Article handling device

Abstract

A device (10) for handling articles (11) is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a gripping device (14) having a suction surface (16) to which a negative pressure can be applied for suctively gripping the article (11). The suction surface (16) is covered by an elastically deformable and at least partially air permeable layer (24). The device (10) is also equipped with drying means (32) that can interact with a layer (24) attached to or forming the suction surface (16) to remove moisture bound or adhered therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a device for transporting items.

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for handling articles, particularly prior to further processing, such as before filling and sealing containers (e.g., empty cans). Such an apparatus could be reasonably used, for example, in the beverage industry. Background Technology

[0003] For example, in the production of beverage cans, empty cans for this purpose are typically delivered as new container cans in a pallet layer, ready for further processing. These new container cans are specifically empty cans without tops. In the following text, "empty can" will be referred to in each case, and the pallet layer may also be referred to as an empty can layer.

[0004] Typically, multiple layers of empty cans are stacked on a pallet one on top of another, with intermediate layers made of flat materials, such as paper, thin plastic, cardboard, etc., arranged between the layers of empty cans stacked one on top of another.

[0005] The empty can layer can be surrounded around the entire circumference by a clamping device and pushed onto a transport device in this way to feed it into further processing. Further processing specifically means filling the empty cans and sealing them by placing can lids on top.

[0006] Alternatively, a layer holder with a foamed surface can be used, which can be subjected to negative pressure. Through this air intake, empty cans can also be drawn in and held on the layer holder. The foamed surface is placed on the empty can layer, and the foam is constructed and configured such that, preferably, little or no ambient air is drawn in when the empty cans are drawn in and lifted by applying negative pressure.

[0007] This repackaging, as well as the loading and unloading of empty cans, is accompanied by condensation formation, which can be attributed, among other things, to temperature differences within the device. In many cases, unavoidable condensation formation is accompanied by handling problems because the foam surface is sensitive to permeating moisture. Furthermore, hygiene issues arise because nucleation is inevitably promoted in an increasingly humid environment in which the foam layer used is employed.

[0008] This problem typically occurs in suction cup grippers used in the packaging industry, such as those used to move other containers, packaging units, and packaging materials like films and cardboard. Utility Model Content

[0009] The primary objective of this invention can be considered as providing an improved and reliably operating handling device for handling items such as empty cans, which operates with constant reliability even under adverse conditions and after prolonged operation. Furthermore, a method for maintaining and restoring desired operating conditions as needed should also be provided, which can also address emerging health risks.

[0010] To achieve at least part of the above objectives, the present invention provides a device as described below, which can be used specifically for transporting items, such as empty cans.

[0011] The device according to this invention includes a clamping device having a suction surface for suction-gripping articles. The entire suction surface or a defined portion thereof can be subjected to negative pressure to enable the suction, gripping, and removal of articles in this manner. Furthermore, the suction surface is covered with an elastically deformable layer that is at least partially permeable to air. The device is equipped with a drying device or can be at least temporarily coupled to a drying device. This drying device is provided for this purpose and is accordingly equipped with or configured to interact with the layer attached to or forming the suction surface, i.e., to at least partially remove moisture bound to or adhering thereto.

[0012] The term "suction surface," as used herein and generally, specifically refers to the suction area of ​​the gripping device that comes into contact with the item to be gripped and adheres to the suction surface by negative pressure. This suction area, essentially formed by the suction surface, may also optionally be considered a suction area, a contact surface, or an effective area of ​​the gripping device that can be subjected to negative pressure, and may be specified as such.

[0013] The term "articles transported by means of the clamping device of the apparatus according to the present invention" as used herein can, in principle, refer to various objects, packaging units, containers, etc., that will be suctioned and gripped. Typically, in this case, a large number of articles of the same type are gripped simultaneously, such as articles located in pallet layers or stack layers.

[0014] Essentially, this suction cup gripper, which can be considered or referred to as the gripping device according to the present invention, can be used to grasp very different items by applying negative pressure, such as for flat packaging materials, for example for cardboard materials, plastic or wood or cellulose-containing intermediate layers. Optionally, this suction cup gripper of the gripping device according to the present invention can also be used to grasp all types of containers or packaging units, bundles or pallet layers by applying negative pressure.

[0015] A useful application of this suction cup gripper or the device according to the present invention can also be the gripping and handling of cans, particularly empty cans, but optionally filled cans, in each case equipped with a lid and a sealed can. The term "empty can," as used herein and elsewhere in this specification, which can be handled by the device according to the present invention by means of its gripping means, in this context specifically refers to a can-shaped metal or sheet metal beverage container with a top opening, typically having a hollow cylindrical shape with flat or partially concave end sides. The flat-top lid may still be partially or completely missing when not filled with liquid contents (e.g., a beverage). The hollow cylindrical structure of such a can can be produced, in particular, by a deep-drawing process for partial plastic deformation of the sheet metal, provided it is not a plastic can or a can made of composite materials.

[0016] Therefore, when referring to empty cans with top openings for transport in this context, it generally means empty cans in their raw state, and that these cans must be moved in large quantities before they are filled with their liquid contents and before they are hermetically sealed by applying a top cap. This can mean, for example, grouping, repositioning, destacking, unstacking, etc. Regrouping or stacking of the empty cans is also possible in this case. Caps to be applied to the cans after filling can be placed there, and preferably applied to the upper side of the respective can via a sealing flange connection. Cans filled and sealed in this way can then undergo further processing and / or handling steps; however, this is not of interest in greater detail in this context.

[0017] This further processing step may include, for example, printing or applying printed labels to the outer side. Further handling steps are particularly grouping, bundling, and packaging processes, as several cans are typically combined into bundles before forming large bundles or pallet layers, which can be stacked one on top of another in large quantities and combined into stacked pallets with filling cans.

[0018] However, it should be emphasized that the possible applications of the device according to this utility model are by no means limited to the handling of empty cans and the gripping and positioning of negative pressure control, but can be used to handle very different items, single goods, packaging units, bundles, etc., as briefly described above.

[0019] The apparatus according to the present invention, described herein in various embodiments, can be used particularly in connection with the delivery and supply of prepared and / or unfilled empty cans, but may also be used alternatively for handling other articles or products, wherein the clamping means of the apparatus may be used to grasp large numbers of empty cans in the process of conveying a large number of empty cans in a pallet and preparing them for filling with liquid contents (e.g., beverages, in particular).

[0020] Typically, the device according to this invention can also be used in conjunction with the delivery and supply of prepared and / or unfilled primary packaging, containers, etc., in which the gripping device of the device may be used to grasp large quantities of primary packaging or containers when conveying large quantities of such primary packaging or containers on a pallet and preparing them for filling with liquid contents (e.g., beverages).

[0021] Typically, the device according to this invention can also be used in conjunction with the receiving, further transport, and / or repositioning of primary packaging, containers, etc., that have been processed and / or filled with liquid contents (e.g., beverages), wherein it may be necessary to use the clamping device of the device to grasp a large number of such primary packaging or containers during the receiving or taking over of a large number of such primary packaging or containers from a pallet or other supply location and during their further handling.

[0022] As can be seen from the above explanation, the device according to this invention is particularly suitable for use in the fields of filling and packaging technology, specifically for the processing of beverages or other liquid, paste, or granular products. In this case, such a clamping device or suction cup holder can be advantageously used, particularly for handling large quantities of similar objects, articles, packages, or containers.

[0023] The device according to this utility model includes a movable, suspended clamping device with a lower suction surface. When articles, containers, empty cans, etc., are received from a lower or supply position and gripped to their upper side and transferred to a designated destination, the entire suction surface located on the lower side of the clamping device can be subjected to negative pressure, thereby allowing the suction surface to suction-grip several groups of articles, containers, empty cans, etc.

[0024] The gripping device may specifically have a carrier plate on its upper side, with a suspension that ensures its mobility within a defined movement space. This suspension can be, for example, connected to a movable door suspension passing through the movement space, a movable arm of a multi-axis or articulated arm robot, etc. The movement space appropriately extends at least from a supply location where a set of items, containers, empty cans, etc., are received, to a destination location where the received items, containers, empty cans, etc., are placed again.

[0025] In order to reliably grip items, containers, empty cans, etc., to be received, the suction surface located under the carrier plate of the clamping device is covered with an elastically deformable and at least partially air-permeable layer. Once the suction surface is subjected to sufficient negative pressure, items such as empty cans adhere to this layer. Therefore, this area of ​​the suction surface can also be considered as the suction area or effective area of ​​the suction cup gripper or the device according to the present invention.

[0026] Advantageously, the dimensions of the at least partially air-permeable layer are adapted to the carrier plate, such that its planar shape is substantially repeated in the elastic layer anchored thereon. The planar shape of the carrier plate can be, for example, square or rectangular, but can also optionally be adapted to the corresponding grouping of the items to be grasped, such as grouping empty cans.

