Heat treatment apparatus and method of operating a heat treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat treatment apparatus (43), such as a pasteurizer, cooler, or heater, having at least one container feeding device (1, 25) for feeding each container (40) to a mass flow conveyor (18) included in the heat treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus is adjacent to at least one container feeding device. The container feeding device includes: at least one monorail feed conveyor (2) which can be driven in a first direction (16) and is designed to convey containers in the first direction; a plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7) of a first group (8) arranged parallel to and adjacent to the at least one monorail feed conveyor (2) and which can be driven in the first direction and are designed to convey containers in the first direction; a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13) of a second group (14) arranged parallel to and adjacent to the first group and which can be driven in a second direction (17) opposite to the first direction and are designed to convey containers in the second direction. The second group is capable of feeding the containers to the mass flow conveyor (18) in a direction transverse to the second direction (22). The present invention also relates to a method for operating a heat treatment apparatus having at least one container feeding device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat treatment apparatus and a method for operating the heat treatment apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2016 205 304 A1 discloses a low-pressure storage device and / or distribution unit for containers, comprising a storage platform with a channel belt for conveying containers through the platform, and storage belts extending along both sides of the channel belt, the storage belts being driven more slowly than the channel belt. Furthermore, a supply belt for containers is present in a feed area. By extending laterally, particularly perpendicularly, to the channel belt and storage platform relative to the supply belt, by a conveyor belt specifically formed between the supply belt and the storage platform running in the opposite direction to the supply belt, and by at least one deflecting element formed in the feed area for deflecting containers from the supply belt to the storage platform, a flow of supplied containers can be selectively and reliably guided onto the channel belt, while simultaneously providing a feed area with high feed speed and compact size.

[0003] DE 10 255 814 A1 discloses an apparatus for guiding and separating container flows, the apparatus having at least one container feed, at least two feed belts, and at least one guiding element disposed in the container flow, wherein conveyor belts, which are common in transport systems, are guided in the process of guiding the container flow to separate, such that they guide the container flow to separate and separate the container flow.

[0004] Such a device may require a large amount of space in the system, and the forces acting on the container may be very high. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a heat treatment apparatus, such as a pasteurizer, cooler or heater, having at least one container feeding device for feeding each container to a mass flow conveyor, which can operate in a space-saving manner, and wherein the force acting on the container in the container feeding device can be reduced.

[0007] Solution

[0008] This objective is achieved by a heat treatment apparatus according to the invention having at least one container feeding device and a method according to the invention for operating the heat treatment apparatus.

[0009] A heat treatment apparatus, such as a pasteurizer, cooler, or heater, has at least one container feeding device for feeding containers to a mass flow conveyor, the heat treatment apparatus being adjacent to the at least one container feeding device. The container feeding device includes at least one monorail feed conveyor, which can be driven in a first direction and is designed to convey containers in that first direction. Furthermore, the container feeding device includes a first group of multiple parallel first conveyors arranged parallel to and adjacent to the at least one monorail feed conveyor, which can be driven in the first direction and are designed to convey containers in that first direction; and a second group of multiple parallel second conveyors arranged parallel to and adjacent to the first group of multiple parallel first conveyors, which can be driven in a second direction opposite to the first direction and are designed to convey containers in that second direction. Containers can be conveyed from the second group of multiple parallel second conveyors to the mass flow conveyor in a direction transverse to the second direction.

[0010] Containers may include glass bottles, PET bottles, and / or cans. For example, containers may be filled with products that will be heat-treated in or by a heat treatment apparatus.

[0011] The heat treatment apparatus can be a pasteurizer, a cooler, or a heater. In a pasteurizer, as heat treatment, the container (i.e., the product contained therein) can be pasteurized. In a cooler, as heat treatment, the container (i.e., the product contained therein) can be cooled. In a heater, as heat treatment, the container (i.e., the product contained therein) can be heated.

[0012] For example, containers filled with products can be fed to a container feeding device via a transport device, which can be located upstream of the container feeding device. This transport device can feed the containers onto a single rail.

[0013] The at least single-rail feed conveyor of the container feeding device can be considered as feeding a first group. The first group may include a first group of conveyors with a number n>1, for example, n=3. The first (n=1) of the first conveyors may be arranged adjacent to the at least single-rail feed conveyor, the second (n=2) of the first conveyors may be arranged adjacent to the first (n=1) of the first conveyors, and the third (n=3) of the first conveyors may be arranged adjacent to the second (n=2) of the first conveyors.

[0014] The second group may include a second conveyor of number m > 1, for example, m = 3 (however, the number of conveyors in the first and second groups may also be different). The first (m = 1) second conveyor may be set to be the third (n = 3) adjacent to the first conveyor, the second (m = 2) second conveyor may be set to be the first (m = 1) adjacent to the second conveyor, and the third (m = 3) second conveyor may be set to be the second (m = 2) adjacent to the second conveyor and the mass flow conveyor.

[0015] Arranging them in a parallel and adjacent manner can mean that a distance smaller than the diameter of the container can be provided between the at least single-rail feed conveyors and / or between the conveyors and the mass flow conveyors, or that a conveyor plate with a width smaller than the diameter of the container can be provided.

[0016] In summary, the first group can describe a plurality of first conveyors that can be driven in a first direction. Here, the plurality of first conveyors can be designed to be driven individually. Control of the drive speed can be achieved by a control device, which may be included in the container feeding device. The drive speeds of the plurality of first conveyors can be the same or different. Each first conveyor can include a transport surface, wherein the transport surfaces can be oriented coplanarly. The same applies to the second group, which can broadly describe a plurality of second conveyors that can be driven in a second direction.

