Conveyor system with spiral conveyor

Abstract

Described is a conveyor system 30 comprising a spiral conveyor 1 for conveying containers 2 along a transport path extending between a container inlet 4 and a container outlet 5. The transport path has at least: a first transport path 3.1 helically enclosing a first machine axis MA1, a second transport path 3.2 helically enclosing a second machine axis MA2, and a transfer path 3.3, wherein the transfer path 3.3 extends between the first transport path 3.1 and the second transport path 3.2; at least one first and one second driver, wherein the first driver 14.1 can be brought into operative connection with the containers arranged on the first transport path and the second driver 14.2 can be brought into operative connection with the containers arranged on the second transport path.The conveyor system 30 also has at least one first drive 20 for conveying containers 2 along the first transport route 3.1, wherein the first driver 14.1 is designed to be driven by the first drive, and at least one second drive 21 for conveying containers 2 along the second transport route 3.2, wherein the second driver 14.2 is designed to be driven by the second drive. The first drive and the second drive can be operated independently of one another. The conveyor system also comprises a first sensor device 31 arranged in the region of the container inlet 4 and a second sensor device arranged in the region of the container outlet 5. The sensor devices are designed to detect a number and a direction of movement of the containers 2 passing through the container inlet orcontainers passing the container outlet, and for sending a signal, wherein the signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers, as well as a control unit 35 having a signal interface 36. The sensor devices are in signal connection with the signal interface and the control unit is designed to control the first drive and the second drive independently of one another, based on the signals transmitted by the sensor devices and based on a demand signal transmitted by a system control.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a conveyor system with a spiral conveyor for conveying containers and with at least two sensor devices. State of the art

[0002] Spiral conveyors are known in various forms in the prior art. For example, EP 2 279 803 A1 discloses a spiral conveyor for containers in the form of transport crates. Transport crates are conveyed along a spiral conveyor path enclosing a machine axis from a container inlet to a container outlet. The container outlet is vertically spaced from the container outlet, so that the spiral conveyor bridges a height difference between the container inlet and container outlet.

[0003] Such spiral conveyors can be used, for example, in container cleaning devices. However, spiral conveyors are also used for other purposes, such as in conveyor technology to bridge height differences between the inlet and outlet. Such spiral conveyors are disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2019 129 962 A1, WO 2020 / 201 101 A1, and US 2022 / 0 227 585 A1.

[0004] When spiral conveyors are used to transport containers, many applications require a continuous flow of containers at the container outlet, with successive containers at a predetermined distance from each other or in direct contact with each other. This is a requirement, for example, in the design of container cleaning systems, since the cleaned containers are often precisely filled with beverage storage containers, such as cans or bottles, in a processing step following the cleaning process.

[0005] However, the feeding of containers at the container inlet of such a spiral conveyor often does not occur reliably in a continuous flow in which the containers are equidistantly spaced. Even during the conveyance of the containers through the spiral conveyor, the spacing between adjacent containers is often not adjustable with existing solutions, so that irregularities in spacing at the container inlet also occur at the container outlet.

[0006] In order to equalize the spacing between containers in a system or to provide additional containers for other components of a system, what is known as linear storage technology is often used. In this technology, a linear storage device in which containers are stored is arranged parallel to a conveyor belt. The linear storage device is usually loaded and emptied using gripping devices. A predetermined number of containers arranged one behind the other, for example 10 or 15 containers, are clamped by the gripping device like a pair of tongs and moved back and forth between the conveyor belt and the linear storage device. If a gap in the container flow needs to be filled, containers are removed from the linear storage device and placed on the conveyor belt.In the opposite case, if the flow of containers is too dense, containers are removed from the conveyor belt using the gripping device and stored in the linear storage device.

[0007] The provision of a linear storage device that is discontinuously loaded by a gripping device entails several disadvantages. For example, a linear storage device increases the space required by the system, for example, a container washing line, especially when used in combination with a spiral conveyor. Furthermore, a linear storage device can only be loaded with containers discontinuously, with only a predetermined number of containers being able to be moved between the linear storage device and the corresponding conveyor belt, resulting in limited flexibility in such a system. Such a system is also costly and error-prone due to the high mechanical complexity required for the additional gripping device and the linear storage device.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a device that enables buffering of containers in a reliable, flexible, cost-effective manner that can be operated continuously and, in particular, reacts with a short response time. Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device that enables reliable, flexible, cost-effective, and, if possible, continuously operable buffering of containers with a short response time. This object is achieved by the conveyor system according to claim 1. Further advantageous aspects, details, and embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0010] The present invention provides a conveyor system comprising a spiral conveyor for conveying containers along a transport path extending between a container inlet arranged in an inlet plane and a container outlet arranged in an outlet plane. The transport path has at least: a first transport path helically enclosing a first machine axis, wherein the first transport path has a first spiral diameter and the first transport path has a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a second transport path helically enclosing a second machine axis, wherein the second transport path has a second spiral diameter and the second transport path has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second machine axis is aligned substantially parallel to the first machine axis;a transfer path, the transfer path extending between the first transport path and the second transport path; at least one first carrier, the first carrier being operatively connected to the containers arranged on the first transport path; at least one second carrier, the second carrier being operatively connected to the containers arranged on the second transport path;

[0011] The first transport path has at least one container guide located inside the first machine axis and at least one container guide located outside the first machine axis. The second transport path has at least one container guide located inside the second machine axis and at least one container guide located outside the second machine axis. The first carrier extends through the first transport path, and the second carrier extends through the second transport path between the respective container guides.

[0012] The transport path also has at least one first drive for conveying containers along the first transport path, wherein the first carrier is designed to be driven by the first drive, and at least one second drive for conveying containers along the second transport path, wherein the second carrier is designed to be driven by the second drive. The first drive and the second drive can be operated independently of one another.

[0013] The conveyor system further comprises a first sensor device arranged in the region of the container inlet, wherein the first sensor device is designed to detect a number and a direction of movement of the containers passing through the container inlet, and to transmit a signal, wherein the signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers passing through the container inlet. In addition, the conveyor system comprises a second sensor device arranged in the region of the container outlet, wherein the second sensor device is designed to detect a number and a direction of movement of the containers passing through the container outlet, and to transmit a signal, wherein the signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers passing through the container outlet.Finally, the conveyor system comprises a control unit having a signal interface, wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device are in signal connection with the signal interface and the control unit is designed to control the first drive and the second drive independently of one another, based on the signal transmitted by the first sensor device and the second sensor device and based on a demand signal transmitted by a system control.

