Sorting device and method for sorting packaged products and processing device for processing packages

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sorting device and method for sorting packaged products and a processing device for processing packages. A sorting device for sorting packaged products has a conveying mechanism for conveying the packaged products to be sorted along a conveying path to a sorting mechanism and continuing to convey the sorted packaged products along a transfer path. Among them, the sorting mechanism has a pusher for moving the packaged products from the conveying path to the transfer path in a form-fitting manner at least mainly perpendicular to the conveying path and / or the transfer path. A pusher drive is provided for moving the pusher surface along a movement track, and a restricting member is provided for at least partially restricting the movement gap along the movement track. A restricting member drive for driving the restricting member and for moving the restricting surface along a restricting track is also provided, such that the pusher surface moving along the movement track and the restricting surface moving along the restricting track form a movement gap having at least substantially a constant gap width at least partially.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting device for sorting preferably filled and closed packaging products, in particular cardboard composite packaging products, the sorting device having a conveying mechanism for conveying the packaging products to be sorted along a conveying path to a sorting mechanism and for continuing to convey the sorted packaging products along a transfer path, wherein the sorting mechanism has at least one pusher for moving the packaging products from the conveying path to the transfer path in a form-fitting manner at least mainly perpendicular to the conveying path and / or the transfer path, wherein at least one pusher has at least one pushing surface for abutting against the packaging products and for moving the packaging products, wherein a pusher drive is provided, the pusher drive being configured to drive at least one pusher and to move at least one pushing surface along a movement trajectory that extends at least locally inclined and / or curved relative to the conveying path and / or the transfer path, and wherein at least one limiting member is provided, the limiting member being configured to at least locally limit a movement gap along the movement trajectory, the movement gap being configured to at least partly receive the packaging products and extending between at least one limiting surface and at least one moving surface of the at least one limiting member.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a processing device for processing preferably filled and closed packaging products, in particular cardboard composite packaging products, the processing device having a sorting device and a processing station for processing the packaging products sorted by the sorting device, in particular for shaping the packaging products and / or for applying packaging aids to the packaging products.

[0003] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for sorting preferably filled and closed packaging products, in particular cardboard composite packaging products, by means of a sorting device of the type described above in particular. Background Art

[0004] A packaging product consists of a package and the contents accommodated therein. As the package, for example, bottles, flexible bags, cans, etc. can be considered. The packaging products here are in particular composite packaging products, which are used as an alternative to, for example, bottles or cans. The corresponding packages are mostly filled with the contents in a so-called filling machine and then closed. In cardboard composite packaging products, often depending on the main functions of the filling machine, namely forming the package, filling the package and sealing the package, the filling machine is also referred to as a forming- / filling- / sealing machine.

[0005] As packaging material, in particular, flowable, i.e. liquid or at least pasty packaging materials are considered, which can also have block-like components as required. Dry and loose packaging materials are not excluded, but in practice such packaging materials are less important. Among the packaged products, more are foods, such as beverages, in particular milk, soft drinks, nectar, dairy products and soups. In the case of beverages, paperboard composite packaging products are also called beverage paperboard composite packaging products.

[0006] Composite packaging products are made of interconnected packaging materials, and the packaging materials form a flat layer structure, so-called packaging sheets. The cardboard composite packaging product has a cardboard layer, which gives stability to the packaging product and can be used as a carrier layer for the plastic layer arranged on both sides of the cardboard layer. The plastic layer is used as a liquid blocking portion, for example. Therefore, for example, avoid the flowable product from penetrating into the packaging sheet layer, especially the cardboard layer, or even avoid the flowable product from flowing out, and also avoid moisture from penetrating from the outside. In addition, thermoplastics can be sealed in the case of a sealing seam formed by forming a material combination, so as to form a package and close the packaged product. The packaging sheet can have other layers and packaging materials, that is, for example, an aluminum layer provides an insulating effect for gas and light. In order to be able to fold, that is to say, mechanically fold the flat packaging sheet, grooves are usually introduced in the packaging sheet, and these grooves predefine the folding line later. Folding forms the edges of the packaging product on the packaging product and / or is realized as the bottom of the packaging product and / or the head of the packaging product. In addition, the packaging sheet is mostly printed with decorative patterns.

[0007] Before forming the package, the packaging sheet can be cut, thereby producing a so-called blank. This blank can be further processed into a so-called outer packaging blank. For this purpose, the longitudinal edges are superimposed and sealed to each other while forming a longitudinal sealing seam. Thus, a so-called sleeve or so-called outer packaging blank or packaging sleeve is obtained. Alternatively, the packaging sheet can be provided as a continuous material, in particular a coil, from which the package can be formed directly without first having to produce a blank.

[0008] Before the packaged product is provided to the consumer, it is usually subjected to one or more further processing steps, which take place in particular in so-called processing devices. Here, the processing device is used in particular for processing already filled and closed packaged products. Thus, the processing device can be used, for example, to apply packaging aids (e.g. straws, also called drinking straws), reclosable pouring and / or opening elements, tear-off tabs (also called pull tabs), labels, etc. to the packaged product. However, alternatively or additionally, in certain packaged products, the processing device can also be used to shape the packaged product so that the packaged product has a desired, especially aesthetic final shape. Therefore, the processing device is configured as a so-called shaping station as required, in which a pressing tool is used to "press" the packaged product into a desired shape. Other processing steps are also conceivable.

[0009] Irrespective of the manner of handling, it is customary to first sort the packaged products before the packaged products undergo actual processing at a processing station of a processing device. The sorting of the packaged products is usually carried out in a so-called sorting device connected upstream of a processing station of the processing device.

[0010] A processing device having such a sorting device and a corresponding method for sorting filled and closed cardboard composite packaged products are known from the patent document EP 3 395 730 A1. Here, the packaged products are conveyed in rows along a linearly extending conveying path by a conveyor belt to a sorting mechanism, and the packaged products are stacked along the conveying path in front of the sorting mechanism. The sorting mechanism includes a plurality of pushing members that surround along a closed movement trajectory and thus sequentially press against the stacked and thus to-be-sorted packaged products, whereby the packaged products located on the conveyor belt are mainly moved perpendicularly to the conveying path onto a transfer path that is also linear and extends parallel to the conveying path. Here, during the movement from the conveying path to the transfer path, the packaged products respectively abut against the pushing surfaces of the corresponding pushing members that move along an arcuate movement trajectory. Then, the sorted packaged products are continuously conveyed along the transfer path by a cam belt conveyor extending along the sides of the sorted packaged products on the conveyor belt and are conveyed to a processing station of the processing device, where a packaging auxiliary in the form of a straw is applied to the packaged products.

