Device for turning containers

Abstract

Device (2) for turning containers (4), in particular cans, which are guided between guide strands (8) extending along a helical conveying direction (F) and defining a guide space (12) extending in the conveying direction (F), which has several guide areas, namely at least a first guide area (14), a turning area (16) adjoining it, and preferably additionally a second guide area (18) adjoining the turning area (16), wherein at least one of the guide strands (8) is adjustable for size adaptation to different container sizes, characterized in that the at least one adjustable guide strand (8) is divided into several separate guide segments (20, 22, 24) adjoining each other in the conveying direction (F), namely a first segment (20) extending in the first guide area (14) and a turning segment (22) extending in the turning area (16).wherein the guide segments (20, 22, 24) are each individually and independently adjustable for the desired size adjustment.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for turning over containers, and in particular for turning over cans.

[0002] Many containers, especially cans for beverages or food, are cleaned before being filled. This is done, for example, with the help of so-called rinsers. These have a housing through which the containers to be cleaned are guided. Cleaning nozzles are distributed throughout the housing. The containers are fed through the rinser in a row, often using gravity. To adapt such a rinser to different container sizes, a rinser with an automatically adjustable guide device for the containers is described in DE 20 2025 105 618 U1. This allows for size adjustment. Conventionally, size adjustment is achieved by exchanging individual so-called format parts (modules) of the guide device, which are adapted to the different container sizes.

[0003] Such a rinser is typically part of a conveyor system that transports individual containers. To feed the containers to the rinser, the containers must be turned from their initial orientation to a rotated, secondary orientation. This is achieved using a container-turning device, usually located upstream and / or downstream of the rinser. Adapting to different container sizes is often accomplished by designing the turning device, or at least individual modules within it, for different container sizes and exchanging them for size adjustments. This necessitates providing different modules or devices for the various container sizes.

[0004] WO 2018 / 011678 A1 describes a device for turning containers, particularly cans, in which the cans are guided by means of at least partially adjustable guide segments. The individual guide segments are arranged in a continuous strand, running parallel to each other. The containers rest against at least one guide segment with their opposite sides. Several adjustment devices are arranged along the device, allowing the guide segments to be adjusted for size. Of particular importance is the fact that the continuous guide segments are made of a flexible material. Due to the flexibility of the individual guide segments, a considerable overall length of the device is required. The concept described therein also necessitates a large number of adjustment devices.

[0005] Adjusting the size to accommodate different container sizes, also known as format change, is generally very demanding due to the need to turn the containers around.

[0006] Based on this, the invention aims to provide a device for turning containers, in particular cans, which enables, in particular, automated or automatic adaptation to different container sizes while simultaneously ensuring reliable guidance of the containers, especially at low cost.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a device for turning containers with the features of claim 1. The containers are, in particular, cans which are guided between guide strings. The guide strings define a guide space and extend along a conveying direction. The individual guide strings, and consequently also the guide space, are generally coiled, at least in sections, i.e., they run section by section along a helical path and are therefore also helically shaped in sections. The guide space formed by the guide strings has several guide areas, namely at least a first guide area, which is also referred to as the inlet area, a turning area adjoining it, and preferably additionally a second guide area adjoining the turning area, which can also be referred to as the outlet area.The containers are turned over in the turning area.

[0008] At least one of the guide strands is adjustable to accommodate different container sizes and thus format adjustments. To enable this, the at least one adjustable guide strand is divided into several strand-like guide segments that connect to one another in the conveying direction. These consist of a first segment running in the first guide area and a turning segment running in the turning area. In the preferred embodiment with the additional second guide area, a second segment connects to the turning segment.

[0009] For size adjustment, the guide segments—that is, the first segment and the turning segment, and, if the design includes a third segment, this third segment as well—are each individually and independently adjustable to achieve the desired size. Individually and independently adjustable means that the adjustment movement of one guide segment has no influence on the position or adjustment movement of the other guide segment.

[0010] The adjustment movement is achieved using a controller and suitable adjustment units and actuators. The controller coordinates the adjustment movements of the various segments in a suitable manner, ensuring that the desired format adjustment (size adjustment) is automatic. The desired format is selected on the controller, for example, via a user interface such as a touchscreen or by another control command. The controller then initiates an automatic adjustment via the adjustment units to set the desired format. Electric drives are preferably used for the adjustment units and actuators. Alternatively, hydraulic or pneumatic drives can also be used.

[0011] By dividing the guide rails into several consecutive guide segments in the conveying direction, independent adjustment of each guide segment is enabled. Particularly in the turning area, this allows the turning segment to move in a different direction compared to the adjustment movements of the first or even the third segment. Therefore, by dividing the guide rail into individual guide segments separated from each other in the conveying direction, size adjustments can be made without requiring flexibility in the guide rails due to their helical shape.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the guide segments of the adjustable guide string are designed as dimensionally stable, rigid segments that are not deformed for size adjustment.

