Method and apparatus for buffering containers in a container handling installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for buffering containers in a container handling installation. To this end, containers are deposited in groups in single rows on at least one incoming conveyor, the containers are displaced in single rows on a buffer surface laterally connected thereto by guide rails and individually driven shuttle-like shuttle members guided by the guide rails in a buffer direction extending transversely to the incoming direction, and the containers are removed on at least one outgoing conveyor laterally connected thereto in the buffer direction. The containers are also removed from and / or deposited on the buffer surface transversely to the buffer direction by means of a branch conveyor integrated in the buffer surface independently of the incoming and outgoing conveyors. Container flows can be flexibly distributed and concentrated on the buffer surface in order to combine different handling steps, inspection steps, filling materials and / or container formats with small space requirements.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a method for buffering containers in a container handling device, in particular in a filling device, and to a device for buffering containers. BACKGROUND

[0002] A method of this type and a device of this type are known from DE 10 2018 211 859 A1. According to this, a single-row container group consisting, for example, of beverage bottles can be pushed through a buffer surface without stalling pressure by means of a transversely oriented row slider. In conjunction with a container inlet and a container outlet, respectively, oriented transversely to the buffer direction, a buffer device is formed, which can buffer the container flow, for example, according to the first-in, first-out principle with efficient space utilization.

[0003] Furthermore, in order to make production processes and / or product changeovers flexible, it is increasingly necessary to be able to carry out specific handling steps in filling devices, optionally also with different handling machines, and / or in different inspection machines. For the alternative engagement of these machines, turnouts are used with which the respective product flow can be distributed to specific machines or the respective product flow can be guided from different machines to the next machine and / or can be combined from sub-flows. This generally requires considerable space requirements and instrument-related expenditure. Furthermore, buffer devices of this type must be placed multiple times at suitable locations between the turnouts and / or distribution units if necessary, which also increases the space requirements and often leads to a complex guidance of the individual product flows. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a buffer device of this type which can be integrated into a filling device in a more flexible manner and / or in a manner with less space requirements.

[0005] The method is therefore for buffering containers, in particular bottles, in a container handling device, in particular in a filling device, in particular substantially without mutual stalling pressure of the containers. In the method, containers are deposited in a single-row group on at least one inlet conveyor, the containers are displaced on a buffer surface connected transversely to the inlet conveyor in a buffer direction extending transversely to the inlet direction in a single-column arrangement kept spatially apart from one another, i.e. in spatially apart from one another buffer rows, by individually driven and guide rail guided shuttle conveyors with row sliders, and the containers are taken off on at least one outlet conveyor adjoining the buffer surface transversely to the buffer direction.

[0006] According to the invention, the containers are also taken off and / or deposited on the buffer surface transversely to the buffer direction and independently of the inlet conveyor and the outlet conveyor by means of a branch conveyor integrated in the buffer surface.

[0007] Thereby, the branch conveyor belts can additionally distribute the individual containers or container groups (container rows) in the area of the buffer face in the sense of a lead-out and / or lead-in transverse to the buffer direction, i.e. approximately row- / line-shaped. At least one incoming conveyor belt which merges in the entry area and at least one branch conveyor belt which merges downstream in the buffer direction can be assigned, for example, to different handling machines and / or inspection machines arranged upstream of the buffer face.

[0008] Likewise, at least one outgoing conveyor belt which departs in the exit area and at least one branch conveyor belt which departs upstream thereof in the buffer direction can be assigned to different handling machines and / or inspection machines arranged downstream of the buffer face.

[0009] Thus, different container flows can be transported simultaneously and / or alternately in the area of the buffer face by means of the depositing and / or removal by the branch conveyor belts and can be flexibly distributed and divided if required. Thereby, the need for additional switches and distribution units directly upstream and / or downstream of the buffer face can be reduced and, if required, even eliminated.

[0010] Preferably, the containers which are deposited by at least one of the branch conveyor belts on the one hand and the containers which are deposited by the incoming conveyor belt on the other hand are processed, inspected and / or stored directly upstream in a different manner from one another (for example with differently configured machines) and / or separately from one another.

[0011] This is understood to mean, for example, that a specific treatment, for example the filling and capping of the containers, is carried out directly upstream of the incoming conveyor belt and that an inspection, for example a sampling inspection of the individual containers, or a labelling of the containers, is carried out on the containers which were filled directly before, directly upstream of one of the branch conveyor belts. This makes it possible to particularly flexibly combine and selectively carry out different handling and / or inspection steps in the filling apparatus. Preferably, the containers which are removed by at least one of the branch conveyor belts on the one hand and the containers which are removed by the at least one outgoing conveyor belt on the other hand are processed, inspected and / or stored directly upstream in a different manner from one another (for example with differently configured machines) and / or separately from one another.

[0012] For example, the containers can be inspected directly downstream of one of the branch conveyor belts and packed directly downstream of the outgoing conveyor belt. In particular, it can be considered that the containers are supplied with one of the branch conveyor belts to an inspection unit connected thereto and that there the containers which are identified as being in order are guided back to the buffer face via at least one other branch conveyor belt.

[0013] Here, too, the transport position of the individual containers relative to the product flow can be maintained in the sense of the first-in, first-out principle. To this end, for example, the feed of the containers on the buffer surface (in the buffer direction) can be synchronized with the dwell time of the containers on the branch conveyor belts and in the inspection units or processing units connected thereto. This means that a temporarily extracted container via one of the branch conveyor belts will be directed back again by means of another branch conveyor belt into the gap produced here in the product flow on the buffer surface.

[0014] Preferably, the containers are extracted and deposited directly before and / or after the labeling, inspection or buffering by means of at least two of the branch conveyor belts. Thus, the individual processing steps and / or inspection steps can be included or bypassed in a product-specific manner and / or in a form-specific manner. Likewise, time-consuming offline inspections for individual containers can be combined.

[0015] Preferably, first containers having a first filling material and / or a first container format and second containers having a second filling material and / or a second container format are transported on the buffer surface and are extracted from the side-by-side arranged buffer devices by means of at least one of the branch conveyor belts and deposited into the rows of slides. Here, the first containers and the second containers are advanced as a mixed sequence, in particular in rows of slides loaded with first containers or second containers, to the discharge area and there, in particular, are guided into the transport channels assigned to the first containers or the second containers.

[0016] Preferably, in particular in the case of a gapless succession of earlier produced and newly produced containers, excess containers produced earlier are guided downstream at a product change / format change to a remaining container station by means of at least one of the branch conveyor belts. Thereby, at least on the entry side, an interruption of the product flow can be avoided and, during continued production, if necessary, the necessary conversion work can be carried out at the individual return transport pieces / in the inlets.

[0017] Preferably, when being extracted at at least one of the branch conveyor belts, the empty return transport pieces are driven away / lifted off from the buffer surface by means of an engageable vertical switch and are then intermediately stored. Thereby, it is avoided that the empty return transport pieces require a part of the buffer surface and thereby reduce the storage capacity of the buffer surface. Furthermore, it is avoided that the empty return transport pieces, i.e. synonymously understood as empty return transport pieces, hinder the process when the containers are extracted in the discharge area, i.e. onto at least one discharge conveyor belt.

