Device and method for separating stacked objects

Abstract

A device for separating a stack (1) of objects, in particular cup-shaped capsules (1.1-1. N), in particular having a circumferential edge, comprises separating elements (2.1, 2.7) for engaging between adjacent objects (1.1, 1.2) of the stack (1) of objects. A plurality of separating elements (2.1-2.12) are arranged around the stack (1) in such a way as to engage into the stack (1), and the plurality of separating elements (2.1-2.12) are mounted so as to be radially displaceable. According to the invention, the plurality of separating elements (2.1-2.12) are individually elastically supported (3.1-3.12), and the device comprises means (5, 11.1, 11.2) for moving the plurality of separating elements (2.1-2.12) outwardly into a position in which the plurality of separating elements (2.1-2.12) are not engaged into the stack (1). The device allows for automatic separation of stacked objects which, although fragile, are at the same time firmly inserted into each other and still have irregularities in alignment within the stack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for separating a stack of objects, in particular cup-shaped capsules, in particular with a circumferential edge, wherein separating elements are provided for engaging between adjacent objects of the stack of objects. A plurality of separating elements are arranged around the stack and are supported so as to be radially movable. Technical Background

[0002] This separation is particularly necessary in manufacturing and processing, for example, when certain types of objects are supported in stacks or temporarily, but to carry out processing steps these objects must be present individually. This could be, for example, the automatic filling of cup-shaped capsules, which initially exist in a stack after manufacturing. In manufacturing lines, the separation must be as reliable, fast, economical and low-maintenance as possible. This in turn requires solutions that can dispense with complex control mechanisms or sensor systems.

[0003] Methods and devices for separating stacked objects already exist. For example, European patent application EP 2 799 350 A1 (ES Plastic GmbH) discloses a device for separating stacked pallets, which are equipped with, in particular, a circumferential edge, with at least one shaft for receiving a pallet of the pallet stack, the shaft having a lower movable separating knife, which can be moved between a closed position, in which the separating knife closes the shaft on the removal side, and an open position, in which the lower pallet to be removed is released, and vice versa. In addition, the invention comprises a movable separating knife, which can enter the gap between the pallets, so that the stack is kept in the shaft during the separation operation, but the lower pallet is released.

[0004] Furthermore, the device comprises a driven, movable suction device having at least one suction element for resting on the tray to be removed. This allows the tray to be fixed to the suction device.

[0005] The disadvantages of such a device are evident when stacks of objects are to be separated, wherein between the individual objects of the stack there are gaps of irregular size around the circumference of the stack, for example due to objects in the stack which are placed obliquely with respect to the stack axis. In this case, there is a risk that the separating knife encounters a gap between the objects which is not large enough so that the respective separating knife can enter this gap. It can then happen that, despite the fact that the gap size is too small, the separating knife takes up its end position facing the stack and thus damages the objects in the stack, for example crushes them. Alternatively, in this case, the separating knife can also be damaged or the stack cannot be separated effectively.

[0006] CN 111874643 A (Zhejiang Wie Chi Light Ind Machinery Co Ltd) discloses a separation device for stacked bowl-shaped cans. This includes an arc-shaped knife that can penetrate the gap between the lowest can and the adjacent can. For separation, a smaller separation knife integrated in the arc-shaped knife moves downward, thereby pushing the lowest can away from the stack. The remaining stack is held by the arc-shaped knife.

[0007] Here, the separation process of the stacked cans only works if the gaps between the cans allow the curved knife to engage into the stack.

[0008] CN 207 12 12 10U (Shanghai Maike Machinery Co Ltd) discloses an automatic cup feeding device for individually removing stacked paper cups. It includes a guide for supporting and holding a stack of cups, which includes a cup feeding hole through which the cup to be removed passes during removal. It also includes a plurality of flexible tabs protruding into the cup feeding hole. These tabs can be deformed so that the cup falls through the cup feeding hole, however, in their relaxed form, they prevent the stacked cups from falling through them. A cup holder below the cup feeding hole can use negative pressure to secure the cup and remove it from the stack. During this process, the tab at the cup feeding hole is deformed enough to allow the cup to pass through, but returns to its relaxed shape quickly enough to prevent the remaining stack.

[0009] The disadvantage of this device is that, although the flexible tab must be deformed enough to allow the cup to pass during removal, at the same time, its spring force should prevent the rest of the stack from passing. If the cup to be removed is so tightly wedged with an adjacent cup that a greater force than the spring force of the tab is required to separate it, the device is not effective in separating these cups from each other. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method belonging to the above-mentioned technical field, which allow to effectively separate stacked objects, in particular cup-shaped capsules, without damaging the objects even if they are tilted relative to the stacking axis, wherein the device is of simple and cost-effective construction.

[0011] The solution to this object is defined by the features of claims 1 and 12. In the device according to the invention, the plurality of separating elements are elastically supported and the device comprises means for moving the plurality of separating elements outwardly into a position not engaged in the stack.

[0012] In this context, stacking means a group of similar objects which are in contact with one another along the stacking axis, in particular also inserted into one another. This means that no object in the stack can be moved along the stacking axis alone without moving the other stacked objects, unless it is an end object of the stack which can be moved away from the stack along the stacking axis. In this context, separation means that a stacked object is separated from the stack.

[0013] For example, the objects can be opened capsules whose cup-shaped bodies are inserted into each other. The method is particularly suitable for separating cup-shaped capsules from fibrous materials, which, although they can be stacked well, are easily damaged during the separation process due to their brittleness.

[0014] If the object has a circumferential edge, this edge is the flat protruding projection on the object which, of all regions of the object, is furthest from the stacking axis.

