Apparatus and method for buffering objects

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a device and a method for buffering objects. The device (12A-12E) comprises an inlet conveyor (18) with an inlet handover section (26), an outlet conveyor (20) with an outlet handover section (28), a buffer surface (22) which extends in an arc between the inlet handover section (26) and the outlet handover section (28), and a plurality of conveying elements (24). The conveying elements can be driven independently of one another in order to oscillate about a vertical axis of rotation (A) in order to move a plurality of objects from the inlet handover section (26) to the buffer surface (22) and / or from the buffer surface (22) to the outlet handover section (28). Advantageously, the device (12A-12E) can be used particularly flexibly and is constructed in a structurally simple manner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a device for buffering objects, preferably containers, in a container handling facility. The invention also relates to a method for buffering objects, preferably by means of such a device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a facility such as a container handling facility, objects can be moved one after the other by means of a plurality of conveyors to different machines or handling devices. Object buffers can be arranged between the machines, in which objects can be temporarily stored when temporarily needed, for example due to the mode of operation of the facility or a fault in a downstream-side machine or handling device. Object buffers can be implemented in different configurations.

[0003] EP 2920093 B1 relates to an apparatus for collecting and transporting objects, comprising an infeed conveyor, an outfeed conveyor, a collection surface, a first transfer device for moving at least one row of objects from the infeed conveyor to the collection surface, a second transfer device for moving at least one row of objects from the collection surface to the outfeed conveyor. At least one of the first and second transfer devices comprises a robotically assisted handling apparatus provided with a handling head for at least one row of objects. The collection surface is a conveyor forming the second transfer device, the direction of which is perpendicular to the direction of transport of the infeed conveyor. SUMMARY

[0004] The task on which the invention is based is to provide an improved device for buffering. Preferably, the device should be able to be used particularly flexibly and / or be constructed simply.

[0005] The task is solved by the features of the solution described below. Advantageous extensions are described in the description.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for buffering objects, preferably containers, in a container handling facility. The device has an inlet conveyor with an inlet handover section, preferably of a single track. The device has an outlet conveyor with an outlet handover section, preferably of a plurality of tracks. The device has a buffer surface, which extends in an arc, for example a circular arc, between the inlet handover section and the outlet handover section. The device has a plurality of transfer elements, which can be driven independently of one another to oscillate about a vertical rotation axis in order to move a plurality of objects from the inlet handover section to the buffer surface and / or from the buffer surface to the outlet handover section.

[0007] The plurality of transfer elements is two or more transfer elements.

[0008] The support and drive technology of the transfer elements can advantageously be designed in a relatively simple manner, since they do not have to extend along the entire buffer surface, but can be arranged only in the region of the rotation axis.

[0009] The arc length of the buffer surface can also be chosen flexibly, so that the device for buffering can be integrated into various facility layouts.

[0010] The device can also be used to distribute objects to different machines, which are branched to these machines at different angular positions of the buffer surface.

[0011] Likewise, the device can be used to receive objects from different machines, which are received from these machines at different angular positions of the buffer surface, respectively.

[0012] For example, the buffer surface can extend at an acute angle, a right angle, an obtuse angle, a stretched angle or an over-stretched angle (überstumpfer Winkel) in a range of more than 0° and / or less than or equal to 360° with respect to the axis of rotation. The angular range is preferably between 30° and 330°.

[0013] In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one vertical rotation column having a vertical axis of rotation, and the plurality of conveying elements is swingably supported (and, for example, carried) on the vertical rotation column. Vertical is defined as the extension of a perpendicular line intersecting the center of the earth.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of coaxially arranged rotation columns can be included for the plurality of conveying elements, particularly preferably one rotation column per conveying element. Thereby, the swingable mounting of the rotation elements can be designed in a structurally simple and space-saving manner.

[0015] Two or more rotation columns can have different outer and inner diameters from one another at least in one height range.

[0016] Two or more rotation columns can be arranged at least partially at the same height (distance from the center of the earth).

[0017] Two or more rotation columns can be arranged at least partially nested into one another.

[0018] The plurality of conveying elements can be swingably supported at least partially and / or at least temporarily at different heights of at least one rotation column.

[0019] In another embodiment, the plurality of conveying elements can be swung around the vertical axis of rotation to the entry handover section, the buffer surface and the exit handover section, respectively. Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of conveying elements can be swung back and forth around the vertical axis of rotation to move objects, preferably only from the entry handover section to the buffer surface, and / or at least another one of the plurality of conveying elements can be swung back and forth around the vertical axis of rotation to move objects, preferably only from the buffer surface to the exit handover section.

[0020] In another embodiment, the plurality of conveying elements can oscillate completely circumferentially around the vertical rotation axis. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of conveying elements can oscillate back and forth, preferably only alternatingly, around the vertical rotation axis.

[0021] In another embodiment, the device is configured (e.g. by means of a control unit) to repeatedly move objects from the entry handover section to the buffer face by means of the plurality of conveying elements in a buffer input mode, while not moving objects from the buffer face to the exit handover section.

[0022] In another embodiment, the device is configured (e.g. by means of a control unit) to continuously move objects from the buffer face to the exit handover section by means of the plurality of conveying elements in a buffer output mode, more than from the entry handover section to the buffer face.

[0023] In another embodiment, the device is configured (e.g. by means of a control unit) to continuously move objects from the entry handover section through the buffer face to the exit handover section by means of the plurality of conveying elements in a direct pass-through mode. Here, the buffer function of the device can be dispensed with.