[0018] The return transport pieces loaded with containers are here moved in the buffer direction, in particular in a lower level / layer level given by the buffer surface, while the empty return transport pieces are moved back again in the direction opposite to the buffer direction in an upper level / layer level above it.

[0019] To this end, the empty shuttle preferably travels along a vertically curved curved section and / or pivots about a horizontal axis, such that the empty shuttle runs in the upper level upside down.

[0020] Preferably, when deposited at at least one of the branch conveyors, the empty shuttle of the container to be loaded travels / lowers after intermediate storage of the empty shuttle onto the buffer surface by means of an engageable vertical turnoff. The empty shuttle can thus be placed in a gap between loaded shuttles on the buffer surface or behind a loaded shuttle on the buffer surface in order to subsequently be loaded with containers by means of the branch conveyor, to be in line in the product flow of the loaded shuttle and to be advanced, for example in the buffer direction, to at least one discharge conveyor.

[0021] The empty shuttle preferably travels in the upper level upside down to the vertical turnoff and there travels downward along a vertically curved curved section to the buffer surface and / or pivots about a horizontal axis thereon in this case. Thereby, it can be avoided that the empty shuttle has to merge into the product flow in the entry area and thereby possibly requires a buffer surface on the one hand and possibly disturbs the process when depositing containers at the entry conveyor on the other hand.

[0022] The vertical turnoff comprises in particular horizontally pivotable rail sections and / or rail sections displaceable transversely to the buffer direction. By engaging such rail sections, for example curved sections and straight sections, it is possible to close the return loop for the empty shuttle at different longitudinal sections of the buffer surface as necessary, for example in order to remove the empty shuttle from the buffer surface and / or to place the empty shuttle on the buffer surface.

[0023] Preferably, the row slides receive a single row of container groups (container rows) on both sides between a front row guide, which travels in the buffer direction, and a rear row guide, which travels therewith. In this case, the row slides clamp a guide channel for the containers / container groups, which extends transversely to the buffer direction, which is limited by the front row guide and the rear row guide, respectively. Thereby, the containers can be moved on the buffer surface relatively quickly, precisely and largely prevented from tilting when accelerating and displacing the containers in the buffer direction and when braking the containers.

[0024] The described device serves for the particularly jam-free pressure relief of single-row groupings of containers, in particular bottles, in a container handling installation, in particular a filling installation, and comprises an entry region, an exit region, a buffer surface and a transport system arranged above the buffer surface for displacing the containers on the buffer surface in a buffer direction from the entry region with at least one entry conveyor extending transversely to the buffer direction into the exit region with at least one exit conveyor extending transversely to the buffer direction. The transport system comprises shuttle elements guided on rails and driven independently of one another, the shuttle elements having a row slide oriented transversely to the buffer direction for displacing the containers in the form of single-row groupings, i.e. with the groups of single rows spatially separated from one another.

[0025] According to the invention, the device further comprises branch conveyors integrated into the buffer surface, the branch conveyors extending transversely to the buffer direction and being driven independently of the entry conveyors and the exit conveyors in order to extract containers from the buffer surface in the form of single rows and / or to deposit containers on the buffer surface in the form of single rows.

[0026] Preferably, the transport system further comprises, in particular, an empty shuttle element buffer and an accessible vertical turn-off arranged above the buffer surface, respectively, with which an empty shuttle element can be guided from the buffer surface into the empty shuttle element buffer for intermediate storage when extracted at at least one of the branch conveyors.

[0027] The empty shuttle element buffer is then preferably arranged in the aforementioned upper level / level step. In this case, the accessible vertical turn-off preferably comprises a vertically extending curved section as a component of the rail and / or a pivoting mechanism for the shuttle element pivotable about a horizontal axis to guide the shuttle element from the lower level / level step of the buffer surface to the upper level / level step and thus to the connection to the empty shuttle element buffer.

[0028] Preferably, the transport system further comprises, in particular, an empty shuttle element buffer and an accessible vertical turn-off arranged above the buffer surface, respectively, with which a shuttle element to be loaded with containers can be guided from the empty shuttle element buffer onto the buffer surface when deposited at at least one of the branch conveyors.

[0029] Again in this case, the empty shuttle element buffer is preferably arranged above the upper level / level step of the buffer surface in the aforementioned upper level / level step and is joined to the buffer surface by means of the respective vertical turn-off comprising a curved curved section and / or comprising a pivoting mechanism.

[0030] By means of the optionally connectable vertical turnouts, the lower and upper levels / stages can be connected, which makes it possible to configure a circulating track for the shuttle elements, which is flexible in the buffering direction, including a buffer surface and a shuttle element buffer.

[0031] Preferably, the device further comprises a bypass conveyor, which branches off at the start / input of the incoming conveyor and establishes a connection to the start / input of the outgoing conveyor to at least partially carry the containers. In this case, the bypass conveyor preferably extends substantially in the same level as the buffer surface, i.e. alongside and / or around the buffer surface.

[0032] It is thereby possible, for example, to keep the plant running or the production flow when an interference occurs in the region of the buffer surface, or to guide containers that are superfluous for the production process or a certain buffer reserve onto the buffer surface and buffer them there. This reduces the overall load and wear of the device.

[0033] Preferably, the row guides for guiding the containers in a single row on both sides each comprise a front row guide for advancing the containers in the buffering direction and a rear row guide for following the containers. In this case, the front and rear row guides each limit a guide channel for the containers, which is oriented transversely to the buffering direction. The containers can thus be reliably guided in a way that prevents tipping in the guide channel / row guide when accelerating and advancing in the buffering direction and when braking in connection therewith.

[0034] Preferably, the row guides / guide channels are arranged in pairs at the shuttle elements. This makes it possible to particularly effectively utilize the buffer surface by advancing the shuttle elements substantially without gaps, while reducing the expenditure for the devices for driving the shuttle elements / row guides.

[0035] The described device is preferably an integral part of a container handling device, for example an integral part of a filling device or a picking device, which further comprises a labelling machine, an inspection machine and / or other buffer devices for containers taken out and put in by means of the branch conveyors, which are connected to at least two of the branch conveyors. This makes it possible to provide a particularly space-saving filling device, which is flexibly adapted to different production conditions.

[0036] Preferably, the container handling device, for example a filling device or a picking device, further comprises a processing machine for containers preceeding the infeed conveyor, wherein the processing machine is a blow molding machine, a filling / closure machine, a labeling machine, and a packaging machine and / or a storage unit for containers succeeding the outfeed conveyor. Thereby, the described device can be used as a central junction element for buffering and distributing containers between an upstream performed manufacturing and / or processing of the containers and a downstream performed intermediate storage, packaging and / or picking of the containers. Thus, a particularly space-saving and flexible production run is given in the filling device.

