Container supply apparatus and methods for operating the container supply apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container supply device (1, 25) for supplying containers (40) to a material flow conveyor (18), the container supply device comprising: at least a single row of feed conveyors (2) capable of being driven along a first direction (16) and configured to convey containers along the first direction; a first group (8) arranged parallel to and adjacent to the at least single row of feed conveyors (2) and consisting of a plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7), the first conveyors being capable of being driven along the first direction and configured to convey containers (40) along the first direction; and a second group (14) arranged parallel to and adjacent to the first group and consisting of a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13), the second conveyors being capable of being driven along a second direction (17) and configured to convey containers along the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. Containers can be discharged from the second group in a direction (22) toward the material flow conveyor (18) in a transverse manner to the second direction. The invention also relates to a method for operating the container supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container supply device according to the following technical solution and a method for operating the container supply device according to the following technical solution. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2016 205 304 A1 discloses a low-pressure storage device and / or distribution unit for containers, including a storage platform having a continuous belt for conveying containers through the storage platform and a storage belt extending on both sides along the continuous belt and capable of being driven more slowly than the continuous belt. A feed belt for the containers is also provided in the feed area. Since the feed belt extends laterally, and especially perpendicularly, to the continuous belt and the storage belt, a transfer belt traveling in the opposite direction to the feed belt is constructed between the feed belt and the storage platform, and at least one offset element is constructed in the feed area for offsetting containers from the feed belt onto the storage platform. This allows for selective and reliable guidance of a flow of supplied containers onto the continuous belt, while simultaneously providing a feed area with high feed speed and compact dimensions.

[0003] DE 10 255 814 A1 discloses an apparatus for guiding a flow of containers to separate and subdivide each other, having at least one container feed section, at least two feed belts and at least one guiding element arranged in the flow of containers, wherein a conveyor belt commonly used in transport equipment is guided within the separation guide section such that the conveyor belt guides the flow of containers to separate and subdivide each other.

[0004] Such a device may require a large footprint in the equipment and the forces acting on the container may be significant. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a container supply device that can operate in a space-saving manner and reduce the force acting on the container.

[0007] Solution

[0008] This objective is achieved by a container supply device according to the following technical solution and a method for operating the container supply device according to the following technical solution. Other features of the invention are also disclosed in the following technical solution.

[0009] A container supply device for supplying containers to a material flow conveyor includes at least a single row of infeed conveyors that can be driven in a first direction and configured to convey containers in that first direction. Furthermore, the container supply device includes: a first group consisting of a plurality of parallel-arranged first conveyors arranged parallel to and adjacent to the at least single row of infeed conveyors, the first conveyors being driven in the first direction and configured to convey containers in that first direction; and a second group consisting of a plurality of parallel-arranged second conveyors arranged parallel to and adjacent to the first group of parallel-arranged first conveyors, the second conveyors being driven in a second direction and configured to convey containers in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Containers can be discharged from the second group of parallel-arranged second conveyors in a direction toward the material flow conveyor, transverse to the second direction.

[0010] Containers may include glass bottles, PET bottles, and / or cans. Material flow conveyors are typically not included in the container supply unit, but may be included therein.

[0011] At least a single row of feed conveyors can be considered as feeders to the first group. The first group may include a number of first conveyors of n>1, for example, n=3. The first first conveyor (n=1) of the first conveyors may be arranged adjacent to at least a single row of feed conveyors, the second first conveyor (n=2) of the first conveyors may be arranged adjacent to the first first conveyor (n=1) of the first conveyors, and the third first conveyor (n=3) of the first conveyors may be arranged adjacent to the second first conveyor (n=2) of the first conveyors.

[0012] The second group may include a number of second conveyors greater than 1, for example, m=3 (but the number of conveyors in the first and second groups may also be different). The first second conveyor (m=1) in the second group can be arranged adjacent to the third first conveyor (n=3) in the first group, the second second conveyor (m=2) in the second group can be arranged adjacent to the first second conveyor (m=1) in the second group, and the third second conveyor (m=3) in the second group can be arranged adjacent to the second second conveyor (m=2) in the second group and the material flow conveyor.

[0013] Parallel proximity can mean that a distance smaller than the diameter of the container can be set between at least a single row of feed conveyors and / or multiple conveyors and / or one conveyor and the material flow conveyor, or a transfer plate with a width smaller than the diameter of the container.

[0014] The first group can collectively describe a plurality of first conveyors that can be driven along a first direction. Here, the plurality of first conveyors can be constructed in a manner that allows them to be driven individually. The drive speed can be controlled by means of a control device, which may be included in the container supply device. The drive speeds of the plurality of first conveyors can be the same or different. Each first conveyor may include a transport surface, wherein the transport surfaces may be oriented in a coplanar manner. The same applies to the second group, which can collectively describe a plurality of second conveyors that can be driven along a second direction.

[0015] The terms “first” or “second” are used only to distinguish elements, but should not be construed as further limitations in other respects.

[0016] At least a single-row feeder may include a transport surface.