[0011] In order to move the packaged products as specified from the conveying path to the transfer path and without any unwanted movement of the packaged products occurring (which causes interference during the operation of the equipment and, in the worst case, requires the production line to be shut down), the sorting device usually additionally has a limiting member. Here, along the movement trajectory, the limiting member and the pushing member together respectively form a movement gap extending between the pushing surface of the corresponding pushing member and the limiting surface of the limiting member, and when moving from the conveying path to the transfer path, the packaged products are respectively at least partially received in this movement gap. That is, the limiting member is a kind of "guardrail" for the packaged products and thus prevents unwanted movement of the packaged products when moving from the conveying path to the transfer path. However, in the case of using this type of limiting member, the movement of the packaged products from the conveying path to the transfer path cannot be achieved accurately enough and in a defined manner. In addition, in particular, rotation of the packaged products about their vertical axis or their perpendicular axis occurs, which often leads to interference with the operation of the sorting mechanism and / or the processing station connected after the sorting mechanism. Here, in particular, when the throughput of the packaged products is large and the packaged products have rounded sides and / or blunt edges, rotation of the packaged products occurs, which is known, for example, from the patent document EP 3 228 552B1. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to design and improve the sorting device, processing device and method of the type described at the beginning and explained in detail above respectively, so that the packaging products can be sorted more reliably even when the passing speed is very high and when the packaged products have rounded sides and / or blunt edges.

[0013] In the sorting device of the present invention, the above object is achieved by providing a limiting member driving part for driving at least one limiting member and for moving at least one limiting surface along a limiting track, so that at least one pushing surface moving along a moving track and at least one limiting surface moving along a limiting track form a moving gap having at least substantially a constant gap width at least locally.

[0014] In order to form the at least substantially constant gap width, in particular to synchronize the movement of at least one pushing surface at least locally along the moving track and at least one limiting surface at least locally along the limiting track, the limiting member driving part and the pushing member driving part are synchronized as required by mechanical connection.

[0015] The sorting mechanism has at least two, preferably at least three, especially at least four pushing members, and / or at least two, preferably at least three, especially at least four limiting members are provided, and / or the number of the limiting members corresponds to an integer multiple of the number of the pushing members or vice versa, especially the number of the limiting members is equal to the number of the pushing members.

[0016] The at least one limiting member and / or the at least one pushing member are configured to move circumferentially along a closed, especially at least substantially circular, movement track, and preferably, a plurality of limiting members and / or a plurality of pushing members are distributed along the respective movement tracks.

[0017] The at least one limiting member is configured as a limiting projection, especially a limiting cam, and preferably, the at least one limiting surface is provided on a preferably curved, especially convex, side wall of the limiting projection, and more preferably, the limiting member driving part is configured to move at least one limiting projection so that when moving along the limiting track, the at least one limiting surface crosses the side wall of the projection, especially from a region associated with the free end of the limiting projection to a region associated with the projection base of the limiting projection.

[0018] The side wall of the at least one limiting projection forming the at least one limiting surface is at least 1.2 times, optionally at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 1.8 times, especially at least 2 times as long as the side wall of the at least one limiting projection opposite to the side wall of the at least one limiting projection forming the at least one limiting surface.

[0019] In the region of the conveying path, a conveying gap for the packaging products to be sorted is provided, and / or in the region of the transfer path, a transfer gap for the sorted packaging products is provided, and at least substantially constant gap width of the moving gap at least substantially corresponds to the minimum gap width of the conveying gap and / or the transfer gap, preferably is larger than the minimum gap width of the conveying gap and / or the transfer gap by preferably at least 2%, in particular at least 5%, furthermore in particular at least 8%, and / or is larger by at most 30%, in particular at most 25%, furthermore in particular at most 20%.

[0020] On the side of the conveying path, in particular the side of the packaging products to be sorted facing and / or facing away from the at least one pusher, at least one conveying guide surface extending along the conveying path is provided for laterally guiding the packaging products located on the conveying path, and preferably, the conveying guide surface arranged on the side of the packaging product facing the at least one pusher at least partially extends on the side of the corresponding next packaging product to be sorted, and / or the conveying guide surface arranged on the side of the packaging product facing away from the at least one pusher at least substantially extends to the corresponding next packaging product to be sorted.

[0021] On the side of the transfer path, in particular the side of the sorted packaging products facing away from the at least one pusher, a transfer guide surface extending along the transfer path for laterally guiding the packaging products located on the transfer path is provided, and preferably, the transfer guide surface at least partially extends on the side of the corresponding sorted packaging product.

[0022] The conveying mechanism has at least one conveying member extending below the conveying path and / or the transfer path, in particular below the packaging products to be sorted and / or the sorted packaging products, in particular providing at least substantially horizontal conveying surface, and the at least one conveying member is preferably in the form of a conveyor belt and / or a conveyor chain for carrying and conveying the packaging products along the conveying path and / or the transfer path.

[0023] The conveying mechanism has a conveying member extending beside the transfer path, in particular beside the sorted packaging products, and the conveying member is preferably in the form of a belt conveyor having limit blocks for abutting against the side of the packaging product opposite to the conveying direction and / or pointing in the conveying direction, and the conveying member is used for laterally abutting against the packaging product and conveying the packaging product along the transfer path, and preferably, the conveying member extending beside the transfer path is configured to brake, hold and / or move the packaging product in a form-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner with reference to the conveying speed of the conveying member extending below the transfer path.

[0024] Furthermore, in the processing device of the present invention, the above object is achieved by constructing the sorting device as described above.

[0025] Finally, the above object is achieved by a method for sorting preferably filled and closed packaging products, in particular cardboard composite packaging products, using a sorting device as described above in particular.

[0026] Wherein, the packaging products to be sorted are conveyed by a conveying mechanism along a conveying path to a sorting mechanism, and the sorted packaging products are further conveyed by the conveying mechanism along a transfer path.

[0027] Wherein, at least one pusher of the sorting mechanism causes the packaging product to move from the conveying path to the transfer path in a form-fitting manner and at least mainly perpendicular to the conveying path and / or the transfer path.

[0028] Wherein, when moving from the conveying path to the transfer path, the packaging product abuts against at least one pushing surface of at least one pusher, and the pushing surface causes the packaging product to move and move along a movement locus that extends at least locally inclined and / or curved relative to the conveying path and / or the transfer path.

[0029] Wherein, respectively at least locally along the movement locus, the packaging product is at least partially received in a movement gap extending between at least one limiting surface of at least one limiting member and at least one pushing surface, and

[0030] Wherein, at least one limiting member is moved such that at least one limiting surface moving along a limiting locus and at least one pushing surface moving along a movement locus form a movement gap having at least substantially a constant gap width at least locally.

[0031] By causing at least one limiting member and at least one pusher to move together such that at least one limiting surface moving along a limiting locus and at least one pushing surface moving along a movement locus form a movement gap having at least substantially a constant gap width at least locally, the undesired movement of the packaging product can be more effectively avoided. Thus, when moving the packaging product from the conveying path to the transfer path, at least one limiting member can thus move at least locally at a very small distance from the packaging product or even move in abutment against the packaging product. Therefore, when the deviation from the predetermined orientation of the packaging product is small and especially when the rotation about the vertical axis of the packaging product is small, the packaging product has already abutted against at least one limiting member, thereby preventing additional undesired movement of the packaging product. In this way, especially low-interference operation can also be ensured when the throughput of the packaging product is large and when the packaging product has rounded sides and / or non-sharp edges.