[0037] The described device is preferably an integral part of a container handling device, for example an integral part of a filling device or a picking device, which has a surplus container station connected at and / or consisting of at least one of the branch conveyors for receiving surplus containers downstream of the device. These containers can be taken out of the non-monoclassically loaded discharge slides, for example, during a change of sorting or a change of format, in order to maintain an essentially uninterrupted container flow at the infeed side and thus to avoid production interruptions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the figures. Therein:

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a buffer face of the device is shown, which has a lower level / layer of the transport system;

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic side view of the device is shown;

[0041] Figure 3 A side view of a vertical turnout for empty round trips integrated into the transport system is shown;

[0042] Figures 4A-4D A top view of the vertical turnouts in different positions is shown;

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic top view of a first junction solution of the device with a filling device is shown;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic top view of a second junction solution of the device with a filling device is shown;

[0045] Figure 7 A schematic top view of a third junction solution of the device with a filling device is shown;

[0046] Figure 8 A schematic top view of a fourth junction solution of the device with a filling device is shown;

[0047] Figure 9A schematic top view of the fifth connection scheme between the device and the filling equipment is shown;

[0048] Figure 10 A schematic top view of the sixth connection scheme between the device and the filling equipment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0049] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the apparatus 1 for cushioning containers 2 while maintaining spatial separation between single-row container groups 2a includes a substantially horizontal cushioning surface 3 and a conveying system 4 disposed above it for displacing the containers 2 / container groups (container rows) 2a on the cushioning surface 3 in the cushioning direction PR. This can also be understood as the displacement of spatially separated cushioning rows for containers 2. Container 2 is, for example, a bottle. The apparatus 1 also includes an entry area 5 having at least one entry conveyor belt 5a and an exit area 6 having at least one exit conveyor belt 6a. The entry area 5, the cushioning area 3, and the exit area 6 constitute a substantially flat transfer area for containers 2 / container groups (container rows) 2a.

[0050] At least one inlet conveyor belt 5a extends in the inlet direction ER, and the outlet conveyor belt 6a extends in the outlet direction AR transversely to and in particular perpendicular to the buffer direction PR of the conveying system 4.

[0051] Multiple discharge conveyor belts 6a can be arranged side by side in the buffer direction PR and are assigned to the conveying channels 6b adjacent to each other in the discharge direction AR.

[0052] The transport system 4 includes reciprocating transport units 7 that are driven independently of each other and a guide rail 8 that is configured as a closed loop track along which the reciprocating transport units 7 run.

[0053] The reciprocating transport component 7 preferably includes at least one (viewed in the buffer direction PR) front slide block 9 and a rear slide block 10 relative to it. However, the reciprocating transport component 7 may also include only one of slide blocks 9 and 10 respectively.

[0054] The slide blocks 9 and 10 arranged sequentially on the buffer direction PR at the corresponding reciprocating transport pieces 7 can also be considered as double-row slide blocks. Each slide block 9 and 10 constitutes a single-row receiving container 2 / container group 2a, and is oriented transversely to, and in particular perpendicularly to, the buffer direction PR.

[0055] The containers 2 / container groups 2a are received in single rows in slide blocks 9 and 10, which enables feeding without stagnation pressure in the buffer direction PR, that is, there is essentially no stagnation pressure between the adjacent container groups 2a in the buffer direction PR and which are always spatially separated from each other.

[0056] The row slides 9, 10 constitute a front-row and a rear-row guide for the single-row grouping of containers 2, respectively, and thus for the guidance of the containers in the buffer direction PR (i.e. the feeding of the containers in the buffer direction PR, for example at an accelerated feed), and in the direction opposite to the buffer direction PR (in particular when the feed is braked).

[0057] To this end, the row slides 9, 10 comprise a front-row guide 9a, 10a for the front-row of containers 2 and a rear-row guide 9b, 10b for the rear-row of containers 2, respectively, and a guide channel 9c, 10c for receiving and guiding the containers 2 / individual container groups (container rows) 2a on both sides, respectively, delimited by the row guides.

[0058] The row slides 9, 10 and their guide channels 9c, 10c have a clear width 11 defined between the front-row guide 9a, 10a and the rear-row guide 9b, 10b, respectively, which can be adapted to the respective container width and the respective container diameter, preferably, for example, by means of an adjustment mechanism 12, which is only schematically shown. The adjustment mechanism 12 can be operated, for example, by means of a stationary adjustment station (not shown) arranged in the region of the transport system 4 or also manually. In order to operate the adjustment mechanism 12, the unloaded shuttle 7 / the empty shuttle can be temporarily stopped in the return run.

[0059] The row slides 9, 10 preferably extend approximately over the entire width 3a of the buffer surface 3 and preferably have a width (transverse to the buffer direction PR) of 3 to 6 m, in particular 4 to 5.5 m.

[0060] The transport system 4 comprises a lower level 4a in which the shuttles 7 with the downwardly directed row slides 9, 10 are guided over the buffer surface 3 in the buffer direction PR and an upper level 4b in which the empty shuttles 7 (i.e. in the unloaded state) with the upwardly directed (i.e. inverted) row slides 9, 10 are run along the guide rail 8 in the return direction RR opposite to the buffer direction PR.

[0061] The guide rail 8 comprises a vertically curved curved section 8a, which is preferably configured as a clothoid curve, and a straight section 8b.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1 The branch conveyor belts 13, 14 are integrated into the buffer surface 3, are arranged transverse and in particular perpendicular to the buffer direction PR and driven separately therefrom, like the at least one entry conveyor belt 5a / exit conveyor belt 6a, and more precisely, if necessary, in the branch direction VRA for the removal of containers from the buffer surface 3 and in the return direction RR for the insertion of containers into the buffer surface 3. Figure 2the opposite direction of travel VRE (exemplarily shown in the middle) for depositing containers 2 on the buffer surface 3.

[0063] The branch conveyors 13, 14 are thus primarily used for depositing or removing an arbitrary number of containers 2 to be buffered or already buffered in the respective row slides 9, 10 row by row.

[0064] In principle, the branch conveyors 13, 14 can also be driven bi- directionally, i.e. with reversible branch directions VRA / VRE, to optionally remove or deposit containers 2 / container rows 2a, as described in more detail with reference to Figure 10

[0065] Figure 1 Exemplarily shown in the middle are the rear branch conveyor 13 for removing containers 2 (viewed in the buffer direction PR) from the buffer surface 3 and the front branch conveyor 14 for depositing containers 2 on the buffer surface 3 (viewed in the buffer direction PR).

[0066] The rear branch conveyor 13 can be driven, for example, in the infeed direction AR, and the front branch conveyor 14 can be driven in the opposite direction, so that, for example, a connecting conveyor 15 communicating therebetween can constitute a loop section 15 around a sub-area of the buffer surface 3. For example, a unit 16 for processing and / or inspecting certain containers 2 can be integrated into the loop section 15.