[0014] The spiral conveyor comprised by the conveyor system according to the invention can be used for a wide variety of container shapes and sizes. For example, the containers to be conveyed can be cuboid-shaped; in particular, containers in the form of containers, beverage crates, or tubs can be conveyed by means of the spiral conveyor provided. The containers conveyed by the spiral conveyor can also be foldable containers, such as those frequently used for the transport and storage of foodstuffs, in particular meat, fruit, vegetables, and baked goods. The containers can in particular be containers for the storage and transport of foodstuffs such as meat, fruit, vegetables, and baked goods, in particular butcher's crates, especially crates of sizes E1, E2, and E3.

[0015] The arrangement of the inlet and outlet levels can be selected according to the requirements of a spiral conveyor. In particular, the inlet level can be aligned parallel to the outlet level and be the same distance from the ground as the outlet level. In this case, the inlet level and the outlet level are identical, which is preferred if the spiral conveyor provided replaces existing buffer solutions, such as linear storage devices integrated into a production line. However, the inlet level and the outlet level can also be oriented differently or arranged at different distances from the ground, for example, if the conveyed containers must bridge a height difference as they pass through the spiral conveyor.

[0016] The container inlet and outlet can be located on any side surface of a spiral conveyor. For example, the container inlet and outlet can be located on the same, adjacent, or opposite side surfaces.

[0017] To transport the containers through the first transport section, a first drive is provided. This drive is designed to drive the first carrier, which comes into active connection with the containers as soon as the containers have passed the container inlet. The containers are thus moved along the first transport section to the transfer section.

[0018] The second drive is designed to drive the second carrier, which comes into operative connection with the containers and transports the containers along the second transport path, i.e. from the transfer path to the container outlet.

[0019] The first and second drives can be operated or driven independently of each other, meaning they can be operated at different times and / or at different speeds and / or with different forces or torques. In other words, the movement caused by the first drive can be mechanically decoupled, at least temporarily, from the movement caused by the second drive. For this purpose, a dedicated drive control system can be provided to control each drive.

[0020] The spiral conveyor of the conveyor system according to the invention has at least one first carrier, wherein the first carrier can be brought into operative connection with the containers arranged on the first transport path. The spiral conveyor further has at least one second carrier, wherein the second carrier can be brought into operative connection with the containers arranged on the second transport path. The first carrier can be driven independently of one another by means of the first drive, and the second carrier can be driven independently of one another by means of the second drive. Consequently, the containers in the first transport path can be conveyed by means of the first carrier independently of the containers in the second transport path, wherein the containers in the second transport path are conveyed by means of the second carrier.

[0021] In particular, it is particularly easy to operate the first and second carriers in different directions of rotation. This means that the containers can be moved not only along the first transport path in the direction of the first machine axis, but also in the opposite direction. Similarly, the containers can be moved along the second transport path in the direction of the second machine axis, as well as in the opposite direction.

[0022] The carriers can preferably extend substantially parallel to the first and / or second machine axis. The carriers preferably extend substantially along the entire length of the inner transport path and / or the outer transport path parallel to the machine axis. Thus, a carrier can simultaneously bring several containers, each offset from one another by one turn of the transport path, i.e., positioned one above or one below the other in the direction of the machine axis, into operative connection with the same carrier and move them by it.

[0023] This means that a single carrier can efficiently advance several containers, whereby the position of the transported containers in the turns of the transport path can be precisely specified.

[0024] By providing a first drive and a second drive which can be operated independently of one another, the containers which are operatively connected to the first carrier can be moved during the conveying process through the first transport path independently of the containers in the second transport path and vice versa.

[0025] Particular advantages of the conveyor system according to the present invention are that the first drive for conveying containers along the first transport path and the second drive for conveying containers along the second transport path can be operated independently of one another. Since the first carrier is designed to be driven by the first drive and the second carrier is designed to be driven by the second drive, the two carriers can be operated at different speeds and in different directions of rotation. The containers can thus be moved along the first and second transport paths along the respective machine axis in the same direction or in different directions. Furthermore, the first and second carriers can easily be operated in the same or opposite directions of rotation.

[0026] It follows directly for the person skilled in the art that the terms "inlet level," "container inlet," "outlet level," and "container outlet" are merely terms chosen to simplify and clarify the description of the invention. Both "container inlet" and "container outlet" can serve to supply containers to the respective transport section as well as to remove them from the conveyor system. Thus, depending on the direction of rotation of the corresponding carrier, the container inlet can also function as a container outlet, and vice versa. Thus, the container inlet can also be arranged in the container outlet level, and the container outlet can also be located in the container inlet level.

[0027] Furthermore, because the first and second carriers can be operated independently of each other in the same or opposite directions of rotation, both the container inlet and the container outlet can function as container inlets simultaneously. This is particularly advantageous when a large number of containers need to be fed to the spiral conveyor, which acts as a buffer, in a short period of time.

[0028] Conversely, the container inlet and outlet can both function as container outlets simultaneously. This is particularly advantageous when a large number of containers need to be removed from the spiral conveyor acting as a buffer in a short period of time.

[0029] The conveyor system according to the invention comprises, in addition to a spiral conveyor, at least one first sensor device arranged in the region of the container inlet and at least one second sensor device arranged in the region of the container outlet. The first sensor device is designed to detect a number and a direction of movement of the containers passing through the container inlet and to transmit a signal, wherein the signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers passing through the container inlet. The second sensor device is designed to detect a number and a direction of movement of the containers passing through the container outlet and to transmit a signal, wherein the signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers passing through the container outlet.Finally, the conveyor system comprises a control unit having a signal interface, wherein the first sensor device and the second sensor device are in signal connection with the signal interface and the control unit is designed to control the first drive and the second drive independently of one another, based on the signal transmitted by the first sensor device and the second sensor device and based on a demand signal transmitted by a system control.

[0030] The signals sent by the first and second sensor devices to the signal interface can, for example, be analog signals indicating the number and direction of movement of the containers passing through the container inlet or container outlet.

[0031] The conveyor system further comprises at least one control unit having a signal interface. The first and second sensor devices are signal-connected to the signal interface of the control unit. The control unit is configured to independently control the first drive and the second drive based on the signal transmitted by the first and second sensor devices and based on a demand signal transmitted by a system controller.

[0032] The conveyor system according to the invention combines a spiral conveyor with two spiral-shaped transport sections, two carriers extending through the respective transport sections, and two independently operable carrier drives. It also includes two sensor units located at the container inlet and the container outlet, which are connected to a control unit via a signal interface. Since the two carriers can be driven independently of each other by the two drives and can also be operated in different directions of rotation, the conveyor system can respond to requirements with extreme flexibility and a short response time.

