Apparatus and method for the extraction of piece goods by means of an extraction section driven by a linear motor

Abstract

A device (1) for handling piece goods and in particular containers (10) has a transport device (2) for transporting the containers (10) along a predefined transport path (P), has an inspection device (6) for inspecting the containers (10) transported by the transport device (2), and has an extraction device (4) adapted to extract the containers (10) from the transport path, wherein this extraction device (4) has several extraction segments (42a, 42b,...) which can be moved into the transport path to extract the containers, and the device has drive devices (44a, 44b) for moving the extraction segments (42a, 42b), characterized in that the extraction segments (42a, 42b) are pivotable relative to a predefined axis of rotation, and the drive devices (44a, 44b) are electric linear motors which comprise a movable drive element (46), wherein the drive element is coupled to the extraction segments (42a, 42b,...) in such a way that a movement of the drive element (46) is converted into a pivoting movement of the extraction segments (42a, 42b,...).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for processing containers. Background Technology

[0002] Various apparatuses and methods for handling containers have been disclosed in the prior art. It is also known to inspect containers and remove them if defects are found.

[0003] For example, removing defective containers from the production process before distribution is a well-known practice in the prior art. It is known that such removal devices have several segments. These segments can have different widths. Sometimes, it is necessary to remove adjacent containers or containers with small gaps from each other without contacting the containers or storage containers before or after them.

[0004] In this scenario, the ejection segments are controlled sequentially, specifically based on the conveyor speed and the position of the container to be ejected. If the container passes through a specific cam segment, it returns to the starting position. Since the cams have different lengths, the number of cam segments may vary.

[0005] The corresponding lifting cam is designed based on the maximum container diameter. When the container is stably upright and friction is good, the lateral acceleration of the container is utilized by the lifting cam, and, according to an adjustable speed threshold, the final cam segment does not extend. The container slides out of the production process on a production device such as a conveyor belt.

[0006] The applicant's prior art has proposed using linear motors to extend these cam segments. These linear motors must precisely complete the entire stroke to construct the cam geometry.

[0007] Other companies use lifting segments and folding segments. These lifting segments are controlled by pneumatic cylinders. For folding segments, linear motion is converted into (e.g., 90°) rotary motion by a pneumatic cylinder. In these folding segments, the cam segment is partially supported on an axis. The rotary motion allows control of cam segments of different lengths with the same stroke of the pneumatic cylinder, because the rotary motion is always performed at a specific angle.

[0008] If linear motors are used to move the segments, these motors must complete the entire stroke. As the lift of each cam segment increases, the stroke of the linear motor becomes longer, and the time required to retract and extend the cam segment also increases. This longer movement time of the cam segment may result in contact with containers in front of or behind the container to be withdrawn in the production process. Due to the integrated guide, the weight of the cam segment in the lifting segment is, for example, higher than that of the folding segment. Therefore, the lifting segment moves with lower dynamic characteristics (because it requires less acceleration and a longer braking distance).

[0009] There are known disadvantages to using pneumatic lifting cylinders. Firstly, they require the use of a relatively expensive medium, namely pressurized air. Secondly, manufacturing costs are relatively high, and complex pressurized air dampers are needed for higher equipment efficiency. Furthermore, pneumatic cylinders produce higher noise emissions. They also experience higher wear and maintenance costs. Finally, pneumatic lifting cylinders cannot be adjusted as precisely as other actuators, or can be adjusted in a manner similar to other actuators. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of this, the object of the present invention is, on the one hand, to provide an extraction device that also takes into account high production efficiency, and on the other hand, to provide an improved adjustment scheme. Furthermore, the object is to minimize excessive noise emissions.

[0011] The apparatus of the present invention for handling, and particularly transporting, general merchandise and, particularly containers, includes a transport device that transports the containers along a predetermined transport path. The apparatus also includes an inspection device for inspecting the containers transported by the transport device, and an extraction device adapted for extracting the containers from the transport path, wherein the extraction device has several extraction segments movable within the transport path to extract the containers. Furthermore, several drive devices are provided for moving the extraction segments. Preferably, the extraction segments are movable independently of each other, and / or, each extraction segment preferably has its own drive device.

[0012] According to the invention, the lead-out segment is pivotable relative to at least one predetermined rotation axis and / or pivot, and the drive device is an electric linear motor comprising movable drive elements, wherein these drive elements are coupled to the lead-out segment (particularly mechanically) in a manner that converts and / or transforms the motion of the drive elements into pivotal motion of the lead-out segment.

