cushioning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a buffer device (229, 247, 252, 254, 255) comprising a container input device (230), a buffer (231, 248) arranged downstream of the container input device (230) and a container discharge device (232) arranged downstream of the buffer (231, 248). The container input device for feeding containers to the buffer is configured to feed the containers in a first direction (234) by means of a first conveyor belt. The buffer comprises a drivable buffer belt (235) or a plurality of parallel arranged drivable buffer belts (249, 250) configured to feed the containers in a second direction (236), wherein the second direction extends transversely to the first direction (234). The container discharge device is configured to guide and separate the containers from the buffer in the first direction (234) or in a third direction (242) opposite to the first direction (234).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a buffer device. Background Technology

[0002] As is known in the field of filling technology, products filled into containers by a filler in a system must be pasteurized, for example, in a pasteurizer. The pasteurization process can follow other processes, such as inspecting containers in an inspection machine and drying containers in a drying unit. To account for potential malfunctions of these machines—filler, pasteurizer, inspection machine, and drying unit—buffers can be placed between the filler and pasteurizer, between the pasteurizer and inspection machine, and between the inspection machine and drying unit. Each buffer can be configured to buffer containers for up to 60 seconds. With these multiple buffers, potential malfunctions in individual machines can be addressed without stopping the entire production line.

[0003] The rated power of the line in such a system can correspond to the rated power of the pasteurizer. For example, the filling machine before the pasteurizer may be 10% to 20% oversized so that the buffer between the filling machine and the pasteurizer can be refilled in the event of a failure in the filling machine. For example, the machine downstream of the pasteurizer may be 20% oversized to maintain production line efficiency and, for example, to digitally remove containers accumulated on the corresponding buffer in the event of a failure.

[0004] Implementing buffers in bulk shipping requires significant space. Furthermore, for example, a buffer between a filler and a pasteurizer is only intended to cushion containers in the event of a filler failure. A buffer between a filler and a pasteurizer is not intended for cushioning in the event of a pasteurizer and / or inspection machine and / or dryer failure.

[0005] DE 44 34 176 A1 discloses a method for providing performance-related machinery in a vascular treatment apparatus to avoid or reduce unavoidable machine downtime in such an apparatus. The method provides that the filling status of the cleaning machine can be adjusted by varying the number of containers to be cleaned fed, based on the throughput or filling degree of upstream and downstream conveyors and / or machines. If there are insufficient containers in the system, the downstream machine can easily continue operation without premature shutdown due to reserves in the cleaning machine. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Purpose

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a buffer device that can operate in a space-saving manner and reduce the force acting on the container.

[0008] Solution

[0009] This objective is achieved through a buffer device described below. Further features of the present invention are disclosed in other related technical solutions.

[0010] The buffer device includes a container input device, a buffer downstream of the container input device, and a container unloading device downstream of the buffer. The container input device for conveying containers to the buffer is configured to convey containers along a first direction via a first conveyor belt. The buffer includes a drivable buffer belt, or a plurality of drivable buffer belts arranged in parallel or in series, the buffer belts being configured to convey containers along a second direction, wherein the second direction extends transversely to the first direction. The container unloading device is used to discharge and separate containers from the buffer along the first direction or along a third direction opposite to the first direction.

[0011] The container unloading device can be located on the side opposite to the container input device. The container unloading device can operate in the same or opposite direction as the container input device.

[0012] The drivable buffer belt, or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer belts, can be configured to be driven or stationary along the second direction. It may be specified that the drivable buffer belt or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer belts cannot be driven in a direction opposite to the second direction. Therefore, the container cannot be transported in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0013] The drivable buffer belt, or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer belts, may also be configured to transport the container along a fourth direction, wherein the second and fourth directions may be opposite to each other, and the fourth direction may extend laterally to the first direction.

[0014] The buffer band may have the characteristic of being able to be driven at a speed of 0 m / min to 20 m / min, for example, along a second direction or along a fourth direction.

[0015] Here and below, the expressions “first,” “second,” “third,” or “fourth” are used only to distinguish the same terms and do not have any further restrictive meaning.

[0016] By using a container input device to input a separated container, conveying the container laterally to the buffer in a first direction and thus conveying the container to the buffer, and by using a container unloading device to export and separate the container from the buffer, the container can be exported and separated laterally to the buffer in a first or third direction, thus achieving a compact and space-saving structure for the buffer device.

[0017] At least one transition zone may be provided between the container input device and the buffer, wherein the length of this transition zone may be shorter than the length of the buffer. However, the length of the transition zone may also be longer than the length of the buffer. For example, the transition zone may be constructed as a separate drivable conveyor belt capable of conveying containers in a second direction or a third direction. Alternatively, the transition zone may include, for example, the same number of drivable conveyor belts as the buffer, wherein the drivable conveyor belts may be configured to convey containers in a second direction or a third direction. The transition zone may also be configured to convey containers only in the second direction and not in a third direction; the transition zone may also be stationary. The transition zone may be configured to be drivable only in the second direction.

[0018] The transition zone can be used as a pre-buffer zone, so that a container that can be input by the container input device enters the transition zone first, and then enters the buffer, i.e., is sent to one or more buffer strips.

[0019] The buffer belts can be driven at speeds from -20 m / min to 60 m / min (m / min represents meters per minute), for example -10 m / min to 30 m / min or -5 m / min to 15 m / min. For example, with several parallel-arranged driveable buffer belts, each buffer belt can have an independent drive, or for example, the buffer belts can have a common drive. When each buffer belt has an independent drive, the buffer belts can have the same or different speeds. When a common drive is used, the buffer belts all have the same speed. The buffer belts can also be driven collectively, but not at the same speed. For this purpose, the sprockets of the buffer belts can have different sizes and different speeds due to different gear ratios.

[0020] The given speed range limits may be included. A positive speed may correspond to a driver capable of conveying a container in a second direction, conveying such conveyance may be achieved, for example, through the drivable buffer belt, or through one or more or all of the plurality of parallel buffer belts. A speed of 0 m / min may correspond to a stationary state of the drivable buffer belt, or to a stationary state of one or more or all of the plurality of parallel buffer belts. A negative speed may correspond to a driver capable of conveying a container in a third direction, conveying such conveyance may be achieved, for example, through the drivable buffer belt, or through one or more or all of the plurality of parallel buffer belts.

[0021] The buffer strip may have a certain length, so that during buffering operation, the container can be buffered on the buffer strip for a duration of 0 to 30 minutes, 0 to 20 minutes, 0 to 10 minutes, 0.15 to 15 minutes, or for example 0.1 to 10 minutes, or for example 0.1 to 5 minutes.

[0022] To determine the length, for example, the speed (generally the average speed) of the buffer strip during buffer operation can be taken into account.

[0023] The buffer device may also include a control device for the buffer, which may be configured to implement a method of controlling the buffer.

[0024] The control device may also be configured to

[0025] - After a failure occurs downstream of the buffer that requires buffering of the container on or across several buffer strips:

[0026] - Transform the normal operation of the buffer into the buffered operation of the buffer, wherein the transformation includes:

[0027] - Maintain a first speed along a first direction for the container input device, wherein the first speed has a first value, and

[0028] -Simultaneously, the buffer band is braked from a second speed with a second value along the second direction to a third speed with a third value along the second direction.

[0029] or

[0030] Simultaneously, the plurality of buffer belts are braked from a second speed having a second value along the second direction to a third speed having a third value along the second direction.

[0031] During normal operation, the container input device can be driven at a first speed having a first value along the first direction, and the buffer belt can be driven at a second speed having a second value along the second direction.

[0032] The conversion may also include:

[0033] - If the fault has been resolved, the buffer's buffered operation is switched to normal operation, which includes:

[0034] - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and

[0035] Simultaneously, the third velocity of the buffer band is increased back to the second velocity along the second direction, and this second velocity along the second direction is maintained.

[0036] or

[0037] At the same time, the third speed of the plurality of buffer zones is increased again to the second speed along the second direction, and the second speed along the second direction is maintained.

[0038] The third speed of the buffer zone can be gradually or continuously increased back to the second speed along the second direction by one or more gradually increasing intermediate speeds.

[0039] "Gradually" can include increasing the third speed to a corresponding intermediate speed in steps, which can be given or adjustable percentages, until the second speed is reached. For example, a step size of 15 to 20% can be used when increasing the speed. Before increasing to the next intermediate speed or the second speed, the reached intermediate speed can be maintained for a given or adjustable duration. The given or adjustable duration can be different or the same for different intermediate speeds.

[0040] As an alternative, the conversion of normal operation of the thermal vessel handling unit to buffered operation may also include:

[0041] - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and

[0042] Simultaneously, the buffer belt is braked from the third speed having a third value along the second direction to a speed of 0 m / min, and then the buffer belt is accelerated from the speed of 0 m / min to a fourth speed along the third direction, wherein the fourth speed has a fourth value less than the second value, and the fourth speed along the third direction is maintained.

[0043] or

[0044] Simultaneously, the buffer strips are braked from a third speed having a third value along the second direction to a speed of 0 m / min, and then the buffer strips are accelerated from a speed of 0 m / min to a fourth speed along the third direction, wherein the fourth speed has a fourth value that is less than the second value, and the fourth speed along the third direction is maintained.

[0045] The buffer strip can be braked continuously or substantially continuously from a second speed with a second value along the second direction (passing through a third speed with a third value along the second direction) to a fourth speed with a fourth value along the third direction; braking can also be performed gradually as an alternative.

[0046] The process of converting normal operation of the buffer zone into buffer operation may also include:

[0047] -In the case where containers conveyed to the buffer belt by the container input device and containers returned from the buffer belt fill the initial area of ​​the buffer belt,

[0048] - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and

[0049] Simultaneously, the buffer belt is braked from the fourth speed along the third direction to a fifth speed with a fifth value of 0 m / min, and then the buffer belt is accelerated from the fifth speed to a sixth speed along the second direction, wherein the sixth speed has a sixth value equal to the first value.

[0050] or

[0051] -When the containers conveyed by the container input device to the plurality of buffer belts and the containers returned by the plurality of buffer belts fill the initial area of ​​the buffer belts,

[0052] - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and

[0053] - Simultaneously, the plurality of buffer strips are braked from the fourth speed along the third direction to a fifth speed with a fifth value of 0 m / min, and then the plurality of buffer strips are accelerated from the fifth speed to a sixth speed along the second direction, wherein the sixth speed has a sixth value equal to the first value.

[0054] When the initial area of ​​the buffer belt is filled by containers fed onto the buffer belt by the container input device and containers returned from the buffer belt, for example, 30% to 40% of the buffer belt can be filled.

[0055] As long as the fault downstream of the buffer is not resolved, or as long as the buffer strip is not completely or substantially completely filled by the container, for example, as long as a smaller percentage of the buffer strip is filled by the container than 90% to 95%, the sixth speed in the second direction can be maintained until the buffer strip is completely filled by the container.

[0056] The control method may further include:

[0057] - If the fault has been resolved, the buffer's buffered operation is switched to normal operation, which includes:

[0058] - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and

[0059] Simultaneously, the sixth velocity of the buffer band is increased to a seventh velocity along the second direction, wherein the seventh value is equal to the second value, and the seventh velocity along the second direction is maintained.

[0060] or

[0061] Simultaneously, the sixth speed of the plurality of buffer zones is increased to a seventh speed along the second direction, wherein the seventh value is equal to the second value, and the seventh speed along the second direction is maintained.

[0062] The simultaneous growth rate can be achieved gradually through one or more gradually increasing intermediate speeds, or continuously.

[0063] "Gradually" can include increasing the sixth speed to a corresponding intermediate speed in steps, which can be given or adjustable percentages, until the seventh speed is reached. For example, a step size of 15 to 20% can be used when increasing the speed. Before increasing to the next intermediate speed or the seventh speed, the reached intermediate speed can be maintained for a given or adjustable duration. The given or adjustable duration can be different or the same for different intermediate speeds.

[0064] If the fault downstream of the buffer is not resolved, and the buffer strip is completely or substantially completely filled by the container, for example, if the container fills an amount equal to or greater than 90% to 95% of the buffer strip, the method may further include:

[0065] - Brake the container input device from the first velocity along the first direction to a ninth velocity having a ninth value of 0 m / min, and

[0066] - Simultaneously, the buffer belt or the plurality of buffer belts are braked from the sixth velocity along the second direction to the tenth velocity having a tenth value of 0 m / min.

[0067] These steps of the method can also be categorized as converting normal operation of the buffer into buffered operation. The method is also applicable to braking the buffer band in the transition zone.