[0067] The branch conveyors 13, 14 are driven independently of the at least one infeed conveyor 5a and the at least one outfeed conveyor 6a and can be driven or stopped, for example, by means of a control device 17 (shown schematically) of the device 1 specifically for removing and depositing containers 2.

[0068] Preferably, the device 1 is operated in such a way that the shuttle 7 for removing and depositing containers 2 is essentially stationary on the infeed conveyor 5a, the outfeed conveyor 6a or the branch conveyor 13, 14, respectively, provided for this purpose, so that the containers 2 can be infeed or outfeed from the respective guide channel 9c, 10c while the row slide 9, 10 is at a standstill.

[0069] Before and after removing and depositing containers 2, the shuttles 7 can be moved independently of one another on the basis of their individual drives and at an appropriate speed through the unloaded buffer area 3a of the buffer surface 3 and / or stepwise in the loaded buffer area 3b of the buffer surface 3, respectively.

[0070] To this end, the shuttles 7 are driven, for example, by linear motor drives or couplable transport chains (not shown, respectively), so that the respective shuttles 7 can be moved at an appropriate speed through the respective areas of the lower level 4a and the upper level 4b of the transport system 4, respectively. ​

[0071] In other words, the individual shuttle elements 7 can be moved and positioned at an arbitrary position on the principle of a circulating track defined by the guide rail 8 and for this purpose can be accelerated and braked independently of one another, respectively. Thereby, on the one hand, the distance between the individual shuttle elements 7 can be changed, for example when passing the unloaded buffer face 3a, and on the other hand, a sequence of a plurality of shuttle elements can be moved at a constant distance to one another, especially when the shuttle elements 7 in the loaded buffer face 3b are advanced towards the discharge area 6.

[0072] The shuttle elements 7 can be configured as a rotor of a linear motor, the active components of which are preferably arranged at the guide rail 8 and in this case are equipped, for example, with the associated permanent magnets. In this case, they interact in a known manner with a long stator as a separate drive for the individual shuttle elements 7.

[0073] However, other drives can also be considered, for example a servo motor (not shown) configured at the shuttle element 7 with a drive pinion, which can run along a gear ring (not shown), which is configured along the guide rail 8. In this case, the shuttle element 7 comprises, for example, guide rollers that interact with the guide rail 8. For this purpose, the drive energy can also be transmitted to the servo motor or a similar drive of the shuttle element 7 contactlessly, i.e. without a sliding contact conductor.

[0074] The shuttle elements can also have an energy store for their separate drive, for example an electric power capacitor, a battery or the like. Thereby, for example, peaks in power consumption can be compensated when accelerating the shuttle elements 7, or the energy supply can be maintained in sections of the guide rail, which cannot be supplied with continuous energy from a fixed energy source.

[0075] For the control of the individual shuttle elements 7, data transmission can take place, for example, by means of a leaky waveguide and / or a radio, for example via W-LAN, which is supported wirelessly.

[0076] Such a drive concept and control concept for the shuttle elements 7 are known in principle and are therefore not explained in more detail.

[0077] As Figure 2 As further shown, the transport system 4 comprises an empty shuttle element buffer 18 in its upper level 4b, in which unloaded shuttle elements 7 wait for depositing in the containers 2 in the lower level 4a of the transport system 4. In Figure 2 The empty shuttle element buffer 18 extends in its entirety between the curved sections 8a of the guide rail 8 on the entry side and the discharge side. The curved sections 8a are immovable and arranged outside the entry area 5 and the discharge area 6, respectively, viewed in the buffer direction PR. Thus, all shuttle elements 7 in the lower level 4a have to pass the entry area 5, the buffer face 3 and the discharge area 6.

[0078] That is to say, in the configuration shown, the shuttle 7 that is completely emptied at the rear branch conveyor 13 continues to move in the buffer direction PR over the buffer surface 3 and can then, for example, be refilled with containers 2 at the front branch conveyor 14. It is also conceivable for only a single container 2 to be removed from the shuttle 7 at the branch conveyor 13 and / or to be deposited at the branch conveyor 14. Figure 2

[0079] It is however also conceivable for the shuttle 7 that is emptied at the rear branch conveyor 13 not to be refilled in the region of the buffer surface 3, so that the empty shuttle 7 has to travel behind and / or between the loaded shuttles 7 to the discharge region 6. This consumes the buffer surface 3 on the one hand and can hinder the process when the containers 2 are removed in the discharge region 6 on the other hand.

[0080] It is likewise possible for containers 2 to have to be deposited on the buffer surface 3, for example at the front branch conveyor 14, although for this purpose no empty or sufficiently receivable shuttle 7 is available on the buffer surface 3. In this case, a wait will have to be observed until an empty, sufficiently receivable shuttle 7 travels through the entry region 5 to the front branch conveyor 14. For this purpose, the buffer surface 3 is likewise required. Furthermore, the process can be hindered as a result when the containers 2 are deposited in the entry region 5.

[0081] For this reason, it can be advantageous to arrange at least one vertical switch 19 above the buffer surface 3, which can optionally connect the lower level 4a with the upper level 4b of the transport system 4 between the entry region 5 and the discharge region 6.

[0082] Figure 3 and Figures 4A-4D Such a vertical switch 19 is exemplarily shown in Figure 4D the same state as Figure 3 is shown.

[0083] According to Figure 3 , the vertical switch 19 comprises an outgoing section 19a with which an empty shuttle 7 can be guided out of the lower level 4a into the upper level 4b and thus to the empty shuttle buffer 18, and an incoming section 19b with which an empty shuttle 7 can be guided in from the upper level 4b of the transport system 4, i.e. from the empty shuttle buffer 18, into the lower level 4a and thus into the region of the buffer surface 3.

[0084] ​To this end, the vertical turnouts 19 preferably comprise movable curved sections 8a which can be inserted into the guide rails 8 instead of the movable straight sections 8b. For example, the movable straight sections 8b can be displaced and pivoted horizontally and transversely to the buffering direction PR, so that the straight sections are disengaged from the guide rails 8. In this case, instead of the movable straight sections 8b, the movable curved sections 8a are pushed into the curved sections 8. This is shown in Figures 4A-4D exemplarily in a plan view of the upper level 4b of the transport system 4.

[0085] Figure 4A The inactive position 20 of the vertical turnout 19 is shown in which its movable straight sections 8b are integrated into the guide rails 8 in the lower level 4a and the upper level 4b, so that the shuttle 7 running in the lower level 4a passes the vertical turnout 19 unhindered from the outgoing section 19a of the input side of the vertical turnout to the incoming section 19b of the output side of the vertical turnout and thus continues to run in the lower level 4a. For illustrative purposes only, Figure 4A it is indicated that the vertical turnout 19 does not necessarily have to comprise an outgoing section 19a and an incoming section 19b. That is, the vertical turnout 19 can be configured as an outgoing turnout only, as an incoming turnout only, or as a combined turnout for alternatingly outgoing or incoming empty shuttles 7.

