Container feeding device and method for feeding containers to a meter and / or filling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a container supply device, in particular a cup supply device, for supplying containers (12), in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device (14), comprising: at least one magazine unit (16) for receiving a plurality of containers (12), in particular a plurality of stacks of containers; and at least one lifting unit (18) for conveying containers (12), in particular stacks of containers, in particular to a higher plane than the conveying surface (22) of the conveying element (24) of the magazine unit (16) in a lifting direction (20) of the lifting unit (18). According to the invention, the container supply device comprises at least one movement unit (26), which supports the lifting unit (18) in such a way that the lifting unit (18) can be moved, in particular driven, relative to the magazine unit (16), in particular relative to a frame (28) of the magazine unit (16), along a movement axis (30) of the lifting unit (18), which movement axis (30) is transverse, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to the lifting direction (20).

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to a container supply device, in particular a cup supply device, for supplying containers, in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device, the device comprising at least one magazine unit and at least one lifting unit, the at least one magazine unit being used to receive a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks, and the at least one lifting unit being used to convey the containers, in particular the container stacks, along a lifting direction of the lifting unit, in particular to a plane higher than a conveying surface of a conveying element of the magazine unit.

[0002] Such container supply devices are known, wherein in the known container supply devices the containers, in particular the container stack, are substantially unguided during the conveying from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, at least in the conveying direction, so that during the transfer of the containers, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, the containers, in particular the container stack, may tilt or tip over. This may lead to a jamming of the containers, in particular the container stack, in the lifting unit, resulting in an undesired machine stop which has to be handled by the operator.

[0003] The object of the invention is in particular to provide a universal container supply device, a universal production machine and a universal method, which have improved properties with regard to process reliability. According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1, claim 6 and claim 7, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be gathered from the dependent claims. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention is based on a container supply device, in particular a cup supply device, for supplying containers, in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device, the container supply device having: at least one magazine unit, which is used to receive a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks; and at least one lifting unit, which is used to convey the containers, in particular the container stacks, along the lifting direction of the lifting unit, in particular to a plane higher than the conveying surface of the conveying element of the magazine unit.

[0005] It is proposed that the container supply device comprises at least one movement unit, which supports the lifting unit so that the lifting unit can move, in particular driven movement, relative to the magazine unit, in particular the frame of the magazine unit, along the movement axis of the lifting unit, which extends transversely to, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction. The embodiment according to the present invention advantageously allows a high level of process reliability to be achieved. Advantageously, during the transfer of the container, in particular the container stack from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, it is possible to guide the container, in particular the container stack. Advantageously, it is possible to prevent the container, in particular the container stack, from tipping over or tilting. Advantageously, it is possible to achieve that during the transfer of the container, in particular the container stack from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, the container, in particular the container stack, can be kept at least substantially in an anti-tilting manner. Advantageously, undesired machine stops caused by blocking of the container, in particular the container stack, can be prevented in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, it is possible to achieve a movement of the lifting unit approaching the magazine unit and a movement of the lifting unit away from the magazine unit so that the container, in particular the container stack, can be transferred from the magazine unit to the lifting unit safely and guided.

[0006] The magazine unit preferably comprises a plurality of supply tracks, which are separated from each other by lateral guide elements of the magazine unit, for receiving a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks. Preferably, the magazine unit comprises at least two supply tracks for receiving a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks. Particularly preferably, the magazine unit comprises an integer multiple of two supply tracks for receiving a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks, such as four supply tracks, six supply tracks, eight supply tracks, ten supply tracks, twelve supply tracks or the like. However, it is also conceivable that the magazine unit comprises an odd number of supply tracks, such as three supply tracks, five supply tracks, seven supply tracks, nine supply tracks, eleven supply tracks or the like. Preferably, the number of supply tracks depends on the specific application field or use of the container feeding device. Preferably, for each supply track, a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks can be arranged in the corresponding supply track, and in particular can be arranged one after another in a row. The containers, in particular container stacks, when arranged in at least one feed track, preferably form a row of containers, in particular a row of container stacks, in the feed track along a conveying direction of the magazine unit, in particular a conveying direction of a conveying element of the magazine unit.

[0007] The individual supply tracks of the magazine unit are preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to each other. "Substantially parallel" here refers in particular to an orientation relative to a reference direction (particularly in a plane), wherein the deviation of this direction from the reference direction is particularly less than 8°, preferably less than 5°, particularly preferably less than 2°. The supply tracks are preferably arranged in the frame of the magazine unit. In the ready-to-work state of the container feeder, the supply tracks are preferably arranged to be inclined relative to a horizontal plane and / or relative to a base surface of a frame unit of a production machine comprising the container feeder. The base surface is configured to support the gravity and / or operating forces of the production machine on the ground (e.g., a production workshop floor or the like).

