Device for transporting containers with magnetic drive

Abstract

Device (1) for transporting containers with a transport track (2) and a plurality of transport elements (4) which are arranged to be movable with respect to this transport track, wherein the transport elements (4) are at least partially drivable by means of a magnetic force, wherein the transport track has a plurality of magnetic elements (22, 24) and at least one magnetizable element is also arranged on the transport elements (4), and wherein by controlling the magnetic elements (22, 24) of the transport track, a movement of the transport elements with respect to the transport track can be achieved, characterized in that an electrically operated working element (6) is arranged on the transport element (4), which can be inductively supplied with electrical energy, wherein the movements of the individual transport elements are controlled independently of one another, and the working element is a rotary drive which rotates the containers relative to the longitudinal axis by a predetermined angle of rotation and the magnetic elements of the transport track also serve to supply the working element with electricity.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for transporting containers. Such devices and methods have long been known from the prior art and are used, for example, to transport containers during their production from a first treatment station, such as a blow molding machine, to a further treatment station, such as a filler. These are usually star wheels or the like, on which a plurality of holding elements for holding the containers are arranged and which thus transport these containers along a predetermined transport path. In addition, chain conveyors are also known, which have said holding elements for holding the containers on a chain. These transport devices have the disadvantage that the pitch of the individual holding elements is fixed and cannot be varied.In addition, these devices do not allow for variable transport speeds of individual holding elements.

[0002] For example, DE 10 2007 047 000 A1, JP H09-283 591 A, JP H06-54 403 A and DE 10 2010 018 153 A1 describe transport devices for transporting containers.

[0003] Transport devices are also known from the prior art in which the principle of a linear motor is used to move the transport elements. Such devices typically comprise a plurality of stationary electromagnets, as well as transport elements that are movable relative to them and can also comprise magnetic means, such as permanent magnets. However, such devices have the problem that the transport elements are purely passive elements that cannot perform any processing operations on the containers. However, it would often be desirable to carry out certain treatment processes during the transport of the individual containers, such as sterilization processes, loading processes, inspection processes, or even simply opening and closing the holding elements to enable transfer to further transport devices.However, this has so far proven difficult because the movement or drive for the movement is also carried out by magnetic forces and a corresponding energy transfer for such drives arranged on the transport elements is difficult to achieve.

[0004] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a transport device based on magnetic forces for transporting containers, which also provides the possibility of arranging electrically operated working elements on these transport elements. This is achieved according to the invention by a device and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A device according to the invention for transporting containers has a circulating or non-circulating transport track and at least one transport element which is arranged to be movable relative to this transport track. This transport element can be driven at least partially by means of a magnetic force. Furthermore, the transport track has a plurality of magnetic elements, and at least one magnetizable element is also arranged on the transport element. Furthermore, by controlling the magnetic elements (of the transport track and / or the transport element), movement of the transport element relative to the transport track can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the transport track can be a circulating transport track.

[0006] According to the invention, an electrically operated working element (hereinafter also referred to as an electrically operated drive device) is arranged on the transport element, which can be supplied with electrical energy inductively. It is therefore proposed that a transport element, and in particular a plurality of transport elements, be provided, which are movable relative to the transport path by magnetic forces, wherein the said drive device or working element is provided on at least one of these transport elements, which is also preferably supplied with power inductively.

[0007] For example, this working element or drive device can be a control which, for example, controls the holding element in order to hold or release the container. For example, the holding elements can be designed as both active and passive holding elements, i.e. the container can also be released or held actively, for example by magnetic forces. An electric drive device is understood to be a drive device selected from a group of working elements or drive devices which contains electric motors, in particular rotary or linear motors, magnetic elements and the like. The energy for generating the movement of the transport element relative to the transport track is preferably transmitted without contact. The energy for the drive device is also advantageously transmitted without contact.

[0008] It is advantageous that at least one transport element is designed in such a way that it can compensate for a speed difference of a transport with respect to a treatment device for the containers preceding the transport device and a treatment device following the transport device on its paths with respect to the transport path.

