Device and method for locking and unlocking a transport route for containers or sealing means for containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for locking and unlocking a transport path (24) for containers (12) of containers made of thermoplastic material, in particular preforms, or closure means (12a) for containers, comprising a first guide element (20) for carrying a first retaining collar section (16) of containers or for guiding a first side section (16a) of a closure means (12a) and a second guide element (22) for carrying a second retaining collar section (18) of the containers (12) or for guiding a second side section (18a) of a closure means (12a), wherein the transport path (24) extends between the guide elements (20, 22), and at least one locking element (26) for the containers (12) or closure means (12a) moved along the transport path (24), wherein the locking element (26) is pivotably mounted about an axis of rotation (28) and is located between a first functional position,The device is pivotable in two positions: in which the locking element (26) releases the transport path (24) for the containers (12) or closure means (12a), and in which the locking element (26) blocks the transport path (24) for the containers (12) or closure means (12a). The invention provides a device that offers improved energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness as well as increased handling flexibility.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for blocking and releasing a transport path for containers made of thermoplastic material, in particular preforms, or closure means for containers.

[0002] Plastic containers can be manufactured using blow molding or hydraulic forming. Rotary machines are used for large-scale production. A transfer device successively picks up a large number of plastic preforms from a feeder. The preforms are containers that can be formed. The transfer device transfers the plastic preforms to a heating device for heating the preforms. After heating, the preforms are transferred to a transport wheel, which then transfers the preforms to a large number of forming units on a forming device.

[0003] The preforms are separated using a loading star, to which the preforms are delivered via the feed device. A locking finger can stop and release the transport of the preforms between the feed device and the loading star. The transport of the preforms is stopped, for example, when the loading star or the container production device needs to be emptied of preforms and finished containers. The locking finger is moved linearly between the preforms. This can lead to machine failure in the event of a collision with a preform. The same applies to closure devices for containers.

[0004] DE 10 2020 130 535 A1 discloses a locking star that can be driven by a stepper motor. The locking star serves to mechanically release and block the feed of preforms into the heating module. As long as the locking star is rotated, the preforms are fed. As soon as the locking star stops, the preform feed is stopped.

[0005] Furthermore, FR 2487308 A1 discloses a device for separating bottles on a conveyor belt, in which two levers can be pivoted into a locking position to position a first bottle stationary, separate from a subsequent bottle, for processing the first bottle. For this purpose, the levers are arranged one behind the other along the transport direction.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method which have improved energy efficiency and cost efficiency as well as increased flexibility in handling.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] In a device for blocking and releasing a transport path for containers made of thermoplastic material, in particular preforms, or closure means for containers, in particular caps or lids, etc., comprising a first guide element for supporting a first holding collar section of containers or for guiding a first side section of closure means and a second guide element for supporting a second holding collar section of the containers or for guiding a second side section of a closure means, wherein the transport path extends between the guide elements, as well as at least one blocking element for the containers or closure means moved along the transport path, according to the invention it is provided that the blocking element is mounted at least pivotably about an axis of rotation and is pivotable between a first functional position in which the blocking element releases the transport path for the containers or closure means, and a second functional position in which the blocking element blocks the transport path for the containers or closure means.

[0009] The invention provides a device in which containers, in particular preforms, which are carried on their holding collar by the first guide element and the second guide element, or closure means which are guided laterally between the guide elements, can be held gently and safely, in particular at high transport speeds. The containers or closure means are transported along a transport path which is arranged between the guide elements and can be defined by the guide elements. Furthermore, the containers can be suspended from the holding collar between the guide elements. The guide elements can be designed to be inclined in the transport direction such that the containers can slide along the guide elements in the transport direction simply by gravity.The closure means can similarly be mounted on an inclined rail so that they slide along the rail guided by gravity between the guide elements. In this way, a chain of containers or closure means can move along the transport path. The blocking element is arranged on the transport path in such a way that it opens the transport path in a first functional position and can block the transport path in the second functional position. When the transport path is blocked, the containers or closure means cannot overcome the position of the blocking element on the transport path. The blocking element is pivoted or rotated about a rotation axis between the first functional position and the second functional position. The blocking element can be mounted so that it can rotate completely about the rotation axis, without this precluding the blocking element from also being mounted so that it can only pivot about an arc of a circle.Due to the pivoting movement of the locking element when changing to the second functional position, the main force vector does not act perpendicular to the transport direction of the containers or closure means, but at an angle that is at least partially oriented in the transport direction. This prevents damage to the containers or closure means in the event of possible collisions between the locking element and the containers or closure means when transferring to the second functional position. The containers or closure means can thus be stopped more gently than in the prior art. Furthermore, the device can come into contact with the container or closure means to be stopped at different heights, so that the device can be flexibly arranged at different heights along the transport path.In this way, the device can be positioned optimally for the respective transport route, thus making optimal use of the available space. Furthermore, the invention requires comparatively few parts, making it cost-effective to manufacture and use.