[0033] For example, if a fault is reported to the control system from any point on the production line, requiring an immediate stop of the container feed, the conveyor system can react immediately by operating the two carriers in the same direction of rotation, so that both the container inlet and outlet function as container inlets. In this way, large numbers of containers are immediately fed to both transport lines simultaneously and buffered there.

[0034] Conversely, by operating both carriers in the same direction of rotation, the conveyor system can also react in such a way that both the container inlet and the container outlet function as container outlets. In this way, large quantities of containers are immediately transferred from the conveyor system to the production line when a corresponding requirement request is transmitted to the control unit.

[0035] According to the invention, the first transport path and the second transport path enclose the respective machine axis in a spiral manner, i.e., the first transport path and the second transport path form a curve that winds around the outer surface of an imaginary cylinder whose axis of rotation is the respective machine axis. The pitch of a transport path is the distance by which the transport path winds in the direction of the machine axis during one complete rotation of the transport path around the respective machine axis.

[0036] If the cylinder shell along which the conveyor line winds is unwound into a plane, the conveyor line forms a curve in this plane. The gradient of the conveyor line in this plane is referred to as the gradient of the conveyor line. Preferably, the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line have a constant gradient; however, individual sections of the spiral can also be steeper or flatter, for example, if the spiral is subject to geometric restrictions dictated by the location of a spiral conveyor and / or equipment installed on or near a spiral conveyor.

[0037] The first helix diameter or the second helix diameter corresponds to the diameter of the cylinder enclosed by the respective transport section.

[0038] The winding direction of the first transport path and the second transport path is arbitrary; in particular, the first and second transport paths can have the same winding direction, which, for example, standardizes and thus simplifies the design and production of the transport paths. Alternatively, the first and second transport paths can also have different winding directions.

[0039] The transport route is divided by the transfer route into two elements, referred to as the "first" transport route and the "second" transport route. Within the scope of this disclosure, the designations "first" transport route and "second" transport route serve merely to distinguish different elements of the transport route from one another and, in particular, do not represent any indication regarding the order in which the containers traverse the transport routes.

[0040] For example, the spiral conveyor can be characterized in that the first end of the first transport path is located at the container inlet, the second end of the second transport path is located at the container outlet, and the transfer path extends between the second end of the first transport path and the first end of the second transport path. In this configuration of the spiral conveyor, the containers conveyed by the spiral conveyor first pass the container inlet, then are transported along the first transport path, along the transfer path, and subsequently along the second transport path. Finally, the containers are provided at the container outlet for further transport.

[0041] However, in an alternative embodiment, the path traveled by the containers during transport by the spiral conveyor can, for example, lead from the container inlet along the second transport path, via the transfer path, and along the first transport path, so that the containers can then be provided at the container outlet. In this—in contrast to the previously mentioned—reverse configuration of the spiral conveyor, the spiral conveyor is characterized in that the first end of the second transport path is arranged at the container inlet, the second end of the first transport path is arranged at the container outlet, and the transfer path extends between the second end of the second transport path and the first end of the first transport path.

[0042] However, due to the freely selectable rotation direction of the carriers, the containers do not have to travel the entire transport route. For example, the containers can be removed from the production line, fed to the first transport route, and stored there for buffering. By reversing the rotation direction of the corresponding carrier, these containers can be transferred directly from the first transport route back to the production line. The same applies to the second transport route.

[0043] The winding direction of the first and second transport sections can also be freely configured. For example, the first transport section can have a right-handed winding and the second transport section a left-handed winding, or vice versa. Likewise, with an appropriate design of the transfer section, both transport sections can have the same winding direction.

[0044] The first drive and the second drive can preferably be controlled in such a way that, in response to a demand signal from a system control system, a continuous flow of containers is provided at the container outlet. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the drives can be controlled in such a way that the transport section arranged between the transfer section and the container outlet is filled with containers as much as possible.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the spiral conveyor of the conveyor system according to the invention can have, in addition to the first drive and the second drive, a third drive for conveying containers along the transfer path, which third drive can further preferably be operated independently of the first drive and the second drive.

[0046] The specific design of the drives is freely selectable. More precisely, the design of each drive is individually selectable, so the first drive can be designed differently than the second drive. A third drive, if present, can also be designed differently than the other drives.

[0047] By operating the first and second drives independently, for example, the timing of containers between the container inlet and the container outlet can be changed and / or the flow of containers arriving at the container inlet can be evened out. The drives can also be controlled independently of each other to provide a continuous flow of buffered containers at the container outlet.

[0048] For this purpose, in a purely exemplary configuration of the transport path, containers can be conveyed along the first transport path to the transfer path by the first drive. Containers can be buffered in the transfer path; in particular, the containers can be pushed or introduced into the transfer path by the first drive in such a way that they are arranged directly one behind the other in the transfer path. In this arrangement, the containers can be transported to the container outlet by the second drive, which is operated, for example, only when there are sufficient containers in the transfer path or when a signal from a system control system requires containers to be made available at the container outlet.

[0049] Preferably, the second transport line is always completely filled with containers, so that the containers can be provided seamlessly at the container outlet. To fill empty spaces in the second transport line, containers can, for example, be pushed from the first drive through the transfer line into the second transport line.

[0050] The spiral conveyor of the conveyor system can preferably have a plurality of first and / or a plurality of second flights; in particular, the flights can be distributed equidistantly along the spiral circumference of the first transport path and / or along the spiral circumference of the second transport path. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between adjacent flights can essentially correspond to the dimensions of the containers to be conveyed or can be slightly larger than the dimensions of the containers to be conveyed, so that the containers conveyed in the first and / or second transport path are individually moved in the spiral direction by a respective first or second flight. For example, the spiral conveyor can have 6 first flights evenly distributed over the circumference and 12 second flights evenly distributed over the circumference, or vice versa.

[0051] The drivers can, as in the case just described, come into direct contact with the containers or they can have driver elements, in particular driver fingers, in order to come into active contact with the containers.

[0052] Preferably, the first driver and / or the second driver can each be formed on at least one, in particular on at least two, driver support elements located opposite one another in the longitudinal direction of the machine axis and rotatable about the machine axis. Thus, the drivers are preferably supported by the driver support elements on both sides, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective machine axis, and outside the area along which the drivers come into operative contact with containers.

[0053] This enables particularly stable guidance of the flights and ensures even load distribution across the flights. Furthermore, the resulting bending moments are reduced by the support on both sides compared to one-sided support. Furthermore, tilting of the flights is prevented and the longevity of the spiral conveyor is improved by reducing damage due to material fatigue. The ring-shaped design of the flight support elements also provides good access to the spiral interior, for example, for installing equipment for controlling the spiral conveyor, (measuring) instruments, or other work devices.