[0009] According to the invention, the device comprises a plurality of transport elements that are movable relative to the transport path and whose movements relative to the transport path can be controlled independently of one another. In this way, different pitch distances, for example, can be set very individually.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport track has at least one buffer section into which at least one of the at least one transport element can run in order to change the density of the transport elements on the transport track.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport track is designed as a magnetic levitation track of a magnetic sliding track. However, it would also be conceivable for the individual transport elements to slide along the transport track on rollers.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one transport element is mounted fully magnetically or partially magnetically and partially mechanically on the transport track.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport path can have any desired geometric shape. Thus, in the area where the transport elements carry containers, the transport path can have a substantially straight path, but can also have curved paths if necessary.

[0014] According to the invention, the device has a rotating device which rotates the containers with respect to their longitudinal axis through a predetermined angle of rotation. In this case, the drive device is a rotary drive which effects said rotation. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one treatment device is arranged along the transport track, which serves to treat the containers transported by the transport elements. It is possible for several such treatment devices to be arranged, for example, in series or parallel to one another. It would thus be possible for a large number of similar treatment elements, i.e. treatment elements which each carry out the same treatment step, to be arranged parallel or next to one another. However, it would also be possible for several treatment elements which carry out different treatment steps to be arranged on the transport track.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport elements are mounted on the transport track by means of roller elements and in particular rollers.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport elements each have magnetic elements that serve to achieve the movement, wherein these magnetic elements are preferably permanent magnets. Advantageously, further magnetic elements are provided that serve to supply energy to the drive device. Advantageously, the magnetic elements arranged on the transport element, which serve to move the transport element as a whole, and the magnetic elements (arranged on the transport element) that serve to supply energy to the drive device, are arranged offset from one another, and in particular offset from one another in a transport direction of the transport elements.Preferably, those magnetic elements of the transport element which serve to supply the drive device are arranged in a direction of movement of the transport element in front of the said permanent magnets (which serve to generate the movement).

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport elements have energy storage means for supplying the drive devices with electrical energy. It is possible for these energy storage means to be charged by the inductive measures described above. In addition, voltage smoothing means can also be provided, which smooth a supplied voltage for output to the drive device. Rectification devices can also be provided for rectifying the inductively supplied voltage.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one (electrical) coil element is provided on the transport device, which serves to supply electrical energy to the drive device. By means of this coil, currents can be generated or induced by the magnets arranged on the transport track, which in turn are fed to the drive device. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures. This coil element can be wound around a core. The ends of this core preferably point toward the transport track or its electromagnets. This coil element is preferably in electrically conductive connection with the drive device.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the magnetic elements of the transport track are at least partially electromagnets. By appropriately controlling these electromagnets, it is possible, on the one hand, to achieve movement of the transport elements relative to the transport track; on the other hand, it is also possible to supply the drive device with electrical energy inductively by appropriate control.

[0020] According to the invention, the magnetic elements of the transport track also serve to supply the drive device with electricity. Advantageously, at least one magnetic element, through appropriate control, is suitable both for achieving the movement of the transport element as a whole and for supplying the drive device. However, it would also be possible, for example, for two parallel tracks of magnets to be arranged on the transport track, with one of these tracks serving to generate the movement and the other to supply the drive device.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a control device that supplies the magnetic elements with a movement-generating voltage, which causes movement of the transport elements, and / or that supplies the magnetic elements with an activator voltage, which supplies the drive device with electrical energy. Advantageously, both voltages are alternating voltages. This allows the speed of the transport element relative to the transport path to be controlled, as well as the activation or actuation of the drive device.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the activator voltage has a higher frequency than the movement-generating voltage. With the movement-generating voltage, it is possible, for example, for the individual magnets to be magnetized in a predetermined sequence, thus pulling the transport element forward by the magnetic force. In contrast, the voltages used to operate the at least one working element on the transport element have a higher frequency so as not to impair the movement of the transport element.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport track has a plurality of coil elements to supply the magnetic elements. It is possible for two adjacent electromagnet ends to be supplied by one coil each, so that, depending on the current direction within the coil, one of the two areas becomes the positive magnetic pole and the other the negative magnetic pole.

[0024] The present invention is further directed to a method for transporting containers, wherein the containers are moved by a plurality of transport elements along a preferably, but not necessarily, circulating transport path. The transport path comprises a plurality of magnetic elements, and the movement of the transport elements along the transport path is generated by a magnetic force. At least one magnetizable element is also arranged on the transport elements, which serves to advance the transport element along the transport path.