[0010] It is conceivable, for example, that the locking element can be mounted on one of the guide elements.

[0011] This allows the locking element to be pivotably mounted on the guide element. The guide element thus serves as a bearing for the locking element, saving on components. Furthermore, the locking element can be used even in confined spaces.

[0012] If multiple blocking elements are provided in an example, the blocking elements can be distributed across all guide elements. Then, for example, a blocking effect can be exerted on a container or closure device that is moved into the area of ​​the blocking elements from two sides of the transport path.

[0013] According to one example, the locking element may be arranged flush with the first guide element or the second guide element and preferably form a guide portion for supporting a retaining collar portion of containers or guiding a side portion of closure means.

[0014] In the first functional position, the locking element can thus be flush with the first guide element and also be designed as a component of the guide element. In the first functional position, the locking element can then provide a supporting function for the corresponding retaining collar section of the container or a guiding function for the closure means along the transport path. The retaining collars of the containers or the side sections of the closure means, which are moved along the transport path, can then slide over the locking element along the guide element.

[0015] In the second functional position, the blocking element can still be pivoted into the transport path in order to protrude into the transport path as a barrier for the containers or closure means.

[0016] According to a further example, the locking element in the second functional position can be designed to contact a container above or below one of the retaining collar sections of the container.

[0017] The locking element can thus engage a body of the container or a mouth area of ​​the container when in the second functional position. This further increases the flexibility of the locking element's arrangement along the transport path. In the case of closure devices, the locking element can engage any side.

[0018] Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that the locking element can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a lever arm for connection to a drive device, wherein the axis of rotation is arranged between the locking element and the lever arm.

[0019] The locking element can thus be pivoted between the first functional position and the second functional position using the lever arm. For this purpose, a drive device can pivot the lever arm around the rotation axis. Due to the rotationally fixed connection between the locking element and the lever arm, the locking element is then pivoted simultaneously.

[0020] The blocking element can, for example, be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to at least one driver element for the containers or closure means transported along the transport path, wherein the driver element is designed to carry the at least one container or closure means or at least one container or closure means following the container or closure means when the blocking element changes from the second functional position to the first functional position.

[0021] The driver element can accelerate the container or closure means previously held by the blocking element when changing from the second functional position to the first functional position. Furthermore, at least one, preferably immediately following, container or closure means can also be accelerated by the driver element or further driver elements. Further following containers or closure means can be accelerated by further driver elements until the blocking element is back in the first functional position and before the blocking element changes over to the second functional position again. In this way, the containers or closure means arranged at the head of the preform chain guided by the guide elements can be actively accelerated in addition to any passive acceleration that may occur.The device then combines several functions at once, with only slightly more or no additional components being required.

[0022] The at least one driver element can be designed, for example, as a projection that can be further inserted into the transport path, for example, between the stopped container or closure device and its successor. By pivoting the driver element in the transport direction, the driver element can push the container or closure device. If additional driver elements are connected to the locking element in a rotationally fixed manner, they can be pivoted into the transport path between the subsequent containers or closure devices in order to further accelerate them through the pivoting movement in the transport direction.

[0023] In one example, the locking element and the driver elements can form a gear ring arch that can be rotated about the rotation axis. The gear ring arch can be designed such that, in the first functional position, neither the locking element nor any of the driver elements protrude into the transport path.

[0024] Furthermore, the device can, for example, have a drive device for the locking element, wherein the drive device is preferably designed as a linear drive or as a rotary drive.

[0025] This increases the flexibility of drive selection. In particular, the locking element can be connected to the linear drive via a connecting rod, allowing the locking element to rotate completely around the rotational axis. With the rotary drive, the locking element can be driven, for example, via a belt drive or directly via the axis to achieve the pivoting movement.

