Container processing device

Abstract

The utility model particularly relates to container processing equipment which comprises a container manufacturing device, a paper pulp processing device and a paper pulp processing device, at least one container processing device for processing the pulp container; and a transport device having a plurality of movable transport carriers configured to support and transport the pulp containers wherein the transport device connects the container manufacturing device and the at least one container handling device to each other through the plurality of transport carriers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a container processing device. Background Technology

[0002] A current trend in the food and beverage packaging industry is the manufacture of containers using pulp. These so-called paper pulp containers or pulp containers can be manufactured, for example, as follows: First, a paste-like pulp or slurry is introduced into a mold that can consist of several molded bodies. After the pulp has been introduced and completely wetted the molded bodies, water is removed from the pulp, while ensuring that the pulp adheres to the walls and bottom of the mold. The mold is then opened to obtain a pulp container, such as a pulp bottle.

[0003] WO 2019 / 034707 A1 relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing containers, and a method and machine for filling and sealing containers. Pulp containing fibers is used to manufacture the containers.

[0004] EP 1 285 994 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing articles formed from pulp. The method includes a papermaking step, which includes connecting each part to a suction channel in a papermaking die, initiating the supply of pulp of a predetermined concentration into a cavity of the papermaking die, and drawing pulp through the suction channel to form a pulp layer on the inner surface of the papermaking die.

[0005] A drawback of existing technology may be that pulp containers must be dried for a relatively long time after manufacturing. Only after drying can the pulp containers be transported to the filling plant, where they are filled and sealed.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved technology for processing pulp containers, which can preferably overcome or at least mitigate the above-mentioned disadvantages. Utility Model Content

[0007] This objective is achieved through the features of the following solution. Advantageous improvements are given in the specification.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for operating a container processing apparatus, preferably as disclosed herein. The method includes manufacturing pulp containers from pulp (e.g., a liquid, paste, or pulp mixture of fibers, preferably plant fibers (e.g., wood fibers, paper fibers, and / or hemp fibers), water, and a binder) via a container manufacturing apparatus of the container processing apparatus. The method includes transporting the pulp containers (e.g., directly) from the container manufacturing apparatus to at least one container processing apparatus of the container processing apparatus via a plurality of movable transport carriers of a conveying device of the container processing apparatus, each supporting at least one of the pulp containers.

[0009] Advantageously, the container handling equipment allows for an integrated concept, where pulp containers can be manufactured and further processed, such as internal coating, filling, and sealing, within a single container handling unit. The transport carrier advantageously allows for direct further transport of the pulp containers after manufacturing, even if the pulp containers themselves remain deformable, for example, due to their moisture content, and therefore cannot be transported directly by conveyor belt. Preferably, the transport carrier also stabilizes the pulp containers, thus similarly contributing to preventing undesirable deformation. Therefore, it is advantageous that after pulp container manufacturing, a separate, lengthy drying process is unnecessary, after which the dried pulp containers can be transported to the filling plant. Instead, according to the technology proposed herein, the manufacturing and filling of pulp containers can be easily integrated into the container handling equipment.

[0010] In one embodiment, multiple transport vehicles are supported and moved at least temporarily (or in at least a portion of the container handling equipment) at the bottom by a conveying device consisting of circumferential conveying elements (preferably conveyor belts or conveyor chains) during transport. Alternatively or additionally, multiple transport vehicles are supported and moved at least temporarily (or in at least a portion of the container handling equipment) by the conveying device and / or a clamping device of at least one container handling device. Alternatively or additionally, multiple transport vehicles are configured as moving devices of a long stator linear drive, a short stator linear drive, or a planar motor of the conveying device, capable of moving independently of each other. Thus, depending on the requirements, the transport vehicles can advantageously be driven or moved by multiple drive concepts, which can even be combined with each other.

[0011] In another embodiment, multiple transport carriers support the pulp container at the bottom. Preferably, the transport carriers may surround the pulp container at the bottom. This advantageously ensures the pulp container stands safely and stably during transport. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple transport carriers may support the pulp container on corresponding support rings, preferably neck rings, or on corresponding container necks. The neck rings may advantageously be formed, for example, by stabilizing inserts within the pulp container, thus also ensuring the safe transport of the pulp container.