[0025] According to the invention, a drive device operable by electrical energy is arranged on at least one transport element and this drive device is also supplied with electrical energy inductively.

[0026] The containers are preferably plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles or plastic preforms. Advantageously, the containers are transported from a first treatment facility, which treats these containers in a first predetermined manner, to a second treatment facility, which treats the containers in a second predetermined manner.

[0027] Advantageously, the magnetic elements of the transport path are supplied with a movement-generating voltage, which causes the movement of the transport elements, and with an activator voltage, which supplies the drive device with electrical energy. Preferably, the respective voltages are supplied simultaneously, at least for some periods. However, it would also be possible for the drive devices to not be supplied continuously, but rather, for example, only at certain track sections. For example, it would be possible for energy storage devices, such as batteries or capacitors, to be provided on the transport elements and for these to be charged, for example, in those areas where no container is located on the transport elements.

[0028] In a further advantageous method, a first magnetic field, which causes the movement of the transport elements, is transmitted in a first predetermined region relative to the transport element, and a second magnetic field, which supplies the drive device with electrical energy, is transmitted in a second region relative to the transport element. The two regions are advantageously offset from one another. Advantageously, said second region lies in front of the first region in a transport direction of the transport element relative to the transport path.

[0029] However, it would also be possible for the two magnetic fields to be transmitted in the same areas, and in particular by the same magnetic elements. Thus, the magnetic elements could, on the one hand, achieve the movement of the respective transport element, but at the same time, the voltage applied to these magnetic elements could be modulated by another voltage that serves to power the electric drive device.

[0030] Advantageously, the transport elements are moved relative to the transport track by means of roller bodies.

[0031] In a further advantageous method, the transport elements are moved in one plane and particularly preferably in a horizontal plane.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport elements are moved at least partially along a transport path with a finite curvature. Advantageously, the transport elements are also moved along a transport path with different curvature directions, i.e., with curvature radii that have different signs.

[0033] Advantageously, the movement of at least one transport element is controlled independently of the movement of at least a second transport element. This means that, for example, a relative speed of a specific transport element can change compared to the relative speed of a second transport element during the transport of the transport elements relative to the transport path.

[0034] Advantageously, a pitch between two successive transport elements changes at least temporarily during transport along the transport path.

[0035] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the attached figures: Fig. 1 An arrangement for treating containers with a device according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a detailed representation of a device according to the invention.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a system for treating containers. This arrangement comprises a first treatment machine 10, which treats the containers in a predetermined manner. In addition, the arrangement comprises a second treatment machine 20, which is arranged downstream of the first treatment machine in a transport direction of the containers and which treats the containers in a second predetermined manner. For example, the first device can be an oven that heats plastic preforms, and the second treatment device can be a forming device that forms the (heated) plastic preforms into plastic containers. However, other arrangements or combinations of machines would also be conceivable, for example a forming device and a filling device arranged downstream of this, a filling device and a closing device arranged downstream of this, and the like.

[0037] Between these two devices 10, 20 is a device 1 according to the invention for transporting plastic containers. This device 1 comprises a stationary transport track 2, opposite which a plurality of transport elements 4 move. However, only three of these transport elements are shown in detail here. This allows the individual transport elements to move along the closed transport track 2. This transport track comprises a support relative to which the individual transport elements can move.

[0038] However, the invention allows for independent control of the movements of the individual transport elements. For example, the pitch between two adjacent transport elements can be increased or decreased to virtually any desired size. The transport elements can also be moved faster or slower independently of one another.

[0039] Furthermore, the procedure according to the invention offers the advantage that the transport path can also be adapted to the designs of the subsequent devices, here in particular to a circular transport path that results in the region of the first treatment device 10 and the second treatment device 20. The individual transport elements here have a carrier 46 and a holding element 48 arranged thereon for holding the plastic containers (not shown). During operation, it would be possible, for example, for the plastic preforms to be taken over by the first device 10 for treating plastic containers and then moved relatively quickly to the region of the second device, where they are again transported at a speed adapted to the second treatment device 20.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed representation of a device 1 according to the invention. The transport track 2 is again shown. This transport track 2 has a plurality of magnetic elements 22, 24. These are connected in series and each have a magnetic core around which a coil 26, 28 is wound. By appropriately controlling this coil, the magnetic elements 22, 24 can be controlled as desired.