[0008] The magazine unit preferably includes at least one conveying element, in particular at least one cyclically driven conveyor belt, for conveying containers, in particular container stacks, in the conveying direction. The conveying element is preferably configured to convey containers, in particular container stacks, in the supply track in the conveying direction, in particular to the lifting unit. "Configuration" refers in particular to special implementation, special design and / or special equipment. The object is configured for a specific function and should be understood in particular that the object performs and / or performs the specific function in at least one application state and / or operating state. The conveying element preferably includes a conveying surface, and the container, in particular the container stack, is arranged on the conveying surface in the state arranged in the magazine unit, and the container, in particular the container stack stands on the conveying surface. In the ready-to-work state of the container supply device, the conveying surface is preferably arranged to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane and / or relative to the base surface of the frame unit of the production machine. Preferably, the conveying surface has an angle with the horizontal plane and / or with the plane extending at least substantially parallel to the base surface of the frame unit of the production machine, and the angle is particularly less than 45°, preferably less than 35°, and particularly preferably less than 25°. Very particularly preferably, there is an angle between the conveying surface and the horizontal plane and / or the plane extending at least substantially parallel to the base surface of the frame unit of the production machine, and the value of the angle is in the value range of from 0 ° to 20 °. The magazine unit preferably includes a plurality of conveying elements, in particular a plurality of cyclically driven conveyor belts, for conveying containers, in particular container stacks, arranged in the magazine unit along the conveying direction. Preferably, each supply track is assigned at least one conveying element in a plurality of conveying elements, in particular, each supply track is assigned a separate conveying element. The conveying elements preferably all have the same embodiment. The description of one of the conveying elements is preferably applicable to all conveying elements. Preferably, the conveying elements of the magazine unit, in particular all conveying elements, are implemented as cyclically driven conveyor belts. However, it is also conceivable that in order to convey containers, in particular container stacks, along the conveying direction, the conveying elements have different embodiments that are considered suitable by those skilled in the art, such as slides, fluid dynamic conveying elements, electric conveying elements or the like. The conveying element is preferably configured to supply containers, in particular container stacks, arranged in the supply track to the lifting unit. Containers, in particular container stacks, arranged in the supply rails can preferably be transported in the supply rails in a transport direction, in particular into a lifting unit, by means of conveying elements assigned to the respective supply rail.

[0009] The lifting unit preferably comprises at least one lifting element, in particular a lifting finger, for conveying containers, in particular a container stack, along a lifting direction. The lifting element is preferably supported to be movable along the lifting direction, in particular supported to be driven to move along the lifting direction. The lifting element preferably moves back and forth along and against the lifting direction. After conveying the container, in particular the container stack, along the lifting direction, the lifting element can preferably move against the lifting direction to an initial position of the lifting element, in which the container, in particular the container stack, can be conveyed to the lifting element by means of a conveying element. The lifting unit preferably comprises a plurality of lifting elements. The lifting elements of the lifting unit preferably have the same embodiment. The description of one of the lifting elements preferably applies to all lifting elements. The lifting element is preferably assigned to a lifting track of the lifting unit. The lifting unit preferably comprises a plurality of lifting tracks, wherein each lifting track is assigned at least one lifting element of the lifting unit. Preferably, each supply track is assigned a lifting track of the lifting unit. The number of lifting tracks of the lifting unit preferably corresponds to the number of supply tracks of the magazine unit. The movement path of the lifting element in the lifting track preferably defines a lifting plane of the lifting unit. The lifting direction preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the lifting plane of the lifting unit. The lifting plane of the lifting unit preferably extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the conveying surface of the conveying element.

[0010] The motion unit can be configured to support the lifting unit with translational and / or rotational movement relative to the cartridge unit. It is conceivable that the lifting unit is movably supported relative to the cartridge unit by means of the motion unit, so that the lifting unit as a whole can be translated relative to the cartridge unit along the movement axis of the lifting unit, the lifting unit can be pivoted relative to the cartridge unit around the movement axis of the lifting unit, the lifting unit can first be pivoted relative to the cartridge unit around the movement axis and then can be translated relative to the cartridge unit along the movement axis of the lifting unit or vice versa, or the lifting unit can be moved relative to the cartridge unit along and / or around the movement axis of the lifting unit in different ways that are suitable for those skilled in the art. The motion unit preferably includes at least one guiding element, in particular at least one linear guiding element, for guiding the movement of the lifting unit relative to the cartridge unit along and / or around the movement axis of the lifting unit. The guiding element can be implemented as a sliding bearing, a roller bearing, a fluid bearing or the like. In at least one embodiment of the container supply device, the guiding element is preferably implemented as a linear guide bracket. However, it is also conceivable that the guiding element has different embodiments that are suitable for those skilled in the art, in particular embodiments suitable for the type of movement to be guided. The motion unit preferably comprises four guide elements for guiding the movement of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit along and / or around the movement axis of the lifting unit. Preferably, two guide elements are arranged on each of the two outer sides of the lifting unit. The guide elements preferably have the same embodiment, in particular except for the embodiment of the two sides being opposite. The description of one of the guide elements preferably applies to all guide elements.

[0011] Preferably, the movement axis of the lifting unit is at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction of the lifting unit. The expression "substantially perpendicular" here refers in particular to the orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein, in particular when viewed in the projection plane, there is an angle of 90° between the direction and the reference direction, and the maximum deviation of the angle is particularly less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The movement axis of the lifting unit is preferably implemented as a linear movement axis, along which the lifting unit is supported so as to be able to move translationally relative to the magazine unit. However, additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable to implement the movement axis as a rotational movement axis, wherein the lifting unit is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the magazine unit around the rotational movement axis. The movement axis is preferably at least substantially parallel to the conveying surface of the conveying element. Preferably, the movement axis is at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting plane of the lifting unit.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the movement axis of the lifting unit along which the lifting unit is supported so as to be able to move, in particular to be driven, relative to the magazine unit is oriented to be inclined relative to a horizontal plane, in particular relative to the aforementioned horizontal plane, and to have an angle with the horizontal plane, the value of which is in the value range of 0° to 90°. The movement axis of the lifting unit preferably has an angle of less than 45°, preferably less than 35° and particularly preferably less than 25° with the horizontal plane and / or with a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the base surface of the frame unit of the production machine. Very particularly preferably, the movement axis of the lifting unit has an angle with the horizontal plane and / or with a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the base surface of the frame unit of the production machine in the value range of between 0° and 20°. Preferably, due to the inclined arrangement of the magazine unit together with the lifting unit, the distance of the conveying surface of the conveying element relative to the base surface of the frame unit of the production machine on the side of the conveying element facing away from the lifting unit is greater than the distance of the conveying surface of the conveying element relative to the base surface of the frame unit of the production machine on the side of the conveying element facing the lifting unit. Embodiments according to the invention allow the use of gravity to support the movement of the lifting unit along the axis of motion in at least one direction in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, during the loading of the magazine unit, in particular the supply track, to the operator, a tipping over of the container, in particular the container stack, can be prevented. Advantageously, a high level of process reliability can be achieved. Advantageously, during the transfer of the container, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, a guidance of the container, in particular the container stack, can be achieved. Advantageously, during the transfer of the container, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, the container, in particular the container stack, can be maintained at least substantially in a tilt-proof manner. Advantageously, undesired machine stops due to blockages of the container, in particular the container stack, can be prevented in a structurally simple manner.

