Container treatment system with a vacuum star

Abstract

The invention relates to a container treatment system with a rotatable transport star (1) for guiding containers (20) in the container treatment system, wherein a star wheel with a plurality of bellows suction cups (6) is arranged on the outer circumference of the star wheel for receiving and holding each container (20) on each bellows suction cup (6) by means of a vacuum, wherein the transport star (1) has a vacuum port (2) and a vacuum channel (3) which is fluid-connected to the vacuum port (2), wherein a vacuum can be generated in the vacuum channel (3) via the vacuum port (2) by means of a suction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container treatment plant with a rotatable transport star for guiding containers in the container treatment plant.

[0002] Such container handling systems with transport stars are known from DE 10 2015 120 770 B4 and DE 10 2016 101 985 B4. A disadvantage of the known transport stars is that damage to the container surface can occur when gripping filled and externally painted containers.

[0003] The object of the invention is to further develop a container handling system of the type mentioned above in such a way that safe and reliable gripping of containers is made possible without the risk of damage to the container surface.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by the container treatment system according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] A particularly advantageous feature of the container treatment system with a rotatable transport star for guiding containers in the container treatment system is that a star wheel with a plurality of bellows suction cups on the outer circumference of the star wheel is arranged for receiving and holding one container at each bellows suction cup by means of a vacuum, wherein the transport star has a vacuum connection and a vacuum channel which is flow-connected to the vacuum connection, wherein a vacuum can be generated in the vacuum channel via the vacuum connection by means of a suction.

[0006] Such a star wheel with bellows suction cups, on which the containers are securely held by means of a generated negative pressure, can also be called a vacuum star, although no vacuum in the true sense is created, but merely a negative pressure.

[0007] For the purposes of this invention, the terms cans, containers, and receptacles are used synonymously. Such transport stars are used in particular for transporting beverage cans in bottling plants in the beverage industry. However, the invention is not limited to this application.

[0008] Preferably, the transport star has a control ring that defines a first circumferential section between a container intake of the transport star and a container discharge of the transport star, wherein the control ring in the first circumferential section releases a flow-technical connection between the vacuum channel and the bellows suction cups located in the circumferential section.

[0009] By releasing the flow-related connection between the vacuum channel and the bellows suction cups located in the circumferential section, the bellows suction cups located in the circumferential section between the container intake and the container discharge of the transport star are subjected to the vacuum and can therefore each take in a container by means of the applied vacuum and transport it from the container intake of the transport star to the container discharge of the transport star by means of the rotation of the transport star.

[0010] Preferably, the control ring covers the vacuum channel in a second circumferential section of the transport star from the container discharge to the container intake in the direction of the bellows suction cups and separates the bellows suction cups from the vacuum channel in the second circumferential section in terms of fluid flow.

[0011] Due to the fluid-dynamic separation of the bellows suction cups from the vacuum channel in the second circumferential section of the transport star, from the container discharge to the container intake, no vacuum is present at the bellows suction cups located in this circumferential section. Because only those bellows suction cups that serve the intake and transport of the containers are fluid-dynamically connected to the vacuum channel, significant energy savings can be achieved in generating the vacuum.

[0012] Preferably, a conveyor belt is placed upstream of the transport star, via which the containers are fed to the transport star at the container intake of the transport star, wherein each container is picked up and held by a bellows suction cup.

[0013] Preferably, a conveyor belt is connected downstream of the transport star, via which the containers are taken from the transport star at the container discharge of the transport star and transported further.

[0014] This makes it possible to remove the containers from an existing conveyor belt, guide them alongside, and then place them back onto the existing conveyor belt. This container handling system can therefore be integrated into an existing transport line without installing additional drives.

[0015] Preferably, the first circumferential section extends over an angle of up to 125°, in particular over an angle of up to 150°.

[0016] Preferably, the vacuum channel opens into a flange housing, with the bellows suction cups having a kinematic connection to the flange housing, such that the flange housing and the bellows suction cups rotate at the same circumferential speed while the control ring remains stationary. The stationary control ring thus defines the first circumferential section in which the containers are picked up and transported by the transport star wheel.

[0017] Preferably, the control ring for determining the first circumferential section is rotatable. This allows for free positioning of the container receiving point and the container discharge point of the transport star.