[0086] It is shown in Figure 4A that the vertical turnout 19 is a combined turnout at the right guide rail 8 (viewed in the buffering direction PR) and only an outgoing turnout at the left guide rail (viewed in the buffering direction PR) at the upper level. Figure 4A The shown vertical turnout 19 thus comprises two movable curved sections 8a at the right guide rail 8 which are staggered transversely to the buffering direction PR, namely one for outgoing empty shuttles 7 and one for incoming empty shuttles 7, whereas the left guide rail 8 comprises only a single movable curved section 8a, namely for outgoing empty shuttles 7.

[0087] In practice, instead, the movable guide rail sections of the vertical turnouts 19 are identically configured at all guide rails 8, respectively either as combined turnouts, or only as outgoing turnouts or only as incoming turnouts.

[0088] In Figure 4A the movable curved sections 8a are arranged in an inactive waiting position, respectively, which is staggered transversely to the buffering direction PR with respect to the guide rails 8.

[0089] In Figure 4AIn this configuration, the movable straight section 8b is integrated into the circular track for the reciprocating transport component 7, which is composed of guide rails 8, so that the vertical switch 19 is in an inactive position 20, in which the vertical switch does not establish a connection between the layers 4a and 4b.

[0090] Figure 4B The states of the vertical switch 19 when switching from the inactive position 20 to the outgoing position 21 and the incoming position 22 are shown (see respectively). Figure 4D Therefore, the movable straight section 8b is preferably shifted outward in the buffer direction PR, and the movable curved section 8a is pushed from the inside to be flush with the guide rail 8.

[0091] This is achieved, depending on the configuration of the vertical switch 19, whether it is on the inlet side or the outlet side, only on the inlet side, or only on the outlet side.

[0092] exist Figure 4B In the state shown, the transport system 4 has been divided into a circular track upstream of the vertical switch 19 (in the buffer direction PR) for the round trip transport 7 and a circular track downstream of the vertical switch 19.

[0093] Figure 4C The state during further conversion at the vertical switch 19 is shown. Accordingly, the movable straight section 8b additionally pivots horizontally from a position parallel to the guide rail 8 to a position oriented transversely to the guide rail 8. This is used to guide the reciprocating transport 7 through the gap 19c formed between the movable curved sections 8a of the vertical switch 19, so that the reciprocating transport 7 can run along the movable curved sections 8a between the upper level 4a and the lower level 4b of the transport system 4.

[0094] exist Figure 4D The image exemplifies this process for the export position 21 (upper), export position 22, and import position 22 (lower). Accordingly, an empty reciprocating transport 7 travels from the lower level 4a to the upper level 4b of the transport system 4 along its associated movable curved section 8a at the export section 19a on the input side of the vertical switch 19. This snapshot also... Figure 3 It is shown in the side view.

[0095] If the vertical switch 19 is configured as a combined switch for both exporting and importing empty reciprocating transport 7, then this in Figure 3 and 4A This is achieved only alternately in the configuration shown in 4D. That is, the gap 19c formed between the export region 19a and the import region 19b is so large that the reciprocating transport 7 can travel through the gap 19c in only one direction. This minimizes the size of the vertical switch 19 in the buffer direction PR.

[0096] If desired, a plurality of vertical switches 19 can be integrated into the conveying system 4 above the buffer surface 3. Such vertical switches 19 can be configured as combination switches, export-only switches and / or import-only switches and can be flexibly joined to the conveying system 4 as modules.

[0097] In order to switch the vertical switch 19 between its inactive position 20 and the export position 21 / import position 22, the movable curved section 8a and the movable straight section 8b of the vertical switch 19 are preferably fastened on a linear unit and are correspondingly displaced in a manner controlled by the linear unit. For the movable straight section 8b, a pivoting unit is also provided, which can be driven, for example, by a fitted servo motor. Suitable embodiments for the fitted linear unit and the servo motor are known in principle and are therefore not depicted in the drawing.

[0098] The respectively inserted movable curved section 8a or straight section 8b is preferably mechanically delimited with the section of the guide rail 8 adjoining it in order to stabilize its flush connection and to support the straight section 8b on both sides, respectively. The displacement of the movable curved section 8a and the straight section 8b and the pivoting of the straight section 8b can be implemented, for example, by means of a reverse crank rocker and / or an electric cylinder. The displacement can also be implemented, if desired, by means of a toothed belt drive or the like.

[0099] The vertical switch 19 can vertically, i.e. between different levels 4a, 4b of the conveying system 4, divert empty shuttle transport pieces 7, thereby purposefully leading them out of and / or into the area of the branch conveyor belts 13, 14.

[0100] In principle, this can also be implemented with more than two superimposed levels 4a, 4b of the conveying system 4 (not shown).

[0101] The superimposed arrangement of the levels 4a, 4b of the conveying system 4 in the form of levels reduces the surface usage for buffering empty shuttle transport pieces 7 and enables particularly efficient operation for leading them in / out of the buffer surface 3 with at least one vertical switch 19.

[0102] The vertical switch 19 enables the leading in / leading out of empty shuttle transport pieces 7 without the shuttle transport pieces 7 being conveyed transversely relative to the buffer direction PR. The running gear of the shuttle transport pieces 7 can therefore be oriented fixedly and thus does not have to be rotated horizontally, which reduces design costs and dimensions.

[0103] The vertical switch 19 achieves a space-saving arrangement of the buffer 18 for the shuttle 7 and a simplified running gear and drive of the shuttle 7 in comparison with known horizontal switches. In the case of horizontal switches with a large track gauge, a shuttle with a running gear that is rotatable and has separate drives for the right and left rails is usually required, whereas the shuttle 7 of the device 1 requires only a single drive motor (not shown) each, which in this case is connected to the running gear (not shown) for the right and left rails 8, for example via a cardan shaft.

[0104] Figure 5 A first filling device 31 is shown schematically, which has the device 1, a first treatment machine 32, a second treatment machine 33 and a roundabout conveyor 34 between the entry area 5 and the discharge area 6 of the device 1.

[0105] The filling device 31 furthermore comprises a horizontal switch 35, which can optionally connect a first conveyor 36, which adjoins the output 32a of the first treatment machine 32, to the entry conveyor 5a of the device 1 and to the roundabout conveyor 34. The discharge conveyor 6a of the device 1 is connected to the input 33a of the second treatment machine 33 via a second conveyor 37. It can furthermore be seen that the device 1 comprises a rear branch conveyor 13 for removing containers 2 and a front branch conveyor 14 for storing containers 2 removed with the rear branch conveyor 13 back to the buffer surface 3. The branch conveyors 13, 14 are connected to one another by a roundabout section 15 and an inspection unit 16. In the inspection unit 16, individual containers can be inspected, for example at random, wherein the containers 2 to be inspected can be removed from the guide channels 9c, 10c of the discharge slides 9, 10 or the inspected containers 2 can be stored in the guide channels 9c, 10c of the discharge slides 9, 10 flexibly via the branch conveyors 13, 14.