[0017] The container supply device may include a discharge area in which containers can be discharged from a second group of parallel second conveyors in a transverse direction toward the material flow conveyor, the discharge area having a length at least twice the conveying width of the container supply device.

[0018] The discharge area may be included in a second conveyor arranged adjacent to the material flow conveyor. The discharge area may include at least a portion of the transport surface of the second conveyor, and containers may be discharged from the discharge area in a transverse direction toward the material flow conveyor by being pushed forward.

[0019] The conveying width of the container supply device can be derived from the sum of the conveying widths of at least a single row of feed conveyors, the first conveyor, and the second conveyor (the conveying width can be, for example, the width of the corresponding transport surface). In addition to this sum of conveying widths, the possible distances between at least a single row of feed conveyors and the first group, as well as between the first and second groups, are also included in the conveying width of the container supply device. The possible distances between the first conveyors and between the second conveyor are also included in the conveying width of the container supply device. This width can be measured in a plane perpendicular to the transport surface in the first or second direction.

[0020] Because the length of the discharge zone is at least twice the conveyor width of the container supply device, containers can be discharged to the material flow conveyor in a manner that does not create high build-up pressure between containers. This length can be measured along either the first or second direction.

[0021] A material flow conveyor may include a single conveyor belt or multiple conveyor belts arranged side-by-side, moving along a third direction that extends perpendicular to the first and second directions. Material flow conveyors are typically not included in container supply systems, but may be included therein.

[0022] The discharge area can be arranged relative to the material flow conveyor such that containers can be discharged from the transport surface of the second conveyor to the transport surface of the material flow conveyor. The discharge area can be arranged opposite to the input area of ​​the material flow conveyor.

[0023] Here, the container can be discharged directly from the second conveyor (possibly directly via a transfer plate / distance) to the material flow conveyor (by the pressure of the subsequent container), which is arranged in a manner that is directly adjacent to the material flow conveyor (with possibly a transfer plate / distance in between).

[0024] In another embodiment of the container supply device, an additional single-row (or multiple, e.g., two or three additional single-row) delivery conveyor may be arranged in parallel proximity to a second group consisting of a plurality of parallelly arranged second conveyors, wherein the additional single-row delivery conveyor or the plurality of additional single-row delivery conveyors may be driven along a first direction and configured to transport containers along the first direction. The driving of the plurality of additional single-row delivery conveyors may be implemented independently of each other.

[0025] One or more other single-row outgoing conveyors may be arranged between the second group and the material flow conveyor. One or more other single-row outgoing conveyors may be considered as the feed section to the material flow conveyor.

[0026] Because one or more other single-row outgoing conveyors move in a first direction, i.e., along the initial feeding direction of at least one single-row incoming conveyor, the distribution and discharge of containers to the flow conveyor can be improved. Containers discharged from one or more other single-row outgoing conveyors to the flow conveyor can also be well discharged into the area of ​​the flow conveyor opposite the end of one or more other single-row outgoing conveyors.

[0027] One or more other single-row outgoing conveyors may accordingly include transport surfaces.

[0028] One or more other single-row delivery conveyors may include a supply longitudinal region along which containers can be supplied from one or more other single-row delivery conveyors to the flow conveyor, wherein the length of the supply longitudinal region may be at least twice the conveying width of the container supply device.

[0029] The conveying width of the container supply device can be derived from the sum of the conveying widths (which may be, for example, the width of the corresponding transport surface) of at least one single-row infeed conveyor, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and one or more other single-row outfeed conveyors. In addition to this sum of conveying widths, the possible distances between at least one single-row infeed conveyor and the first group, between the first and second groups, and between the second group and one or more single-row outfeed conveyors are also included in the conveying width of the container supply device. The possible distances between the first conveyors, between the second conveyors, and between multiple other single-row outfeed conveyors (if present) can also be included in the conveying width of the container supply device. This width can be measured in a plane perpendicular to the transport surface in the first or second direction.

[0030] The length of the supply longitudinal zone can be measured along either the first or second direction. The supply longitudinal zone can extend along a portion of the transport surface of another single-row delivery conveyor. Since the length of the supply longitudinal zone is at least twice the transport width of the container supply device, containers can be discharged to the flow conveyor in a manner that does not create high build-up pressure between containers.

[0031] Guardrails with deflectors may be provided on the transport surfaces of at least a single row of feed conveyors and on at least some of the transport surfaces of a plurality of parallel first conveyors.

[0032] Furthermore, the expression "above" here and below may include the fact that the railing can be positioned not only in areas where it may physically contact the container, such as areas where it acts on the container, but also in areas where it may not physically contact the container (in which case the railing may be located outside the areas where it acts on the container). Physical contact can be achieved if the container is at least partially in contact with the railing.

[0033] The railing may include multiple layers, which may be arranged in a fish-scale-like manner, at least partially overlapping. By at least partially overlapping, one or more deflectors can be constructed.