[0013] The individual guide segments are generally rod-shaped elements, which can also be referred to simply as guide rods. These are made, for example, of plastic or at least have a plastic surface to prevent damage to the containers being cleaned and to ensure the smoothest possible sliding motion. Typically, at least one guide rod, against which a sharp-edged side of the container rests, is designed as a metal rod. The guide strings are preferably each generally formed by a continuous, curved rod, or, in the case of guide strings formed by several guide segments, by several separate rods (segments). Preferably, all guide strings are each formed by several guide segments / guide rods.

[0014] The design described here requires only a few adjustment units for adjusting the adjustable guide strings, resulting in a cost-effective overall construction.

[0015] The conveying direction, relative to a fixed coordinate system, such as the space in which the device is located, follows a predetermined guide path, which also includes the helically curved section. The conveying direction itself is therefore oriented differently at different sections along the guide path relative to the fixed coordinate system. The three-dimensional guide space, which is helically wound at least in the turning area, is generally defined by a vertical direction and a transverse direction, each perpendicular to the other and perpendicular to the conveying direction. The guide space thus has a cross-sectional area, also referred to as the guide surface, which extends in both the vertical and transverse directions. This cross-sectional area generally represents the dimensions of the containers being conveyed.The vertical direction therefore corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the container, and the transverse direction corresponds to the transverse direction of the container. Containers, especially cans, often have a circular base with a predetermined diameter (width) in the transverse direction and a height in the vertical direction. Such cans have a vertical axis. This vertical axis is therefore oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction, meaning the containers are guided upright through the device. In this context, turning the containers refers to pivoting or rotating them about a pivot axis perpendicular to the container's vertical axis. This pivot axis is therefore typically oriented parallel to the conveying direction.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the turning segment is rotated about an axis of rotation to adjust its size in the turning area; that is, the turning segment is rotatably arranged about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation does not coincide with the conveying direction. In particular, the axis of rotation is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction. Preferably, the orientation of the axis of rotation coincides with the orientation of the vertical axis of a container when the container is located at the location of the turning segment's axis of rotation. This rotation offers the advantage of enabling a suitable size adjustment in a transition area between the turning segment and the subsequent first or second segment. The rotation thus flattens the turning segment, reducing the distance between its opposite end sections, thereby allowing it to adapt to smaller containers.Conversely, if the turning segment is made steeper by the rotational movement, the distance between the opposite end sections of the turning segment is increased, thus enabling adaptation to larger containers. The rotational movement preferably adjusts the guide space vertically; therefore, the rotational movement adjusts the height to accommodate containers of different heights (vertically).

[0017] Preferably, the turning segment is additionally adjusted linearly for size adjustment; it is therefore linearly adjustable. This linear adjustment is performed, in particular, perpendicular to the conveying direction – viewed from the location of the turning segment's axis of rotation – and especially in the direction of the orientation of the axis of rotation around which the turning segment can rotate. This linear adjustment movement results in a size adjustment in a second direction, for example, transversely within the guide space.

[0018] The reversing segment is preferably connected to an adjustment unit, which initiates the adjustment movement of the reversing segment. Preferably, the reversing segment is assigned only one adjustment unit and, in particular, only one adjustment drive (adjustment motor, especially an electric motor).

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment unit features a guide cam that generates a superimposed adjustment movement. This superimposed adjustment movement consists of a linear adjustment movement to generate the linear adjustment of the turning segment and a rotary movement to generate the rotation of the turning segment around its axis of rotation. This cam guide thus establishes a fixed correlation between the rotary and linear adjustment movements. This design takes into account the fact that there are fixed container formats, particularly can formats, which differ in their vertical length and transverse width. The individual formats, and thus their adjustment, are therefore controlled by the cam guide, which defines a corresponding vertical adjustment (rotational movement) for each transverse adjustment (linear movement).

[0020] To execute the superimposed movement, a coupling element of the adjusting unit is, for example, rigidly (and in particular rotationally fixed) connected to the turning segment. The coupling element is, for example, designed as an adjusting rod which can initially be adjusted in a linear direction by means of the adjusting drive. Additionally, this adjusting element is, for example, mounted in the guide track via a T-nut and experiences a rotation superimposed on the linear adjusting movement via the guide track, which is transmitted to the turning segment to generate the desired rotational movement.