[0054] The first transport route has at least one container guide located inside with respect to the first machine axis and at least one container guide located outside with respect to the first machine axis. The second transport route accordingly has at least one container guide located inside with respect to the second machine axis and at least one container guide located outside with respect to the second machine axis. This has the advantage that the internal and external container guides enable particularly precise guidance of the containers. Furthermore, the spiral conveyor can be designed so that the containers are also accessible from their underside during the conveying process along the transport route. This enables, for example, washing and / or drying of the containers from all sides, with the water used for this purpose being able to drain downwards.

[0055] The first carrier passes through the first transport path and the second carrier passes through the second transport path between the respective container guides, which leads to a particularly simple construction of the spiral conveyor used as a component of the conveyor system according to the invention.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the first machine axis is displaced parallel to the second machine axis. In particular, the distance between the first machine axis and the second machine axis can be at least equal to the sum of half the first helix diameter of the first transport path, i.e., the helix radius of the first transport path, and half the second helix diameter of the second transport path, i.e., the helix radius of the second transport path.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first spiral transport path and the second spiral transport path can be arranged side by side, which offers the advantage of a particularly simple design. The distance between the second end of the first transport path and the first end of the second transport path is bridged by the transfer path, which in this embodiment can be designed as a straight line, for example, and thus has a particularly simple design. At the same time, the spiral conveyor is space-saving compared to known systems that operate purely linearly, thanks to the high capacity of the spiral-shaped first and second transport paths.

[0058] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the first machine axis and the second machine axis can form a common machine axis. In this case, the first transport path and the second transport path have different helix diameters. In particular, the first transport path can have a first helix diameter and the second transport path can have a second helix diameter, wherein the first helix diameter is smaller than the second helix diameter, so that the first transport path and the second transport path are arranged offset from one another in the radial direction relative to the common machine axis.

[0059] Consequently, either the first or the second transport section can be arranged within the other transport section. This creates a particularly space-saving design for the spiral conveyor.

[0060] For example, according to a preferred embodiment, the first transport path can be configured as an inner transport path and the second transport path as an outer transport path. Consequently, the containers can first be conveyed along the inner, first transport path to the transfer path and then along the second, outer transport path from the transfer path to the container outlet.

[0061] In both cases—when the first machine axis is parallel to the second machine axis, and when the first and second machine axes form a single machine axis—any number of spiral conveyors can be combined in a single conveyor system. This continually increases the desired buffering effect. When combining multiple spiral conveyors, the containers are transferred from one spiral conveyor to the next via appropriately designed transfer lines.

[0062] Likewise, the transport path of a single spiral conveyor can, in principle, comprise more elements than the aforementioned first transport path, the aforementioned second transport path, and the aforementioned transfer path. For example, the transport path of the spiral conveyor can comprise a first transport path, a second transport path, and a third transport path, each of which spirals around a corresponding first, second, or third machine axis. The transport paths can each be equipped with an associated first, second, or third drive and connected by means of appropriately designed transfer paths.

[0063] In the case where the first machine axis and the second machine axis are configured as a common machine axis, the outer container guide of the first transport path, i.e., the transport path with the smaller spiral diameter, can preferably correspond to the inner container guide of the second transport path, i.e., the transport path with the larger spiral diameter. The provision of a central, "split" container guide enables material savings, thereby reducing the costs of a provided spiral conveyor.

[0064] Due to the geometric conditions just explained, the containers travel a shorter distance when passing through the inner first transport section than when passing through the outer second transport section. Due to its greater length, more containers can be stored in the outer transport section than in the inner spiral, so that the containers are buffered closer to the container outlet. Consequently, the containers can be made available at the container outlet more quickly, i.e., with a shorter response time to a signal from a system control system.

[0065] In the opposite case, i.e., when the second transport path is arranged internally with respect to the first transport path, i.e., when the second spiral diameter is smaller than the first spiral diameter, a split container guide can also be provided. In this case, the outer container guide of the second transport path corresponds to the inner container guide of the first transport path.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the transfer path extends at least partially in the radial direction relative to the first machine axis and / or relative to the second machine axis. In this case, the transfer path serves to bridge the difference in the helix diameter between the smaller helix diameter of the transport path located radially inside the machine axis and the larger helix diameter of the transport path located radially outside the machine axis.

[0067] The transfer line is not necessarily curved around the first and / or second machine axis, but can be linear or curved around a center of curvature located elsewhere. In this configuration, the transfer line thus enables space-saving transfer of the containers from the first to the second transport line, or vice versa. At the same time, the transfer line creates an additional buffer effect between the first and second transport lines and, as explained in more detail below, can reverse the transport direction of the crates between the transport lines by creating a kind of 180° curve for the containers.

[0068] Preferably, the transfer section can extend radially within a cylinder jacket defined by the outer container guide of the second transport section, i.e., the transport section with the larger spiral diameter, relative to the machine axis. In this case, the spiral conveyor is designed to be particularly space-saving and can also be used in confined spaces, for example, in conjunction with a washing or filling system.

[0069] Accordingly, the containers initially move, for example, along a spiral track with the smaller first spiral diameter of the first transport section. The containers are then transferred along the transfer section to the spiral track of the second transport section, which has a larger second spiral diameter. The transfer section can, for example, be designed in the form of a simple guide plate. Alternatively, at least part of the transfer section can be designed in the form of a 180° curve.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the transfer path extends, relative to the machine axis, at least partially radially outside a cylinder jacket defined by the outer container guide of the second transport path, i.e., the transport path with the larger helix diameter. In this case, neither the first carrier nor the second carrier can be brought into operative connection with the containers to be transported along the transfer path.

[0071] Advantageously, the geometry of the transfer section in this embodiment can be designed very freely because the transfer section can largely run radially outside the first and second transport sections. In particular, it is not necessary for carriers to pass through the transfer section in the part of the transfer section located outside the outer transport section. Therefore, the transfer section does not need to be interrupted in this outer region to allow carriers to pass through, as may be necessary in the inner region of the transport sections.

[0072] Regardless of the specific arrangement, the transfer line can be designed as a passive element, i.e., for example, as a sliding plate or chute along which the containers are not actively conveyed. However, particularly if the transfer line is long or if precise and synchronized conveyance of the containers is desired, it may be preferable to provide a conveying element, such as a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain, on the transfer line so that the containers can be actively driven from the first to the second transport line by the conveying element, even in the area of ​​the transfer line.

