Transport device and method for determining the elongation of a conveyor belt

Abstract

The invention relates, in addition to an alternative, to a transport device for transporting containers. The transport device comprises a conveyor belt, a drive element rotatably mounted about an axis for driving the conveyor belt, a deflection element rotatably mounted about an axis for deflecting the conveyor belt, a first detection device for detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element, and a second detection device for detecting a second value indicative of the rotational position of the deflection element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device and a method for determining the elongation of a conveyor belt. State of the art

[0002] Transport devices are regularly used in automated systems in the consumer goods and / or food industry for the transport of containers, e.g. bottles or canisters, within a machine and / or between, for example, consecutive machines and / or machine parts.

[0003] Such a transport device typically comprises a conveyor belt, for example a chain, on which the containers are transported, for example in an upright position. The chain is driven, for example, by at least one drive wheel. Furthermore, the transport device typically comprises one or more deflection wheels, which redirect the direction of the chain and ensure its looped return. During normal operation, the chain is tensioned between the at least one drive wheel and the at least one deflection wheel.

[0004] It has been shown that wear occurs in the area of ​​the chain, the drive wheel, and the idler wheel due to the mechanical stress during operation. In the case of the chain, this is reflected in elongation, i.e., an increase in the length of the chain. The individual links of the chain lengthen, or rather the connecting elements of individual links wear out, which indirectly leads to chain elongation. Consequently, the chain moves further onto an outer circle of a gear that serves as the drive wheel. This leads to an increase in the speed of the chain and consequently to a greater distance between the containers on the chain, with otherwise identical time intervals between the containers being transferred to the chain.

[0005] As a result, as the chain lengthens, while the drive wheel speed remains the same, it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve targeted container rejection using a pusher or other rejection device. The result is containers falling over and incorrectly being rejected.

[0006] To avoid the adverse consequences just described, it is common practice to only replace the chain when the number of tipped-over containers increases significantly or misplaced containers occur. Preventive maintenance is carried out based on experience.

[0007] DE 10 2008 046 172 A1 discloses a detection of a change in a transport chain length passed between two positions within a given period of time.

[0008] According to DE 10 2010 043 057 A1, elongation is measured based on markings. Task to be solved

[0009] In view of this, the object underlying the invention is to provide a transport device and a method which contribute to reliable operation and / or reliable feeding of containers and / or an extension of maintenance intervals and / or which enable predictive maintenance.

[0010] This object is achieved by a transport device according to claim 1.

[0011] The invention provides a transport device for transporting containers. The transport device comprises a conveyor belt, a drive element rotatably mounted about an axis for driving the conveyor belt, a deflection element rotatably mounted about an axis for deflecting the conveyor belt, a first detection device for detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element, and a second detection device for detecting a second value indicative of the rotational position of the deflection element.

[0012] Throughout the disclosure, containers may refer to food packaging such as bottles, cans, or canisters. The containers may be sealed by means of lids and / or closures and / or films. However, the invention is not limited with regard to the design of the containers.

[0013] Within the scope of the entire disclosure, the conveyor belt can be spanned by the drive element and the deflection element. The conveyor belt can comprise a loop. The conveyor belt can be designed as an endless belt.

[0014] Throughout the disclosure, the drive element, for example, a toothed wheel or a toothed roller, is in some cases arranged downstream of the deflection element, for example, a toothed wheel or a toothed roller, in the transport direction. In some cases, the axes about which the drive element and the deflection element are rotatably mounted run parallel to each other.

[0015] Within the scope of the entire disclosure, the first detection device can be a relative encoder, in particular a pulse encoder and / or resolver, or an absolute encoder, in particular a single-turn and / or multi-turn encoder. Independently of this, the second detection device can be a pulse encoder and / or resolver or an absolute encoder, in particular a single-turn and / or multi-turn encoder. Within the scope of the entire disclosure, both the first and the second detection device can be equipped with a coupling that absorbs axial tolerances.

[0016] The detection device can be integrated in the drive element and / or the deflection element.