[0012] In one embodiment, the multiple transport carriers are molded bodies of a container manufacturing apparatus, preferably bottom molded bodies, which form the region of the pulp container, preferably the bottom region, during the manufacturing process. Thus, the pulp container can advantageously be transported directly from the mold in which it was made to at least one subsequent container handling machine. In this way, particularly safe transport of the pulp container can be advantageously ensured, since there is no need even to transfer it from the mold of the container manufacturing apparatus to the transport carrier.

[0013] In another embodiment, the pulp container is positioned in multiple transport carriers after manufacturing, for example by a transfer device, which may have, for example, one or more pick-up and place robots.

[0014] In another embodiment, multiple transport carriers can support the pulp container during transport, such that:

[0015] - The corresponding outer sheath surface of the pulp container is accessible for labeling or printing on the pulp container; and / or

[0016] - The corresponding inner sheath surface of the pulp container is accessible for internal coating and / or cleaning of the pulp container; and / or

[0017] - The corresponding container opening of the pulp container is accessible for filling and / or sealing the pulp container.

[0018] Therefore, it is advantageous to realize that pulp containers can be processed without being removed from the transport carrier. Thus, pulp containers can preferably also be stabilized by the transport carrier during processing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method further includes processing (e.g., internal coating, cleaning, drying, filling, sealing, labeling, printing, and / or packaging) the pulp container by means of at least one container handling device, while the pulp container is supported by multiple transport carriers. Therefore, the pulp container can preferably also be stabilized by the transport carriers during processing, resulting in the possibility, in some cases, that the pulp container may even have been (already) processed.

[0020] In another implementation variation, multiple transport carriers continuously transport pulp containers to multiple container handling units. Advantageously, as the pulp containers are transported through the container handling equipment, they are safely held and stabilized by the transport carriers for as long as possible.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes drying during transport via respective preferred bottom heating devices of multiple transport carriers, preferably bottom-drying the pulp containers. Preferably, the heating devices can be induction heating devices, ultraviolet heating devices, microwave heating devices, or radiant heating devices. Alternatively or additionally, energy can be supplied to the heating devices via electromagnetic induction. Thus, the transport carriers themselves can advantageously contribute to the drying of the pulp containers, resulting in very early and very rapid drying. Consequently, subsequent processing of the pulp containers can advantageously begin earlier, thereby, for example, increasing the performance of container handling equipment.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further includes producing pulp from fibers, preferably plant fibers (e.g., wood fibers, paper fibers, and / or hemp fibers), water, and binders via a pulp manufacturing apparatus of a container processing device. Preferably, the method may also include supplying pulp from the pulp manufacturing apparatus to a container manufacturing apparatus. In this way, the overall concept for manufacturing and processing pulp containers can be advantageously extended to the pulp manufacturing aspect.

[0023] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to container processing equipment (e.g., for liquid or paste-like media, such as beverages or food), preferably configured to perform the methods disclosed herein. The container processing equipment includes a container manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing pulp containers from pulp (e.g., liquid, paste, or pulp mixtures of fibers, preferably plant fibers (e.g., wood fibers, paper fibers, and / or hemp fibers), water, and binders). The container processing equipment has at least one container processing device for processing the pulp containers. The container processing equipment includes a conveying device with multiple movable transport carriers configured to support and transport the pulp containers, wherein the conveying device connects the container manufacturing apparatus and at least one container processing device to each other via multiple transport carriers (e.g., directly). Advantageously, the container processing equipment can achieve the same advantages as those described herein with reference to the method. This also applies to preferred embodiments of the container processing equipment described below.

[0024] Preferably, the container handling apparatus may include a control device configured to operate the container handling apparatus in accordance with the methods disclosed herein for operating the container handling apparatus.

[0025] Preferably, the term "control device" can refer to electronic equipment (e.g., designed as a drive circuit or having a microprocessor and data memory) and / or mechanical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic controllers that, depending on their construction, can perform control and / or regulation and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used herein, it may also suitably include or indicate "regulation" or "feedback control" and / or "processing".

[0026] In embodiments of the container handling device, at least one of the following characteristics is satisfied:

[0027] - The conveying device has at least one circumferential conveying element, preferably a conveyor belt or conveyor chain, with multiple transport carriers supported at the bottom of the conveyor belt or conveyor chain;

[0028] - The conveying device and / or at least one container handling device have multiple clamping devices for supporting multiple transport carriers;

[0029] - A mobile device in which multiple transport carriers are configured as a conveying device, consisting of a long stator linear drive, a short stator linear drive, or a planar motor, and can move independently of each other.