[0015] The separating element is a component with a suitable shape so that, in the case of a stack of objects to be separated, it engages in a gap between two objects of the stack. In this case, its extent in the direction of the stacking axis is selected to be smaller than the gap size between the objects in the stack, as long as these objects are not inclined relative to the stacking axis. The gap size refers to the minimum extent of the space that the separating element must enter in the direction of the stacking axis in order to engage between two objects of the stack.

[0016] The joining here is understood to mean that, relative to the stacking axis, at least a part of the corresponding separation element is located between parts of two adjacent objects in the stack, that is, a part of the separation element is closer to the stacking axis than the parts of the objects located above and below the separation element and farthest from the stacking axis, and the stack cannot move freely in any direction along the stacking axis without these object parts contacting the separation element.

[0017] A plurality of separation elements refers to the sum of more than one separation elements, ie at least two separation elements, in particular more than two separation elements.

[0018] In this case, a state in which all separation elements of the plurality of separation elements are engaged in the stack or rest against the stack is designated as engaged in the stack.

[0019] The arrangement of the plurality of separating elements around the stack enables the stack of objects to be positioned such that those of the plurality of separating elements that are engaged simultaneously into the stack engage between the same two objects of the stack.

[0020] The engagement of multiple separation elements between an end-side object of the stack and its nearest neighbour in the stack enables a foreign object to be moved away from the stack by suitable manipulation along the stack axis, while the remainder of the stack is prevented by one or more separation elements from following the object, either by falling or by adhering to it.

[0021] The movable support of the separating element allows the separating element to occupy different radial positions relative to the stack. In this case, a plurality of separating elements can occupy a position where they engage or lean against the stack, or a position where they do not engage or lean against the stack, thereby not preventing the entire stack from moving along the stack axis.

[0022] As long as the mechanism for moving the separating elements outwards is inactive, the individual spring supports push the respective separating element in the direction of a position in which it engages into the stack between two adjacent objects of the stack when a stack is present and in a suitable stacking position. If the separating element strikes the stack in a position where there is no gap large enough between the objects to engage into the stack, the spring force is selected such that it rests against the stack without damaging the objects.

[0023] In addition, the device comprises a mechanism for moving a plurality of separating elements outward within their movement allowance / movement range into a position not engaging with the stack. When the mechanism is activated, a plurality of separating elements are moved outward from the stack against the spring force of their spring support. In addition, the mechanism is capable of keeping the separating elements in a position not engaging with the stack during its activation. Deactivation of the mechanism causes the separating elements to be subject to the spring force of their spring support again and, when a stack is present, they engage in the stack or rest against the stack.

[0024] The mechanism allows to properly position the stack relative to the separating element before each separation. In this case, the separating element and the stack can be aligned in such a way that, when the mechanism is deactivated, the spring force presses the separating element in the direction of the gap between the object now to be separated from the stack and the next adjacent object in the stack. For example, an embodiment can be chosen in which, when the mechanism is activated, the stack falls on the carrier and then the gap between the next object to be separated and its neighbor is exactly at the level of the separating element.

[0025] The advantage of the device shown is that, even without controlled manipulation, the individual selectively spring-loaded separation elements only engage in the stack when there is a sufficiently large gap between the objects to be separated. Therefore, even if the gap between the object to be separated and the adjacent object has irregular dimensions along the circumference of the stack, enough separation elements can be engaged in the stack during each separation operation to separate the objects in the stack from the stack. In this case, the remaining separation elements rest on the stack without damaging the objects in the stack or being damaged, and without interfering with the separation process. In addition, if necessary, the separation element and its spring support can be arranged so that the spring force does not at least mainly operate in the direction of the stack axis. As a result, the force component extending parallel to the stack axis and acting on the separation element does not force the separation element to move from a position engaged in the stack to a position not engaged in the stack.

[0026] Preferably, the separating element is elastically supported so that it is pressed radially inwards against the stack. This means that the separating element is pressed along straight lines in the direction of the stack axis. In particular, for all separating elements, these lines lie essentially in the same plane perpendicular to the stack axis. However, embodiments are also possible in which the radial movement occurs along a line that is inclined relative to the stack axis or in which the separating element moves along a curved path with a radial movement component.

[0027] The advantage of this embodiment is that the separating element covers a relatively small spatial area around the stack within its movement margin while the shape of the separating element remains unchanged, so that it can also engage individually in narrow gaps between the objects.

[0028] Optionally, the radial movement of the separating element is achieved by a pivoting movement about an axis outside the stack, for example about an axis extending parallel to the stack axis.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of separation elements comprises at least three, in particular at least four, wherein the maximum angular distance between adjacent separation elements is less than 180°, i.e., along the circumference, there is no continuous angular region of separation elements having a range of 180° or greater.

[0030] In particular for objects which are symmetrical per se with respect to the stack axis, it is thus ensured that, regardless of their position in the stack, a sufficient number of separating elements always engage in the stack.

[0031] Preferably, the device has a guide in which the stack of objects to be separated can be located. This prevents an undesired movement of the stack that does not extend along the stack axis.

[0032] Alternatively, such guides may be omitted. However, depending on the nature of the objects to be separated, this may result in the stack becoming susceptible to failure and uncontrolled separation.

[0033] The guide may consist of a tube whose inner diameter is selected so that the stack fits into the tube if the stack axis and the axis of symmetry of the tube coincide. Alternatively, for example, a plurality of rods extending parallel to the stack axis may also be arranged around the stack so that they guide the object stack.

[0034] Preferably, the plurality of separation elements are disposed at one end of the guide as described above, wherein the "end" refers to an end side portion of the guide in the stacking axis direction.

[0035] This has the advantage that the separating element can hold the stack in the guide, while the objects to be separated can be held by another component without the guide restricting the space of this component.

[0036] Alternatively, the separating element may also extend through the groove in the guide. In this case, however, other components, such as structures for clamping the object to be separated, may also have to be designed to take into account the extension of the guide.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for moving the separating elements comprises a sleeve, by means of which the plurality of separating elements are radially moved along the stacking axis. In this case, the sleeve presses on the spring supports of the plurality of separating elements, depending on its position along the stacking axis, and can prevent these separating elements from engaging into the stack in the opposite direction of their springs.