[0013] Therefore, a combination of a linear motor and a pivoting mechanism is proposed, which achieves particularly rapid switching (and / or pivoting) while the stroke length of the linear motor remains relatively small. Preferably, the drive element is a mover of the linear motor, or the drive element is coupled to these movers of the linear motor.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the lead-out segments are pivotable at preset pivot angles. Preferably, this pivot angle is between 60° and 120°, more preferably between 60° and 100°, more preferably between 60° and 90°, and particularly preferably between 70° and 90°.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device transports the container along a linear transport path, at least within the area of ​​the extraction device. Preferably, the extraction device is arranged in a straight section of the container's transport path.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the inspection device is adapted and used to inspect the container in an optical and / or non-contact manner. The transport device is preferably a conveyor belt, on which the container is particularly preferably transported vertically.

[0017] Position-adjustable linear motors are particularly preferred. These linear motors offer high positional accuracy and operate with less noise compared to pneumatic actuators. Furthermore, the speed of the linear motor is measurable and / or adjustable.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the linear motor is a motor having a stator and a mover capable of linear motion relative to the stator. The linear motor preferably has an electromagnetic direct drive, which is particularly preferably implemented using a brushless method.

[0019] Particularly preferably, at least one, more preferably several, and especially preferably all of the linear motors have a position sensor adapted for and used to detect the position of the mover relative to the stator of the linear motor. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this relates to an internal position sensor.

[0020] In another embodiment, at least one, preferably several, and particularly preferably all of the linear motors, have a temperature sensor. This specifically relates to an internally located temperature sensor that enables monitoring of the linear motor.

[0021] The device is particularly preferably equipped with a monitoring and / or control device that measures and / or monitors the motion parameters of the linear motor. These motion parameters are selected from a group of parameters, including the position of the linear motor's mover, the velocity of the mover, the direction of the mover's motion, the acceleration of the mover, and / or the force acting on the mover.

[0022] The device preferably includes a control unit adapted to control the linear motors in a manner that causes them to complete (particularly predefined and / or programmed) a travel profile and / or travel sequence. Particularly preferably, the nominal value of this travel profile is presettable and / or can be preset. This can be a preset analog nominal value or a preset digital nominal value.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the linear motor is connected to a control device via an interface. This interface may be, for example, a fieldbus and / or an Ethernet connection.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, the pivot around which the lead-out segment pivots extends parallel to the transport path. In another preferred embodiment, several lead-out segments, and particularly preferably all lead-out segments, are pivotable relative to the same pivot.

[0025] In one preferred embodiment, the number of the lead-out segments is greater than 4, preferably greater than 5, and more preferably greater than 8. In another preferred embodiment, the number of the lead-out segments is less than 50, preferably less than 40, more preferably less than 30, and particularly preferably less than 25.

[0026] Particularly preferably, at least one lead-out segment, and more preferably several lead-out segments, are implemented with reduced weight. This means that these segments are preferably not constructed as solid bodies, but rather partially constructed as hollow bodies. Particularly preferably, the lead-out segments are made of plastic. Particularly preferably, the lead-out segments are 3D printed parts. Particularly preferably, the lead-out segments have a switching time of less than 100 ms, preferably less than 80 ms, preferably less than 60 ms, and particularly preferably less than 30 ms.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the groceries are either full or empty containers. They can be either plastic or glass containers. These containers can have different cross-sections, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, and the like.

[0028] Particularly preferred is the provision of a sliding bearing with a narrow tolerance range for supporting the lead-out segment on a shaft or axis. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the axis or shaft for pivotally supporting the lead-out segment is supported in at least one region, for example, in a central region.

[0029] Preferably, the lead-out segment is pivotable within a predetermined pivot range. Particularly preferably, this pivoting movement is restricted in one direction by a stop. Preferably, in the reset position, i.e., when the stop element is not inserted into the container transport path, the stop or the stop element restricts the movement of the lead-out segment.

[0030] Particularly preferably, this stop also serves as a reference for pivoting motion. This stop is preferably a metal stop. Particularly preferably, linear motion is converted into pivoting motion via linkages. These linkages can be constructed as identical components.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment, the drive element is connected to the lead-out segment by means of hinge bearings, and particularly by means of double hinge bearings. Particularly preferably, these bearings are constructed with a maintenance-free design. By using hinge bearings, and particularly double hinge bearings, particularly precise movement of the lead-out segment can be achieved. Particularly preferably, this double hinge bearing has at least two, preferably exactly two, ball joints. It can also be used to compensate for misalignment errors and tolerances.