[0017] The designation “first” or “second” is used only to distinguish the components and should not be construed as a further limitation in other respects.

[0018] The at least single-rail feed conveyor may include a transport surface. A mass flow conveyor may include a transport surface.

[0019] In a heat treatment apparatus having at least one container feeding device, if the at least one container feeding device is oriented horizontally (perpendicular to the direction of gravity), the different transport surfaces can be arranged coplanarly. The transport surfaces of the heat treatment apparatus can always be oriented horizontally (perpendicular to the direction of gravity). However, the transport surfaces of the heat treatment apparatus can also form an angle of 0.5° to 14° (inclusive) with a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0020] The container feeding device may include a conveying area in which containers from a plurality of parallel second conveyors of the second group may be conveyed transversely in a second direction toward a mass flow conveyor, the conveying area having a length at least twice the conveying width of the container feeding device.

[0021] The conveying area may be included by a second conveyor arranged adjacent to the mass flow conveyor. The conveying area may include at least a portion of the transport surface of the second conveyor, and containers can be conveyed from the conveying area by pushing containers transversely to the second direction in the direction to the mass flow conveyor.

[0022] The conveying width of the container feeding device can here be composed of the sum of the conveying widths of the at least one monorail feed conveyor, the first conveyor, and the second conveyor (e.g., the conveying width can be the width of the respective transport surface). In addition to this sum of conveying widths, optional distances between the at least one monorail feed conveyor and the first group, as well as optional distances between the first group and the second group, can be added to the conveying width of the container feeding device. Optional distances between the first conveyors and between the second conveyor can also be added to the conveying width of the container feeding device. This width can be measured in a plane perpendicular to the transport surface in the first or second direction.

[0023] Because the length of the conveying zone is at least twice the conveying width of the container feeding device, containers can be conveyed to the mass flow conveyor without creating high stacking pressure between containers. This length can be measured along either the first or second direction.

[0024] A mass flow conveyor may include one or more conveyor belts arranged side by side, the conveyor belts extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. Mass flow conveyors are generally not included in container feeding devices, but they may be included in them.

[0025] The transfer area can be positioned relative to the mass flow conveyor, allowing containers to be transferred from the transport surface of the second conveyor to the transport surface of the mass flow conveyor. The transfer area can be positioned opposite the inlet area of ​​the mass flow conveyor.

[0026] Here, containers can be conveyed directly (possibly directly via the conveyor plate / distance) from a second conveyor located directly adjacent to the mass flow conveyor to the mass flow conveyor (by the pressure of subsequent containers).

[0027] In another embodiment of the container feeding device, additional monorail (or about two or three additional monorails) feed conveyors may be provided, parallel to and adjacent to the plurality of parallel second conveyors of the second group, wherein the additional monorail feed conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail feed conveyors may be driven in a first direction and designed to transport containers in the first direction. The driving of the plurality of additional monorail feed conveyors may be performed independently.

[0028] An additional monorail feed conveyor, or one or more additional monorail feed conveyors, may be positioned between the second group and the mass flow conveyor. It or they may be considered as the feed for the mass flow conveyor.

[0029] Because the additional monorail feed conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail feed conveyors move in the first direction, this means that the distribution and transfer of containers to the mass flow conveyor can be improved in the original feed direction of the at least one monorail feed conveyor. Containers transferred from the additional monorail feed conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail feed conveyors to the mass flow conveyor can also be well transferred to the area of ​​the mass flow conveyor opposite to the end of the additional monorail feed conveyor or the end of the plurality of additional monorail feed conveyors.

[0030] The additional monorail feed conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail feed conveyors may each include a transport surface.

[0031] The additional monorail inlet conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors may include a feed length region along which a container can be supplied from the additional monorail inlet conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors to a mass flow container, wherein the length of the feed length region may be at least twice the conveying width of a container feeding device.

[0032] The conveying width of the container feeding device can here be the sum of the conveying widths of the at least one monorail feed conveyor, the first conveyor, the second conveyor, and the additional monorail inlet conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors (the conveying width may be, for example, the width of the corresponding transport surface). In addition to this sum of conveying widths, optional distances between the at least one monorail feed conveyor and the first group, optional distances between the first group and the second group, and optional distances between the second group and the additional monorail inlet conveyors can be added to the conveying width of the container feeding device. Optional distances between the first conveyors, optional distances between the second conveyors, and (if present) optional distances between the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors can also be added to the conveying width of the container feeding device. This width can be measured in a plane perpendicular to the transport surface in the first or second direction.

[0033] The length of the feed length region can be measured along either a first or second direction. The feed length region can extend along a portion of the transport surface of the additional monorail feed conveyor. Because the length of the feed length region is at least twice the transport width of the container feed device, containers can be conveyed to the mass flow conveyor without creating high stacking pressure between containers.

[0034] A track with a deflector may be provided above the transport surface of the at least monorail feed conveyor and above at least some of the transport surfaces of the plurality of parallel first conveyors.

[0035] Furthermore, the term "above" as used herein and below can also include areas where the track may be positioned not only in which physical contact with the container may occur, such as within the area of ​​action on the container, but also in areas where physical contact with the container will not occur (and the track may then exist outside the area of ​​action on the container). Physical contact can be achieved when the container at least partially contacts the track.