[0038] Alternatively, for example, a plurality of pneumatically extendable and retractable levers are also possible, which in each case individually press against the connecting element of the separating element starting from a certain extension phase. However, this would be a more complex construction.

[0039] Preferably, a plurality of separation elements are arranged circularly around the stack transversely to the stack axis and are radially aligned.

[0040] The term "circular" means that the plurality of separating elements are located on the circumference of a circle whose radius extends transversely to the stacking axis and whose center point is located on the stacking axis, provided that all separating elements occupy the same position within their respective movement allowances.

[0041] The radius of this circle is again selected in such a way that the separating element can assume the further described position within its further described movement margin.

[0042] Alternatively, the separating elements can also be arranged at different heights relative to the stack axis and then engage into the stack at different angles relative to a line transverse to and intersecting the stack axis. However, this is more difficult to solve.

[0043] Radially aligned means that all of the plurality of separating elements are aligned identically with respect to the stacking axis, provided that they each have the same distance from the stacking axis. Particularly preferably, the plurality of separating elements is evenly distributed over the circumference thereof described by their arrangement.

[0044] Preferably, the invention is implemented in such a way that the object to be removed from the stack can be temporarily fixed by means of a carrier that can be moved along the stack axis. This allows the stack object to be removed by fixing and subsequently moving the carrier and the object to be removed, while the separation element prevents the rest of the stack from following. The carrier can be moved along the stack axis onto the object to be separated so that it can fix the object. When the object is fixed and the separation element is engaged, the carrier can separate the object by moving away from the stack along the stack axis. Then, when the fixing is finished, the separated object can be removed from the carrier and provided for further use.

[0045] Alternatively, a subset of the above-mentioned separation elements can be supported movably along the stacking axis, so that after engagement into the stack, the object is separated from the stack by movement along the stacking axis. However, this is more difficult to solve in terms of design.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the above-mentioned carrier comprises suction means for generating a negative pressure between the wall of the object to be removed and the carrier. The negative pressure thus generated fixes the object in the carrier.

[0047] Alternatively, the carrier can also fix the object by clamping or by gluing the surface. The advantage of the suction device is the tolerance relative to the alignment of the object to be removed from the stack. In addition, the opening and closing of the suction device can enable or release the fixation very precisely, and the negative pressure acts on a relatively large surface of the object, which minimizes the influence of point forces and thus minimizes damage to the object.

[0048] Preferably, a flexible sealing ring is provided on the carrier for sealing between the carrier and the object to be removed. The flexible sealing ring, for example a foam-like sealing ring, allows to generate a negative pressure between the carrier and the wall of the object, with an increased tolerance for different orientations of the object compared to a non-flexible rubber seal. Experiments have shown that in this way, suction of objects tilted up to 30° relative to the stacking axis can be achieved.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier comprises two suction devices, which are in particular configured as coaxially arranged bellows suction devices. In this case, the mouth of the inner bellows suction device is closer to the carrier than the very flexible mouth of the outer bellows suction device. The purpose of the inner bellows suction device is to pull the object to be separated into the outer more flexible bellows suction device far enough to allow negative pressure between the outer suction device and the object. As soon as the object sits on the outer bellows suction device tightly enough, the stronger negative pressure of the outer suction device comes into play. This negative pressure then leads to a compression of the two bellows suction devices, whereby the outer bellows suction device is placed on the carrier. By placing the outer bellows suction device on the carrier, the carrier cannot be compressed further and the object can be oriented by the negative pressure in the carrier so that, for example, the edge of the object or a part of the object rests on the mouth of the bellows suction device.

[0050] Alternatively, for example, the carrier may also only contain a suction system for generating negative pressure. In this case, a good seal must be generated between the object and the carrier, the object is aligned and fixed on the carrier, and the step of pulling the object out of the stack by the suction device must be performed.

[0051] The method according to the invention for separating a stack of objects comprises the following steps:

[0052] a) provide object stacking;

[0053] b) positioning the stack of objects such that objects located at the end sides of the stack rest on a plurality of separating elements;

[0054] c) moving the plurality of separation elements away from the stack by a mechanism;

[0055] d) repositioning the stack, in particular by dropping onto a carrier, such that the separating element engages between an end stack object and an object adjacent thereto in a position in which its displacement margin faces the stack;

[0056] e) releasing the plurality of separating elements from a mechanism for removing the separating elements from the stack, wherein:

[0057] A plurality of separation elements are pressed by spring force to engage into the stack;

[0058] f) moving objects located at the end sides of the stack away from the stack, in particular by fixing and removing the objects with a movable carrier;

[0059] g) Repeat steps cf as many times as necessary until the desired degree of separation is achieved or all objects in the stack are separated.

[0060] Preferably, during step d) of the above method, the stack is repositioned relative to the separating element by falling and subsequently stopping the falling by the component.

[0061] That is, after the separation element is removed by the activation mechanism, the stack is moved by gravity and then stops at an appropriate height as it falls so that the separation element can engage between the next object to be separated and its neighbors.

[0062] As an alternative to falling, the movable sliding element can also act on one or both ends of the stack to slide the stack appropriately along the stacking axis. Of course, this is more complicated than using gravity, but it is still an option if falling is not feasible, for example due to space reasons.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the method, before step e), the stacked objects to be separated are contacted with a carrier. In this case, the carrier is a component that can individually carry the objects to be separated and provide them for further use.