[0073] In a further preferred embodiment, the transfer line extends at a distance from the inlet plane and the outlet plane relative to the first machine axis and / or second machine axis, in particular lying above the inlet plane and the outlet plane. Further preferably, the transfer line can extend in a transfer plane parallel to the inlet plane and the outlet plane, in particular horizontally.

[0074] Consequently, in this embodiment, the containers are conveyed, for example, along the first transport path from the inlet level upwards to the transfer level. The containers are then conveyed downwards from the transfer level to the outlet level. This efficiently utilizes the available space to provide the longest possible transport path and thus the largest possible buffer zone for storing the containers in the spiral conveyor.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the first transport path and the second transport path are oriented in such a way and the transfer path is arranged between the second end of the first transport path and the first end of the second transport path in such a way that the direction of movement of the containers that can be arranged on the transport path along the first transport path, relative to the longitudinal direction of the first machine axis, is opposite to the direction of movement of the containers that can be arranged on the transport path along the second transport path.

[0076] For example, the containers can first be transported upwards, i.e., upwards, and then downwards, i.e., downwards, or vice versa. This allows for particularly efficient use of the space available for a spiral conveyor, where the containers are not to be moved across any height difference, and comprehensive buffering of the containers is provided.

[0077] Preferably, the first machine axis and / or the second machine axis or the common machine axis are configured perpendicular to the inlet plane and / or the outlet plane. A spiral conveyor configured in this way can be particularly well integrated into an existing production line; in particular, the interfaces to conveyor belts that transport containers to the container inlet and receive them from the container outlet can be retained.

[0078] Preferably, the first and second transport sections have the same spiral pitch. This makes it particularly easy to exploit synergy effects between the transport sections. For example, shared guide rails and / or a shared mount in the machine frame of the spiral conveyor can be provided.

[0079] The control unit provided according to the invention can, for example, be designed to control the first drive and the second drive in such a way that containers to be conveyed are provided at the container outlet with a constant pitch.

[0080] Preferably, the conveyor system can have at least one third sensor device configured to redundantly check the number and direction of movement of the containers detected by the first sensor device and / or the second sensor device. Further preferably, the third sensor device can be arranged in the region of the transfer line.

[0081] By redundantly providing the signal indicating the detected number and direction of movement of the containers, the third sensor device provides a way to detect errors in the operation of the conveyor system, such as wedging of the containers during transport through the first and / or the second transport route, and thus to improve the safety during operation of a conveyor system.

[0082] The first and / or second and / or third sensor devices can be configured, for example, as light barriers designed to detect the passage of containers and increment a counting element based thereon. Alternatively, the detection of a container and the detection of the container's direction of movement can be transmitted as a signal to the control unit, which can be configured to count the containers.

[0083] Due to the described design and arrangement of the sensor devices, a balance of the containers in the spiral conveyor can be carried out at any time.

[0084] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will also become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally part of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. Short description of the drawings

[0085] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a conveyor system in perspective view; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the conveyor system according to Fig. 1 in side view; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the conveyor system according to Fig. 1 in plan view; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a conveyor system in side view; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the conveyor system according to Fig. 4 in plan view; Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a conveyor system in perspective view. Ways to implement the invention

[0086] Identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. Furthermore, the invention is shown in the figures only as a schematic view to explain its operation. In particular, the representations in the figures serve only to explain the basic principle of the invention. For reasons of clarity, all components of the device have been omitted.

[0087] The Fig. 1 to 3 show a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a conveyor system with a spiral conveyor 1. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view. Fig. 2 shows a side view and Fig. 3 a plan view of the spiral conveyor 1 used in the conveyor system.

[0088] The spiral conveyor 1 is used for transporting and storing containers 2. The containers 2 are cuboid-shaped and can be designed in particular as transport boxes or beverage crates, as they are often used for transporting and storing food or beverage containers.

[0089] The containers 2 are fed to the spiral conveyor 1 at a container inlet 4. The containers 2 can be fed, for example, via a transport element arranged in front of the container inlet 4. The transport element can be designed, for example, as a conveyor belt. The container inlet 4 is arranged in an inlet plane EE, which, in the illustrated embodiment, extends essentially horizontally, i.e., essentially parallel to a support surface of the spiral conveyor 1.

[0090] The transport path extends from the container inlet 4 and comprises a first transport path 3.1, a second transport path 3.2 and a transfer path 3.3. The first transport path 3.1 and the second transport path 3.2 wind in the direction shown in the Fig. 1 to 3, the machine axis MA extends spirally or helically around a common machine axis MA. In the embodiment shown, the machine axis MA extends essentially perpendicular to the inlet plane EE, i.e., in the vertical direction.

[0091] The first transport path 3.1 has a first helix diameter WD1. The second transport path 3.2 has a second helix diameter WD2. The second helix diameter WD2 is larger than the first helix diameter WD1, so that the second transport path 3.2 is arranged radially outwardly of the first transport path 3.1. In other words, the second transport path 3.2 at least partially encompasses the first transport path 3.1.

[0092] The first transport path 3.1 has a first end and a second end. The second transport path 3.2 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first transport path 3.1 is arranged at the container inlet 4, so that containers 2 fed to the spiral conveyor 1 via the container inlet 4 pass the first end of the first transport path 3.1 and enter the first transport path 3.1.

[0093] On the side of the spiral conveyor 1 opposite the container inlet 4, a container outlet 5 is arranged at an outlet level AE. Containers 2 that are transported or stored in the spiral conveyor 1 are provided via the container outlet 5 to subsequent stations of a processing line or a production line. For this purpose, a transport element, in particular a conveyor belt, suitable for removing the provided containers can be provided outside the spiral conveyor 1, adjacent to the container outlet 5.

[0094] Although the container inlet 4 and container outlet 5 are arranged opposite each other on the spiral conveyor 1 in the illustrated embodiment, a different arrangement of the container inlet 4 and the container outlet 5 can also be provided. For example, the container inlet 4 and the container outlet 5 can be arranged on the same side surface of the spiral conveyor 1, or on adjacent side surfaces. In addition, as already explained in detail, the container inlet 4 can also serve as a container outlet, and the container outlet 5 can also function as a container inlet.

[0095] The arrangement of the inlet level EE with respect to the outlet level AE is also essentially freely selectable and depends in particular on whether a height difference is to be bridged by the containers 2 transported in the spiral conveyor 1 or whether the containers 2 are to be provided at the same level as they are transferred to the spiral conveyor 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet level EE and the outlet level AE are spaced apart, particularly vertically, so that the outlet level AE is arranged higher than the inlet level.

[0096] The second end of the second transport path 3.2 is arranged directly adjacent to the container outlet 5, so that containers 2 are provided at the container outlet 5 after being conveyed through the second transport path 3.2.