[0036] The track can include multiple layers, which can be arranged in a way that overlaps at least partially, like fish scales. By overlapping at least partially, one or more deflectors can be implemented.

[0037] The deflectors of the tracks can have the same or different cross-sectional shapes, depending on the location of the tracks on which they are positioned. For example, deflectors positioned closer to the at least monorail feed conveyor can have smaller dimensions compared to deflectors positioned further away from the at least monorail feed conveyor. The cross-section and shape of the deflectors can be determined in a plane parallel to the conveyor surface of the at least monorail feed conveyor.

[0038] Deflectors can be positioned along the track, for example, at equal or different distances in the longitudinal direction of the track. With the aid of deflectors in the track, containers can be dispensed from the monorail feed to the plurality of parallel first conveyors without any or very little pressure from subsequent containers.

[0039] The deflector can be designed to branch off from the track at a flat angle, the track having, for example, straight or curved extensions, and to guide backward at a steep angle. The flat angle prevents containers in contact with the deflector from tipping over and / or prevents the pressure acting on the containers (stacking pressure and / or conveying pressure) from becoming excessive. For example, a force not exceeding 50N to 80N can be achieved. The steep angle provides sufficient space for containers that have already passed the deflector to potentially move to the area behind it.

[0040] For example, if five first conveyors are provided, viewed from a first direction, the track with deflectors can initially extend straight along a first side (e.g., the right side) of the at least monorail feed conveyor, then extend obliquely along the at least monorail feed conveyor by three deflectors, subsequently extend straight along the first side (e.g., the right side) of the first of the first conveyors, then extend partially obliquely along the first of the first conveyors by means of deflectors, then extend straight along the middle of the first of the first conveyors, and subsequently extend partially obliquely along the second of the first conveyors by means of one deflector. For example, the track with deflectors is not positioned above the transport surfaces of the third to fifth first conveyors. There, another track could be provided, etc., or different types of deflection devices could be provided.

[0041] At the ends of at least some of the plurality of parallel first conveyors and at the beginning of at least some of the plurality of parallel second conveyors, above the transport surface, a concave track may be provided, wherein the concave track comprises, for example, a curve describing an angle in the range of 165° to 195°.

[0042] For example, a 180° curve can be provided.

[0043] This curve allows the transfer of containers from the second group or from the additional monorail inlet conveyor to the mass flow conveyor, i.e., the filling of the mass flow conveyor, to be decoupled from the container flow passing through the at least one monorail feed conveyor. This avoids the relatively high pressure loads on the containers that would result from backup into the at least one monorail feed conveyor.

[0044] If there are five first conveyors and five second conveyors, the concave track can be set above the transport surfaces of the second to fifth first conveyors and the transport surfaces of the first to fifth second conveyors.

[0045] The deflector-equipped track can enter the concave track design. Therefore, unobstructed transport of containers is ensured, as containers are transferred from one area of ​​the deflector-equipped track to the area of ​​the concave track design.

[0046] Above the transport surface at the end of the additional monorail inlet conveyor or above the transport surface at the end of the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors (if the transport surface is provided in the container feeding device), an additional concave track may be provided, wherein the additional concave track, for example, enters into the concave track, wherein the additional concave track includes, for example, a curve describing an angle that can be in the range of 75° to 105°.

[0047] For example, a 90° curve can be provided.

[0048] Containers conveyed from the additional monorail inlet conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors to the mass flow conveyor via the additional concave track can also be well conveyed to the area of ​​the mass flow conveyor opposite to the end of the additional monorail inlet conveyor or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors.

[0049] Above the transport surfaces of the first and second groups, and between the first and second groups, a straight track may be provided, which is designed to provide a transport area for containers between the first and second groups.

[0050] Straight tracks prevent containers from being accidentally transferred from the first group to the second group.

[0051] A transfer area is provided for the predetermined transfer of containers between a first group and a second group; the straight track is not provided in the transfer area. The transfer area for containers between the first group and the second group may include the distance between the first group and the second group (which may be less than the diameter of the container), or may include a transfer plate whose width may be less than the diameter of the container.

[0052] Above the transport surfaces of the plurality of parallel second conveyors, a stepped track may be provided, wherein, for example, the stepped track keeps the transport area free for the container. Through these steps, the container can be guided from the plurality of parallel second conveyors to the mass flow conveyor without pressure or with only very low pressure.

[0053] The step can be designed to branch off from the track at a flat angle; for example, the track may have straight or curved extensions, and the track continues at the end of the step. The flat angle can prevent the container from tipping over due to contact with the deflector, and / or can prevent the pressure acting on the container (stacking pressure and / or transmission pressure) from becoming too high.

[0054] The container can move along the second conveyor via a stepped track, inclined along the second conveyor, and / or laterally to the second conveyor. The container can thus be carried to the last of the second conveyors and, for example, transferred from there to a mass flow conveyor, or to one of the additional monorail inlet conveyors or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors.

[0055] If five second conveyors are provided, a stepped track can extend from the first second conveyor to the fifth second conveyor. Here, the track can extend obliquely on the first of the second conveyors, and a step can be provided during the transfer from the first to the second of the second conveyors. Subsequently, the track can extend from the middle of the second to the middle of the third of the second conveyors, and then a step can be provided during the transfer from the third to the fourth of the second conveyors. And subsequently, the track can extend to the middle of the fifth of the second conveyors.

[0056] Straight tracks can be accessed via stepped tracks. Therefore, unimpeded transport of containers can be ensured when transferring them from the straight track area to the stepped track area.