[0026] According to another example, the locking element may have a direction of rotation when changing from the first functional position to the second functional position, which corresponds to a direction of rotation when changing from the second functional position to the first functional position.

[0027] The locking element can be driven with both the linear drive and the rotary drive in such a way that the locking element can perform a complete rotation around the axis of rotation. This allows the locking element to be rotated from the first functional position to the second functional position. The locking element can remain in the second functional position until the containers or closure devices no longer need to be stopped. The locking element can then be rotated further around the axis of rotation in the same direction of rotation as when it changed from the first functional position to the second functional position. Ideally, the direction of rotation on the transport path corresponds to the direction in which the containers or closure devices are transported. This means that the locking element can then change back to the first functional position from the second functional position.

[0028] According to a further example, the blocking element may comprise a shock-absorbing material which, in the second functional position, is arranged at a contact region of the blocking element with a container or closure means.

[0029] When switching to the second functional position, in which the locking element is pivoted into the transport path of the container or closure device, a controlled collision occurs with a container or closure device that hits the locking element. The shock absorber material can reduce the likelihood of damage to the stopped container or closure device.

[0030] The invention further relates to a feed system for containers or closure means for containers for a plant for producing and / or treating containers or closure means for containers, comprising at least one device according to the preceding description and a transfer section for transferring containers or closure means to a system of the plant, wherein the device is arranged upstream of the transfer section in the transport direction of the containers or closure means.

[0031] The advantages and effects, as well as further developments, of the feeding system arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments, of the device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a plant for producing and / or treating containers or closure means for containers, comprising a device according to the preceding description and / or a feed system according to the preceding description and at least one system for producing and / or treating containers or closure means, wherein the device is arranged upstream of the at least one system in the transport direction of the containers or closure means.

[0033] The advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the system, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the device and the feed system described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.

[0034] The invention further relates to a method for blocking and releasing a transport path for containers made of thermoplastic material, in particular preforms, or closure means for containers by means of a device according to the preceding description and / or a feed system according to the preceding description, comprising at least the steps of: transporting containers or closure means along the transport path, wherein a first retaining collar section of the containers rests on the first guide element and a second retaining collar section of the containers rests on the second guide element, or wherein a first side section of the closure means rests on the first guide element and a second side section of the closure means rests on the second guide element; pivoting the blocking element from the first functional position into the second functional position to block the transport path;and pivoting the locking element from the second functional position to the first functional position to release the transport path;

[0035] According to one example, the blocking element can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to at least one driver element for the containers or closure means transported along the transport path, wherein the driver element is designed to entrain the at least one container or closure means or at least one container or closure means following the container or closure means when the blocking element changes from the second functional position to the first functional position, and the method further comprises at least the following step: entraining at least the container or closure means in contact with the blocking element or at least one container or closure means following the container or closure means when changing from the second functional position to the first functional position, wherein a pivoting movement of the blocking element is at least temporarily accelerated.

[0036] Further advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the method, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the device and the feed system described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0037] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1a, b a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the device for blocking and releasing a transport path for containers or closure means; Fig. 2a, b a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the device; Fig. 3a, b a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of the device; Fig. 4a, b a schematic plan view of a fourth embodiment of the device; Fig. 5a, b a schematic plan view of a fifth embodiment of the device; Fig. 6 a schematic side view of the device; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a plant for producing and / or treating containers; Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of a sixth embodiment of the device; and Fig. 9 a flowchart of the method for blocking and releasing a transport route for containers or closure means.

[0038] The device for blocking and releasing a transport path for containers or closure means for containers is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 hereinafter.

[0039] The following explanations for containers also apply, to the extent transferable, to closure devices for containers, without necessarily mentioning the closure devices. This means that when containers are mentioned below, closure devices for containers are also intended to be included, to the extent transferable, even if closure devices are not mentioned.

[0040] In Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b shows a first embodiment of the device 10, which is designed for containers 12.

[0041] According to Fig. 1a, the device 10 has a first guide element 20 and a second guide element 22 for the containers 12. The guide elements 20, 22 can be guide rails, for example. The transport path 24 extends between the two guide elements 20, 22. The illustrations in the figures may also show sections of the transport path. This means that the transport path 24 may also extend beyond what is shown in the figures.