[0032] Here, in order to reliably avoid the movement of the undesired packaged product not only along one section but at least substantially along the entire movement trajectory, at least one limiting element can be moved in such a way that the limiting element and at least one pushing element form a movement gap at least substantially along the entire movement trajectory. Thus, for the same reason, it can be provided that at least one limiting surface moving along the limiting trajectory and at least one pushing surface moving along the movement trajectory form a movement gap having a gap width that is at least substantially constant not only locally but at least substantially along the entire movement trajectory. Independently of this, it can also be advantageous if the limiting trajectory extends at least locally, in particular at least substantially over its entire length, at least substantially parallel to the movement trajectory. However, this is not necessary.

[0033] Most basically, the gap width of the movement gap especially refers to the distance between at least one pushing surface and at least one limiting surface that is perpendicular to the conveying path and / or the transfer path in the area of the sorting mechanism. Independently of this, a movement gap having at least substantially constant gap width is especially understood to be a movement gap in which the maximum gap width is at most 30%, preferably at most 25%, especially at most 20%, and / or at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, especially at most 10 mm larger than its minimum gap width.

[0034] The packaged product to be sorted is conveyed to the sorting mechanism along a conveying path that is linearly configured as required by means of a conveying mechanism. Here, the packaged product is already accessible in the conveying mechanism or has been stacked up before the sorting mechanism. More precisely, in the area of the sorting mechanism, in a direction that is at least mainly, especially at least substantially perpendicular to the conveying path and / or the transfer path, at least one pushing element of the sorting mechanism causes the packaged product to be sorted to move from the conveying path to the transfer path in sequence. Here, the movement from the conveying path to the transfer path is especially caused by at least one pushing surface of at least one pushing element, and during the movement, the at least one pushing surface moves along the movement trajectory. Thus, the movement trajectory especially refers to a trajectory along which at least one pushing surface moves, during which the packaged product abuts against the at least one pushing surface respectively. Thus, when moving from the conveying path to the transfer path, the packaged product can also move along the movement trajectory, more precisely at least as specified, and at this time no undesired movement of the packaged product occurs. Independently of this, in the area of the sorting mechanism, the movement trajectory extends at least locally, especially at least substantially over its entire length, inclinedly and / or curvedly relative to the conveying path and / or the transfer path.

[0035] The conveying mechanism continues to convey the packaged products that have been moved onto the transfer path and sorted in this way along a transfer path that extends linearly and / or parallel to the conveying path for reasons of simplicity. The sorted packaged products are conveyed along the transfer path by the same conveying mechanism, and the packaged products to be sorted are conveyed along the conveying path (although not necessarily by the same conveying element). Thus, for example, different conveying elements, in particular conveyor belts and / or belt conveyors, can be assigned to the conveying path and the transfer path.

[0036] The packaged products can be conveyed by the conveying mechanism along the transfer path to a processing station of the processing device. Then, in the processing station, the sorted packaged products can be processed in a desired manner, in particular shaping the packaged products, especially cardboard composite packaged products, and / or applying packaging aids in the form of a pour-out part or in the form of an unpackaged straw, in particular.

[0037] Here, especially when the packaged products are filled and closed packaged products, such as cardboard composite packaged products, the advantages of the present invention discussed above contribute particularly. The same applies to packaged products having at least partially rounded sides and / or at least partially non-sharp side edges. That is, filled and closed packaged products pose special requirements for the handling of packaged products. In particular, packaged products having rounded sides and / or non-sharp side edges are prone to rotating about their vertical axis during sorting.

[0038] For better understanding and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the sorting device, the processing device, and the method are described together hereinafter without separately distinguishing the sorting device, the processing device, and the method. However, for those skilled in the art, it can be recognized from the context which features are preferred in terms of the sorting device, the processing device, and / or the method, respectively.

[0039] In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to form at least a substantially constant gap width, the pusher drive and the stopper drive are synchronized. Thus, the at least substantially constant gap width can be achieved in a simple and at the same time reliable manner. This is especially the case when the pusher drive and the stopper drive are synchronized such that the movement of at least one pusher surface at least partially along the movement trajectory and the movement of at least one stopper surface at least partially along the stopper trajectory are carried out synchronously. Thus, the movement of at least one pusher surface at least partially along the movement trajectory and the movement of at least one stopper surface at least partially along the stopper trajectory can be carried out simultaneously. Irrespective of this, for the reasons mentioned above it is particularly expedient to carry out the movement of at least one pusher surface at least substantially along the entire movement trajectory and the movement of at least one stopper surface at least substantially along the entire stopper trajectory synchronously. Alternatively or additionally, recommended both in terms of the exact synchronization of the two drives and in terms of low control technology costs is that the stopper drive and the pusher drive are synchronized by a mechanical connection. Thus, the synchronization of the two drives is then achieved as required not by a corresponding electronic control unit but by a mechanical coupling of the two drives.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally it can be recommended that the sorting mechanism has at least two pushers. This has the advantage that a large throughput of packaged products can be achieved at low equipment and control technology costs and at the same time a smooth movement of the packaged products can be ensured. In this context, in practice it is particularly expedient for the sorting mechanism to have at least three, in particular at least four, pushers. Irrespective of the number of pushers, it is advantageous to provide at least two stoppers. Thus, at a high throughput speed, each packaged product is also accommodated in a corresponding movement gap along most of the movement trajectory at low equipment and control technology costs. This is especially the case when at least three, preferably at least four, stoppers are provided.

[0041] Irrespective of whether one or more pushers or stoppers are provided, it is provided that the number of at least one stopper corresponds to an integer multiple of the number of at least one pusher. Additionally alternatively, the number of at least one pusher is an integer multiple of the number of at least one stopper. In both ways, the movement of at least one stopper surface along the stopper trajectory and the movement of at least one pusher surface along the movement trajectory are coordinated, in particular synchronized, at low equipment and control technology costs. This is even more the case when the number of at least one stopper is equal to the number of at least one pusher.

[0042] In principle, regardless of the number of actuators and limiters, however especially in the case of multiple actuators or limiters, it can be advantageous if at least one limiter and / or at least one actuator is configured to move along a closed movement trajectory. Thereby, a structurally simple design of the actuator or limiter drive is achieved, and the control costs are reduced. Thus, the limiter drive can be used to move at least one limiter in a circular motion around a movement trajectory associated with the at least one limiter. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator drive can be used to move at least one actuator in a circular motion around a movement trajectory associated with the at least one actuator. Then, during the sorting and packaging of products, at least one limiter and / or at least one actuator do not have to move back and forth continuously. Instead, at least one limiter and / or at least one actuator can move in a simple manner in a circular motion around a subordinate movement trajectory. Here, when the movement trajectory of at least one limiter and / or at least one actuator is at least substantially circular, a particularly simple structure of the corresponding drive is achieved. Irrespective of this, in the case of multiple limiters and / or actuators moving in a circular motion around corresponding movement trajectories, it is recommended that the limiters or actuators be arranged distributed along the subordinate movement trajectories. Thus, the distances between the limiters and / or between the actuators along the subordinate movement trajectories are at least substantially the same, and especially remain the same during the movement along the movement trajectory. In this way, the costs for controlling the limiters and / or actuators can be further reduced.