[0021] The first segment in the first guide area, and preferably also the second segment in the second guide area, is / are preferably only linearly adjustable. Within the first guide area or the second guide area, the container preferably does not rotate about its previously described pivot axis (which is oriented in the conveying direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction of the container). Therefore, a purely linear adjustment of the corresponding segments is sufficient for size adjustment in these areas.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, at least one guide rail, namely a height rail for vertical height adjustment, and at least one guide rail, namely a width rail for lateral width adjustment, are adjustable. Each of these adjustable guide rails is subdivided into several guide segments as described above, thus comprising a first segment running in the first guide area, a turning segment running in the turning area, and preferably also a second segment running in the second guide area. The previously described configurations regarding the turning segment apply equally to the turning segment of the height rail and to the turning segment of the width rail. This measure generally enables both height and width adjustment, and thus adaptation to different formats.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the first segment and the reversing segment overlap, and in a preferred embodiment, the reversing segment and the second segment also overlap. An overlap area is therefore formed between each successive guide segment in the conveying direction. This measure ensures that even when the reversing segment is adjusted, particularly during rotation about its axis of rotation, a seamless transition occurs between the first or second segment and the reversing segment, thus guaranteeing a seamless, uninterrupted transfer of the container between each segment and the reversing segment. This overlap area therefore provides a degree of (length) compensation in the conveying direction, since the rotation of the reversing segment causes it to become steeper or shallower, thereby reducing or increasing the distance between the end sections.

[0024] The overlap area, i.e., the length over which the guide segments overlap, therefore varies in the preferred design depending on the selected size adjustment, i.e., depending on the set format. For large containers, i.e., large formats, the overlap is smaller than for small containers and small formats.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the segments, selected from the first segment and the turning segment, and preferably especially the first segment, has a bent or coiled end section that extends a portion into the subsequent conveying area. This end section forms the overlap area described above. The end section, particularly when incorporated into the first segment, is preferably helically coiled, specifically corresponding to the helical shape of the guide space and thus also to the conveying direction. This ensures a smooth and seamless transition between the two segments, allowing for the transfer of a container from one guide area to the other without any steps or disruptions.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the guide space is bounded in one direction, particularly in the transverse direction, by several adjustable guide strands, and each of these adjustable guide strands is subdivided into the several guide segments described above. These several guide strands are arranged side by side, particularly one above the other in the vertical direction, so that they form a guide for one side, particularly a longitudinal side of the container.

[0027] These multiple adjustable guide strands each have a reversing segment, as previously described. In a preferred embodiment, each of these reversing segments is assigned its own adjustment unit, via which the desired adjustment movements are executed. In particular, each of these adjustment units has a guide cam, as previously described.

[0028] These multiple adjustable guide strings each have at least the first segment described above, and preferably also the second segment. These multiple adjacent first segments, as well as preferably the multiple adjacent second segments of the multiple guide strings, preferably have only one common adjustment unit, via which preferably only a common linear adjustment movement is performed. Alternatively, each of these multiple segments of the multiple guide strings is individually assigned its own adjustment unit, via which, however, preferably only a linear adjustment is performed.

[0029] In a preferred further development, several turning areas are incorporated. The device therefore has several, separate turning areas.

[0030] Preferably, a central guide area is formed between two turning areas. This central guide area is preferably designed analogously to, for example, the first or second guide area (entry area). Accordingly, it also has several (third) segments that delimit the guide space, at least one of which is adjustable. Preferably, only a linear adjustment of the third segment takes place in the central guide area.

[0031] Especially when pivoting over larger angular ranges, the arrangement of several turning ranges offers the advantage that a desired total rotation is divided into several partial rotations, and that a suitable turning range is provided for each partial rotation.

[0032] Within each turning area, for example, a container is rotated by a maximum of 90°.

[0033] According to an independently inventive solution, preferably combined with the previously described turning device, a system for guiding containers, in particular cans, is designed with the features of claim 15. This system is, in particular, a system with a rinser for cleaning the containers. The rinser is, in particular, designed as described in the aforementioned DE 20 2025 105 618 U1.

[0034] In systems equipped with automatic format adjustment, i.e., adaptation to different container sizes (without requiring the exchange of modules or format parts), various system components are typically mounted together in the conveying direction. The previously described device for turning the containers is, for example, mounted on the inlet side of the rinser and / or on the outlet side. Preferably, all system components designed to guide the containers are equipped with automatic format adjustment. The format adjustment measures can be implemented differently in different system components.

[0035] According to the further inventive aspect, the system generally comprises several guide sections, namely a first guide section, a second guide section, and an intermediate section arranged between them. Each of these sections defines a guide space for the containers extending in the conveying direction, and this guide space is adaptable to different container sizes, similar to the previously described device for turning the containers. In an adjustment direction transverse to the conveying direction, preferably in the previously described transverse direction and / or also in the previously described vertical direction, the guide space is adjustable by means of at least one adjustable guide element by a (total) adjustment travel. The at least one adjustable guide element is, in particular, a guide string or at least one guide rod, as previously described.To limit the guide space in the transverse direction, for example several guide strings / guide rods are arranged.

[0036] The first guide section now has two guide elements opposite each other in the adjustment direction and each adjustable in the adjustment direction (for example linearly), which can each be adjusted by a maximum of half the adjustment path for size adjustment.