[0042] The containers 12 each have a retaining collar 14, which rests partially on the guide elements 20, 22. A first retaining collar section 16 rests on the first guide element 20, and a second retaining collar section 18 rests on the second guide element 22. This means that the guide elements 20, 22 are spaced apart from one another by a distance that essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of a body of the container 12.

[0043] The guide elements 20, 22 can be inclined so that the containers 12 can slide along the guide elements 20, 22 in a transport direction 11.

[0044] In the presentation of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the containers 12 are transported from right to left in this way.

[0045] The device 12 further comprises a locking element 26, which is mounted for rotation about a rotation axis 28. The rotation axis 28 can be connected to one of the guide elements 20, 22. In this example, the locking element 26 is mounted for rotation on the second guide element 22. However, this does not preclude the possibility of the rotation axis 28 being installed on a component separate from the guide element 20, 22.

[0046] The rotation axis 28 can be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis 29 of the container 12. The longitudinal axis 29 is understood to be the axis of the container 12, which extends from the mouth of the container 12 to its bottom.

[0047] By pivoting the locking element 26 about the rotation axis 28, the locking element 26 can switch between a first functional position and a second functional position. The first functional position is in Fig. 1a.

[0048] In the first functional position, the locking element 26 releases the transport path 24, allowing the containers 12 to be moved or slide in the transport direction 11. The containers 12 form a so-called preform chain, which moves along the transport direction 11 on the transport path 24.

[0049] If the locking element 26 is arranged or mounted on the second guide element 22, as in this example, the locking element 26 can be flush with a surface of the second guide element 22 supporting the retaining collars 14, at least in the first functional position. The locking element 26 can provide a guide section 30 along which the containers 12 can slide during transport in the transport direction 11 when they are in the region of the locking element 26. The same applies if the locking element 26 is arranged or mounted on the first guide element 20.

[0050] In this example, the guide section 30 has a length that lies between the diameters of two or three containers 12. Generally, the guide section 30 can preferably have a length that lies in the range of one to three diameters of the containers 12. In this example, this can be approximately 5 mm to 80 mm.

[0051] Fig. 1b shows the device 10 in the second functional position. In the second functional position, the blocking element 26 blocks the transport path 24 for the containers 12. At least a portion of the blocking element 26 protrudes into the transport path 24 and blocks it. The change between the first functional position and the second functional position can be effected by a pivoting movement, wherein in this example, the direction of rotation of the pivoting movement is such that the direction of rotation of the blocking element 26 has at least one directional component in the transport direction 11. A change to the second functional position can therefore already take place if a container 12, which is not yet to be stopped, is still being guided through the guide section 30. The following container 12 is then stopped.

[0052] In the second functional position, the blocking element 26 can, for example, protrude into the transport path 24 in a range between 0.5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 1.2 and 5 mm, most preferably 1.5 mm. However, it is also conceivable for the blocking element 26 to bridge the distance between the first guide element 20 and the second guide element 22 in the second functional position.

[0053] In this first embodiment, the locking element 26 is designed as a disc which has a straight edge in one area instead of a circular arc.

[0054] The guide section 30 of the locking element 26 can be formed on the straight edge. A contact area 27 of the locking element 26 with the containers 12 can have a circular arc shape.

[0055] Furthermore, the locking element 26 can be formed with a shock-absorbing material at the contact area 27. The locking element 26 can also be formed entirely from a shock-absorbing material.

[0056] Furthermore, the locking element 26 can be driven by a drive element 34. The drive element 34 can cause a pivoting movement or a rotational movement of the locking element 26.

[0057] In this example, the drive element 34 is designed as a linear drive 38. When the linear drive 38 is retracted, the locking element 26 can change from the first functional position to the second functional position. When the linear drive 38 is extended, the locking element 26 can then change back to the first functional position. In this example, a change in the direction of rotation can occur to change to the first functional position with respect to a change to the second functional position.

[0058] It goes without saying that the linear drive 38 can also be oriented differently, so that when the linear drive 38 is extended, a change to the second functional position is effected and vice versa.

[0059] Furthermore, the linear drive 38 can also be designed such that it rotates the locking element 26 in the same direction of rotation both when changing to the first functional position and when changing to the second functional position.

[0060] In Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shows a second embodiment of the device 10. Fig. 2a shows the device in the first functional position and Fig. 2b shows the device in the second functional position.