[0027] In principle, the dimensions of the carrier plate, together with the at least partially air-permeable layer arranged beneath it, depend on the actual handling requirements, specifically the requirements of the goods to be handled. In each case, the individual goods or items to be grasped are typically formed by groups of containers closely adjacent to each other, particularly in contact with each other on their circumferential surfaces, such as empty cans. For example, each group to be grasped may include 20 to 200 empty cans or other items.

[0028] Optionally, the items to be gripped can be arranged adjacent to each other in a rectangular arrangement. However, tray layers or groups can also be gripped and received by the gripping device, where the items are not grouped in a regular rectangular arrangement, but rather in, for example, denser spherical or hexagonal arrangements. In principle, the gripping device according to this invention is also suitable for handling disordered stacks of items, provided that these items are in an upright position in each case, with their circumferential surfaces vertically oriented such that their open or closed top sides point toward the suction surface of the gripping device, thus allowing them to contact the layers and be sucked in by negative pressure.

[0029] According to a reasonable variation of this invention, empty cans to be gripped can be arranged adjacent to each other in grouped rectangular arrangements. However, pallet layers or groups can also be gripped and received by the gripping device, wherein the empty cans are not grouped in regular rectangular arrangements, but rather in, for example, denser spherical or hexagonal arrangements. In principle, the gripping device according to this invention is also suitable for handling disordered stacks of empty cans, provided that these cans are in an upright position in each case, with their circumferential surfaces vertically oriented such that the top side of their openings points towards the suction surface, so that they can all contact the layer and be sucked in by negative pressure.

[0030] The drying device assigned to, or at least temporarily coupled to, the device can have very different designs in practice. The most important function of the drying device is its interaction with the layer applied to the suction surface in order to at least partially remove moisture bound to or adhering to that layer.

[0031] To receive items or containers, such as empty cans, the gripping device lowers to the group to be grasped, wherein the flexible layer can be easily pressed against the upper area of ​​the item or container, i.e., for example, against the upper edge of the can, to prevent excessive negative pressure from escaping and sucking in items, containers, empty cans, etc. Items, containers, empty cans, etc., sucked into the layer in this way can be lifted from the supply position by appropriate movement of the gripping device and carried to the designated destination in the desired direction.

[0032] The intake of the grouped items, containers, empty cans, etc., to be received is achieved by activating a negative pressure source. Once the layer is placed on top of the items or containers to be received (i.e., empty cans), the negative pressure source can establish a connection between the negative pressure source and the at least partially air-permeable layer via air guide lines. In order to distribute the suction pressure generated by the negative pressure source across the entire lower suction surface of the carrier plate, the air guide lines in the carrier plate are preferably branched in multiple ways, thereby achieving a nearly uniform surface distribution of suction pressure entering the air guide layer.

[0033] Because of its elastic deformability and at least partially air-permeable structure, particularly a foam layer with an open-cell structure, it is suitable as an air guiding layer. This air guiding layer, generated by a negative pressure source and evenly distributed along the pipeline, introduces suction pressure into the layer that is substantially uniformly distributed across the entire lower suction and contact surface of the carrier plate. Furthermore, due to its elastic deformability, it is particularly suitable for reliably receiving large quantities of grouped items, containers, empty cans, etc., without the risk of poor suction and all risks associated with individual unreceived or dropped items, containers, empty cans, etc.

[0034] An air-permeable layer that guides and draws in air, with the air being distributed approximately uniformly within its volume, combined with the elasticity of the layer, ensures the desired reliability of receiving, adhering to, and separating grouped items, containers, empty cans, etc., from the suction surface at the desired destination by deactivation of negative pressure.

[0035] On the other hand, such open-cell foam layers formed by the air-guided and air-permeable layers described herein generally tend to absorb and store moisture and condensation. This general tendency to absorb moisture depends on the environmental conditions prevalent in each case; however, in this application, it is further promoted by the continuous application of suction pressure.

[0036] Admittedly, the received items, containers, empty cans, etc., are usually free of moisture unless they have been previously disinfected and / or cleaned with cleaning solution or hot water. However, the generally present environmental conditions with normal atmospheric humidity are sufficient to cause moisture contained in the intake air to accumulate more and more in the air guiding and air permeation layers after a certain period of use and multiple cycles of activation and deactivation of the suction pressure provided by the negative pressure source.

[0037] Practice has shown that this accumulation of moisture in layers composed of open-cell foam is not only suitable for at least a slight reduction in suction pressure, which can be easily compensated for by appropriately adjusting the power of the negative pressure source, but also disrupts air distribution. This can lead to the incomplete suction of more and more items, containers, and empty cans, potentially causing errors when lifting items, containers, and empty cans to be received. Because open-cell foam structures have very fine channels, bound water cannot be ignored under any circumstances, as it has a significant negative impact on air distribution.

[0038] Furthermore, due to the associated potential nucleation, moisture accumulation in the layer arranged below the suction surface or forming the suction surface represents a hygiene problem. This layer forms a contact layer for items, containers, empty cans, etc., that are gripped and handled by it. This hygiene problem becomes more and more serious with the extension of operation time. Therefore, in actual operation, the layer anchored to the carrier plate must be replaced frequently and repeatedly.

[0039] At the start of a transport cycle, the air-guided and air-permeable layers have a very low moisture content because they contain very little condensate. However, after prolonged operation and numerous transport cycles, the air-guided layer may have an increased moisture content, which is no longer acceptable for further operation. To maximize the removal of this unwanted moisture, primarily composed of absorbed condensate, from the layer, or at least significantly reduce the moisture content in the layer, the aforementioned drying device is used.

[0040] In a first embodiment of the device according to this invention, the drying device requires no additional components, but is achieved essentially by simply changing the operating mode of the device. If, at this point, the drying device is defined as a blowing device coupled to or potentially coupled to an intake surface, which can blow out an air-guided elastic layer to reduce the moisture bound therein, then an existing negative pressure source is typically used as such a blowing device.

[0041] In this case, the drying mode can be activated, particularly through the reverse operation of the negative pressure source. To achieve this, the suction pump used as the negative pressure source does not necessarily have to be switched to actual reverse operation; instead, switching the pipeline connection is sufficient, so that the suction side of the negative pressure source or suction pump is supplied with ambient air or dry air, and the pressure side of the pump can be connected to the pipeline of the device, so that the pipeline passing through the carrier plate, especially the air guide layer, can be connected to the pressure side of the pump and can be blown out in this way when the pump is activated.

[0042] Operating in this way in reverse and thus serving as a negative pressure source or suction pump for the drying device, it is thus used as an air delivery device coupled to the suction surface and the air guide layer to blow out the layer and reduce the moisture bound therein.

[0043] As a technical alternative to this reverse operation of the negative pressure source, a separate blowing device can be connected to the tubing of the clamping device as a drying device. This blowing device can replace the deactivated negative pressure source to blow out the layer and remove at least some of the moisture bound therein.

[0044] Optionally, a drying and / or heating or temperature-controlled blowing device may also be provided, i.e., if required, a negative pressure source or a separate pressure source in reverse operation is supplied and operated to dry and / or heat the blower air, such that the dry and / or heated air thus delivered results in faster drying of the layer and more effective reduction of the moisture bound therein.

[0045] In the above-described operational variations of the drying apparatus, an additional air dryer may be optionally used, which can make the drying process more efficient when compressed air is blown out of the layer. This applies both to the aforementioned option of a negative pressure source in reverse operation and to an alternative option as a separate blow-out device for the drying apparatus, which can be connected to a pipeline. In both variations, the use of an additional air dryer can accelerate the drying process when blowing out of the layer because if the blown-in dry air itself contains less moisture, the removal of at least some of the moisture bound therein occurs more quickly.

[0046] The optional air dryer can also be combined with the heating device described above, so that the air blown into the layer can optionally be additionally dried and / or heated.

[0047] Since the term “drying device that can be coupled to the device or a component forming the device” used herein should be understood to include, it may also be advantageous to provide the drying device as an integrated component in the air permeation layer in an alternative design of the device.

[0048] For example, the drying device may include electric heating wires extending within the layer and structurally integrated there. If needed, these heating wires can be connected to a suitable power supply and heated in a way that ensures the removal of condensed moisture bound to the layer.

[0049] Condensate removed from the layer by energizing an electric heating wire with electrical power can escape as liquid or water vapor. Increased heating of the heating wire operating within the layer will result in increased water vapor escape and a lower proportion of liquid removal. However, the degree of heating by the heating wire is limited by the heat-bearing capacity of the air-permeable layer, typically formed of foam.

[0050] The electric heating conductors can be specifically guided in a curved manner in multiple adjacent or parallel loops, and, if desired, in multiple layers, one above the other, thereby achieving approximately uniform heating throughout the layer and avoiding the formation of localized heated points and other points with lower heating levels. Such uneven heating can impair the desired effect and may result in individual moisture pockets remaining in the air-permeable layer.