[0030] - Multiple transport carriers are configured to support the pulp container at the bottom, and preferably surround it at the bottom;

[0031] - Multiple transport carriers are configured to support the pulp container on a corresponding support ring of the pulp container, preferably on a neck ring, or on a corresponding container neck of the pulp container;

[0032] - Multiple transport carriers are configured to support pulp containers such that the respective outer sheath surfaces of the pulp containers are accessible for labeling or printing on the pulp containers; the respective inner sheath surfaces of the pulp containers are accessible for internal coating and / or cleaning of the pulp containers; and / or the respective container openings of the pulp containers are accessible for filling and / or sealing the pulp containers.

[0033] In another embodiment, at least one container handling device includes a plurality of container handling devices, and the conveying device preferably connects the container manufacturing device and the plurality of container handling devices one after another via a plurality of transport carriers.

[0034] In another embodiment, at least one container handling device is configured to handle pulp containers when they are supported by multiple transport carriers.

[0035] In another embodiment, each of the multiple transport carriers has a heating device, preferably located at the bottom, for drying, preferably drying the pulp container at the bottom. Preferably, the heating device can be an induction heating device, an ultraviolet heating device, a microwave heating device, or a radiant heating device. Alternatively or additionally, energy can be supplied to the heating device via electromagnetic induction.

[0036] In another embodiment, the container processing apparatus further includes a pulping device for producing pulp from fibers, preferably plant fibers (e.g., wood fibers, paper fibers, and / or hemp fibers), water, and a binder. The pulping device may be in fluid communication with the container manufacturing apparatus for supplying pulp to the container manufacturing apparatus.

[0037] In another embodiment, at least one container handling device includes:

[0038] - A drying apparatus for drying pulp containers; and / or

[0039] - A cleaning device for cleaning pulp containers; and / or

[0040] - Coating apparatus for internally coating pulp containers; and / or

[0041] - A filling device for filling pulp containers with liquid or paste-like filler materials; and / or

[0042] -A sealing device for sealing pulp containers; and / or

[0043] - Labeling device for labeling pulp containers; and / or

[0044] - A printing apparatus for printing pulp containers; and / or

[0045] - Packaging equipment for packaging pulp containers.

[0046] For example, pulp containers can be designed as bottles, jars, tubes, cartons, small bottles, etc.

[0047] The preferred embodiments and features of this utility model described above can be combined with each other as needed. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Other details and advantages of this utility model will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a container processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a molded body of a container manufacturing apparatus of an exemplary container processing device is shown; and

[0051] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a conveying device via an exemplary container handling equipment is shown.

[0052] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially corresponding, so similar or identical parts are given the same reference numerals. In order to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or figures. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 A container processing apparatus 10 for manufacturing and processing pulp containers 12 is shown.

[0054] The container handling equipment 10 includes a container manufacturing apparatus 14, at least one container handling apparatus 22, and a conveying device 24 with a transport carrier 26. Optionally, the container handling equipment 10 may include a pulp manufacturing apparatus 20.

[0055] The container manufacturing apparatus 14 is configured to manufacture pulp containers 12 from pulp. Preferably, the container manufacturing apparatus 14 can manufacture the pulp containers 12 in each case using a mold, as explained at the beginning of this document, for example. Pulp can be applied to the walls of the mold used to form the pulp containers 12. The mold is preferably composed of multiple parts.

[0056] Figure 2 An exemplary mold body of a preferred embodiment of a mold for manufacturing a pulp container 12 is shown.

[0057] The mold may include, for example, a bottom molding body 16 and one or more mold housings 18. Preferably, the bottom molding body 16 and at least one mold housing 18 may be connected to each other to manufacture the pulp container 12.

[0058] The bottom molded body 16 can be configured to form the bottom of the pulp container 12. The bottom molded body 16 can have a negative mold for the bottom of the pulp container 12 or the container body. Preferably, the upper side of the bottom molded body 16 can have a negative mold. The bottom molded body 16 can be substantially block-shaped, disc-shaped, or plate-shaped. The lower side of the bottom molded body 16 can be configured to allow for safe standing. Preferably, the lower side of the bottom molded body 16 can be configured to be substantially flat or planar.