[0037] In contrast, the second guide section has two guide elements opposite each other in the adjustment direction, namely a fixed guide element and a guide element that is adjustable in the adjustment direction (for example linearly), which can be adjusted by the full adjustment range for size adjustment.

[0038] The intermediate section finally has two adjustable compensating elements opposite each other in the adjustment direction as guide elements, namely a first compensating element and a second compensating element, which are designed in such a way that they compensate for an offset in the adjustment direction between the guide elements of the first and the second guide section, regardless of the set container size.

[0039] This design is based on the consideration that different format adjustment concepts are used in different parts of such a system (guide sections). In some cases, for adjustment in the direction of travel, the opposing guide elements are adjusted synchronously and simultaneously, by a maximum of half the adjustment range. In other parts of the system (guide sections), however, only unilateral adjustment in the direction of travel (by a maximum of the entire adjustment range) takes place. The arrangement and special design of the intermediate section therefore mediates between these different format adjustment concepts, so that, regardless of the set container size and format, the containers can be guided through the guide sections without any interruption.The compensating elements are therefore designed in such a way that they connect seamlessly and in alignment with the conveying direction to the respective adjacent guide element of the first or second guide section.

[0040] The first compensating element is preferably designed as a pivoting element that can be pivoted about a second pivot axis, with a fixed end having the pivot axis and a pivoting end opposite it in the conveying direction. The fixed end is aligned with the fixed guide element of the second guide section, and the pivoting end can be aligned with one of the two adjustable guide elements of the first guide section and is aligned during format adjustment, in particular such that it is adjustable by a maximum of half the adjustment travel in the adjustment direction. The fixed end, like the fixed guide element of the second guide section, is therefore fixed in position.At the same time, the pivoting element is variable in its positioning, allowing it to be adapted to the different (adjustable) positions of the associated guide element of the first guide section. This is achieved through a simple pivoting movement and the pivotable mounting of the first compensating element.

[0041] The second compensating element preferably has a first end facing the first guide section, which is adjustable by half the adjustment range in the adjustment direction, and a second end facing the second guide section, which is adjustable by the full adjustment range in the adjustment direction. This measure addresses the requirement that the adjustable guide element in the second guide section is moved by the full adjustment range, while the corresponding guide element in the first guide section is only adjustable by half the adjustment range. This second compensating element therefore mediates between the different deflections of the two guide elements in the first and second guide sections.

[0042] The second compensating element is preferably also designed as a pivoting element, which can be pivoted about a third pivot axis formed at its first end. Additionally, the first end is preferably linearly adjustable in the adjustment direction, in particular by half the adjustment path. Thus, adjusting the second compensating element preferably involves a superimposed pivoting and linear movement.

[0043] The compensating elements and preferably also the guide elements are preferably designed as rigid elements, which are therefore inherently stiff and not (flexible) flexible and / or elastic.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show simplified representations of: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a device for turning containers, Fig. 2 a different view of the device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 an enlarged section of the Fig. 2 in a turning area, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a guide space which is adapted to different container formats, Fig. 5 a system with a rinser for cleaning containers as well as Fig. 6 A schematic diagram showing several successive guide sections of the system.

[0045] One in the Fig. Device 2 for turning over containers 4, in particular cans, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 (see Figures 1 to 3). Fig. 4) has a frame 6 which has and holds several guide strands 8. In the exemplary embodiment, the guide strands 8 are, for example, each held on several mutually opposed support frames 10, through which the guide strands 8 are passed.

[0046] The guide lines 8 define a guide space 12 between them, in which the individual containers 4 are guided. In operation, the individual containers 4 are directly adjacent to one another.

[0047] The guide chamber 12 is entirely coiled and extends along a coiled guide track that defines a conveying direction F. The guide chamber 12 is illustrated in the figures by a coiled, cuboid element.

[0048] The guide space 12 is defined by the conveying direction F and a guide plane spanned perpendicular to the conveying direction F, which extends in a vertical direction V and a transverse direction Q.

[0049] The respective containers 4 extend accordingly (see below). Fig. 4) also in a vertical direction V and in a transverse direction Q. The vertical direction V thus also defines a longitudinal direction of the containers 4. In the transverse direction Q, the containers 4 have a width which, in the case of cylindrical containers 4 with a circular base, is defined by the diameter of this base. Each container 4 therefore extends in the vertical direction V along a vertical axis VA, which is defined in particular by a central axis of the container 4 extending in the vertical direction V.

[0050] The orientation of each container 4, defined by the vertical direction V and the vertical axis VA, and thus also the orientation of the guide space 12, varies along the length of the device 2. Overall, each container 4 is guided through the device 2 and the guide space 12 in a quasi-upright position, pivoting about a pivot axis S. This pivot axis S is perpendicular to the vertical direction V and therefore also to the vertical axis VA.