[0017] In the context of the entire disclosure, the rotational position of the drive element and / or the deflection element may mean an orientation of the drive element and / or the deflection element with respect to the axis of rotation, for example with respect to an arbitrary but fixed reference value or zero value.

[0018] The first and / or second detection device can be configured to determine a rotation angle relative to a reference and / or zero value. Within the scope of the entire disclosure, determining a rotation angle represents a simple way to precisely specify a rotational position. Within the scope of the entire disclosure, the rotation angle can be specified in fractions of a full rotation or in degrees. The reference and / or zero value can correspond to an initial position of the stationary element whose rotational position is to be detected.

[0019] The first and second detection devices can be of the same design. This can include, in particular, the method by which the first detection device and the second detection device determine the first and second values ​​being the same. In particular, the first and second detection devices can be from the same manufacturer, in particular, they can belong to the same series. The first and second detection devices can be of the same type. The first and second detection devices can be from the same production batch.

[0020] The drive element and / or the deflection element can comprise a toothed wheel and / or a toothed roller. Both the wheel and the roller can be substantially cylindrical bodies, with the roller being the same width as the conveyor belt and the wheel being narrower than the conveyor belt. The roller can be toothed across its entire width or only at its ends. The roller can comprise two rigidly connected wheels.

[0021] In the context of the entire disclosure, a toothed wheel and / or a toothed roller represent / represents a simple way to transmit high drive forces to the conveyor belt.

[0022] Within the scope of the entire disclosure, the conveyor belt can be designed in multiple pieces as a chain or in one piece. The conveyor belt can comprise one or more engagement elements for engaging the drive and / or deflection element.

[0023] Within the context of the entire disclosure, the design of the conveyor belt with engagement elements represents a simple way to transmit high drive forces to the conveyor belt. A multi-piece design facilitates the maintenance of conveyor belt parts. A single-piece design results in an overall lower maintenance requirement, as it includes fewer moving individual parts.

[0024] Within the scope of the entire disclosure, the conveyor belt may be a chain, in particular comprising one or more links. Engagement elements, for example, bolts connecting individual links of the chain, may be configured to engage with the drive element and / or deflection element and transmit drive forces.

[0025] Within the scope of the entire disclosure, the conveyor belt can also be designed as a toothed belt. The conveyor belt can comprise a belt made of elastic material and have engagement elements designed to engage with the drive element and / or deflection element and transmit drive forces.

[0026] The transport device may comprise a control unit for controlling a rotational speed of the drive element, obtaining the first and second values, determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt based on the first and second values, and / or controlling the rotational speed of the drive element based on the first and second values.

[0027] Due to the high degree of integration, such a control unit contributes to improving the operation of the transport device and / or avoiding unplanned operational interruptions and / or enables predictive maintenance.

[0028] The control unit can be a computer with associated non-volatile memory, which can include instructions with which, for example, an elongation can be determined and / or one or more functions of the transport device can be controlled. Controlling the rotational speed of the drive element can include controlling the power of a drive, for example, an electric motor, of the drive element.

[0029] The object of the invention is also achieved by a transport device according to claim 6.

[0030] The invention provides a transport device for transporting containers. The transport device comprises a conveyor belt, a drive element rotatably mounted about an axis for driving the conveyor belt, a deflection element rotatably mounted about an axis for deflecting the conveyor belt, a first detection device for detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element, and a holding device for holding a rotational position of the deflection element.

[0031] The holding device can be a brake. The holding device can be designed to block the deflection element in its rotational movement.

[0032] The first detection device can be designed to determine a rotation angle with respect to a reference and / or zero value.

[0033] The drive element and / or the deflection element may comprise a toothed wheel and / or a toothed roller.

[0034] The conveyor belt can be constructed in multiple pieces, such as a chain, or in one piece. The conveyor belt can include one or more engagement elements for engaging the drive and / or deflection element.

[0035] The transport device may comprise a control unit for holding the rotational position of the deflection element by means of the holding device, driving the drive element with a predetermined torque, obtaining the first value, and determining a third value indicative of an elongation of the conveyor belt based on the first value, and / or controlling the rotational speed of the drive element based on the first value.