[0097] A transfer line 3.3 is provided between the first transport line 3.1 and the second transport line 3.2. The transfer line 3.3 connects the second end of the first transport line 3.1 with the first end of the second transport line 3.2. The transfer line 3.3 extends essentially in a plane parallel to the inlet plane EE and the outlet plane AE.

[0098] Both the first transport route 3.1 and the second transport route 3.2 have container guides 6, 7, 8, 9, which limit the path of the containers 2 and direct the movement of the containers 2 when the containers 2 are moved along the first transport route 3.1 and / or along the second transport route 3.2. The first transport route 3.1 has an internal container guide 6, which determines the mobility of the containers 2 in the radially inward direction. The external container guide 7 of the first transport route 3.1 limits the mobility of the containers in the radially outward direction, so that the containers 2 can only be moved in the circumferential direction of the helix of the first transport route 3.1. In this respect, the second transport route 3.2 has a similar structure to the first transport route 3.1. In particular, the second transport route 3.2 has an internal container guide 8 and an external container guide 9.

[0099] The transfer section 3.3 extends at least partially outside the cylinder jacket defined by the external container guide 9 of the second transport section 3.2. This results in a simple structure of the spiral conveyor 1. In particular, there is great freedom in the design of the transfer section 3.3, for example because the length of the transfer section 3.3 can be adjusted without varying the first spiral diameter WD1 of the first transport section 3.1 or the second spiral diameter WD2 of the second transport section 3.2. The transfer section 3.3 has a substantially curved course, so that the containers 2 emerging from the second end of the first transport section 3.1 are fed into the first end of the second transport section 3.2 after being transported along the transfer section 3.3 in the opposite direction of movement.

[0100] The containers 2 move clockwise along the first transport path 3.1, viewed from above, with the containers 2 screwing upwards during a clockwise movement. Along the second transport path 3.2, the containers 2 can also be moved clockwise, viewed from above, with the containers 2 screwing downwards during a clockwise movement.

[0101] A particularly advantageous feature of this arrangement of the first transport section 3.1, the transfer section 3.3, and the second transport section 3.2 is that the direction of movement of the containers 2 through the spiral conveyor 1 can be easily reversed, for example, if a system fault requires reverse operation. For example, containers 2 fed via the container outlet 5 can be conveyed upwards along the second transport section 3.2, as viewed from above, in an anticlockwise direction to the transfer section 3.3. From the transfer section 3.3, the containers 2 can then be conveyed downwards along the first transport section 3.1, as viewed from above, in a counterclockwise direction to the container inlet 4.

[0102] To move the containers 2 along the first transport path 3.1 and along the second transport path 3.2, the spiral conveyor 1 has a first drive 20 and a second drive 21. The first drive 20 can be controlled and operated independently of the second drive 21, so that the movement of the containers 2 in the first transport path 3.1 can be specified independently of the movement of the containers 2 in the second transport path 3.2.

[0103] The first drive 20 can, in principle, be designed as desired, as long as the first drive 20 can move containers 2 along the first transport path 3.1 by means of the first drive 20, in that the first drive 20 drives the first drivers 14.1, which then come into operative connection with the containers 2. Likewise, the second drive 21 can, in principle, be designed as desired, as long as the second drivers 14.2 are driven by the second drive 21, which then come into operative connection with the containers 2 and move the containers 2 along the second transport path 3.2.

[0104] How best to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the first carriers 14.1 and the second carriers 14.2 extend from a carrier support element 15, 16 essentially in the longitudinal direction of the machine axis MA, i.e., parallel to the machine axis MA. The carriers 14.1 and 14.2 extend through the respective transport paths 3.1, 3.2 between the inner container guides 6, 8 and the outer container guides 7, 9.

[0105] The first carriers 14.1 and the second carriers 14.2 are designed to be rotatable about the common machine axis MA. For example, the respective carrier support element 15, 16, from which the first carriers 14.1 and the second carriers 14.2 protrude, can be supported on the spiral conveyor 1 so as to be rotatable about the machine axis MA. Consequently, the first carriers 14.1 and the second carriers 14.2 are movable in the circumferential direction of the first transport path 3.1 and the second transport path 3.2 when the carrier support elements 15, 16 are rotated.

[0106] If the carrier support elements 15, 16 are rotated, the carriers 14.1 and 14.2 engage the containers 2, and the containers 2 are moved, for example, pushed or pulled, in the circumferential direction of the spiral. Due to the pitch of the spiral, this not only causes the containers 2 to move circumferentially, but also causes the containers 2 to move simultaneously upwards or downwards, depending on the orientation of the turns of the respective transport path 3.1, 3.2 and the direction in which the containers 2 are moved along the transport path 3.1, 3.2.

[0107] How special Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the carrier support elements 15, 16 can be arranged on both sides of the carriers 14.1, 14.2 in the longitudinal direction of the machine axis MA, i.e., at the top and bottom. To improve the clarity of the figure, only the carrier support elements 15 of the first carrier 14.1 are shown on both sides of the first carrier 14.1. However, the same can also be implemented without any problems for the carrier 14.2.

[0108] For example, the first drive 20 and / or the second drive 21 can be configured as electric motors and have a mechanical connection to the associated carrier support elements 15, 16, so that they can be rotated by the electric motors. Electric motors have the advantage that they can be easily switched on and off, and their movement can be easily controlled and regulated by a control unit.

[0109] The transfer section 3.3 can be designed as a passive element, i.e., in this case, it is not suitable for setting the containers 2 in motion. Rather, the containers 2 can be pushed into the transfer section 3.3 by the first drive 20 and / or the second drive 21 with the aid of the respective drivers 14.1, 14.2. If the containers 2 have sufficient kinetic and / or potential energy, the containers 2 can slide through the transfer section 3.3 until they come into active connection with the respective other driver 14.2, 14.1. If the kinetic and / or potential energy of the containers 2 is insufficient for this, the containers 2 can come to a stop in the transfer section 3.3. In this case, it can be provided that the containers 2 that have come to rest are pushed through the transfer section 3.3 by subsequent containers 2 that are still in operative connection with the first or second carrier 14.1, 14.2.

[0110] By utilizing the applications just described, the transfer line 3.3 can be used as a buffer zone for storing containers 2. If containers 2 are to be made available at the container outlet 5, for example, based on a corresponding demand signal from a system control system, the buffered containers 2 can be pushed through the transfer line 3.3 until they engage with the first or second carrier 14.1, 14.2 and can be conveyed to the container outlet 5.