[0051] With respect to a fixed coordinate system of a space in which the device 2 is fixedly arranged, the orientation of the (Cartesian) coordinate system defined by the conveying direction F, the vertical direction V, and the transverse direction Q therefore varies depending on the respective (instantaneous) section of the device or the position at which the respective container 4 is currently located. The conveying direction F is defined at every position of the device by the perpendicular to the typically rectangular guide surface (defined by the vertical direction V and transverse direction Q), which is defined by the guide strings 8.

[0052] The device 2 has several guide areas, namely a first guide area 14, a turning area 16 and a second guide area 18 (see in particular Fig. 2) The rotation of the respective container 4 about its pivot axis S preferably takes place exclusively in the turning area 16.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, the guide chamber 12 has a rectangular guide surface elongated in the vertical direction V, corresponding to the containers 4. To guide the longitudinal side of the container 4, several, in particular 3, guide strands 8 per longitudinal side are provided in the exemplary embodiment; these are arranged side by side in the vertical direction V and, in particular, run parallel to each other.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, preferably only one guide string 8 is arranged to guide each upper and lower end face of the container 4.

[0055] This situation is in Fig. Figure 4 illustrates this again. To adapt to different container sizes 4, some of the guide strands 8 are adjustable.

[0056] These are in the Fig. 4 are marked by open circles. The non-adjustable guide strands 8 are marked by filled circles.

[0057] To adapt to different formats, the multiple laterally arranged guide strands 8 are adjusted in the transverse direction Q and the single guide strand 8, which delimits the (upper) end face of the container 4, is adjusted in the vertical direction V. Fig. 4 is a small container 4 shown with a dashed line, and the adjustable guide strands 18 are also shown with solid circles. Furthermore, in the Fig. 4 a large container is represented by a dashed line and correspondingly the adjustable guide strands 8 are represented by dashed circle lines in the format adapted to the large container.

[0058] All guide strands 8 are preferably made of plastic or are at least provided with a plastic sheath. Only one of the two end-mounted guide strands 8 is typically made of a wear-resistant metal strand. As explained at the outset, the containers 4 are, in particular, cans that are fed into a rinser in a suitable orientation and cleaned there. For this purpose, the cans are still open and not sealed at one end. This end typically has a sharp-edged (can) rim. The containers 4 are guided along the metal strand by this sharp-edged rim.

[0059] Due to the turning range 16, format adjustment by adjusting the various guide strands 8 is difficult and not easily possible.

[0060] In order to allow adaptation to the different formats of the containers 4, the adjustable guide strands 8 are divided into several separate and (in the conveying direction F) successive guide segments, each formed by separate rods (-segments).

[0061] In contrast, the non-adjustable guide strands 8 are preferably each formed by a continuous guide rod, which is therefore not divided into separate segments.

[0062] In particular, the adjustable guide strands 8 have first segments 20 in the first guide area 14, turning segments 22 in the turning area 16 and second segments 24 in the second guide area 18.

[0063] In the first guide area 14 and the second guide area 18, preferably only linear adjustment in the transverse direction Q and in the vertical direction V is performed for format adjustment. This applies, firstly, to the lateral segments 20, 24, which define one longitudinal side of the guide chamber 12 and thus of the container 4. The width of the format is adjusted via these segments by means of a transverse adjustment Q. Secondly, this also applies to the (upper) segment 20, 24, which defines the upper end of the container 4 and the guide chamber 12. This segment is adjusted in the vertical direction V to adjust the height of the format. The multiple segments 20, 24, which define the longitudinal side, are preferably adjusted together with only one adjustment unit.

[0064] In contrast, each turning segment 22 in the turning area 16 is pivoted about a rotational axis D and simultaneously adjusted linearly for format adjustment, in particular along this rotational axis D (see in particular Fig. 3).

[0065] The axis of rotation D forms, in particular, a central axis, thus dividing the respective turning segment 22 into two halves. The axis of rotation D is preferably oriented in the direction of the vertical direction V of the guide space 12 and thus also of the container 4 at the location of the axis of rotation D. At the same time, the axis of rotation D is therefore oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction F.

[0066] As specifically shown in the enlarged representation of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, in particular the respective first segment 20 has a bent end section 26 which overlaps the subsequent end section 26 of the turning segment 22 and thus forms an overlap area 28.

[0067] The format adjustment is based on the Fig. 3 explains this, in particular with reference to the adjustable guide rail 8, which limits the front face upwards. The procedure and adjustment movements are identical for the other adjustable (lateral) guide rails 8.

[0068] Based on the one in the Fig. In the format shown in Figure 3, which is defined by the guide space 12, the first and second segments 20 and 22 are each adjusted in the vertical direction V to change the format. Simultaneously, the reversing segment 22 is rotated about the axis of rotation D. The maximum angle of rotation is 90° and preferably 60°. Starting from the Fig. 3. To increase the format, the turning segment 22 is rotated clockwise. This makes the turning segment 22 steeper overall. The bent end sections 26 of the two adjacent segments 20 and 22 shift upwards and downwards, respectively. Overall, this reduces the overlap area 28 (when the format is increased).