[0051] Instead of an electric heating wire, the thin film portion can optionally be integrated into the air permeation layer, which serves as an electric heating conductor and can be heated by connecting to an electrical power supply.

[0052] Alternatively, the drying device according to the present invention may also be formed of a heatable carrier plate, with an air guiding and air permeation layer fastened to its underside, such that the layer can be heated through the heatable carrier plate.

[0053] The carrier plate is typically a structural component of the clamping device because the air guiding area and the elastic layer providing the suction surface for the empty can require a housing, suspension, and anchoring. Therefore, the heatable carrier plate again forms a structural component of the device according to this invention, which includes a drying device.

[0054] The heatable carrier plate can be equipped, for example, with an integrated electric heater or an air passage for hot air to pass through. Furthermore, it is conceivable to have a liquid delivery channel through the carrier plate to temporarily heat the carrier plate as needed, or, if desired, to permanently heat the carrier plate with a temperature-controlled liquid.

[0055] In this embodiment, where the carrier plate of the clamping device can be temporarily or permanently heated, it also offers the advantage that the moisture bound to the layer is permanently removed, so that the condensation load of the layer can be permanently kept at a low level, and thus usually kept at a significantly low level.

[0056] The drying device is not permanently coupled to the device and is separated from the device during normal operation and coupled to the device only when needed. It may optionally include or be formed of a support plate. The clamping device may be lowered onto the support plate in such a way that the entire lower suction surface of the air permeation layer is substantially pressed against the support plate.

[0057] Once the air-guiding and air-permeable layer of the clamping device contains an unwanted amount of bound moisture, it can be pressed evenly onto the support plate by lowering the clamping device from above. This causes compression of the air-guiding and air-permeable layer, thereby forcing the bound water out from all sides of the layer.

[0058] Alternatively, this support plate may be further equipped with an integrated electric heater, which can be activated as needed to heat the air permeable layer when the clamping device is lowered onto the support plate, and to remove moisture contained in the layer to the maximum extent.

[0059] Optionally, the heatable support plate may also be equipped with an air passage for hot air to pass through. Furthermore, a liquid delivery passage through the support plate is conceivable, allowing the support plate to be temporarily or permanently heated by a temperature-controlled liquid.

[0060] In another embodiment of the apparatus for handling articles (e.g., containers or empty cans) according to the present invention, a drying device that can be coupled to and / or interact with the apparatus may include at least one, particularly a cylindrical roller. On such a cylindrical roller, a carrier plate of a clamping device can be deployed horizontally at a constant distance from the roller, such that the layer is compressed and the condensate bound therein is squeezed out.

[0061] The preferred cylindrical roller is generally understood as a passive component, i.e., a non-driven roller, which rotates by the rolling of a layer pressed onto and simultaneously compressed on the roller. The roller preferably has a width corresponding to at least one width of the carrier plate or the air-permeable layer disposed thereon.

[0062] Optionally, the clamping device can be moved in a direction toward the support roller by the corresponding movement of the carrier plate supported on the upper suspension and the air guiding and air permeating layer located below it, the support roller being rotatable about its longitudinal central axis. Optionally, this roller can also be moved in a direction toward the carrier plate and the air guiding and air permeating layer disposed below it, and move along the fixed carrier plate in order to squeeze moisture out of the layer.

[0063] By rolling the elastic layer on a roller, the elastic layer is significantly compressed as the carrier plate moves relative to the roller. Depending on the desired or achievable degree of compression of the elastic yield layer, the carrier plate can be very close to the roller. During rolling, the closer the carrier plate is to the roller, the more the elastic layer is compressed, and the more water bound within it can be squeezed out of the layer.

[0064] Alternatively, the rotatable roller may also be formed on its outer circumferential surface and may be provided with, for example, a web, pins, etc., which can particularly improve the traction when the layers roll on the roller and, in some cases, enhance the extrusion process.

[0065] Optionally, the device may be equipped with, or coupled with, a collection device for collecting and, if necessary, draining water removed from the elastic layer and the air-guiding layer. Thus, for example, a collection basin disposed below the clamping device can be provided, in which liquid drained from the layers can be intercepted, collected, and optionally subsequently treated by means of a drying device operating in a different manner. However, since such a collection device does not affect the effectiveness of the drying device, it should not be considered mandatory in principle, but rather optional.

[0066] Another embodiment of the device according to this invention can be equipped with a drying device, which can be formed by an exchange station to exchange a layer carrying excessive moisture content in the air guide and air permeation layer. If the drying device is formed by such an exchange station, it is advantageous if the layer can be easily removed from the underside of the carrier plate so that it can be removed in the exchange station and exchanged with a drying layer of the same size. For example, in each case, the layer separated from the carrier plate can be supplied to the drying and / or cleaning process.

[0067] If the previously mentioned elastically deformable and at least partially air-permeable layer is used, this layer may optionally be an elastic layer or a foam layer having only a partially open or closed-cell structure, and may be equipped with a number of intake and air-guiding openings. Thus, a greater number of such intake and air-guiding openings may optionally be provided in the layer, wherein the arrangement and number of intake and air-guiding openings typically provided and present may correspond to the number of articles or empty cans to be received and their position within the corresponding group.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, the air drawn in below the suction surface can flow directly through the air guide line substantially unimpeded through the suction and air guide openings within an elastic layer composed of foam or another elastic material, and is drawn in by the negative pressure source once the negative pressure source is activated to receive items or empty cans.

[0069] In this configuration, the inhaled item or empty can preferably rests solely against the underside of the foam or elastic layer, ensuring a seal between the corresponding intake and air duct openings and the environment. The required seal is particularly well ensured due to the deformability of the layer formed from foam or other elastic materials.

[0070] Therefore, it should be clear at this point that the air guiding layer does not necessarily guide the intake air through its structural design, for example, in the absence of an open-cell foam structure with optional intake and air guiding openings. Rather, depending on the implementation variation, only properly arranged and designed intake and air guiding openings can represent the air guiding elements within the layer.

[0071] Therefore, according to the selected variant of the device of this utility model, the foam structure of the layer does not directly form an air guiding layer, but mainly serves to accommodate the inhalation and air guiding opening. In addition, it also serves to prevent or at least limit the inhalation of dummy air, which can flow through the gap between the item to be received or the empty can and the inhalation surface.

[0072] Therefore, due to its elastic deformability and its multiple intake and air guiding openings, a layer constructed in this way is also particularly suitable for reliably receiving large groups of items or empty cans without the risk of poor intake and all the risks associated with such items or empty cans, such as due to a single unreceived or dropped item or can.

[0073] Alternatively, the structure described herein by way of examples of partially open-cell or closed-cell foams can also be formed from an elastic layer having the aforementioned openings, the elasticity of which is not generated by the foam structure but by the properties of the elastic material. Therefore, it should be clear at this point that this layer can be formed from any elastic layer having the aforementioned intake and air-guiding openings.

[0074] Furthermore, this suction cup holder, as described herein by means of a clamping device, may optionally have a valve controller. In this case, a plurality of valves may be distributed with an air guide layer, these valves may be formed of balls or freely movable valve bodies located within the intake and air guide openings, or within air lines in the area of ​​the contact plate or carrier plate above them. Once a negative pressure generated by a negative pressure source is present therein, these balls or freely movable valve bodies may open the corresponding supply line to each intake and air guide opening.

[0075] This type of valve controller offers the additional advantage of allowing only those intake and air guide openings to be activated, where there is actually a product to be drawn in—an article, container, or, for example, an empty can. In this case, the valve remains open due to the suction applied by the negative pressure. Conversely, if the corresponding intake and air guide opening is not occupied, because there is no product to be drawn in at that location, the valve can be closed, preventing unnecessary air intake and the negative pressure system from being unnecessarily supplied with air.

[0076] The arrangement and number of optional suction and air guide openings, as well as optional valves, depend on the size and quantity of the object to be suctioned. In the case of larger packaging units to be received by the clamping device, the suction and air guide openings can also be adapted and arranged accordingly, and their diameter can be larger if necessary.

[0077] For purely precautionary reasons, it should be noted again that the device according to this invention can also receive a wide variety of articles by means of a clamping device. Therefore, if an empty can is mentioned anywhere in this specification, that term can, in principle, be replaced by other terms, such as: single item, article, container, can, beverage can, flat sheet, or packaging blank, etc. Through such a shift or modification of terminology, the statement regarding the features of this invention will not be affected or altered in any way.

[0078] Furthermore, optionally, in all the above-described embodiments of the device according to the present invention, a humidity sensor may be provided, which may be distributed with or installed in an air guiding layer. Optionally, multiple such humidity sensors may also be provided, each of which may be distributed with an air guiding layer. At least one humidity sensor may be coupled to a control device and provide its output signal to the control device, which may then operate and activate the drying device in different ways, as needed, depending on the embodiment.