[0018] Preferably, the bellows suction cups are made of a flexible material, in particular soft rubber or silicone. Using a flexible material for the bellows suction cups ensures a tight seal between the container and the suction cup, preventing damage to the container's surface.

[0019] Preferably, the transport ring has a plurality of segments around its circumference, each with a plurality of bellows suction cups, wherein the segments are interchangeable to adapt the transport star to different container diameters.

[0020] The segments are attached to a base body and are interchangeable in order to adapt the transport star to different container diameters.

[0021] Preferably, the container handling system has an adjustable linear guide at the container holder of the transport star for guiding the containers.

[0022] Preferably, the container handling system has an adjustable linear guide at the container discharge point of the transport star for guiding the containers.

[0023] The adjustability of the linear guide allows it to adapt to different container diameters.

[0024] Preferably, the transport star is free-running. This means that the transport star is mounted on a free-running bearing and can rotate freely.

[0025] A particular advantage of the method for operating a container treatment plant is that the drive of the transport star is provided by the pressure of the containers approaching the container intake of the transport star.

[0026] The star wheel is driven by the pressure of the containers on the existing conveyor track. Therefore, a certain number of containers must always be accumulated at the infeed side to build up sufficient pressure to drive the star wheel. A drive unit located below the star wheel uses a freewheel bearing to brake the star wheel's rotation, ensuring that the rotational speed does not exceed the drive unit's predetermined speed. A further advantage is that the star wheel's speed is controlled solely by the pressure and number of containers at the infeed.

[0027] As an alternative to rotating the transport star by the pressure of the incoming containers, the transport star can also have a drive by which the rotational speed of the transport star is determined.

[0028] Preferably, in the first circumferential section, the containers are coded on their underside and / or on their top side, in particular by means of a laser and / or by means of an inkjet unit.

[0029] Preferably, the encoding is triggered by a light barrier, which detects whether a container is held against a bellows suction device.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1 A perspective view of a partially cut-away transport star; Fig. 2 a top view of the transport star to Fig. 1.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a partially cutaway transport star 1 with a vacuum port 2. A vacuum is created via the vacuum port 2 by means of a suction system. The vacuum port 2 is fluidically connected to the vacuum channel 3. The vacuum channel 3 opens into the flange housing 4.

[0032] The transport star 1 has a control ring 5, which defines the circumferential section within which the bellows suction cups 6 on the outer circumference of the transport star 1 are subjected to a vacuum. The bellows suction cups 6 on the outer circumference of the transport star 1 are supported by a format set that covers the entire circumference. The format set is formed by several segments 7 that are attached to the base body 8 of the transport star 1. Furthermore, the transport star 1 has an adjustment unit 9 for rotating the control ring 5 into the desired position.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the transport star to Fig. 1. The transport star is integrated into a linear transport route.

[0034] A conveyor belt 10 is connected upstream of the transport star 1, via which the containers 20 are fed to the transport star 1 at the container intake of the transport star 1, whereby each container 20 is picked up and held by a bellows suction cup 6.

[0035] Furthermore, a conveyor belt 11 is connected downstream of the transport star 1, via which the containers 20 are taken over at the container discharge of the transport star 1 and transported further.

[0036] An adjustable guide 12 is arranged at the inlet area of ​​the transport star 1. An adjustable guide 13 is arranged at the outlet area of ​​the transport star 1. The adjustable guides 12 and 13 serve to adapt to different container diameters.

[0037] In the first circumferential section, from the container intake of the transport star 1 to the container discharge of the transport star 1, the bellows suction cups 6 are subjected to a vacuum and therefore hold the containers 20 securely. This first circumferential section is defined by the control ring 5.

[0038] The vacuum-assisted transport star 1 was developed for coding and / or marking containers or packages. This transport star 1 is particularly suitable for marking filled containers / packages 20 on both the top and bottom.

[0039] The core of the invention is to remove the containers 20 from an existing conveyor belt 10, guide them laterally past it, and then place them back onto the existing conveyor belt 11. Thus, the container handling system according to the invention can be integrated into an existing transport line without having to install additional drives in the existing transport line.