[0036] Due to the high degree of integration, such a control unit contributes to improving the operation of the transport device and / or avoiding unplanned operational interruptions and / or enables predictive maintenance.

[0037] The control unit can be designed as a stand-alone solution, as part of a comprehensive control unit, or in communication with at least one other control unit. Driving the drive element with a predetermined torque can include controlling the power of a drive, for example, an electric motor, of the drive element, in particular until a predetermined torque is reached. The predetermined torque can be predetermined such that the conveyor belt is tensioned when applied.

[0038] Maintaining the rotational position may involve blocking the rotational movement. Controlling the rotational speed of the drive element may occur after releasing the rotational movement block.

[0039] The transport device may further comprise a detection device for detecting a container along a transport route and, based thereon, determining a fourth value indicative of the position of the container along the transport route, and a processing device for processing a container along the transport route, wherein the control unit controls the processing device based on the fourth value and the third value.

[0040] Due to the high degree of integration, such a transport device contributes to improving the operation of the transport device and / or avoiding unplanned operational interruptions and / or enables predictive maintenance.

[0041] The detection device may comprise a position sensor, in particular a light barrier, or an image capture device, in particular a camera. The detection device may be configured to detect an interruption of a light path through a container or to capture an image of a container along the transport route.

[0042] The fourth value can be indicative of when a container is / was at a certain position.

[0043] The processing device may comprise a device for acting on a container and / or for inspecting a container. The processing device may comprise a particularly high-resolution image capture device, in particular a camera. The processing device may comprise a diverting device for diverting a container from the transport device. The processing device may comprise a pusher or a diverting gate. The processing device may also comprise an inspection device, for example an image capture device, in particular a camera. The processing device may also comprise a labeling unit for applying labels to the containers or another device that can perform a physical and / or chemical intervention on a container.

[0044] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method according to claim 11.

[0045] The invention provides a method for determining an elongation of a conveyor belt of a transport device for transporting containers. The method comprises driving a drive element rotatably mounted about an axis to drive the conveyor belt, detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element by a first detection device, detecting a second value indicative of the rotational position of a deflection element by a second detection device, wherein the deflection element deflects the conveyor belt, determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt based on the first and second values ​​by a control unit, in particular by determining a value indicative of a difference between the first and second values, outputting and / or forwarding the third value, and / or controlling the rotational speed of the drive element based on the third value.

[0046] Due to the high degree of integration, such a process contributes to reliable operation and / or reliable supply of containers and / or an extension of maintenance intervals and / or enables predictive maintenance.

[0047] The method can be carried out with the transport device according to claim 1. In this respect, reference is made to the corresponding definitions and explanations of the independent and associated dependent claims. These also apply analogously to the method.

[0048] Within the scope of the entire disclosure, driving the drive element can be the initial rotation of the drive element from a standstill. The drive element can be driven, for example, by an electric motor. In addition to the known synchronous motors, an electric motor also includes gearless drum motors.

[0049] Throughout the disclosure, outputting the third value may include a visual and / or acoustic output. For example, outputting the third value on a screen and / or display and / or outputting the third value using acoustic means such as loudspeakers and / or an associated alarm, for example, when the third value exceeds a predetermined limit, such as a maximum permissible elongation (which is unavoidable, for example, due to temperature fluctuations).

[0050] Within the scope of the entire disclosure, the forwarding of the third value may comprise a communication of the third value to another unit, in particular a control unit, or a processing device.

[0051] Throughout the disclosure, controlling the rotational speed may include controlling a power of an electric motor for driving the drive member.

[0052] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method according to claim 12.

[0053] The invention provides a method for determining the elongation of a conveyor belt of a transport device for transporting containers. The method comprises driving a drive element mounted rotatably about an axis to drive the conveyor belt, as well as repeatedly detecting a first value indicative of the actual rotational position of the drive element by a first detection device at different times.The method further comprises repeatedly detecting a second value indicative of the actual rotational position of a deflecting element by a second detection device at the same times, wherein the deflecting element deflects the conveyor belt, repeatedly determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt based on the first and second values ​​of a time point by a control unit, in particular by determining a value indicative of a difference between the first and second values ​​of a time point, and comparing the third value at a time point with a minimum value. If the third value at this time point exceeds the minimum value, the method comprises outputting and / or forwarding the third value and / or controlling the rotational speed of the drive element based on the third value.