[0013] In addition, it is proposed that the motion unit includes at least one drive device, in particular at least one servo cylinder, by means of which the lifting unit can actively move along the motion axis of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit. The drive device is preferably implemented as a linear drive device, in particular a servo cylinder. However, it is also conceivable that the drive device has different embodiments that are considered suitable by those skilled in the art, such as a rack and pinion drive device, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or the like. Preferably, the drive device includes a drive axis that is at least approximately parallel to the motion axis of the lifting unit. One end of the drive device is preferably arranged at the frame of the magazine unit, in particular fixed thereto, and the other end of the drive device is arranged at the lifting unit, in particular fixed thereto. The motion unit preferably includes at least two drive devices for the active movement of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit. The drive device preferably has the same embodiment, in particular implemented as a servo cylinder. Preferably, a drive device is arranged on each of the two outer sides of the lifting unit. However, it is also conceivable that the motion unit only includes a single drive device for the active movement of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit. The container supply device and / or the production machine preferably comprises at least one control or regulating unit, which is configured to control or regulate the drive device of the motion unit for moving the lifting unit. "Control or regulating unit" refers in particular to a unit having at least one control electronic unit. "Control electronic unit" refers in particular to a unit having a processor unit and a storage unit and an operating program stored in the storage unit. The container supply device and / or the production machine comprises at least one sensor unit, the signal of which can be processed by the control or regulating unit, at least for controlling or regulating the movement of the lifting unit. The control or regulating unit is preferably configured in a manner known to those skilled in the art for controlling or regulating other functions of the container supply device and / or the production machine, such as driving a conveying element of a magazine unit, a stop element of a moving magazine unit, in particular a separation baffle, or the like. By means of embodiments according to the present invention, a high degree of automation can be advantageously achieved. Precise control or regulation of the movement of the lifting unit can be achieved. Advantageously, a high level of process reliability can be achieved. Advantageously, a safe transfer of containers, in particular container stacks, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit can be achieved.

[0014] In addition, it is proposed that the lifting unit comprises at least one movably supported lateral guide element, which is configured to at least partially surround or cover the container, in particular the container stack, when the container, in particular the container stack, is arranged in the lifting unit. The lateral guide element is preferably implemented as a lateral guide plate. However, it is also conceivable that the lateral guide element has different embodiments that appear suitable to the person skilled in the art, for example, as a lateral guide grid, a lateral guide web or the like. Observed along a direction at least substantially parallel to the lifting plane and at least approximately parallel to a plane including the axis of motion of the lifting unit, the lateral guide element preferably extends at least mostly over the maximum extension of the lifting track. The lateral guide element preferably extends along the lifting track at least over 50% of the maximum extension of the lifting track. It is conceivable that the lateral guide element consists of a plurality of individual segments, which are arranged along the lifting track and spaced apart from each other, wherein the sum of their maximum individual extensions corresponds to at least 50% or more of the maximum extension of the lifting track. It is also conceivable that the lateral guide element is a continuous element, which is arranged along the lifting track and whose maximum extension corresponds to at least 50% or more of the maximum extension of the lifting track. Other embodiments of the lateral guide element that are considered suitable by the skilled person are also conceivable. In a state where the container, in particular the container stack, is arranged in the lifting unit, the lateral guide element preferably protrudes beyond the container, in particular the container stack, in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting plane. The lateral guide element can be supported so that it can move in translation and / or rotation. The lateral guide element can be supported so that it can move actively, in particular by means of a motor of the lifting unit, or can be supported so that it can move manually, in particular for changing or adjusting the position of the lateral guide element relative to the container, in particular relative to the container stack. The lifting unit preferably includes two lateral guide elements for each lifting track, in particular for each lifting track including a left lateral guide element and a right lateral guide element. The embodiment according to the present invention advantageously allows the guidance of the container, in particular the container stack, during the conveying by the lifting unit. Advantageously, a safe accommodation of the container, in particular the container stack in the lifting unit can be achieved. Advantageously, a high level of process reliability can be achieved.

[0015] It is further proposed that the lifting unit comprises at least one movably supported lateral guide element, in particular the above-mentioned movably supported lateral guide element, whose movement axis extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the movement axis of the lifting unit. Preferably, the movement axis of the lateral guide element extends at least substantially parallel to the conveying surface of the conveying element. In particular, the movement axis of the lateral guide element extends at least substantially parallel to the lifting plane of the lifting unit. Preferably, the movement axis of the lateral guide element extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the movement axis of the lifting unit. Preferably, the two lateral guide elements are movably supported in opposite directions along the movement axis of the lateral guide element, in particular for changing or adjusting the position of the lateral guide element relative to the cups, in particular relative to the stack of cups. Embodiments of the invention advantageously allow partial clamping of the container, in particular the stack of containers, in a state in which the container, in particular the stack of containers, is arranged in the lifting unit, in particular the lifting track. Advantageously, during the transport by the lifting unit, a guidance of the container, in particular the stack of containers, can be achieved. Advantageously, a safe accommodation of the container, in particular the stack of containers in the lifting unit can be achieved. Advantageously, a high level of process reliability can be achieved.