[0024] Preferably, the term "control unit" can relate to electronic devices (e.g. with microprocessor(s) and data memory) and / or mechanical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic controllers, which depending on the configuration can take over control tasks and / or regulation tasks and / or processing tasks. Even if the term "control" is used here, "regulation" or "control with feedback" and / or "processing" can thus be suitably included or implied.

[0025] In another embodiment, the plurality of conveying elements can be moved vertically (e.g. by means of a drive unit), preferably independently of one another and / or independently of the oscillation position of the respective conveying element about the rotation axis. In another embodiment, the plurality of conveying elements can pass by one another at different heights (e.g. in the same direction and / or in opposite directions) when oscillating about the rotation axis.

[0026] In another embodiment, the buffer face is modularly constructed for adapting the arc length of the buffer face. Preferably, the buffer face can be modularly constructed such that the arc length of the buffer face can be adapted by adapting the arc length of the ring segments of the buffer face and / or by adapting the number of adjacent ring segments of the buffer face. Advantageously, the device can thus be precisely adapted to the respective facility conditions directly on site. The device can thereby also be adapted to various facility layouts in a particularly flexible manner and is also able to adapt to changes in the facility layout after installation.

[0027] In another embodiment, the plurality of conveying elements is configured to move the plurality of objects in the at least one row, respectively, such that the plurality of objects in the at least one row is pushed from behind (relative to the direction of movement) and supported from the front (relative to the direction of movement) when moving, preferably at least when the plurality of objects in the at least one row is accelerated and / or decelerated, to prevent tipping over.

[0028] The conveying elements can have a belt drive in contact with the objects. The belt drive can be designed as a pusher.

[0029] In another embodiment, the pushing from behind and the supporting from the front is effected by a channel-shaped or gripper-shaped configuration of the belt drive of the plurality of conveying elements, or by positioning, for example clamping, the plurality of objects in the at least one row between two adjacent conveying elements when moving.

[0030] In another embodiment, at least one belt drive, in particular for buffering the output objects, is arranged rotatable about a further, in particular vertical, axis. This axis is at a distance from the axis of the rotating column in which the conveying elements with the belt drives are arranged.

[0031] By this additional rotatability of the belt drive, in particular for multi-track outlets, a row of goods to be removed whose extension of the discharge path does not intersect the axis of the rotating column can be positioned on the outlet conveyor parallel to the other rows.

[0032] The additional rotation of the belt drive can be effected by a drive, for example an electric motor, arranged on the conveying element.

[0033] In another embodiment, the plurality of conveying elements has, respectively, a plurality of object channels arranged next to each other for moving a plurality of rows of objects simultaneously. The performance of the apparatus can thus be advantageously increased.

[0034] In another embodiment, the respective width of the plurality of object channels is adjustable, preferably by means of an electric motor, or the plurality of object channels has a fixed width. Advantageously, the adjustable width can for example enable adaptation to different object formats.

[0035] In another embodiment, the width adjustment can be used to grasp (clamp from both sides) the objects during transport.

[0036] Each conveying element can also comprise only one object channel, for example with adjustable width or fixed width.

[0037] In another embodiment, the plurality of object channels of each conveying element extends substantially in parallel, or the plurality of object channels of each conveying element extends at an angle to each other, preferably with the respective longitudinal axes meeting in a rotation axis. Advantageously, the inclined extension for example makes it possible to dispense with a carriage for moving the object channels.

[0038] In another embodiment, the plurality of object channels on the respective transport elements can move substantially tangentially to the circular track around the rotation axis, preferably by means of a motor-driven carriage of the respective transport element.

[0039] In another embodiment, the plurality of transport elements and / or the drive of the plurality of transport elements can be moved in and out, preferably in the radial direction of the rotation column. A gentle takeover and / or handover of the objects can thus be advantageously achieved.

[0040] In another embodiment, the device further has a further inlet conveyor with a further, preferably single-track, inlet handover section, wherein the buffer surface extends in an arc, for example a circular arc, to the further inlet handover section, and optionally at least one of the plurality of transport elements can be swung around a vertical rotation axis to move an object from the further inlet handover section to the buffer surface. It can thus be advantageously possible to buffer objects from a plurality of sources, for example simultaneously or sequentially.

[0041] In another embodiment, the device further has a further outlet conveyor with a further, preferably multi-track, outlet handover section, wherein the buffer surface extends in an arc, for example a circular arc, to the further outlet handover section, and optionally at least one of the plurality of transport elements can be swung around a vertical rotation axis to move an object from the buffer surface to the further outlet handover section.

[0042] The buffer surface can be of continuous design. Alternatively, the buffer surface can comprise a plurality of arc-shaped buffer surface sections, each of which extends between two conveyors.

[0043] The buffer surface can be of modular construction, so that it can be flexibly expanded, for example in an existing facility. Thus, for example, one buffer surface can have two structurally identical modules. Two or more modules can, for example, have the same angular range, for example two modules, each with 30°. Furthermore, the device can also have two different module types, for example a 60° module and a 90° module. All modules preferably have an angular range that is a multiple of 5°. The individual modules can be arranged directly next to each other or, as already mentioned in the case of the buffer surface sections, can have a distance from each other.

[0044] All modules can have a uniform interface, in particular for connecting the modules to each other. This can be achieved, for example, by at least one plug connection by means of which the modules can also be aligned (or centered) with each other in the same way. The plug connection can be, for example, one or two pins on one module, which are inserted into one or two holes on the other module. The pins and holes can be configured conically.

[0045] Such an interface can also be provided in the possible connection of the modules to the infeed and outfeed conveyors.