[0043] Regarding a simple structural design not only of at least one limiter but also of the limiter drive, it can be advantageous if at least one limiter is configured as a limiting lug. Then, in the same context, it can additionally be recommended that at least one limiting lug is part of a limiting cam. Thus, at least one limiting lug can move in a simple manner along a circular movement trajectory. Irrespective of this, for reasons of simplicity, it is recommended that at least one limiting surface is provided on the lug sidewall of at least one limiting lug. Thus, at least one limiting surface can be formed by the lug sidewall of at least one limiting lug, especially a section of the lug sidewall. Thus, the movement of at least one limiting surface along the limiting trajectory is achieved in a structurally simple manner. Here, it can additionally be recommended that at least one lug sidewall is configured to be curved, especially convex, wherein the curvature can especially extend from the region associated with the free end of the lug to the region associated with the base or bottom circle of the lug of the limiting cam.

[0044] Irrespective of the configuration of the bump sidewall, the restrictor drive part can be configured to move at least one restrictor bump in such a way that during the movement of at least one restricting surface along a restricting track, at least one restricting surface is transferred onto the bump sidewall. Thus, at least one restricting surface is thus not formed, in particular, by a section of the bump sidewall that is fixed in position relative to the bump sidewall. This can be recommended with regard to the simple integration of at least one restrictor bump and the restrictor drive part into the sorting device. Thus, in order to move at least one restricting surface along the restricting track, at least one restrictor bump itself does not move or only moves restrictedly along the restricting track. This can be advantageous due to the limited structural space for the restrictor bump and its drive part. Here, for structural reasons, it can additionally be recommended to move at least one restrictor bump in such a way that during the movement along the restricting track, at least one restricting surface crosses the bump sidewall and is transferred from the region associated with the free end of the restrictor bump to the region associated with the bump base of the restrictor bump.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, it can be recommended that at least one restrictor bump is not configured symmetrically, but rather the bump sidewall forming at least one restricting surface is longer than the other opposite bump sidewall of the restrictor bump. Thus, a larger surface for restricting the movement gap is provided, so that the movement of unwanted packaged products can also be avoided more effectively. Thus, the movement gap can also be provided by a larger section of the movement track. In this context, it is recommended that the bump sidewall forming at least one restricting surface is at least 1.2 times, optionally at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 1.8 times, in particular at least 2 times longer than the other opposite bump sidewall forming at least one restricting surface. Most basically, the length of the bump sidewall here particularly refers to the extension of the bump sidewall from the free end of the restrictor bump to the bump base of the restrictor bump.

[0046] Irrespective of the design of at least one restrictor, a conveying gap for the packaged products to be sorted can be provided in the region of the conveying path, and / or a transfer gap for the sorted packaged products can be provided in the region of the transfer path. Furthermore, the at least substantially constant gap width of the movement gap can at least substantially correspond to the minimum gap width of the conveying gap and / or the transfer gap, and the minimum gap width can in particular at least substantially reflect the width of the packaged product. Thus, it can be ensured that the gap width of the movement gap at least substantially corresponds to the width of the packaged product, and in particular, the rotation of the packaged product about its vertical axis and / or other forms of unwanted movement of the packaged product can be reliably avoided. This is particularly the case when the conveying gap and / or the transfer gap are arranged such that at least one section of the packaged product is guided through the conveying gap and / or the transfer gap during conveying. Thus, the minimum gap width of the conveying gap and / or the transfer gap particularly well reflects the width of the packaged product.

[0047] In terms of the gap width of the moving gap, it may additionally be advantageous to adjust the gap width such that at least one limiting element only contacts those parts of the packaged product in which a deviation from a predetermined orientation occurs when moving from the conveying path to the transfer path. Thus, the mechanical action on the packaged product and thus the wear on the packaged product can be kept small. In this context, it is recommended that the at least substantially constant gap width of the moving gap is at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, in particular at least 8%, and / or at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, in particular at least 4 mm larger than the minimum gap width of the conveying gap and / or the transfer gap. Thus, it is ensured that the packaged product does not contact at least one limiting element when the deviation from the predetermined orientation is very small and does not interfere with or only insignificantly interferes with the operating process. However, in order to simultaneously ensure that deviations from the predetermined orientation of the packaged product that cause operating disturbances are reliably avoided, it is not allowed to set too large a moving gap. Therefore, alternatively or additionally, it may be recommended that the at least substantially constant gap width of the moving gap is at most 30%, preferably at most 25%, in particular at most 20%, and / or at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, in particular at most 10 mm larger than the minimum gap width of the conveying gap and / or the transfer gap.

[0048] For the reasons explained above, alternatively or additionally, it is also recommended that the at least substantially constant gap width of the moving gap at least substantially corresponds to the width of the packaged product. Here, when the at least substantially constant gap width of the moving gap is at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, in particular at least 8%, and / or at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, in particular at least 4 mm larger than the width of the packaged product, it can be ensured that the wear on the packaged product is small. Irrespective of this, when the at least substantially constant gap width of the moving gap is at most 30%, preferably at most 25%, in particular at most 20%, and / or at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, in particular at most 10 mm larger than the width of the packaged product, operating disturbances can be reliably avoided. Most basically, the width of the packaged product here particularly refers to the preferably horizontal extension of the packaged product located on the conveying path perpendicular to the conveying path in the region of the corresponding packaged product.

[0049] In order to assist in the defined conveying of the packaged products to be sorted along the conveying path, for example to prevent the packaged products from tipping over, at least one conveying guide surface extending along the conveying path is provided on the side of the conveying path facing and / or facing away from the at least one pusher. The at least one conveying guide surface can then be used to laterally guide the packaged products located on the conveying path. For this purpose, it is particularly recommended that the at least one conveying guide surface is arranged on the side of the packaged products to be sorted facing and / or facing away from the at least one pusher. Independently of this, particularly precise guidance is achieved when the at least one conveying guide surface extends at least substantially parallel to the conveying path.

[0050] In terms of the conveying guide surface arranged on the side facing at least one pusher of the conveying path, it is particularly recommended that the conveying guide surface is at least partially arranged on the side of the corresponding packaged product to be sorted as the next one. It is therefore guaranteed that when guiding through the sorting mechanism, the packaged product is guided on the side facing at least one pusher until it moves from the conveying path to the transfer path. This is especially true when the conveying guide surface on the side of the corresponding packaged product to be sorted as the next one not only extends along a section of the packaged product but at least substantially along the entire packaged product. For the above reasons, in principle, it is also advantageous when the conveying guide surface is arranged on the side of the packaged product away from at least one pusher that the conveying guide surface extends at least substantially to the packaged product to be sorted as the next one along the direction of the sorting mechanism. However, it must be excluded at this time that the conveying guide surface hinders the packaged product from moving from the conveying path to the transfer path. However, it must be excluded at this time that the conveying guide surface hinders the packaged product from moving from the conveying path to the transfer path. Therefore, it is also recommended, alternatively or additionally, that the conveying guide surface arranged on the side away from at least one pusher extends at most to the packaged product to be sorted as the next one along the conveying path. Basically, the next packaged product to be sorted here is preferably the packaged product which is moved next from the conveying path to the transfer path, specifically, in particular relative to the position of the packaged product immediately before being moved from the conveying path to the transfer path.