[0069] Conversely, when the format is reduced, the turning segment 22 is rotated in the opposite direction (i.e., counterclockwise in the exemplary embodiment), so that the turning segment 22 becomes flatter. Simultaneously, the segments 20, 24 and their bent end sections 26 are moved towards each other. This increases the overlap area 28.

[0070] This rotational movement ensures, in particular, that the transition between segments 20 and 24 to the turning segment 22 is as smooth as possible and without steps or disruptive edges. Each container 4 is therefore transferred smoothly from a leading segment to a trailing segment.

[0071] Simultaneously with the rotational movement around the axis of rotation D, the turning segment 22 is adjusted along the axis of rotation D and thus in the vertical direction V, so that the required height adjustment is also made for the turning area 16.

[0072] As mentioned previously, the adjustment movement of the individual guide segments 20, 22, 24 on the lateral guide strands 8 is identical to the guide segments 20, 22, 24 on the front side.

[0073] The adjustment of the individual segments 20, 22, 24 is effected by means of adjustment units not shown in detail here. The rotary and linear movement of the individual reversing segments 22 is preferably effected by means of only one (single) actuator (electric motor), wherein, in a preferred embodiment, the adjustment unit has a guide cam 30 (only in Fig. (1 shown). In this exemplary embodiment, the guide is formed by a guide sleeve 32, specifically by a groove in the guide sleeve 32. A T-nut, for example, engages in this guide groove 30. This T-nut is attached to an adjusting rod, which is linearly adjusted by means of the actuator. The adjusting rod is rotatably mounted to the actuator about its longitudinal axis. The longitudinal and central axes of the adjusting rod are oriented in the direction of the axis of rotation D. Simultaneously, the adjusting rod is rotationally fixed to the reversing segment 22. During an adjusting movement, the adjusting rod therefore travels within the guide sleeve 32 along its longitudinal axis. Due to the guidance in the guide sleeve 30 along the guide groove, the adjusting rod experiences a rotational movement superimposed on the linear movements and transmits this to the reversing segment 22.This measure therefore generates a superimposed movement using only one actuator, in which the rotary movement is positively coupled with the linear movement for the respective turning segment 22.

[0074] The device 4 described here for turning the containers 4 preferably has several turning areas 16 (not shown). A central guide area is preferably arranged between these, in which – as with the first and second segments 20, 24 – no turning or rotation about the pivot axis S takes place. This central guide area also has third segments designed analogously to the first and second segments 20, 24.

[0075] Within a respective turning range 16, the containers are rotated by an angle of, for example, a maximum of 120° and preferably a maximum of 90° about the pivot axis S. Specifically, they are rotated by an angle between 30° and 90°.

[0076] In the case of multiple turning areas 16, several rotations take place around the pivot axis S, which are preferably different or identical in design.

[0077] The device 2 described here is connected upstream and / or downstream of a rinser, as explained at the beginning, which is used to clean the containers 4. The containers are therefore fed to and / or removed from the rinser via the device 2.

[0078] The cans to be conveyed, and thus the format of the guide chamber 12, typically have a width in the transverse direction Q in the range of 40 mm to 100 mm, and particularly from 50 mm to 70 mm, and a height in the vertical direction in the range of 60 mm to 300 mm, and particularly from 80 mm to 200 mm. Preferably, the device is configured for several different formats, each with a fixed width and height, for example, for four different formats.

[0079] In Fig. Figure 5 is a simplified representation of a system 34, also known as a rinser system. This system includes, in particular, a rinser 36, which is typically inclined. Containers 4 are arranged in a row and usually pass through the rinser solely by gravity, without an additional conveying drive. The rinser 36 is equipped with an automatic format adjustment system, allowing different container sizes to be used without the need to exchange modules or format parts. The containers 4 are cleaned in the rinser 36 in a manner known per se.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment, a device 2 for turning the containers 4 is attached to both an (upper) inlet side and a (lower) outlet side. This device is, in particular, a device such as those found in the Fig. 1-3 was described.

[0081] As described, this device 2 has according to the Fig. 1-3, as a guide area, includes, among other things, the turning area 16 with the adjustable turning segments 22. These serve to adapt the format to different container sizes in the transverse direction Q. In at least one embodiment, adjustment on both sides is provided. This means that the adjustment and format adaptation in the transverse direction Q, which is also an adjustment direction VR, takes place on both sides of the guide area 12 described therein (see Figure 1). Fig. 6) The adjustment is carried out in particular synchronously and simultaneously. The same applies in particular to the first guide area 14 described above. There, too, at least in one embodiment, the first segments 20 opposite each other in the transverse direction Q are preferably adjusted synchronously in the transverse direction Q.