[0046] The buffer face can be one or more driven curve conveyors. In the case of multiple curve conveyors, each curve conveyor can have its own drive. Alternatively, a drive for multiple conveyors can be provided. In particular, a module without its own drive can have a drive coupling for connection to the drive of another module.

[0047] The buffer face can also have channel walls separating the "rows" of objects to be transported on the buffer face from one another. These channel walls can be adjusted radially.

[0048] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for buffering objects, such as containers, preferably by means of the device for buffering disclosed herein. The method comprises buffering input of objects from a preferably single-track entry handover section of an entry conveyor to an arcuately, such as preferably circularly arcuately, extending buffer face by means of at least one of a plurality of independently drivable transport elements, which correspondingly move a plurality of said objects, preferably in at least one row, from said entry handover section to said buffer face by oscillating about a vertical rotation axis. Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises buffering output of objects from an arcuately, such as preferably circularly arcuately, extending buffer face to a preferably multi-track exit handover section of an exit conveyor by means of at least one of a plurality of independently drivable transport elements, which correspondingly move a plurality of said objects, preferably in at least one row, from said buffer face to said exit handover section by oscillating about a vertical rotation axis. Advantageously, using the method can advantageously achieve the same advantages already described with reference to the device.

[0049] In one embodiment, the method step can be achieved by the transport element overtaking or passing by another transport element in the peripheral direction. At the moment of overtaking, the transport elements are preferably at different heights.

[0050] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container handling facility, such as for manufacturing, cleaning, inspecting, filling, sealing, labelling, printing and / or packaging containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid food, having a device for buffering as disclosed herein.

[0051] The above preferred embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with each other arbitrarily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] Further details and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0053] Figure 1a schematic plan view of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0054] Figure 2 a schematic side view of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0055] Figure 3 a schematic side view of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0056] Figure 4 a schematic plan view of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0057] Figure 5 a schematic plan view of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0058] Figure 6 a schematic plan view of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0059] Figure 7 a schematic plan view of an exemplary apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 6 a schematic plan view of an exemplary apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0060] Figure 8 a schematic plan view of a conveying element of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0061] Figure 9 a schematic plan view of a conveying element of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0062] Figure 10 a schematic plan view of a conveying element of an apparatus for buffering objects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] The embodiments shown in the drawings are at least partly congruent, so that similar or identical parts have the same reference numerals and, in order to explain them, reference can also be made to the description of other embodiments or of the drawings to avoid repetition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Figures 1 to 7 A facility 10A-10E or a corresponding facility section is shown. The facility 10A-10E is preferably designed as a container processing facility. In the container processing facility, containers, preferably for a liquid medium such as a beverage or a liquid food, can be processed. In this case, the containers can be manufactured, cleaned, inspected, filled, closed, labeled, printed, packaged and / or palletized, for example. The containers can be designed as bottles, boxes, cans, cartons, flasks, etc., for example.

[0065] The facilities 10A to 10E or their devices 12A to 12E for buffering have similar configurations. The following description of the facility 10A or the device 12A for buffering therefore applies equally to the facilities 10B to 10E or the devices 12B to 12E for buffering. Significant differences are explained.

[0066] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The facility 10A is shown in plan view and segments thereof in side view.

[0067] The facility 10A has a device 12A for buffering objects, preferably containers, for example single or in bundles. For the sake of clarity, the objects in the figures are not provided with reference numerals. Instead, the objects in the figures are shown as rectangles. Figures 1 to 10

[0068] The objects preferably have a substantially non-circular cross-section, thus for example can have a substantially elliptical or polygonal cross-section.

[0069] In addition to the device 12A, the facility 10A can optionally have at least one first machine 14 and / or at least one second machine 16.

[0070] The at least one first machine 14 can be arranged upstream of the device 12A with respect to the flow of objects through the facility 10A. The at least one first machine 14 can for example have a container filling device for filling containers and / or a container sealing device for sealing containers and / or a labelling device for labelling objects, preferably containers, and / or a packaging device for packaging objects, preferably containers.

[0071] The at least one second machine 16 can be arranged downstream of the device 12A with respect to the flow of objects through the facility 10A. The at least one second machine 16 can for example have a labelling device for labelling objects, preferably containers, and / or a packaging device for packaging objects, preferably containers, and / or a palletizing device for palletizing objects, preferably containers, or receptacles. If the at least one second machine 16 has a labelling device, preferably the at least one first machine 14 does not have a labelling device.

[0072] The packaging device can be for example a shrink-wrapping machine or a fixed packaging machine or a device for manufacturing adhesive wrappings.

[0073] The device 12A has an inlet conveyor 18, an outlet conveyor 20, a buffer surface 22 and a plurality of conveying elements 24. The inlet conveyor 18, the outlet conveyor 20 and / or the buffer surface 22 are preferably aligned in a horizontal plane.

[0074] The inlet conveyor 18 can be arranged downstream of the at least one first machine 14. The inlet conveyor 18 is arranged upstream of the buffer surface 22.​

[0075] The inlet conveyor 18 has an inlet handover section 26. The inlet handover section 26 can extend in the first conveying direction F1. The inlet handover section 26 is preferably adjoined to the buffer surface 22. The inlet handover section 26 can be single- or multi-lane, but is preferably single-lane. The inlet handover section 26 preferably forms a downstream end region of the inlet conveyor 18.

