttle 6. The shuttle 6 may comprise rollers 7, for example four rollers 7 multidirectional. It may comprise a frame 8 disposed on said wheels 7, and a mobile elevator 9 in vertical translation relative to the frame 8. When the elevator 9 is in the lower position, the shuttle 6 can be placed under the table 4. It can then lift the elevator 9. The shuttle 6 is secured to the table 4 and lift it up. A carriage 10 is then formed consisting of the shuttle 6 and the table 4 joined together. The carriage 10 can then move between the station 1 and another station.

The tables 4 are movable autonomously, for example by being provided with rollers 7. This allows a translation of one or more tables 4 for example along the accumulation surface 3. Such a translation can be done by a means translation, for example by providing that a carriage 10 pulls or pushes several tables 4 at a time, the latter being interconnected.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the translation means is integral with the accumulation surface 3 disposed at the station 1, and allows the tables 4 to move along the accumulation surface 3. The translation means may for example comprise a drive means movable in translation along the accumulation surface, in particular along the edge of the accumulation surface opposite to that or the conveyor 1 1.

The tables 4 can be hooked to each other, to form a table train 4; it suffices that a translational means translates a table 4, to move the entire train of tables 4.

For the sake of clarity, it will be used in the present application the word move or move for the movements of a carriage 10 (shuttle 6 and table 4) between a workstation 1 and another station, the word translater or translation for the autonomous movements of the tables 4 along the accumulation surface 3, and the word transfer or transfer for the movement of the products between the accumulation surface 3 and one or more tables 4.

The handling device 2 may also comprise a hooking means, for securing at least two tables 4 so that one of the tables 4 can pull the other during a common translational movement. The coupling means may be a simple hook integrated with the first table 4, collaborating with a ring integrated with the second table 4 or other mechanical or even magnetic cooperation, etc. This coupling means renders temporarily fixed to each other and in a controlled manner at least two tables 4. It is then sufficient for the shuttle 6 to drive one of the tables 4, in particular in a translation movement on the along the edge of the accumulation surface 3, so that the other follows the same movement. One then contributes simultaneously to the permutation of several tables, and this with a single motor element, or shuttle 6, which is therefore economical.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2.

According to this method, when the tables 4A and 4B are to be replaced, we first move the table 4A with a shuttle, and then returns to move only the table 4B with the same shuttle. This method has the advantage of allowing the displacement of tables 4 smaller than the accumulation surface 3. It is then possible either to bring a table 4C before taking the table 4B, or else to take first one after the other two tables 4A and 4B, then bring one after the other tables 4C and 4D. This embodiment can be implemented even if there is no space available in the extension of the tables 4A and 4B beyond the length of the accumulation surface 3.

The tables 4 are arranged one after the other, adjacent to the accumulation surface 3, on the side opposite to that of the accumulation surface or circulates the conveyor January 1. The direction of a table to another is therefore parallel to the direction of the conveyor 1 1, and therefore the edges of the accumulation surface.

The process according to FIG. 3, allows according to a second embodiment, to transport products from a station 1 to another station:

the products are present on the accumulation surface 3, ready to be transferred to a table 4A and a table 4B; an empty 4C complementary table is just upstream of the table 4B,

- Once the tables 4A and 4B filled, the shuttle 6 comes under the table 4A, raises the elevator 9 and forms a carriage 10 with the table 4A. The carriage 10 moves away to another station. Once the carriage 10 has arrived at its destination, the shuttle 6 disengages itself from the table 4A and returns to the station 1,

during this time, a translational means operates the translation of the tables 4B and 4C to the position initially occupied by the tables 4A and 4B. For example, the shuttle 6 comes under the table 4B, raises the elevator 9 and forms a carriage 10 with the table 4B. Table 4C is hung on the table 4B, to translate with it. The carriage 10 moves to pull the table 4C, and to place the tables 4B and 4C in the position initially occupied by the tables 4A and 4B. We can provide a temporary hooking tables 4 between them during the translation. Table 4B, after having constituted a carriage 10, moves towards its destination station; shuttle 6 disengages from table 4B and returns to station 1,

- The shuttle 6 will be placed under a table 4D, to form a carriage 10.