[0059] At least one mold housing 18 can be configured to mold the container body of the pulp container 12 adjacent to the bottom of the container, preferably including a container opening. The mold housing 18 may have a negative mold for a portion of the container body of the pulp container 12. Preferably, the inner or lower side of the mold housing 18 may have a negative mold. Preferably, exactly two mold housings 18 configured as mold halves are included, one of which is in… Figure 2 The example is shown below.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown and already mentioned, the container handling apparatus 10 may optionally include a pulp manufacturing device 20. The pulp manufacturing device 20 may be configured to produce pulp, for example, from fibers, water, and a binder. The fibers may preferably be plant fibers, such as paper fibers, wood fibers, and / or hemp fibers. The binder may be, for example, an adhesive, such as glue.

[0061] The pulp manufacturing apparatus 20 can be in fluid communication with the container manufacturing apparatus 14. The pulp manufacturing apparatus 20 can supply the pulp it produces to the container manufacturing apparatus 14 via fluid communication. The container manufacturing apparatus 14 can receive pulp from the pulp manufacturing apparatus 20 and manufacture pulp containers 12 therefrom.

[0062] At least one container handling device 22 may be arranged downstream of the container of the container manufacturing device 14.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the container handling equipment 10, at least one container handling device 22 may include one or more container handling devices 22. Preferably, at least one container handling device 22 includes a drying device, a cleaning device, a filling device, a sealing device, a labeling device, a printing device, and / or a packaging device.

[0064] The container processing apparatus can be designed, for example, as a rotary container processing apparatus or a linear container processing apparatus. In each case, the container processing apparatus can have multiple processing stations for simultaneously processing multiple pulp containers 12 or for processing multiple pulp containers 12 with overlapping processing times.

[0065] The drying apparatus can be configured to dry the pulp container 12. For example, the drying apparatus may include a heating device that can heat and thus dry the pulp container 12.

[0066] Preferably, the drying apparatus can be configured to dry the pulp container 12 while it is supported by the transport carrier 26. Alternatively, the drying apparatus can be configured to remove the pulp container 12 from the transport carrier 26, dry the removed pulp container 12, and optionally position the dried pulp container 12 in the same transport carrier 26 for further transport.

[0067] The cleaning device can be configured to clean the pulp container 12, for example, by sterilization. Preferably, the cleaning device can dry clean the pulp container 12, for example by rinsing or rinsing with air.

[0068] Preferably, the cleaning device can be configured to clean the pulp container 12 while it is supported by the transport carrier 26. Alternatively, the cleaning device can be configured to remove the pulp container 12 from the transport carrier 26, clean the removed pulp container 12, and optionally position the cleaned pulp container 12 in the same transport carrier 26 for further transport.

[0069] The coating apparatus can be configured to coat the pulp container 12 from the inside. Preferably, the coating apparatus can apply an airtight and / or liquid-tight coating to the inner wall surface of the pulp container 12.

[0070] The coating apparatus may preferably be configured to coat the pulp container 12 internally while it is supported by the transport carrier 26. Alternatively, the coating apparatus may be configured to remove the pulp container 12 from the transport carrier 26, coat the removed pulp container 12 internally, and optionally position the internally coated pulp container 12 in the same transport carrier 26 for further transport.

[0071] The filling device can be configured to fill the pulp container 12 with a liquid or paste-like filler material. The filling device can fill the pulp container 12 with beverages or food. Preferably, the filling device can have multiple filling stations for filling the pulp container 12. The multiple filling stations can be arranged, for example, around the circumference of a rotary filling device (filling turntable). Alternatively, in the case of a linear filling device, the multiple filling stations can be arranged, for example, side-by-side and / or one after another.

[0072] Preferably, the filling device can be configured to fill the pulp container 12 while it is supported by the transport carrier 26. Alternatively, the filling device can be configured to remove the pulp container 12 from the transport carrier 26, fill the removed pulp container 12, and optionally position the filled pulp container 12 in the same transport carrier 26 for further transport.