[0061] In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the device 10 has a lever arm 32 that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the locking element 26. The rotation axis 28 is arranged between the locking element 26 and the lever arm 32. Furthermore, the lever arm 32 is connected to the drive device 34. Since the drive device 34 in this example is also designed as a linear drive 38, pivoting of the lever arm 32 by the linear drive 38 causes the locking element 26 to pivot. In this exemplary embodiment, the guide section 30 has a length that approximately corresponds to the diameter of a container 12.

[0062] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show a third embodiment of the device 10. Fig. 3a shows the device 10 in the first functional position and Fig. 3b shows the device 10 in the second functional position.

[0063] Compared to the first two embodiments, the locking element 26 in this embodiment is driven by a rotary drive 40. The rotary drive can, for example, be designed coaxially with the rotation axis 28. A rotation of the rotary drive 40 is then directly converted into a rotation of the locking element 26.

[0064] Furthermore, the rotary drive 40 can easily perform rotation in both directions. The rotary drive 40 can then, for example, rotate the locking element 26 in a first direction of rotation when changing to the first functional position and in the opposite direction when changing to the second functional position.

[0065] However, this does not rule out the possibility that the rotary drive has the same direction of rotation when changing to the first functional position and when changing to the second functional position.

[0066] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shows a fourth embodiment of the device 10. Fig. 4a shows the device 10 in the first functional position and Fig. 4b shows the device 10 in the second functional position.

[0067] In this example, the locking element 26 has four guide sections 30. The guide sections 30 are arranged on the sides of a square in this example. Contact areas 27 are arranged between each guide section 30. When the locking element 26 is rotated, guide sections 30 and contact areas 27 are alternately arranged on the transport path 24. Thus, switching between the first functional position and the second functional position can be achieved with an eighth of a turn. Furthermore, the same direction of rotation can be used to switch between the functional positions.

[0068] Fewer or more guide sections 30 or contact areas 27 can also be provided. For example, if three guide sections 30 are provided, they can be arranged as an equilateral triangle. If more than four guide sections 30 are provided, they can be arranged as a corresponding, preferably regular, polygon.

[0069] The Fig. 5a to 5c show a fifth embodiment of the device 10. Fig. 5a shows the device in the second functional position. Fig. 5c shows the device 10 in the first functional position. Fig. 5b shows a state of the device 10, between the second functional position and the first functional position.

[0070] In this example, the locking element 26 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to at least one driver element 36. Five driver elements 36 are shown, although more or fewer driver elements 36 may be provided.

[0071] The angle between the locking element 26 and the subsequent driver element 36 is designed such that both the locking element 26 and the subsequent driver element 36 rest against the stopped container. A recess 37 can be arranged between the locking element 26 and the subsequent driver element 36, which recess is designed to accommodate at least a portion of the stopped container 12.

[0072] Relative to the transport direction 11, the driver element 36 can rest on the stopped container 12 upstream of the blocking element 26.

[0073] When the locking element 26 rotates, the driver element 36 is also rotated and can therefore drive the container 12 in contact with it along the transport direction 11.

[0074] The additional driver elements 36 can be spaced apart from one another in such a way that they can also have a recess 37 between them, into which at least a portion of a container 12 can be arranged. Subsequent containers 12 can be driven into the additional driver elements 36 during rotation in the transport direction 11.

[0075] Thus, an active acceleration of the preform chain can be effected by the driver elements 36 through the rotation by means of the drive device 34 when the locking element 26 changes from the second functional position to the first functional position.

[0076] The locking element 26 and the driver elements 36 can form a gear ring arc extending around the rotation axis 28. A circular guide section 30 can be connected to the gear ring arc. In this way, the gear ring arc and the guide section 30 can be rotated alternately toward the transport path 24.

[0077] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a side view of the device 10. This view shows that the guide elements 20, 22 are inclined. In this example, the right end is positioned higher than the left end of the guide elements 20, 22. The first guide element 20 is concealed by the second guide element 22 in this view. It can also be seen that the containers 12 rest on the guide elements 20, 22 with their neck collars 14. Due to gravity, the containers 12 slide along the incline of the guide elements 20, 22.

[0078] The blocking element 26 can be arranged at different heights relative to the containers 12. These different heights are shown with three examples in dashed lines in Fig. 6. Other heights can also be provided.