[0032] Preferably, at least one linear motor, more preferably several linear motors, and more preferably all linear motors have a stroke distance greater than 10 mm, more preferably greater than 12 mm, more preferably greater than 15 mm, and more preferably greater than 20 mm.

[0033] Preferably, the stroke distance of at least one linear motor, more preferably several linear motors, and more preferably all linear motors is less than 50 mm, more preferably less than 45 mm, more preferably less than 40 mm, more preferably less than 35 mm, and particularly preferably less than 30 mm. This allows the use of linear motors with relatively small stroke distances, which can be controlled very quickly while still causing sufficient movement in each lead-out segment.

[0034] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a cooling mechanism for cooling the linear motor. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling mechanism is a radiator on which the linear motor is mounted. A metal radiator is preferred. Preferably, the cooling mechanism is achieved by air, and particularly by ambient air. Preferably, the linear motor is secured by clamping between the radiators.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the device has an additional extraction function for removing containers from the transport path. This extraction device is preferably adapted and used to push each container out of the transport path. Particularly preferably, this function is achieved by one or more extraction elements, which, unlike the case of transfer to an ausleitband, are not positioned in front of the container but are deployed nearly centrally relative to the container, thereby pushing the container out of the ausleitband with high lateral acceleration.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the other ejector has an ejector assembly capable of linear motion, which directly ejects the containers through this linear motion. This combination of two ejector devices allows for the ejection of either a single container or an array of containers as needed.

[0037] Particularly preferably, at least two adjacent linear motors, and especially linear motors adjacent along the transport direction, are arranged staggered from each other, and particularly staggered from each other in two mutually perpendicular directions. That is, the linear motors are preferably not arranged at the same height position (which is preferably defined as perpendicular to the transport plane of the container), but are staggered from each other.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the linear motors are arranged alternately in different positions. Particularly preferably, the linear motors are arranged in a manner that is offset from each other perpendicular to the pivot. This allows the lead-out segments, along with their corresponding linear motors, to be arranged within a smaller structural space.

[0039] Preferably, the first group of linear motors is arranged in the first plane, and the second group of linear motors is arranged in the second plane, which is parallel to the first plane and spaced at a certain distance.

[0040] Particularly preferably, at least one linear motor causes a pivoting motion of a predetermined pivot angle, and causes its corresponding lead-out segment to be fed into the transport path due to the extension (of the drive element), and at least another linear motor causes its corresponding lead-out element to pivot at the same predetermined angle due to the retraction (of the drive element). This will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Preferably, the associated linear motors are always alternately arranged above and below the pivot shaft. Particularly preferably, the mechanical connection that converts the linear motion of the linear motors into the pivoting motion of the lead-out segments is designed such that the same travel distance of the linear motors (either during the extension or retraction of the drive element) results in the same pivoting motion. This saves space.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, a linear motor is provided, rigidly clamped within a radiator. These linear motors are preferably used to control lead-out sections, which, as described above, are particularly folded sections. This preferably converts the linear motion of the linear motor into rotational motion via a double-hinged bearing and, more preferably, a deflector. The deflector is preferably supported on an axis.

[0043] The maintenance-free double-hinge bearing preferably includes two ball joints for compensating for misalignment errors and tolerances. The linear motor is arranged in two staggered rows as described above by advantageously limiting the width of each lead-out segment or cam segment. This allows the double-hinge bearing to be secured to the deflector at two different support points.

[0044] To allow the lead-out segments to move downwards at a preset angle, for example, approximately 90°, with the same stroke, the upper linear motor can be pushed forward and the lower one pulled backward. The lead-out segments are fixed, particularly screwed, to the deflector for easy replacement in case of wear. The number and width of the lead-out segments can be adjusted to suit the required cam geometry, based on container size, equipment efficiency, and stability.

[0045] The present invention also relates to an extraction device for extracting a container from a transport path, wherein the extraction device has a plurality of extraction segments that are movable into the transport path to extract the container. Furthermore, a drive mechanism for moving the extraction segments is also provided.

[0046] According to the invention, the lead-out segment is pivotable relative to a predetermined rotation axis, and the drive device is an electric linear motor comprising movable drive elements, wherein these drive elements (in particular, the mover of the linear motor) are coupled to the lead-out segment in a manner that converts the motion of the drive elements into the pivoting motion of the lead-out segment. Preferably, the lead-out device described herein can also be mounted on existing equipment.