[0068] The method may further include:

[0069] - If the fault has been resolved, the buffer's buffered operation is switched to normal operation, which includes:

[0070] - Increase the ninth speed of the container input device to an eleventh speed along a first direction, wherein the eleventh value is equal to the first value, and maintain the eleventh speed along the first direction, and

[0071] -Simultaneously increase the tenth velocity of the buffer band to the twelfth velocity along the second direction.

[0072] or

[0073] At the same time, the tenth velocity of each of the several buffer zones is increased to the twelfth velocity along the second direction.

[0074] The twelfth value can be derived based on the allowable overload capacity of the buffer zone, thereby enabling the container present on the buffer zone to be transferred to the output zone with the allowable overload capacity.

[0075] The simultaneous growth rate can be achieved gradually through one or more gradually increasing intermediate speeds, or continuously.

[0076] For example, during the simultaneous increase from the sixth speed to the seventh speed (a) and from the tenth speed (0 m / min) to the twelfth speed (b), the one or more gradually increasing intermediate speeds can be the same. In both cases (a) and (b), the given or adjustable duration for maintaining the reached intermediate speed can be the same or different before reaching the next intermediate speed, or the seventh or twelfth speed. For different intermediate speeds, the given or adjustable duration can be different or the same.

[0077] The control device may also be configured to:

[0078] Fault data of faults detected before or after the buffer, such as fault data of another device that may be located upstream or downstream of the buffer, are analyzed to obtain control data for controlling the buffer, and the filling degree of the buffer tape is controlled according to the control data during normal operation.

[0079] To buffer containers on the buffer strip, and to flexibly account for potential failures before or after the buffer, fault data and / or control data are detected for failures before or after the buffer. By analyzing the fault data, control data is obtained, which is also used to control the buffer and the fill level of the buffer strip during normal operation. During a failure, the fill level of the buffer strip may differ from that during normal operation.

[0080] When a fault occurs before the buffer, the buffer strip may gradually empty during the fault period. When a fault occurs after the buffer, the buffer strip may gradually fill during the fault period.

[0081] Therefore, by controlling the fill level of the buffer strip during normal operation, the available buffer time in case of a failure can be adjusted. For example, considering frequent failures before the buffer, a larger fill level of the buffer strip during normal operation can provide a longer buffer time compared to a smaller fill level. Conversely, considering frequent failures after the buffer, a smaller fill level of the buffer strip during normal operation can provide a longer buffer time compared to a larger fill level.

[0082] Another device that can be located upstream of the buffer is a filling device. In addition to the filling device, the filling device may also include inspection, discharge, and / or tipping devices. Furthermore, a closure device may be provided. In the case of glass containers, a washing device may be provided; in the case of PET containers, a neck sterilizer may be provided.

[0083] Another device that can be located downstream of the buffer is an inspection machine or a drying unit. Both an inspection machine and a drying unit can also be provided. Additionally, a labeling machine can be provided. For glass containers, a packing machine can be provided.

[0084] When the fill level is controlled to 30%, also known as the first fill level, a fault before the buffer can be buffered by the buffer band for at least 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 seconds, and a fault after the buffer can be buffered by the buffer band for at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 or 120 seconds.

[0085] Furthermore, when the filling level is controlled to be less than the first filling level, a fault before the buffer can be buffered for less than 60 seconds by the buffer band, and a fault after the buffer can be buffered for more than 120 seconds by the buffer band.

[0086] By reducing the fill level, it is possible to take into account, for example, the fact that frequent failures have been found after the buffer.

[0087] Therefore, when the filling degree is controlled to be greater than the first filling degree, the fault before the buffer can be buffered for more than 60 seconds by the buffer band, and the fault after the buffer can be buffered for less than 120 seconds by the buffer band.

[0088] By increasing the fill level, for example, it is possible to take into account the fact that frequent failures have been found in front of the buffer.

[0089] The names "first," "second," and "third" fill grades are simply to distinguish the different fill grades mentioned.

[0090] The control can control the filling degree of the buffer tape to 30%.

[0091] The buffer time for faults before the buffer can be at least 60 seconds.

[0092] It can be specified that the buffer time for faults after the buffer can be at least 120 seconds.

[0093] As an alternative, it can be specified that the first buffer time for the first fault before the buffer can be at least 60 seconds, and the second buffer time for the second fault after the buffer can be at least 60 seconds.

[0094] Fault data may include: information about faults that occurred before or after the buffer, and / or information about downtime, such as fault frequency, fault duration and / or low power, and / or information about the time dependence of faults during production, and / or information about environmental pressure and / or environmental temperature and / or time of day during the fault, and / or the number of faults before and / or after the buffer, and / or the number of faults before and / or after the buffer that caused the buffer strip to be completely emptied or completely filled, and / or the cumulative fault duration, and / or categorized fault data.

[0095] For example, classification can consider why the failure occurred and whether it is likely to recur within a given timeframe. If the failure is likely to recur within a given timeframe, then controlling the buffer within that timeframe can be considered. If the failure is unlikely to recur within a given timeframe, then controlling the buffer does not need to consider the failure.

[0096] For example, if the membrane is not replenished in time, the dryer may malfunction. The dryer stops because there is no membrane. After the membrane is replenished, the malfunction ends and will not recur within a given timeframe, such as one hour, because the membrane has been replenished.

[0097] Control data can be obtained through automated analysis, such as through analytics programs and / or through machine learning.

[0098] The filling level setting of the buffer zone can be increased or decreased based on fault data, and the increased or decreased setting can be used to control the filling level.

[0099] Fault data can be detected periodically, such as every 10 to 20 seconds, every 5 to 45 minutes, once an hour, once a day, or once a week. Fault data can be analyzed to obtain control data, and the filling degree of the buffer band can be controlled according to the control data during normal operation.

[0100] It can also be specified that fault data is only checked periodically, such as every 10 to 20 seconds, every 5 to 45 minutes, once an hour, once a day, or once a week. For example, the analysis of fault data, the acquisition of control data, and the control of the buffer's fill level during normal operation based on the control data do not necessarily follow the periodic fault data checks.

[0101] As an alternative, it can be specified that fault data can be detected, analyzed, and control data obtained periodically, for example, every 10 to 20 seconds, every 5 to 45 minutes, once an hour, once a day, or once a week. The filling degree of the buffer band during normal operation is controlled based on the control data, but this is not necessarily immediately followed by the periodic fault data detection, fault data analysis, and control data acquisition.

[0102] After detecting and analyzing fault data and obtaining control data, the filling degree of the buffer band during normal operation can be controlled based on the control data.

[0103] The filling degree of the buffer tape during normal operation can be controlled according to control data in the following situations: after exceeding a first given maximum number of failures before and / or after the buffer, and / or after exceeding a second given maximum number of failures before and / or after the buffer, these failures cause the buffer tape to be completely emptied or completely filled.

[0104] The filling degree of the buffer band during normal operation can also be controlled based on control data after a given upper limit on the cumulative fault duration of faults before and / or after the buffer band.

[0105] The container input device includes a monorail feed conveyor that can be driven in a third direction and configured to transport containers in that third direction. Parallel to the monorail feed conveyor, the container input device also includes a first group of several parallel-arranged first conveyors that can be driven in a third direction and configured to transport containers in that third direction; and parallel to the first group of several parallel-arranged first conveyors, a second group of several parallel-arranged second conveyors that can be driven in a first direction and configured to transport containers in that first direction. Containers can be transferred from the second group of several parallel-arranged second conveyors in a second direction, transverse to the first direction, to a buffer.

[0106] The containers may include glass bottles, PET bottles, and / or cans. They also include screw-top glass jars for food, as well as canned or tin cans.

[0107] The monorail feed conveyor can be considered as an entrance to the first group. The first group may include a first conveyor of number n > 1, for example, n = 3. The first of the first conveyors (n = 1) may be adjacent to the monorail feed conveyor, the second of the first conveyors (n = 2) may be adjacent to the first of the first conveyors (n = 1), and the third of the first conveyors (n = 3) may be adjacent to the second of the first conveyors (n = 2).

[0108] The second group may include a number of second conveyors of m > 1, for example, m = 3 (but the number of conveyors in the first and second groups may also be different). The first of the second conveyors (m = 1) may be adjacent to the third of the first conveyors (n = 3), the second of the second conveyors (m = 2) may be adjacent to the first of the second conveyors (m = 1), and the third of the second conveyors (m = 3) may be adjacent to the second of the second conveyors (m = 2) and to the buffer.

[0109] "Parallel connection" means that a distance smaller than the container diameter may be provided between the monorail feed conveyors and / or between the conveyor and the buffer, or a transfer plate with a width smaller than the container diameter may be provided.

[0110] In summary, the first group describes several first conveyors capable of being driven along a first direction. These first conveyors may be configured to be driven independently. The drive speed can be controlled by a control device included in the container input device. The drive speeds of the first conveyors may be the same or different. Each first conveyor may include a transport surface, wherein these transport surfaces may be coplanar. The same applies to the second group, which, in summary, describes several second conveyors capable of being driven along a first direction.

[0111] Immediately following the buffer, the container unloading device may include a first group of several parallel first conveyors, which may be driven transversely to the buffer in a second direction along a first direction and are configured to separate and convey containers in the first direction. Parallel to the first group of several parallel first conveyors, the container unloading device also includes a second group of several parallel second conveyors, which may be driven in a third direction and are configured to convey the separated containers in the third direction, and further includes one or more third conveyors, fewer in number than the second conveyors, wherein the third conveyors are configured to remove the separated containers.

[0112] By setting up parallel conveyors that are transverse to the buffer and also act as separators, a compact structure can be achieved, thus saving space.

[0113] The terms "first," "second," "third," or "fourth" serve only to distinguish the terms and do not have any further restrictive meaning.

[0114] The buffer device includes a container cleaning device, a buffer located downstream of the container cleaning device, and a container unloading device located downstream of the buffer, wherein the container cleaning device is configured to convey containers along a first direction. The buffer includes a drivable buffer belt, or a plurality of parallel drivable buffer belts, the buffer belts being configured to convey containers along a second direction, wherein the first direction is the same as the second direction. The container unloading device is configured to discharge and separate containers from the buffer along a third direction transverse to the first and second directions. The characteristics of the container unloading device may correspond to the examples and embodiments of container unloading devices described above and below. Here, the first direction mentioned in connection with the container unloading device is a fourth direction (to distinguish it from the first direction of the container cleaning device), wherein the fourth direction may be opposite to the third direction. The characteristics of the buffer may correspond to the examples and embodiments of buffers described above and below.

[0115] The drivable buffer belt, or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer belts, may also be configured to transport the container along a fourth direction, wherein the second and fourth directions may be opposite to each other, and wherein a third direction may be transverse to the fourth direction. The characteristics of the container unloading device may correspond to the examples and embodiments of the container unloading device described above and below. Here, the first direction mentioned in connection with the container unloading device is referred to as the fifth direction (to distinguish it from the first direction of the container cleaning device), wherein the fifth direction may be opposite to the fourth direction. The characteristics of the buffer may correspond to the examples and embodiments of the buffer described above and below.

[0116] The container cleaning device can be used for reusable glass containers.

[0117] Containers can be removed from boxes used for transporting containers and placed on a conveyor belt, which can transport the containers to the inlet of the container cleaning unit. At the inlet, the containers can be introduced into a channel of a defined width (e.g., 3 to 5 meters) and, for example, fed into the container cleaning unit using a bottle carrier. Attached Figure Description

[0118] For better understanding and illustration, the accompanying drawings exemplarily illustrate aspects and embodiments of the invention. Wherein:

[0119] Figure 1A A schematic top view of a first embodiment of the buffer device is shown.

[0120] Figure 1B A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the buffer device is shown.

[0121] Figure 2A A schematic top view of a third embodiment of the buffer device is shown.

[0122] Figure 2B A schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of the buffer device is shown.

[0123] Figure 2C A schematic top view of a fifth embodiment of the buffer device is shown.

[0124] Figure 3A A schematic top view of a first embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0125] Figure 3B A schematic side view of a first embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0126] Figure 3C A schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a container unloading device, viewed from above in a first direction, is shown.

[0127] Figure 3D A schematic top view of a first embodiment of a container unloading device is shown, in which a container is contained.

[0128] Figure 4A A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0129] Figure 4B A schematic side view of a second embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0130] Figure 4C A schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the container unloading device, viewed from above in a first direction, is shown.

[0131] Figure 4D A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container unloading device is shown, in which a container is contained.

[0132] Figure 5A A schematic top view of a third embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0133] Figure 5B A schematic side view of a third embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0134] Figure 5C A schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the container unloading device, viewed from above in a first direction, is shown.

[0135] Figure 5D A schematic top view of a third embodiment of a container unloading device is shown, in which a container is contained.