[0057] Looking along the first or second direction, the length of the transfer area can be 1.8 to 3 times or 1.5 to 4 times the conveying width of the first or second group (including the boundaries of the area). This length of the transfer area allows for loose transport of the container.

[0058] The at least one monorail feed conveyor, and / or the plurality of parallel first conveyors, and / or the plurality of parallel second conveyors, and / or the additional monorail inlet conveyor, or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors (if provided in the container feeding device), may each include a transport surface arranged coplanarly in a plane, wherein the plane may be at an angle of 0.5° to 14° (including the boundary of the range) with respect to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0059] By arranging the various transport surfaces coplanarly in a plane, it is possible to transfer containers between different conveyors.

[0060] Coplanar arrangements can also be provided such that the plane is not within 0.5° to 14° of the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, for example, if the angle is 0°.

[0061] The parallel component of gravity can act additionally on the container through the plane which may be at an angle of 0.5° to 14° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0062] The angle that can be included between the plane containing the corresponding transport surface and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity may be considered. The selection or determination of the range of values ​​mentioned here and further below may take into account the type of container to be transported. Despite including the angle, the container to be transported may still be transported smoothly. Despite including the angle, tipping or unstable transport of the container should still be avoided. In one type of container, when selecting or determining the angle, the height of the container's center of gravity above the transport surface, and / or the supporting surface of the container on the transport surface, and / or the stiffness of the container, and / or the weight of the container may be considered. For PET bottles, such as 1.5-liter (L) PET bottles, the angle between the plane of the transport surface and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity may include 0.5° to 2°. For cans, such as metal cans or composite cans, the angle between the plane of the transport surface and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity may include 1° to 5°. For glass bottles, such as 0.5L beer bottles or 1L soft drink bottles, the angle between the plane of the transport surface and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity may include 3° to 8°.

[0063] The angle between the plane of the transport surface and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity can be selected or determined to be as large as possible and as small as necessary.

[0064] The deflector rail, the concave rail, the straight rail, the stepped rail and / or the other concave rail (if provided in the container feeding device) may also be arranged at an angle and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity may include an angle in the range of 0.5° to 14° (including the boundary of the range) or, for example, in the range of 0.5° to 11° or, for example, in the range of 0.5° to 8°.

[0065] The container feed can be arranged on one or more support structures, and includes, for example, one or more tilting mechanisms. One or more support structures can be connected to one or more tilting mechanisms, thereby allowing the angle to be changed and / or adjusted. The one or more tilting mechanisms can be controlled by one or more control devices. The one or more control devices of the one or more tilting mechanisms can also be configured to control the drive speed of the conveyor, or the one or more control devices of the one or more tilting mechanisms can be configured independently of the control devices used to control the drive speed of the conveyor.

[0066] The container feeding device may also include a control device for controlling the drive speed of the conveyors, wherein, for example, a control may be provided in which, starting from the at least single-rail feed conveyor, towards the plurality of parallel first conveyors, a mathematical value of the drive speed decreases in a first direction, wherein the mathematical value of the drive speed of the plurality of parallel second conveyors initially increases in a second direction and then decreases again, and / or wherein the mathematical value of the drive speed of the additional single-rail inlet conveyor (if provided in the container feeding device) in the first direction is the smallest of the mathematical values, or wherein the mathematical value of the drive speed of the plurality of additional single-rail inlet conveyors in the first direction is each less than the amount of the drive speed of the slowest of the plurality of parallel second conveyors.

[0067] For example, the different drive speeds relative to each other can be non-linear. Each of the speeds can be a percentage relative to the others, or each can be a multiple.

[0068] The drive speed of the at least one monorail feed conveyor can serve as a boundary condition for the drive speeds of other conveyors (first conveyor, second conveyor, additional monorail inlet conveyor). It is possible that the conveyor positioned upstream of the mass flow conveyor can operate at its maximum drive speed. It is not possible to exceed this maximum drive speed to allow the container to be transferred from the conveyor positioned upstream of the mass flow conveyor to the mass flow conveyor.

[0069] If the drive speed of the at least one monorail feed conveyor increases or decreases, the drive speeds of subsequent conveyors (first conveyor, second conveyor, and additional monorail inlet conveyors) can also increase or decrease. This increase or decrease can be implemented non-linearly. For example, the drive speed can be increased or decreased by a percentage, or each drive speed can be doubled or halved.

[0070] The drive speed of the at least monorail feed conveyor can be between 0.05 m / s (e.g., a capacity of 4,500 containers per hour with a container diameter of 35 to 40 mm) and 5 m / s (e.g., a capacity of 225,000 containers per hour with a container diameter of 75 to 80 mm). Alternatively or supplementarily, the drive speed of the at least monorail feed conveyor can be between 0.15 m / s (e.g., a capacity of 10,000 containers per hour with a container diameter of 50 to 53 mm) and 3.5 m / s (e.g., a capacity of 180,000 containers per hour with a container diameter of 64-66 mm).

[0071] As examples of different drive speeds, the following examples are mentioned: For the at least single-rail feed conveyor, 1.7 m / s can be provided. For example, for the five first conveyors in the first group, 0.85 m / s, 0.6 m / s, 0.55 m / s, and 0.25 m / s can be provided. For example, for the five second conveyors in the second group, 0.15 m / s, 0.35 m / s, 0.4 m / s, 0.35 m / s, and 0.15 m / s can be provided. If the additional single-rail inlet conveyor is present, 0.08 m / s can be provided for it. For example, the mathematical quantity of the drive speed of the mass flow conveyor can be 0.0156 m / s.