[0054] Due to the high degree of integration, such a process contributes to reliable operation and / or reliable supply of containers and / or an extension of maintenance intervals and / or the process enables predictive maintenance.

[0055] The method can be carried out with the transport device according to claim 1. In this respect, reference is made to the corresponding definitions and explanations of the independent and associated dependent claims. These also apply analogously to the method.

[0056] The repeated detection of the actual rotational position can comprise detection at successive points in time, in particular at evenly distributed points in time with equal time intervals between them. The repeated detection of the actual rotational position can comprise continuous detection at constant time intervals of, for example, up to 0.5 s, or up to 1 s, or up to 2 s, or up to 10 s, but can also comprise non-continuous detection, i.e., detection at non-constant time intervals.

[0057] If the third value does not exceed the minimum value at this time, the method may comprise that a control operation of the transport device is continued, in particular that no output and / or forwarding of the third value and / or no control of the rotational speed of the drive element takes place based on the third value.

[0058] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method according to claim 13.

[0059] The invention provides a method for determining an elongation of a conveyor belt of a transport device for transporting containers. The method comprises driving a drive element rotatably mounted about an axis to drive the conveyor belt, detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element by a first detection device at the time at which a rotational position of a deflection element begins to change, wherein the deflection element deflects the conveyor belt, determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt based on the first value by a control unit, and outputting and / or forwarding the third value and / or controlling the rotational speed of the drive element based on the third value.

[0060] Due to the high degree of integration, such a process contributes to reliable operation and / or reliable supply of containers and / or an extension of maintenance intervals and / or the process enables predictive maintenance.

[0061] The method can be carried out with the transport device according to claim 1 and / or the transport device according to claim 6. In this respect, reference is made to the corresponding definitions and explanations of the independent and associated dependent claims. These also apply analogously to the method.

[0062] The point in time at which the rotational position of the deflection element begins to change can be the point in time at which the deflection element begins to rotate from a standstill. The point in time at which the rotational position of the deflection element begins to change can be the point in time at which a specified minimum angle of rotation is exceeded.

[0063] The method according to claim 14 also provides a solution to the problem according to the invention.

[0064] The invention provides a method for determining the elongation of a conveyor belt of a transport device for transporting containers. The method comprises holding the rotational position of a deflection element for deflecting the conveyor belt by a holding device, driving a drive element rotatably mounted about an axis to drive the conveyor belt with a predetermined torque, detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element by a first detection device at the time at which the predetermined torque is reached, determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt based on the first value by a control unit, and outputting and / or forwarding the third value and / or controlling the rotational speed of the drive element based on the third value.

[0065] Due to the high degree of integration, such a process contributes to reliable operation and / or reliable supply of containers and / or an extension of maintenance intervals and / or the process enables predictive maintenance.

[0066] The method can be carried out with the transport device according to claim 6. In this respect, reference is made to the corresponding definitions and explanations of the independent and associated dependent claims. These also apply analogously to the method.

[0067] The object of the invention is achieved by a method according to claim 15.

[0068] The invention provides a method which comprises repeatedly carrying out the method according to one of the preceding embodiments for different sections of the conveyor belt and thereby determining a section elongation of the conveyor belt with respect to the respective section.

[0069] Due to the high degree of integration, such a process contributes to reliable operation and / or reliable supply of containers and / or an extension of maintenance intervals and / or the process enables predictive maintenance.

[0070] By determining the section elongation, we contribute to solving the problem of precisely determining the point at which elongation occurs.

[0071] A section of the conveyor belt may comprise the part of the conveyor belt between the drive element and the deflection element which is under tension at a certain time during operation of the conveyor belt. Short description of the characters

[0072] The present invention will be further illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures, without limiting the invention to the specific embodiments shown. In the figures: Fig. 1 schematically shows a side view of a transport device for transporting containers according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 schematically shows a side view of a transport device for transporting containers according to a second embodiment, Fig. 3 schematically shows a side view of a transport device for transporting containers according to a reference example. Detailed description of the characters

[0073] Fig. 1 illustrates the schematic structure of a first embodiment of a transport device 1 for transporting containers 2.