[0076] The inlet conveyor 18 can be configured as multi-lane in the region in front of the inlet handover section 26 and, for example, have an overfeed and a distribution device which distributes the objects, for example, row by row, onto the optionally present multiple lanes of the inlet handover section 26, so that, for example, two or more rows which are then to be taken over by one of the multiple conveying elements 24 can stand briefly side by side on the inlet handover section 26 (as long as one row has not already been carried away by a conveying element 24) (not shown).

[0077] The overfeed can be necessary because, for example, if an object is picked up by a conveying element 24 and is to be further conveyed at the same time into the region in front, the conveying belt in the inlet handover section 26 can be stopped.

[0078] The inlet conveyor 18 can have a guide rail 27 for guiding the objects, for example, on one or both sides. The guide rail 27 can end with the beginning of the inlet handover section 26.

[0079] The outlet conveyor 20 is arranged downstream of the buffer surface 22. The outlet conveyor 20 can be arranged upstream of at least one second machine 16. The outlet conveyor 20 has an outlet handover section 28. The outlet handover section 28 can extend in the second conveying direction F2. The outlet handover section 28 is preferably adjoined to the buffer surface 22. The outlet handover section 28 can be single- or multi-lane, but is preferably multi-lane. The outlet handover section 28 preferably forms an upstream end region (start region) of the outlet conveyor 20.

[0080] For example, if the second machine 16 is a packaging machine, as many rows as there are rows or columns of packages in the packaging machine (or multiples thereof) can be formed on the outlet conveyor 20 by one or more conveying elements 24. If, for example, Sixpacks with 2 columns and 3 rows are manufactured in the packaging machine, 3, 6 or 9 rows, etc., can be formed on the outlet conveyor 20.

[0081] The inlet conveyor 18 and the outlet conveyor 20 can be designed, for example, as belt conveyors or mat-chain conveyors. Preferably, the conveyors 18, 20 support the objects being transported from below during transport, respectively.

[0082] The inlet conveyor 18 and the outlet conveyor 20 or the inlet handover section 26 and the outlet handover section 28 can be arranged with any angular position (e.g. acute, right, obtuse, stretched, reflex) relative to each other. For example, the conveying directions F1 and F2 can be oriented at a 90° angle to each other, as shown in the figures.

[0083] More than one inlet conveyor 18 and / or more than one outlet conveyor 20 can be connected with the buffer surface 22, preferably at different angular positions around the rotation axis A. Each conveyor can have its own handover section for handing over objects to and from the buffer surface 22. The respective handover section can adjoin the buffer surface 22.

[0084] The buffer surface 22 extends in an arc, preferably a circular arc, between the inlet handover section 26 and the outlet handover section 28.

[0085] Preferably, the buffer surface 22 can be modularly constructed to adapt the arc length of the buffer surface 22. This makes it possible, for example, that the inlet handover section 26 and the outlet handover section 28 can be arranged with any angular position relative to each other. For example, the arc length of a ring segment of the buffer surface 22 can be adapted by moving the ring segment in and out. Alternatively or additionally, the arc length of the buffer surface 22 can be adapted, for example, by changing the number of mutually connected, adjacent ring segment modules of the buffer surface 22.

[0086] The buffer surface 22 can be stationary. Alternatively, the buffer surface 22 can be designed as a movable conveying surface (e.g. a conveyor belt with, for example, movable mat chains).

[0087] The buffer surface 22 is preferably a pure buffer surface. However, the buffer surface 22 can also be formed, for example, by a movable FTS (driverless transport system) or AGV (automated guided vehicle). In this case, the buffer surface 22 itself can be moved and objects / containers that have been placed there by the conveying elements 24, for example, can be conveyed in a row to other machines. A further FTS or AGV can then fill the space again and take over the function of the buffer surface 22.

[0088] Preferably, no other container handling or object handling (i.e. no filling, no packaging, no heating, etc.) other than buffering is carried out on the buffer surface 22. Neither a slight heating above ambient temperature for cold-filled containers nor a cooling above ambient temperature for hot-filled containers shall constitute a handling.

[0089] By means of the conveying elements 24, objects can be moved from the inlet handover section 26 to the buffer surface 22 and from the buffer surface 22 to the outlet handover section 28. The number of conveying elements 24 can be chosen arbitrarily and can be, for example, two, three, four, etc.

[0090] The conveying elements 24 can be oscillatable about a vertical rotation axis A. Preferably, at least one vertical rotation column 30, 31 with the rotation axis A is included. All of the conveying elements 24 can be oscillatably supported on the same rotation column (not shown). Alternatively, for example, each conveying element 24 can include its own rotation column 30, 31. The rotation columns 30, 31 can be arranged coaxially with each other and with the rotation axis A. For example, a first one of the conveying elements 24 can be oscillatably supported on a first rotation column 30. A second one of the conveying elements 24 can be oscillatably supported on a second rotation column 31. Each further conveying element 24 can include a further rotation column, as Figure 2 is shown, for example, by the dashed column above the rotation column 30.

[0091] The at least one rotation column 30, 31 can carry the conveying elements 24. The conveying elements 24 are preferably supported on one side only, i.e. on the at least one rotation column 30, 31. The conveying elements 24 can protrude on one side beyond the buffer surface 22 from the movable bearing. The arc of the buffer surface 22 can be coaxial with the rotation axis A or with the at least one rotation column 30, 31. The at least one rotation column 30, 31 preferably has a rounded, e.g. circular, cross section.