[0079] In all the described variations of the device according to the present invention, at least one humidity sensor may be optionally assigned to the corresponding layer, and if present, preferably coupled to the described control device or providing its output signal to the control device, and may also trigger other actions if desired or required in individual cases.

[0080] Therefore, for example, based on the output signal of the humidity sensor, the control device can, on the one hand, operate and activate the drying device in different ways as needed, i.e., initiate the corresponding drying process. However, it is equally conceivable that a fault message could be derived from the output signal and output by the control device and / or sent to other units or machine modules coupled thereto. If necessary, such a fault message output by the control device could constitute a reason for manual or machine-assisted intervention, for example, by an operator or service personnel.

[0081] In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred control device, it should be noted that such a control device may optionally be a sub-component of a machine controller, which preferably controls not only the regeneration process of the device according to the present invention, but also generally all its actions for receiving, handling, and positioning articles (e.g., containers, cans, or empty cans). Since the device described herein typically has such a control device, it should be clear at this point that the device according to the present invention can be a device controlled and operated by a suitable control device. However, this also means that the control device may optionally be assigned to the device according to the present invention, or may be part of the device.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the control device, optionally equipped with the apparatus according to the present invention or components forming the apparatus according to the present invention, can reprocess the aforementioned sensor signals, which may specifically refer to the sensor signals of the aforementioned humidity sensor, in order to meaningfully control the regeneration cycle and execute the regeneration cycle at the appropriate time in each case.

[0083] As can be clearly seen from the above, the device according to this invention can also be considered a regeneration system, which can be used to restore favorable operating conditions of the clamping device. This is because moisture is removed from the underside of the plate-shaped clamp used to receive groups of articles, containers, empty cans, or layers of empty cans, particularly from the air-guiding and air-permeable layer composed of open-cell elastic deformable foam. This improves and preferably optimizes its clamping performance, reliability in clamping articles, containers, empty cans, etc., and its hygienic parameters. This regeneration of the air-guiding and air-permeable layer can be performed as needed, particularly by loading the layer with unwanted condensate.

[0084] To determine when the condensate load reaches an unacceptable level, the aforementioned sensor capable of measuring humidity in the air guide layer can be used. If sufficient experience is available for operating the device, this sensor assessment can be omitted, and regeneration cycles can be performed at regular time intervals or after a fixed number of handling steps.

[0085] Therefore, it should be noted that, according to one of the above-described embodiments, a device equipped with a drying device, or at least one that can be temporarily and / or as needed coupled to a drying device, can also be considered a regeneration system in principle, and can be specified as such. This also means that the reader can use alternative terms for regeneration system wherever the term "device" is used, without affecting or altering the nature of this invention.

[0086] From the perspective of someone skilled in the art, it is reasonable to combine them with each other, and some or all of these foregoing variations or implementations of the described methods and / or the apparatus according to the present invention may also be optionally combined with each other in order to at least partially achieve the above-mentioned objectives and / or achieve the desired effects of the present invention.

[0087] Furthermore, a method for using a suction surface of a regenerating clamping device is described. This clamping device includes a movable, suspended plate-shaped suction device that can be subjected to negative pressure to suck in and grip multiple items, containers, empty cans, etc., onto an underlying air-permeable elastic layer under applied suction pressure. This method can provide a periodic or on-demand drying operation, in which moisture is removed from the layer.

[0088] In this method, the term "suction surface" as used herein specifically refers to the suction area of ​​the gripping device used in the method, which contacts the item to be gripped and adheres to the suction surface by negative pressure. This suction area, essentially formed by the suction surface, may also optionally be considered as a suction area, a contact surface, or an effective area of ​​the gripping device that can be acted upon by negative pressure, and may be specified accordingly.

[0089] In this method, for example, moisture can be squeezed out of the elastic layer by compressing the elastic layer.

[0090] As needed, this method is used for the regeneration of the wet elastic layer, and can be carried out, in particular, in an apparatus according to one of the aforementioned implementation variations.

[0091] Furthermore, it is clear from the foregoing that the handling device and / or method described according to this invention can generally also be considered a regeneration method for restoring the advantageous operating conditions of the described clamping device. This is because, on the underside of the plate-shaped clamp used for receiving groups of articles, containers, empty cans, or layers of empty cans, the air-guiding and air-permeable layer, particularly composed of open-cell elastic deformable foam, is released from moisture, thereby improving and preferably optimizing its clamping performance, reliability in clamping articles, containers, empty cans, etc., and in terms of its hygienic parameters. As explained several times, the regeneration of the air-guiding and air-permeable layer can be performed as needed, and for example, with the support of sensors, which can be particularly effective when the layer is loaded with undesirable condensation.

[0092] To determine when this load of condensate reaches an unacceptable level, the sensor can be used, and its output signal, which provides information about the moisture content in the air guide layer, can be processed. However, if sufficient empirical values ​​are available for the operation of such a device, this sensor assessment can be omitted, and regeneration cycles can be performed at regular time intervals or after a fixed number of handling steps.

[0093] The signal provided by this humidity sensor can also trigger other actions. For example, an interference signal can be generated to indicate to the person responsible for monitoring the device that a regeneration cycle and / or replacement of the layer containing excessive moisture may be necessary.

[0094] It should be explicitly stated here that all aspects and variations thereof explained in connection with the apparatus (or regeneration system) according to this invention also relate to or can form certain aspects of the regeneration method. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description of the apparatus (or regeneration system) according to this invention, this also applies to the regeneration method.

[0095] Conversely, all aspects and variations thereof explained in connection with the described regeneration method also relate to or may relate to certain aspects of the handling device (or the regeneration system according to the present invention). Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at some point in the description of the regeneration method, this also applies to the handling device (or the described regeneration method) according to the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0096] In the following sections, embodiments of the present invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensional proportions of individual elements in the drawings do not always correspond to actual dimensional proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration compared to other elements.

[0097] Figure 1A A first embodiment of a device for grasping empty cans is shown, which is placed on a group of items formed from empty cans.

[0098] Figure 1B It shows that according to Figure 1A The device grabs groups of empty cans and receives them from the supply location.

[0099] Figures 2A to 2C Different operating stages of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention are shown, the apparatus being equipped with a drying device.

[0100] Figure 3A Another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is shown, which is equipped with a drying device within the air guiding layer.

[0101] Figure 3B Another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is shown, which is equipped with a drying device inside a carrier plate and an air guiding layer is arranged on the carrier plate.

[0102] Figure 4A and 4B Another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is shown, which is equipped with a drying device in the form of a support plate that interacts with the device.

[0103] Figure 4C and 4D It shows that according to Figure 4A and 4B Another configuration variation of the implementation variant, wherein the support plate is heatable.

[0104] Figures 5A to 5C Another embodiment of the support plate according to the present invention is shown, wherein the drying device is formed by rollers that interact with the device.

[0105] Figures 6A to 6D Another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention is shown, wherein the drying device is formed by an exchange station.

[0106] Figure 7A and 7B Two schematic cross-sectional views illustrate possible designs of the air guiding layer of a clamping device as part of the apparatus according to the present invention, the clamping device being equipped with multiple intake and air guiding openings. Detailed Implementation

[0107] exist Figures 1A to 7B In this work, the same reference numerals are generally used for elements of the same or the same function in this invention. Furthermore, for clarity, in many cases, only reference numerals necessary or useful for describing the respective figures are used in the various figures. The embodiments shown are merely examples of the design schemes of this invention and do not represent conclusive limitations. Moreover, the features described below should not be construed as closely related to other features of the respective embodiments in each case, but can be provided or used in a general manner in each case for this purpose.

[0108] Figure 1A and 1B Schematic side views illustrate various embodiments of the device 10 according to the present invention for handling articles 11 in the form of empty cans 12. In this context, the term "empty can 12" specifically refers to a can-shaped metal or beverage container made of sheet metal with a top opening, typically having a hollow cylindrical shape with a flat top cap and a flat or partially concave bottom side. In its unfilled state (e.g., a beverage), the top cap may still be partially or completely missing, such that the empty can 12 essentially has a hollow cylindrical structure with a closed bottom and an open top, which can be produced, in particular, by a deep-drawing process for partial plastic deformation of the sheet metal.

[0109] Therefore, when referring in this context to an empty can 12 with a top opening to be transported, this generally means the original state of the empty can 12, which must be grouped, repositioned, destacking, unstacking, and re-stacked—if necessary—or otherwise transported before it is filled with its liquid contents and before it is hermetically sealed by the application of a top cap (not shown). Caps to be applied to cans no longer referred to as empty can 12 after filling are typically placed and can be applied, particularly by a sealing press and / or flange connection, to the top of the respective can. Cans filled and sealed in this manner can then undergo further processing and / or transport steps.

[0110] This further processing step may include, for example, printing or applying printed labels to the outer side. Further handling steps are particularly grouping, bundling, and packaging processes, as several cans are typically combined into bundles before forming large bundles or pallet layers, which can be stacked one on top of another in large quantities and combined into stacked pallets with filling cans.