[0016] In addition, a production machine having at least one container supply device according to the present invention is proposed. The production machine may include other devices and / or units that are suitable for the skilled person, which can be used for processing, filling and / or producing products, in particular food. The production machine is preferably configured for the production, filling, packaging and / or secondary packaging of food. In addition to the container supply device, the production machine may also include a plurality of other devices and / or units that are suitable for the skilled person, such as forming devices, cutting devices, filling devices, sterilizing devices, closing devices, secondary packaging devices, metering devices or the like for packaging. Preferably, the production machine includes at least one frame unit, in particular the above-mentioned frame unit, and at least one support unit, in particular a linear pull-out unit, wherein the support unit is configured to be able to support the container supply device as a whole movably relative to the frame unit. Preferably, the magazine unit, the lifting unit and the movement unit are supported by means of the support unit so that they can move together, in particular for maintenance purposes or similar purposes. The support unit may include a motor that can drive the container supply device so that the container supply device can move relative to the frame unit as a whole, or the container supply device can be manually moved relative to the frame unit as a whole. The movement axis of the support unit, along which the container feed device is supported so as to be movable as a whole relative to the frame unit, preferably extends at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane and / or a base plane of the frame unit. Embodiments according to the invention advantageously allow a high level of process reliability to be achieved during the production, filling, packaging and / or secondary packaging of products, in particular foods, by means of the production device.

[0017] The invention is further based on a method for feeding containers, in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device, in particular a metering and / or filling device of a production machine, by means of a container supply device, in particular a container supply device according to the invention. It is proposed that a lifting unit of the container supply device is moved relative to a magazine unit of the container supply device along a movement axis of the lifting unit by means of a movement unit, the movement axis being transverse to, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to, the lifting direction of the lifting unit. Embodiments according to the invention advantageously allow a high level of process reliability to be achieved. Advantageously, during the transfer of the container, in particular a stack of containers, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, a guidance of the container, in particular a stack of containers, can be achieved. Advantageously, tipping over or tilting of the container, in particular a stack of containers, can be prevented. Advantageously, during the transfer of the container, in particular a stack of containers, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, a container, in particular a stack of containers can be held at least substantially in a tilt-proof manner. Advantageously, undesired machine stops due to blockage of the container, in particular a stack of containers, can be prevented in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, a movement of the lifting unit towards the magazine unit and a movement of the lifting unit away from the magazine unit can be realized in order to be able to transfer containers, in particular container stacks, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit in a safe and guided manner.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the lifting unit is actively moved by means of at least one drive device of the movement unit, in particular the above-mentioned drive device, until the vicinity of a movably supported stop element, in particular the above-mentioned movably supported stop element, in particular the movably supported separation baffle, and / or until the vicinity of a conveying element, in particular the above-mentioned conveying element. "Proximal area" refers in particular to an area which, in particular when viewed along the conveying direction of the magazine unit, has a maximum distance with respect to the conveying element, in particular with respect to the deflection edge of the conveying element and / or with respect to the stop element, which maximum distance is in particular less than 100 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, particularly preferably less than 20 mm, very particularly preferably less than 10 mm. Embodiments according to the invention advantageously allow a safe transfer of containers, in particular a stack of containers, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit. Advantageously, it can be achieved that the containers, in particular the stack of containers, are held at least substantially in a tilt-proof manner during the transfer of the containers, in particular the stack of containers, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one lateral guide element of the lifting unit, in particular the above-mentioned lateral guide element, is actively moved, the lateral guide element being configured to at least partially surround or cover the container, in particular the container stack, when the container, in particular the container stack, is arranged in the lifting unit. The lateral guide element and the further lateral guide element are preferably actively moved. Preferably, for conveying the container, in particular the container stack, all left-hand lateral guide elements and all right-hand lateral guide elements are actively moved, in particular jointly actively moved, by means of the lifting unit, wherein all left-hand lateral guide elements are moved in one direction and all right-hand lateral guide elements are moved in the opposite direction. The embodiment according to the invention allows the distance of the lateral guide element relative to the further lateral guide element to be adjusted in a structurally simple manner in order to adapt the lifting unit to the container format, in particular the cup format.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one left-hand lateral guide element, in particular the above-mentioned left-hand lateral guide element, and a further right-hand lateral guide element, in particular the above-mentioned right-hand lateral guide element, of the lifting unit are actively moved in opposite directions. Preferably, for conveying containers, in particular a stack of containers, the lateral guide element and the further lateral guide element are moved towards each other with the lifting unit and then away from each other again. Embodiments according to the invention advantageously allow safe guidance of containers, in particular a stack of containers, during conveyance by means of the lifting unit. The distance of the lateral guide element relative to the further lateral guide element can be adjusted in a structurally simple manner in order to adapt the lifting unit to a container format, in particular a cup format.

[0021] The container supply device according to the invention, the production machine according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention should not be limited to the above-mentioned applications and embodiments. In particular, in order to achieve the functions described here, the container supply device according to the invention, the production machine according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention may include a number of individual elements, components and units and method steps different from the number given here. In addition, within the numerical ranges indicated in the present disclosure, the values ​​within the stated limits should also be regarded as disclosed and can be used as required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description and the claims contain combinations of multiple features. A person skilled in the art will also purposefully consider these features individually and find further suitable combinations.