[0082] In one version, however, the subsequent second segment 24 is only adjustable on one side in the transverse direction Q.

[0083] This situation is abstracted into Fig. 6 shown: In a format adjustment, a compensation must generally be achieved between a (first) guide section 38 with adjustability on both sides and a second guide section 40 with adjustability on only one side. For this purpose, according to a further, particularly independent, inventive aspect, an intermediate section 42 is provided, as described in connection with Fig. Section 6 will be explained in more detail.

[0084] Each of these sections 38, 40, 42 defines the guide space 12 for the containers 4. In the adjustment direction VR, this space is limited by two opposing guide elements 44A, 44B. The guide elements 44A, 44B are shown once as dashed lines to illustrate a setting with the minimum format and once as solid lines to illustrate a setting with the maximum format. The guide elements 44A, 44B can be adjusted between these two settings.

[0085] The intermediate section 42 is preferably adjacent to the turning area 16 of the Fig. The device 2 described in 1-3 is arranged. The first guide section 38 is formed, for example, by the first guide area 14 or the second guide area 18, and the second guide section 40 is formed by the second guide area 18 or the first guide area 14.

[0086] Basically, the concept, as described below, is... Fig. As explained in section 6, it can also be used independently of the previously described device 2 for turning the containers 4, and in particular in a system 34 with a rinser 36, which preferably also has a device for automatically turning containers 4, which is designed differently, for example, than the one described in the Fig. 1-3 described device 2.

[0087] Based on the highly schematic representation of Fig. Figure 6 shows the first guide section 38 on the right half of the image, which has two opposing, adjustable guide elements 44A that are adjustable in the adjustment direction VR, which is in particular the previously described transverse direction Q, preferably by half an adjustment travel X / 2. In the conveying direction F, the intermediate section 42 is connected to this first guide section 38, followed by the second guide section 40.

[0088] The second guide section 40 has two opposing guide elements in the adjustment direction VR, of which only one is designed as an adjustable guide element 44A, the other guide element as a fixed guide element 44B.

[0089] All guide elements 44A, 44B are preferably formed by guide strands 8 or guide rods, as previously described. Several guide strands 8 or guide rods can be arranged on each side bounding the guide space.

[0090] To ensure the most homogeneous possible formation of the guide space 12, even with different formats, which transitions seamlessly between the various sections 38, 40, 42, the intermediate section 42 has two compensating elements 46A, 46B opposite each other in the adjustment direction VR as guide elements. The in Fig. The lower compensating element shown in Figure 6 will hereinafter also be referred to as the first compensating element 46A, and the opposite (upper) one will be referred to as the second compensating element 46B.

[0091] The first compensating element 46A is designed as a pivoting element that can be pivoted about a second pivot axis S2, which is oriented transversely to the adjustment direction VR. One end of this pivoting element, oriented towards the fixed guide element 44B of the second guide section 40, is designed as a fixed end 50A, which is not adjustable. The opposite end is designed as a pivoting end 50B, which is therefore adjustable during a pivoting movement in the adjustment direction VR. The adjustment travel of this pivoting end 50B for format adjustment is half the adjustment travel X / 2.

[0092] The opposing second compensating element 46B is preferably also designed as a pivoting element, which is preferably pivotable about a third pivot axis S3. This third pivot axis S3 is formed at a first end 52A of the second compensating element 46B, which faces the first guide section 38. Additionally, this first end 52A is preferably linearly adjustable in the adjustment direction VR by half the adjustment travel X / 2. The opposing second end 52B, oriented towards the second guide section 40, is adjustable by the full adjustment travel X due to the superimposed pivoting and linear movements of the first end 52A.