[0092] At least one of the conveying elements 24 can be oscillatable about the vertical rotation axis A in a fully circumferential manner. At least one of the conveying elements can also be alternately oscillatable back and forth about the vertical rotation axis A. For example, at least one of the conveying elements 24 can be alternately oscillatable back and forth between the inlet handover section 26 and the buffer surface 22 for buffering incoming objects, and / or can be alternately oscillatable back and forth between the buffer surface 22 and the outlet handover section 28 for buffering outgoing objects, and / or can be alternately oscillatable back and forth between the inlet handover section 26 and the outlet handover section 28 for objects to pass directly through.

[0093] All of the conveying elements 24 can be used for the buffered input, the buffered output and the direct passage of objects. In this case, the conveying elements 24 can be oscillatable about the vertical rotation axis A (e.g. fully circumferentially about the rotation axis A or alternately oscillatable back and forth) to the inlet handover section 26, the buffer surface 22 and the outlet handover section 28. For example, at least one of the conveying elements 24 can also be oscillatable or oscillated about the vertical rotation axis A to move objects from the inlet handover section 26 to the buffer surface 22 only, preferably alternately back and forth between the inlet handover section 26 and the buffer surface 22. At least one further conveying element 24 can be oscillatable or oscillated about the vertical rotation axis A to move objects from the buffer surface 22 to the outlet handover section 28, preferably alternately back and forth between the buffer surface 22 and the outlet handover section 28.

[0094] The transmission elements 24 can be driven independently of each other to oscillate about the rotation axis A. For example, each transmission element 24 can have its own driver 32. The driver 32 can be arranged on at least one rotating column 30, 31. For example, a first driver 32 for a first transmission element of transmission elements 24 can be arranged on a first rotating column 30. A second driver 32 for a second transmission element of transmission elements 24 can be arranged on a second rotating column 31. The driver 32 can be designed as an electric motor, for example.

[0095] The conveying element 24 may also be height-adjustable or vertically movable. For example, each conveying element 24 may include its own driver (e.g., an electric motor) for vertical movement along the axis of rotation A, i.e., in the y-direction (not shown separately). The vertical mobility of the conveying elements 24 is preferably independent of each other. The vertical mobility of the conveying elements 24 may also be independent of the swing position of the respective conveying element 24 relative to the axis of rotation A.

[0096] As the transmission elements 24 oscillate about the axis of rotation A, they can pass by each other at different heights. This can be achieved, for example, by the height adjustability of the transmission elements 24 as explained. Alternatively or additionally, this can be achieved, for example, by supporting the transmission elements 24 offset in the vertical direction (i.e., the y-direction) relative to the axis of rotation A.

[0097] The conveying element 24 can be arranged above the inlet transfer section 26, the buffer surface 22, and the outlet transfer section 28. Depending on the swing position about the rotation axis A, the conveying element 24 can extend on the inlet transfer section 26, the buffer surface 22, or the outlet transfer section 28.

[0098] The conveying element 24 can move objects in any suitable manner. Depending on the design, the conveying element 24 can move one or more rows of objects separately.

[0099] The transmission element 24 may have a actuator 34 for moving the object.

[0100] exist Figure 1 In one embodiment, the actuator 34 has an object channel 48. A row of objects can be recorded in each object channel 48. The object channel 48 can be formed by two parallel walls, and objects can be accommodated between these two walls. The conveying element 24 can have multiple object channels 48 for accommodating multiple rows of objects. The object channel 48 can have a fixed width or an adjustable width.

[0101] The belt drives 34 can also be configured as pushers. As a further alternative, the belt drives 34 can be designed, for example, as elongated downwardly open casings which can accommodate the objects to be moved. As a further alternative, the belt drives 34 can grip the objects to be moved therebetween. The belt drives 34 can also be designed as grippers or suction devices for moving the objects.

[0102] The conveying elements 24 can both push the objects from behind when moving and support the objects from in front to prevent them from falling. Preferably, the support from in front can be initiated at least or only when accelerating and / or decelerating the plurality of objects. The pushing and supporting can be achieved, for example, by a channel-shaped or gripper-shaped design of the belt drives 34 of the plurality of conveying elements 24 or by positioning, if necessary gripping, the respective object row between two adjacent conveying elements 24 when moving.

[0103] In embodiments in which the belt drives 34 of the conveying elements 24 only push the objects, the buffer surface 22 can operate according to the FiFo principle (first in, first out).

[0104] In embodiments in which the belt drives 34 of the conveying elements 24 can lift the objects, for example, by gripping, grasping or suction of the conveying elements 24 and the height adjustability of the conveying elements 24, the buffer surface 22 can operate in a completely flexible manner, if desired. Any desired object row on the buffer surface 22 or the inlet handover section 26 can be moved to the outlet handover section 28.

[0105] The device 12A can be operated in different modes by means of a control unit (not shown separately) of the device 12A. For example, the device 12A can be operated in a buffer input mode, a buffer output mode and / or a direct through mode.

[0106] In the buffer input mode, objects can be repeatedly moved from the inlet handover section 26 to the buffer surface 22 by means of the conveying elements 24 without moving objects from the buffer surface 22 to the outlet handover section 28. In the buffer output mode, more objects can be continuously moved from the buffer surface 22 to the outlet handover section 28 by means of the conveying elements 24 than objects moved from the inlet handover section 26 to the buffer surface 22. In the direct through mode, objects can be continuously moved from the inlet handover section 26 through the buffer surface 22 to the outlet handover section 28 by means of the conveying elements 24.

[0107] By means of the control unit, different objects can also be format adapted, for example, the travel curve of the conveying elements is modified or the belt drives are exchanged.

[0108] For the exchange of the belt drives, magazine boxes with further belt drives can be provided along the outer circumference of the device, preferably in the area without buffer surface and conveyor.