[0106] For example, smaller fractions 2c of the containers 2 fed in from the first treatment machine 32 in a fraction 2b supplied to the entry area 5 of the device 1 can be removed from the buffer surface 3 in order to perform more time-consuming off-line inspections, such as optical measurements, laboratory checks and / or visual sampling. The fractions 2c of the containers 2 can then be stored again on the buffer surface 3, if necessary also in a reduced extent, depending on the type of inspection / sampling. Here, the storage and removal can take place while observing the first-in, first-out principle.

[0107] Via the roundabout conveyor 34, fractions 2d of the containers 2 fed in from the first treatment machine 32 can be guided to the second treatment machine 33 without the entry area 5 of the device 1 and the buffer surface 3.

[0108] This can be advantageous, for example, if storage operations on buffer surface 3 are disrupted and / or if only a specific portion 2b of containers 2 from the first processor 32 needs to be guided through buffer surface 3 in the sense of container overload or safety reserve. This can also be considered in routine production operations to minimize the load and wear on unit 1.

[0109] The first processing machine 32 may be, for example, a labeling machine, and the second processing machine 33 may be, for example, a packaging machine. Similarly, the first processing machine 32 may be a filling / capping machine, and the second processing machine 33 may be a labeling machine. The processing machine 32 may also include a combination of a blow molding machine, a labeling machine, a filling machine, and a subsequent capping machine.

[0110] Depending on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle that may need to be followed, the container inlet (e.g., to inlet area 5) and container outlet (e.g., from outlet area 6) at device 1, and the container inlet and outlet at branch conveyor belts 13, 14, can be arranged on the same side or opposite side of buffer surface 3 (viewed transversely to the buffer direction PR, respectively). For example, the branch conveyor belts 13, 14 and / or the bypass conveyor belt 34, as well as the conveyor belt 36 upstream of device 1 and / or the conveyor belt 37 downstream of device 1, can extend around buffer surface 3 to form a loop. For example, by using the bypass conveyor belt 34, the order of containers 2 can be intentionally reversed to comply with the FIFO principle.

[0111] Figure 6 The second filling device 41 is schematically shown, which has a device 1, a first processor 42, a second processor 43 and a third processor 44.

[0112] Accordingly, containers 2 of different intermediate product stages, such as directly after filling / capping and directly after labeling, can be buffered in the device 1 simultaneously and, in this case, on the same buffer surface 3.

[0113] according to Figure 6 For example, the two outputs 42a and 42b of a first processor 42 used for filling and capping container 2 are connected to the inlet area 5 of device 1. Furthermore, the input 43a of a second processor 43, such as a labeling machine, is connected to a rear branch conveyor belt 13, and the output 43b of the second processor 43 is connected to a front branch conveyor belt 14. The discharge area 6 of device 1 is connected to the input 44a of a third processor 3, such as a packaging machine.

[0114] Accordingly, the container 2 from the first processor 1 can be supplied to the buffer surface 3 from the two outputs 42a, 42b and thus via two tracks, but if necessary, it can also be supplied from one of the outputs 42a, 42b of the first processor 42 via only one track.

[0115] Container 2 is preferably removed from buffer surface 3 in a track manner, supplied to second processor 43, and then guided back to buffer surface 3 in a track manner from second processor 43, where it is stored again.

[0116] If necessary, a buffer area 3c for empty reciprocating transport pieces 7 can be provided on the buffer surface 3 between the branch conveyor belts 13 and 14. If necessary, the aforementioned vertical switch 19 can also be constructed between the branch conveyor belts 13 and 14, for example, a vertical switch 19 for leading empty reciprocating transport pieces 7 out of the area of ​​the rear branch conveyor belt 13 and a vertical switch 19 for leading empty reciprocating transport pieces 7 into the area of ​​the front branch conveyor belt 14.

[0117] In principle, the connection between the processors 42, 43, 44 and the device 1 can be constructed in the form of a single track and / or multiple tracks.

[0118] Alternatively, the first processor 42 may include two independent processing units, configured, for example, to process different filling materials and / or container sizes. In this case, one processing unit may be connected to an output 42a of the first processor 42, and the other processing unit may be connected to another output 42b. In this case, containers may be supplied alternately on different conveyor belts of the device 1 according to the filling material and container size, if desired.

[0119] This can also be considered for a second processor 43, which may also include independent processing units, for example, to apply different label types to containers 2 according to filling materials and / or container specifications. In principle, the description of the first processor 42 and the second processor 43 also applies to a third processor 44, which may include independent units to process containers 2 in parallel or alternately, for example, according to filling materials and / or container specifications.

[0120] In principle, it is also possible to arrange the first processor 42 and / or the second processor 43 and / or the third processor 44 on different sides of the buffer surface 3 (transverse to the buffer direction PR).

[0121] Figure 7 The third filling device 51 is schematically shown, which has a device 1, a first processor 52, a second processor 53, and a buffer device 54 arranged side by side for buffering the container 2 in substantially the same working principle as the device 1. The first processor 52 includes a separate first processing unit 52a and a separate second processing unit 52b.

[0122] Accordingly, the buffer device 54 arranged side by side comprises an entry area 55, a discharge area 56 and at least one branch conveyor 57 which is integrated into the buffer face of the buffer device 54 arranged side by side in analogy to the device 1.

[0123] Accordingly, the first processing unit 52a of the first processing machine 52 is connected on the output side to the entry area 5 of the device 1, while the second processing unit 52b of the first processing machine 52 is connected on the discharge side to the entry area 55 of the buffer device 54 arranged side by side.

[0124] Furthermore, the rear branch conveyor 13 of the device 1 is connected to, or identical with, the branch conveyor 57 of the buffer device 54 arranged side by side for taking the containers 2 out of the device 1 and storing them into the buffer device 54 arranged side by side.

[0125] Furthermore, the discharge area 56 of the buffer device 54 arranged side by side is connected to, or identical with, the front branch conveyor 14 of the device 1 for taking the containers 2 out of the buffer device 54 arranged side by side and storing them into the device 1.

[0126] The discharge area 6 of the device 1 is preferably connected to the second processing machine 53 in a multi-track manner.

[0127] The processing units 52a, 52b of the first processing machine 52 which are independent of each other are preferably used for identical processing steps, for example the filling and capping of the containers 2 or the labelling of the containers 2 or the filling, capping and labelling of the containers 2. The processing units 52a, 52b can however also comprise a combination of the following processing steps: the forming of the containers 2 in a blow moulding machine, the labelling of the containers 2 in a labelling machine, the filling and capping of the containers 2 in a filling machine and a subsequent capping machine. However, different filling materials and / or different container formats are preferably processed in the processing units 52a, 52b.

[0128] Thus, different container formats and / or filling materials can be buffered, i.e. stored and transported, on the buffer face 3 of the device 1 and on the buffer face of the buffer device 54 arranged side by side.