[0074] Such a transport device 1 is used, for example, in a block-type system in the food and / or consumer goods industry to bridge the distance between different machines.

[0075] The Fig. 1 shows containers 2, for example bottles, cans or glasses, which are transported upright in the transport direction 3 on a conveyor belt 4.

[0076] According to the invention, the transport device 1 comprises the conveyor belt 4, a drive element 5, a deflection element 6, as well as a first 7 and a second detection device 8.

[0077] The conveyor belt 4 can be designed as a chain, in particular as a link belt chain, and comprise engagement elements 9, for example bolts, which connect individual chain links and engage with the drive element 5 and the deflection element 6. The conveyor belt 4 can be at least the width of a container bottom, or even narrower than the container bottom. The conveyor belt 4 can transport a container 2 linearly. The conveyor belt 4 can be loop-shaped and tensioned by the drive element 5 and the deflection element 6. Furthermore, the conveyor belt 4 can be supported by rotatably mounted support elements. The conveyor belt can be driven by the drive element 5.

[0078] The drive element 5, for example a toothed roller, can have teeth that correspond to the engagement elements 9 of the conveyor belt 4. During operation, drive forces from a drive 10, for example an electric motor, can be transmitted to the conveyor belt 4 via the drive element 5. The drive element 5 can be rotatably mounted with respect to an axis perpendicular to the transport direction 3.

[0079] The deflection element 6, for example a toothed roller, can have teeth that correspond to the engagement elements 9 of the conveyor belt. The deflection element 6 can deflect and / or return the conveyor belt 4. The deflection element 6 can also be rotatably mounted with respect to an axis perpendicular to the transport direction 3.

[0080] A first detection device 7 can be arranged on the drive element 5 relative to the rotational axis of the drive element 5. The first detection device 7, for example a relative value sensor, can detect a first value indicative of a rotational position of the drive element 5, for example, an angle of rotation about the rotational axis of the drive element 5 relative to a reference and / or zero value. A coupling that absorbs axial forces can also be provided between the drive element 5 and the first detection device 7. This coupling is not shown in the drawings.

[0081] A second detection device 8 can be arranged on the deflecting element 6 relative to the rotational axis of the deflecting element 6. The second detection device 8, for example a relative value sensor, can detect a second value indicative of a rotational position of the deflecting element 6, for example, a rotational angle about the rotational axis of the deflecting element 6 relative to a reference and / or zero value. A coupling that absorbs axial forces can also be provided between the deflecting element 6 and the second detection device 8. This coupling is not shown in the drawings.

[0082] The first 7 and the second detection device 8 can be of the same type, in particular from the same series from the same manufacturer.

[0083] The transport device 1 can also comprise a control unit 11. The control unit 11 can be designed to control a rotational speed of the drive element 5 in the drive direction 12 via the drive 10, for example the electric motor. For example, the drive element 5 can be accelerated from a standstill in the rotational direction, so that drive forces are transmitted to the conveyor belt 4 and from there to the deflection element 6. This can set the deflection element 6 in rotation. As the rotational movements of the drive element 5 and the deflection element 6 begin, the first sensing device 7 and the second sensing device 8 simultaneously record the first and the second value. The zero values ​​of the first sensing device 7 and the second sensing device 8 can correspond to rotational positions of the drive element 5 and the deflection element 6 that existed before the drive element 5 accelerated.The control unit 11 can calculate a difference between the first and second values ​​and thereby determine a third value indicative of an elongation of the conveyor belt 4. Alternatively or additionally, the rotational speed of the drive element 5 can be influenced, in particular adjusted, based on the first and second values ​​by controlling the drive 10. For example, the rotational speed can be reduced if the difference between the first and second values ​​is greater than a predetermined minimum value. The rotational speed can be maintained if the difference between the first and second values ​​is smaller than a minimum value.

[0084] The minimum value can be determined such that it is greater than the maximum value that can already be expected due to thermal fluctuations in the elongation of the conveyor belt 4. Further details are provided below.