[0109] The exchange can be carried out automatically.

[0110] In the following reference is made to Figures 3 to 10 An exemplary embodiment is modified. The modified features of the respective embodiment can be combined with each other in any combination.

[0111] Figure 3 A device 12B for buffering objects is shown. The belt drive 34 can be carried by the carrying section of the transport element 24 in and out. The belt drive 34 can be moved in and out radially with respect to the rotation axis A. The belt drive 34 can accompany the objects on the inlet handover section 26 during the infeed to balance the speeds with each other and to achieve a smooth takeover. When handing over the objects to the outlet handover section 28, the belt drive 34 can be moved out in order to be able to smoothly hand over to the outlet handover section 28 when the outlet handover section moves.

[0112] The belt drive 34 can additionally also be configured to be rotatable with respect to the transport element 24, preferably around a line parallel to the rotation axis A or the rotation columns 30, 31. This applies to all embodiments (shown only in Figure 3 ).

[0113] Figure 4 A device 12C for buffering objects is shown. The buffer surface 22 can extend in an arc over an angle of approximately 180°. The inlet conveyor 18 and the outlet conveyor 20 or the inlet handover section 26 and the outlet handover section 28 can be oriented at an angle of 180° to each other or in the same direction. The conveying directions F1 and F2 can be oriented at an angle of 180° to each other or in the same direction.

[0114] Figure 5 A modified facility 10D with a modified device 12D is shown.

[0115] The facility 10D can comprise at least one third machine 36 and at least one fourth machine 38.

[0116] The at least one third machine 36 can be located upstream of the device 12D with respect to the flow of objects through the facility 10D. The at least one third machine 36 can for example have a container filling device for filling containers and / or a container sealing device for sealing containers and / or a labeling device for labeling objects, preferably containers.

[0117] The at least one fourth machine 38 can be located downstream of the device 12D with respect to the flow of objects through the facility 10D. The at least one fourth machine 38 can for example have a labeling device for labeling objects, preferably containers, and / or a packaging device for packaging objects, preferably containers, and / or a palletizing device for palletizing objects, preferably containers or receptacles. If the at least one fourth machine 38 has a labeling device, preferably the at least one third machine 36 does not have a labeling device.

[0118] The device 12D exemplarily has a further inlet conveyor 40 and / or a further outlet conveyor 42.

[0119] The further inlet conveyor 40 can be arranged downstream of the at least one third machine 36. The further inlet conveyor 40 can be arranged upstream of the buffer surface 22.

[0120] The further inlet conveyor 40 can have an inlet handover section 44. The inlet handover section 44 can extend in a third conveying direction F3. The inlet handover section 44 is preferably adjoined to the buffer surface 22. The inlet handover section 44 can be single- or multi-lane, but is preferably single-lane. The inlet handover section 44 preferably forms a downstream end region of the further inlet conveyor 40.

[0121] The further inlet conveyor 40 can be configured as multi-lane in a region in front of the inlet handover section 44 and, for example, have an overfeed and distribution device which distributes objects, for example, row by row, onto the optionally present multiple lanes of the inlet handover section 44, so that, for example, two or more rows which are then to be taken over by one of the multiple conveying elements 24 can stand briefly side by side on the inlet handover section 44 (as long as one row has not already been carried away by a conveying element 24) (not shown).

[0122] The further outlet conveyor 42 can be arranged downstream of the buffer surface 22. The further outlet conveyor 42 can be arranged upstream of the at least one fourth machine 38.

[0123] The further outlet conveyor 42 can have an outlet handover section 46. The outlet handover section 46 can extend in a fourth conveying direction F4. The outlet handover section 46 is preferably adjoined to the buffer surface 22. The outlet handover section 46 can be single- or multi-lane, but is preferably multi-lane. The outlet handover section 46 preferably forms an upstream end region (start region) of the further outlet conveyor 42.

[0124] For example, if the fourth machine 38 is a packaging machine, as many (or as many times as many) rows as there are rows or columns per package in the packaging machine can be formed on the further outlet conveyor 42 by the one or more conveying elements 24. If, for example, six-pack packages having 2 columns and 3 rows are produced in the packaging machine, 3, 6 or 9 rows, etc., can be formed on the further outlet conveyor 42, for example.

[0125] The further inlet conveyor 40 and / or the further outlet conveyor 42 can be designed, for example, as a belt conveyor or a mat-chain conveyor. Preferably, the conveyors 18, 20 support the objects being transported from below during transport, respectively.

[0126] The inlet conveyor 18 and the outlet conveyor 40 or the inlet handover section 26 and the outlet handover section 44 can be arranged with any angular position (e.g. acute angle, right angle, obtuse angle, stretched angle, reflex angle) relative to each other. For example, the conveying directions F1 and F3 can be oriented at an acute angle to each other, as shown in the figures.

[0127] The outlet conveyor 20 and the further outlet conveyor 42 or the outlet handover section 28 and the outlet handover section 46 can be arranged with any angular position (e.g. acute angle, right angle, obtuse angle, stretched angle, reflex angle) relative to each other. For example, the conveying directions F2 and F4 can be oriented at a right angle to each other, as shown in the figures.

[0128] The buffer surface 22 can extend in an arc, preferably in a circular arc, to the inlet handover section 44 and / or to the outlet handover section 46. The transport element 24 can be swung at least partially about the rotation axis A to move objects from the inlet handover section 44 to the buffer surface 22. The transport element 24 can be swung at least partially about the rotation axis A to move objects from the buffer surface 22 to the outlet handover section 46.