[0023] In the attached picture:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows a production machine according to the invention, which has at least one container supply device according to the invention.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram shows a detailed view of a container feed device according to the invention in an operating position in a frame unit of a production machine according to the invention,

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram shows a detailed view of a container feed device according to the invention in a maintenance position in a frame unit of a production machine according to the invention,

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram shows a plan view of a container supply device according to the present invention,

[0028] Figure 5 A schematic diagram shows a detailed view of a magazine unit and a lifting unit of a container supply device according to the present invention, wherein the lifting unit is in a state of being moved away from the magazine unit.

[0029] Figure 6 A schematic diagram shows a detailed view of a magazine unit and a lifting unit of a container supply device according to the present invention, wherein the lifting unit is in a state of being moved to the magazine unit.

[0030] Figure 7 A schematic diagram shows a detailed view of a lifting unit of a container feeding device according to the invention, and

[0031] Figure 8 A schematic diagram shows a schematic process flow of the method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 A production machine 44 is shown which has at least one container supply device 10 for supplying containers 12 (see Figures 4 to 7 ), in particular cups, are supplied to a metering and / or filling device 14 of a production machine 44. Preferably, in order to supply containers 12 into which products, in particular foods, can be filled, the container supply device 10 is connected to the metering and / or filling device 14 in a manner known to the person skilled in the art via a conveying device (not shown in detail here) of the production machine 44. The production machine 44 is preferably configured for the production, filling, packaging and / or secondary packaging of foods. Preferably, the production machine 44 is at least configured for filling the containers 12 with foods. The production machine 44 can, for example, be implemented as a food packaging machine, a food filling machine, a food production machine, a combination of the above machines or the like. The production machine 44 can include other devices and / or units that appear suitable to the person skilled in the art for the production and / or processing of products, in particular foods, such as additional conveying devices, sterilizing devices, closing devices, secondary packaging devices or the like.

[0033] Figure 2 The container supply device 10 is shown in an operating position in a frame unit 52 of a production machine 44. The container supply device 10 is configured to supply containers 12, in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device 14, in particular a conveying device through the production machine 44. The container supply device 10 is preferably realized as a cup supply device. The container supply device 10 comprises at least one magazine unit 16 for receiving a plurality of containers 12 (see also Figure 4 ), in particular a plurality of container stacks (see also Figure 4 The container supply device 10 further comprises at least one lifting unit 18 for conveying containers 12 , in particular container stacks, along a lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18 , in particular to a plane higher than a conveying surface 22 of a conveying element 24 of the magazine unit 16 .

[0034] In the operating position, the lifting unit 18 is configured to interact with a container pick-up unit 70 of the production machine 44. The container pick-up unit 70 is preferably arranged above the lifting unit 18. The container pick-up unit 70 preferably comprises a container receiving basket 72, into which the lifting unit 18 transports the container 12, in particular a container stack, in the lifting direction 20. The container receiving basket 72 is arranged on a receiving frame 74 of the container picking unit 70, so that the container receiving basket 72 is removable, in particular without tools. Preferably, the container receiving basket 72 is replaceable, preferably without tools, depending on the container format of the container 12, in particular the container stack, to be accommodated. The container receiving basket 72 preferably has a connecting recess (not shown in detail here), in particular in the form of a keyhole. The connecting recess comprises an area with a small width and a directly adjacent area with a large width. The receiving frame 74 preferably comprises a hook-in bolt (not shown in detail here), which is configured to interact with the connecting recess. The receiving frame 74 is supported on the frame unit 52 in a pivotable manner. The pivot axis of the receiving frame 74 is preferably at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 32 and / or at least substantially parallel to the base surface 62 of the frame unit 52. The pivot axis of the receiving frame 74 is preferably at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18, in particular at least substantially parallel to the lifting plane of the lifting unit 18. The linear movement axis of the receiving frame 74 is preferably at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 32 and / or at least substantially parallel to the base surface 62 of the frame unit 52. The linear movement axis of the receiving frame 74 is preferably transverse to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18, in particular transverse to the lifting plane of the lifting unit 18.

[0035] Preferably, the receiving frame 74 is supported so as to be able to move in translation along a linear axis 76 of the container pick-up unit 70. The container pick-up unit 70 further comprises a closing element 78, which is configured to be able to close the container receiving basket 72 on the side facing the lifting unit 18 after the containers 12, in particular the container stack, have been filled in the container receiving basket 72. The closing element 78 is preferably supported so as to be able to move, in particular to be driven. The closing element 78 is preferably realized in the form of a fork, in particular so as to enable the lifting element 82 of the lifting unit 18 to pass through. The container receiving basket 72 preferably comprises a plurality of separate receiving spaces (not shown in detail here) for receiving containers 12, in particular the container stack, wherein the number of the receiving spaces corresponds to the number of lifting rails 80 of the lifting unit 18 and / or the number of supply rails 58 of the magazine unit 16.