[0034] The deflector of the railing can have the same or different cross-sectional shapes, for example, depending on where the deflector is located on the railing. For instance, a deflector closer to at least one row of the feed conveyor may have a smaller size than a deflector located further away from at least one row of the feed conveyor. The cross-section of the deflector, and thus its cross-sectional shape, can be determined in a plane parallel to the conveying surface of at least one row of the feed conveyor.

[0035] Multiple deflectors can be arranged, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the railing at the same or different intervals. With the help of the deflectors in the railing, containers can be distributed from a single-row feeder to multiple parallel-arranged first conveyors without the pressure of subsequent containers or with the small pressure of subsequent containers.

[0036] The deflector can be constructed such that it exits the barrier at a gentle angle and returns at a steep angle, the barrier including, for example, a straight or curved path. The gentle angle prevents the container from tipping over upon contact with the deflector and / or excessive pressure (accumulated pressure and / or delivery pressure) acting on the container. For example, a force not exceeding 50N to 80N can be achieved. The steep angle provides sufficient space for the container passing through the deflector to move to the area behind the deflector if necessary.

[0037] If, for example, five first conveyors are provided, then, when viewed along the first direction, the railing with deflectors can first extend straight along the first side (e.g., the right side) of at least one row of feed conveyors, then extend obliquely along at least one row of feed conveyors by means of three deflectors, then extend straight along the first side (e.g., the right side) of the first first conveyor, then extend partially obliquely across the first first conveyor by means of deflectors, then extend straight along the middle of the first first conveyor, then extend partially obliquely across the second first conveyor by means of deflectors. The railing with deflectors is, for example, not provided above the transport surface of the third to fifth first conveyors. Additional railings or other deflection devices can be provided at this location.

[0038] At the ends of at least some of the first conveyors arranged in parallel and at the beginning of at least some of the second conveyors arranged in parallel, a concave railing may be provided above the transport surface, wherein, for example, the concave railing includes an arcuate portion having an angle in the range of 165° to 195°.

[0039] For example, a 180° curved section can be set.

[0040] The curved section allows the discharge of containers from the second group or other single-row outgoing conveyors to the flow conveyor (i.e., filling of the flow conveyor, for example) to be disconnected from the flow of containers fed in by at least one single-row incoming conveyor. This avoids excessive pressure loads on the containers caused by congestion in at least one single-row incoming conveyor.

[0041] If five first conveyors and five second conveyors are provided, the concave railing can be installed on the transport surfaces of the second to fifth first conveyors and the first to fifth second conveyors.

[0042] The deflector-equipped railing can transition into the concave railing structure. This ensures uninterrupted transport of containers from the area of ​​the deflector-equipped railing to the area of ​​the concave railing structure.

[0043] On the transport surface at the end of one or more other single-row outgoing conveyors or on the transport surface at the end of multiple other single-row outgoing conveyors (if there is one or more other single-row outgoing conveyors in the container supply device), other concave railings may be provided, such as other concave railings transitioning into concave railings, wherein other concave railings include arcuate portions having angles in the range of 75° to 105°.

[0044] For example, a 90° curved section can be set.

[0045] Containers discharged from one or more other single-row feeder conveyors to the flow conveyor can also be well discharged into the area of ​​the flow conveyor opposite the end of one or more other single-row feeder conveyors via other concave rails.

[0046] A straight railing can be installed between the first group and the second group on the transport surface between the first group and the second group. The straight railing is constructed such that a transfer area for containers can be formed between the first group and the second group.

[0047] Straight railings can prevent containers from accidentally moving from the first group to the second group.

[0048] A transfer area is provided for the intentional transfer of containers between a first group and a second group, and there are no straight barriers in the transfer area. The transfer area for containers between the first group and the second group may include a distance between the first group and the second group that is smaller than the diameter of the container, or a transfer plate that has a width that may be smaller than the diameter of the container.

[0049] A stepped railing can be installed above the transport surface of multiple parallel-arranged second conveyors, providing a transfer area for containers. The steps allow containers to be guided from the multiple parallel-arranged second conveyors to the material flow conveyor without pressure or with minimal pressure.

[0050] The steps can be constructed such that they exit the railing at a gentle angle and the railing continues at the ends of the steps, including, for example, a straight or curved path. The gentle angle helps prevent containers from tipping over in contact with the deflector and / or excessive pressure (accumulated pressure and / or delivery pressure) acting on the containers.

[0051] The container can move along, diagonally along, and / or laterally to the second conveyor via a stepped railing. Thus, the container can be carried to the last of the second conveyors and from there transferred to, for example, a flow conveyor or one or more other single-row delivery conveyors.

[0052] If five second conveyors are provided, a stepped railing can extend from the first second conveyor to the fifth second conveyor. The railing can extend diagonally across the first second conveyor, with steps provided in the transition from the first to the second second conveyor. The railing can then extend from the middle of the second second conveyor to the middle of the third second conveyor, and then steps can be provided in the transition from the third to the fourth second conveyor, after which the railing can extend to the middle of the fifth second conveyor.

[0053] Straight railings can transition into stepped railings. This ensures uninterrupted transport of containers from areas with straight railings to areas with stepped railings.