[0111] Preferably, the spiral conveyor 1 is operated such that the transport section 3.1, 3.2, which is arranged at the container outlet 5, is constantly filled with containers 2. In the illustrated embodiment, this is the second transport section 3.2. To ensure complete filling of the second transport section 3.2 at all times, containers 2 can be stored in the transfer section 3.3, from which a container 2 is fed into the second transport section 3.2 when a container 2 exits the spiral conveyor 1 at the container outlet 5. For example, this can be achieved by a coordinated operation of the first and second drives 20, 21, wherein the containers 2 are pushed by the first driver 14.1 through the transfer path 3.3, in particular by pushing a row of adjacent containers in the transfer path 3.3, and can thus be made available to the second driver 14.2.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the following "division of tasks" can thus result between the first drive 20 and the second drive 21: The second drive, whose task is to provide containers 2 when a request from a system control system is transmitted to the spiral conveyor 1, conveys containers 2 to the container outlet 5 and makes them available there. So that the containers 2 can be provided at a consistent rate or at a standardized distance from one another, the first drive 20, in conjunction with the transfer line 3.3, ensures that the second transport line 3.2, along which the containers 2 are moved, is filled with containers 2 as much as possible and that no gaps occur between the containers 2. The first drive can take over the tasks of the second drive if the transport lines 3.1, 3.2 are arranged differently or are traversed by the containers in the opposite direction.

[0113] In addition to the first drive 20 and the second drive 21, the spiral conveyor 1 can have a third drive by means of which the containers 2 can be moved along the transfer line 3.3. The third drive can be designed, for example, as a conveyor belt that extends along the transfer line 3.3 and on which the containers 2 rest when they are transported along the transfer line 3.3. Consequently, the third drive can be designed to support the feeding of the containers 2 to the outlet-side transport line 3.1, 3.2, here the second transport line 3.2.

[0114] The conveyor system 30 comprises a control unit 35 in addition to the spiral conveyor 1. For reasons of clarity, the control unit 35 is only shown in Fig. 3. The conveyor system has a first sensor device 31 arranged in the region of the container inlet 4, which is designed to detect a number and a direction of movement of the containers 2 passing through the container inlet 4. The sensor device 31 can be designed, for example, as a light barrier that counts the containers 2 that pass through the light barrier and that determines the direction in which the containers 2 pass through the light barrier. The sensor device 31 is further designed to transmit a signal to the signal interface 36 of the control unit 35 of the conveyor system 30, which signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers 2 passing through the container inlet 4. The signal can be transmitted via a data transmission channel 37 and can be wired or wireless.

[0115] The conveyor system 30 also has a second sensor device (not shown). The second sensor device is arranged at the container outlet 5 and can be designed, for example, as a light barrier that counts the containers 2 passing the light barrier and determines the direction in which the containers 2 pass the light barrier. The second sensor device is also designed to transmit a signal to the signal interface 36 of the control unit 35 of the conveyor system 30, which signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers 2 passing the container outlet 5. The signal can be transmitted via a data transmission channel 37 and can be wired or wireless. The total number of containers 2 in the conveyor system 30 can be determined using the signals transmitted to the control unit 35.

[0116] To prevent errors and improve operational reliability, the conveyor system 30 further comprises a third sensor device 32, which is also connected to the signal interface 36 of the control unit 35. Although a corresponding data transmission channel 37 may be present, for reasons of clarity, Fig. 3, no such data transmission channel 37 is shown. The third sensor device 32 can also be designed as a light barrier and, for example, be arranged on the transfer line 3.3. The control unit 35 can compare the signal transmitted by the first sensor device 31 and / or the second sensor device with the signal transmitted by the third sensor device 32, so that any deviations from which conclusions can be drawn about a possible malfunction of the conveyor system 30 can be detected.

[0117] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a conveyor system 30 with a spiral conveyor 1, which largely corresponds to the Fig. 1 to 3. To avoid repetition, a description of identical components is therefore omitted.

[0118] The second embodiment of the spiral conveyor 1 of the conveyor system 30 is particularly characterized by the fact that the transfer section 3.3 extends within a cylinder jacket defined by the external container guide 9 of the second transport section 3.2. The result is a particularly space-saving configuration of the spiral conveyor 1, which is thus particularly easy to integrate into existing systems.

[0119] The transfer section 3.3 extends from the second end of the first transport section 3.1, continuing the curve of the first transport section 3.1. The transfer section 3.3 then extends in the form of a 180° curve with a radius of curvature that increases along the length of the transfer section 3.3. The radius of curvature of the transfer section 3.3 increases until it corresponds to the radius of the helix of the second transport section 3.2, so that the transfer section 3.3 transitions into the second transport section 3.2 with a continuous curvature.

[0120] As can be seen from both the Fig. 4 shown side view as well as from the Fig. As can be seen from the top view shown in Figure 5, in the second embodiment, it is necessary for the first drivers 14.1 and the second drivers 14.2 to cross the transfer path 3.3 in order to be movable on a circular path around the machine axis MA. For this purpose, the transfer path 3.3 can be designed in a split configuration, so that the transfer path 3.3 has recesses at the points where the drivers 14.1 and 14.2 cross the transfer path 3.3.

[0121] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a conveyor system 30 with a spiral conveyor 1. The spiral conveyor 1 has a first transport path 3.1 that spirals around a first machine axis MA1. Laterally offset from the first machine axis MA1, in particular parallel and displaced parallel to the first machine axis MA1, extends a second machine axis MA2. The second machine axis MA2 is spirally wound around by a second transport path 3.2.

[0122] The distance between the first machine axis MA1 and the second machine axis MA2 is predetermined in particular by the first helix diameter WD1 and the second helix diameter WD2. To ensure that the outer container guide 7 of the first transport path 3.1 does not overlap with the outer container guide 9 of the second transport path 3.2, i.e. to prevent the first transport path 3.1 from projecting into the second transport path 3.2 and vice versa when viewed from above, the distance between the first machine axis MA1 and the second machine axis MA2 is greater than the sum of half the first helix diameter WD1 and half the second helix diameter WD2. In other words, the distance between the first machine axis MA1 and the second machine axis MA2 is greater than the sum of the radii of the first transport path 3.1 and the second transport path 3.2.

[0123] The transfer section 3.3 arranged between the first transport section 3.1 and the second transport section 3.2 can be shaped as desired in the illustrated embodiment. However, it is particularly advantageous to design the transfer section 3.3 in a straight line because this entails particularly low manufacturing effort and thus low manufacturing costs. The fact that the first transport section 3.1 can be designed mirror-symmetrically to the second transport section 3.2 with appropriate design and arrangement of the transfer section 3.3 also contributes to the low manufacturing effort. In particular, the first transport section 3.1 can have the same helix diameter WD1 as the second transport section 3.2. Due to the juxtaposition of the first and second transport sections 3.1, 3.2, the interior of the respective transport section 3.1, 3.2 easily accessible so that equipment or devices can be installed, maintained and replaced without excessive effort.