[0072] Furthermore, the control device may be designed, or only designed, to control the amount of drive speed of the at least monorail feed conveyor, such that the at least monorail feed conveyor transports containers into a first direction at a quantity per unit time, the quantity per unit time corresponding to the quantity per unit time of a device arranged upstream of the hot container feed device. This device may be directly located upstream of the hot container feed device, wherein, for example, only one or more conveyors may be arranged between the upstream device and the hot container feed device. For example, the control device may be designed to obtain information and / or data from the upstream device, including the quantity per unit time.

[0073] The hot container feed device can be designed to provide exactly one monorail feed conveyor.

[0074] As an alternative, the hot container feed device can be designed to provide two or more monorail feed conveyors.

[0075] The at least one monorail feed conveyor, the first conveyor of the first group, the second conveyor of the second group, and the one or more monorail inlet conveyors may each extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The conveyors may be designed such that both the magnitude and direction of the drive speed are variable. These conveyors may be designed to be driven in a first direction and a second direction.

[0076] For example, there is no specification for a conveyor that can be included in the hot container feeding device described above or below and can transport the container in the nth direction, capable of describing one or more curves, and subsequently transporting the container in the mth direction, wherein the nth direction is opposite to the mth direction. This also applies to multiple conveyors that can be included in the hot container feeding device described above or below. The one or more conveyors may include, or are: the at least monorail feed conveyor, one or more of the first conveyors in the first group, one or more of the second conveyors in the second group, an additional monorail inlet conveyor, or one or more of the multiple additional monorail inlet conveyors.

[0077] The heat treatment apparatus may include a processing platform. A mass flow conveyor (in this case, one) may be arranged within the processing platform. In the case of a single processing platform, a container feeding device is sufficient to feed containers from the container feeding device to a mass flow conveyor on the processing platform.

[0078] Alternatively, the heat treatment apparatus may include two or more processing platforms, and correspondingly, two or more container feeding devices. The processing platforms can be arranged one after another in the direction of gravity. For example, if three processing platforms are provided in the heat treatment apparatus, each platform can be equipped with a mass flow conveyor, resulting in a total of three mass flow conveyors. To enable the containers to be fed to the respective mass flow conveyors of the three processing platforms, three container feeding devices can be provided accordingly.

[0079] The heat treatment apparatus may also include additional control devices for controlling the speed of the mass flow conveyors. The speed of the mass flow conveyors can be controlled based on the drive speed, or the speed of the mass flow conveyors can be specified. The drive speed can be controlled by the control devices according to the speed of the mass flow conveyors. If multiple mass flow conveyors are provided, additional control devices can be provided to control the respective speeds of the multiple mass flow conveyors. The individual speeds of the multiple mass flow conveyors can be controlled independently, or a single speed can be controlled for all the multiple mass flow conveyors.

[0080] The control device and other control devices can also be represented as a common control device.

[0081] The present invention also relates to a method for operating the heat treatment equipment as described above or below.

[0082] In this method, the control of the container feeding device can be accomplished by a control device, and / or the control of the mass flow conveyor can be accomplished by an additional control device.

[0083] If the container feeding device is controlled by a control device, the mathematical value of the drive speed of the at least monorail feed conveyor in the first direction can be in the range of 0.05 m / s to 3.5 m / s. It can also be specified that, starting from the at least monorail feed conveyor and proceeding to the plurality of parallel first conveyors, the mathematical value of the drive speed decreases along the first direction, wherein the mathematical value of the drive speed of the plurality of parallel second conveyors initially increases in the second direction and then decreases again, and / or wherein the mathematical value of the drive speed of the additional monorail inlet conveyor (if provided in the container feeding device) in the first direction is the smallest of the mathematical values, or wherein the mathematical value of the drive speed of the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors in the first direction is each less than the amount of the drive speed of the slowest of the plurality of parallel second conveyors.

[0084] For example, in control, the mathematical value of the drive speed of the at least single-rail feed conveyor in the first direction can be in the range of 1.5 m / s to 1.9 m / s, the mathematical value of the drive speed of the plurality of parallel first conveyors in the first direction can decrease from 0.65 m / s to 1.05 m / s to 0.05 m / s to 0.45 m / s, the mathematical value of the drive speed of the plurality of parallel second conveyors in the second direction can initially increase from 0.01 m / s to 0.35 m / s to 0.2 m / s to 0.6 m / s, and then decrease from 0.15 m / s to 0.55 m / s to 0.01 m / s to 0.35 m / s, and / or the mathematical value of the drive speed of the additional single-rail inlet conveyor (if provided in the container feeding device) in the first direction can be the smallest of the mathematical values ​​from 0.06 m / s to 0.1 m / s. The specified limits of the range are all included.

[0085] The mathematical values ​​mentioned above can also be provided here for control.

[0086] The statements given above apply to drive speed.