[0051] Irrespective of whether a conveying guide surface is provided or not, when a transfer guide surface that extends along the transfer path and is used to laterally guide the sorted packaging products is provided on the side of the transfer path that faces away from at least one pusher, the sorted packaging products can be conveyed in a particularly defined manner. Therefore, the transfer guide surface can be arranged on the side of the sorted packaging products that faces away from at least one pusher. Irrespective of this, when the transfer guide surface extends at least substantially parallel to the transfer path, the packaging products can be conveyed particularly precisely. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer guide surface can also be arranged at least partially on the side of the respective sorted packaging products. Thus, it can be avoided that the packaging products are toppled due to the impact exerted by at least one pusher when moving from the conveying path to the end of the transfer path. This is particularly the case when the transfer guide surface on the side of the respective sorted packaging products extends not only along a section but at least substantially along the entire packaging product. Basically, the sorted packaging products preferably refer to the packaging products that have moved from the conveying path to the transfer path, specifically, especially with respect to the position of the packaging products immediately after moving from the conveying path to the transfer path.

[0052] When the conveying mechanism has at least one conveyor that extends along the conveying path and / or the transfer path and below it, the packaging products can be conveyed without high equipment costs and in a protective manner at the same time. Then, this conveyor can be used to carry and convey the packaging products along the conveying path and / or the transfer path. Therefore, at least one conveyor can extend below the packaging products to be sorted and / or the sorted packaging products. In other words, in order to convey along the conveying path and / or the transfer path, the packaging products to be sorted and / or the sorted packaging products are located on at least one conveyor. Irrespective of this, for reasons of simplicity, it can be recommended that the conveyor extending below the conveying path and the conveyor extending below the transfer path be the same conveyor. However, alternatively, there can also be two different conveyors. Then, the conveyor can be driven at different speeds in a simple manner, which can give advantages in terms of the equipment integration of the sorting device. Irrespective of this, when at least one conveyor extending below the conveying path and / or the transfer path provides a conveying surface that extends at least substantially horizontally, the packaging products can be carried and conveyed in a particularly simple manner. Alternatively or additionally, at least one conveyor extending below the conveying path and / or the transfer path can also be configured as a conveyor belt and / or a conveyor chain. Here, the advantage of the design option of a conveyor chain is the high flexibility in designing the conveying path, and in particular, a non-linearly configured conveying path can also be realized. On the contrary, the design option of a conveyor belt is particularly cost-effective.

[0053] As an alternative or addition to the conveyor element extending below the transfer path, the conveyor mechanism may also have a conveyor element extending laterally along the transfer path, in particular on the side of the sorted packaging products. The conveyor element can then be used to laterally abut against the sorted packaging products and to convey the sorted packaging products along the transfer path. Here, for example to avoid tipping over of the packaging products, the conveyor element alone can cause and / or assist in the precise conveyance of the sorted packaging products. However, additionally, the conveyor element extending laterally along the transfer path can also be arranged to positively and / or frictionally brake, hold and / or move the packaging products with respect to the conveying speed of the conveyor element carrying the packaging products. In other words, the conveyor element extending laterally along the transfer path defines the conveying speed of the packaging products, where the conveying speed of the conveyor element extending laterally along the transfer path preferably corresponds to the conveying speed of the packaging products, while the conveying speed of the conveyor element extending below the transfer path is faster or slower than the conveying speed of the packaging products. Irrespective of this, for reasons of simplicity, the conveyor element extending laterally along the transfer path can be designed as a belt conveyor. It is then furthermore recommended that the belt conveyor has stop blocks for abutting against the surfaces of the packaging products facing in the conveying direction and / or facing opposite to the conveying direction. In this way, the sorted packaging products can be positively moved along the transfer path in a simple manner and thus the conveying speed of the packaging products can be preset very precisely.

[0054] In terms of the method, it is recommended that at least one restricting element and / or at least one pushing element surrounds along a closed movement trajectory. Thus, at least one restricting element can then surround the movement trajectory associated with the restricting element, and / or at least one pushing element can surround the movement trajectory associated with the pushing element. This allows not only a structurally simple design of the corresponding drive unit, but also a simple control of at least one restricting element and / or pushing element. This is even more the case when the movement trajectory is at least substantially circular. Irrespective of this, a plurality of pushing elements and / or a plurality of restricting elements can also surround the respective movement trajectories. If a plurality of pushing elements surround the associated movement trajectories, a large throughput of packaging products is achieved while precisely moving the packaging products, without the cost of the equipment and control technology increasing excessively. Conversely, the advantage of a plurality of restricting elements surrounding subordinate movement trajectories is that the packaging products can also be received in the respective movement gaps when the throughput speed along most of the movement trajectory is high, whereby the number of operating disturbances can be reduced. Here, for reasons of low control technology costs, it is recommended that the restricting elements and / or pushing elements surround the respective movement trajectories in a manner distributed along the associated movement trajectories.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally recommended is that at least one limiting element is configured as a limiting lug having a lug side wall, and the at least one limiting surface is arranged on the lug side wall. Then, during movement of the at least one limiting surface along the limiting track, the at least one limiting surface is transferred onto the lug side wall. Accordingly, the limiting lug forming the at least one limiting surface itself does not have to move along the limiting track in order to move the at least one limiting surface along the limiting track. In this way, it is possible to simplify the integration of at least one limiting lug, specifically a limiting cam having at least one limiting lug, into the sorting device, which is usually structurally complex due to limited structural space. This is particularly the case when, during movement along the limiting track, the at least one limiting surface is transferred from the region facing the free end of the limiting lug to the region associated with the lug base body of the limiting lug.

[0056] In order to achieve a particularly precise conveyance of the packaging products to be sorted and thereby further reduce the risk of operating disturbances, the packaging products to be sorted are guided by at least one conveying guide surface on the side facing and / or facing away from at least one pusher. Here, in order to ensure a precise conveyance of the packaging products to be sorted until they are moved from the conveying path onto the transfer path, the respective next packaging product to be sorted can be abutted against the conveying guide surface, which is arranged on the side of the packaging product facing at least one pusher. Accordingly, the respective next packaging product to be moved from the conveying path onto the transfer path can be pushed away from the conveying guide surface by at least one pusher.

[0057] Irrespective of whether the packaging products to be sorted are guided by the conveying guide surface, in terms of a precise conveyance of the already sorted packaging products it is recommended that the packaging products are guided by a transfer guide surface on the side facing away from at least one pusher. Then, the respective already sorted product can additionally be abutted against the transfer guide surface. That is, once the packaging product is located on the transfer path, the packaging product can be abutted against the transfer guide surface. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the packaging product from tipping over at the end of the movement of the packaging product from the conveying path onto the transfer path.