[0111] However, as mentioned above, it should be emphasized again that the device 10 according to this invention is not only suitable for handling empty cans 12, but also for gripping, picking up, and placing items 11 at their destination using negative pressure, which can also be formed from other single items, such as filled cans, bottles, containers, packaging units, bundles, etc. Items 11 received by the device 10 using negative pressure can also optionally be formed from flat objects, such as packaging materials, intermediate layers for stacking pallet layers, etc.

[0112] Therefore, if the device 10 and its operating mode are illustrated in this embodiment by handling empty cans 12, those skilled in the art should understand it as an application example for handling items 11, which can be a wide variety of individual goods, which can optionally be handled in large quantities in groups. However, this should not be construed as limiting, as the device 10 is also capable in principle of simultaneously receiving individual goods or items 11 or several ordered or unordered items 11.

[0113] exist Figures 1A to 7B The device 10, shown as an example and in a schematic side view in each case, can be used in particular in conjunction with the delivery and supply of prepared and / or empty cans 12 to be filled, wherein it may be necessary to use such device 10 to grab large quantities of empty cans 12 when delivering a large number of empty cans 12 on a pallet and when preparing them for filling with liquid contents (e.g., beverages in particular).

[0114] As described above, the device 10 according to this invention is particularly suitable for use in the field of filling and packaging technology, specifically for the processing of beverages or other liquid, paste, or granular products. In this case, the clamping device 14 or suction cup holder described below can be advantageously used, particularly for handling large quantities of similar objects, articles, packages, or containers.

[0115] The illustrated device 10 includes a movable, suspended clamping device 14 with a lower suction surface 16. When an item 11 or empty can 12 is received from a lower level or supply location 18 and transferred to a destination (not shown or specified in detail here), the top-grabbed item 11 or empty can 12 can adhere to this suction surface 16. For this purpose, the entire suction surface 16 located under the clamping device 14 can be subjected to negative pressure, resulting in the suction surface 16 being positioned for suction-gripping multiple groups of empty cans 12.

[0116] like Figure 1A As schematically shown, the clamping device 14 may specifically have a carrier plate 20 on its upper side, on which a suspension 22 is provided. This suspension 22 ensures mobility within a movement space (not shown here), as it can be connected to, for example, a movable door suspension passing through the movement space, a movable arm of a multi-axis or articulated arm robot, etc. The movement space appropriately extends at least from a supply position 18 where a set of items 11 or empty cans 12 are received, to a destination position where the received items 11 or empty cans 12 are placed again.

[0117] In order to reliably grip the item 11 or the empty can 12, the suction surface 16 located on the underside of the carrier plate 20 of the gripping device 14 is coated with an elastically deformable and at least partially air-permeable layer 24. Once the suction surface 16 is subjected to sufficient negative pressure, the item 11 or the empty can 12 adheres to the layer 24. The dimensions of the at least partially air-permeable layer 24 are adapted to the carrier plate 20 such that its planar shape, particularly a square or rectangular shape, is substantially repeated in the layer 24 anchored thereon.

[0118] The dimensions of the carrier plate 20, together with the at least partially air-permeable layer 24 disposed beneath it, depend on the specific requirements. Therefore, Figure 1A and 1B The schematic side view shows an exemplary grouping 26 of empty cans 12 close to each other and in particular in contact with each other on their circumferential surfaces, and includes 12 empty cans 12 on the visible longitudinal side of the grouping 26. If the grouping 26 is a square arrangement or pallet layer similar to the empty cans 12, it includes a total of 144 empty cans 12.

[0119] However, these figures are to be understood as examples only, as the group 26 carried by the gripping device 14 of the device 10 may also include fewer or more than the 144 empty cans 12 described above. Furthermore, the gripping device 14 of the device 10 may optionally carry groups 26 of items 11 other than the empty cans 12 shown, and optionally grip groups 26 of different sizes than those shown.

[0120] Furthermore, since the items 11 or empty cans 12 are not grouped in a regular rectangular arrangement but rather in a more densely packed spherical or hexagonal arrangement, the tray layers or groups 26 can also be gripped and received without any problem by the gripping device 14, the embodiments shown should not be construed as limiting in this respect, but are intended to essentially illustrate the principles of interaction between the gripping device 14, its layer 24 covering the suction surface 16, and the items 11 or empty cans 12 held thereon by negative pressure.

[0121] In principle, the clamping device 14 of the device 10 is also suitable for handling disordered stacking of other items 11 or empty cans 12, as long as these items 11 or empty cans 12 are each in the position shown, wherein their circumferential surfaces are vertically oriented such that the top side of their openings points toward the suction surface 16, so that they can all come into contact with the layer 24 and be sucked in by negative pressure.

[0122] The following explanation Figures 2A to 7B Various embodiments of the drying device 32 are also shown, which may be an accessory component of the device 10 or may be at least temporarily coupled to the device 10. The most important function of the drying device 32 is its interaction with the layer 24 disposed on the suction surface 16 in order to at least partially remove moisture bound to or adhering to the layer 24.

[0123] Figure 1A A clamping device 14 is shown, positioned vertically above the group 26 containing the empty can 12 (or other article 11), with a suction surface 16 spaced apart from the top opening of the empty can 12. This suction surface 16 is lowered onto the group 26 in the supply position 18 by a corresponding movement of the suspension 22 in the direction of the arrow. Figure 1B An empty can 12 is shown being sucked onto layer 24. The empty can 12 can be lifted from supply position 18 and moved along the direction of the arrow to a destination not shown here by a corresponding movement of clamping device 14.

[0124] By enabling only Figure 1B The negative pressure source 28, schematically shown, draws in the empty can 12 of the receiving assembly 26. Once the layer 24 is placed on top of the empty can 12, the negative pressure source 28 can establish a connection between itself and the at least partially air-permeable layer 24 via the air guide line 30. In order to distribute the suction pressure generated by the negative pressure source 28 across the entire lower suction surface 16 of the carrier plate 20, the air guide line 30 preferably branches multiple times in the carrier plate 20, thereby achieving a uniform distribution of suction pressure in the air guide layer 24.

[0125] The negative pressure source 28 can be conveniently formed from a suction pump or a suction port of a more complex supply system, which is not explained in more detail here.

[0126] Since the elastically deformable and at least partially air-permeable layer 24 can be, for example, a foam layer with an open-cell structure, it is suitable, on the one hand, as an air guiding layer 24 that can substantially uniformly distribute the suction pressure generated by the negative pressure source 28 and uniformly distributed through the conduit 30 and introduced into the layer 24 over the entire lower suction and contact surface 16 of the carrier plate 20. Furthermore, due to its elastic deformability, the layer 24 specified in this way is particularly suitable for reliably receiving large groups of empty cans 12 without the risk of poor suction and all the risks associated with, for example, due to a single item 11 or empty can 12 not being received or falling off.

[0127] According to the implementation variant, the air guiding layer 24 distributes the intake air approximately uniformly within its volume. Combined with the elastic properties of the layer 24, it provides the desired reliability during the separation of the receiving, adhering, and grouping empty can 12 from the intake surface 16 caused by negative pressure deactivation.

[0128] However, such open-cell foam layers, which can optionally be formed from the air-guided and air-permeable layer 24 shown herein, generally tend to absorb and store moisture and condensation. This general tendency to absorb moisture depends on the environmental conditions prevalent in each case; however, in this application, it is further promoted by the continuous application of suction pressure.

[0129] Admittedly, the received empty cans 12 or other received items 11 are generally free of moisture unless they have been previously disinfected and / or cleaned with cleaning fluid or hot water. However, the generally present environmental conditions and their normal atmospheric humidity levels are sufficient to cause moisture contained in the intake air to accumulate more and more in the air guiding and air permeation layers 24 after a certain period of use and multiple cycles of activation and deactivation of the suction pressure provided by the negative pressure source 28.

[0130] Practice has shown that this accumulation of moisture in layer 24, composed of open-cell or closed-cell foam, is not only suitable for at least a slight reduction in suction pressure, which can be easily compensated for by properly adjusting the power of negative pressure source 28. However, practice has also shown that the reliability of suction gradually decreases due to the increasingly impermeable pores in the foam, and therefore all empty cans no longer experience the same holding force as under optimal conditions and with a dry layer.

[0131] Furthermore, any moisture accumulation on the underside of the suction surface 16 or in the layer 24 forming the suction surface 16, which forms the contact layer for gripping and handling empty cans, constitutes a hygiene problem due to associated potential nucleation. This problem becomes increasingly severe with prolonged operation, so in practice, the layer 24 anchored to the carrier plate 20 must be replaced frequently and repeatedly.