[0129] This is shown in Figure 7 by different symbols for the containers 2, 2' which are processed in the processing units 52a, 52b. Accordingly, the containers 2, 2' which are manufactured in the processing units 52a, 52b can also be advanced in a mixed sequence to the discharge area 6 of the device 1 and accordingly distributed in a mixed manner onto the transport channels 6b of the buffer device 54 arranged side by side in the case of the latter. Accordingly, the second processing machine 53 can be supplied in parallel with containers 2, 2' having different filling materials and / or different container formats. Thus, different container formats, so-called mixed packs, can be produced.

[0130] Figure 8 A fourth filling installation 61 is schematically shown, which has a plurality of devices 1 according to at least one of the above-described embodiments, which are connected to one another by means of a plurality of branch conveyors 13, 14 transversely to the respective buffer direction PR. Furthermore, at least one first processing machine 62, for example with separate processing units 62a, 62b, can be connected at the devices 1; at least one second processing machine 63 with separate processing units 63a, 63b; at least one third processing machine 64 with separate processing units 64a, 64b; a buffer device 65 of conventional construction and / or a product store 66, etc.

[0131] The devices 1 are arranged transversely to one another with respect to their respective buffer direction PR and are connected to one another by means of entry conveyors 5a, exit conveyors 6a and / or branch conveyors 13, 14 transversely to the respective buffer direction PR. In accordance therewith, the buffer directions PR of the individual devices 1 can also be different from one another, for example in the reverse direction. It is also conceivable that the buffer direction PR of at least one of the devices 1 is reversible. This is schematically shown in Figure 8 The middle device 1 is schematically shown in the middle by means of a double arrow.

[0132] The first processing machine 62 with separate processing units 62a, 62b is preferably used for a first production step, for example the filling and capping of the containers 2. The second processing machine 63 with separate processing units 63a, 63b is preferably used for another processing step, for example the packaging of the containers 2. The third processing machine 64 with separate processing units 64a, 64b is preferably used again for a different processing step, for example the labelling of the containers 2. In the respective separate processing units of the above-described processing machines, for example different filling materials and / or different container formats can be processed.

[0133] Thus, with the filling installation 61 different filling materials and / or container formats can be flexibly processed, if required, the empty shuttle buffer 68 can also be integrated into one of the buffer faces 3 of the devices 1. The conventional buffer 65 is for example a circulating buffer or a spiral buffer.

[0134] The store 66 can for example be used to store individual or grouped containers 2 separately, or also together with the assigned shuttles 7. The store 66 can also constitute a store for the loaded shuttles 7. Thereby, the buffer capacity of the filling installation 61 can be flexibly and, if required, also retroactively adjusted.

[0135] The store 66 can also comprise a plurality of store levels, in order to reduce the space requirement for the filling installation 61. Figure 9A fifth filling device 71 is schematically shown, wherein the empty shuttle 7 can be moved back and forth between the buffer surface 3 of the respective device 1 and at least one storage level arranged thereon for empty and / or loaded shuttles 7 by means of a lifting system 72.

[0136] The lifting system 72 is exemplarily shown with a first lifter 72a at one of the end sides of the device 1, a second lifter 72b at the other end side of the device 1, and a lifter 72c therebetween and arranged on at least two of the buffer surfaces 3.

[0137] Thereby, loaded and empty shuttles 7 can be flexibly distributed on different levels without the need to direct the shuttles 7 upside down to the respective upper level. That is, only by means of the lifting system 72 with the lifters 72a, 72b, 72c, the storage, displacement and again withdrawal from the different levels of the device 1 is possible.

[0138] For the sake of completeness, a first processing machine 73 for performing a first processing step of the containers 2, a second processing machine 74 for performing a second processing step on the containers 2, a third processing machine 75 for performing a third processing step on the containers 2, and a fourth processing machine 76 for performing a fourth processing step on the containers 2, a fifth processing machine 77 for performing a fifth processing step on the containers 2, a sixth processing machine 78 for performing a sixth processing step on the containers 2 are shown.

[0139] The first to sixth processing steps are preferably different from each other and can also comprise or be an inspection of the containers 2. By means of the device 1 and its engagement to the exemplarily described filling devices 31, 41, 51, 61 and 71, a flexible production scheme can be performed with a relatively small space requirement and with a buffer operation maintaining a pressure-free stalling of the containers, i.e. without stalling pressure of the containers relative to each other, in terms of different filling materials and container formats and in terms of different production states, such as different device loads, disturbance situations, etc.

[0140] However, a shortening of the production changeover is also desirable. Since, typically, after the entry of remaining containers 2 from an earlier production class, for example in the area of a preceding turnstile, the feeding of containers into the device 1 must be blocked. The remaining containers 2a are fed through the device 1 as far as possible and are processed. However, as soon as one or more channels in the inlet of the packaging machine arranged downstream can no longer be filled, this inlet is blocked. The packaging machine is emptied and the remaining containers in the channels must be removed manually, if necessary. Then a format changeover of the device 1 and the inlet of the packaging machine, the shuttles, the outlet is carried out. After the changeover, the inlet is unblocked and a new container class is supplied.

[0141] In contrast thereto, the simplified solution enables the implementation of Figure 10 A sixth filling device 81 is schematically shown in Fig. 3, which has the apparatus 1 and a remaining container station 82 connected to a plurality of, preferably bidirectionally driven, branch conveyors 13, 14. The remaining container station 82 can for this purpose comprise, for example, storage belts 83, 84 constructed in the extension of the branch conveyors 13, 14. The branch conveyors 13, 14 can also be correspondingly extended into the remaining container station 82.

[0142] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 is exemplarily shown with an entry area 5 with entry conveyors 5a, 5b; with an exit area 6 with exit conveyors 6a; with a buffer surface 3; with a shuttle 7; and with a guide rail 8 of a transport system 4.

[0143] The working principle of the remaining container station 82 is for example realized in the following way without changing the container diameter in the production changeover from the earlier produced containers 2 to the newly produced containers 2'.

[0144] Accordingly, the containers 2 of the former container type and the containers 2' of the new container type can be connected to each other without a gap in the single-row entry into the area of the apparatus 1.

[0145] The row slides 9, 10, which are thus not single-type, loaded with the former containers and the new containers 2, 2', are emptied from one of the branch conveyors 13, 14 as necessary, and the containers 2, 2' are thus deposited in the container station 82 as a remaining container group 85 comprising a mix of earlier produced and newly produced.

[0146] There, if necessary, other remaining container groups 86 of the single type from the earlier production can already be present, which do not require further processing downstream in the packaging machine (not shown) if necessary. However, in principle, it is possible to introduce them again into the apparatus 1 at the next production of the same type.

[0147] The not single-type remaining container group 85 is removed from the container station 82, or it can be reclassified there as a single-type remaining container group 86 to be introduced again in the next production as well.