[0079] This shows Fig. 6, that the locking element 26 can engage, for example, in the mouth area of ​​the containers. Furthermore, the locking element 26 can also engage below the retaining collar 14 on the bodies of the containers 12. In the second functional position, the locking element 26 can thus come into contact with the respective container 12 above or below the retaining collar 14 of the containers 12.

[0080] Preferably, the locking element 26 is not arranged at the level of the retaining collar, so that it engages the containers 12 above or below the retaining collar 14.

[0081] It is further preferred that the locking element 26 can be flush with one of the two guide elements 20, 22 with a side facing upwards in this view.

[0082] A plurality of locking elements 26 can also be provided, wherein a locking element 26 can be provided on both the first guide element 20 and the second guide element 22.

[0083] Further on in Fig. 7 shows a plant for producing and / or treating containers, which is referenced in its entirety by the reference numeral 60.

[0084] The system 60 may include a feed system 50 having at least one device 10. The feed system 50 may include a transfer section 52, where containers 12 are transferred to another system 62, 64 of the system 60. The additional systems may be, for example, a loading star 62 or a heating device 64. Other systems may also be provided.

[0085] The containers 12 can be provided to the feed system, for example, via a sorting device (not shown). In the transport direction 11, in which the containers 12 are transported along the feed system 50, the at least one device 10 is arranged upstream of the transfer section 52.

[0086] Furthermore, the device 10 can also be arranged upstream of the further systems 62, 64.

[0087] When the locking element 26 is in the first functional position, the containers 12 can be transported downstream along the feed system 50 to the additional systems 62, 64. In the additional systems 62, 64, the containers 12 can then be treated, for example, heated. It is also conceivable for the containers to be formed in a further system 62, 64.

[0088] Fig. Figure 8 shows a sixth embodiment of the device 10, in which closure means 12a are transported. The guide elements 20, 22 guide opposing side sections 16a, 18a of the closure means 12a.

[0089] In this example, the locking element 26 is shown in the second functional position.

[0090] In Fig.Figure 9 shows a flowchart of the method for blocking and releasing a transport path for containers. The method is referenced in its entirety by reference numeral 100.

[0091] The method 100 can be carried out with a device 10 or in the delivery system 50.

[0092] The method 100 includes step 102, in which containers 12 are transported along the transport path 24. The containers 12 are transported in such a way that the retaining collar sections 16, 18 are slidably mounted on guide elements 20, 22.

[0093] Method 100 further includes step 104, in which the locking element 26 is pivoted from the first functional position to the second functional position. In doing so, the transport path 24 is blocked. This means that step 104 is performed simultaneously when the transport path 24 is to be blocked.

[0094] By blocking the transport path 24, the transport of the containers 12 along the guide elements 20, 22 can be stopped.

[0095] Method 100 further includes step 106, in which the locking element is pivoted from the second functional position to the first functional position. In doing so, the transport path 24 is released. Step 106 is performed when the transport path 24 is to be released again after being blocked.

[0096] After the transport path has been cleared, the containers 12 can be transported again along the guide elements 20, 22.

[0097] During step 106, substep 108 can optionally be performed. In this case, the container 12 held by the locking element 26 can be taken along while the locking element 26 changes from the second functional position to the first functional position.

[0098] When the container 12 is being carried along, the pivoting movement of the locking element 26 can be accelerated, at least temporarily. This causes an additional acceleration of the previously stopped container 12. The additional acceleration acts in conjunction with the acceleration caused by gravity if the guide elements 20, 22 are inclined and the containers 12 are mounted in a sliding manner on the guide elements 20, 22.

[0099] Substep 108 can be carried out, for example, by means of at least one driver element 36 that is rotationally fixedly connected to the locking element 26. Rotation of the locking element 26 about the rotation axis 28 thus simultaneously causes rotation of the driver element 36 about the rotation axis 28.

[0100] Several carrier elements 36 can be provided, which can carry several subsequent containers 12. As a result, these containers 12 can also be accelerated.