[0087] In summary, the present invention provides a heat treatment apparatus having at least one container feeding device for feeding each container into a mass flow conveyor included in the heat treatment apparatus. The mass flow conveyor is adjacent to the at least one container feeding device, and The container feeding device includes: At least a monorail feed conveyor, said at least a monorail feed conveyor being driven in a first direction and designed to convey containers in that first direction. A first group of multiple parallel first conveyors, arranged parallel to and adjacent to the at least one monorail feed conveyor, and the first group of multiple parallel first conveyors are driveable in the first direction and designed to transport containers in the first direction. A second group of multiple parallel second conveyors is arranged parallel to and adjacent to a first group of multiple parallel first conveyors, and the second group of multiple parallel second conveyors is capable of being driven in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is designed to transport containers in the second direction. In this configuration, containers from multiple parallel second conveyors in the second group can be conveyed to the mass flow conveyor in a direction transverse to the second direction. Above the transport surface of the at least single-rail feed conveyor and above at least some of the transport surfaces of the plurality of parallel first conveyors, a track with a deflector is provided. At the ends of at least some of the plurality of parallel first conveyors and at the beginning of at least some of the plurality of parallel second conveyors, a concave track is provided above the transport surface. The track with the deflector enters the concave track design.

[0088] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for operating a heat treatment apparatus according to the above description. Attached Figure Description

[0089] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand and illustrate aspects of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic top view of a first embodiment of the container feeding device is shown. Figure 2 A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container feeding device is shown. Figure 3 This shows the view from the second direction. Figure 1 A side view showing the transport surfaces arranged at an angle. Figure 4 This shows the view from the second direction. Figure 2 A side view showing the transport surfaces arranged at an angle. Figure 5 A schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the container feeding device is shown, illustrating the container distribution at a given time point. Figure 6 An oblique view of a heat treatment apparatus with two processing platforms and two horizontally oriented container feed devices is shown. Figure 7 An oblique view of a heat treatment apparatus with two processing platforms and two container feed devices oriented at an angle is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0090] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a first embodiment of a container feeding device 1 for feeding containers into a mass flow conveyor 18 is shown. The mass flow conveyor 18 is typically included in the container feeding device 1, but it may also be excluded from the container feeding device 1.

[0091] The container feeding device 1 includes at least a monorail feed conveyor 2 (referred to as monorail here, and therefore referred to as monorail feed conveyor hereinafter) which can be driven in a first direction 16 and can transport containers, for example, transported on its transport surface, in the first direction.

[0092] The first group 8 comprises multiple parallel first conveyors 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 arranged in parallel and adjacent to the monorail feed conveyor 2, each of which can be driven in a first direction 16. Containers can be transported in the first direction 16 on the respective transport surfaces of the first conveyors 3 to 7.

[0093] The second group 14 comprises a plurality of parallel second conveyors 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 arranged parallel to and adjacent to the first group 8, each of which can be driven in the second direction 17. Containers can be conveyed in the second direction 17 on their respective transport surfaces. The first direction 16 and the second direction 17 are opposite to each other.

[0094] Above one transport surface of the monorail feed conveyor 2 and above the first transport surfaces 3 and 4 of the first conveyor, a track 26 with five deflectors 27 is provided. This track 26 enters a concave track 28 above the transport surface at the end of the second 4 of the first conveyor. This track is positioned above the transport surfaces at the ends of the second 4, third 5, fourth 6, and fifth 7 of the first conveyor, and at the beginning of the first to fifth 9-13 of the second conveyor. Here, the concave track 28 includes curves tracing 180° angles.

[0095] Above the transport surfaces of the first group 8 and the second group 14, and between the first group 8 and the second group 14, a straight track 30 is provided, which is designed such that a transfer area 31 for the container exists between the first group 8 and the second group 14. Above the transport surfaces of the first group 8 and the second group 14, and between the first group 8 and the second group 14, can here refer to the area above the transport surfaces of the last first conveyor 7 and each of the second conveyors 9.

[0096] Viewed along the first direction 16 or the second direction 17, the transfer area 31 has a length 34, which is 1.8 to 3 times larger than the conveying widths 35 and 36 of the first group 8 or the second group 14.

[0097] Above the transport surfaces of the plurality of parallel second conveyors 9 to 13, a track 32 with two steps 33 is provided, which makes the transfer area 31 free for the container. A straight track 30 enters the track 32 with two steps 33.

[0098] Above the transport surfaces of the plurality of parallel first conveyors 3 to 7, there is an additional straight track 39 extending from the monorail feed conveyor 2 to the straight track 32.

[0099] Containers can be fed from multiple parallel second conveyors 9 to 13 of the second group 14 to the mass flow conveyor 18 in a direction 22 transverse to the second direction 17. For example, the container of the fifth of the second conveyors 13 can be fed to the mass flow conveyor 18 in a direction 22 transverse to the second direction 17.

[0100] The length 20 of the conveying zone 19 (indicated by the cross-section) is at least twice the conveying width 21 of the container feeding device 1, in which containers can be conveyed from the fifth second conveyor 13 of the second conveyors to the mass flow conveyor in a direction 22 transverse to the second direction 17. The conveying width 21 here is the sum of the conveying widths 35 and 36 of the monorail feed conveyor 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, and the second conveyors 9 to 13.

[0101] The drive speeds of the monorail feed conveyor 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, and the second conveyors 9 to 13 can be individually controlled by a control device (not shown). Here, the mathematical value of the drive speed from the monorail feed conveyor 2 to the plurality of parallel first conveyors 3 to 7 can be decreased individually, and the mathematical value of the drive speed of the plurality of parallel second conveyors 9 to 13 can be increased first and then decreased.

[0102] The mathematical quantity of the driving speed of the mass flow conveyor 18 in direction 22 can be minimized.

[0103] Figure 2 A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container feeding device 25 is shown. Figure 2 The same applies to the second embodiment. Figure 1 The elements of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of the first embodiment also applies to these elements in the second embodiment; only the transfer from the container feed device 25 to the mass flow conveyor 18 differs from the transfer from the container feed device 1.