[0064] Alternatively, in step f), the separated objects can also fall directly onto a conveyor belt and be fed by the conveyor belt for further use.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the object to be separated is temporarily fixed by a carrier that can be moved along the stack axis and is removed from the stack when the object is fixed to the carrier, wherein the carrier moves away from the stack within its movement margin. In this case, the carrier can be moved before step f), particularly preferably before step e), so that it comes into contact with the object to be separated and then fixes the object. If the object is fixed to the carrier, the carrier moves away from the stack during step f), thereby also removing the object from the stack. Then, the release of the fixation of the object to the carrier makes further use of the object possible.

[0066] The advantage of this method is that after separation the objects are already located on individually controllable components and can therefore be used further in an individually controllable manner, unlike, for example, if they are located on a conveyor belt.

[0067] Alternatively, the objects may also be moved away from the stack in other ways. For example, after step e), a subset of the plurality of separating elements may be moved along the stack axis so that the objects to be separated are separated from the stack and fall, for example, onto a conveyor belt.

[0068] Preferably, in the method, the object to be separated is temporarily fixed on the carrier by negative pressure. In this case, after the contact between the object and the carrier is established, the suction device is activated, wherein a negative pressure is formed between the wall of the object and the carrier. As long as the suction device remains activated, the object is fixed on the carrier and can be separated as described above. The advantage of this method is that, compared with other methods, the negative pressure fixes the object reliably, but the fixation can be released again very quickly.

[0069] Alternatively, another method can also be used to temporarily fix the object to the carrier, such as by means of a clamping element fixed to the carrier. However, this may be more difficult to achieve depending on the shape of the object.

[0070] Further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and from the entirety of the patent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] The accompanying drawings for explaining the embodiments show:

[0073] Figure 1.1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in a plane containing the stacking axis of the stacked objects;

[0074] Figure 1.2 An isometric plan view of a first embodiment is shown;

[0075] Figure 1.3 A direct plan view of a first embodiment is shown;

[0076] Figure 2.1 A cross-sectional view shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention with a different carrier;

[0077] Figure 2.2 Shows Figure 2.1 A detailed view of the surroundings of the separation element on an enlarged scale;

[0078] Figure 3.1 shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a plane containing the stacking axis of the stacked objects;

[0079] Figure 3.2 Shows Figure 3.1 A detailed view of the surroundings of the separation element on an enlarged scale;

[0080] Figure 3.3 shows an isometric plan view of a third embodiment; and

[0081] Figure 3.4 A direct plan view of a third embodiment is shown;

[0082] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a method of separating capsules by a first embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in cross section.

[0083] In principle, identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Figure 1.1 , 1.2and 1.3 show a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, in this case for separating a stack of cup-shaped capsules from a fibrous material, wherein Figure 1.1 is a schematic cross-sectional view, and Figure 1.2 An isometric plan view of the device from the outside is shown. Figure 1.1 The selected section plane is Figure 1.2 The dashed boundary A is considered in the figure.

[0085] Figure 1.1 The selected cross-sectional plane of contains the stack of the stack 1 of cup-shaped capsules 1 . 1 - 1 .n of fibrous material and the axis of symmetry, wherein the axis again stands upright in the image plane.

[0086] The device comprises a guide 4 designed as a tube with a circular cross section, the axis of symmetry of which lies on the same straight line as the axis of symmetry of the stack 1 of cup-shaped capsules 1.1-1.n. In this case, the inner diameter of the tube is adapted to the outer diameter of the capsules 1.1-1.n to be accommodated, and the length of the tube is adapted to the maximum height of the stack to be processed, wherein the stack 1 shown is significantly shorter. The wall thickness of the guide 4 is constant and is approximately 5% of the inner diameter.

[0087] The lowermost capsule 1.1 of the stack 1 to be separated is located at the lower end of the guide 4. Like all capsules 1.1-1.n of the stack 1, the cylindrical symmetrical capsule 1.1 has a flat upper side and a conical cup-shaped body that tapers downwards and ends in a flat lower side. In this case, the conical shape of the body of the capsule 1.1 has a smaller opening angle over a portion of approximately one third of its height and therefore has a smaller downward taper than the lower region of its body. Compared to the upper side, the lower side of the capsule 1.1 is a significantly smaller surface and is again perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the capsule 1.1.

[0088] On its upper side, the edge projects beyond the body of the capsule 1.1 and away from its axis of symmetry. The axis of symmetry of the capsules 1.1-1.n coincides with the axis of symmetry of the guide 4. The capsules 1.1-1.n are open on their upper side, so that they are inserted into each other during stacking, with only a small part of the capsule, such as 1.2, comprising a protruding edge, protruding from the respective lower adjacent capsule (in this case 1.1).

[0089] The capsule 1 . 1 is positioned so that the underside of its rim is flush with the underside of the guide 4 and the capsule body protrudes downwards from the guide 4 .

[0090] Figure 1.3 It is shown that on the circumference of the lower end of the guide 4, 12 separation elements 2.1-2.12 are evenly distributed on the circumference. Figure 1.1The two separating elements 2.1 and 2.7 visible in the cross section of are diametrically opposite each other and extend below the edge of the lowermost capsule 1.1 below the guide 4. Its cross section has a rectangular shape whose length is greater than the wall thickness of the guide 4. Figure 1.3 It can also be seen that, in plan view, the separation element also has a rectangular shape, whose width corresponds approximately to half its length.

[0091] The decoupling elements 2.1-2.12 are each connected to a leaf spring 3.1-3.12, which presses the respective decoupling element radially inwards in the direction of the stack 1. Figure 1.2 In the figure, leaf springs 3.1 and 3.2-3.6 are visible, while in Figure 1.1 In the figure, only the two leaf springs 3.1 and 3.7 are visible.

[0092] The leaf springs 3.1-3.12 are located outside the guide 4 and extend from their suspension at the upper end of the guide 4 parallel to the guide 4 to the separating elements 2.1-2.12 at the lower end. The upper end of the leaf spring is suspended in the flange-like upper part 12 of the guide 4.