[0054] Viewed 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 greater than the conveying width of the first or second group (including the end values). This length of the transfer area allows for the loose transport of the container.

[0055] At least a single-row infeed conveyor and / or a plurality of parallel first conveyors and / or a plurality of parallel second conveyors and / or one or more other single-row outfeed conveyors (if present in a container supply device) may each include transport surfaces arranged coplanarly in a plane, wherein the plane forms an angle of 0.5° to 14° (inclusive) with 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°.

[0056] The transfer of containers between different conveyors can be achieved by arranging the corresponding transport surfaces coplanarly in a plane.

[0057] Even if the plane does not form an angle of 0.5° to 14° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, such as when the angle is 0°, a coplanar arrangement can still be formed.

[0058] An angle of 0.5° to 14°, or for example 0.5° to 11°, or for example 0.5° to 8°, can be formed between a plane and a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and a downward force (Hangabtriebskraft) can be additionally applied to the container.

[0059] The range of angles that can be formed between the plane of the transport surface and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, as mentioned here and below, can be selected or determined taking into account the type of container to be transported. Regardless of the angle, the container can be transported vertically and stably. Regardless of the angle, tipping or non-vertical stable transport should be avoided. To select or determine 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 rigidity and / or weight of the container can be considered in relation to the container type. For PET bottles, such as 1.5-liter PET bottles, the plane of the transport surface can form an angle of 0.5° to 2° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. For cans, such as metal cans or composite cans, the plane of the transport surface can form an angle of 1° to 5° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. For glass bottles, such as 0.5-liter beer bottles or 1-liter soft drink bottles, the plane of the transport surface can form an angle of 3° to 8° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0060] The angle between the plane of the transport surface and the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity can be chosen or determined to be as large as possible and, if necessary, as small as possible.

[0061] Railings with deflectors, railings with concave construction, straight railings, railings with steps, and / or other railings with concave construction (if they are installed in a container supply device) may also be arranged at an angle and form an angle with a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity that can be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (inclusive), or for example, an angle in the range of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle in the range of 0.5° to 8°.

[0062] The container supply unit can be arranged on one or more support structures or similar structures, and includes, for example, one or more tilting mechanisms. The support structure or structures can be connected to the tilting mechanism or mechanisms, allowing the angle to be changed and / or adjusted by means of the tilting mechanism or mechanisms. The tilting mechanism or mechanisms can be controlled by one or more control devices. The one or more control devices for the tilting mechanism or mechanisms can also be configured to control the drive speed of the conveyor, or they can be configured in a manner independent of the control devices used to control the drive speed of the conveyor.

[0063] The container supply 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 the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of at least a single row of infeed conveyors along a first direction decreases respectively from the beginning to a plurality of parallel first conveyors, wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of a plurality of parallel second conveyors along a second direction first increases and then decreases, and / or wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of another single row of outfeed conveyors (if present in the container supply device) along the first direction is the smallest of the mathematically significant amounts, or wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of a plurality of other single row of outfeed conveyors along the first direction is respectively less than the amount of the drive speed of the slowest second conveyor among a plurality of parallel second conveyors.

[0064] For example, the gradient between different driving speeds can be non-linear. The gradient can be a percentage or a multiple of each other.

[0065] The drive speed of at least a single-row feed conveyor can be used as a boundary condition for the drive speeds of other conveyors (first conveyor, second conveyor, one or more other single-row output conveyors). It can be specified that the conveyor positioned before the flow conveyor operates at at most its maximum drive speed. It can be specified that, in order to achieve discharge of the container from the conveyor positioned before the flow conveyor to the flow conveyor, this maximum drive speed must not be exceeded.

[0066] If the drive speed of at least one single-row feed conveyor is increased / decreased, then the drive speeds of subsequent conveyors (first conveyor, second conveyor, and one / more other single-row output conveyors) can also be increased / decreased respectively. The increase / decrease can be non-linear. For example, the drive speed can be increased / decreased by a percentage, or the drive speed can be doubled / halved respectively.

[0067] The drive speed of at least a single-row feed conveyor can be between 0.05 m / s (e.g., 4,500 containers per hour for containers with a diameter of 35 to 40 mm) and 5 m / s (e.g., 225,000 containers per hour for containers with a diameter of 75 to 80 mm). Alternatively or further, the drive speed of at least a single-row feed conveyor can be between 0.15 m / s (e.g., 10,000 containers per hour for containers with a diameter of 50 to 53 mm) and 3.5 m / s (e.g., 180,000 containers per hour for containers with a diameter of 64 to 66 mm).

[0068] Taking different drive speeds as examples, the following examples can be given: For at least a single-row infeed conveyor, it can be set to 1.7 m / s. For example, for the five first conveyors in the first group, it can be set to 0.85 m / s, 0.6 m / s, 0.55 m / s, and 0.25 m / s. For example, for the five second conveyors in the second group, it can be set to 0.15 m / s, 0.35 m / s, 0.4 m / s, 0.35 m / s, and 0.15 m / s. If there are other single-row outfeed conveyors, it can be set to 0.08 m / s for them. For example, the mathematical quantity of the drive speed of a material flow conveyor can be 0.0156 m / s.