[0136] Figure 6A A schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0137] Figure 6B A schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0138] Figure 6C A schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the container unloading device, viewed from above in a first direction, is shown.

[0139] Figure 6D A schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of a container unloading device is shown, in which a container is contained.

[0140] Figure 7A A schematic top view of a fifth embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0141] Figure 7B A schematic side view of a fifth embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0142] Figure 7C A schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the container unloading device, viewed from above in a first direction, is shown.

[0143] Figure 7D A schematic top view of a fifth embodiment of a container unloading device is shown, in which a container is contained.

[0144] Figure 8A A schematic top view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0145] Figure 8B A schematic side view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device is shown.

[0146] Figure 8C A schematic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device, viewed from above in a first direction, is shown.

[0147] Figure 8D A schematic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device, viewed from above in a second direction, is shown.

[0148] Figure 8E A schematic top view of a sixth embodiment of a container unloading device is shown, in which a container is contained.

[0149] Figure 9 A schematic top view of a first embodiment of the container input device is shown.

[0150] Figure 10 A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container input device is shown.

[0151] Figure 11 It shows looking in the second direction. Figure 9 A side view of the transport surface, which is arranged at an angle.

[0152] Figure 12 It shows looking in the second direction. Figure 10 A side view of the transport surface, which is arranged at an angle.

[0153] Figure 13 The first time characteristic curves of the buffer zone's speed and occupancy rate are shown.

[0154] Figure 14 The second time characteristic curves showing the speed and occupancy rate of the buffer band are shown.

[0155] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of normal operation without faults is shown.

[0156] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the operation when a fault occurs in front of the buffer is shown.

[0157] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the operation when a fault occurs after the buffer is shown.

[0158] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of operation is shown when failures occur at staggered times before and after the buffer.

[0159] Figure 19 A schematic diagram is shown illustrating the operation when failures occur at overlapping times before and after the buffer.

[0160] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the first failure rate over a period of time is shown.

[0161] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the second failure rate over a period of time is shown.

[0162] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the third failure rate over a period of time is shown.

[0163] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of an exemplary dynamic buffer control with adjustable buffer time is shown.

[0164] Figure 24A A schematic top view of a sixth embodiment of the buffer device is shown.

[0165] Figure 24B A schematic top view of the seventh embodiment of the buffer device is shown.

[0166] Figure 25A A schematic top view of the eighth embodiment of the buffer device is shown.

[0167] Figure 25BA schematic top view of the ninth embodiment of the buffer device is shown, and

[0168] Figure 25C A schematic top view of the tenth embodiment of the buffer device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0169] Figure 1A This is a schematic top view of a first embodiment of the buffer device 229. The buffer device 229 includes a container input device 230, a buffer 231 disposed downstream of the container input device 230, and a container unloading device 232 disposed downstream of the buffer 231. The container input device 230, for conveying containers to the buffer 231, is configured to convey containers along a first direction 234 via a first conveyor belt. The buffer 231 includes a drivable buffer belt 235, which is configured to convey containers along a second direction 236 or a third direction 237, wherein the second direction 236 and the third direction 237 are opposite to each other and both extend laterally to the first direction 234. Alternatively, the drivable buffer belt 235 may not be configured to convey containers along the third direction, i.e., the buffer belt cannot be driven along the third direction. The container unloading device 232 is used to remove and separate containers from the buffer 231 along a fourth direction 242 opposite to the first direction 234.

[0170] exist Figures 9 to 12 The container input device 230 is explained in detail.

[0171] like Figure 1A The container input device 229 shown includes a monorail feed conveyor 238, which can be driven along a fourth direction 239 and, for example, can convey containers transported on its transport surface along the fourth direction 239.

[0172] Parallel to the monorail feed conveyor 238, several parallel first conveyors 240 are arranged, each of which can be driven along the fourth direction 239. Containers can be conveyed along the fourth direction 239 on the corresponding transport surfaces of the first conveyors.

[0173] Parallel to the first group 240, several parallel second conveyors, each of which is driven along the first direction 234, are arranged in a second group 233. Containers can be conveyed along the first direction 234 on the corresponding transport surfaces of the second conveyors. The first and fourth directions 234 and 239 are opposite to each other.

[0174] Guardrails 243 and 244 are provided above the transport surface of the monorail feed conveyor 238 and above the transport surfaces of the first and second groups 240 and 233, respectively. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This will be explained in detail.

[0175] exist Figures 3A to 8E The text provides a detailed explanation of container unloading devices.

[0176] Immediately following buffer 231, such as Figure 1A The container unloading device 232 shown includes a first conveyor arranged in parallel in a first group 241, which can be driven in a fourth direction 242 transverse to a second direction 236 of the buffer 231. The first conveyor is configured to separate containers and transport them along the fourth direction 242.

[0177] The container unloading device 232 also includes a second conveyor arranged in parallel with the second group 251, which is adjacent to the first group 241 and can be driven along the first direction 234. The second conveyor is configured to transport the separated containers along the first direction 234.

[0178] In addition, the container unloading device 232 includes a third conveyor configured to transport the separated containers away in the first direction 234.

[0179] Guardrails 245 and 246 are provided above the transport surface of the third conveyor and above the transport surfaces of the first and second groups 241 and 251, in combination with Figures 3A to 8E This will be explained in detail.

[0180] Figure 1B This is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of the buffer device 247. The structure of the container input device 230 and the container unloading device 232 is similar to... Figure 1A The structure is the same as in the previous one. However, the buffer 248 here includes two parallel drivable buffer strips 249 and 250, which are respectively configured to transport containers along the second direction 236 or along the third direction 237. Alternatively, it can be specified that neither of these buffer strips 249 nor 250 is configured to transport containers along the third direction, that is, these buffer strips cannot be driven along the third direction.

[0181] Figure 2A This is a schematic top view of a third embodiment of the buffer device 252. The structure of the container input device 230, the buffer 231, and the container unloading device is similar to... Figure 1A The structure is the same as in the previous section. A transition zone 253 is provided between the container input device 230 and the buffer 231, which is constructed as a separate drivable conveyor belt capable of conveying the container along the second direction 236 or along the third direction 237. Alternatively, the drivable buffer belt 235 may not be configured to convey the container along the third direction, i.e., the buffer belt cannot be driven along the third direction, but can only be driven along the second direction; the drivable buffer belt 235 may also be stationary. The transition zone 253 may be configured to convey the container only along the second direction 236, and not along the third direction; the transition zone 253 may also be stationary.

[0182] Figure 2B This is a schematic top view of the fourth embodiment of the buffer device 254. The structure of the container input device 230, the buffer 248, and the container unloading device 232 is similar to... Figure 1B The structure is the same as in the previous section. A transition zone 253 is provided between the container input device 230 and the buffer 231, which is constructed as a single drivable conveyor belt capable of conveying the container along the second direction 236 or along the third direction 237. Alternatively, it can be specified that neither of the two buffer belts 249, 250 is configured to convey containers along the third direction, that is, these buffer belts cannot be driven along the third direction, but can only be driven along the second direction; the buffer belts 249, 250 can also be stationary. The transition zone 253 can be configured to convey containers only along the second direction 236, and not along the third direction; the transition zone 253 can also be stationary.

[0183] Figure 2C This is a schematic top view of the fifth embodiment of the buffer device 255. The structure of the container input device 230, the buffer 248, and the container unloading device 232 is similar to... Figure 1B The structure is the same as in the previous section. A transition zone 256 is provided between the container input device 230 and the buffer 248, which includes the same number of drivable conveyor belts 257 and 258 as the buffer 248 (i.e., two in this case). The drivable conveyor belts 257 and 258 are configured to transport containers along a second direction 236 or a third direction 237. Alternatively, it can be specified that neither of the two buffer belts 249 and 250 is configured to transport containers along a third direction, i.e., these buffer belts cannot be driven along a third direction, but can only be driven along the second direction; the buffer belts 249 and 250 can also be stationary. In this case, the conveyor belts 257 and 258 of the transition zone 256 can be configured to transport containers only along the second direction 236 and not along a third direction; the conveyor belts 257 and 258 of the transition zone 256 can also be stationary.

[0184] Figure 3A A schematic top view of a first embodiment of a container unloading device 1 is shown, which is used to discharge containers from a buffer 2 and to separate containers. The buffer 2 is capable of conveying containers along a transport direction 3. The container unloading device 1 includes a first set 4 (three in this case) of first conveyors 5, 6, and 7 arranged in parallel immediately following the buffer 2. These first conveyors are capable of being driven in a first direction 8 transverse to the transport direction 3 of the buffer 2. The first conveyors 5-7 are configured to separate containers and convey them in the first direction 8.

[0185] Furthermore, the container unloading device 1 includes a second group 9 (here) of nine parallel second conveyors 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, which are immediately following the three parallel first conveyors 5, 6, and 7 of the first group 4. These second conveyors are drivable in a second direction 19. The second direction 19 is opposite to the first direction 8. The second conveyors 10-18 are configured to transport separated containers in the second direction 19.

[0186] In addition, the container unloading device 1 includes three third conveyors 20, 21, and 22, which are designed to transport the separated containers in the second direction 19.

[0187] At the beginning of the first conveyor 5-7, a first guardrail 23 is provided above the transport surface of the first conveyor 5-7. The straight section of the first guardrail extends laterally to the first conveyor 5-7, and a 90° turning section is immediately following the straight section.

[0188] Above the transport surface, a second railing 24 is provided between the first group 4 and the second group 9. This second railing is designed to be straight and is designed such that a transition zone 25 for the container exists between the first group 4 and the second group 9. The second railing 24 immediately follows the first railing 23.

[0189] A third railing 26 is provided above the transport surfaces of the three second conveyors 10, 11, and 12 in the second conveyor system. This third railing keeps the transition zone 25 open and extends to the middle third conveyor 21 in the third conveyor system. The third railing 26 is designed to be straight and immediately follows the second railing 24.

[0190] At the ends of the three first conveyors 5-7 and the beginnings of the nine second conveyors 10-18, concave railings 27 are provided above the transport surface. Here, the concave railings 27 include a turning section that presents a 180° angle.

[0191] Immediately following the concave railing 27, a fourth railing 28 is provided. This fourth railing is first provided above and to the side of one of the second conveyors 18 in the second conveyor, then above the three second conveyors 16, 17, and 18 in the second conveyor, and extends to the middle third conveyor 21 in the third conveyor.

[0192] Furthermore, the container unloading device 1 includes flexible elements 29 spaced apart above the five second conveyors 12-16, i.e., above the transport surface. Additionally, the flexible elements 29 extend spaced apart above the three third conveyors 20-22, i.e., above the transport surface. Because the flexible elements 29 are spaced apart above the transport surface of the five second conveyors 12-16, overturned and broken containers can be rejected into the first collection device 30, which is arranged below the container unloading device 1. Three of the five second conveyors 12-16, 13-15, are designed to be shorter than the remaining second conveyors 10-12, 16-18. This ensures access to the first collection device 30.

[0193] A second collection device 31 may be provided below and connected to one of the third conveyors 22, in the middle of the third conveyor. For example, overturned or broken containers may be removed into the second collection device 31.

[0194] Figure 3B A schematic side view of a first embodiment of the container unloading device 1, viewed in the first direction 8, is shown. In addition to the first railing 23, the third railing 26, the fourth railing 28, and the flexible element 29, the first conveyor 5-7, the second conveyors 10-12, 16-18, the third conveyor 20-22, the first collection device 30, and the second collection device 31 can also be seen.

[0195] The transport surfaces of the first conveyor 5-7 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms a 0° angle with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, that is, they are horizontal.

[0196] The transport surfaces of the first conveyor 7 and the second conveyor 10 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent area.

[0197] The transport surfaces of four second conveyors 10-13 (only second conveyor 10-12 is visible) are arranged so that there are no steps in adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of -5° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The transport surface of second conveyor 14 (not visible) forms an angle of 0° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The transport surfaces of four second conveyors 15-18 (only second conveyors 16-18 are visible) are arranged so that there are no steps in adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of +5° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. All transport surfaces of second conveyors 10-18 are arranged so that there are no steps in adjacent areas.

[0198] The transport surface of the third conveyor 20 forms an angle of -5° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The transport surface of the third conveyor 21 forms an angle of 0° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The transport surface of the third conveyor 22 forms an angle of +5° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0199] Figure 3C A schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the container unloading device 1, viewed from above in the first direction 8, is shown. In addition to the first railing 23, the second railing 24, the third railing 26, the concave railing 27, the fourth railing 28, and the flexible element 29, the first conveyor 5-7, the second conveyor 10-18, the third conveyor 20-22, the first collection device 30, and the second collection device 31 can also be seen.