[0093] The cross section of each leaf spring 3.1-3.12 has an elongated rectangular shape in the upper region extending over most of the length of the leaf spring 3.1-3.12, with a thickness corresponding to the wall thickness of the guide 4 and a height corresponding to the length of the guide 4.

[0094] The lower region of each leaf spring 3.1-3.12, which is located directly above the respective separating element 2.1-2.12, has a thickening which is located on the side facing the stack 1 and increases downwards. The thickness of the leaf spring 3.1-3.12 is increased to approximately twice that of the upper part of the spring. At its maximum strength level, the strength of the leaf spring 3.1-3.12 remains constant over a short distance and then tapers downwards again. Here, it presents a narrower thickness than the upper part. The narrow lower region of each leaf spring 3.1-3.12 protrudes into a hole in the respective separating element 2.1-2.12 parallel to the plane of the drawing, whereby the spring force acts on the respective separating element 2.1-2.12 transversely to the stack axis. The depth of the leaf spring 3.1-3.12 is only Figure 1.2 , and corresponds approximately to the thickness of the upper region of each leaf spring 3.1 - 3.12.

[0095] The leaf springs 3.1-3.12 are mounted in such a way that, in order for the springs to fully relax, the area of ​​maximum strength must penetrate the guide 4. They are therefore permanently in tension and rest against the guide 4, which in turn defines the stack-side end position of the travel margin of the separating elements 2.1-2.12.

[0096] In accordance with Figure 1.2In the isometric plan view of the guide 4, the guide 4 appears as a tube with an upward circular opening, which stands upright in the image plane. The suspension 12 of the leaf springs 3.1-3.12 is located at the upper end of the guide 4. The leaf springs 3.1-3.5 are arranged on the outside of the guide 4. They extend parallel to the guide 4 and are evenly distributed on its circumference. The width of the leaf springs 3.1-3.12 is substantially less than one twelfth of the circumference of the outer guide, i.e. there is a larger gap between the leaf springs 3.1-3.12.

[0097] A sleeve 5 for radially outward displacement of the separation element is also located outside the guide 4 .

[0098] The sleeve 5 has a tubular body 5b, the inner diameter of which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide 4. The wall thickness of the tubular part 5b is selected in such a way that it fits between the guide 4 and the upper part of the leaf springs 3.1-3.12.

[0099] The tubular part 5b of the sleeve 5 shares the same axis of symmetry as the guide 4 and is arranged axially movably on the guide 4 and is surrounded by the leaf springs 3.1-3.12. At the lower edge of the sleeve 5, there is a convex thickening, which is oriented outward in the direction of the leaf springs 3.1-3.12, wherein the wall thickness of the sleeve 5 is approximately doubled.

[0100] Furthermore, the sleeve 5 has two cantilever arms 5a.1 and 5a.2 extending radially outwards from the sleeve body 5b and connected to the lifting elements 11.1 and 11.2, wherein the cantilever arms 5a.1 and 5a.2 of the sleeve 5 respectively comprise leaf springs 3.1 and 3.7 (see Figure 1.2 ) so that the leaf springs 3.1-3.12 are engaged by the sleeve 5 only at the lower end.

[0101] exist Figure 1.1 In the embodiment, the sleeve 5 is positioned so as not to contact the leaf springs 3.1-3.12.

[0102] In the upper region of the sleeve 5, two carrier parts ( Figure 1.2 5a.1 and 5a.2) in the figure project horizontally radially outwards on both sides of the guide 4 and at approximately half of its height and are connected at their lower side to lifting elements 11.1 and 11.2 respectively.

[0103] If the sleeve 5 is moved downwards by means of the lifting elements 11.1 and 11.2, the lower thickened portion of the sleeve 5 presses on the thickened portion of the leaf springs 3.1-3.12, thereby forcing its lower region away from the stacking axis. Therefore, the separating elements 2.1-2.12 also move away from the stacking axis to a position that is not engaged in the stack.

[0104] Below the capsule 1.1 is a carrier 20 for holding the capsule and pulling it out of the stack, which is also composed of parts 21-25. The carrier 20 has a generally cylindrical shape, wherein its cylinder axis is again located on the same line as the axis of symmetry of the guide 4. Its outer diameter corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the guide 4, and its length corresponds approximately to half the length of the guide.

[0105] The largest part of the carrier 20 is the carrier base 21. In this case, the carrier base 21 is solid in its lower half 21a, while the upper half 21b is hollowed out by a recess from above, so that the carrier base 21 is limited here to a thin outer wall.

[0106] Two holes 24 and 25 are located in the lower part 21a of the carrier base 21. The first hole 25 is located on the axis of symmetry of the carrier base 21 and passes completely through the carrier base 21, wherein it opens into the upper recess. The second hole 24 is located outside the axis of symmetry and likewise extends from above to approximately half of the solid part 21a of the carrier base 21 and extends horizontally outwards from there, wherein it also passes completely through the carrier base 21.

[0107] The other two main parts of the carrier 20 are formed by two coaxially extending bellows 22, 23, which are located in the upper groove of the upper part of the carrier base 21a. The outer diameter in the lower area of ​​the first bellows 22 matches the inner diameter of the groove in the carrier base 21. In this case, its axis of symmetry is again located on the same straight line as the axis of symmetry of the carrier base 21, the guide 4 and the stack 1. The length of the bellows 22 is such that about one third of the bellows 22 protrudes from the top of the coverage area 21a of the carrier base 21, whereby the upper end of the bellows 22 forms the highest point of the carrier 20. Here, the outer diameter of the mouth of the bellows 22 located outside the carrier base 21 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the carrier base 21.

[0108] The bellows 22 is open at the top, and the mouth of this end can be completely closed from the bottom of the capsule. When the carrier 20 and the capsule 1.1 are in contact, negative pressure can be generated through the holes 24 in the bellows 22, so that the capsule 1.1 can be fixed on the carrier 20.