The table 4D can be the table 4A if it is available again, or a new table 4. The carriage 10 moves towards the station 1, in order to place the table 4D in the position which was initially that of the table 4C. The translation means then operates to place the tables 4C and 4D in the position initially occupied by the tables 4A and 4B.

- Tables 4C and 4D are ready to be loaded, the situation is then identical to the initial situation.

The expression "upstream" used for the arrangement of the table 4C in step III of FIG. 3 is used in the direction of translation of the tables 4 along the corresponding edge of the accumulation surface. The table 4D in step VII is thus arranged upstream of the table 4C, and the table 4C is downstream of the table 4D.

To reduce the waiting time for the transfer of products from the accumulation surface 3, the table 4B can be moved to a temporary location near the station 1, and use the shuttle 6 to put a table 4D already ready upstream of the table 4C. Then the shuttle 6 returns to the table 4B for its movement to its destination station, while the transfer of the accumulation surface 3 to the tables 4C and 4D can already begin.

One of the advantages of the process of FIG. 3 is that it makes it possible to use only two different tables 4 for moving the products of the station 1 to another station, if the discharge of the table 4A downstream goes fast enough for the time allowed by the buffer consisting of the Accumulation surface 3. The table 4A can then serve as table 4C, and the table 4B can serve as a 4D table.

Moreover, this method makes it possible to use only three different tables 4 for moving the products from station 1 to another station, even if the unloading of table 4 to the other station takes a little more time. Table 4A can then serve as a 4D table. In addition, in the process of FIG. 2, the translation means never translate more than two tables 4 at a time, and if said translation means comprises the shuttle 6, the power required for the shuttle 6 is therefore lower.

This embodiment allows implementation, even if there is no available space downstream of the table 4A, step I. It suffices for this that the displacement of the table 4A begins with a movement of away from the accumulation surface 3, transverse to the translational movement of the tables 4.

On the other hand, when such a space is available, at least over the length of a table 4, it is possible to implement a third embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 4. The method thus makes it possible to move products from a station 1 to another station according to the following steps:

the products are present on the accumulation surface 3, ready to be transferred to a table 4A and a table 4B, and an empty table 4C is located just after the table 4B,

- Once the tables 4A and 4B filled, the shuttle 6 comes under the table 4A, raises the elevator 9 and forms a carriage 10 with the table 4A. The carriage 10 then pulls the tables 4B and 4C to translate them to the position initially occupied by the tables 4A and 4B. The translation can be done by any other means of translation.

- The carriage 10 then moves to another position. Once the carriage 10 has arrived at its destination, the shuttle 6 disengages itself from the table 4A and returns to the station 1,

during this time, a translational means operates the translation of the tables 4B and 4C to the position initially occupied by the tables 4A and 4B. For example, the shuttle 6 will be placed under a table 4D, to form a carriage 10. The table 4D can be the table 4A if it is available again, or a new table 4. The carriage 10 moves to station 1, in order to place the 4D table in the position that was initially that of the 4C table. The carriage 10 then pushes the tables 4B and 4C to translate them to the position initially occupied by the tables 4A and 4B. We can provide a temporary hooking tables 4 between them during the translation. The shuttle 6 then disengages from the table 4D,

the shuttle 6 comes under the table 4B, raises the elevator 9 and forms a carriage 10 with the table 4B. The carriage 10 then moves towards the downstream station. Once the carriage 10 has arrived at its destination, the shuttle 6 disengages itself from the table 4B and returns to the station 1,

In this embodiment, the entire displacement of the table 4B could also be done in masked time, and the transfer of products can then resume before this movement.

An advantage of the method of FIG. 3 is that it allows to resume earlier the transfer of products between the tables and the workstation.

Depending on the unloading speed of the table 4A, it can also serve as a 4D table, which allows to use only three tables 4.

The above description is made with a loading of the tables 4, but the same methods can also be used for the unloading of the tables 4.

The handling device 2 may comprise more than two tables 4 to be arranged along the accumulation surface 3.