[0085] Within the scope of the entire disclosure, thermal fluctuations can be those changes in the length of the conveyor belt 4 that are expected to be caused, for example, by temperature changes within a day or during an operating sequence. During an operating sequence, the temperature of the conveyor belt 4 can rise, for example, due to friction and deformation work occurring on the conveyor belt 4. When the transport device 1 is at a standstill, the conveyor belt 4 can cool down.

[0086] For example, over several days, for example a week, a value indicative of a maximum elongation of the conveyor belt 4 can be determined by repeatedly determining first and second values ​​and differences, as well as determining a maximum from the differences. The determination of first and second values ​​can be carried out, for example, every 5, 10, or 30 minutes. The minimum value can then be assumed to be, for example, 10%, or 5%, or 1% above the value indicative of the maximum elongation. The minimum value can also correspond to the value indicative of the maximum elongation. Alternatively, a mean value and a standard deviation can be determined from the repeatedly determined differences. The minimum value can then be assumed to be, for example, six times, four times, or twice the standard deviation above the mean value.

[0087] Alternatively, the minimum value can be determined such that it is greater by a certain amount than the determined elongation of the transport device 1 in thermal equilibrium at room temperature. For example, after a prolonged standstill of the transport device 1, for example overnight, when the transport device 1 is at room temperature, a first and a second value can be determined, and from this a difference indicative of an elongation of the conveyor belt 4 in thermal equilibrium with the environment can be determined. The minimum value can then be assumed to be, for example, 50%, 25%, or 10% above the value indicative of an elongation of the conveyor belt 4 in thermal equilibrium with room temperature.Alternatively, the determination of the difference indicative of an elongation of the conveyor belt 4 in thermal equilibrium with the environment can be repeated at different times, for example on different days, in particular on consecutive days.

[0088] A mean and a standard deviation can be determined from the different values ​​of the difference. The minimum value can then be assumed to be, for example, eight, six, four, or two times the standard deviation above the mean.

[0089] This allows the rotation speed to be adjusted to the elongation of the conveyor belt 4.

[0090] Fig. 2 illustrates the schematic structure of a second embodiment of a transport device 1 for transporting containers 2.

[0091] Such a transport device 1 represents an alternative to the transport device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0092] As the Fig. 1 also shows the Fig. 2 containers 2, for example bottles, cans or glasses, which are transported upright in the transport direction 3 on a conveyor belt 4.

[0093] According to the invention, the transport device 1 comprises the conveyor belt 4, a drive element 5, a deflection element 6, as well as a first detection device 7 and a holding device 13.

[0094] Elements identical to the first embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals. For a description of the elements, please refer to the explanations for the first embodiment.

[0095] The transport device 1 can also comprise a control unit 11. The control unit 11 can be designed to maintain a rotational position of the deflecting element 6 by means of the holding device 13, for example a brake. The control unit 11 can further be designed to drive the drive element 5 with a predetermined torque in the drive direction 12, for example by means of a drive 10, for example an electric motor. The torque can be predetermined such that the conveyor belt 4 is tensioned on the side on which the containers 2 are transported when it is reached. The effect of the torque can accelerate the drive element 5 in the direction of rotation. The conveyor belt 4 can be tensioned until the drive is blocked by the active holding device 13 on the deflecting element. When the predetermined torque of the drive element 5 is reached, the first detection device 7 detects the first value.The zero value of the first detection device 7 can correspond to a rotational position that existed before acceleration of the drive element 5. The control unit 11 can determine a third value that is indicative of an elongation of the conveyor belt 4. Alternatively or additionally, the rotational speed of the drive element 5 can be influenced, in particular adjusted, by controlling the drive 10 after release of the holding device 13 based on the first value. For example, the rotational speed can be reduced if the first value is greater than a predetermined minimum value. The rotational speed can be maintained if the first value is less than the predetermined minimum value. The minimum value can be determined based on the same principles as according to the first embodiment. Instead of determining the first and second values ​​according to the first embodiment, only the first value is determined according to the second embodiment.The difference between the first and second values ​​according to the first embodiment is replaced by the first value according to the second embodiment.