[0058] In order to convey packaged products at low equipment and control technology costs and in a protected manner, and in order to convey along a conveying path, the packaged products to be sorted can be located on at least one conveying element, and / or in order to convey along a transfer path, the sorted packaged products can be located on at least one conveying element. Here, for reasons of simplicity, it is recommended that the packaged products to be sorted and the sorted packaged products be located on the same conveying element. However, alternatively, with regard to simple process integration of the method, it is also recommended that the packaged products to be sorted and the already sorted packaged products be located on different conveying elements. Irrespective of this, with regard to a simple structural design, it is recommended that the conveying element carrying at least one packaged product to be sorted and / or sorted be configured as a conveyor belt. However, alternatively, the conveying element carrying at least one packaged product to be sorted and / or sorted can also be configured as a conveyor chain. The conveyor chain enables greater flexibility, especially in a non-linearly extending conveying path, which is advantageous.

[0059] Irrespective of whether the sorted packaged products are located on a conveying element, the sorted packaged products can be conveyed along the transfer path in a form-fitting manner by a conveying element extending alongside the sorted packaged products, specifically preferably at the conveying speed of the conveying element extending alongside the packaged products. This can contribute to precisely and at least substantially interference-free conveyance of the sorted packaged products, and is especially recommended at high conveying speeds. Here, when the sorted packaged products are conveyed along the transfer path in a form-fitting manner by the stop members of the conveying element extending alongside the packaged products, the form-fitting conveyance can be carried out in a simple manner and at the same time very precisely. Irrespective of how the form-fitting conveyance is specifically carried out, alternatively or additionally it is recommended that during the form-fitting conveyance, the sorted packaged products be located on a conveying element that moves more slowly than the conveying element extending alongside the packaged products. Thus, the conveying speed is defined by the conveying element extending alongside the packaged products, but the packaged products are gently pulled by the conveying element moving in the same direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The present invention will be explained in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings showing only one embodiment. Among them:

[0061] Figures 1A - 1B A sorting device according to the present invention is shown in a schematic top view and a schematic perspective view,

[0062] Figures 2A - 2D and is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view in the region of the sorting mechanism Figure 1A -B of the sorting device, wherein the pusher members of the sorting mechanism and the limiting members of the sorting device are drawn at different positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0063] In Figures 1A - 1B1 shows a sorting device 1 in a schematic top view and a schematic perspective view. The sorting device 1 has a conveying mechanism 2, which includes a conveying element 3, for example in the form of a conveyor belt, which moves in a conveying direction T. The conveying element 3 provides a flat conveying surface 4, on which the packaged products 5 are conveyed in a standing manner. Therefore, the conveying element 3 first moves along a conveying path P, which is designed to be rectilinear here. Z The packaged products 5 are fed to the sorting device 6 of the sorting device 1. After the packaged products 5 have been sorted by the sorting device 6, the same conveyor element 3 is fed along a transfer path P which is also designed to be straight here. W The sorted packaged products 5 which are still located on the conveying element 3 are conveyed further. Instead of a continuous conveying element 3, a conveying path P Z And on the other hand, the forwarding path P W In the illustrated and preferred sorting device 1 , the conveying path P Z and the forwarding path P W Oriented parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0064] The transport path P is realized only by the transport element 3 carrying the packaged products 5. Z During the conveying of the packaged products 5, although the packaged products 5 remain on the conveying member 3 extending below the packaged products 5 after sorting, the conveying speed of the sorted packaged products 5 is determined by another conveying member 7 arranged on the side of the packaged products 5, and the conveying member 7 is also a belt conveyor. The conveying member 7 extending on the side of the packaged products 5 has a stopper 8, which is in a form-fitting manner against the side of the packaged products 5 pointing opposite to the conveying direction T. At this time, the conveying member 7 arranged on the side of the packaged products 5 moves, and therefore the stopper 8 also moves faster in the conveying direction T than the conveying member 3 carrying the packaged products 5. Therefore, a slip is formed between the packaged products 5 and the conveying member 3 carrying the packaged products, and the stopper 8 pushes the packaged products 5 over the conveying member 3 carrying the packaged products. Therefore, the preferably constant distance of the plurality of stoppers 8 defines the distance of the sorted and further conveyed packaged products 5.

[0065] In the illustrated and therefore preferred sorting device 1 , the conveying path P Z Or the side of the packaged product 5 to be sorted facing the sorting mechanism 6 and away from the sorting mechanism 6, a conveying guide 9, 10 is provided. Here, the conveying guide 9, 10 respectively provides a conveying guide surface 11, 12, which is parallel to the conveying path P Z extends and guides the conveying path P along the conveying guide surface ZThe packaged product 5 thereon. The conveying guide portion 9 disposed on the side of the packaged product 5 facing away from the sorting mechanism 6 is integrally formed with the transfer guide portion 13 here, and the transfer guide portion is disposed on the side of the sorted packaged product 5 facing away from the sorting mechanism 6. Here, the transfer guide portion 13 has a transfer guide surface 14 extending parallel to the transfer path P W or on the side of the sorted packaged product 5 facing away from the sorting mechanism 6. Here, the transfer guide portion 13 has a transfer guide surface 14 extending parallel to the transfer path P W The packaged product 5 located on the transfer path P is guided along this transfer guide surface. In the illustrated and thus preferred embodiment, for reasons of simplicity, the transfer guide surface 14 only extends in the region of the sorting mechanism 6. However, it can also be advantageous for the precise conveyance of the sorted packaged product 5 that the transfer guide surface 14 continues to extend along the conveying direction T W For the unsorted packaged product 5 to move from the conveying path P

[0066] to the transfer path P Z the sorting mechanism 6 has a plurality of pushing members 15. Here, each pushing member itself includes three pushing surfaces 16 spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Here, in the illustrated and thus preferred embodiment, the pushing members 15 are respectively rotatably fixed to two rotatable disks 17, 18 arranged parallel to each other, and the rotation axes 19, 20 of the rotatable disks are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The lower rotatable disk of the two rotatable disks 17, 18 is here connected to the pushing member drive portion 21, and the pushing member drive portion moves the lower rotatable disk 17 and thereby drives not only the pushing members 15 but also the upper rotatable disk 18, so that the pushing members circularly surround along a common closed movement locus in the arrow direction W On the side of the packaged product 5 opposite to the sorting mechanism 6, a limiting mechanism 22 in the form of a limiting cam 22 is provided. Here, the limiting cam 22 has a plurality of limiting members 23 configured as limiting bumps 23 distributed on its periphery. Each limiting member 23 has two bump side walls 24, 25 with different lengths, and the longer, here for example double-length, bump side wall 24 is configured to be slightly convex. The limiting cam 22 is connected to the limiting member drive portion 26, and the limiting member drive portion moves the limiting cam 22 so that the limiting bumps 23 circularly surround along a common closed movement locus in the arrow direction. Here, the limiting member drive portion 26 and the pushing member drive portion 21 are connected to each other through a belt drive portion 27 and are thus correspondingly synchronized for jointly driving the limiting bumps 23 and the pushing members 15

[0067] In

[0068] In Figures 2A - 2D the sorting device 1 in the region of the sorting mechanism 6 is respectively shown in a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view. The pushing members 15 distributed and surrounding along the corresponding movement locus sequentially move the packaged product 5 from the conveying path P ZMove to transfer path P W Here, the push surface of the corresponding push member 15 is respectively guided to the corresponding packaged product 5, and then moves along the arc-shaped movement trajectory B S Movement. Thus, in the horizontal direction, perpendicular to the conveying path P Z and the forwarding path P W Push the packaged product 5 to the transfer path P W direction, thereby achieving the sorting of the packaged products 5. Then, when the corresponding packaged products 5 are transported from the conveying path P Z Move to transfer path P W After the packed products have been sorted, the push surface 16 of the corresponding push element 15 is moved away from the packed products 5 again.