[0200] Figure 3D A schematic top view of a first embodiment of the container unloading device 1 is shown, in which a container 32 is mounted. As the containers are transported via a first conveyor 5-7 in a first direction 8, they converge at the end of the first conveyor 5-7, thereby passing through a concave barrier 27 into a transition zone 25 and reaching a second conveyor 10-18, which moves the containers in a second direction 19. The containers 55 are transported to a third conveyor 21 via the inclined design of the third barrier 26 and the fourth barrier 28, and the second conveyors 10-13, 15-18 and the third conveyors 20, 22, which can then remove the separated containers 55.

[0201] Figure 4A A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container unloading device 33 is shown, which is used to guide containers out of the buffer 2 and to separate containers. The container unloading device 33 includes five first conveyors 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 arranged in parallel immediately following the buffer 2. These first conveyors are driven in a first direction 40 transverse to the transport direction 3 of the buffer 2. The first conveyors 35-39 are designed such that they are able to separate containers and transport them in the first direction 40.

[0202] Furthermore, the container unloading device 33 includes a second group 41 (here) of six parallel second conveyors 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47, which are immediately following the five parallel first conveyors 35-39 in the first group 34. These second conveyors are drivable in a second direction 48, opposite to the first direction 40. The second conveyors 42-46 are configured to transport separated containers in the second direction 47.

[0203] In addition, the container unloading device 33 includes a third conveyor 49, which is configured to transport the separated containers in the second direction 48.

[0204] At the beginning of the first conveyor 35-39, a first guardrail 50 is provided above the transport surface of the first conveyor 35-39. The straight section of the first guardrail extends laterally to the first conveyor 35-39, and a 90° turning section is immediately following the straight section.

[0205] Above the transport surface, a second railing 51 is provided between the first group 34 and the second group 41. This second railing is designed to be straight and is designed such that a transition zone 52 for the container exists between the first group 34 and the second group 41. The second railing 51 immediately follows the first railing 50.

[0206] A third guardrail 53 is provided above the transport surface of the second conveyor 42-47. This third guardrail keeps the transition zone 52 free and extends to the third conveyor 49. The third guardrail 53 is designed to be straight and immediately follows the second guardrail 51.

[0207] At the ends of the five first conveyors 35-39 and at the beginning of three of the six second conveyors 42-44, concave guardrails 54 are provided above the transport surface. Here, the concave guardrails 54 include a turning section that presents a 180° angle.

[0208] Figure 4B A schematic side view of a second embodiment of the container unloading device 33, viewed in the first direction 40, is shown. In addition to the first railing 50 and the third railing 53, the first conveyor 35-39, the second conveyor 42-47, and the third conveyor 48 are also visible.

[0209] The transport surfaces of the first conveyor 35-39 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of -10° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0210] The transport surfaces of the first conveyor 39 and the second conveyor 42 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent area.

[0211] The transport surfaces of the second conveyor 42-47 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of +5° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0212] The transport surface of the third conveyor 49 forms an angle of +5° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0213] Figure 4CA schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the container unloading device 33, viewed from above in the first direction 40, is shown. In addition to the first railing 50, the second railing 51, the third railing 53, and the concave railing 54, the first conveyor 35-39, the second conveyor 42-47, and the third conveyor 49 are also visible.

[0214] Figure 4D A schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container unloading device is shown, in which containers 55 are loaded. As containers 55 are transported by first conveyors 35-39 in a first direction 40, the containers gather at the end of the first conveyors 35-39, thereby entering transition zone 52 via concave rails 54 and reaching second conveyors 42-47, which move the containers in a second direction 48. The containers 55 are then transported by third rails 53 and by the second conveyors 42-47 in the second direction 47 to a third conveyor 49, which can remove the separated containers 55.

[0215] Optionally, the container unloading device 33 may include a flexible element 56 disposed in the region between the second conveyor 47 and the third conveyor 49. A first collecting device 57 may be disposed parallel to and below the third conveyor 49. A second collecting device 58 may be disposed partially below the ends of the second conveyors 42-44.

[0216] Figure 5A A schematic top view of a third embodiment of the container unloading device 59 is shown, which is used to remove containers from the aforementioned buffer 2 and to separate the containers. The container unloading device 59 includes five first conveyors 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 arranged in parallel immediately following the buffer 2. These first conveyors are drivable in a first direction 66 transverse to the transport direction 3 of the buffer 2. The first conveyors 61-65 are configured to separate containers and transport them in the first direction 66.

[0217] Furthermore, the container unloading device 59 includes a second group 67 (here) of six parallelly arranged second conveyors 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, and 73, which are parallel to and immediately following the first group 60. These second conveyors are drivable in a second direction 74, opposite to the first direction 66. The second conveyors 68-73 are configured to transport separated containers in the second direction 74.

[0218] In addition, the container unloading device 59 includes a third conveyor 75, which is configured to transport the separated containers in the second direction 74.

[0219] At the beginning of the first conveyor 61-65, a first guardrail 76 is provided above the transport surface of the first conveyor 61-65. The straight section of the first guardrail extends laterally to the first conveyor 61-65, and a 90° turning section is immediately following the straight section.

[0220] Above the transport surface, a second guardrail 77 is provided between the first group 60 and the second group 67. This second guardrail is designed to be straight and is designed such that there is a transition zone for the container between the first group 60 and the second group 67. The second guardrail 77 immediately follows the first guardrail 76.

[0221] A third guardrail 78 is provided above the transport surface of the second conveyor 68-73. This third guardrail keeps the transition area open and extends to the third conveyor 75. The third guardrail 78 is designed to be straight and immediately follows the second guardrail 77.

[0222] At the ends of the five first conveyors 61-65 and at the beginning of four of the six second conveyors 68-71, a first concave guardrail 79 is provided above the transport surface. Here, the first concave guardrail 79 includes a turning section that presents a 180° angle.

[0223] The transition zone is divided into a first transition zone 82 and a second transition zone 83 by a second concave railing 80, wherein the second concave railing 80 is arranged above the three first conveyors 63, 64, and 65 of the first conveyor and the two second conveyors 68 and 69 of the second conveyor. The second concave railing 80 is designed to gradually narrow to form a triangle on the surface 81 opposite to the concave surface. Immediately following the end of the second concave railing 80, a fourth railing 84 is provided, which is located above the second conveyor 69, and extends parallel to the third railing 78 and extends to the second conveyor 72.

[0224] Figure 5B A schematic side view of a third embodiment of the container unloading device 59, viewed in the first direction 66, is shown. In addition to the first railing 76 and the third railing 78, the first conveyor 361-65, the second conveyor 68-73, and the third conveyor 75 are also visible.

[0225] The transport surfaces of the first conveyors 61-65 are arranged such that there are no steps in adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms a 0° angle with a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0226] The transport surfaces of the first conveyor 65 and the second conveyor 68 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent area.

[0227] The transport surfaces of the second conveyor 68-73 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of +15° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0228] The transport surface of the third conveyor 75 forms an angle of +15° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0229] Figure 5C A schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the container unloading device 59, viewed from above in the first direction 66, is shown. In addition to the first railing 76, the second railing 77, the third railing 78, the first concave railing 79, the second concave railing 80, and their gradually narrowing triangular surfaces 81 and 84, the first conveyor 61-65, the second conveyor 68-73, and the third conveyor 75 are also visible.

[0230] Figure 5D A schematic top view of a third embodiment of the container unloading device 59 is shown, in which a container 85 is mounted. As the container 85 is transported by the first conveyors 61-65 in a first direction 66, the containers (i) converge at the second concave rail 80, thereby entering the first partial transition zone 82 and reaching the second conveyors 68-73, and (ii) converge at the end of the first conveyors 61-65, thereby entering the second partial transition zone 83 and reaching the second conveyors 68-73 via the first concave rail 79 and the gradually narrowing triangular surface 81, which move the containers in a second direction 74. The containers 85 are transported to the third conveyor 75 via the third rail 78, the fourth rail 84, and the second conveyors 68-73 in the second direction 74, which can then remove the separated containers 85.

[0231] Optionally, the container unloading device 59 may include a flexible element 86, which is partially arranged above the second conveyor 73 and the third conveyor 75. A first collecting device 87 may be provided parallel to and below the third conveyor 75. A second collecting device 88 may be provided, which is partially arranged below the ends of the second conveyors 68-71.

[0232] Figure 6A A schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of a container unloading device 89 is shown, which is used to remove containers from the aforementioned buffer 2 and to separate the containers. The container unloading device 89 includes four first conveyors 91, 92, 93, and 94 arranged in parallel immediately following the buffer 2. These first conveyors are drivable in a first direction 95 transverse to the transport direction 3 of the buffer 2. The first conveyors 91-94 are configured to separate containers and transport them in the first direction 95.

[0233] Furthermore, the container unloading device 89 includes a second group 96 (here) of four parallelly arranged second conveyors 97, 98, 99, and 100, which are parallel to and immediately following the first group 90. These second conveyors are driven in a second direction 101, which is opposite to the first direction 95. The second conveyors 97-100 are designed such that they are capable of conveying separated containers in the second direction 101.

[0234] Furthermore, the container unloading device 89 includes three parallelly arranged third conveyors 103, 104, and 105, which are immediately following the second group 96 and are driven in the first direction 95. The third conveyors 103-105 are configured to transport separated containers in the first direction 95.

[0235] Furthermore, the container unloading device 89 includes a fourth conveyor 106, which is designed to transport the separated containers in the first direction 95.

[0236] At the beginning of the first conveyor 91-94, a first guardrail 107 is provided above the transport surface of the first conveyor 91-94. The straight section of the first guardrail extends laterally to the first conveyor 91-94, and a 90° turning section is immediately following the straight section.

[0237] Above the transport surface, a second guardrail 108 is provided between the first group 90 and the second group 96. This second guardrail is designed to be straight and is designed such that a first transition zone 109 for the container exists between the first group 90 and the second group 96. The second guardrail 108 immediately follows the first guardrail 107.

[0238] A third guardrail 110 is provided above the transport surface of the second conveyor 97-100. This third guardrail keeps the first transition zone 109 open and extends to the second conveyor 98. The third guardrail 110 is designed to be straight and immediately follows the second guardrail 108. Immediately following the third guardrail 110 is a first concave guardrail 111. Here, the concave guardrail 111 includes a turning section that presents a 180° angle. The concave guardrail 111 extends to the third conveyor 105.

[0239] At the end of the first conveyor 91-94 and at the beginning of the three second conveyors 97-99, a second concave guardrail 112 is provided above the transport surface. Here, the second concave guardrail 112 includes a turning section that presents a 180° angle.

[0240] At the beginning of the second conveyor 97-100, a fourth railing 113 is arranged above the transport surface of the second conveyor 97-100. The straight section of the fourth railing extends laterally to the second conveyor 97-100, and a 90° turning section is immediately following the straight section.

[0241] Above the transport surface, a fifth railing 114 is provided between the second group 96 and the third group 102. This fifth railing is designed to be straight and is designed such that a second transition zone 115 for the container exists between the second group 96 and the third group 102. The fifth railing 114 immediately follows the fourth railing 113.

[0242] A fifth guardrail 116 is provided above the transport surface of the third conveyor 103-105. This fifth guardrail keeps the second transition zone 115 open and extends to the fourth conveyor 106. The fifth guardrail 116 is designed to be straight and immediately follows the fourth guardrail 114.

[0243] Figure 6B A schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of the container unloading device 89, viewed in the first direction 95, is shown. In addition to the first railing 107 and the first concave railing 111, the first conveyor 91-94, the second conveyor 97-100, the third conveyor 103-105, and the fourth conveyor 106 can also be seen.

[0244] The transport surfaces of the first conveyors 91-94 are arranged such that there are no steps in adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms a 0° angle with a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0245] The transport surfaces of the first conveyor 94 and the second conveyor 97 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent area.

[0246] The transport surfaces of the second conveyor 97-100 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of +10° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0247] The transport surfaces of the second conveyor 100 and the third conveyor 103 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent area.

[0248] The transport surfaces of the third conveyor 103-105 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of +10° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0249] The transport surfaces of the third conveyor 105 and the fourth conveyor 106 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas.

[0250] The transport surface of the fourth conveyor 106 forms an angle of +10° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0251] Figure 6C A schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the container unloading device 89, viewed from above in a first direction 95, is shown. In addition to the first railing 107, the second railing 108, the third railing 110, the first concave railing 111, the second concave railing 112, the fourth railing 113, the fifth railing 114, and the sixth railing 116, the first conveyor 91-94, the second conveyor 97-100, the third conveyor 103-105, and the fourth conveyor 106 are also visible.