[0096] This allows the rotation speed to be adjusted to the elongation of the conveyor belt 4.

[0097] Fig. 3 illustrates the schematic structure of a reference example of a transport device 1 for transporting containers 2.

[0098] Such a transport device 1 represents an alternative to the transport device 1 of the first and second embodiments for certain applications.

[0099] Also like the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the Fig. 3 containers 2, for example bottles, cans or glasses, which are transported upright in the transport direction 3 on a conveyor belt 4.

[0100] According to the invention, the transport device 1 comprises the conveyor belt 4, a drive element 5, a deflection element 6, as well as a first 7 and a second detection device 8.

[0101] The reference example thus has all the features of the first embodiment. Elements identical to the first embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals. For the description of the elements, reference is made to the explanations for the first embodiment.

[0102] Furthermore, the transport device 1 according to the reference example can have a control unit 11 in a manner analogous to the preferred embodiment of the first embodiment. For the description of the control unit 11 and the determination of the minimum value, reference is made to the explanations at the corresponding point.

[0103] Furthermore, the transport device 1 can comprise a detection device 14 and a processing device 15.

[0104] The detection device 14, for example a camera, can be configured to detect a container 2 along a transport route and, based thereon, determine a fourth value indicative of the position of the container 2 along the transport route. For example, the fourth value, based on the image data from the camera, can include information about the specific position of the container along the transport route at a specific time. For this purpose, the detection device 14 can be arranged above the transport route and capture an image of the container from above.

[0105] The processing device 15, for example a pusher, can be arranged laterally next to the transport path and act on the containers 2, in particular divert the containers 2.

[0106] According to this preferred embodiment, the control unit 11 controls the processing device 14 based on the fourth value and the third value. If the third value indicates an elongation of the conveyor belt 4, for example, the difference between the first and second values ​​is greater than the predetermined minimum value, a time difference that is assumed for a non-elongated conveyor belt 4 between the image recording of the container 2 by the detection device 14 and the rejection process by the processing device 15 can be corrected downwards. If the third value does not indicate an elongation of the conveyor belt 4, for example, the difference between the first and second values ​​is smaller than the predetermined minimum value, the time difference that is assumed for a non-elongated conveyor belt 4 can be used.

[0107] This allows the discharge process to be adapted to an elongation of the conveyor belt 4. List of reference symbols: 1 transport device 2 containers 3 Transport direction 4 Conveyor belt 5 Drive element 6 Deflection element 7 first detection device 8 second detection device 9 engagement element 10 Drive 11 Control unit 12 Drive direction 13 Holding device 14 Detection device 15 Processing device 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 2008 046 172 A1