[0101] The example described above does not limit the invention in any way. Rather, the invention can be modified in many ways. All of the features of the invention described above can be essential to the invention alone or in combination with one another. List of reference symbols 10 Device for blocking and releasing a transport route 11 Transport direction 12 containers 14 retaining collars 16 first retaining collar section 18 second retaining collar section 20 first guide element 22 second guide element 24 Transport route 26 Locking element 27 Contact area 28 axis of rotation 29 Longitudinal axis 30 guide section 32 lever arm 34 Drive device 36 Driving element 37 recess 38 Linear actuator 40 rotary drive 42 Direction of rotation 50 feeding system 52 transfer section 60 plant 62 additional systems 64 additional systems QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 130 535 A1

[0004] FR 2487308 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for blocking and releasing a transport path (24) for containers (12) made of thermoplastic material, in particular preforms, or closure means (12a) for containers, in particular caps or lids, comprising a first guide element (20) for supporting a first retaining collar portion (16) of containers (12) or for guiding a first side portion (16a) of closure means (12a) and a second guide element (22) for supporting a second retaining collar portion (18) of the containers (12) or for guiding a second side portion (18a) of the closure means (12a), wherein the transport path (24) extends between the guide elements (20, 22), and at least one blocking element (26) for the containers (12) or closure means (12a) moved along the transport path (24), characterized byin that the blocking element (26) is mounted at least pivotably about a rotation axis (28) and is pivotable between a first functional position, in which the blocking element (26) releases the transport path (24) for the containers (12) or closure means (12a), and a second functional position, in which the blocking element (26) blocks the transport path (24) for the containers (12) or closure means (12a). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking element (26) is mounted on one of the guide elements (20, 22). [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the blocking element (26) is arranged flush with the first guide element (20) or the second guide element (22) and preferably forms a guide section (30) for supporting a retaining collar section (16, 18) of containers (12) or for guiding a side section (16a, 18a) of closure means (12a). [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the blocking element (26) in the second functional position is designed for contact with a container (12) above or below one of the retaining collar sections (16, 18) of the container (12). [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (26) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a lever arm (32) for connection to a drive device (34), wherein the axis of rotation (28) is arranged between the locking element (26) and the lever arm (32). [6] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the blocking element (26) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to at least one driver element (36) for the containers (12) or closure means (12a) transported along the transport path (24), wherein the driver element (36) is designed to carry along the at least one container (12) or closure means (12a) or at least one container (12) or closure means (12a) following the container (12) or closure means (12a) when the blocking element (26) changes from the second functional position to the first functional position. [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (10) further comprises a drive device (34) for the locking element (26), wherein the drive device (34) is preferably designed as a linear drive (38) or as a rotary drive (40). [8] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking element (26) has a direction of rotation (42) when changing from the first functional position to the second functional position, which corresponds to a direction of rotation (42) when changing from the second functional position to the first functional position. [9] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the blocking element (26) has a shock-absorbing material which, in the second functional position, is arranged on a contact region (27) of the blocking element (26) with a container (12) or closure means (12a). [10] Feed system (50) for containers (12) or closure means (12a) for containers for a plant (60) for producing and / or treating containers or closure means (12a) for containers, comprising at least one device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a transfer section (52) for transferring containers (12) or closure means (12a) to a system (62, 64) of the plant (60), wherein the device (10) is arranged upstream of the transfer section (52) in the transport direction (11) of the containers (12) or closure means (12a). [11] Plant (60) for producing and / or treating containers or closure means (12a) for containers, comprising a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a feed system (50) according to claim 10 and at least one system (62, 64) for producing and / or treating containers or closure means, wherein the device (10) is arranged upstream of the at least one system (62, 64) in the transport direction of the containers (12) or closure means (12a). [12] Method for blocking and releasing a transport path (24) for containers made of thermoplastic material, in particular preforms, or closure means (12a) for containers by means of a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a feed system (50) according to claim 10, comprising at least the steps: - Transporting (102) containers (12) or closure means (12a) along the transport path (24), wherein a first retaining collar portion of the containers (12) rests on the first guide element (20) and a second retaining collar portion of the containers (12) rests on the second guide element (22) or wherein a first side portion (16a) of the closure means (12a) rests on the first guide element (20) and a second side portion (18a) of the closure means (12a) rests on the second guide element (22); - pivoting (104) the blocking element (26) from the first functional position into the second functional position to block the transport path; and - pivoting (106) of the locking element (26) from the second functional position to the first functional position to release the transport path. [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized bythat the blocking element (26) is designed according to claim 6 and the method (100) further comprises at least the following step: - Carrying (108) at least the container (12) or closure means (12a) in contact with the blocking element (26) or at least one container (12) or closure means (12a) following the container (12) or closure means (12a) when changing from the second functional position to the first functional position, wherein a pivoting movement of the blocking element (26) is at least temporarily accelerated.

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