When there are two tables 4, their length is substantially half the length of the accumulation surface 3. This already has the significant advantage of allowing displacements with tables 4 two times smaller than with the state of the art. In addition, the space to be provided for a complementary table 4 upstream and / or downstream of the tables 4 cooperating at the same time with the accumulation surface 3, is also smaller.

When there are three tables 4, their length is substantially one third of the length of the accumulation surface 3. This allows tables 4 and even smaller free spaces.

One can of course also have four or five tables 4 or more. The tables 4 are smaller, or they allow the transfer of products from larger accumulation areas 3.

However, the more tables 4 there are, the more trips will be required. Generally, the group of tables 4 facing the accumulation surface has a dimension, along the edge of said surface which extends parallel to the conveyor January 1, which allows said group to ensure the transferring an entire batch of products, namely a batch of one or more columns extending all along said edge.

An advantage of the present invention consists in the possibility of choosing the number of tables 4, according to the size of the accumulation surface 3, the distance of the movements, the space between the workstations. We can then find an optimum, which allows on the one hand a stop time of the transfer of the products consistent with the size of the accumulation surface 3 and the rate of treatment of the products, then a footprint as low as possible for the position of the active tables 4 for the transfer, and 4 complementary tables, and finally a size of trolleys 10 in the smallest possible displacement.

Thus, in accordance with what has just been described, it will be noted that the mobile tables 4 are preferably not equipped with a driving element, but it is a motive shuttle which is used to ensure the movements of the table 4, between two stations or Again against the accumulation surface, if any. Preferably, a single power shuttle is used for all the movements of all the tables 4. The shuttle causes either each table separately, or at least one of them is attached to another that is moved directly by the shuttle.

In position for a transfer of products, either from the accumulation surface 3, or towards the surface, the at least two tables 4 are one in the extension of the other along the accumulation surface 3. last has two edges, the conveyor 1 1 flowing against one of them, and the at least two tables 4 being against the opposite edge. Of course, the tables 4 are stationary during the transfer of the products. They are therefore one after the other in the direction of the conveyor 1 1.

The device is thus provided with a transfer means which acts cyclically for each cycle to transfer by horizontal scanning a batch of products from the accumulation surface 3 to the tables or vice versa, this batch extending essentially over the entire length of the accumulation surface 3 perpendicular to the direction of transfer, parallel to the direction of the conveyor 1 1. The permutation of the group of tables 4 together forming the surface to the right of the accumulation surface is therefore performed by the successive execution of a permutation process for each of the tables. In order to reduce the time required, it is preferred that the permutation method for one of the tables is at least partly executed during the permutation process for another table. For example, in FIG. 3, bringing the table to the end position takes place simultaneously for the table C and D, see step VIII. In addition, in cases where the device is provided with an actuator acting on the tables 4 from the accumulation surface 3 to slide along their edge opposite the conveyor 1 1, the removal of a table in position The final can also run when maneuvering another table 4.

The establishment of a new group of tables 4 to the right of the accumulation surface can be done before or after the transfer of the products they carry.

As previously indicated, the mobile tables 4 are configured to be arranged side by side, adjacent to an accumulation surface 3 so that the products can be transferred at the same time between the tables 4 and the accumulation surface 3. other words, when tables 4 are arranged side by side and adjacent to an accumulation surface 3, the products 2 can be transferred, either from the accumulation surface 3 to the tables 4 or from the tables 4 to the accumulation surface 3.

Such a transfer can be operated using a transfer means which can in particular be a pushing means. Such thrust is generally a horizontal thrust exerted in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the accumulation surface 3 adjacent to the tables 4, in other words, a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the conveyor 1 1 extends.

Such a transfer means is then able to push products arranged in the form of disjoint rows extending longitudinally that is to say parallel to the edge of the accumulation surface 3 which adjoins the tables 4 while maintaining the aligned products once transferred. The products can then advantageously be transported from one station 1 to another while maintaining their alignment. In general, the accumulation surface 3 is fixed and placed at a station 1, either at its inlet or at its outlet. An accumulation surface 3 placed at the entrance of a station 1 is intended to receive products from mobile tables 4. The products are then brought to the station 1 via a conveyor January 1. An accumulation surface 3 placed at the outlet of a station 1 is intended to receive products already processed by the station 1, via the conveyor 1 1. The products are then transferred to mobile tables 4.