[0007] DE 10 2010 043 057 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Transport device (1) for transporting containers (2) comprising: a conveyor belt (4); a drive element (5) rotatably mounted about an axis for driving the conveyor belt (4); a deflection element (6) rotatably mounted about an axis for deflecting the conveyor belt (4); a first detection device (7) for detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element (5); and a second detection device (8) for detecting a second value indicative of the rotational position of the deflection element (6). [2] Transport device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first (7) and / or the second detection device (8) are designed to determine an angle of rotation with respect to a reference and / or zero value, and / or wherein the first (7) and the second detection device (8) are of the same type. [3] Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive element (5) and / or the deflection element (6) comprise / comprises a toothed wheel and / or a toothed roller. [4] Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor belt (4) is designed in several pieces as a chain or in one piece, wherein the conveyor belt (4) comprises one or more engagement elements (9) for engaging in the drive (5) and / or deflection element (6). [5] Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a control unit (11) for: Controlling a rotational speed of the drive element (5); Obtaining the first and second values; and Determining a third value indicative of an elongation of the conveyor belt (4) based on the first and the second value; and / or Controlling the rotational speed of the drive element (5) based on the first and the second value. [6] Transport device (1) for transporting containers (2) comprising: a conveyor belt (4); a drive element (5) rotatably mounted about an axis for driving the conveyor belt (4); a deflection element (6) rotatably mounted about an axis for deflecting the conveyor belt (4); a first detection device (7) for detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element (5); and a holding device (13) for holding a rotational position of the deflection element (6). [7] Transport device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first detection device (7) is designed to determine a rotation angle with respect to a reference and / or zero value, and / or wherein the drive element (5) and / or the deflection element (6) comprise / comprises a toothed wheel and / or a toothed roller, and / or wherein the conveyor belt (4) is designed in several pieces as a chain or in one piece, wherein the conveyor belt (4) comprises one or more engagement elements (9) for engaging in the drive (5) and / or deflection element (6). [8] Transport device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: a control unit (11) for: Holding the rotational position of the deflection element (6) by means of the holding device (13); Driving the drive element (6) with a predetermined torque; Obtaining the first value; and Determining a third value indicative of an elongation of the conveyor belt (4) based on the first value; and / or Controlling the rotational speed of the drive element (5) based on the first value. [9] Transport device (1) according to claim 5 or 8, further comprising: a detection device (14) for detecting a container (2) along a transport route and, based thereon, determining a fourth value indicative of the position of the container (2) along the transport route; and a processing device (15) for processing a container (2) along the transport route, wherein the control unit (11) controls the processing device (15) based on the fourth value and the third value. [10] Transport device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the processing device (15) comprises a discharge device for discharging a container (2) from the transport device (1). [11] Method for determining an elongation of a conveyor belt (4) of a transport device (1) for transporting containers (2), comprising: Driving a drive element (5) mounted rotatably about an axis for driving the conveyor belt (4); Detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element (5) by a first detection device (7); Detecting a second value indicative of the rotational position of a deflection element (6) by a second detection device (8), wherein the deflection element (6) deflects the conveyor belt (4); Determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt (4) based on the first and the second value by a control unit (11), in particular by determining a value indicative of a difference between the first and the second value; Dissemination and / or transmission of the third value and / or Controlling the rotational speed of the drive element (5) based on the third value. [12] Method for determining an elongation of a conveyor belt (4) of a transport device (1) for transporting containers (2), comprising: Driving a drive element (5) mounted rotatably about an axis for driving the conveyor belt (4); repeatedly detecting a first value indicative of the actual rotational position of the drive element (5) by a first detection device (7) at different times; repeatedly detecting a second value indicative of the actual rotational position of a deflection element (6) by a second detection device (8) at the same times, wherein the deflection element (6) deflects the conveyor belt (4); repeatedly determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt (4) based on the first and the second value of a point in time by a control unit (11), in particular by determining a value indicative of a difference between the first and the second value of a point in time; Comparing the third value at a time with a minimum value and, if the third value at that time exceeds the minimum value: Dissemination and / or transmission of the third value and / or Controlling the rotational speed of the drive element (5) based on the third value. [13] Method for determining an elongation of a conveyor belt (4) of a transport device (1) for transporting containers (2), comprising: Driving a drive element (5) mounted rotatably about an axis for driving the conveyor belt (4); detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element (5) by a first detection device (7) at the time at which a rotational position of a deflection element (6) begins to change, wherein the deflection element (6) deflects the conveyor belt (4); Determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt (4) based on the first value by a control unit (11); Dissemination and / or transmission of the third value and / or Controlling the rotational speed of the drive element (5) based on the third value. [14] Method for determining an elongation of a conveyor belt (4) of a transport device (1) for transporting containers (2), comprising: Holding the rotational position of a deflection element (6) for deflecting the conveyor belt (4) by a holding device (13); Driving a drive element (5) mounted rotatably about an axis for driving the conveyor belt (4) with a predetermined torque; detecting a first value indicative of the rotational position of the drive element (5) by a first detecting device (7) at the time at which the predetermined torque is reached; Determining a third value indicative of the elongation of the conveyor belt (4) based on the first value by a control unit (11); Dissemination and / or transmission of the third value and / or Controlling the rotational speed of the drive element (5) based on the third value. [15] Method comprising: performing the method according to one of claims 11 to 14 several times for different sections of the conveyor belt (4) and thereby Determining a section elongation of the conveyor belt (4) with respect to the respective section.

Images