[0104] In a second embodiment of the container feeding device 25, additional monorail inlet conveyors 15 are provided, parallel to and adjacent to the plurality of parallel second conveyors 9 to 13 of the second group 14. Each has multiple additional inlet conveyors, which can also be arranged one after another and adjacent to the second group. The additional monorail inlet conveyors 15 can be driven in a first direction 16 and are designed to convey containers, for example, on a transport surface in the first direction 16. Containers from the additional monorail inlet conveyors 15 can be fed into the mass flow conveyor 18 in a direction 22 transverse to the second direction 17. This also applies to the case where multiple additional monorail inlet conveyors are provided.

[0105] The additional monorail inlet conveyor 15 includes a feed length region 23 (indicated by a cross-section) along which containers can be supplied from the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15 to the mass flow conveyor 18. The feed length region 23 has a length 24 that is at least twice the conveying width 43 of the container feeding device 25. This also applies to the case where multiple additional monorail inlet conveyors are provided.

[0106] The conveying width 43 here is the sum of the conveying widths of the monorail feed conveyor 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, the second conveyors 9 to 13, and the additional monorail feed conveyor 15 or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors. The conveying width can be measured perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction.

[0107] The length 24 of the feed length region 23 can be measured along either the first direction 16 or the second direction 17. The feed length region 23 extends along a portion of the transport surface of the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15. Since the length 24 of the feed length region 23 is at least twice the transport width 43 of the container feed device 25, containers can be conveyed to the mass flow conveyor 18 without creating high stacking pressure between containers.

[0108] Above the transport surface at the end of the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15, there is an additional concave track 29, which includes a 90° curve. The additional concave track 29 enters the concave track 28.

[0109] Containers conveyed from the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15 to the mass flow conveyor 18 via the additional concave track 29 can also be well conveyed to the area of ​​the mass flow conveyor 18 opposite to the end of the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15 (in the right corner area of ​​the mass flow conveyor 18 in the figure).

[0110] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1A side view, taken from a second direction 17, shows the transport surfaces of the monorail feed conveyor 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, and the second conveyors 9 to 13 arranged at an angle. The transport surfaces are arranged coplanarly in plane 41. Plane 41 and plane 42, perpendicular to the direction of gravity 38, share an angle 37, wherein this angle can be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (inclusive), or include, for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or an angle of, for example, 0.5° to 8°.

[0111] The track 26 with deflector 27, the concave track 28, the straight track 30, the track 32 with step 33, and the additional straight track 39 are also arranged in an inclined manner, and the plane 42 perpendicular to the direction of gravity 38 includes an angle that can be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (including the boundary of the range), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0112] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A side view, taken from a second direction 17, shows that the transport surfaces of the monorail feed conveyor 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, the second conveyors 9 to 13, and the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15 are arranged in an inclined manner. In cases where multiple additional monorail inlet conveyors are provided, these inlet conveyors may also be inclined.

[0113] The transport surfaces are arranged coplanarly in plane 41. Plane 41 and plane 42, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity 38, are at an angle 37, wherein the angle may be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (including the boundary of the range), or include, for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or an angle of, for example, 0.5° to 8°.

[0114] The track 26 with deflector 27, the concave track 28, the straight track 30, the track 32 with step 33, the additional straight track 39, and the additional concave track 29 are also arranged in an inclined manner, and the plane 42 perpendicular to the direction of gravity 38 includes an angle that can be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (including the boundary of the range), or includes, for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or includes, for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0115] Figure 5 A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container feeding device 25 is shown, illustrating the distribution of containers 40 at a given point in time.

[0116] It can be seen how containers 40 from the monorail feed conveyor 2 are distributed to the plurality of first conveyors 3 to 7 via deflectors 27. In the transfer zone 31, containers 40 are transferred from the first group 8 to the second group 14. Loose container transport can occur by making the length 34 of the transfer zone 31 1.8 to 3 times larger than the conveying widths 35 and 36 of the first group 8 or the second group 14. This is evident from the free gaps between the containers 40.

[0117] With the aid of the track 32 with steps 33, the container 40 can be guided without pressure from the plurality of parallel second conveyors 9 to 13 to the additional monorail feed conveyor 15 and then to the mass flow conveyor 18.

[0118] Since the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15 moves to the first direction 16, which means moving to the original feed direction of the monorail feed conveyor 2, the distribution and conveying of container 40 to the mass flow conveyor 18 can be improved. Container 40 conveyed from the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15 to the mass flow conveyor 18 can also be well conveyed to the area of ​​the mass flow conveyor 18 opposite to the end of the additional monorail inlet conveyor 15.

[0119] Figure 6 A perspective view of a heat treatment apparatus 43 with two processing platforms 44, 45 and two horizontally oriented container feed devices 1, 25 is shown. The container feed devices 1, 25 may correspond to either the first embodiment or the second embodiment. The two processing platforms 44, 45 and the two container feed devices 1, 25 are arranged one after the other in the direction of gravity.

[0120] Containers undergoing heat treatment in heat treatment apparatus 43 can be transported via transport device 46. Transport device 46 is implemented, for example, as a monorail. To enable separate feeding of containers to container feeding devices 1 and 25 arranged on top of each other, a separation device 47 is provided, capable of separating the container flow into a first portion and a second portion. Containers can be fed to the first processing devices 1 and 25 via the first transport device 48. Figure 6 The container of the middle and lower processing units can be fed into the second processing units 1 and 25 via the second transport device 49. Figure 6 The container of the upper processing device.