[0040] The transport star 1 had to maintain a vacuum on the inlet side and release it on the discharge side. No vacuum is required on the opposite side (where no containers are transported). The vacuum is only needed to hold and secure the containers 20 within a designated contour. Different format sets 7 were developed for the various containers 20, which are attached to a base body 8. The vacuum required to hold the containers 20 is applied at an angle of 125°, achieved by a control ring 5 with a slot leading to the vacuum channel 3. On the opposite side of this slot, a groove extending over an angle of approximately 200° ensures that the vacuum is released. This occurs through the openings of the bellows suction cups 6, which are not used, on the opposite side where no containers 20 are transported.The bellows suction cups 6 located on the outside are all connected to the flange housing 4, which rotates. The control ring 5 for controlling the vacuum, however, is stationary but can be rotated by means of an adjusting unit 9 to determine the position of the vacuum range. If a different vacuum range is required, the control ring 5 can be replaced.

[0041] The transport star 1 can be used to mark filled containers / containers 20 on both their top and bottom surfaces. A light barrier detects whether a bellows suction cup 6 has picked up a container 20. If so, the container 20 is coded on its bottom and / or top surface using a laser and / or an inkjet unit. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2015 120 770 B4

[0002] DE 10 2016 101 985 B4

[0002]

Claims

[1] Container treatment plant with a rotating transport star (1) for guiding containers (20) in the container treatment plant, characterized by , that a star wheel with a plurality of bellows suction cups (6) on the outer circumference of the star wheel is arranged for receiving and holding a container (20) on each bellows suction cup (6) by means of a vacuum, wherein the transport star (1) has a vacuum port (2) and a vacuum channel (3) which is fluid-connected to the vacuum port (2), wherein a vacuum can be generated in the vacuum channel (3) via the vacuum port (2) by means of a suction. [2] Container treatment plant according to claim 1, characterized by, that the transport star (1) has a control ring (5) which defines a first circumferential section between a container intake of the transport star (1) and a container discharge of the transport star (1), wherein the control ring (5) releases a flow-technical connection in the first circumferential section between the vacuum channel and the bellows suction cups (6) located in the circumferential section. [3] Container treatment plant according to claim 2, characterized by , that the control ring (5) covers the vacuum channel (3) in a second circumferential section of the transport star (1) from the container discharge to the container intake in the direction of the bellows suction cups (6) and separates the bellows suction cups (6) from the vacuum channel (3) in the second circumferential section in terms of flow technology. [4] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a transport belt (10) is connected upstream of the transport star (1), via which the containers (20) are supplied to the transport star (1) at the container intake of the transport star (1), wherein each container (20) is picked up and held by a bellows suction cup (6). [5] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a conveyor belt (11) is connected downstream of the transport star (1), via which the containers (20) are taken over from the transport star at the container discharge of the transport star (1) and transported further. [6] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first circumferential section extends over an angle of up to 125°, in particular over an angle of up to 150°. [7] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the vacuum channel (3) opens into a flange housing (4), wherein the bellows suction cups (6) have a kinematic connection to the flange housing (4) such that the flange housing (4) and the bellows suction cups (6) rotate at the same circumferential speed, while the control ring (5) is stationary. [8] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control ring (5) is rotatable for determining the first circumferential section. [9] Container treatment plant according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bellows suckers (6) are formed by a flexible material, in particular soft rubber or silicone. [10] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the transport ring (1) has a plurality of segments (7) on its circumference, each with a plurality of bellows suction cups (6), wherein the segments (7) are interchangeable to adapt the transport star (1) to different container diameters. [11] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container handling system has an adjustable linear guide (12) at the container receiving point of the transport star (1) for guiding the containers (20) and / or that the container handling system has an adjustable linear guide (13) at the container discharge point of the transport star (1) for guiding the containers (20) [12] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transport star (1) is free-running. [13] Method for operating a tank treatment plant according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the drive of the transport star (1) is effected by the pressure of the containers (20) approaching the container intake of the transport star (1). [14] Method for operating a container treatment plant according to claim 13, characterized by , that in the first circumferential section the containers (20) are coded on their underside and / or on their top side, in particular by means of a laser and / or by means of an inkjet unit. [15] Method for operating a container treatment plant according to claim 14, characterized by , that the coding is triggered by a light barrier, which detects whether a container is held against a bellows suction device.

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