[0036] The magazine unit 16 preferably comprises a plurality of feed rails 58, which are separated from one another, in particular by lateral guide elements 54, 56 of the magazine unit 16, for receiving a plurality of containers 12, in particular a plurality of container stacks (see also Figure 4 The magazine unit 16 preferably comprises at least two feed tracks 58 for receiving a plurality of containers 12, in particular a plurality of container stacks (see also Figure 4 ). The supply rails 58 of the magazine unit 16 are preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the supply rails 58 are arranged in the frame 28 of the magazine unit 16. In the ready-to-operate state of the container supply device 10, the supply rails 58 are preferably arranged inclined relative to the horizontal plane 32 and / or relative to a base surface 62 of the frame unit 52 of the production machine 44. The base surface 62 is configured to support the gravity and / or operating forces of the production machine 44 on the ground (not shown in detail here), for example a production hall floor or the like. Preferably, for each supply rail 58, a plurality of containers 12, in particular a plurality of container stacks, can be arranged in the corresponding supply rail 58 and in particular can be arranged one behind the other in a row (see also ). Figure 4 The containers 12, in particular container stacks, when arranged in the at least one feed track 58, preferably form a row of containers 12, in particular container stacks, in the feed track 58 along a conveying direction 60 of the magazine unit 16, in particular a conveying direction 60 of the conveying elements 24 of the magazine unit 16 (see also Figure 4 The magazine unit 16 preferably comprises, in particular for each supply track 58, at least one movably supported stop element 50 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The stop element 50 is preferably configured to separate the containers 12, in particular a container stack, arranged in the supply track 58 and / or to hold the containers 12, in particular a container stack, arranged during a lifting operation by the lifting unit 18.

[0037] The magazine unit 16 preferably includes at least a conveying element 24 for conveying containers 12, especially container stacks, along the conveying direction 60 of the magazine unit 16. The conveying element 24 is preferably implemented as a conveyor belt that can be driven cyclically. However, it is also conceivable that the conveying element 24 has different embodiments that are considered suitable by those skilled in the art, such as being implemented as a circulating conveyor chain, a conveying slideway or the like. The conveying element 24 is preferably configured to convey the container 12, especially the container stack in the supply track 58 along the conveying direction 60, especially to the lifting unit 18. The conveying element 24 preferably includes a conveying surface 22, on which the container 12, especially the container stack or a plurality of containers 12, especially the plurality of container stacks, are arranged in the state arranged in the magazine unit 16, and the container 12, especially the container stack stands on the conveying surface 22. In the ready-to-work state of the container supply device 10, the conveying surface 22 is preferably arranged to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane 32 and / or relative to the base surface 62 of the frame unit 52 of the production machine 44. The magazine unit 16 preferably comprises a plurality of conveying elements 24, in particular a plurality of cyclically drivable conveyor belts, for conveying the containers 12, in particular a stack of containers, arranged in the magazine unit 16 along a conveying direction 60 (see also Figure 4 ). Preferably, at least one conveyor element 24 from the plurality of conveyor elements 24 is assigned to each supply track 58, in particular a single conveyor element 24 is assigned to each supply track 58. The conveyor elements 24 preferably all have the same embodiment. The description of one conveyor element 24 preferably applies to all conveyor elements 24. The conveyor elements 24 are preferably configured to feed containers 12, in particular container stacks, arranged in the supply track 58 to the lifting unit 18 (see also Figure 4 The containers 12 , in particular container stacks, arranged in the supply rails 58 can preferably be transported in the supply rails 58 along a conveying direction 60 , in particular by means of conveying elements 24 assigned to the respective supply rails 58 into the lifting unit 18 .

[0038] Figure 3The container supply device 10 is shown in a maintenance position in the frame unit 52 of the production machine 44. The production machine 44 preferably comprises at least one support unit 64, in particular a linear pull-out unit. The support unit 64 is preferably configured to support the container supply device 10 as a whole movably relative to the frame unit 52. The magazine unit 16, the lifting unit 18 and the movement unit 26 of the container supply device 10 are preferably supported by the support unit 64 so that they can move together, in particular for maintenance purposes or similar purposes. The support unit 64 may include a motor 66, which can move the container supply device 10 as a whole relative to the frame unit 52 in a drivable manner. The motor 66 is preferably configured to cooperate with a rack (not shown in detail here) of the support unit 64 so as to move the container supply device 10 as a whole relative to the frame unit 52. The rack is preferably arranged on a linear guide of the support unit 64. The motor 66 can be implemented as an electric motor, a linear motor, a compressed air motor, a hydraulic motor or other motors that are considered suitable by the skilled person. It is also conceivable that the motor 66 cooperates with further elements of the support unit 64 which appear suitable to a person skilled in the art in order to move the container supply device 10 as a whole relative to the frame unit 52. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the container supply device 10 as a whole can be moved manually relative to the frame unit 52 by an operator. It is conceivable that the support unit 64 can be implemented without the motor 66 and the rack, in particular when the container supply device 10 as a whole can be moved manually relative to the frame unit 52. The axis of movement 68 of the support unit 64, along which the container supply device 10 is supported so as to be movable relative to the frame unit 52 as a whole, is preferably at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 32 and / or the base surface 62 of the frame unit 52.

[0039] The container supply device 10 comprises at least one movement unit 26, which supports the lifting unit 18 so that the lifting unit 18 can be moved, in particular driven, relative to the magazine unit 16, in particular relative to the frame 28 of the magazine unit 16 along a movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18, which extends transversely to the lifting direction 20, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction 20. The lifting unit 18 preferably comprises at least one lifting element 82, in particular a lifting finger, for conveying the containers 12, in particular a stack of containers, along the lifting direction 20 (see also Figure 4). The lifting element 82 is preferably supported so as to be movable in the lifting direction 20, in particular so as to be driven to move in the lifting direction 20. The lifting element 82 is preferably movable back and forth in and against the lifting direction 20. Preferably, after conveying the container 12, in particular a single container stack, in the lifting direction 20, the lifting element 82 is movable against the lifting direction 20 to an initial position of the lifting element 82, in which the container 12, in particular a single container stack, can be conveyed onto the lifting element 82 by the conveying element 24. The lifting unit 18 preferably comprises a plurality of lifting elements 82. The lifting elements 82 of the lifting unit 18 preferably have the same embodiment. The description of one of the lifting elements 82 preferably applies to all lifting elements 82. The lifting element 82 is preferably assigned to a single lifting rail 80 of the lifting unit 18. The lifting unit 18 preferably comprises a plurality of lifting rails 80, wherein each lifting rail 80 is assigned to at least one lifting element 82 of the lifting unit 18. Preferably, each supply rail 58 is assigned to a lifting rail 80 of the lifting unit 18. The number of lifting rails 80 of the lifting unit 18 preferably corresponds to the number of supply rails 58 of the magazine unit 16 .