[0069] The control device may be configured, either separately or additionally, to control the drive speed of at least a single row of feed conveyors, such that the feed conveyors transport a certain number of containers per unit time along a first direction, the number corresponding to the number of containers per unit time of the device upstream of the container supply device. The device may be directly located upstream of the container supply device, wherein, for example, one or more conveyors may be arranged between the upstream device and the container supply device. The control device may be configured, for example, to acquire information and / or data, including the number of containers per unit time, from the upstream device.

[0070] The container supply device can be configured such that exactly one single-row feed conveyor can be set up.

[0071] Alternatively, the container supply device can be configured such that two or more single-row feed conveyors can be provided.

[0072] At least a single-row infeed conveyor, a first conveyor of a first group, a second conveyor of a second group, and one or more single-row outfeed conveyors can extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The aforementioned conveyors can be constructed such that both the value and direction of the drive speed are variable. These conveyors can be configured to be driven along a first direction and a second direction.

[0073] For example, unless otherwise specified, a conveyor that can transport containers in the container supply apparatus described above or below and can transport containers in the n-direction may have one or more arcuate sections and may subsequently transport containers in the m-direction, where the n-direction and the m-direction are opposite to each other. This also applies to multiple conveyors that can be included in the container supply apparatus described above or below. One or more conveyors may include: at least a single-row infeed conveyor, one or more first conveyors from a first group of first conveyors, one or more second conveyors from a second group of second conveyors, one or more other single-row outfeed conveyors, or one or more other single-row outfeed conveyors.

[0074] The present invention also relates to a method for operating a container supply device as described above or below.

[0075] In this method, the container supply device can be controlled by a control device.

[0076] If the container supply device is controlled by a control device, the mathematical value of the driving speed of at least a single row of feed conveyors in the first direction can be in the range of 0.05 m / s to 3.5 m / s in one control. It can also be specified that the mathematical value of the driving speed of the at least single row of feed conveyors in the first direction decreases from the beginning to the plurality of parallel first conveyors, wherein the mathematical value of the driving speed of the plurality of parallel second conveyors in the second direction first increases and then decreases, and / or wherein the mathematical value of the driving speed of other single row of output conveyors (if present in the container supply device) in the first direction is the smallest among the mathematical values, or wherein the mathematical value of the driving speed of the plurality of other single row of output conveyors in the first direction is less than the driving speed of the slowest of the plurality of parallel second conveyors.

[0077] For example, in one control, the mathematically significant amount of the driving speed along the first direction of at least a single row of feed conveyors can be in the range of 1.5 m / s to 1.9 m / s, wherein the mathematically significant amount of the driving speed along the first direction of a plurality of parallel first conveyors can decrease from 0.65 m / s to 1.05 m / s to 0.05 m / s to 0.45 m / s, wherein the mathematically significant amount of the driving speed along the second direction of a plurality of parallel second conveyors can first 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 wherein the mathematically significant amount of the driving speed along the first direction of other single rows of feed conveyors (if present in a container supply device) can be the smallest mathematically significant amount from 0.06 m / s to 0.1 m / s. Each contains the given range end values.

[0078] The values ​​of the mathematical quantities given above can also be set here for control.

[0079] The above explanation applies to drive speed. Attached Figure Description

[0080] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand and illustrate various aspects of the invention. They are shown herein:

[0081] Figure 1 A top view showing a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the container supply device is shown.

[0082] Figure 2 A top view illustrating a second embodiment of the container supply device is shown.

[0083] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A side view taken along the second direction, in which the transport surfaces are arranged at an angle.

[0084] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A side view taken along the second direction, in which the transport surfaces are arranged at an angle.

[0085] Figure 5 A top view of a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the container supply device is shown, in which the distribution of containers at a given point in time is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0086] Figure 1 A top view is shown illustrating a first embodiment of a container supply device 1 for supplying containers to a material flow conveyor 18. The material flow conveyor 18 is typically not included in the container supply device 1, but may also be included therein.

[0087] The container supply device 1 includes at least a single-row feed conveyor 2 (shown herein as a single-row conveyor, and therefore referred to below as a single-row feed conveyor), which can be driven along a first direction 16 and, for example, can convey containers transported on its transport surface along the first direction.

[0088] A first group 8 is arranged in parallel adjacent to a single-row feed conveyor 2, consisting of multiple parallel first conveyors 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, each of which can be driven along a first direction 16. Containers can be conveyed along the first direction 16 on the corresponding transport surfaces of the first conveyors 3 to 7.

[0089] A second group 14, consisting of multiple parallel-arranged second conveyors 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, is arranged parallel to and adjacent to the first group 8. Each second conveyor can be driven along a second direction 17. Containers can be conveyed along the second direction 17 on the corresponding transport surfaces of the second conveyors 9 to 13. The first direction 16 and the second direction 17 are opposite to each other.