[0073] The sealing device can be configured to seal the pulp container 12. For example, the sealing device can seal the pulp container 12 using a lid, cork, crown cork, screw cap, or film. The sealing device can have multiple sealing stations for simultaneously or overlappingly sealing multiple pulp containers 12. For example, the sealing stations can be arranged around the circumference of a rotary sealing device (sealing turntable). Alternatively, in the case of a linear sealing device, multiple sealing stations can be arranged, for example, side-by-side and / or one after another. The sealing device can be located downstream of the container of the filling device.

[0074] Preferably, the sealing device can be configured to seal the pulp container 12 when it is supported by the transport carrier 26. Alternatively, the sealing device can be configured to remove the pulp container 12 from the transport carrier 26, seal the removed pulp container 12, and optionally position the sealed pulp container 12 in the same transport carrier 26 for further transport.

[0075] The labeling device can be configured to label or provide a label to the pulp container 12. The label can be applied to the pulp container 12 by the labeling device, for example, by adhesive. Alternatively, the label can be, for example, self-adhesive, or can be pushed onto the pulp container 12, or can be shrunk onto the pulp container 12.

[0076] Preferably, the labeling device can be configured to label the pulp container 12 while it is supported by the transport carrier 26. Alternatively, the labeling device can be configured to remove the pulp container 12 from the transport carrier 26, label the removed pulp container 12, and optionally position the labeled pulp container 12 in the same transport carrier 26 for further transport.

[0077] The printing apparatus can be configured to print pulp containers 12. Preferably, the printing apparatus can print pulp containers in a direct printing process. For example, the printing apparatus can be a laser or inkjet printing apparatus.

[0078] Preferably, the printing apparatus can be configured to print on the pulp container 12 while it is supported by the transport carrier 26. Alternatively, the printing apparatus can be configured to remove the pulp container 12 from the transport carrier 26, print the removed pulp container 12, and optionally position the printed pulp container 12 in the same transport carrier 26 for further transport.

[0079] The packaging apparatus can be configured to package the pulp containers 12. For example, the packaging apparatus can combine multiple pulp containers, such as two, four, or six pulp containers 12, in each case to form bundles. Preferably, the packaging apparatus can be configured to remove the pulp containers 12 from the transport carrier 26 and combine the removed pulp containers 12 into bundles. The packaging apparatus can also package the pulp containers 12 together with the corresponding transport carrier 26.

[0080] The conveying device 24 has a movable transport carrier 26 for transporting the pulp container 12. The conveying device 24 connects the container manufacturing device 14 to one or more of at least one container handling device 22 by means of the transport carrier 26. The pulp container 12 is transported from the container manufacturing device 14 to one or more of at least one container handling device 22 by means of the transport carrier 26.

[0081] Preferably, the pulp containers 12 can be transported one after another from the transport carrier 26 to multiple container processing units 22. During the processing of the pulp containers 12 by the container processing unit 22, the pulp containers 12 can preferably be further supported by the transport carrier 26. For example, the transport carrier 26 can pass through the container processing unit together with the pulp containers 12, wherein the transport carrier 26 can be supported, for example, at its bottom and / or carried by the clamping device of the container processing unit 22.

[0082] Preferably, the pulp container 12 can travel substantially through the entire container handling equipment 10 from the container manufacturing apparatus 14 starting from the transport carrier 26. Preferably, the transport carrier 26 can travel through the container handling equipment 10 until it reaches the packaging device. The packaging device can be configured to remove the pulp container 12 from the transport carrier 26 and package it into bales as needed. The empty transport carrier 26 can then be transported back to the container manufacturing apparatus 14, for example, in the return path of the conveyor 24.

[0083] Figure 3 A portion of the conveying device 24 with the transport carrier 26 is shown as an example only.

[0084] The transport carrier 26 can be supported and moved at the bottom by the circumferential conveying element 28 of the conveying device 24. The circumferential conveying element 28 can be, for example, a conveyor belt or conveyor chain, such as a pad chain or a hinged belt chain.

