Method for sorting containers

Abstract

The present invention concerns a method of sorting containers (9), fed arranged in bundles (8) according to a matrix which are examined for affiliation with a sort, removed from the bundles (8) and, separated by sort, and put into bundles (8) again. The object of the invention, to create a method of the aforementioned type which allows the automatic sorting of a fairly large number of containers and / or bundles per unit of time without excessive financial outlay, is achieved by the method according to the invention comprising a first step consisting in the examination of all the containers contained in a bundle in view of the determination of their respective sort (A, B, C or D), a second step wherein the result of said first test of the containers (9) for affiliation with a sort (A, B, C or D) is used to control a first robot (13) in such a way that this robot removes all the containers (9) of all the sorts from the bundle (8) together and puts them according to their specific sort on separate conveyors (4), each said separate conveyor being assigned to a specific sort, which second step is followed by a transfer of the containers (9) by means of the respective conveyors on which they have been put to a collection table (15) on which they are stored until enough containers (9) of a sort (A, B, C or D) have constituted a full matrix, after which a second robot (16) removes all the containers (9) of said full matrix from the collection table (15) and puts them in a predetermined bundle (8).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a method of sorting containers which are fed in bundles according to a matrix arrangement, which are inspected for sorting, removed from the bundle, separated by sorting and then bundled again. Background technique [0002] A number of similar sorting methods are known, especially in relation to bottles as containers and boxes as bundles. If it is desired to produce non-mixed bales, only one type of container will be present in a bale, as desired by the user, and the bale will be completely full if possible. In a specific case, a certain box is completely filled with a certain container. The bundle defines a matrix with a predetermined amount of space, for example 3x4 bottles when the containers are beverage bottles. [0003] In a known method, a non-mixing box full of containers is obtained. It is desirable to reduce space and cost, especially by dispensing with an intermediate storage of containers, rather than placing rem...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] The use of overhead conveyors makes maintenance of the system more difficult due to accessibility issues

Furthermore, it presents a risk, especially in the case of glass bottles, that when a bottle breaks while being transported from a first position to a second position on an upper conveyor, glass shards fall into containers transported on a lower conveyor , thus contaminating those containers

[0007] Also, since only one robot is used, the speed of envisioning the system is reduced

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