[0047] Preferably, the lead-out element has a carrier and contact elements and / or contact surfaces disposed on the carrier, which contact the container to lead it out.

[0048] The present invention also relates to a method for handling groceries, particularly containers, especially beverage containers. In this method, a transport device transports the groceries and, particularly the containers, along a predetermined transport path, and an extraction device extracts the groceries or containers from the transport path. This extraction device has several extraction segments that move within the transport path to extract the groceries and / or containers. A drive device is further provided to move these extraction segments.

[0049] According to the invention, the lead-out segment is pivoted relative to a predetermined rotation axis, and the driving device is a linear motor comprising movable driving elements, wherein these driving elements are coupled to the lead-out segment in a manner that converts the motion of the driving elements into the pivoting motion of the lead-out segment. Preferably, the lead-out segment pivots sequentially along the transport direction.

[0050] Preferably, the lead-out segment is pivoted at an angle greater than 30°, preferably greater than 40°, preferably greater than 60°, preferably greater than 70°, and particularly preferably greater than 80°.

[0051] Preferably, an inspection device located before the lead-out device in the transport device inspects the transported container.

[0052] Particularly preferably, the linear motion of the linear motor and / or linear actuator is converted into the pivoting motion of the lead-out segment by means of an articulation device. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Further advantages and implementation methods are evident from the accompanying drawings:

[0054] in:

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the device according to the present invention is shown;

[0056] Figure 2 This is a top view of the extraction device of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the lead-out device, in which the lead-out segments are unfolded;

[0058] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the lead-out device, in which the lead-out segment is flipped upwards;

[0059] Figure 5 This is a side view of the lead-out device, in which the lead-out segment unfolds into the motion path;

[0060] Figure 6 To and Figure 5 The corresponding view, where the leading-out segments flip upwards;

[0061] Figure 7 This is a detailed drawing of the extraction device of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 8 Another detailed drawing of the extraction device; and

[0063] Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of the extraction device. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the apparatus 1 for processing container 10 according to the present invention. A single-line transport device 2 in the form of a conveyor belt is provided, on which the container 10 is transported in a straight line. Reference numeral 6 indicates an inspection device that inspects the container 10. Reference numeral 4 indicates a withdrawal device for withdrawing a single container or a group of containers. The apparatus includes a transport section 24 on which containers not yet withdrawn continue to be transported, and a withdrawal section 22 on which withdrawn containers continue to be transported.

[0065] Figure 2This is a top view of the lead-out device, in which lead-out segments 42a, 42b, etc., unfold and extend into the transport path. Reference numeral 46 denotes the drive elements or movers of the linear motors 44a, 44b, etc., which are capable of linear motion in the direction of motion Y. These drive elements 46 are coupled to the link 48 via a hinged connection 45. The folding segments or lead-out segments 42a, 42b, etc., can pivot between two pivot positions due to the movement of the linear motors 44a, etc.

[0066] Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the lead-out device. Here we can see the stop 56, and each lead-out segment 42a, 42b or its carrier at (in Figure 3 (Not shown) In the reset or flipped-up state, it rests against the stop. Reference numeral 54 indicates the stator of the linear motor, in which the mover 46 moves. Reference numeral 52 indicates the carrier, and reference numeral 57 indicates the contact element. This carrier 52 and contact element 57 are components of the corresponding lead-out section.

[0067] However, preferably, the stop 56 is approached only for the purpose of providing a reference for the linear motor. During drive operation (e.g., during the retraction process after the take-off operation), the linear motor or carrier 52 preferably does not contact or approach the stop 56.

[0068] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The device in the middle, but in which the lead-out segments 42a and 42d are both turned upwards, that is, they do not cause the lead-out of the container (not shown).

[0069] Figure 5 This is a side view of the extraction device. A radiator 60 is also provided here to cool the linear motor (stator 54). The drive element 46 is coupled to a connecting rod 48 via a hinge 45, which in turn is hinged to the extraction segment. Reference numeral 55 indicates a carrier on which the extraction segment is arranged. The upper linear motor extends, moving the extraction segment from a retracted position to an extraction position, in which the container is extracted. The lower motor rotates the extraction segment into the extraction position, i.e., by retracting (i.e.,...) Figure 5 (Move to the left in the middle) and bring the container out to the position.

[0070] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 The device is positioned such that the lead-out segment is flipped upwards and thus does not lead out the container.