[0109] The second bellows 23 extends coaxially with the bellows 22 and is located inside the bellows 22 with a smaller diameter. It is also fixed to the carrier base 21 at the lower side and has an upper opening directed toward the lower side of the capsule 1.1. However, its length is less than that of the bellows 22 and its upper opening is approximately at the level of the upper edge of the carrier base 21.

[0110] If the capsule wall (eg capsule 1 . 1 ) closes the volume inside the bellows 23 at the top, the volume inside the bellows 23 can be emptied through the hole 25 .

[0111] Figure 2.1 Again similar to Figure 1.1 The cross section of FIG. 1 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention. The structure of the device is similar to Figure 1.1 and 1.2 The device of 120 differs in the different form of the carrier, which in this case consists only of a carrier base 121 with holes 125. Figure 1.1 The markings of parts that do not differ in shape are retained.

[0112] The carrier base 121 has Figure 1.1 The carrier base 121 has a similar shape and the same position in the upper region 121b and is cylindrically symmetrical. In the upper region 121b, the carrier base 121 is tubular and open upwards, wherein this region constitutes slightly less than half of the carrier base 121 along its axis of symmetry. The inner diameter of the tubular region 121b is selected in such a way that the carrier base 121 can be completely covered by the bottom wall together with the edge of the capsule 101.1, but at the same time the capsule can enter the upper region 121b of the carrier base 121 up to its edge. The inner diameter of the upper region 121b of the carrier base 121 tapers slightly from above, whereby the fit of the capsule 101.1 with the carrier base 121 is improved.

[0113] This also results in the inner diameter of the tubular region 121b being smaller than the inner diameter d4 of the guide 4. The outer diameter of the region 121b corresponds approximately to the inner diameter d4 of the guide 4. The lower region 121a, which constitutes the remainder of the carrier base 121, is cylindrical and solid, wherein its outer diameter corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the region 121b. The two regions 121a and 121b are directly connected, the lower side of the tubular region 121b being completely closed by the upper side of the cylindrical region 121a. Located on the axis of symmetry of the carrier base 121 is a hole 125 which completely penetrates the lower region 121a of the carrier base 121. If the capsule is located on the carrier base 121, the volume in the tubular region 121b and below the capsule can be emptied through the hole, thereby fixing the capsule on the carrier base 121. With Figure 1.1 The main difference of the carrier is that there is no concentric bellows ( Figure 1.1 22 and 23), and two separate drainable areas within these bellows.

[0114] Figure 2.1 Shown with Figure 1.1 1.1 in the same shape as the capsule 101.1. In this capsule 101.1, the body is more obviously bell-shaped downwards. In this structure, the inner diameter d4 of the guide 4 has a value of 61 mm.

[0115] Figure 2.2 Shows Figure 2.1The larger proportion of the circular cross section, wherein the area where the separation element 2.1 engages below the edge of the capsule 101.1 is located in the center. The thickness s2 of the separation elements 2.1-2.12 is 0.5 mm.

[0116] Figure 3.1 A third embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown again in cross section. This embodiment is also suitable for separating a stack 201 of cup-shaped capsules. For the sake of simplicity, the device for removing the capsules from the stack is not shown. For example, Figure 1.1 The carrier 21 or Figure 2.1 The carrier 121 can be used for this purpose. Figure 3.1 The device is shown as a schematic cross-sectional view, wherein the cross-sectional plane contains the stack axis of the stack 201 . Figure 3.2 Shown on a larger scale Figure 3.1 Details, Figure 3.3 The same device is shown in isometric plan view, Figure 3.4 The device is shown in direct plan view, wherein the Figure 3.1 The cross-sectional view is of the section plane A2.

[0117] Figure 3.1 The orientation is similar to Figure 1.1 , the stacking axis is upright in the image plane, wherein the belly of the capsule faces downwards. The stack 201 is located in a guide 204 which is tubular, the axis of symmetry of which coincides with the stacking axis. Figure 3.1 It also shows that Figure 1.1-2.2 The capsule 201.1 of the stack 201 also has a body that tapers conically downward, but has a uniform opening angle throughout the capsule body. Figure 1.1 In contrast to capsule 1.1, the underside of capsule 201.1 is curved downward instead of being flat.

[0118] The guide 204 has two different regions with a constant inner diameter over its length, the inner diameter of the lower region corresponding approximately to the outer diameter of the stack 201 and the inner diameter of the upper region being slightly larger. In this case, the lower region occupies approximately one tenth of the total length of the guide 204. From the first region to the second region, there is a linear transition of the inner diameter, which also constitutes approximately one tenth of the total length of the guide 204.

[0119] The length of the guide 204 is approximately twice its smallest inner diameter. The outer diameter of the guide 204 also varies, wherein the upper portion of the guide 204 has a slightly larger outer diameter than the lower portion, wherein the larger outer diameter is approximately 15% of the inner diameter of the guide 204 and the smaller outer diameter is approximately 7% of the inner diameter of the guide 204.

[0120] The lower end of the guide ends in a flange on which a retaining ring 213 is mounted, which in turn comprises a groove on its upper side in contact with the lower side of the flange of the guide, in which the separation elements 202.1-202.12 are located and which can be radially moved relative to the stacking axis.

[0121] Below the guide 204, the separating elements 202.1-202.12, of which the diametrically opposed elements 202.1 and 202.7 are located in the plane of the drawing, extend from the outside of the guide 204 in the direction of the stacking axis so that the stack cannot leave the guide 204 at this end. Its length is approximately twice the wall thickness of the guide 204.