The transfer means used for transferring the products between an accumulation surface 3 and tables 4 generally belongs to the handling device 2 and is most often disposed at the edge of the accumulation surface 3 which is opposite the conveyor Alternatively, each table 4 may be provided with a transfer means.

As indicated above, a translation of one or more tables along the accumulation surface 3 is possible via a translation means. The translation can in particular be carried out by means of a shuttle, but other means can also be envisaged, implementing other translation drive means. Such embodiments are particularly advantageous, particularly in terms of cost, insofar as a smaller number of shuttle is then required, the docking and the departure of the tables 4 from the edge to and from the accumulation surface 3. being made without the need for a shuttle.

By way of example, a translation means can be fixed to the accumulation surface 3 along the edge opposite the conveyor 11. Such means of translation may in particular comprise a drive means movable in longitudinal translation along the accumulation surface 3. It may for example be a belt wound around two pulleys, one motorized and the other. other enslaved. Such a belt may be provided with at least one finger capable of driving one or more tables 4 in translation. Of course, the belt and pulley system can be replaced by a system of chain and sprockets or any other equivalent system.

Alternatively the translation means may be formed of two conveyors extending parallel to the conveyor January 1, the other side of the accumulation surface 3. These two conveyors are typically conveyors to band spaced from each other and sufficiently thin, so that one or more tables 4 can be moved by these two conveyors along the accumulation surface 3 and so that a shuttle can be placed under a table 4 and then get up to move it. A conveyor is placed near the accumulation surface while the other is further away. The conveying plane defined by these two conveyors is slightly lower than the accumulation surface 3. Its height is adjusted so that the reception surface of a table 4 placed on these conveyors is flush with the surface of accumulation 3 and thus facilitate the transfer of products. Such a system is advantageous in that the height of the tables is particularly simple to adjust because the adjustment does not depend on the surface of the ground.

When the translation means is formed of two conveyors, the tables 4 are preferably simple trays, that is to say that they do not include feet or wheels. The implementation of such trays as a table is particularly interesting if it is necessary to store products because such tables 4 can easily be placed in shelves one above the other, so as to gain square.

Although the description above is based on particular embodiments, it is in no way limiting to the scope of the invention, and modifications may be made, in particular by substitution of technical equivalents or by a different combination of all or some of the features developed above.

Claims

1. Device for handling products (2) between a workstation (1) and another station comprising an accumulation surface (3), characterized in that it comprises at least two movable tables (4) each provided with a receiving surface (5), said at least two movable tables (4) being configured to be arranged side by side, adjacent to said accumulation surface (3), so that products can be transferred at the same time between the at least two tables (4) and the accumulation surface (3).

2. Device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least two movable tables (4) are configured to be movable each by a self-contained shuttle (6).

3. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for translating a table (4) along the accumulation surface (3).

4. Device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein said translating means is disposed integral with the accumulation surface (3), and comprises a movable drive means along the accumulation surface.

5. Device (2) according to the preceding claim, comprising a free space for at least one table (4) upstream and / or downstream of said at least two tables (4).

6. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a coupling means of a table (4) to another.

7. A method of handling products between a work station (1) and another station, by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, and comprising the following steps:

- transfer of products between said at least two tables (4) and the accumulation surface (3),

moving a first of said at least two tables (4),

- Then moving a second of said at least two tables (4).

8. Method according to the preceding claim comprising, before moving the second of said at least two tables (4), the following complementary step:

- Depositing a complementary table (4) in the extension of said at least two tables (4), so as to form with the latter a set similar to that of the first two tables (4).

9. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said complementary step is performed after moving the first table (4), so that no free space is used in the extension of said at least two tables (4). .

10. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the displacement of the tables (4) is done by means of one and the same shuttle (6).

1 1. Method according to one of Claims 7 to 10, using a device (2) according to Claim 6, in which simultaneous translations of tables (4) are carried out by translation of a table (4) pulling at least one other table ( 4).