[0252] Figure 6D A schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of the container unloading device 89 is shown, in which a container 117 is mounted. As the container 117 is transported in a first direction 95 via first conveyors 91-94, the containers 117 converge at the ends of the first conveyors 91-94, thereby entering a first transition zone 109 via a first concave barrier 111 and reaching a second conveyor 97-100, which moves the containers in a second direction 101. The containers 117 are then transported to a third conveyor 103-105 via a third barrier 110 and by the second conveyors 97-100 in the second direction 101.

[0253] Containers 117 converge at the end of the second conveyor 97-100, thereby passing through the second concave barrier 112 into the second transition zone 115 and reaching the third conveyor 9103-105, which moves the containers in the first direction 95. Containers 117 are then transported to the fourth conveyor 106 via the fifth barrier 116 and the third conveyor 103-105 in the first direction 95.

[0254] Optionally, the container unloading device 89 may include a flexible element 118 disposed in the region between the third conveyor 105 and the fourth conveyor 106. A first collecting device 119 may be disposed parallel to and below the fourth conveyor 106. A second collecting device 120 may be disposed partially below the ends of the second conveyors 97-100 and the third conveyors 103-105.

[0255] Figure 7A A schematic top view of a fifth embodiment of the container unloading device 121 is shown, which is used to guide containers out of the aforementioned buffer 2 and to separate containers. The container unloading device 121 includes four first conveyors 123, 124, 125, and 126 arranged in parallel immediately following the buffer 2. These first conveyors are drivable in a first direction 127 transverse to the transport direction 3 of the buffer 2. The first conveyors 123-126 are configured to separate containers and transport them in the first direction 127.

[0256] Furthermore, the container unloading device 121 includes a second group 128 (here) of eight parallelly arranged second conveyors 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and 136, which are parallel to and immediately following the first group 122. These second conveyors are drivable in a second direction 137, opposite to the first direction 127. The second conveyors 129-136 are configured to transport separated containers in the second direction 137.

[0257] Furthermore, the container unloading device 121 includes a first roller conveyor 138 arranged transversely to the second conveyors 129-136 immediately following the second roller conveyors 129-136, and a second roller conveyor 139 also arranged transversely to the second roller conveyors 129-136 immediately following the first roller conveyor 138. A third conveyor 140 is provided immediately following the second roller conveyor 139, which is driveable in the second direction 137 and configured to transport separated containers in the second direction 137.

[0258] At the beginning of the first conveyor 123-126, a first guardrail 141 is provided above the transport surface of the first conveyor 123-126. The straight section of the first guardrail extends laterally to the first conveyor 123-126, and a 90° turning section is immediately following the straight section.

[0259] Above the transport surface, a second guardrail 142 is provided between the first group 122 and the second group 128. This second guardrail is designed to be straight and is designed such that a transition zone 143 for the container exists between the first group 122 and the second group 128. The second guardrail 142 immediately follows the first guardrail 141.

[0260] A third guardrail 144 is provided above the transport surface of the first roller conveyor 138. The third guardrail extends diagonally across half of the first roller conveyor 138 and into the second roller conveyor 139. The third guardrail 144 is designed to be straight and immediately follows the second guardrail 142.

[0261] At the end of the first conveyor 123-126 and the beginning of the second conveyor 129-136, a concave guardrail 145 is provided above the transport surface. Here, the concave guardrail 145 includes a turning section at a 180° angle. Immediately following the concave guardrail 145, a fourth guardrail 146 is arranged above and beside the second conveyor 136, parallel to the second conveyor 136 and designed to be straight. Immediately following the fourth guardrail 146, a fifth guardrail 147 is arranged, diagonally crossing two-thirds of the transport surface of the second roller conveyor 139 and extending above the third conveyor 140. Immediately following the fifth guardrail 147, a sixth guardrail 148 is provided, extending above the third conveyor 140 and parallel to the second guardrail 142.

[0262] In addition, above the transport surface of the second roller conveyor 139, in the area accessible to the containers to be exported and separated, a flexible element 150 is arranged, which is designed to move at one end around the rotation point 149.

[0263] Figure 7B A schematic side view of a fifth embodiment of the container unloading device 121 viewed in the first direction 127 is shown. In addition to the first railing 141, the third railing 144, the concave railing 145, the fifth railing 147, and the flexible element 150, the first conveyor 123-126, the first roller conveyor 138, the second roller conveyor 139, and the third conveyor 140 can also be seen.

[0264] The transport surfaces of the first conveyors 123-126 are arranged such that there are no steps in adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of -5° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0265] The transport surfaces of the first conveyor 126 and the second conveyor 129 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent area.

[0266] The transport surfaces of the second conveyor 129-1367 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms a 0° angle with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0267] The conveying surfaces of the first roller conveyor 138, the second roller conveyor 139, and the third conveyor 140 form an angle of -15° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0268] Figure 7CA schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the container unloading device 121, viewed from above in the first direction 127, is shown. In addition to the first railing 141, second railing 142, third railing 144, concave railing 145, fourth railing 146, fifth railing 147, sixth railing 148, and flexible element 150, first conveyors 123-126, second conveyors 129-136, first roller conveyor 138, second roller conveyor 139, and third conveyor 140 are also visible.

[0269] Figure 7D A schematic top view of a fifth embodiment of the container unloading device is shown, in which a container 151 is loaded. As the container 151 is transported in a first direction 127 via first conveyors 123-126, the container 151 gathers together at the ends of the first conveyors 123-126, thereby entering a transition zone 143 via concave rails 145 and reaching second conveyors 129-136, which move the container in the second direction 137. The container 151 reaches a first roller conveyor 138 and is transported to a second roller conveyor 139 via its inclined arrangement and via third rails 144 and fourth rails 146. On the second roller conveyor 139, the container 151 is transported to a third conveyor 140 via the inclined arrangement of the second roller conveyor and the fifth rail 147, which can remove the separated container 151.

[0270] Optionally, the container unloading device 121 may include a first collection device 152 located below the end of the second roller conveyor. Additionally, a second collection device 153 may be provided below the third conveyor 140 in a direction toward the first conveyors 123-126.

[0271] Figure 8A A schematic top view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device 154 is shown, which is used to remove containers from the aforementioned buffer 2 and to separate the containers. The container unloading device 154 includes four first conveyors 156, 157, 158, and 159 arranged in parallel immediately following the buffer 2. These first conveyors are drivable in a first direction 160 transverse to the transport direction 3 of the buffer 2. The first conveyors 156-159 are designed such that they are capable of separating containers and transporting them in the first direction 160.

[0272] Furthermore, the container unloading device 154 includes a second group 161 (here) of seven parallelly arranged second conveyors 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, and 168, which are parallel to and immediately following the first group 155. These second conveyors are drivable in a second direction 169, which is opposite to the first direction 160. The second conveyors 162-168 are designed such that they are capable of conveying separated containers in the second direction 169.

[0273] In addition, the container unloading device 154 includes a third conveyor 170, which is designed to transport the separated containers in the second direction 169.

[0274] At the beginning of the first conveyor 156-159, a first guardrail 171 is arranged above the transport surface of the first conveyor 156-159. The straight section of the first guardrail extends laterally to the first conveyor 156-159, and a 90° turning section is immediately following the straight section.

[0275] Above the transport surface, a second guardrail 172 is provided between the first group 155 and the second group 161. This second guardrail is designed to be straight and thus creates a transition zone 177 for containers between the first group 155 and the second group 161. The second guardrail 172 immediately follows the first guardrail 171. Immediately following the second guardrail 172, a convex guardrail 173 is arranged above the transport surface of the second conveyors 162-166. This convex guardrail is designed to be straight and thus creates a transition zone 177 for containers between the first group 155 and the second group 161.

[0276] Furthermore, an arc-shaped guardrail 174 is arranged above the transport surface of the second conveyor 162-165, immediately following the second guardrail 172. Immediately following the arc-shaped guardrail 174, a third guardrail 175 is arranged above the transport surface of the second conveyor 165. The third guardrail is designed to be straight.

[0277] At the end of the first conveyor 156-159 and the beginning of the second conveyor 162-168, a concave guardrail 176 is provided above the transport surface. Here, the concave guardrail 176 includes a turning section that forms a 180° angle. Immediately following the concave guardrail 176, a fourth guardrail 178 is provided, which extends above and to the side of the third conveyor 170.

[0278] In addition, a flexible element 179 is arranged above the transport surface of the second conveyor 162-168 and the third conveyor 170. The flexible element is designed so that one end can move around the rotation point 180.

[0279] Figure 8BA second schematic side view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device 154, viewed in the first direction 160, is shown. In addition to the first railing 171, the convex railing 173, the concave railing 176, and the flexible element 179, the first conveyor 156-159, the second conveyor 162-168, and the third conveyor 170 are also visible.

[0280] The transport surfaces of the first conveyors 156-159 are arranged such that there are no steps in adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of -15° with a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0281] The transport surfaces of the first conveyor 159 and the second conveyor 162 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent area.

[0282] The transport surfaces of the second conveyors 162-168 are arranged such that there are no steps in the adjacent areas, and each transport surface forms an angle of -30° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0283] The transport surface of the third conveyor 170 forms an angle of -30° with the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The transport surfaces of the second conveyor 168 and the third conveyor 170 are arranged so that there are no steps in the adjacent area.

[0284] Figure 8C This is a schematic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device 154, viewed from above in a first direction 160. In addition to the first railing 171, second railing 172, convex railing 172, arc-shaped railing 174, third railing 175, concave railing 176, and fourth railing 178, the first conveyor 156-159, second conveyor 162-168, and third conveyor 170 are also visible. Furthermore, the recess 181 of the concave railing 176 is clearly visible, through which, for example, overturned or broken containers can be removed.

[0285] Figure 8D This diagram shows a schematic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device 154, viewed from above in a second direction 169. In this diagram, in addition to the first railing 171, the second railing 172, the convex railing 172, the arc-shaped railing 174, the third railing 175, the concave railing 176, and the fourth railing 178, the first conveyor 156-159, the second conveyor 162-168, and the third conveyor 170 are also visible. Furthermore, the recess 181 of the concave railing 176 is also visible, through which overturned or broken containers can be removed, for example.

[0286] Figure 8EA schematic top view of a sixth embodiment of the container unloading device 154 is shown, in which a container 182 is mounted. As the containers 182 are transported in a first direction 160 via first conveyors 156-159, they converge at the end of the first conveyors 156-159, thereby passing through a concave barrier 176 into a transition zone 177 and reaching a second conveyor 162-168, which moves the containers in the second direction 169. The containers 182 are then transported to a third conveyor 170 via convex barriers 173, arc-shaped barriers 174, a third barrier 175, and a fourth barrier 178, and via the second conveyors 162-168 in the second direction 169, whereby the third conveyor can remove the separated containers 182.

[0287] Optionally, the container unloading device 154 may include a first collecting device 183, which may be arranged below the area between the second railing 172 and the third railing 175. A second collecting device 184 may be partially arranged below the starting end of the second conveyors 162-168. A third collecting device 185 may be partially arranged below and to the side of the third conveyor 170.

[0288] Figure 9 A schematic top view of a first embodiment of a container input device 186 for conveying a container to a buffer 203.

[0289] The container input device 186 includes a monorail feed conveyor 187, which can be driven along a first direction 201 and, for example, is capable of conveying containers transported on its transport surface along the first direction.

[0290] Parallel to the monorail feed conveyor 187, several parallel first conveyors 188, 189, 190, 191, and 192 are provided in a first group 193, all of which can be driven along the first direction 201. Containers can be conveyed along the first direction 201 on the corresponding transport surfaces of the first conveyors 188-192.

[0291] Parallel to the first group 193, several parallel second conveyors 194, 195, 196, 197, and 198, arranged in a second group 199, are all driven by a second direction 202. Containers can be conveyed along the second direction 202 on the corresponding transport surfaces of the second conveyors 194-198. The first and second directions 201 and 202 are opposite to each other.

[0292] Above the transport surface of the monorail feed conveyor 187 and above the transport surfaces of the first and second 188, 189 in the first conveyor, a guardrail 211 comprising five deflectors 212 is provided. The guardrail 211 transitions above the transport surface at the end of the second 189 in the first conveyor to a concave guardrail 213, which is positioned above the transport surfaces at the ends of the second, third, fourth, and fifth 189-192 in the first conveyor and at the beginnings of the first to fifth 194-198 in the second conveyor. Here, the concave guardrail 213 includes a turning section that forms a 180° angle.

[0293] Above the transport surfaces of the first and second groups 193, 199, a straight railing 215 is provided between the first group 193 and the second group 199, configured such that a transition zone 216 for containers exists between the first group 193 and the second group 199. The phrase "above the transport surfaces of the first and second groups 193, 199, between the first group 193 and the second group 199" can refer to the area above the transport surface between the last 192 in the first conveyor and the first 194 in the second conveyor.