[0085] In each case, the transport carrier 26 may have one or more negative molds for the bottom or body of the pulp container 12. Preferably, the upper side of the transport carrier 26 may have a negative mold. For example, the transport carrier 26 may be substantially block-shaped, disc-shaped, or plate-shaped. The lower side of the transport carrier 26 may be configured to allow it to stand safely on the conveying element 28. Preferably, the lower side of the transport carrier 26 may be substantially flat or planar. The transport carrier 26 may preferably be configured as a so-called disc.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally, multiple transport vehicles 26 may be supported and moved during transport clamping devices (e.g., at least one transport star and / or container handling device 22). The clamping devices may be active or passive. The clamping devices may, for example, clamp or grip at least a portion of the transport vehicle 26. This portion may be arranged externally to or within the transport vehicle 26.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the multiple transport carriers 26 may be configured as mobile devices (also referred to as "shuttles" or "mobilizers") of the long stator linear drive, short stator linear drive, or planar motor of the transport device 24 that can move independently of each other.

[0088] During the transport process via container handling equipment 10, transport vehicle 26 can be transported in different transport sections with different transport concepts.

[0089] Particularly preferably, the transport carrier 26 may be supported and transported at the bottom of one or more portions of the container handling equipment 10 by one or more conveying elements 28, and / or supported and transported in one or more other portions of the container handling equipment 10 by a clamping device, and / or supported and transported in one or more other portions of the container handling equipment 10 by a long stator linear drive, a short stator linear drive, or a planar motor.

[0090] The transport carrier 26 may support the pulp container 12 at its bottom. For example, on its upper side, the transport carrier 26 may have a shell shape adapted to the shape of the bottom of the pulp container 12. Alternatively or additionally, the transport carrier 26 may support the pulp container 12 on a support ring of the pulp container 12, preferably a neck ring, or on its container neck, for example in a so-called neck treatment (not shown).

[0091] Preferably, the transport carrier 26 supports the pulp container 12 in such a way that the pulp container 12 can be handled by the container handling device 22.

[0092] For example, the transport carrier 26 may preferably support the pulp container 12 on its bottom and / or its neck ring, such that the outer surface of the pulp container 12 is accessible. Therefore, preferably, when the pulp container 12 is supported by the transport carrier 26, the pulp container 12 may be labeled and / or printed by at least one container handling device 22.

[0093] The transport carrier 26 may also support the pulp container 12, preferably on its bottom and / or neck ring, so that the inner surface of the pulp container 12 is accessible. Therefore, preferably, when the pulp container 12 is supported by the transport carrier 26, the pulp container 12 can be internally coated and / or cleaned by at least one container handling device 22.

[0094] Similarly, the transport carrier 26 may support the pulp container 12, preferably at its bottom and / or on its neck ring, so that the opening of the pulp container 12 is accessible. Therefore, preferably, when the pulp container is supported by the transport carrier 26, the pulp container 12 can be filled and / or closed by at least one container handling device 22.

[0095] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transport carrier 26 is the container manufacturing apparatus 14 (see...). Figure 1 The bottom molded body 16 (see) Figure 2 Therefore, the pulp container 12 can preferably be transported directly to at least one subsequent container handling device 22 during the manufacture of its bottom mold 16. Alternatively, for example, the pulp container 12 can be positioned in a transport carrier 26 after being manufactured in a mold of the container manufacturing device 14. Therefore, the transport carrier 26 can also be designed separately from the bottom mold 16.

[0096] although Figure 1 and Figure 3 An embodiment is shown in which a single transport carrier 26 supports a single pulp container 12, but the transport carrier 26 may also support multiple pulp containers 12. In this case, the transport carrier 26 may also be the bottom molded body 16.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown in the example, the transport carrier 26 may have a heating device 30 for drying the pulp container 12. The heating device 30 may preferably be arranged in the bottom of the transport carrier 26. The heating device 30 may preferably be located at the bottom of the pulp container 12 which is supported for drying.

[0098] For example, the heating device 30 can be an induction heating device, an ultraviolet heating device, a microwave heating device, or a radiant heating device. The heat input from the heating device 30 to the pulp container 12 can be achieved, for example, by direct contact, by radiation (e.g., microwave or infrared radiation), or by convection (e.g., by a fan of the heating device 30).

[0099] The heating device 30 can preferably be powered wirelessly to convert energy into heat for heating. Preferably, the heating device 30 can be powered by electromagnetic induction from the electromagnet 32. The electromagnet 32 ​​can preferably be included in the conveying device 24, for example, below the circumferential conveying element 28.

[0100] Preferably, the heating device 30 can dry the pulp container 12 immediately after its manufacture. As previously mentioned, this is particularly effective when the transport carrier 26 is also the bottom molded body 16. Typically, the drying of the pulp container 12 by the heating device 30 can be carried out continuously during transport, or only in one or more sections of the transport path of the conveyor 24.