[0122] and Figure 1.1 Compared to the embodiment shown, the leaf springs 203.1-203.12 extend from the upper end of the guide 204 to the lower end of the guide 204. However, in this embodiment, the leaf springs 203.1-203.12 have a different shape. They have the same strength over their entire length, which is very low relative to their length. For this purpose, they have a bending process: the upper end of each leaf spring is bolted to a flange-like structure 212. From this fastener, they first extend downwards parallel to the guide 204. In their lower third, the leaf springs 203.1-203.12 bend in the direction of the stack 201, thereby extending obliquely inwards in the direction of the guide 204. Shortly above the end of the guide 204, the leaf springs 203.1-203.12 bend and extend outwards away from the guide 204 again. Flush with their upper part, shortly before their lower end, they bend again and then run downwards again parallel to the upper part, slightly beyond the end of the guide 204. Due to their installation, the leaf springs 203.1-203.12 cannot assume their completely relaxed shape in the device, but with their radially inwardly extending furthest part they rest under pretension on the outside of the guide 204. The lower region of the leaf springs 203.1-203.12 extends again into a recess in the decoupling element 202.1-202.12, whereby the spring force is transmitted to the decoupling element 202.1-202.12.

[0123] The mechanism for separating element being moved away from stacking is realized by sleeve 205 with tubular body 205b. In this case, the inner radius of its main body 205b is slightly larger than the outer radius of guide 204, and main body 205b is coaxial with guide 204 and axially movable and arranged between guide 204 and leaf spring 203.1-203.12. In this case, the length of sleeve 205 corresponds to about one-quarter of the length of guide 204, and it is located at the level of the lower region of guide 204, in which its outer diameter is reduced. The outer diameter of its main body 205b allows sleeve 205 to occupy the position where it does not contact leaf spring. In this case, sleeve body 205b itself has two regions of roughly the same size and different outer diameters, wherein the outer diameter of the upper region is larger than the lower region. In addition, the lower outer edge of the main body 205b of sleeve 205 is circular. The connecting elements 205a.1 and 205a.2 are located on the upper region of the sleeve body 205b, which protrude radially from the guide 204 and protrude beyond the leaf springs 203.1-203.12. They have an almost square cross section, the edge length of which is approximately half the length of the sleeve body 205b, so that they are only located in the region of the sleeve body 205b where the outer diameter is larger.

[0124] Figure 3.2 Shown on a larger scale Figure 3.1 Details, including Figure 2.2 As shown, the area around the separating element can be better recognized.

[0125] Figure 3.3 Shown with Figure 3.1 and 3.2 The same embodiment of the invention, this time in an isometric plan view. The structure of the structure is predetermined by the guide 204, on the upper edge of which twelve leaf springs 203.1-203.12 are mounted, wherein Figure 3.3The leaf springs 203.1-203.5 are shown in the view of . The leaf springs 203.1-203.12 have their maximum width in their installed position, which is approximately one-twenty-fourth of the circumference of the guide, and taper linearly until the first bend in their lower region, which is approximately one-quarter of their original width. From here, their width remains unchanged until the second bend and then increases again until the third bend. The width of their lower region, which also enters the recess in the separating element 202.1-202.12, is smaller than their width at the suspension. The connecting elements 205a.1 and 205a.2 of the sleeve are located in the area of ​​the leaf springs 203.1 and 203.7. Each connecting element 205a.1 and 205a.2 itself consists of two connecting pieces, which are located on each side of the corresponding leaf spring 203.1 and 203.7, which are mounted on the tubular sleeve body and protrude outwards between the leaf springs 203.1 and 203.7 transversely to the stacking axis. In this case, each connecting element is substantially cuboid, wherein the two connecting elements have outer sides flush with each other on one side of the guide 205 and are connected to the sleeve body 205b over its entire width on one side of the sleeve body 205b.

[0126] Figure 3.3 The shape of the twelve grooves in the retaining ring 213 is also shown. They are selected in the upper region so that they receive the separating elements 202.1-202.12 and hold the upper side of the separating elements flush with the lower side of the guide 204. Within the grooves holding the separating elements 202.1-202.12, there are additional grooves that are slightly narrower but deeper than the grooves for the separating elements. These grooves accommodate the ends of the leaf springs 203.1-203.12, which protrude beyond the separating elements 202.1-202.12 at the bottom.

[0127] Figure 3.4 Shown according to Figure 3.1-3.3 Here, the axis of symmetry of the guide 204 forms the center point of the drawing and the axis of symmetry itself passes through the plane of the drawing. Figure 3.1 and 3.2 The section plane A2 of the guide 204 lies horizontally in the plane of the drawing. The shape of the separating elements 202.1-202.12 corresponds to a rectangle with slightly rounded edges, wherein their width corresponds to a little more than one twelfth of the circumference of the guide and their length is approximately twice the wall thickness of the guide 204. They are evenly distributed over the circumference of the guide 204 ( Figure 3.1-3.3 ).

[0128] Figure 4 With the help of Figure 1.1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, showing by way of example a method for separating a stack of cup-shaped capsules. Figure 1.1-1.3The reference numerals are used because they show the same device. In the separation elements 2.1-2.12, as Figure 1.1 In the illustration, only the separating elements 2.1 and 2.7 are shown. Similarly, only the leaf springs 3.1 and 3.7 are shown. Whenever a separating element or leaf spring is mentioned in the following description, all 12 are included, even if only the reference numerals of the components shown are mentioned in each case.

[0129] Figure 4 The method steps 1 to 6 are included and based on these steps the separation of the capsules 1 . 1 of the stack 1 is shown.

[0130] 1. At the beginning of the separation step, the stack 1 of cup-shaped capsules 1.1-1.n rests on the separation element

[0131] 2.1, 2.7. In this case, the lowermost capsule 1.1 is shown tilted relative to the axis of symmetry of the guide 4 in order to also illustrate the alignment of the capsules 1.1-1.n according to the invention during separation.