[0093] The individual guide elements 44A, 44B and 46A, 46B are in Fig. 6 are represented as simple linear elements. In contrast, at least some of the guide elements 40A, 44B, 46A, 46B are curved. In particular, for example, the adjustable guide elements 44A, especially of the first guide section 38, are curved by the previously mentioned Fig. The turning segments 22 described in 1-3 were formed. Reference symbol list 2 Device 4 containers 6 frame 8 Guide string 10 mounting frames 12 Command room 14 first management area 16 Turning area 18 second management area 20 first segment 22 Turning segment 24 second segment 26 bent end section 28 overlap area 30 Leadership backdrop 32 Guide sleeve 34 Annex 36 rinsers 38 first section of the guide 40 second section of the tour 42 Intermediate section 44A adjustable guide element 44B fixed guide element 46A, B Compensating element 50A Fixed end 50B Swivel 52A first end 52B second end F Conveyor direction V Vertical direction Q transverse direction VA Vertical axis S swivel axis S2 second pivot axis S3 third pivot axis D axis of rotation VR adjustment direction X adjustment range 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 20 2025 105 618 U1 [0002, 0033] WO 2018 / 011678 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device (2) for turning containers (4), in particular cans, which are guided between guide strands (8) extending along a helical conveying direction (F) and defining a guide space (12) extending in the conveying direction (F), which has several guide areas, namely at least a first guide area (14), a turning area (16) adjoining it and preferably additionally a second guide area (18) adjoining the turning area (16), wherein at least one of the guide strands (8) is adjustable for size adaptation to different container sizes, characterized by, that the at least one adjustable guide string (8) is divided into several separate guide segments (20, 22, 24) which are connected to each other in the conveying direction (F), namely a first segment (20) running in the first guide area (14) and a turning segment (22) running in the turning area (16), wherein the guide segments (20, 22, 24) are each individually and independently adjustable for the desired size adjustment. [2] Device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the guide segments (20,22,24) are designed as dimensionally stable rigid segments that are not deformed for size adjustment. [3] Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that for size adjustment in the turning area (16) the turning segment (22) can be rotated about a rotation axis (D). [4] Device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the axis of rotation (D) is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction (F). [5] Device (2) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized by , that the turning segment (22) is additionally linearly adjustable for size adjustment in the turning area (16). [6] Device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the turning segment (22) is linearly adjustable in the direction of the axis of rotation (D). [7] Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the turning segment (22) is connected to an adjustment unit which has a guide cam (30) via which a superimposed adjustment movement is generated, which consists of a linear adjustment movement to generate a linear adjustment and a rotary movement to generate a rotary movement about the axis of rotation. [8] Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first segment (20) is only linearly adjustable. [9] Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one guide string (8), namely a height string, is adjustable for height adjustment in a vertical direction (V) and at least one guide string (8), namely a width string, is adjustable for width adjustment in a transverse direction (Q) and each of the adjustable guide strings (8) is subdivided into the several guide segments (20,22,24). [10] Device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first segment (20) and the turning segment (22) overlap in the conveying direction (F) in an overlap area (28), the overlap area (28) varying depending on the selected size adjustment. [11] Device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one of the segments selected from first segment (20) and turning segment (22), preferably the first segment (20), has a bent or twisted end section (26) which extends a portion into the adjacent guide area (16), in particular turning area (16). [12] Device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide space (12) is limited in one direction, in particular in a transverse direction (Q) by several adjustable guide strands (8), and each adjustable guide strand (8) is subdivided into the several guide segments (20,22,24). [13] Device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that each of the turning segments (22) of the several adjustable guide strings (8) is assigned its own adjustment unit. [14] Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized bythat several turning areas (16) are arranged, wherein in a preferred embodiment a central guide area is formed between two turning areas (16). [15] Device (34) for guiding containers (4), in particular cans, wherein the device (34) preferably comprises a device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, with several guide sections, namely a first guide section (38), a second guide section (40) and an intermediate section (42) arranged between them, each defining a guide space (12) extending in the conveying direction (F), which is adaptable to different container sizes and for this purpose is adjustable in an adjustment direction (VR) transverse to the conveying direction (F) by means of at least one adjustable guide element, in particular a guide string (8), by an adjustment path (X), characterized by , that - the first guide section (38) has two guide elements (44A) opposite each other in the adjustment direction (VR) and each adjustable in the adjustment direction (VR), which can each be adjusted by a maximum of half the adjustment path (X) for size adjustment, - the second guide section (40) has two guide elements opposite each other in the adjustment direction (VR), namely a fixed guide element (44B) and a guide element (44A) adjustable in the adjustment direction (VR), which is adjustable by the full adjustment range (X) for size adjustment - the intermediate section (42) has two adjustable compensating elements opposite each other in the adjustment direction (VR), namely a first compensating element (46A) and a second compensating element (46B), which are designed in such a way that they compensate for an offset in the adjustment direction (VR) between the guide elements (44A, 44B) of the first and second guide sections (38, 40) regardless of the set container size. [16] System (34) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first compensating element (46A) is designed as a pivoting element pivotable about a second pivot axis (S2), with a fixed end (50A) having the second pivot axis (S2) and with an opposite pivoting end (50B), wherein the fixed end (50A) is aligned with the fixed guide element (44B) of the second guide section (40) and the pivoting end (50B) is aligned with the associated adjustable guide element (44A) of the first guide section (38), in particular such that it is adjustable or is adjusted in the adjustment direction (VR) by a maximum of half the adjustment path (X). [17] System (34) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the second compensating element has a first end (52A) facing the first guide section (38) which is adjustable in the adjustment direction (VR) by half the adjustment travel (X), and which further has a second end (52B) facing the second guide section (40) which is adjustable in the adjustment direction (VR) by the full adjustment travel (X), wherein the second compensating element (46B) is preferably also designed as a pivoting element which is pivotable about a third pivot axis (S3) formed at the first end (52A), wherein the first end (52A) is preferably additionally adjustable linearly in the adjustment direction (VR), and in particular by half the adjustment travel (X).

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