[0090] A railing 26 with five deflectors 27 is arranged on the transport surface of the single-row feed conveyor 2 and on the transport surfaces of the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4 in the first conveyor. This railing 26 transitions onto the transport surface at the end of the second conveyor 4 of the first conveyor into a concave railing 28, which is located at the ends of the second conveyor 4, the third conveyor 5, the fourth conveyor 6, and the fifth conveyor 7 in the first conveyor, and at the beginnings of the first to fifth conveyors 13 in the second conveyor. This concave railing 28 includes an arcuate portion with an angle of 180°.

[0091] A straight railing 30 is provided between the first group 8 and the second group 14, above the transport surfaces of the first group 8 and the second group 14, configured to form a transfer area 31 for containers between the first group 8 and the second group 14. "Between the first group 8 and the second group 14, above the transport surfaces of the first group 8 and the second group 14" can here refer to the area above the transport surface of the last first conveyor 7 in the first conveyor and the transport surface of the first second conveyor 9 in the second conveyor.

[0092] 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 greater than the conveying width 35, 36 of the first group 8 or the second group 14.

[0093] Above the transport surfaces of the multiple parallel-arranged second conveyors 9 to 13, there is a railing 32 with two steps 33, which does not occupy the transfer area 31 for containers. The straight railing 30 transitions into the railing 32 with two steps 33.

[0094] Above the transport surfaces of the multiple first conveyors 3 to 7 arranged in parallel, other straight railings 39 are arranged, extending from the single-row feed conveyor 2 to the straight railings 32.

[0095] The container can be discharged from a second group 14 consisting of a plurality of parallel second conveyors 9 to 13 in a transverse direction 17 along a direction 22 toward the material flow conveyor 18. For example, the container can be discharged from the fifth second conveyor 13 in a transverse direction 17 along a direction 22 toward the material flow conveyor 18.

[0096] Discharge zone 19 (indicated by shading) has a length 20, which is at least twice the conveying width 21 of container supply device 1, in which containers can be discharged from the fifth second conveyor 13 of the second conveyors in a transverse direction 17 along the direction 22 toward the material flow conveyor 18. The conveying width 21 is here derived from the sum of the conveying widths 35 and 36 of the single-row feed conveyor 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, and the second conveyors 9 to 13.

[0097] The drive speeds of the single-row feed conveyor 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, and the second conveyors 9 to 13 can be controlled individually using a control device (not shown). The mathematical values ​​of the drive speeds from the single-row feed conveyor 2 to the parallel-arranged first conveyors 3 to 7 can be decreased individually, while the mathematical values ​​of the drive speeds of the parallel-arranged second conveyors 9 to 13 can be increased first and then decreased.

[0098] The mathematically significant quantity of the driving speed of the material flow conveyor 18 along direction 22 can be minimized.

[0099] Figure 2 A top view illustrating a second embodiment of the container supply device 25 is shown. Figure 2 middle, Figure 1 The components that appear in the first embodiment as well as in the second embodiment are marked with the same reference numerals. The description with reference to the first embodiment also applies to these components in the second embodiment; only the transition section of the feed flow conveyor 18 of the container supply device 25 differs from the transition section of the container supply device 1.

[0100] In a second embodiment of the container supply device 25, other single-row delivery conveyors 15 are arranged parallel to and adjacent to a second group 14 consisting of a plurality of parallelly arranged second conveyors 9 to 13. Alternatively, a plurality of other separate single-row delivery conveyors adjacent to the second group may be arranged side-by-side. These other single-row delivery conveyors 15 may be driven along a first direction 16 and configured, for example, to convey containers along the first direction 16 on a transport surface. Containers can be discharged from the other single-row delivery conveyors 15 in a direction 22 toward the material flow conveyor 18, transverse to the first direction 17. The same applies to cases where a plurality of other single-row delivery conveyors are provided.

[0101] The other single-row delivery conveyor 15 includes a supply longitudinal zone 23 (indicated by shading) along which containers can be supplied from the other single-row delivery conveyor 15 to the flow conveyor 18. The supply longitudinal zone 23 has a length 24 that is at least twice the conveying width 43 of the container supply device 25. The same applies to situations where multiple other single-row delivery conveyors are provided.

[0102] The conveying width 43 is here derived from the sum of the conveying widths of the single-row infeed conveyor 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, the second conveyors 9 to 13, and one other single-row outfeed conveyor 15 or more other single-row outfeed conveyors. The conveying width can be measured perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction.

[0103] The length 24 of the supply longitudinal region 23 can be measured along either the first direction 16 or the second direction 17. The supply longitudinal region 23 extends along a portion of the transport surface of the other single-row delivery conveyor 15. Since the length 24 of the supply longitudinal region 23 is at least twice the transport width 43 of the container supply device 25, containers can be discharged to the flow conveyor 18 in a manner that does not create high build-up pressure between containers.

[0104] Other concave railings 29, including 90° arc sections, are provided on the transport surface at the end of the other single-row delivery conveyor 15. The other concave railings 29 transition into the concave railings 28.