[0124] The statements made above regarding the first drive 20, the second drive 21 and the third drive are based on the Fig. 6 is transferable. In particular, the spaced-apart arrangement of the transport sections 3.1, 3.2 offers considerable design freedom in the selection of the drives 20, 21. List of reference symbols 1 spiral conveyor 2 containers 3.1 first transport route 3.2 second transport route 3.3 Transfer route 4 Container inlet 5 Container outlet 6, 8 internal container guide 7, 9 external container guide 14.1 first driver 14.2 second driver 15, 16 Carrier element 20 first drive 21 second drive 30 conveyor system 31 first sensor device 32 third sensor device 35 Control unit 36 Signal interface 37 Data transmission channel AE run-off level EE inlet level MA common machine axis MA1 first machine axis MA2 second machine axis WD1, WD2 helix diameter

Claims

[1] Conveyor system (30) comprising - a spiral conveyor (1) for conveying containers (2) along a transport path extending between a container inlet (4) arranged in an inlet plane (EE) and a container outlet (5) arranged in an outlet plane (AE), wherein the transport path comprises at least: - a first transport path (3.1) enclosing a first machine axis (MA1) in a spiral manner, wherein the first transport path (3.1) has a first spiral diameter (WD1) and the first transport path (3.1) has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, - a second transport path (3.2) helically enclosing a second machine axis (MA2), wherein the second transport path (3.2) has a second spiral diameter (WD2) and the second transport path (3.2) has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, - wherein the second machine axis (MA2) is aligned substantially parallel to the first machine axis (MA1), - a transfer line (3.3), wherein the transfer line (3.3) extends between the first transport line (3.1) and the second transport line (3.2), - at least one first driver (14.1), wherein the first driver (14.1) can be brought into operative connection with the containers (2) that can be arranged on the first transport path (3.1), - at least one second driver (14.2), wherein the second driver (14.2) can be brought into operative connection with the containers (2) that can be arranged on the second transport path (3.2), - wherein the first transport path (3.1) has at least one container guide (6) located inside the first machine axis (MA1) and at least one container guide (7) located outside the first machine axis (MA1), - wherein the second transport path (3.2) has at least one container guide (8) located inside the second machine axis (MA2) and at least one container guide (9) located outside the second machine axis (MA2), - wherein the first driver (14.1) passes through the first transport path (3.1) and the second driver (14.2) passes through the second transport path (3.2) between the respective container guides (6, 7, 8, 9), - at least one first drive (20) for conveying containers (2) along the first transport path (3.1), wherein the first driver (14.1) is designed to be drivable by means of the first drive (20), - at least one second drive (21) for conveying containers (2) along the second transport path (3.2), wherein the second driver (14.2) is designed to be drivable by means of the second drive (21), - wherein the first drive (20) and the second drive (21) can be operated independently of each other, - a first sensor device (31) arranged in the region of the container inlet (4), wherein the first sensor device (31) is designed to detect a number and a direction of movement of the containers (2) passing through the container inlet (4), and to send a signal, wherein the signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers (2) passing through the container inlet (4), - a second sensor device arranged in the region of the container outlet (5), wherein the second sensor device is designed to detect a number and a direction of movement of the containers (2) passing through the container outlet (5), and to send a signal, wherein the signal represents the detected number and the detected direction of movement of the containers (2) passing through the container outlet (5), - a control unit (35) having a signal interface (36), wherein the first sensor device (31) and the second sensor device are in signal connection with the signal interface (36) and the control unit (35) is designed to control the first drive (20) and the second drive (21) independently of one another, based on the signal transmitted by the first sensor device (31) and the second sensor device and based on a demand signal transmitted by a system control. [2] Conveyor system (30) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first machine axis (MA1) is displaced parallel to the second machine axis (MA2) in such a way that a distance between the first machine axis (MA1) and the second machine axis (MA2) is at least equal to the sum of half the first spiral diameter (WD1) of the first transport path (3.1) and half the second spiral diameter (WD2) of the second transport path (3.2). [3] Conveyor system (30) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first machine axis (MA1) and the second machine axis (MA2) form a common machine axis (MA), wherein the first helix diameter (WD1) is smaller than the second helix diameter (WD2), so that the first transport path (3.1) and the second transport path (3.2) are arranged offset from one another in the radial direction with respect to the common machine axis (MA). [4] Conveyor system (30) according to claim 3, characterized by that the external container guide (7) of the first transport path (3.1) corresponds to the internal container guide (8) of the second transport path (3.2). [5] Conveyor system (30) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by that the transfer section (3.3) extends radially within a cylinder jacket defined by the outer container guide (9) of the second transport section (3.2) with respect to the common machine axis (MA). [6] Conveyor system (30) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by that the transfer path (3.3) extends at least partially radially outside a cylinder jacket defined by the outer container guide (9) of the second transport path (3.2) with respect to the common machine axis (MA). [7] Conveyor system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transfer path (3.3) extends at least partially in the radial direction with respect to the first machine axis (MA1) and / or with respect to the second machine axis (MA2). [8] Conveyor system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transfer section (3.3) extends at a distance from the inlet plane (EE) and the outlet plane (AE) relative to the first machine axis (MA1) and / or relative to the second machine axis (MA2), in particular lying above the inlet plane (EE) and the outlet plane (AE). [9] Conveyor system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first transport path (3.1) and the second transport path (3.2) are oriented in such a way and the transfer path (3.3) is arranged between the second end of the first transport path (3.1) and the first end of the second transport path (3.2) in such a way that the direction of movement of the containers (2) that can be arranged on the transport path along the first transport path (3.1) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first machine axis (MA1) is opposite to the direction of movement of the containers (2) that can be arranged on the transport path along the second transport path (3.2). [10] Conveyor system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first machine axis (MA1) and / or the second machine axis (MA2) or the common machine axis (MA) is perpendicular to the inlet plane (EE) and / or the outlet plane (AE). [11] Conveyor system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first transport section (3.1) and the second transport section (3.2) have the same spiral pitch. [12] Conveyor system (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the conveyor system (30) has at least one third sensor device (32) which is designed to redundantly check the number and direction of movement of the containers (2) detected by the first sensor device (31) and / or the second sensor device. [13] Conveyor system (30) according to claim 12, characterized by that the third sensor device (32) is arranged in the region of the transfer section (3.3).

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