[0040] The motion unit 26 can be configured to support the lifting unit 18 in translation and / or rotation relative to the magazine unit 16. The motion unit 26 preferably includes at least one guide element 84, in particular at least one linear guide element, for guiding the movement of the lifting unit 18 relative to the magazine unit 16 along the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 and / or around the movement axis 30. The guide element 84 can be implemented as a sliding bearing, a roller bearing, a fluid bearing or the like. In at least one embodiment of the container supply device 10, the guide element 84 is preferably implemented as a linear guide frame. However, it is also conceivable that the guide element 84 has different embodiments that are suitable for those skilled in the art, in particular suitable embodiments suitable for the type of movement to be guided. The motion unit 26 preferably includes four guide elements 84 for guiding the movement of the lifting unit 18 relative to the magazine unit 16 along and / or around the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18. Preferably, the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 extends at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18. The movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 is preferably realized as a linear movement axis, along which the lifting unit 18 is supported so as to be able to move translationally relative to the magazine unit 16. However, alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the movement axis 30 is realized as a rotational movement axis, about which the lifting unit 18 is supported so as to be able to move rotationally relative to the magazine unit 16. The movement axis 30 preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the conveying surface 22 of the conveying element 24. Preferably, the movement axis 30 extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the lifting plane of the lifting unit 18.

[0041] The movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 is oriented to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane 32, and the lifting unit 18 is supported to be movable, in particular driven, relative to the magazine unit 16 along its movement axis 30. Specifically, the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 has an angle 34 with the horizontal plane 32, the value of which is between 0° and 90°. The movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 preferably has an angle 34 with the horizontal plane 32 and / or with a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the base surface 62 of the frame unit 52, which is particularly less than 45°, preferably less than 35°, and particularly preferably less than 25°. Very particularly preferably, the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 has an angle 34 with the horizontal plane 32 and / or with a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the base surface 62 of the frame unit 52, the value of which is in the range of 0° to 20°.

[0042] The movement unit 26 comprises at least one drive device 36, by means of which the lifting unit 18 can be actively moved relative to the magazine unit 16 along the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18. The drive device 36 is preferably realized as a linear drive device, in particular a servo cylinder. However, it is also conceivable that the drive device 36 has different embodiments that appear suitable to a person skilled in the art, such as a rack and pinion drive device, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or the like. Preferably, the drive device 36 has a drive axis extending at least substantially parallel to the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18. Preferably, one end of the drive device 36 is arranged at the frame 28 of the magazine unit 16, in particular fixed thereto, and the other end of the drive device 36 is arranged at the lifting unit 18, in particular fixed thereto. The container supply device 10 and / or the production machine 44 preferably comprises at least one control or regulation unit 86 (see Figure 1 ), which is configured to control or regulate at least the drive device 36 of the movement unit 26 so as to move the lifting unit 18. The container supply device 10 and / or the production machine 44 comprises at least one sensor unit (not shown in detail here) for detecting the position of individual elements and / or units of the container supply device 10 and / or the production machine 44, the signals of which can be processed by the control or regulation unit 86, at least for controlling or regulating the movement of the lifting unit 18.

[0043] The lifting unit 18 comprises at least one movably supported lateral guide element 38, 40, which is configured to at least partially surround or cover the container 12, in particular the container stack, when the container 12, in particular the container stack, is arranged in the lifting unit 18 (see Figures 4 to 7). The lateral guide elements 38, 40 are preferably implemented as lateral guide plates. However, it is also conceivable that the lateral guide elements 38, 40 have different embodiments that appear suitable to the person skilled in the art, for example as lateral guide grids, lateral guide webs or the like. Preferably, in a state in which the container 12, in particular the container stack, is arranged in the lifting unit 18, the lateral guide elements 38, 40 protrude beyond the container 12, in particular the container stack, in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting plane. The lateral guide elements 38, 40 can be supported so as to be capable of translational and / or rotational movement. The movement axis 42 of the lateral guide elements 38, 40 of the lifting unit 18 preferably extends transversely to the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18. The lateral guide elements 38, 40 can be actively supported so as to be actively movable, in particular by means of one or more motors (not shown in detail here) of the lifting unit 18, for example by means of hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, servo cylinders or the like, or the lateral guide elements 38, 40 can be supported so as to be manually movable, in particular for changing or adjusting the position of the lateral guide elements 38, 40 relative to the containers 12, in particular relative to the container stack. Preferably, the lifting unit 18 comprises two lateral guide elements 38, 40 for each lifting rail 80, in particular one left-hand lateral guide element 38 and one right-hand lateral guide element 40 for each lifting rail 80.

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic process flow of a method 46 is shown for feeding containers 12, in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device 14, in particular the metering and / or filling device 14, by means of a container supply device, in particular the above-mentioned container supply device 10. Preferably, in at least one method step 88 of the method 46, the containers 12, in particular the container stack, are loaded into the magazine unit 16, in particular manually by an operator or automatically by a robot or the like. During loading, the containers 12, in particular the container stack, are preferably inserted into the supply track 58 of the magazine unit 16. Preferably, the stop element 50 of the magazine unit 16 is closed during loading. Due to the tilting of the magazine unit 16, the containers 12, in particular the container stack, preferably slide on the conveying surface 22 of the conveying element 24 until the containers 12, in particular the container stack, rest against the stop element 50 or against a previously placed container 12, in particular the container stack.