[0129] Figures 6 to 10 Embodiments are shown in which the transport element 24 can move multiple rows of objects, respectively.

[0130] The belt drives 34 can have multiple object channels 48, respectively. The object channels 48 can be arranged next to each other. Each object channel 48 can accommodate one row of objects. For example, each belt drive 34 or each transport element 24 can comprise two, three, four, etc. object channels 48.

[0131] The belt drives 34 can be moved tangentially to the circular track about the rotation axis A, e.g. by movable carriages 50 of the respective transport elements 24. The carriages 50 can be driven by electric motors, for example. It is also possible to provide no carriages 50 and the inlet handover section 26 is multi-track, for example.

[0132] By means of the movable tangentiality of the belt drives 34 to the circular track, the object channels 48 can be filled in succession. The object channels 48 to be filled can be aligned in succession with the objects on the single-track inlet conveyor 18. For example, Figure 6 A first object channel 48 of the transport element 24 at the inlet handover section 26 is shown as being filled. After the first object channel 48 has been filled, the second object channel 48 of the transport element 24 can be filled, for example. Figure 7 In the example shown in Fig. 4, the last (e.g. fourth) object channel 48 of the transport element 24 has been filled. After all object channels 48 have been filled, the respective transport element 24 can move the rows of objects together to the buffer surface 22 or to the outlet handover section 28.

[0133] Figure 8Embodiments are shown, in which the respective width of the plurality of object channels 48 can be adjusted, preferably by means of a motor. The walls of the respective object channels 48 can be moved relative to each other, preferably pushed. These walls can be moved under path or force control. For example, the width adjustment of the plurality of object channels 48 can be coupled to each other. Thus, for example, the object channels 48 of the conveying elements 24 can each have essentially the same width.

[0134] A stop 52 can be arranged in each object channel 48, preferably at the end or opposite the respective inlet of the object channel 48. For example, it can be identified with the aid of the stop 52 when the object channel 48 is filled. Alternatively or additionally, it can be possible with the aid of the stop 52 to position the first object (and, if necessary, the subsequent adjacent objects) precisely in the respective object channel 48.

[0135] Figure 9 Embodiments are shown, in which the plurality of object channels 48 has a fixed width. Two adjacent object channels 48 can share a common (separating) wall.

[0136] In Figures 5 to 9 Embodiments are shown, in which the object channels 48 of each conveying element 24 extend essentially parallel to each other. Conversely, Figure 10 Embodiments are shown, in which the object channels 48 of each conveying element extend at an angle to each other. The object channels 48 can be oriented in a diverging arrangement from each other. For example, the respective longitudinal axes of the object channels 48 can intersect on a rotation axis or be arranged radially relative to the rotation axis A.

[0137] The application is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Rather, numerous variants and modifications are possible, which also exploit the idea of the application and thus fall within the scope of protection. All range specifications herein are to be understood as being disclosed in the following manner, i.e. all values falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, for example also as individual preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range.

[0138] List of reference signs

[0139] 10A - 10F facility

[0140] 12A - 12F device for buffering

[0141] 14 first machine

[0142] 16 second machine

[0143] 18 inlet conveyor

[0144] 20 outlet conveyor

[0145] 22 buffer surface

[0146] 24 conveying element

[0147] 26 entry handover section

[0148] 27 guide rail

[0149] 28 exit handover section

[0150] 30, 31 rotating column

[0151] 32 driver

[0152] 34 belt drive

[0153] 36 third machine

[0154] 38 fourth machine

[0155] 40 further entry conveyor

[0156] 42 further exit conveyor

[0157] 44 entry handover section

[0158] 46 exit handover section

[0159] 48 object channel

[0160] 50 holder

[0161] 52 stop

[0162] A rotating shaft

[0163] F1-F4 conveying direction

Claims

1. An apparatus (12A-12E) for buffering objects in a container handling facility (10A-10E), wherein the apparatus (12A-12E) comprises: An inlet conveyor (18) having an inlet transfer section (26). An export conveyor (20) having an export handover section (28); A buffer surface (22) extends in an arc between the inlet transfer section (26) and the outlet transfer section (28); as well as Multiple conveying elements (24) are independently driven to oscillate about a vertical rotation axis (A) to move multiple objects from the inlet transfer section (26) to the buffer surface (22) and / or from the buffer surface (22) to the outlet transfer section (28). The devices (12A-12E) are configured as follows: In buffered input mode, objects are repeatedly moved from the inlet transfer section (26) to the buffer surface (22) by means of the plurality of transfer elements (24), while objects are not moved from the buffer surface (22) to the outlet transfer section (28); and / or In buffered output mode, more objects than those from the inlet transfer section (26) to the outlet transfer section (28) are continuously moved from the buffer surface (22) to the outlet transfer section (28) by means of the plurality of transfer elements (24).

2. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1 further includes: At least one rotating column (30, 31) having a vertical axis of rotation (A), and the plurality of transmission elements (24) are oscillatingly supported on the rotating column.

3. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of conveying elements (24) are respectively oscillating around the vertical rotation axis (A) to the inlet transfer section (26), the buffer surface (22), and the outlet transfer section (28); or At least one of the plurality of conveying elements (24) is capable of swinging back and forth about a vertical rotation axis (A) to move an object, and / or at least another of the plurality of conveying elements (24) is capable of swinging back and forth about a vertical rotation axis (A) to move an object.

4. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of transmission elements (24) are capable of oscillating completely circumferentially around the vertical rotation axis (A); or The plurality of transmission elements (24) are capable of swinging back and forth around a vertical rotation axis (A).

5. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The devices (12A-12E) are configured as follows: In direct pass mode, objects are continuously moved from the inlet transfer section (26) to the outlet transfer section (28) via the buffer surface (22) by means of the plurality of transfer elements (24).

6. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of transmission elements (24) are capable of vertical movement; and / or As they swing around the rotation axis (A), the plurality of transmission elements (24) are able to pass by each other at different heights.

7. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The buffer surface (22) is modularly constructed to accommodate the arc length of the buffer surface (22).

8. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of conveying elements (24) are configured to move a plurality of objects in at least one row, such that the plurality of objects in the at least one row are pushed from behind and supported from the front during movement to prevent tipping over.

9. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 8, wherein the pushing from the rear and the supporting from the front are caused by: The actuators (34) of the plurality of transmission elements (24) are configured in a channel-like or gripper-like manner; or During movement, multiple objects in at least one row are positioned between two adjacent transport elements (24).

10. The device (12E) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of conveying elements (24) each have a plurality of object channels (48) arranged side by side for moving multiple rows of objects simultaneously.

11. The device (12E) according to claim 10, wherein: The respective widths of the plurality of object channels (48) are adjustable, or the plurality of object channels (48) have fixed widths; and / or The multiple object channels (48) of each transmission element (24) extend in parallel, or the multiple object channels (48) of each transmission element (24) extend at an angle to each other.

12. The device (12E) according to claim 10, wherein: Multiple object channels (48) on the corresponding transmission element (24) are able to move tangentially to the circular track around the rotation axis (A).

13. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of conveying elements (24) and / or the actuators (34) of the plurality of conveying elements (24) are capable of moving in and out.

14. The device (12D) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: An additional inlet conveyor (40) having an additional inlet transfer section (44), wherein the buffer surface (22) extends in an arc shape to the additional inlet transfer section (44), and at least one of the plurality of conveying elements (24) is capable of oscillating about a vertical rotation axis (A) to move an object from the additional inlet transfer section (44) to the buffer surface (22); and / or An additional exit conveyor (42) having an additional exit transfer section (46) wherein the buffer surface (22) extends in an arc shape to the additional exit transfer section (46), and at least one of the plurality of conveying elements (24) is capable of swinging about a vertical rotation axis (A) to move an object from the buffer surface (22) to the additional exit transfer section (46).

15. The device (12D) according to claim 14, wherein, The buffer surface (22) is modularly constructed.

16. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1, wherein, The object is a container.

17. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1, wherein, The entrance handover section (26) is a single-track entrance handover section (26).

18. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 1, wherein, The exit handover section (28) is a multi-track exit handover section (28).

19. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of transmission elements (24) include a plurality of coaxially arranged rotating columns (30, 31).

20. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 19, wherein, Each transmission element (24) has a rotating column (30, 31).

21. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the plurality of conveying elements (24) is capable of swinging back and forth about a vertical rotation axis (A) to move an object only from the inlet transfer section (26) to the buffer surface (22), and / or at least another conveying element of the plurality of conveying elements (24) is capable of swinging back and forth about a vertical rotation axis (A) to move an object only from the buffer surface (22) to the outlet transfer section (28).

22. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of transmission elements (24) are capable of swinging back and forth alternately around the vertical rotation axis (A).

23. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of transmission elements (24) are capable of moving vertically independently of each other and / or independently of the swing position of the respective transmission element (24) about the rotation axis (A).

24. The device (12A-12E) according to claim 7, wherein it is capable of The arc length of the buffer surface (22) is adapted by adapting the arc length of the ring segments of the buffer surface (22) and / or by adapting the number of adjacent ring segments of the buffer surface (22).

25. The device (12E) according to claim 11, wherein: The respective widths of the plurality of object channels (48) can be adjusted by a motor; and / or Each transmission element (24) has multiple object channels (48) that intersect in a corresponding longitudinal axis in the rotation axis (A).

26. The device (12E) according to claim 12, wherein, Multiple object channels (48) on the corresponding transmission element (24) can move tangentially to a circular track around the rotation axis (A) by means of a motor-driven bracket (50) of the corresponding transmission element (24).

27. The device (12D) according to claim 14, wherein, The additional entry handover section (44) is an additional entry handover section (44) for a single track; and / or The additional exit handover section (46) is the additional exit handover section (46) of the multi-track system.

28. A method for buffering an object using a buffering device (12A-12E) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, comprising: Objects are buffered from the inlet transfer section (26) of the inlet conveyor (18) to an arc-shaped buffer surface (22) by means of at least one of a plurality of independently driveable transfer elements (24), each transfer element moving a plurality of objects from the inlet transfer section (26) to the buffer surface (22) by oscillating about a vertical axis of rotation (A); and / or An object is buffered out from an arc-shaped buffer surface (22) to an outlet transfer section (28) of an outlet conveyor (20) by means of at least one of a plurality of independently driveable transfer elements (24), each transfer element moving a plurality of objects from the buffer surface (22) to the outlet transfer section (28) by swinging about a vertical axis of rotation (A).

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The entrance handover section (26) is a single-track entrance handover section (26).

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The buffer surface (22) extends in an arc shape.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein, Each conveying element moves multiple objects in at least one row from the inlet transfer section (26) to the buffer surface (22) by swinging about a vertical rotation axis (A).

32. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein, The exit handover section (28) is a multi-track exit handover section (28).

33. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein, Each conveying element moves multiple objects in at least one row from the buffer surface (22) to the exit transfer section (28) by swinging about a vertical rotation axis (A).

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