[0294] Viewed along the first or second direction 201, 202, the transition zone 216 has a length 219, which is 1.8 to 3 times the value of the conveying width 220, 221 of the first or second group 193, 199.

[0295] Above the transport surfaces of the several parallel second conveyors 194-198, a railing 217 comprising two steps 218 is provided, which provides a transition area 216 for containers. A straight railing 215 transitions to this railing 217 comprising two steps 218.

[0296] Above the transport surfaces of the several parallel first conveyors 188-192, there is another straight railing 224 that extends from the monorail feed conveyor 187 to the straight railing 217.

[0297] The container can be transferred from several parallel second conveyors 194-198 of the second group 199 transversely in the second direction 202 along direction 207 to the buffer 2ß03. For example, the container can be transferred from the fifth of the second conveyors 198 transversely in the second direction 202 along direction 207 to the buffer 203.

[0298] The transfer zone 204 (shaded) for transferring containers from the fifth 198 of the second conveyor transversely to the second direction 202 along direction 207 to the buffer 203 has a length 205, which is at least twice the conveying width 206 of the container input device 186. The conveying width 206 is the sum of the conveying widths 220 and 221 of the monorail feed conveyor 187, the first conveyors 188-192, and the second conveyors 194-198.

[0299] The driving speeds of the monorail feed conveyor 187, the first conveyors 188-192, and the second conveyors 194-198 can be individually controlled by a control device (not shown). Specifically, the absolute value of the driving speed from the monorail feed conveyor 187 to the plurality of parallel-arranged first conveyors 188-192 can gradually decrease, while the absolute value of the driving speed of the plurality of parallel-arranged second conveyors 194-198 can first increase and then decrease.

[0300] The absolute value of the driving speed of the buffer 203 along the direction 207 can be minimized.

[0301] Figure 10 This is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of the container input device 210. Figure 9 Regarding the elements that also appear in the second embodiment in the first embodiment, in Figure 10 The same reference numerals are used for these components. The description made for the first embodiment also applies to these components in the second embodiment; only the transition from container input device 210 to buffer 203 differs from that of container input device 186.

[0302] In a second embodiment of the container input device 210, a second monorail feed conveyor 200 is provided parallel to and immediately adjacent to several parallel-arranged second conveyors 194-198 of the second group 199. Alternatively, several additional monorail feed conveyors may be provided side-by-side immediately adjacent to the second group. The additional monorail feed conveyor 200 can be driven along a first direction 201 and is configured, for example, to transport containers along the first direction 201 on a transport surface. Containers can be transferred from the additional monorail feed conveyor 200 transversely to the first direction 202 along direction 207 to the buffer 203. This also applies to cases where several additional monorail feed conveyors are provided.

[0303] The other monorail feed conveyor 200 includes an input length zone 208 (shaded) along which containers can be conveyed from the other monorail feed conveyor 200 to the buffer 203. The length 209 of the input length zone 208 is at least twice the conveying width 228 of the container input device 210. This also applies to situations where several additional monorail feed conveyors are provided.

[0304] The conveying width 228 is the sum of the conveying widths of the monorail feed conveyor 187, the first conveyors 188-192, the second conveyors 194-198, and the other monorail feed conveyor 200, or the plurality of additional monorail feed conveyors. The conveying width can be measured perpendicular to the first or second direction.

[0305] The length 209 of the input length region 208 can be measured along either the first or second direction 201, 202. The input length region 208 extends along a portion of the transport surface of the other monorail feed conveyor 200. The length 209 of the input length region 208 is at least twice the transport width 228 of the container input device 210, thus allowing containers to be transferred to the buffer 203 without the need for high dynamic pressure between containers.

[0306] Above the transport surface at the end of the other monorail feed conveyor 200, another concave guardrail 214 is provided, which includes a 90° turning section. The other concave guardrail 214 transitions into a concave guardrail 213.

[0307] The other concave railing 214 allows containers that have been transferred from the other monorail feeder 200 to the buffer 203 to the area of ​​the buffer 203 opposite to the end of the other monorail feeder 200 (the right corner area of ​​the buffer 203 in the figure).

[0308] Figure 11 It shows the view looking in the second direction 202. Figure 9 The side view shows that the transport surfaces of the monorail feed conveyor 187, the first conveyor 188-192, and the second conveyor 194-198 are arranged at an angle. The transport surfaces are arranged coplanarly in plane 226. Plane 226 and plane 227, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity 223, form an angle 222 that can be within the range of 0.5° to 14° (including the range limits), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0309] The railing 211 including the turner 212, the concave railing 213, the straight railing 215, the railing 217 including the steps 218, and the other straight railing 224 are also arranged at an angle, and are at an angle to the plane 227 perpendicular to the direction of gravity 223, which may be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (including the range limit), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0310] Figure 12 It shows the view looking in the second direction 202. Figure 10The side view shows that the transport surfaces of the monorail feed conveyor 187, the first conveyors 188-192, the second conveyors 194-198, and the other monorail feed conveyor 200 are arranged at an angle. In the case of several additional monorail feed conveyors, these monorail feed conveyors can also be angled.

[0311] The transport surfaces are arranged coplanarly in plane 226. Plane 226 and plane 227, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity 223, form an angle 222 between each other, which may be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (including the range limit), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0312] The railing 211 including the turner 212, the concave railing 213, the straight railing 215, the railing 217 including the steps 218, the other straight railing 224, and the other concave railing 214 are also arranged at an angle, and are at an angle to the plane 227 perpendicular to the direction of gravity 223, which may be in the range of 0.5° to 14° (including the range limit), or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 11°, or for example, an angle of 0.5° to 8°.

[0313] Figure 13 The first time-dependent characteristic curves of the speed and occupancy rate of the buffer strip 235 are shown. During normal operation (the regions in the figure where the time is less than t1 and greater than t3), the buffer strip 235 is driven at a speed of 8 m / min along the first direction. As for the container input device 230, it is continuously driven, i.e., during normal operation, during buffer operation, during the transition from normal operation to buffer operation, and during the transition from buffer operation to normal operation.

[0314] After a failure occurs downstream of buffer 231 at time t1, it may be necessary to cushion the containers on buffer belt 235. For this purpose, normal operation of buffer 231 is converted to buffering operation. Buffer belt 235 is continuously or substantially continuously braked from a speed of 8 m / min along the first direction 236 to 0 m / min, and then re-accelerated to a speed of 3 m / min along the second direction 237. This acceleration can be performed in stages. This drives buffer belt 235 in a reverse manner and allows containers located on buffer belt 235 to be transported back to the starting area of ​​buffer belt 235, where they are close to and may come into contact with other containers transported by container input device 230.

[0315] The speed of the buffer belt 235 along the second direction 237 is maintained at 3 m / min until the container on the buffer belt 235 furthest from the container input device 230 comes into contact with the container from the container input device 230 that is pushing against it. Then, the speed of the buffer belt along the second direction 237 is increased from 3 m / min to 1 m / min along the first direction 236.

[0316] exist Figure 13 In this case, for example, approximately 35% of the buffer strip 235 is filled with the container.

[0317] As long as the fault exists and the buffer band 235 is not completely or substantially not completely filled by the container, the speed is maintained at 1 m / min.

[0318] The fault was resolved at time t2. Buffer operation of buffer 231 was then switched to normal operation.

[0319] The speed of the buffer strip 235 is gradually increased from 1 m / min to 8 m / min along the first direction 236 through several gradually increasing intermediate speeds. As shown in the figure, the intermediate speeds are approximately 1.2 m / min, 1.5 m / min, 1.73 m / min, 2.1 m / min, 2.5 m / min, 3 m / min, 3.6 m / min, 4.25 m / min, 5.1 m / min, 6.1 m / min, and 7.5 m / min. The duration used for each intermediate speed is different. As shown in the figure, the length of the duration causes the fill rate / occupancy rate of the buffer strip 235 to decrease linearly or substantially linearly with time until the fill rate of the buffer strip 235 equals the fill rate / occupancy rate during normal operation, which is approximately 15%. This fill rate of the buffer strip 235 is reached at time t3.

[0320] The buffer 231 can then be put back into normal operation by driving the buffer belt 235 at a speed of 8 m / min along the first direction 236.

[0321] Figure 14 The second time-dependent characteristic curves of the speed and occupancy rate of the buffer strip 235 are shown. During normal operation (the regions in the figure where times are less than t1 and greater than t3), the buffer strip 235 is driven at a speed of 8 m / min along the first direction 236. The container input device 230 is also driven during normal operation.

[0322] After a failure occurs downstream of buffer 231 at time t1, it may be necessary to cushion the containers on buffer belt 235. For this purpose, normal operation of buffer 231 is converted to buffered operation. Buffer belt 235 is continuously or substantially continuously braked from a speed of 8 m / min along the first direction 236 to 0 m / min, and then re-accelerated to a speed of 3 m / min along the second direction 237. This drives buffer belt 235 in a reverse manner and allows containers on buffer belt 235 to be transported back to the starting area of ​​buffer belt 235, where they are close to and may come into contact with other containers transported by container input device 230.

[0323] The speed of the buffer belt 235 along the second direction 237 is maintained at 3 m / min until the container furthest from the container input device 230 on the buffer belt 235 comes into contact with the container from the container input device 230 that is pushing against it. Then, the speed of the buffer belt 235 along the second direction 237 is increased from 3 m / min to 1 m / min along the first direction 236.

[0324] This is, for example, a situation where approximately 35% of the buffer strip 235 is filled with the container.

[0325] As long as the fault exists and the buffer band 235 is not completely or substantially not completely filled by the container, the speed is maintained at 1 m / min.

[0326] When the buffer belt 235 is about 90% full, the buffer belt 235 stops (speed 0 m / min) and the container input device 230 stops (speed 0 m / min).

[0327] The fault was eliminated at time t2. First, the speed of the buffer belt 235 was increased to 1.2 m / min along the first direction 236, and the speed of the container input device 230 was increased to the normal operating speed.

[0328] Subsequently, the speed of the buffer strip 235 is gradually increased from 1.2 m / min to 8 m / min along the first direction 236 through several gradually increasing intermediate speeds. As shown in the figure, the intermediate speeds are approximately 1.5 m / min, 1.73 m / min, 2.1 m / min, 2.5 m / min, 3 m / min, 3.6 m / min, 4.25 m / min, 5.1 m / min, 6.1 m / min, and 7.5 m / min. The duration of the 1.2 m / min speed and the different intermediate speeds are different. As shown in the figure, the length of the duration causes the fill rate / occupancy rate of the buffer strip 235 to decrease linearly or substantially linearly with time until the fill rate of the buffer strip 235 equals the fill rate / occupancy rate during normal operation, which is approximately 15%. This fill rate of the buffer strip 235 is reached at time t3.

[0329] The buffer 231 can then be put back into normal operation by driving the buffer belt 235 at a speed of 8 m / min along the first direction 236.

[0330] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the normal operation of a filling line under trouble-free conditions. The line includes a filling machine, a pasteurizer located before the buffer, and a dryer located after the buffer. Buffer occupancy is represented by a percentage (solid line) in seconds, the filling machine power or pasteurizer belt speed by a percentage (dashed line), and the dryer power by a percentage (dotted dashed line). The buffer occupancy rate is always 50%. The filling machine power, pasteurizer belt speed, and dryer power are all at 100% (slightly offset in the diagram).

[0331] The occupancy of the filler, also known as the fill level of the buffer band, determines the buffer time available for failures before and after the buffer band. In normal operation, a higher fill level of the buffer band provides more buffer time for failures before the buffer, but less buffer time for failures after the buffer. Conversely, a lower fill level of the buffer band provides more buffer time for failures after the buffer, but less buffer time for failures before the buffer.

[0332] The proportion of buffer time used to buffer faults before and after the buffer can be adjusted by the filling level during normal operation. For example, it can be adjusted during the operation of the filling line, taking into account faults before and / or after the buffer, the frequency of faults, the duration of faults, and / or the correlation between faults and environmental and / or production conditions.

[0333] Figure 16This diagram illustrates the operation when a fault occurs before the buffer. Buffer occupancy is represented by a percentage (solid line) in seconds, the filling unit power or pasteurizer belt speed by a percentage (dashed line), and the processing in the pasteurizer or the pasteurizer output by a percentage (dotted dashed line). In t b 灌装器 At that point in time, the filling machine malfunction began, at t e 灌装器 The timing of the filling machine malfunction is as follows: When a malfunction begins, the main belt of the pasteurizer stops, while existing containers in the pasteurizer continue to be processed. The buffer belt continues to transport containers at 100% rated power, thus gradually reducing buffer occupancy during the malfunction. Once the malfunction ends, the filling machine operates at 120% rated power, and the main belt of the pasteurizer transports containers at 120% rated power. When the buffer belt returns to its normal operating fill level, the filling machine operates at 100% rated power, then the main belt of the pasteurizer transports containers at 100% rated power, and the buffer belt continues to transport containers from the pasteurizer at 100% rated power. Alternatively, 105% or 110% of the rated power (for both the filling machine and / or the main belt of the pasteurizer) can also be provided instead of 120% rated power.