[0132] 2. By moving the sleeve 5 downwards, the leaf springs 3.1, 3.7 are pushed away from the guide 4 and the separating elements 2.1, 2.7 are pulled out of the stack 1. As a result, the stack 1 falls into the carrier 20. The negative pressure of the inner bellows aspirator 23 acts on the carrier 20, as a result of which the capsule 1.1 is completely pulled onto the outer bellows aspirator 22.

[0133] 3. The capsule 1.1 is completely located on the mouth of the external bellows aspirator 22. As a result, its negative pressure acts, resulting in compression of the bellows aspirator 22. The external bellows aspirator 22 contracts until its mouth rests on the carrier base 21. The capsule 1.1 is pulled into the carrier 20 together with the bellows aspirator 22 up to its edge and, by placing the bellows mouth on the carrier base 21, is aligned in the carrier 20 in such a way that its axis of symmetry coincides with the axis of symmetry of the guide 4. Due to the negative pressure between the capsule 1.1 and the carrier 20, the capsule 1.1 is also fixed on the carrier 20.

[0134] 4. The sleeve 5 is now moved upwards again, whereby the leaf springs 3.1 , 3.7 push the separating elements 2.1 , 2.7 in the direction of the stack 1. The separating elements 2.1 , 2.7 engage between the edges of the two lower capsules 1 .1 , 1 .2 of the stack 1 .

[0135] 5. The carrier 20 can now be moved away from the stack with the capsule 1.1 fixed and the capsule 1.1 can be fed into it for further use. After the bellows aspirators 22 and 23 have been inflated, the capsule 1.1 can be removed from the carrier 20 without difficulty.

[0136] 6. After the separated capsule 1 . 1 is removed from the carrier 20 , the carrier 20 can be moved to the initial position, whereby the next separation step is possible.

[0137] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, components such as separation elements may have different shapes, depending on the specific geometry of the objects that have been stacked and are to be separated.

[0138] For example, it is conceivable that the separating element is designed to be significantly narrower or that its front edge has a rounded shape adapted to the shape of the objects to be separated. The number and arrangement of the separating elements around the stack may also differ from the example shown.

[0139] Furthermore, the guides may have different forms or even be omitted. For objects which are rectangular in plan view of the stack, for example, guides having a rectangular basic shape may be used instead of the tubes.

[0140] Furthermore, different shapes of the carrier could be used, or even other solutions could be found to remove the capsule from the stack that could be done without the carrier.

[0141] Furthermore, the spring supports of separating elements having the same function can be released differently, for example a helical spring can be pressed against the side of each separating element facing away from the stack.

[0142] The capsules shown are to be understood only as examples of stacked objects that can be separated by the invention. For example, the capsules can also have other shapes, such as completely convex or bell-shaped. Objects other than capsules, such as prismatic packaging elements with a rectangular base, can also be separated by the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention.

[0143] In conclusion, it should be noted that a device with a plurality of individually elastically supported separating elements, interacting with a mechanism capable of moving the separating elements into a position where they are not engaged in the stack, allows effective separation of stacked objects, in particular cup-shaped capsules, without damaging the objects, even in the event of an inclination relative to the stacking axis, whereby the device is of simple and cost-effective construction.

Claims

1. A device for separating a stack of objects, in particular cup-shaped capsules, in particular having a circumferential edge, in, There is a separating element for engaging between adjacent objects of the stack of objects, A plurality of said separation elements are arranged around said stack in such a manner as to engage into said stack; and The plurality of separation elements are supported so as to be radially movable, It is characterized in that The plurality of separation elements are individually elastically supported, and The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the plurality of separation elements outwardly to a position out of engagement with the stack.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of separating elements are elastically supported such that they are pressed radially inwardly against the stack.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plurality of separation elements comprises at least three, in particular at least four, wherein a maximum angular distance between adjacent separation elements is less than 180°.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that There are guides within which the stack of objects to be separated can be located.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The plurality of separation elements are disposed at one end of the guide.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The mechanism for moving the separation elements comprises a sleeve, by which the plurality of separation elements are radially moved along the stacking axis.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The plurality of separation elements are arranged circularly around the stack transversely to the stack axis and are radially aligned.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The objects to be removed from the stack can be temporarily fixed by means of a carrier which is movable along the stack axis.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The carrier comprises suction means for generating a negative pressure between a wall of the object to be removed and the carrier.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that A flexible sealing ring is disposed on the carrier for sealing between the carrier and the object to be removed.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The carrier comprises two suction devices which are in particular designed as coaxially arranged bellows suction devices.

12. A method for separating a stack of objects, in particular cup-shaped capsules, in particular having a circumferential edge, comprising the following steps: a) providing a stack of objects; b) positioning the stack of objects such that objects located at an end side of the stack rest on a plurality of separating elements; c) moving the plurality of separation elements away from the stack by a mechanism; d) repositioning the plurality of separating elements relative to the stack, in particular by dropping the stack onto a carrier, so that the separating elements can engage between an end stack object and an object adjacent thereto in a position in which their displacement margin faces the stack; e) releasing the plurality of separation elements from the mechanism for moving the separation elements away from the stack, wherein the plurality of separation elements are pressed by a spring force to engage into the stack; f) moving the objects located at the end side of the stack away from the stack, in particular by fixing and removing the objects with a movable carrier; g) Repeating steps cf a number of times until the desired degree of separation is achieved or all objects in the stack are separated.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that During step d), the stack is repositioned relative to the separating element by falling and then stopping the falling by means of a component.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that Prior to step e), the stack of objects to be separated is brought into contact with a carrier.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The objects to be separated are temporarily fixed by a carrier movable along the stack axis and are removed from the stack when the objects are fixed to the carrier, wherein the carrier moves away from the stack within its movement margin.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The objects to be separated from the stack are temporarily fixed on the carrier by negative pressure.

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