[0105] Containers discharged from other single-row delivery conveyors 15 to the flow conveyor 18 via other concave rails 29 can also be well discharged into the area of ​​the flow conveyor 18 opposite the end of the other single-row delivery conveyors 15 (the right corner area of ​​the flow conveyor 18 in the figure).

[0106] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1A side view taken along the second direction 17, wherein the transport surfaces of a single-row feed conveyor 2, first conveyors 3 to 7, and second conveyors 9 to 13 are arranged at an angle. These transport surfaces are arranged coplanarly in plane 41. Plane 41 and plane 42, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity 38, form an angle 37 that can be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (inclusive), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0107] The railing 26 with deflector 27, the railing 28 with concave structure, the straight railing 30, the railing 32 with steps 33, and the other straight railings 39 are arranged at the same angle and form an angle with the plane 42 perpendicular to the direction of gravity 38, which can be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (inclusive), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0108] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 The side view taken along the second direction 17 shows that the transport surfaces of the single-row feed conveyors 2, the first conveyors 3 to 7, the second conveyors 9 to 13, and the other single-row output conveyors 15 are arranged at an angle. In the case where there are multiple other single-row output conveyors, they can also be angled.

[0109] The transport surfaces are arranged coplanarly in plane 41. Plane 41 and plane 42, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity 38, form an angle 37 that can be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (inclusive), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0110] The railing 26 with deflector 27, the railing 28 with concave construction, the straight railing 30, the railing 32 with steps 33, the other straight railings 39 and the other railings 29 with concave construction are arranged at the same angle, and form an angle with the plane 42 perpendicular to the direction of gravity 38, which can be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (inclusive), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0111] Figure 5 A top view showing a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the container supply device 25, in which the distribution of containers 40 at a given point in time is shown.

[0112] It can be seen how containers 40 from the single-row feed conveyor 2 are distributed to multiple first conveyors 3 to 7 via deflectors 27. In the transfer zone 31, containers 40 move from the first group 8 to the second group 14. Loose transport of the containers is achieved through the length 34 of the transfer zone 31, 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. This is clearly evident from the free space between the containers 40.

[0113] With the help of railings 32 with steps 33, containers 40 can be guided without pressure from a plurality of parallel second conveyors 9 to 13 to other single-row delivery conveyors 15 and to material flow conveyors 18.

[0114] Because the other single-row outgoing conveyors 15 move along the first direction 16, i.e., towards the initial feeding direction of the single-row incoming conveyor 2, the distribution and discharge of containers 40 to the flow conveyor 18 can be improved. Containers 40 discharged from the other single-row outgoing conveyors 15 to the flow conveyor 18 can also be discharged well into the area of ​​the flow conveyor 18 opposite the ends of the other single-row outgoing conveyors 15.

Claims

1. A container supply device for supplying containers (40) to a material flow conveyor (18), wherein the container supply device (1) comprises: At least a single-row feeder (2), the at least single-row feeder being driven along a first direction (16) and configured to transport containers along the first direction (16); A first group (8) consisting of a plurality of parallel first conveyors (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) arranged in parallel proximity to the at least single row of feed conveyors (2), the first conveyors being capable of being driven along the first direction (16) and configured to transport containers (40) along the first direction (16). A second group (14) consisting of a plurality of parallel-arranged second conveyors (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) is arranged parallel to and adjacent to the first group (8) consisting of a plurality of parallel-arranged first conveyors (3 to 7). The second conveyors are capable of being driven along a second direction (17) and are configured to transport containers (40) along the second direction (17), which is opposite to the first direction (16). The container (40) is capable of being discharged from the second group (14) consisting of a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13) in a transverse manner to the second direction (17) along the direction (22) toward the material flow conveyor (18). A railing (26) with a deflector (27) is provided above the transport surface of the at least single-row feeder (2) and above at least a portion of the transport surfaces of the plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7). A concave railing (28) is provided above the transport surface at the end of at least some of the first conveyors (3 to 7) arranged in parallel and at the beginning of at least some of the second conveyors (9 to 13) arranged in parallel. The railing (26) with the deflector (27) transitions into the railing (28) with the concave structure.

2. The container supply device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge area (19) has a length (20) that is at least twice the conveying width (21) of the container supply device (1), wherein the container in the discharge area is capable of being discharged from the second group (14) consisting of a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13) in a transverse manner to the second direction (17) along the direction (22) toward the material flow conveyor (18).

3. The container supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one additional single-row delivery conveyor (15) or multiple additional single-row delivery conveyors are arranged in parallel proximity to the second group (14) consisting of a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13), wherein the one additional single-row delivery conveyor (15) or the plurality of additional single-row delivery conveyors can be driven along the first direction (16) and are configured to deliver containers (40) along the first direction (16).

4. The container supply device according to claim 3, wherein the other single-row delivery conveyor (15) or the plurality of other single-row delivery conveyors includes a supply longitudinal region (23) along which a container (40) can be supplied from the other single-row delivery conveyor (15) or the plurality of other single-row delivery conveyors to the material flow conveyor (18), wherein the supply longitudinal region (23) has a length (24) that is at least twice the conveying width (43) of the container supply device.