[0041] A transport element 4, designated as a whole by 4, can move movably relative to this (stationary) transport track 2. For this purpose, rollers 42 are provided here, by means of which the transport element can roll relative to the transport track 2.

[0042] However, it would also be possible for the transport element 4 to be designed in the manner of a magnetic levitation train. By appropriately wiring the successive magnetic elements 22, 24, the transport element 4 can be moved, for example, in the direction from left to right in the figure (arrow P1). For this purpose, magnetizable elements, in particular permanent magnets 44, 46, are also arranged on the transport element 4. These are preferably provided with alternating polarities. Fig. In the situation shown in Figure 2, the transport element is still pulled to the right by the corresponding magnetization of the magnetic elements 22, 24.

[0043] Additionally, a drive device 6 is arranged on the transport element 4. This is shown only schematically here, and it can be any type of electric drive, in particular electric motors, electromagnets, and the like.

[0044] Preferably, this drive device can carry out a work process with the container to be transported.

[0045] In addition, the transport element 2 has a further coil arrangement 64 and an iron core 62. By means of this arrangement, current or voltage can be supplied to the drive device 6 via an alternating magnetic field. Preferably, the drive device 6 can thus be supplied with voltage without contact. For this purpose, a (high-frequency) alternating voltage is applied to the coil 28 of the magnetic element 24, which generates a corresponding alternating magnetic field. The drive device 6 can be supplied with current via this alternating magnetic field.

[0046] Reference numeral 50 denotes a control device which controls the individual magnetic elements. It should be noted that the individual magnetic elements 22 and 24, depending on their position, can serve both to move the transport element 4 and to supply power to the drive device 6. Thus, if, for example, the transport element 4 is moving from the Fig.2 has moved one position further, the magnetic element 24 takes over the movement or the further pulling of the transport element and the further magnetic element 34 adjoining the magnetic element 24 to the right takes over the voltage supply of the drive device 6. This means that during operation the application of the alternating electric field to the magnetic elements 22, 24 to supply the drive device also moves, preferably at the same speed with which the transport element 4 moves relative to the transport track 2.

[0047] Preferably, therefore, the distance between a magnetic element, which is currently responsible for the energy supply of the drive element 6, and a magnetic element, which is currently responsible for the movement of the transport element 4, remains constant.

[0048] In other words, the control device is designed in such a way that the respective switching of the alternating field or the alternating current for the magnetic elements follows at the same speed as the magnetization wave advances, which in turn is responsible for the movement of the transport element 4.

[0049] However, as mentioned, the same magnetic element could also be used at a certain point in time both for the generation of the transport element in its entirety and for the electrical supply of the drive device 6.

[0050] However, it would also be possible for magnetic elements to be provided exclusively for moving the transport element 4, and for example, for magnetic elements arranged in parallel to be responsible exclusively for the power supply to the drive device 6. In this case, it would also be conceivable for the power supply or wiring of these two magnetic elements to move at the same speed, in particular at the speed of the transport elements relative to the transport track 2.

[0051] Thus, the coil device 64 can preferably form a pair with the coil devices of the transport track, which is essentially constructed like a transformer. In addition to the actual magnetic field, which serves to move the transport element, the aforementioned second magnetic field can move along with the two poles. This second magnetic field changes direction at a higher frequency, thus generating an alternating magnetic field relative to the coil device 64.

[0052] Preferably, this second magnetic field can be switched on and off at will, which is also due to the design of the arrangement as a linear motor. This induced voltage can, as mentioned above, be used, for example, to switch an electromagnet or electric cylinder, thus performing an action such as clamping, rotating, or moving in any position and for any length of time.

[0053] Preferably, this switching process or this supply of power to the drive device in the control device represents a second movement device, which is arranged at a fixed distance from the first drive, which is responsible for moving the transport element. Control software can be provided to change the magnetic field to supply the drive device at a higher frequency.