[0132] In principle, layer 24 can also be based on Figure 7A and 7B The configuration is as shown in the cross-sectional view. For example, the elastically deformable and at least partially air-permeable layer 24 can also be, for example, a foam layer with only partial open pores or a closed-cell structure, having intake and air guiding openings, such as... Figure 7A and Figure 7B Each of these is shown in the diagram, and the foam structure essentially ensures that the intake and air guiding openings arranged in layer 24 are sealed relative to the environment when the item 11 or empty can 12 to be received rests against layer 24. Therefore, layer 24 constructed in this way is also particularly suitable for reliably receiving large groups of items 11 or empty cans 12 without the risk of poor intake and all the risks associated with, for example, due to a single unreceived or dropped item 11 or empty can 12.

[0133] This type of foam layer, which is either partially open or closed, also tends to absorb and store moisture and condensation. This is because, due to the moisture contained in the inhaled air, the generally present environmental conditions and normal atmospheric humidity levels, after a certain period of use and multiple cycles of start-up and shutdown provided by the negative pressure source 28, lead to the accumulation of moisture in the air guiding and air permeation layer 24.

[0134] Therefore, in this case, the same potential health risks arise, particularly those that may be associated with nucleation, which means that in practice, the layer 24 anchored to the carrier plate 20 must be replaced frequently and repeatedly.

[0135] In order to Figures 1A to 7B It is clearly shown that the air-guided and air-permeable layer 24 initially has a very low moisture content and contains only a small amount of condensed liquid, which is partially shown in different shades (however, in Figure 7B (Not in China). Therefore, Figure 1A The light hue of the middle layer 24 indicates a still low moisture content, because under these conditions, the device 10 can be specifically in an operational state where only a few handling cycles have been performed. Conversely, Figure 1B The dark hue of the middle layer 24 indicates an increased moisture content, which is no longer acceptable for further operation, as the device 10 may be in operation under these conditions, especially after a large number of handling cycles have been performed.

[0136] In order to maximize the removal of this unwanted moisture, which is mainly composed of absorbed condensate, from layer 24, or to at least significantly reduce the moisture content in layer 24, the device 10 according to the present invention is equipped with a drying device 32, or may be coupled at least temporarily to such a drying device 32, which may interact with the air permeable layer 24 disposed on the carrier plate 20 and formed in such a way as the suction surface 16, in order to at least partially remove the moisture bound or adhered therein and reduce it to a level acceptable for further operation of the device 10.

[0137] exist Figures 2A to 2C In a first embodiment of the device 10 according to the present invention, shown in the schematic side view, the drying mode can be enabled, for example, by reversing the operation of the negative pressure source 28 (see [reference]). Figure 2C ).Although Figure 2A The normal operation of the air permeation layer 24 connected to the air guide line 30 under negative pressure is shown for drawing out the assembly 26 with empty canisters 12 held on the layer, wherein the air guide layer 24 is loaded with increased moisture content after a certain operating time. Figure 2A The dark layer 24 in the middle), but Figure 2B The operation of the negative pressure source 28 with opposite flow directions is shown, which makes it usable here as a drying device 32.

[0138] according to Figure 2B The negative pressure source 28 operates in reverse, thus functioning as a drying device 32, and therefore as an air delivery device connected to the suction surface 16 and the layer 24, for blowing out the layer 24 and reducing the moisture bound therein. To achieve this, it is advantageous to reverse the negative pressure source 28 in its delivery direction to generate the suction pressure, so as to apply overpressure instead of negative pressure to the suction surface 16 and force it through the perforated layer 24, resulting in the blowing out of the perforated layer 24 and the gradual removal of the moisture bound therein. This desired state is achieved in… Figure 2C The image is illustrated by a lighter-colored air-permeable layer 24, which is intended to illustrate the reduction in moisture content within layer 24.

[0139] As a technical alternative to this reverse operation of the negative pressure source 28, a separate blowing device as the drying device 32 can also be connected to the pipeline 30 to blow out the layer 24 and remove at least some of the moisture bound therein, instead of the deactivated negative pressure source 28.

[0140] When the negative pressure source 28 is mentioned here, it may optionally be a negative pressure pump, or it may be, for example, the suction port of a pneumatic or negative pressure supply system, so that the drying device 32 may be implemented by a suction pump with different connections that can operate in pressure mode or by an overpressure port of a pneumatic supply system.

[0141] Alternatively, the blowing device of the drying apparatus 32, namely the negative pressure source 28 operating in reverse mode, can be supplied and operated with heated or temperature-controlled blowing air, so that the resulting heated air leads to faster drying of the layer 24 and more effective reduction of the moisture bound therein.

[0142] In addition, the device 10 may optionally be equipped with or coupled to a collection device 34 for collecting and optionally discharging water removed from the layer 24. Figure 2C This option is shown in the form of a collection basin 36 positioned below the clamping device 14, in which the liquid 38 delivered from the layer 24 by the drying device 32, which operates as a blower, can be intercepted, collected, and subsequently processed if necessary.

[0143] because Figure 2C The collection device 34 shown schematically does not affect the effectiveness of the drying device 32, so it is not considered mandatory in principle, but optional.

[0144] exist Figures 2A to 2C In a variant of the operation of the drying apparatus 32 shown, an additional air dryer (not shown here) can be used, which can make the drying process more efficient when compressed air is blown out of layer 24. This applies both to the aforementioned option of the negative pressure source 28 operating in reverse mode and to an alternative to a separate blow-out device for the drying apparatus 32, which can be connected to line 30. In both variants, the use of an additional air dryer can accelerate the drying process when blowing out of layer 24 because if the blown-in dry air itself contains less moisture, the removal of at least some of the moisture bound there occurs more quickly.

[0145] according to Figure 3A In an alternative design of this device, it may also be advantageous to provide the drying device 32 as an integrated component within the air permeation layer 24. Therefore, the drying device 32 may include, for example, electrically heated wires 40 extending within and structurally integrated therein. If desired, these electrically heated wires 40 may be connected to an electrical power supply 42, shown only schematically herein, and may be heated in such a way that it ensures the removal of condensed moisture bound to the layer 24.

[0146] Condensate removed from layer 24 by energizing the heating wire 40 with electrical power supply 42 can escape as liquid 38 or water vapor 44. More intense heating of the heating wire 40 operating within layer 24 may result in an increase in water vapor 44 and a lower proportion of removed liquid 38. However, overheating of the heating wire 40 must be avoided, considering the risk of damaging the air-permeable layer 24, which is typically formed by foam.

[0147] The electric heating conductor 40 can be flexibly guided in multiple loops within layer 24, and, if desired, in multiple layers above one another, thereby achieving approximately uniform heating of the entire layer 24 and avoiding the formation of localized heated points and other points with lower heating levels. Such uneven heating would impair the desired effect and could result in individual moisture pockets remaining in the air-permeable layer 24.

[0148] Instead of the electric heating wire 40, the thin film portion may optionally be integrated into the air-permeable layer 24, which serves as an electric heating conductor and can be heated by connection to an electrical power supply 42. In this case, the total area of ​​the single or multiple thin film portions located within layer 24 should not impair the air permeability of layer 24, such that, based on the plan view of layer 24, a proportion of the total area of ​​the thin film portions not exceeding 20% ​​should be justified.

[0149] Optionally, according to Figure 3B The drying device 32 of the device 10 according to the present invention can also be formed of a heatable carrier plate 20, with an air guiding and air permeation layer 24 fastened to its underside, so that the layer 24 can be heated through the heatable carrier plate 20.

[0150] The heatable carrier plate 20 may be equipped with, for example, an integrated electric heater 46 or an air passage for hot air to pass through. Furthermore, a liquid delivery passage through the carrier plate 20 is also conceivable, so as to temporarily or permanently heat the carrier plate 20 by a temperature-controlled liquid.

[0151] However, Figure 3B Only a variant with an electric heater 46 integrated in the carrier plate 20 is shown, which can be connected to the power supply 42 as needed.

[0152] This embodiment, in which the carrier plate 20 of the clamping device 14 can be temporarily or permanently heated, also provides the advantage that the moisture bound in the layer 24 is permanently removed, so that the condensation load of the layer 24 can be permanently kept at a low level, and thus usually kept at a significantly low level.

[0153] Similarly, condensate removed from layer 24 in this manner can escape as liquid 38 or water vapor 44. Stronger heating of the carrier plate 20 by means of an electric heater 46 integrated therein or by means of a heated fluid flow (not shown) will result in increased water vapor 44 escaping and a lower proportion of removed liquid 38. Overheating of the carrier plate 20 must be avoided, considering the risk of damaging the air-permeable layer 24, which is typically formed by foam.

[0154] According to another embodiment of the device 10 of this utility model (see...), Figures 4A to 4DThe drying device 32 may optionally include or be formed of a support plate 48, and the clamping device 14 may be lowered onto the support plate 48 such that the entire lower suction surface 16 of the air permeation layer 24 is pressed onto the support plate 48.

[0155] Figure 4A The schematic side view illustrates the process of lowering the clamping device 14 relative to the support plate 48 along the direction of the arrow. In this case, the air guiding and air permeation layer 24 of the clamping device 14 contains an undesirable large amount of moisture bound therein, as illustrated by the dark hue of the layer 24.