[0334] Figure 17 A schematic diagram illustrating operation when a fault occurs after the buffer is shown. Buffer occupancy is represented by a percentage (solid line) in seconds, the pasteurizer belt speed by a percentage (dashed line), and the drying unit power by a percentage (dotted dashed line). At t b 干燥件 At that point in time, the malfunction of the drying component began, at t e 干燥件 At the designated time point, the dryer malfunction ends. When a malfunction begins, no containers are passed from the buffer belt to subsequent components, and the outlet device immediately following the buffer belt (e.g., container unloading device) stops. The buffer belt begins to buffer the containers passed to it, thus increasing the buffer's occupancy. For example, the buffer time is 60 seconds. After the dryer malfunction ends, the output, inspection, and dryer units begin operating at 120% rated power. When the buffer belt returns to its normal operating fill level, the output, inspection, and dryer units resume operation at 100% rated power. The pasteurizer operates continuously at 100% rated power.

[0335] Figure 18 This diagram illustrates operation when failures occur at staggered times before and after the buffer. Buffer occupancy is represented by a percentage (solid line) in seconds, the power of the filler or the belt speed of the pasteurizer by a percentage (dashed line), and the power of the dryer by a percentage (dotted dashed line). In t b 灌装器At approximately 15 seconds, the filling machine malfunction began. e 灌装器 At approximately 35 seconds, the filling machine malfunction ends. When the malfunction begins, the main conveyor belt of the pasteurizer stops, while existing containers in the pasteurizer continue to be processed. The buffer belt continues to transport containers at 100% rated power, thus gradually reducing its occupancy during the malfunction. Once the malfunction ends, the filling machine operates at 120% rated power, the main conveyor belt of the pasteurizer transports containers at 120% rated power, and the buffer belt transports containers at 100% rated power. When the buffer belt reaches t e 完成，灌装器 At approximately 120 seconds, when the filling is refilled to the level of the buffer belt during normal operation (e.g., 50% in this case), the filler operates at 100% rated power, and then the main belt of the pasteurizer transports the container at 100% rated power, and the buffer belt transports the container at 100% rated power.

[0336] In t b 干燥件 At approximately 175 seconds, the malfunction of the dryer began. e 干燥件 At approximately 195 seconds, the dryer malfunction ends. When the malfunction begins, no containers are passed from the buffer belt to subsequent components, and the outlet device immediately following the buffer belt (e.g., container unloading device) stops. The buffer belt begins to buffer the containers passed to it, thus increasing the buffer belt's occupancy. For example, the buffer time is 60 seconds. After the dryer malfunction ends, the output, inspection, and dryer begin operating at 120% of rated power. When the buffer belt is at t e 完成，干燥件 At approximately 295 seconds, when the buffer belt returns to its normal operating fill level, the output, inspection, and drying units resume operation at 100% rated power. The pasteurizer operates continuously at 100% rated power.

[0337] The buffer time for faults before and after the buffer is 60 seconds each, so the total buffer time is 120 seconds.

[0338] Figure 19 A schematic diagram illustrates the operation when faults occur at overlapping times before and after the buffer. In t b 灌装器 At a certain point in time, the filling machine begins to malfunction. When the filling machine malfunctions, the main belt of the pasteurizer stops, while the existing containers in the pasteurizer continue to be processed. The buffer belt continues to transport containers at 100% rated power, so the buffer belt's occupancy gradually decreases during the filling machine malfunction. b 干燥件At the point in time, the dryer malfunction begins. When the dryer malfunction begins, no containers are passed from the buffer belt to subsequent components, and subsequent output on the buffer belt stops. The buffer belt then begins to buffer the containers passed to it. Because the filler malfunction and the dryer malfunction overlap in time, the buffer belt occupancy remains constant during the duration of both malfunctions.

[0339] In t e 灌装器 At the designated time, the filling machine malfunction ended. Once the malfunction ended, the filling machine operated at 120% of its rated power. The pasteurizer's main conveyor belt transported containers at 120% of its rated power. Due to the continued malfunction of the drying unit, containers were not being transferred from the buffer belt, so the buffer gradually filled up.

[0340] In t e 干燥件 At the designated time point, the dryer malfunction ends. After the dryer malfunction ends, the buffer (e.g., the outlet device containing the buffer), the inspection device, and the dryer begin operating at 120% of rated power. The fill level of the buffer's buffer strip is still a few percentage points higher than the fill level during normal operation, for example, 3%. At t e 完成，灌装器 At approximately 135 seconds, the filler returned to 100% of its rated power. e 完成，干燥件 At approximately 148 seconds, the buffer (e.g., the outlet device containing the buffer), inspection device, and dryer return to 100% of their rated power. The fill level of the buffer's buffer band has decreased to match the fill level during normal operation. The different time points at which the filler's power returns to 100% of its rated power or the dryer's power returns to 100% of its rated power may depend on the design and dimensions of the buffer's buffer band and the filling line.

[0341] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the first failure rate over a time period is shown. Here, the first failure rate before the buffer is 1:1 to the failure rate after the buffer. For example, failures in the filling unit (dashed line) and failures in the drying unit (dotted line) occur for the same duration. In the "failure rate" shown, negative values ​​correspond to the filling unit, and positive values ​​correspond to the drying unit.

[0342] Figure 21A schematic diagram of the second failure ratio over a time period is shown. Here, the second failure ratio of failures before the buffer to failures after the buffer is 2:1. Illustratively, the filler experiences three failures (dashed lines) and the dryer experiences two failures (dotted lines), where the duration ratio is 67%:33%. In the shown "Failure Ratio," negative values ​​correspond to the filler, and positive values ​​correspond to the dryer. Because many failures occur before the buffer, when selecting the fill level of the buffer belt during normal operation, a large portion of the buffer time should be allocated to failures before the buffer.

[0343] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the third failure ratio over a time period is shown. Here, the third failure ratio of failures before the buffer to failures after the buffer is 1:4. Illustratively, the filler experiences one failure (dashed line) and the dryer experiences three failures (dotted lines), where the duration ratio is 20%:80%. In the shown "Failure Ratio," negative values ​​correspond to the filler, and positive values ​​correspond to the dryer. Because many failures occur after the buffer, when selecting the fill level of the buffer belt during normal operation, a large portion of the buffer time should be allocated to failures after the buffer.

[0344] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of an exemplary dynamic buffer control with adjustable buffer time is shown. Error sensitivities were determined for the filler and the dryer in different time periods 14-19. In the first part 14, the maximum error sensitivity of the filler, i.e., the number of filler failures, is generated by four factors, while the maximum error sensitivity of the dryer, i.e., the number of dryer failures, is generated by one factor.

[0345] In Part 2, 15, the maximum error sensitivity of the filling unit, i.e. the number of filling unit failures, is 4, while the maximum error sensitivity of the drying unit, i.e. the number of drying unit failures, is 1. The failure duration of the filling unit is different from the failure duration in Part 1, 14.

[0346] In Part 3, Section 16, the maximum error sensitivity for both the filler and the dryer is 1.

[0347] Part 4, section 17, has no faults.

[0348] In Part 5, Section 18, the maximum error sensitivity of the filler is given as 1, and the maximum error sensitivity of the dryer is given as 2.

[0349] In Part 6, Section 19, the maximum error sensitivity of the filler, i.e., the failure of the filler, is 2, and the maximum error sensitivity of the dryer is 4.

[0350] At time points t1, t2, and t3, the buffering time is adjusted based on the determined error sensitivity by adjusting the buffer fill level during normal operation. In Part 14, since faults before the buffer are dominant, the buffer fill level during normal operation is increased. In Part 36, since the fault frequencies before and after the buffer are the same, the buffer fill level during normal operation is decreased. In Part 58, since faults after the buffer are dominant, the buffer fill level during normal operation is further decreased.

[0351] Figure 24A , Figure 24B , Figure 25A , Figure 25B and Figure 25C Different embodiments of the buffer device are shown, which include a container cleaner, a buffer having a single drivable buffer belt or several drivable buffer belts arranged in parallel, and a container unloading device.

[0352] Figure 24A This is a schematic top view of a sixth embodiment of the buffer device 261. The buffer device 229 includes a container cleaner 259, a buffer 231 located downstream of the container cleaner 259, and a container unloading device 232 located downstream of the buffer 231. The container cleaner 259 is configured to transport containers to be cleaned (e.g., reusable glass containers) along a first direction 260. The buffer 231 includes a drivable buffer belt 235 configured to transport containers along a second direction 236 or a third direction 237, wherein the second direction 236 and the third direction 237 are opposite to each other, and the first direction 260 is the same as the second direction 236. Alternatively, the drivable buffer belt 235 may not be configured to transport containers along a third direction, i.e., the buffer belt cannot be driven along a third direction; the buffer belt 235 may also be stationary. The container unloading device 232 is configured to discharge and separate the container from the buffer 231 along a fourth direction 242 transverse to the first direction 260, the second direction 236 and the third direction 237.

[0353] exist Figures 3A to 8E The container unloading device has been explained in detail in the text.

[0354] Figure 24B This is a schematic top view of the seventh embodiment of the buffer device 262. The structure of the container cleaning machine 259 and the container unloading device 232 is similar to... Figure 24AThe structure is the same as in the previous example. However, the buffer 248 here includes two parallel, drivable buffer strips 249 and 250, which are respectively configured to transport containers along a second direction 236 or along a third direction 237. Alternatively, it can be specified that neither of the two buffer strips 249 and 250 is configured to transport containers along the third direction, i.e., these buffer strips cannot be driven along the third direction; the buffer strips 249 and 250 can also be stationary.

[0355] Figure 25A This is a schematic top view of the eighth embodiment of the buffer device 263. The structure of the container cleaning machine 259, the buffer 231, and the container unloading device is similar to... Figure 24A The structure is the same as in the previous section. A transition zone 253 is provided between the container cleaner 259 and the buffer 231, which is constructed as a separate drivable conveyor belt capable of conveying containers along a second direction 236 or a third direction 237. Alternatively, the buffer belt 235 may not be configured to convey containers along a third direction, i.e., the buffer belt cannot be driven along a third direction, but can only be driven along the second direction; the drivable buffer belt 235 may also be stationary. The transition zone 253 may be configured to convey containers only along the second direction 236, and not along a third direction; the transition zone 253 may also be stationary.

[0356] Figure 25B This is a schematic top view of the ninth embodiment of the buffer device 264. The structure of the container cleaner 259, the buffer 248, and the container unloading device 232 is similar to... Figure 24B The structure is the same as in the previous section. A transition zone 253 is provided between the container cleaner 259 and the buffer 231, which is constructed as a single drivable conveyor belt capable of conveying containers along a second direction 236 or a third direction 237. Alternatively, it can be specified that neither of the two buffer belts 249, 250 is configured to convey containers along a third direction; that is, these buffer belts cannot be driven along a third direction, but can only be driven along the second direction; the drivable buffer belt 235 can also be stationary. The transition zone 253 can be configured to convey containers only along the second direction 236, and not along a third direction; the transition zone 253 can also be stationary.

[0357] Figure 25C This is a schematic top view of the tenth embodiment of the buffer device 265. The structure of the container cleaner 259, the buffer 248, and the container unloading device 232 is similar to... Figure 24BThe structure is the same as in the previous section. A transition zone 256 is provided between the container cleaner 259 and the buffer 248, which includes the same number of drivable conveyor belts 257 and 258 as the buffer 248 (i.e., two in this case). The drivable conveyor belts 257 and 258 are configured to transport containers along a second direction 236 or a third direction 237. Alternatively, it can be specified that neither of the two buffer belts 249 and 250 is configured to transport containers along a third direction, i.e., these buffer belts cannot be driven along a third direction, but can only be driven along the second direction; the buffer belts 249 and 250 can also be stationary. In this case, the conveyor belts 257 and 258 of the transition zone 256 can be configured to transport containers only along the second direction 236 and not along a third direction; the conveyor belts 257 and 258 of the transition zone 256 can also be stationary.