[0054] In addition, it would also be possible for the device to have triggering devices that switch the power supply of the drive device on or off at predetermined positions of the transport element relative to the transport path. For example, a light barrier device could be arranged on the transport element and / or on the transport path, which detects a position of the transport element 4. Preferably, the drive device can be controlled depending on the position of the transport element 4 relative to the transport path thus detected.

[0055] However, it would also be conceivable that a position of the transport element with respect to the transport path is determined by the transport path or on the basis of currents induced here.

[0056] For example, a gripping device arranged on the transport element 4 for gripping the containers could be controlled in such a way that it grips a container at a predetermined position of the container and / or releases the grip of the container at a further predetermined position of the transport element with respect to the transport path.

[0057] It would be possible for commands to be transmitted to the drive device (e.g., by means of a suitable modulation of the signal) together with the supply energy for electrically supplying the drive device, for example, control commands for the drive device.

[0058] It would also be possible for several drive devices to be arranged on at least one transport element (4). It would be possible for these drive elements to be controlled or supplied with energy independently of one another. This energy could be transmitted in the manner described above, i.e., inductively.

[0059] It would also be possible for a processor device or a control device for controlling the drive device to be arranged on the transport element. Furthermore, it is also possible for the device to have a detection device for detecting a position of a drive element of the drive device.

[0060] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are new, individually or in combination, compared to the prior art. List of reference symbols 1 device according to the invention 2 transport track 4 transport elements 6 Drive device 10 first treatment machine 20 second treatment machine 22, 24, 34 Variety of magnetic elements 26, 28 coil 42 carriers 44, 46 permanent magnets 48 Holding element 50 Control device 62 iron core 64 coil arrangement

Claims

[1] Device (1) for transporting containers with a transport track (2) and a plurality of transport elements (4) which are arranged to be movable with respect to this transport track, wherein the transport elements (4) are at least partially drivable by means of a magnetic force, wherein the transport track has a plurality of magnetic elements (22, 24) and at least one magnetizable element is also arranged on the transport elements (4), and wherein by controlling the magnetic elements (22, 24) of the transport track, a movement of the transport elements relative to the transport track can be achieved, characterized by , that an electrically operated working element (6) is arranged on the transport element (4), which can be inductively supplied with electrical energy, wherein the movements of the individual transport elements are controlled independently of one another, and the working element is a rotary drive which rotates the containers relative to the longitudinal axis by a predetermined angle of rotation and the magnetic elements of the transport track also serve to supply the working element with electricity. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one coil element (64) is provided on the transport element (4), which serves to provide the electrical energy to the working element (6). [3] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the magnetic elements (22, 24) of the transport track (2) are at least partially electromagnets (22, 24). [4] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the device (1) has a control device (50) which supplies the magnetic elements (22, 24) with a movement-generating voltage by which a movement of the transport elements (4) is caused and / or which supplies the magnetic elements (22, 24) with an activator voltage which supplies the working element (6) with electrical energy. [5] Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the activator voltage has a higher frequency than the movement generation voltage [6] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transport path (2) has a plurality of coil elements (26, 28) to supply the magnetic elements (22, 24). [7] Method for transporting containers, wherein the containers are moved along a transport track (2) by a plurality of transport elements (4), wherein the transport track (2) has a plurality of magnetic elements (22, 24) and wherein the movement of the transport elements (4) along the transport track (2) is generated by a magnetic force, wherein at least one magnetizable element (44, 46) is also arranged on the transport elements (2), which serves to move the transport elements (4) along the transport track (2), characterized bythat at least one working element (6) operable by electrical energy is arranged on at least one transport element (4), and this at least one working element (6) is also inductively supplied with electrical energy, wherein the movements of individual transport elements are controlled independently of one another, and the working element is a rotary drive which rotates the containers with respect to the longitudinal axis by a predetermined angle of rotation, and the magnetic elements of the transport track also serve to supply the working element with electricity. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by that the magnetic elements (22, 24) are supplied with a movement-generating voltage, by which the movement of the transport elements (4) is caused, and with an activator voltage, which supplies the drive device (6) with electrical energy. [9] Method according to claim 7, characterized bythat a first magnetic field, which causes the movement of the transport elements (4), is transmitted in a first predetermined area relative to the transport element (4) and a second magnetic field, which supplies the drive device (6) with electrical energy, is transmitted in a second area relative to the transport element (4), and the two areas are offset from one another.

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