[0156] Figure 4B A schematic side view shows the clamping device 14 pressing uniformly against the support plate 48 from above, which causes compression of the air-guided and air-permeable layer 24, thereby forcing the water 38 bound therein out of all sides of the layer 24. The reduced moisture content within the layer 24 in this way is shown in the figure through the lighter shade of the air-permeable layer 24.

[0157] Optionally, according to Figure 4C and 4D The support plate 48 may be additionally equipped with an integrated electric heater 50, which can be activated as needed to heat the air permeation layer 24 when the clamping device 14 is lowered onto the support plate 48, and to remove moisture contained in the layer 24 to the maximum extent.

[0158] Optionally, the heatable support plate 48 may be equipped with the aforementioned integrated electric heater 50 or an air passage (not shown here) for hot air passage. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a liquid delivery passage may pass through the support plate 48 to temporarily or permanently heat the support plate 48 with a temperature-controlled liquid. However, in Figure 4C and 4D The diagram shows only a variant with an electric heater 50 integrated into the support plate 48, and once the clamping device 14 is lowered onto the support plate 48 such that the suction surface 16 of the layer 24 forms surface contact with the top side of the support plate 48, the electric heater 50 can be connected to the power supply 42 as needed (see [link to diagram]). Figure 4D ).

[0159] Similarly, condensate removed from layer 24 in this manner can escape as liquid 38 or water vapor 44. Stronger heating of the support plate 48 by means of the electric heater 50 integrated therein or by means of a heated fluid flow (not shown) will result in an increase in water vapor 44 and a lower proportion of removed liquid 38. Likewise, overheating of the support plate 48 must be avoided, given the risk of damage to the air-permeable layer 24, which is typically formed by foam.

[0160] Figure 4CThe schematic side view illustrates the process of lowering the clamping device 14 relative to the support plate 48 along the direction of the arrow. In this case, the air guiding and air permeation layer 24 of the clamping device 14 contains an undesirable large amount of moisture bound therein, as illustrated by the dark hue of the layer 24.

[0161] Figure 4D A schematic side view shows a clamping device 14 pressing against a support plate 48, which is heated by an electric heating device 50 integrated therein. This also results in the desired heating of the air-guided and air-permeable layer 24, causing the moisture bound therein to escape as water 38 and water vapor 44 from all sides of the layer 24. The reduced moisture content within the layer 24 in this way is shown in the drawing through the lighter shade of the air-permeable layer 24.

[0162] Figures 5A to 5C The schematic side view shows another embodiment of the device 10 for handling empty cans 12 according to the present invention, which has a drying device 32 of a different design. Thus, the drying device 32 here includes at least one, particularly cylindrical roller 52, or is essentially formed by an arrangement having such cylindrical rollers 52, on which the carrier plate 20 of the clamping device 14 can be deployed horizontally at a constant distance from the roller 52 in order to squeeze out the condensate therein through the compression layer 24.

[0163] The cylindrical roller 52 is generally understood as a passive component, i.e., a non-driven roller 52, which rotates by the rolling of the layer 24 pressed against and simultaneously compressed on the roller 52. The roller 52 preferably has a width corresponding to at least one width of the carrier plate 20 or the air-permeable layer 24 disposed thereon. A suitable diameter for the rotatable roller 52 can correspond to at least three times the typical thickness value of the elastically deformable and compressible layer 24 in its uncompressed state. Therefore, if the elastically deformable and compressible layer 24 has a thickness of approximately 2 cm, the outer diameter of the cylindrical roller 52 should preferably be approximately 6 cm or greater.

[0164] Figure 5A The schematic side view shows a clamping device 14, which includes a carrier plate 20 and an air guiding and air permeation layer 24 disposed below it. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping device 14 is loaded with an undesirable amount of condensate incorporated into the foam structure, which is indicated in the figure by the dark hue of the layer 24.

[0165] according to Figure 5B In this case, the clamping device 14 can move in the direction toward the fixed roller 52 by the corresponding movement of the carrier plate 20 supported on the upper suspension 22 and the air guiding and air permeating layer 24 located below it, i.e. Figure 5BIn the attached diagram, when moved to the right in the direction of the arrow, roller 52 can rotate about its longitudinal central axis.

[0166] By rolling the elastic layer 24 on the roller 52, the elastic layer 24 is significantly compressed, while according to Figure 5C The carrier plate 20 moves on the roller 52. Depending on the desired or achievable degree of compression of the elastic yield layer 24, the carrier plate 20 can be very close to the roller 52. During rolling, the closer the carrier plate 20 is to the roller 52, and the more the elastic layer 24 is compressed, the more water 38 bound therein can be extruded from the layer 24.

[0167] Figure 5C The schematic diagram illustrates the drying process as the carrier plate 20 moves horizontally to the right in the direction of the arrow. The areas of layer 24 that have passed through the rotating roller 52 and are therefore located to the right of roller 52 become brighter, indicating a lower moisture content in these areas. In contrast, the areas of layer 24 that have not yet passed through the rotating roller 52 and are therefore still located to the left of roller 52 are darker, indicating a higher moisture content in these areas.

[0168] Alternatively, the rotatable roller 52 may also be formed on its outer surface and may be provided with, for example, a web, pins, etc., which can particularly improve the traction when the layer 24 rolls on the roller 52 and in some cases enhance the extrusion process.

[0169] at last, Figures 6A to 6D Another embodiment of the device 10 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the drying device 32 may be formed by the exchange station 54 shown only here, so as to exchange the drying layer 24 with the air guide and air permeation layer 24 loaded with excessive moisture content.

[0170] In this case, layer 24 must be easily removed from the underside of carrier plate 20 so that it can be removed from exchange station 54, and once exchange station 54 is approached in a rotating manner, it can be replaced by dry layer 24 of the same size.

[0171] therefore, Figure 6A A schematic diagram shows the damp load layer 24, which is indicated in the accompanying drawing by its dark hue. According to... Figure 6B The wet load layer 24 can be removed from the carrier plate 20 in the exchange station 54 and can be supplied, for example, to the drying and / or cleaning process.

[0172] according to Figure 6C The dried or pre-dried elastic layer 24 can be brought to the underside of the carrier plate 20 so as to... Figure 6D After it is fixed to the carrier plate 20, a reusable clamping device 14 is provided. Figure 6C and 6DIn each case, layer 24, filled with a small amount of moisture, is shown in a lighter shade.

[0173] Optionally, in all the embodiments shown, the drying device 32 may be equipped with or coupled to Figure 2C The collection device 34 shown is used to collect and discharge the water 38 removed from layer 24. Therefore, this not only involves... Figures 2A to 2C The variations shown, and optionally also involving Figure 3A and 3B The variations shown, and optionally also involving Figures 4A to 4D The variant shown. Figures 5A to 5C The variant shown with rotatable roller 52 can also optionally be equipped with according to Figure 2C Collection device 34.

[0174] Furthermore, in all the variations shown, layer 24 may be provided with at least one humidity sensor 56, which is coupled to control device 58 and provides its output signal 60 to control device 58, which in turn operates and activates drying device 32 in different ways depending on the implementation variation, i.e., as needed.

[0175] Figure 3B The schematic diagram illustrates, as an example, this configuration of a humidity sensor 56 distributed on a layer 24 with air guidance and air permeation, whose output signal 60 can be used by a control device 58, which, once the layer 24 is loaded with an undesirable amount of condensation, manipulates an electrical supply 42 to activate an electric heater 46 integrated in the carrier plate 20.

[0176] However, even though the humidity sensor 56 and control device 58 are not shown in the accompanying drawings, they can be... Figures 2A to 2C The embodiment of the device 10 shown provides, for example, Figure 3B This configuration is shown as an example. Similarly, in... Figure 3A In a variant of the illustrated device 10, this configuration may be provided in a corresponding manner even if the humidity sensor 56 and the control device 58 are not shown in the figures.

[0177] In addition, Figure 4A and 4B A corresponding configuration can also be provided in the embodiment of device 10 shown, even if the humidity sensor 56 and control device 58 are not shown in the figures. If the humidity sensor 56 and the control device 58 for evaluating its output signal 60 are provided there, the extrusion process is thus controlled when the clamping device 14 is placed on the support plate 48 and when the layer 24 is compressed, and optional additional temperature control of the support plate 48 is also controlled if necessary. Figure 4C and 4D As shown.

[0178] In addition, Figure 5A , 5C A corresponding configuration can also be provided in the embodiment of the illustrated device 10, even if the humidity sensor 56 and control device 58 are not shown in the figures. If the humidity sensor 56 and the control device 58 for evaluating its output signal 60 are provided there, the rolling of the clamping device 14 on the roller 52 and the compression of the layer 24 triggered therethereby are controlled.