[0045] In at least one method step 90 of the method 46, the lifting unit 18 is preferably moved relative to the magazine unit 16, in particular toward the magazine unit 16, by means of the movement unit 26 along a movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18, the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18. Preferably, in particular in method step 90, the lifting unit 18 is actively moved, in particular traversed, by means of the drive device 36 of the movement unit 26 up to a vicinity 48 of a movably supported stop element 50, in particular a plurality of stop elements 50, of the magazine unit 16 and / or up to a vicinity 48 of a conveyor element 24, in particular a plurality of conveyor elements 24, of the magazine unit 16.

[0046] In at least one method step 92 of the method 46, the locking element 50, in particular a plurality of locking elements 50, is preferably moved into the open position. In at least one method step 94 of the method 46, the containers 12, in particular a single container stack per supply rail 58, are preferably conveyed into the lifting unit 18, in particular into the lifting rail 80, in particular into the lifting rail 80 assigned to the respective supply rail 58, preferably by means of the conveying element 24. In at least one method step 96 of the method 46, the locking element 50, in particular a plurality of locking elements 50, is preferably moved into the closed position. In at least one method step 98 of the method 46, at least one lateral guide element 38, 40 of the lifting unit 18, which is configured to at least partially surround the container 12, in particular the container stack, when the container 12, in particular the container stack, is arranged in the lifting unit 18, is preferably actively moved. Preferably, in method step 98 of method 46 , the at least one lateral guide element 38 of the lifting unit 18 and the further lateral guide element 40 of the lifting unit 18 are actively moved in opposite directions.

[0047] In at least one method step 100 of the method 46, the lifting unit 18 is preferably moved by means of the movement unit 26 along a movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 relative to the magazine unit 16, in particular away from the magazine unit 16, the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18. In at least one method step 102 of the method 46, the containers 12, in particular a container stack, are transported by means of the lifting unit 18 along the lifting direction 20, in particular to the container pick-up unit 70.

[0048] Other method steps of the method 46 are also conceivable, such as conveying the container 12, in particular the container stack, to the container pick-up unit 70, conveying the container 12, in particular the container stack, from the container pick-up unit 70 to a conveying device of the production machine 44, filling the container 12 by means of the metering and / or filling device 14, or other method steps that appear suitable to the person skilled in the art. In particular, the other method steps of the method 46 can be obtained from Figures 1 to 7 The description of method 46 is obtained.

Claims

1. A container supply device, in particular a cup supply device, for supplying containers (12), in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device (14), the container supply device comprising: at least one magazine unit (16) for receiving a plurality of containers (12), in particular a plurality of container stacks; and at least one lifting unit (18) for conveying containers (12), in particular a stack of containers, along a lifting direction (20) of the lifting unit (18), in particular to a plane higher than a conveying surface (22) of a conveying element (24) of a magazine unit (16), characterized in that the container supply device comprises at least one moving unit (26), which supports the lifting unit (18) so that the lifting unit (18) can move, in particular be driven, relative to the magazine unit (16), in particular relative to a frame (28) of the magazine unit (16) along a movement axis (30) of the lifting unit (18), and the movement axis (30) extends transversely to, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to, the lifting direction (20).

2. The container supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movement axis (30) of the lifting unit (18) is oriented obliquely relative to the horizontal plane (32), and in particular has an angle (34) with the horizontal plane (32), the value of which is in the value range of 0° to 90°. The lifting unit (18) is supported along the movement axis (30) so as to be movable, in particular driven, relative to the magazine unit (16).

3. The container supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The movement unit (26) comprises at least one drive device (36), in particular a servo cylinder, by means of which the lifting unit (18) can be actively moved relative to the magazine unit (16) along a movement axis (30) of the lifting unit (18).

4. The container feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The lifting unit (18) comprises at least one movably supported lateral guide element (38, 40) which is configured to at least partially surround or cover a container (12), in particular a container stack, when the container (12), in particular a container stack, is arranged in the lifting unit (18).

5. The container feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The lifting unit (18) comprises at least one movably supported lateral guide element (38, 40), the movement axis (42) of which extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the movement axis (30) of the lifting unit (18).

6. A production machine having at least one container feed device according to any of the preceding claims.

7. A method for feeding containers (12), in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device (14) by means of a container feeding device, in particular by means of a container feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that A lifting unit (18) of a container supply device is moved relative to a magazine unit (16) of the container supply device along a movement axis (30) of the lifting unit (18) by means of a movement unit (26), wherein the movement axis (30) is transverse to, and in particular at least substantially perpendicular to, a lifting direction (20) of the lifting unit (18).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that By means of at least one drive device (36) of the motion unit (26), the lifting unit (18) is actively moved to a movably supported stop element (50) of the magazine unit (16), in particular to an adjacent area (48) of a movably supported separation baffle, and / or is actively moved to an adjacent area (48) of a conveying element (24) of the magazine unit (16).

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: At least one lateral guide element (38, 40) of a lifting unit (18) is actively moved, the lateral guide element being configured to at least partially laterally surround a container (12), in particular a container stack, when the container (12), in particular a container stack, is arranged in the lifting unit (18).

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that At least one lateral guide element (38) of the lifting unit (18) and a further lateral guide element (40) of the lifting unit (18) are actively moved in opposite directions.

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