[0071] Figure 7This is a detailed diagram of the device of the present invention. Pivot S is shown here, with the lead-out segment 42a pivoting relative to this pivot. It can be seen that the upper linear motor is hinged to the pivot shaft or pivot S1, and the lower linear motor is hinged to pivot S2. The distances l1 and l2 between pivot S and axes S1 and S2 are preferably the same. As described above, the pivoting movement of the lead-out segment is achieved by the corresponding movement of the linear motors. Therefore, the mechanically connected joint head is also hinged to pivots S1 and S2. Reference numeral 56 indicates a stop against which the lead-out segment or its carrier 52 rests in the upward-folded position.

[0072] Figure 8 This is to introduce another detailed diagram of the segment.

[0073] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the overall device of the present invention. Lead-out sections 42a and 42b are also shown here. The entire device is preferably integrated into the housing 80.

[0074] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as fundamental features of the invention, provided that these features, individually or in combination, are novel compared to the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves are also described in individual figures. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without employing other features in that figure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also be derived by combining several features shown in a single figure or different figures.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for handling containers (10), characterized in that, The device (1) has a transport device (2) for transporting the container (10) along a preset transport path (P), an inspection device (6) for inspecting the container (10) transported by the transport device (2), and an extraction device (4) adapted to extract the container (10) from the transport path (P), wherein the extraction device (4) has several extraction segments (42a, 42b, ...), the extraction segments being movable into the transport path to extract the container, and the device has a means for making the extraction device... A drive device for moving the lead-out segments (42a, 42b, ...), wherein the lead-out segments (42a, 42b) are pivotable relative to a preset rotation axis, and the drive device is an electric linear motor (44a, 44b, ...) including a movable drive element (46), wherein the drive element (46) is coupled to the lead-out segments (42a, 42b, ...) in a manner that converts the motion of the drive element (46) into the pivotal motion of the lead-out segments (42a, 42b, ...). in, The drive element is connected to the lead-out segments (42a, 42b, ...) via a double hinge bearing, wherein at least two adjacent linear motors are staggered from each other in at least two mutually perpendicular directions.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The double-hinge bearing has two ball heads.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one linear motor (44a, 44b, ...) has a stroke distance greater than 10 mm, and / or at least one linear motor has a stroke distance less than 50 mm.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device (1) has a cooling device (60) for cooling the linear motors (44a, 44b, ...).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4. Its features are, The cooling device (60) is a radiator, and the linear motor is arranged on the radiator.

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device (1) has another outlet device for drawing the container (10) out of the transport path (P).

7. An extraction device (4) for extracting containers (10) from a transport path, characterized in that The extraction device (4) has several extraction segments (42a, 42b, ...), each extraction segment being movable into the transport path to extract the container, and having a drive mechanism for moving the extraction segments, wherein each extraction segment is pivotable relative to a predetermined rotation axis, and the drive mechanism is an electric linear motor (44a, 44b, ...) comprising a movable drive element (46), wherein the drive element is coupled to the extraction segments in a manner that converts the motion of the drive element into the pivoting motion of the extraction segments (42a, 42b, ...). in, The drive element is connected to the lead-out segments (42a, 42b, ...) via a double hinge bearing, wherein at least two adjacent linear motors are staggered from each other in at least two mutually perpendicular directions.

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7. Its features are, The extraction device has a carrier (52) and a contact element (54) arranged on the carrier, the contact element contacting the container to extract it.

9. A method of treating a container (10) characterized by, The transport device transports the container (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), and the extraction device (4) extracts the container (10) from the transport path, wherein the extraction device (4) has several extraction segments (42a, 42b, ...), which are moved into the transport path to extract the container, and wherein a drive device causes the extraction segments (42a, 42b, ...) to move, wherein the extraction segments (42a, 42b, ...) pivot relative to a predetermined rotation axis, and the drive device is an electric linear motor (44a, 44b, ...) including a movable drive element (46), wherein the drive element is coupled to the extraction segments (42a, 42b, ...) in a manner that converts the motion of the drive element (46) into the pivoting motion of the extraction segments (42a, 42b, ...). in, The drive element is connected to the lead-out segments (42a, 42b, ...) via a double hinge bearing, wherein at least two adjacent linear motors are staggered from each other in at least two mutually perpendicular directions.

10. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, This causes the leading segment to pivot at an angle greater than 30 degrees.

11. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, The linear motion of the linear motor is converted into the pivoting motion of the lead-out segment by means of a hinge device.

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