[0148] In order to prevent an undesirable type mix of the packages to be produced in the packaging machine during a product changeover, for example, the number of containers 2, 2' stored for each row slide 9, 10 can correspond to a multiple of the containers 2, 2' required for each package in the transport direction (in the case shown, three times). Alternatively, for example, undesirable type mix packages can be detected and ejected after the packaging machine.

[0149] When the container diameter changes, for example, the following format change occurs:

[0150] After feeding the remaining containers 2 of the earlier production into the device 1, the inlet is blocked, for example in the empty shuttle buffer 18, to subsequently adjust the inlet and the shuttles 7 manually or automatically according to the new container diameter.

[0151] After the conversion of the inlet and the available first shuttles 7, the inlet is unblocked and subsequently the containers 2' of the new gauge are supplied directly in order to avoid a standstill as much as possible.

[0152] During the entire conversion phase, the device 1 can process the containers 2 of the earlier production uninterruptedly and the excess remaining container groups 85, 86 of the earlier production (as described above) travel into the remaining container station 82. Thus, a changeover / gauge change can be carried out on-the-fly in a time-saving manner.

Claims

1. A method for buffering containers (2) in a filling apparatus, wherein the containers are stored in single-row groups on at least one inlet conveyor belt (5a), the containers are moved in a single row in a buffer direction (PR) extending laterally in the inlet direction (ER) by a guide rail on a buffer surface (3) adjacent to it, and the containers are removed on at least one outlet conveyor belt (6a) adjacent to it laterally in the buffer direction, wherein the reciprocating transport is driven individually, on the one hand, enabling the distance between the individual reciprocating transports to be varied, and on the other hand, enabling a sequence of multiple reciprocating transports to move at constant distances from each other, and wherein the containers (2) are removed from and / or stored on the buffer surface by means of a branch conveyor belt integrated in the buffer surface laterally in the buffer direction and independently of the inlet and outlet conveyors.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container (2) stored on one side by at least one of the branch conveyor belts and the container stored on the other side by the inlet conveyor belt (5a) are processed, inspected and / or stored directly upstream in different ways and / or separately from each other.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The container (2) taken out on one side by at least one of the branch conveyor belts and the container taken out on the other side by the discharge conveyor belt (6a) are directly processed, inspected and / or stored downstream in different ways and / or separately from each other.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The container (2) is taken out and stored directly before and / or after labeling, inspection or buffering by means of at least two of the branch conveyor belts.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A first container having a first filling material and / or a first container specification, and a second container having a second filling material and / or a second container specification (2') are transported on the buffer surface (3) and removed from the side-by-side buffer device (54) by means of at least one of the branch conveyor belts and stored in the discharge slide, wherein the first container and the second container are moved forward as a mixed sequence to the discharge area (6) and there are guided into the transport channel (6b) provided for the first container or the second container, thereby producing a so-called mixed package of mixed container specifications.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first container and the second container move forward to the discharge area (6) in the slide block containing the first container or the second container.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When a product / specification change occurs, the excess containers (2) produced earlier are led out downstream to the remaining container station (82) via at least one of the branch conveyor belts.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the case of seamless entry of earlier and new containers, when there is a product change / specification change, the excess containers (2) produced earlier are led out downstream to the remaining container station (82) by means of at least one of the branch conveyor belts.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When removed from at least one of the branch conveyor belts, the emptied reciprocating transport (7) is driven away / lifted from the buffer surface (3) by means of a vertical switch (19) and then stored in the middle.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When stored at at least one of the branch conveyor belts, the reciprocating transport item (7) to be loaded travels / lowers onto the buffer surface (3) after being stored in the middle by means of a vertical switch (19) that can be engaged.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The slide block is arranged in a single row and receives the container group on both sides between the front row guide and the following rear row guide, which move forward along the buffer direction.

12. An apparatus (1) for cushioning single-row grouped containers (2) in a filling device in a manner free from clogging pressure, comprising a cushioning surface (3) and a conveying system (4) disposed above the cushioning surface, the conveying system being used to displace the containers on the cushioning surface in a cushioning direction (PR) from an entry area (5) having at least one entry conveyor belt (5a) extending transversely to the cushioning direction (PR) to an exit area (6) having an exit conveyor belt (6a) extending transversely to the cushioning direction, wherein the conveying system comprises reciprocating transport components (7) guided on guide rails (8) and driven independently of each other, the reciprocating transport components... The conveyor has a sliding block oriented transversely to the buffer direction for shifting the containers in a single-row group, wherein the reciprocating conveyors are driven independently, on the one hand, enabling the change of distance between the individual reciprocating conveyors, and on the other hand, enabling a sequence of multiple reciprocating conveyors to move at a constant distance from each other. The device also includes a branch conveyor belt integrated into the buffer surface, the branch conveyor belt extending transversely to the buffer direction and driven independently of the inlet conveyor belt and the outlet conveyor belt, so as to remove the containers from the buffer surface in a single row and / or store the containers on the buffer surface in a single row.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The transport system (4) also includes an empty reciprocating transport buffer (18) and a vertical switch (19) that can be connected to guide the empty reciprocating transport (7) from the buffer surface to the empty reciprocating transport buffer for intermediate storage when it is taken out at least one of the branch conveyor belts.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The empty round-trip transport buffer section (18) and the vertical switch (19) that can be connected are respectively arranged above the buffer surface (3).

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The transport system (4) also includes an empty reciprocating transport buffer (18) and a vertical switch (19) that can be connected to guide the reciprocating transport (7) to be loaded from the empty reciprocating transport buffer to the buffer surface when stored at least one of the branch conveyor belts.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The empty round-trip transport buffer section (18) and the vertical switch (19) that can be connected are respectively arranged above the buffer surface (3).

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, A bypass conveyor belt (34) is also provided, which branches at the starting point / input section of the inlet conveyor belt (5a) by means of a horizontal switch (35) and establishes a connection with the starting point / input section of the outlet conveyor belt (6a) to transport the container (2) at least in proportion.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The slide block for guiding the container (2) in a single row on both sides includes a front row guide that moves the container forward in the buffer direction (PR) and a rear row guide that moves the container along with it.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The sliding blocks are arranged in pairs at the reciprocating transport piece (7).

20. A container handling apparatus having the means (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, further comprising a labeling machine, an inspection machine and / or other buffering means (54) for containers (2) being taken out and stored by means of said branch conveyor belts connected to at least two of them.

21. The container handling apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that, It also includes a processing machine for the container (2) positioned upstream of the inlet conveyor belt (5a), wherein the processing machine is a blow molding machine, a filling / capping machine, a labeling machine, or a combination of a blow molding machine, a labeling machine, a filling machine, and a capping machine; and a packaging machine and / or storage unit for the container connected downstream of the outlet conveyor belt (6a).

22. The container handling apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The container handling equipment is a filling equipment.

23. A container handling apparatus having a device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, further comprising a surplus container station (82) connected at at least one of the branch conveyor belts and / or formed by the branch conveyor belts for receiving excess containers (2) downstream of the device.

24. The container handling apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that, The container handling equipment is a filling equipment.

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