[0069] During the sorting of the packaged products, the limiting cam 22 arranged on the side of the packaged products 5 opposite to the sorting mechanism 6 rotates synchronously with the pusher 15 in the opposite direction of rotation according to the arrow shown. Therefore, the limiting cam 23 and the slide 15 are respectively at least substantially along the entire movement trajectory B S The gap width b is formed to have an at least substantially constant S The movement gap 28 is formed by a corresponding packaged product 5, in which the corresponding packaged product 5 is partially accommodated. Here, the movement gap 28 extends between the push surface 16 of the corresponding pusher 15 and the limiting surface 29 of the corresponding limiting projection 23, and the limiting surface is arranged on the convex projection side wall 24 of the limiting projection 23. However, the limiting surface 29 is not formed by a fixed section of the relevant projection side wall 24. Instead, when the corresponding packaged product 5 is moved from the conveying path P Z Move to transfer path P W When the limiting surface 29 is moved from the free end 30 of the corresponding limiting projection 23 to the projection base 31 of the limiting projection 23 to the projection side wall 24. This is particularly due to Figures 2A - 2D Thus, when the corresponding packaged product 5 is moved along the limiting track B B During the displacement, the limiting surface 29 is always moved, so that the limiting path does not run parallel to the arc-shaped section of the movement path along which the respective limiting cam 23 moves.

[0070] In the illustrated and hereby preferred sorting device 6 , the gap width b of the movement gap 28 is S is arranged to be slightly larger than the minimum gap width b of the conveying gap 32 formed here by the two conveying guide surfaces 11 , 12 Z , in particular at least 4 mm and / or at most 7 mm. Here, the minimum gap width b of the conveying gap 32 ZAt this time, it at least basically corresponds to the width b of the packaged product 5 P , the width b of the packaged product P can be approximately 45 mm here, for example. In this way, in normal operation, the packaged product 5 is kept spaced apart by the limiting projection 23 and only comes into contact with the limiting projection 23 when there is an undesired movement of the packaged product, such as rotation about its vertical axis A H (corresponding to the vertical axis of the packaged product here) during rotation.

[0071] While the pusher 15 moves the packaged product 5 from the conveying path P Z to the transfer path P W , the packaged products 5 to be sorted are stacked along the conveying path P Z . This is achieved by the frontmost corresponding packaged product 5 and thus the next packaged product 5 to be moved from the conveying path P Z to the transfer path P W leaning against the stop surface 33 of the pusher 15 that causes the sorting of the above-mentioned packaged product 5. Here, a slip is formed between the packaged product 5 to be sorted and the conveying member 3 carrying the packaged product.

[0072] The conveying guide surface 12 arranged on the side of the packaged product 5 facing the pusher 15 extends in the conveying direction T of the packaged product 5 beyond the corresponding next packaged product 5 to be sorted. Therefore, the packaged product 5 to be sorted can directly lean against the conveying guide surface 12 over its entire length until it moves from the conveying path P Z to the transfer path P W . Conversely, the conveying guide surface 11 arranged on the side of the packaged product 5 facing away from the pusher 15 and linearly configured here only slightly extends in front of the corresponding next packaged product 5 to be sorted in the conveying direction T of the packaged product 5. This ensures that the movement of the packaged product 5 from the conveying path P Z to the transfer path P W is not hindered.

[0073] The transfer guide surface 14, also linearly configured here, extends laterally alongside the corresponding already sorted packaged product 5 over its entire length. In this way, it can be prevented that the packaged product 5 topples over in the direction of the limiting cam 22 at the end of the movement from the conveying path P Z to the transfer path P W . In the shown and preferred embodiment in this regard, a curved connecting surface 34 is provided between the transfer guide surface 14 and the conveying guide surface 11 arranged on the side of the packaged product 5 facing away from the pusher 15. When the packaged product 5 moves from the conveying path P Z to the transfer path P WDuring the previous period, tipping of the packaging product 5 in the direction of the limiting cam 22 was also avoided via the connecting surface 34. Here, the transfer guiding surface 14 transitions into the connecting surface 34 at this time and the connecting surface in turn transitions into the conveying guiding surface 11 arranged on the side of the packaging product 5 facing away from the pusher 15.

[0074] List of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1 Sorting device

[0076] 2 Conveying mechanism

[0077] 3 Conveyor

[0078] 4 Conveying surface

[0079] 5 Packaging product

[0080] 6 Sorting mechanism

[0081] 7 Lateral conveyor

[0082] 8 Stop block

[0083] 9, 10 Conveying guiding part

[0084] 11, 12 Conveying guiding surface

[0085] 13 Transfer guiding part

[0086] 14 Transfer guiding surface

[0087] 15 Pusher

[0088] 16 Pushing surface

[0089] 17, 18 Rotary disk

[0090] 19, 20 Axis of rotation

[0091] 21 Pusher drive part

[0092] 22 Limiting mechanism, limiting cam

[0093] 23 Limiting part, limiting projection

[0094] 24, 25 Projection side wall

[0095] 26 Limiting part drive part

[0096] 27 Belt drive part

[0097] 28 Movement gap

[0098] 29 Limiting surface

[0099] 30 Free end

[0100] 31 Projection base

[0101] 32 Conveying gap

[0102] 33 Stopping surface

[0103] 34 Connecting surface

[0104] A H Vertical axis of the packaged product

[0105] B B Restricting trajectory

[0106] B S Moving trajectory

[0107] P W Transfer path

[0108] P Z Conveying path

[0109] T Conveying direction

[0110] b P Width of the packaged product

[0111] b S Gap width of the moving gap

[0112] b Z Gap width of the conveying gap.