[0121] Figure 7 A perspective view of a heat treatment apparatus 43 is shown, comprising two processing platforms 44, 45 and two container feeding devices 1, 25 oriented at an angle. Except for the angle 50 included between the plane in which the transport surfaces of the container feeding devices are arranged coplanarly and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, Figure 7 The element shown corresponds to Figure 6Those components. Angle 50 can be in the range of 0.5° to 14°.

Claims

1. A heat treatment apparatus (43) having at least one container feeding device (1, 25) for feeding each container (40) to a mass flow conveyor (18) included in the heat treatment apparatus (43). in, The mass flow conveyor (18) is adjacent to the at least one container feeding device (1, 25), and The container feeding device (1) includes: At least a monorail feed conveyor (2), said at least a monorail feed conveyor being driven in a first direction (16) and designed to convey containers in the first direction (16), The first group (8) has a plurality of parallel first conveyors (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), which are arranged in parallel and adjacent to the at least single-rail feed conveyor (2), and the plurality of parallel first conveyors are capable of being driven in the first direction (16) and are designed to transport containers (40) in the first direction (16). The second group (14) has a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9, 10, 11, 12, 13), which are arranged parallel to and adjacent to the plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7) of the first group (8), and the plurality of parallel second conveyors of the second group are capable of being driven in a second direction (17) opposite to the first direction (16) and are designed to transport containers (40) in the second direction (17). In this process, the containers (40) of the multiple parallel second conveyors (9 to 13) of the second group (14) can be conveyed to the mass flow conveyor (18) in a direction (22) transverse to the second direction (17). Above the transport surface of the at least monorail feed conveyor (2) and above at least some of the transport surfaces of the plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7), there is a track (26) with a plurality of deflectors (27). At the ends of at least some of the plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7) and at the beginning of at least some of the plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13), a concave track (28) is provided above the transport surface. The track (26) with multiple deflectors (27) enters the concave track (28). Above the transport surface between the first group (8) and the second group (14), there is a straight track (30) designed such that a transfer area (31) for containers is provided between the first group (8) and the second group (14). Above the conveying surfaces of the plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13), there is a track (32) with steps (33), wherein the track (32) with steps (33) makes the transfer area (31) free for the container (40), wherein the straight track (30) enters the track (32) with steps (33).

2. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 1, wherein, In the conveying area (19), containers of a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13) of the second group (14) can be conveyed to the mass flow conveyor (18) in a direction (22) transverse to the second direction (17), the length (20) of the conveying area (19) being at least twice the conveying width (21) of the container feeding device (1).

3. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The additional monorail inlet conveyor (15) is configured to be parallel to and adjacent to a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13) of the second group (14), or, a plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors are provided. The additional monorail inlet conveyor (15) or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors can be driven in the first direction (16) and are designed to transport containers (40) in the first direction (16).

4. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 3, wherein, The additional monorail inlet conveyor (15) or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors includes a feed length region (23) along which the container (40) can be supplied from the additional monorail inlet conveyor (15) or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors to the mass flow conveyor (18). The length (24) of the feed length region (23) is at least twice the conveying width (43) of the container feed device (25).

5. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 1, wherein, The concave design of the track (28) includes a curve that describes an angle within the range of 165° to 195°.

6. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 3, wherein, Above the transport surface at the end of the additional monorail inlet conveyor (15), there is an additional concave track (29).

7. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 6, wherein, The additional concave track (29) enters the concave track (28).

8. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Looking along the first direction (16) or the second direction (17), the length (34) of the transfer area (31) is 1.8 to 3 times larger than the conveying width (35, 36) of the first group (8) or the second group (14).

9. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 3, wherein, The at least monorail feed conveyor (2) and / or the plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7), and / or the plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13), and / or the additional monorail inlet conveyor (15), or the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors each include a transport surface arranged coplanarly in a plane (41). The plane (41) forms an angle (37) of 0.5° to 14° with the plane (42) which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity (38).

10. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 3, wherein, The container feeding device (1, 25) also includes a control device for controlling the drive speed.

11. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 10, wherein, A control is provided in which a mathematical value of each drive speed decreases in the first direction (16) from the at least single-rail feed conveyor (2) to the plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7). The mathematical quantity of the driving speed of the plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13) initially increases in the second direction (17), then decreases again, and / or Wherein, the mathematical quantity of the driving speed of the additional monorail inlet conveyor (15) in the first direction (16) is the smallest mathematical quantity among the mathematical quantities, or The mathematical value of the driving speed of the plurality of additional monorail inlet conveyors in the first direction (16) is less than the amount of the driving speed of the slowest second conveyor among the plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13).

12. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The heat treatment apparatus (43) includes processing platforms (44, 45); or, wherein the heat treatment apparatus (43) includes two or more processing platforms (44, 45) and correspondingly includes two or more container feeding devices (1, 25).

13. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes an additional control device for controlling the speed of the mass flow conveyor (18).

14. The heat treatment apparatus (43) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Provide exactly one monorail feed conveyor (2); or, wherein two or more monorail feed conveyors (2) are provided.

15. A method for operating the heat treatment apparatus (43) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The container feeding device (1, 25) is controlled by a control device, and / or The mass flow conveyor (18) is controlled by an additional control device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The different driving speed levels are non-linear relative to each other.

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