[0101] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Instead, numerous variations and modifications are possible, which also utilize the concepts of this invention and therefore fall within its scope of protection.

[0102] List of reference numerals

[0103] 10 Container handling equipment

[0104] 12 Pulp Containers

[0105] 14 Container manufacturing apparatus

[0106] 16 Bottom Molded Body

[0107] 18 Mold shell

[0108] 20 Pulp Manufacturing Unit

[0109] 22 Container handling equipment

[0110] 24 Conveying device

[0111] 26. Transport vehicle

[0112] 28 Conveying elements

[0113] 30 Heating device

[0114] 32. Electromagnet.

Claims

1. A container handling apparatus (10), comprising: Container manufacturing apparatus (14) for making pulp containers (12) from pulp; At least one container handling device (22) for processing the pulp container (12); and A conveying device (24) having multiple movable transport carriers (26) is configured to support and transport the pulp container (12), wherein the conveying device (24) connects the container manufacturing device (14) and the at least one container handling device (22) to each other via the multiple transport carriers (26).

2. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein, It meets at least one of the following characteristics: The conveying device (24) has at least one circumferential conveying element (28), and the plurality of transport carriers (26) are supported at the bottom of the circumferential conveying element; The conveying device (24) and / or the at least one container handling device (22) have multiple clamping devices for supporting the plurality of transport carriers (26); The plurality of transport carriers (26) are configured as mobile devices of the long stator linear drive, short stator linear drive or planar motor of the conveying device (24) that can move independently of each other. The plurality of transport carriers (26) are configured to support the pulp container (12) at the bottom; The plurality of transport carriers (26) are configured to support the pulp container (12) on a corresponding support ring of the pulp container (12) or on a corresponding container neck of the pulp container (12); The plurality of transport carriers (26) are configured to support the pulp container (12) such that the respective outer sheath surfaces of the pulp container (12) are accessible for labeling or printing on the pulp container (12); the respective inner sheath surfaces of the pulp container (12) are accessible for internal coating and / or cleaning of the pulp container (12); and / or the respective container openings of the pulp container (12) are accessible for filling and / or sealing the pulp container (12).

3. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The at least one container handling device (22) includes a plurality of container handling devices (22), and the conveying device (24) connects the container manufacturing device (14) and the plurality of container handling devices (22) via the plurality of transport carriers (26); and / or The at least one container handling device (22) is configured to handle the pulp container (12) while the pulp container (12) is supported by the plurality of transport carriers (26).

4. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of transport carriers (26) has a heating device (30) for drying the pulp container (12).

5. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: Pulp manufacturing apparatus (20) for producing pulp from fibers, water and binders. The pulp manufacturing device (20) is in fluid communication with the container manufacturing device (14) and is used to supply the pulp to the container manufacturing device (14).

6. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The circumferential conveying element (28) is a conveyor belt or conveyor chain.

7. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of transport carriers (26) are configured to surround the pulp container (12) at the bottom.

8. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of transport carriers (26) are configured to support the pulp container (12) on the respective neck rings of the pulp container (12).

9. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The conveying device (24) connects the container manufacturing device (14) and the container handling device (22) one after another via the plurality of transport carriers (26).

10. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of transport carriers (26) has a heating device (30) located at the bottom for drying the pulp container (12).

11. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of transport carriers (26) has a heating device (30) located at the bottom for drying the pulp container (12) at the bottom.

12. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The heating device (30) is an induction heating device, an ultraviolet heating device, a microwave heating device, or a radiant heating device; and / or Energy is supplied to the heating device (30) through electromagnetic induction.

13. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The pulp manufacturing apparatus (20) is used to manufacture pulp from plant fibers, water and binders.

14. The container handling apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one container handling device (22) includes: A drying apparatus for drying the pulp container (12); and / or A cleaning device for cleaning the pulp container (12); and / or A coating device for internal coating of the pulp container (12); and / or A filling device for filling the pulp container (12) with liquid or paste-like filler material; and / or A sealing device for sealing the pulp container (12); and / or A labeling device for labeling the pulp container (12); and / or A printing apparatus for printing the pulp container (12); and / or Packaging apparatus for packaging the pulp container (12).

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