[0179] Therefore, the device 10 includes not only the drying device 32 shown in the various variants, but also optionally at least one sensor 56 allocated to the layer 24, and a control device 58 (or, if necessary, an adjustment device) for humidity-related (depending on sensor signal 60) activation of the drying device 32.

[0180] In all the illustrated variations of the device 10 according to the present invention, at least one humidity sensor 56 is optionally assigned to the corresponding layer 24 and is preferably coupled to the illustrated control device 58 and provides its output signal 60 to the control device 58, which may also trigger other actions if desired or required in individual cases.

[0181] Therefore, on the one hand, based on the output signal 60 of the humidity sensor 56, the control device 58 can enable and disable the drying device 32 in different ways as needed, i.e., initiate the corresponding drying process. However, it is also conceivable that a fault message might be derived from the output signal 60 and output by the control device 58 and / or sent to other units or machine modules coupled thereto (not shown here). If necessary, such a fault message output by the control device 58 could be a reason for manual or machine-assisted intervention by the operator or service personnel.

[0182] Figure 7A and 7B The schematic cross-sectional view shows a preferred design of an elastic deformable layer 24 with at least partial air permeability, in which the layer 24 is a foam layer with only a partially open or closed-cell structure, equipped with a plurality of intake and air guiding openings 62 through which intake air is guided, the intake and air guiding openings 62 being arranged in a regular grid.

[0183] Preferably, a large number of such suction and air guiding openings 62 can be provided in layer 24. Typically, the arrangement and number of suction and air guiding openings 62 to be provided and present can correspond to the number of articles 11 or empty cans 12 to be received and their positions within group 26.

[0184] Therefore, air drawn in below the suction surface 16 can flow directly through the suction and air guiding openings 62 within the elastic foam layer 24 and substantially unimpeded through the air guiding conduit 30, and once the negative pressure source 28... Figure 7B The method shown is activated to receive item 11 or empty can 12, which is then sucked in by negative pressure source 28.

[0185] In this configuration, the inhaled article 11 or empty can 12 is preferably secured solely by foam material, which ensures a seal between the corresponding intake and air duct opening 62 and the environment. The required seal is particularly well ensured due to the deformability of the layer 24 formed from foam or other elastic material.

[0186] Therefore, it can be clearly shown that the air guiding layer 24 does not necessarily guide the intake air through its structural design, for example, in the absence of such an intake and air guiding opening 62 in the open-cell foam structure, such as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, however, depending on the implementation variant, only properly arranged and designed intake and air guiding openings 62 can represent the air guiding elements within layer 24.

[0187] Therefore, in Figure 7A and 7B In the variant of the device 10 according to the present invention shown, the foam structure of layer 24 does not directly form the air guiding layer 24, but mainly serves to accommodate the intake and air guiding opening 62. Furthermore, if the article 11 to be received or the empty can 12 rests against layer 24, it prevents or at least restricts the intake of dummy air, which may flow through the gap between the article 11 or the empty can 12 and the intake surface 16 (see [link]). Figure 7B ).

[0188] Therefore, due to its elastic deformability and its multiple intake and air guiding openings 62, the layer 24 constructed in this way is also particularly suitable for reliably receiving large groups of items 11 or empty cans 12 without the risk of poor intake and all the risks associated with such intake, such as due to a single unreceived or dropped item 11 or empty can 12.

[0189] Figures 2A to 6D All variations of the device 10 according to the present invention shown can also be equipped with a layer 24, which is formed, for example, from an open-cell foam having an air-suction structure, which is not based on... Figure 7A and 7B Such an opening 62. Similarly, alternatively, all variations of the device 10 according to the present invention shown in Figures 2A to 6D can be equipped with the layer 24 as described above. According to Figure 7A and 7BThis layer can be formed, for example, from a foam with only partial openings, or from a closed-cell foam with a multiple air-absorbing structure 62.

[0190] Finally, it should be noted that, Figure 7A and 7B The structure described in the example using partially open-cell or closed-cell foam can also be formed from an elastic layer 24 having the shown opening 62, the elasticity of which is not generated by the foam structure but by the properties of the elastic material. Therefore, it should be clear at this point that layer 24 can be formed from an elastic layer 24 having... Figure 7A and 7B Any elastic layer 24 formed in the intake and air guiding opening 62 described and shown in the text.

[0191] In addition, this type of suction cup holder, as referenced here... Figures 1A to 7B The clamping device 14 may have a valve controller, which is not shown in more detail here. In this case, the air guide layer 24 may be equipped with a greater number of valves, which may be formed of balls or freely movable valve bodies located within the intake and air guide openings 62, or in the air lines 30 located in the contact plate area above them. Once a negative pressure generated by the negative pressure source 28 is present therein, these balls or freely movable valve bodies may open the corresponding supply lines to each intake and air guide opening 62.

[0192] This valve controller offers the additional advantage that only those intake and air guide openings 62 are activated, and that there is actually product to be drawn in (article 11 or, for example, empty can 12) at these openings 62. In this case, the valve remains open due to the suction applied by the negative pressure. On the other hand, if the corresponding intake and air guide opening 62 is not occupied, because there is no product to be drawn in at that location, the valve can be closed, preventing unnecessary air intake and unnecessary air delivery to the negative pressure system.

[0193] According to Figure 7A and 7B The arrangement and number of the suction and air guide openings 62 and optional valves in the implementation variations depend on the size and quantity of the object to be suctioned. In the case of larger packaging units to be received by the clamping device 14, the suction and air guide openings 62 may also be arranged differently, or their diameter may be larger if necessary.

[0194] In this respect, as a mere precaution, it should be noted that, in addition to the empty can 12 shown and described by way of example, the device 10 is also capable of receiving articles 11 other than the empty can by means of the clamping device 14. Therefore, if the term "empty can 12" is mentioned anywhere in this description, it can, in principle, be replaced by other terms, such as: single item, article, container, can, beverage can, flat sheet, or packaging blank, etc. Through such a shift or modification of terminology, the statements regarding the features of this utility model will not be affected or altered in any way.

[0195] List of reference numerals

[0196] 10. Devices, conveying devices

[0197] 11 items

[0198] 12 empty cans

[0199] 14 Clamping device

[0200] 16. Suction Surface

[0201] 18 Supply Location

[0202] 20 Carrier plates

[0203] 22. Suspension, upper suspension

[0204] 24 layers, including an air permeation layer and an air guiding layer.

[0205] Group 26

[0206] 28 Negative pressure source

[0207] 30 piping, air guide piping

[0208] 32 Drying device

[0209] 34 Collection device

[0210] 36 Collection basins

[0211] 38. Liquid, removed liquid

[0212] 40 heating wire, electric heating wire

[0213] 42. Energy supply, electricity supply

[0214] 44. Water vapor, seeping water vapor

[0215] 46. ​​Heater, integrated electric heater (carrier plate)

[0216] 48 Support plate

[0217] 50 Heater, Integrated Electric Heater (Support Plate)

[0218] 52 rolls, cylindrical rolls

[0219] 54 Exchange Station

[0220] 56 Humidity Sensor

[0221] 58 Control Device

[0222] 60 Sensor Signals

[0223] 62. Inhalation and air guiding opening.

Claims

1. An apparatus for handling articles, the apparatus (10) comprising a clamping device (14) having a suction surface (16) for applying negative pressure to grip the articles (11) suction-grip, the suction surface (16) being covered by an elastically deformable and at least partially air-permeable layer (24). Its features are, The device (10) is equipped with a drying device (32) or may be at least temporarily coupled to a drying device (32), which may interact with the layer (24) on which the suction surface (16) is distributed or forms the suction surface (16) to remove moisture bound or adhered therein.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drying device (32) includes or forms a blowing device that can be coupled to the suction surface (16) for blowing out the layer (24) and reducing moisture.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drying device (32) is integrated in the layer (24).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drying device (32) includes an electric heating wire (40) extending within the layer (24) and / or structurally integrated within the layer (24).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drying device (32) includes a heatable carrier plate (20) of the clamping device (14), the layer (24) being fastened thereto at the bottom.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drying device (32) includes a support plate (48), and the layer (24) can be pressed on the support plate to squeeze out moisture therein.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the support plate (48) is temperature controllable.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drying device (32) includes a rotatable roller (52) on which the compressed layer (24) can be rolled to squeeze out the moisture therein.

9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the drying device (32) is formed by or includes an exchange station (54) for removing the damp layer (24) from the carrier plate (20) of the clamping device (14) and replacing it with a dry layer (24).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the drying apparatus (32) is equipped with a collection device (34) for collecting and discharging water (38) removed from the layer (24) or coupled to such a collection device (34).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the layer (24) is provided with at least one humidity sensor (56) which provides an output signal (60) to a control device (58) which can operate and enable or disable the drying device (32) as needed.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the layer (24) is provided with a plurality of intake and air guiding openings (62) through which intake air is guided respectively.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the intake and air guiding opening (62) is arranged in a regular grid.

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