5. The container supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the concave railing (28) includes an arcuate portion having an angle in the range of 165° to 195°.

6. The container supply device according to claim 3, wherein a railing (29) with a concave structure is provided above the transport surface at the end of the other single-row delivery conveyor (15).

7. The container supply device according to claim 6, wherein the other concave railing (29) transitions into the concave railing (28), and / or wherein the other concave railing (29) includes an arcuate portion having an angle in the range of 75° to 105°.

8. The container supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a straight railing (30) is provided above the transport surface between the first group (8) and the second group (14), the straight railing being configured such that a transfer area (31) for the container is formed between the first group (8) and the second group (14).

9. The container supply device according to claim 8, wherein a railing (32) with steps (33) is provided above the transport surfaces of a plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13).

10. The container supply device according to claim 9, wherein the railing (32) having the steps (33) does not occupy the transfer area (31) for the container (40), and / or wherein the straight railing (30) transitions into the railing (32) having the steps (33).

11. The container supply device according to claim 8, wherein when viewed along the first direction (16) or the second direction (17), the length (34) of the transfer area (31) is 1.8 to 3 times greater than the conveying width (35, 36) of the first group (8) or the second group (14).

12. The container supply device according to claim 9, wherein when viewed along the first direction (16) or the second direction (17), the length (34) of the transfer area (31) is 1.8 to 3 times greater than the conveying width (35, 36) of the first group (8) or the second group (14).

13. The container supply device according to claim 10, wherein when viewed along the first direction (16) or the second direction (17), the length (34) of the transfer area (31) is 1.8 to 3 times greater than the conveying width (35, 36) of the first group (8) or the second group (14).

14. The container supply device according to claim 3, wherein the at least single row of feed conveyors (2) and / or a plurality of first conveyors (3 to 7) arranged in parallel and / or a plurality of second conveyors (9 to 13) arranged in parallel and / or the other single row of feed conveyors (15) or the plurality of other single rows of feed conveyors each include transport surfaces arranged coplanarly in a plane (41), wherein the plane (41) forms an angle (37) of 0.5° to 14° with a plane (42) perpendicular to the direction of gravity (38).

15. The container supply device according to claim 3, further comprising a control device for controlling the drive speed.

16. The container supply apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a controller is provided, wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed along the first direction (16) of the plurality of parallel-arranged first conveyors (3 to 7) decreases from the at least single-row infeed conveyor (2) to the parallel-arranged plurality of first conveyors (3 to 7), wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed along the second direction (17) of the parallel-arranged plurality of second conveyors (9 to 13) first increases and then decreases, and / or wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed along the first direction (16) of one of the other single-row outfeed conveyors (15) is the smallest of the mathematically significant amounts, or wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed along the first direction (16) of the plurality of other single-row outfeed conveyors is less than the amount of the drive speed of the slowest second conveyor among the parallel-arranged plurality of second conveyors (9 to 13).

17. The container supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein exactly one single-row feed conveyor (2) is provided.

18. The container supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two or more single-row feed conveyors (2) are provided.

19. A method for operating a container supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the container supply device (1, 25) is controlled by means of a control device.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein in a control, the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of the at least single-row feed conveyor (2) along the first direction (16) is in the range of 0.05 m / s to 3.5 m / s, wherein it is further specified that the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of the at least single-row feed conveyor (2) along the first direction (16) decreases from the at least single-row feed conveyor (2) to the plurality of parallel-arranged first conveyors (3 to 7), wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of the plurality of parallel-arranged second conveyors (9 to 13) along the second direction (17) first increases and then decreases, and / or the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of one of the other single-row output conveyors (15) along the first direction is the smallest of the mathematically significant amounts, or wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of the plurality of other single-row output conveyors along the first direction (16) is less than the amount of the drive speed of the slowest second conveyor among the plurality of parallel-arranged second conveyors (9 to 13).

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein in one control, the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of at least a single row of feed conveyors (2) along the first direction (16) is in the range of 1.5 m / s to 1.9 m / s, wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of the plurality of parallel first conveyors (3 to 7) along the first direction (16) decreases from 0.65 m / s to 1.05 m / s to 0.05 m / s to 0.45 m / s, wherein the mathematically significant amount of the drive speed of the plurality of parallel second conveyors (9 to 13) along the second direction (17) first increases from 0.01 m / s to 0.35 m / s to 0.2 m / s to 0.6 m / s, and then decreases from 0.15 m / s to 0.55 m / s to 0.01 m / s to 0.35 m / s. The mathematically significant quantity of the driving speed of the other single-row delivery conveyor (15) along the first direction (16) is the smallest mathematically significant quantity among the mathematically significant quantities, ranging from 0.06 m / s to 0.1 m / s.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the gradient between the different driving speeds is non-linear.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the gradients are each a percentage or a multiple of each other.

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