Claims

1. A buffer device (229, 247, 252, 254, 255) comprising a container input device (230), a buffer (231, 248) disposed downstream of the container input device (230), and a container unloading device (232) disposed downstream of the buffer (231, 248). Its features are, - The container input device (230) is used to convey the container to the buffer and is configured to convey the container along a first direction (234) by means of a first conveyor belt. - The buffer includes a drivable buffer strip (235) or several parallel drivable buffer strips (249, 250), the buffer strips being configured to transport the container along a second direction (236), wherein the second direction (236) extends transversely to the first direction (234). -The container unloading device is used to discharge and separate the container from the buffer along a first direction (234) or along a third direction (242) opposite to the first direction (234). -A control device for the buffers (231, 248), the control device being configured to implement a method of controlling the buffers, wherein the control device is further configured to: Fault data is detected before or after the buffer. Analyze the fault data and obtain control data for controlling the buffer, and The filling degree of the buffer band during normal operation is controlled based on the control data. The fault data includes: Information regarding a failure occurring before or after the buffer, and / or Information regarding downtime, and / or Information regarding the time-dependent nature of failures during production, and / or Information regarding environmental pressure and / or ambient temperature and / or time of day during the fault, and / or The number of faults before and / or after the buffer, and / or The number of faults before and / or after the buffer that caused the buffer band to be completely emptied or completely filled, and / or Cumulative fault duration, and / or Fault data categorized.

2. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein the fault data for detecting faults before or after the buffer is the fault data of a device located upstream or downstream of the buffer.

3. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information regarding downtime includes fault frequency, fault duration and / or low power.

4. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drivable buffer belt (235), or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer belts (249, 250), are also configured to transport containers along a fourth direction (237), wherein the second direction and the fourth direction are opposite to each other, and the fourth direction (237) extends transversely to the first direction (234).

5. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drivable buffer strip (235) or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer strips (249, 250) can be driven at a speed of 0 m / min to 20 m / min.

6. The buffer device according to claim 4, wherein, The drivable buffer strip (235) or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer strips (249, 250) can be driven along the second direction (236) or along the fourth direction (237).

7. The buffer device according to claim 4, wherein, At least one transition zone (253, 256) is provided between the container input device and the buffer, wherein the length of the transition zone (253, 256) is shorter than the length of the buffer (231, 248).

8. The buffer device according to claim 7, wherein the transition zone (253) is configured as a single drivable conveyor belt for conveying a container along the second direction (236) or along the fourth direction (237), or wherein the transition zone (256) comprises the same number of drivable conveyor belts (257, 258) as the buffer (248), wherein the drivable conveyor belts (257, 258) are configured to convey a container along the second direction (236) or along the fourth direction (237).

9. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drivable buffer strip (235) or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer strips (249, 250) can be driven at a speed of -20 m / min to 60 m / min.

10. The buffer device according to claim 9, wherein, with respect to the plurality of parallel-arranged drivable buffer strips (249, 250), each of the plurality of parallel-arranged drivable buffer strips (249, 250) may be provided with an independent driver, or wherein the plurality of parallel-arranged drivable buffer strips (249, 250) may be provided with a common driver.

11. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drivable buffer strip (235) or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer strips (249, 250) have a certain length, such that during buffering operation, the container can be buffered on the drivable buffer strip (235) or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer strips (249, 250) for a duration of 0 to 30 minutes, 0 to 20 minutes, 0 to 10 minutes, 0.15 to 15 minutes, or 0.1 to 10 minutes, or 0.1 to 5 minutes.

12. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control device is also configured to - After a failure occurs downstream of the buffer that requires buffering of the container on or across several buffer strips: - Transform the normal operation of the buffer into the buffered operation of the buffer, wherein the transformation includes: - Maintain a first speed along a first direction for the container input device, wherein the first speed has a first value, and -Simultaneously, the buffer band is braked from a second speed with a second value along the second direction to a third speed with a third value along the second direction. or Simultaneously, the plurality of buffer belts are braked from a second speed having a second value along the second direction to a third speed having a third value along the second direction.

13. The buffer device according to claim 12, wherein, The conversion also includes: - If the fault has been resolved, the buffer's buffered operation is switched to normal operation, which includes: - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and Simultaneously, the third velocity of the buffer band is increased back to the second velocity along the second direction, and this second velocity along the second direction is maintained. or At the same time, the third speed of the plurality of buffer zones is increased again to the second speed along the second direction, and the second speed along the second direction is maintained.

14. The buffer device according to claim 12, wherein, Transforming normal buffer operation into buffered operation also includes: - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and Simultaneously, the buffer belt is braked from the third speed having a third value along the second direction to a speed of 0 m / min, and then the buffer belt is accelerated from the speed of 0 m / min to a fourth speed along the fourth direction, wherein the fourth speed has a fourth value less than the second value, and the fourth speed along the fourth direction is maintained. or Simultaneously, the buffer strips are braked from a third speed having a third value along the second direction to a speed of 0 m / min, and then the buffer strips are accelerated from a speed of 0 m / min to a fourth speed along the fourth direction, wherein the fourth speed has a fourth value less than the second value, and the fourth speed along the fourth direction is maintained.

15. The buffer device according to claim 14, wherein, Transforming normal buffer operation into buffered operation also includes: -In the case where containers conveyed to the buffer belt by the container input device and containers returned from the buffer belt fill the initial area of ​​the buffer belt, - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and Simultaneously, the buffer belt is braked from the fourth velocity along the fourth direction to a fifth velocity having a fifth value of 0 m / min, and then the buffer belt is accelerated from the fifth velocity to a sixth velocity along the second direction, wherein the sixth velocity has a sixth value equal to the first value. or -When the containers conveyed by the container input device to the plurality of buffer belts and the containers returned by the plurality of buffer belts fill the initial area of ​​the buffer belts, - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and - Simultaneously, the plurality of buffer strips are braked from the fourth speed along the fourth direction to a fifth speed having a fifth value of 0 m / min, and then the buffer strips are accelerated from the fifth speed to a sixth speed along the second direction, wherein the sixth speed has a sixth value equal to the first value.

16. The buffer device according to claim 15, further comprising: - If the fault has been resolved, the buffer's buffered operation is switched to normal operation, which includes: - Continue to maintain the first speed of the container input device along the first direction, wherein the first speed has the first value, and Simultaneously, the sixth velocity of the buffer band is increased to a seventh velocity along the second direction, wherein the seventh velocity has a seventh value, wherein the seventh value is equal to the second value, and the seventh velocity along the second direction is maintained. or Simultaneously, the sixth speed of the plurality of buffer zones is increased to a seventh speed along the second direction, wherein the seventh value is equal to the second value, and the seventh speed along the second direction is maintained.

17. The buffer device according to claim 15, further comprising: - If the fault downstream of the buffer is not resolved, and the buffer strip or the plurality of buffer strips are completely or substantially completely filled with the container, the method includes: - Brake the container input device from the first velocity along the first direction to a ninth velocity having a ninth value of 0 m / min, and - Simultaneously, the buffer belt or the plurality of buffer belts are braked from the sixth velocity along the second direction to the tenth velocity having a tenth value of 0 m / min.

18. The buffer device according to claim 15, further comprising: - If the fault downstream of the buffer is not resolved, and the buffer strip or the plurality of buffer strips are filled with the container at a ratio equal to or greater than 90% to 95%, the method includes: - Brake the container input device from the first velocity along the first direction to a ninth velocity having a ninth value of 0 m / min, and - Simultaneously, the buffer belt or the plurality of buffer belts are braked from the sixth velocity along the second direction to the tenth velocity having a tenth value of 0 m / min.

19. The buffer device according to claim 17, further comprising: - If the fault has been resolved, the buffer's buffered operation is switched to normal operation, which includes: - Increase the ninth speed of the container input device to an eleventh speed along a first direction, wherein the eleventh speed has an eleventh value, wherein the eleventh value is equal to the first value, and maintain the eleventh speed along the first direction, and -Simultaneously increase the tenth velocity of the buffer band to the twelfth velocity along the second direction. or At the same time, the tenth velocity of each of the several buffer zones is increased to the twelfth velocity along the second direction.

20. The buffer device according to claim 19, wherein, The simultaneous growth rate is achieved gradually through one or more progressively increasing intermediate speeds.

21. The buffer device according to claim 20, wherein, When increasing the growth rate, a step size of 15 to 20% should be used.

22. The buffer device according to claim 21, wherein, Before increasing to the next intermediate speed, one of the intermediate speeds is maintained for a given or adjustable duration, wherein the given or adjustable duration is different or the same for different intermediate speeds.

23. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein, When the fill level is controlled to 30% (also known as the first fill level), a fault before the buffer can be buffered by the buffer band for at least 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds, and a fault after the buffer can be buffered by the buffer band for at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, or 120 seconds, or... When the filling level is controlled to be less than the first filling level, a fault before the buffer can be buffered for less than 60 seconds by the buffer band, and a fault after the buffer can be buffered for more than 120 seconds by the buffer band, or When the filling degree is controlled to be greater than the first filling degree, the fault before the buffer can be buffered for more than 60 seconds by the buffer band, and the fault after the buffer can be buffered for less than 120 seconds by the buffer band.

24. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein, The control measures the filling degree of the buffer strip or several buffer strips to 30%.

25. The buffering device of claim 24, wherein the buffering time for a fault before the buffer is at least 60 seconds and the buffering time for a fault after the buffer is at least 120 seconds, or, the first buffering time for a first fault before the buffer is at least 60 seconds and the second buffering time for a second fault after the buffer is at least 60 seconds.

26. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control data is obtained through automatic analysis.

27. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Based on the fault data, the set value of the filling degree of the buffer band is increased or decreased, and the increased or decreased set value is used to control the filling degree.

28. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Periodically detect fault data, analyze fault data and obtain control data, and control the filling degree of the buffer strip during normal operation according to the control data, or wherein the filling degree of the buffer strip during normal operation is controlled according to the control data in the following cases: after exceeding a first given maximum number of faults before and / or after the buffer, and / or after exceeding a second given maximum number of faults before and / or after the buffer, these faults cause the buffer strip to be completely emptied or completely filled, or wherein the filling degree of the buffer strip during normal operation is controlled according to the control data after exceeding a given upper limit of the cumulative fault duration of faults before and / or after the buffer.

29. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The container input device (186, 210) includes: A monorail feed conveyor (187) is capable of being driven along a third direction (201) and is configured to convey containers along the first direction (201). A number of parallel first conveyors (188, 189, 190, 191, 192) are arranged in parallel adjacent to the first group (193) of the monorail feed conveyor (187). These first conveyors can be driven in a third direction (201) and are configured to convey containers in the third direction (201). Parallel to the first group (193) are several parallel second conveyors (194, 195, 196, 197, 198) arranged in a second group (199), which are adjacent to the first group (193) of parallel first conveyors (188-192). The second conveyors can be driven along a first direction (202) and are configured to transport containers along the first direction (202). The container is conveyed from several parallel second conveyors (194-198) of the second group (199) transverse to the first direction (202) along the second direction (207) to the buffer (203).

30. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container unloading device (1, 33, 59, 89, 121, 154) comprises: - Several parallel first conveyors (5-7, 35-39, 61-65, 91-94, 123-126, 156-159) immediately following the first group (4, 34, 60, 90, 122, 155) of the buffer, the first conveyors being capable of being driven transversely to the second direction along a third direction (8, 40, 66, 95, 127, 160), and configured to separate containers (32, 85, 117, 151, 182) and transport the containers along the third direction. - Parallel to the first group of several parallel-arranged first conveyors (9, 41, 67, 96, 128, 161), are several parallel-arranged second conveyors (10-18, 42-47, 68-73, 97-100, 129-136, 162-168). These second conveyors can be driven along a first direction (19, 48, 74, 101, 137, 169) and are configured to transport separated containers along that direction. - One or more third conveyors (20-22, 49, 75, 103-105, 140, 170), the number of which is less than the number of the second conveyors, wherein the one or more third conveyors are configured to transport the separated containers away.

31. A buffer device (261, 262, 263, 264, 265) comprising a container cleaner (259), a buffer (231, 248) disposed downstream of the container cleaner (259), and a container unloading device (232) disposed downstream of the buffer (231, 248), wherein, The container cleaning machine (259) is configured to transport containers along a first direction (260). Its features are, - The buffer includes a drivable buffer strip (235) or a plurality of parallel drivable buffer strips (249, 250), the buffer strips being configured to transport the container along a second direction (236), wherein the first direction (260) is the same as the second direction (236). - The container unloading device is used to discharge and separate the container from the buffer along a third direction (242) transverse to the first direction (260) and the second direction (236), wherein the drivable buffer belt (235), or the plurality of parallel drivable buffer belts (249, 250), are also configured to transport the container along a fourth direction (237), wherein the second direction and the fourth direction are opposite to each other, and wherein the third direction (242) is transverse to the fourth direction (237).

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