Claims

1. A sorting device (1) for sorting filled and closed packaging products (5), the sorting device having a conveying mechanism (2) for conveying the packaging products (5) to be sorted along a conveying path (PZ) to a sorting mechanism (6) and for continuing to convey the sorted packaging products (5) along a transfer path (PW), wherein, The sorting mechanism (6) has at least one pusher (15) for positively moving the packaged product (5) from the conveying path (PZ) to the transfer path (PW) perpendicular to the conveying path (PZ) and / or the transfer path (PW), wherein the at least one pusher (15) has at least one pushing surface (16) for abutting against the packaged product (5) and moving the packaged product (5), wherein the sorting device (1) includes a pusher drive (21) for driving the at least one pusher (15) and for moving the at least one pushing surface (16) along a movement locus (BS) that extends at least partially inclined and / or curved relative to the conveying path (PZ) and / or the transfer path (PW), and wherein the sorting device (1) includes at least one limiting member for at least partially restricting a movement gap (28) along the movement locus (BS), the movement gap being configured to at least partially receive the packaged product (5) and extending between at least one limiting surface (29) of the at least one limiting member and the at least one pushing surface (16), wherein the sorting device (1) includes a limiting member drive (26) for driving the at least one limiting member and for moving the at least one limiting surface (29) along a limiting locus (BB) such that the at least one pushing surface (16) moving along the movement locus (BS) and the at least one limiting surface (29) moving along the limiting locus (BB) form a movement gap (28) having at least partially a constant gap width (bS), wherein the at least one limiting member is configured as a limiting projection (23) which is part of a limiting cam (22).

2. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, In order to form the constant gap width (bS) and to synchronize the movement of the at least one pushing surface (16) at least partially along the movement locus (BS) and the movement of the at least one limiting surface (29) at least partially along the limiting locus (BB), the limiting member drive (26) and the pusher drive (21) are synchronized by a mechanical connection.

3. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The sorting mechanism (6) has at least two, or at least three, or at least four pushers (15), and / or at least two, or at least three, or at least four limiting members are provided, and / or the number of the limiting members corresponds to an integer multiple of the number of the pushers or vice versa, or the number of the limiting members is equal to the number of the pushers.

4. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one limiting member and / or the at least one pusher (15) is configured to move circumferentially along a closed movement locus.

5. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one limiting surface (29) is provided on a side wall (24) of the limiting projection (23), and the limiting member driving portion (26) is configured to move the at least one limiting projection (23) such that when moving along the limiting track (BB), the at least one limiting surface (29) crosses the side wall (24) of the projection.

6. The sorting device according to claim 5, wherein, The side wall (24) of the at least one limiting projection (23) that forms the at least one limiting surface (29) is at least 1.2 times, at least 1.5 times, or at least 1.8 times, or at least 2 times as long as the side wall (25) of the at least one limiting projection (23) that is opposite to the side wall (24) forming the at least one limiting surface (29).

7. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, A conveying gap (32) for the packaging product (5) to be sorted is provided in the region of the conveying path (PZ), and / or a transfer gap for the sorted packaging product (5) is provided in the region of the transfer path (PW), and the constant gap width (bS) of the moving gap (28) corresponds to the minimum gap width (bZ) of the conveying gap (32) and / or the transfer gap.

8. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one conveying guiding surface (11, 12) extending along the conveying path (PZ) is provided on the side of the packaging product (5) to be sorted facing and / or facing away from the at least one pushing member (15) in the conveying path (PZ) for laterally guiding the packaging product (5) located on the conveying path (PZ).

9. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, A transfer guiding surface (14) extending along the transfer path (PW) is provided on the side of the sorted packaging product (5) in the transfer path (PW) that faces away from the at least one pushing member (15) for laterally guiding the packaging product (5) located on the transfer path (PW).

10. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The conveying mechanism has at least one conveying member extending below the conveying path (PZ) and / or the transfer path (PW) and providing a horizontal conveying surface (4), and the at least one conveying member is in the form of a conveyor belt and / or a conveyor chain for carrying and conveying the packaging product (5) along the conveying path (PZ) and / or the transfer path (PW).

11. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The conveying mechanism (2) has a conveying member extending beside the transfer path (PW), and the conveying member is in the form of a belt conveyor having a limiting block (8) for abutting against the side surface of the packaging product (5) opposite to the conveying direction (T) and / or pointing in the conveying direction (T), and the conveying member is used for laterally abutting against the packaging product (5) and conveying the packaging product (5) along the transfer path (PW).

12. A processing device for processing filled and closed packaging products (5), the processing device having a sorting device (1) and a processing station for processing the packaging products (5) sorted by the sorting device (1), or for shaping the packaging products (5) and / or for applying packaging aids to the packaging products (5), wherein, The sorting device (1) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for sorting filled and sealed packaging products (5) using the sorting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, - Among them, A conveying mechanism (2) conveys the packaging products (5) to be sorted along a conveying path (PZ) to a sorting mechanism (6), and the conveying mechanism (2) continues to convey the sorted packaging products (5) along a transfer path (PW). - Wherein, at least one pusher (15) of the sorting mechanism (6) causes the packaging product (5) to move from the conveying path (PZ) to the transfer path (PW) in a form-fitting manner and perpendicular to the conveying path (PZ) and / or the transfer path (PW). - Wherein, when moving from the conveying path (PZ) to the transfer path (PW), the packaging product (5) abuts against at least one pushing surface (16) of at least one pusher (15), and the pushing surface causes the packaging product (5) to move and move along a movement trajectory (BS) that extends at least partially inclined and / or curved relative to the conveying path (PZ) and / or the transfer path (PW). - Wherein, respectively at least partially along the movement trajectory (BS), the packaging product (5) is at least partially received in a movement gap (28) that extends between at least one limiting surface (29) of at least one limiting member and at least one pushing surface (16). - Wherein, the at least one limiting member is moved such that the at least one limiting surface (29) moving along a limiting trajectory (BB) and the at least one pushing surface (16) moving along the movement trajectory (BS) form a movement gap (28) having at least a locally constant gap width (bS).

14. The method according to claim 13, - Among them, The at least one limiting member and / or the at least one pusher (15) surrounds along a closed movement trajectory. - Wherein, a plurality of pushers (15) and / or a plurality of limiting members of the sorting mechanism (6) are distributed along corresponding movement trajectories to surround the corresponding movement trajectories.

15. The method according to claim 13, - Among them, The at least one limiting surface (29) is provided on a bump side wall (24) of at least one limiting member configured as a limiting bump (23), and - Wherein, during the movement along the limiting trajectory (BB), the limiting surface (29) passes over the bump side wall (24).

16. The method according to claim 13, - Wherein, the packaging products (5) to be sorted are guided on the side facing and / or facing away from the at least one pusher (15) by at least one conveying guide surface (11, 12), and / or the sorted packaging products (5) are guided on the side facing away from the at least one pusher (15) by a transfer guide surface (14), and - Among them, The corresponding next packaging product to be sorted abuts against the conveying guide surface (11, 12), and the conveying guide surface is arranged on the side facing the at least one pusher (15), and / or the corresponding sorted packaging product abuts against the transfer guide surface (14).

17. The method according to claim 13, - wherein, in order to convey the packaged product (5) along the conveying path (PZ) and / or the transfer path (PW), the packaged product (5) to be sorted and / or already sorted is located on at least one conveying element in the form of a conveyor belt and / or a conveyor chain, and / or - Among them, the sorted packaged product (5) is further conveyed along the transfer path (PW) in a form-fitting manner by a conveying element extending on the side of the packaged product (5) and by a stop (8) of the conveying element.

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