TRANSPORT AND FEEDING UNIT FOR PREFORMS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport and feeding unit for preforms, in particular for PET bottles, wherein the transport and feeding unit can be loaded with preforms at its upstream end and feeds the preforms to a conveying unit arranged at the downstream end of the transport and feeding unit.

[0002] From DE 203 08 513 U1, a device for feeding thermoplastic preforms with a support ring in the area of ​​the open end to a blow molding machine for producing hollow bodies is known, comprising a silo positioned near the ground for the random reception of several preforms, a roller sorter that aligns the preforms in a position with the open end pointing upwards and forms them into a single row, an inclined conveyor that moves the preforms randomly from the silo to the roller sorter, and a downwardly inclined chute with support rails engaging under the support rings, which receives several preforms with the open end pointing upwards in a row and feeds them to the blow molding machine by means of downward force, wherein the roller sorter is positioned near the ground and a vertical conveyor that lifts the preforms is inserted between the roller sorter and the raised upper end of the chute.In this device, the silo is periodically filled from the top by means of a suitable tipping device, by pouring in preforms delivered in boxes.

[0003] A disadvantage of this solution is that the preforms can be damaged or scratched by the pouring process or the impact in the silo, and that a very high noise level is generated in the process.

[0004] EP 2 578 504 A1 describes an aseptic filling system with a preform molding machine. EP 2 578 504 A1 discloses a transport and feeding unit for preforms, wherein the transport and feeding unit can be loaded with preforms at its upstream end and feeds the preforms to a conveying unit arranged at the downstream end of the transport and feeding unit, wherein the transport and feeding unit has a first conveyor belt, wherein a first funnel-shaped device is provided at the downstream end of the first conveyor belt, wherein the first funnel-shaped device is movable between a raised position for receiving the preforms from the first conveyor belt and a lowered position for feeding the received preforms to a second funnel-shaped device, wherein the transport and feeding unit has a second conveyor belt.wherein the preforms pass through the second funnel-shaped device onto the second conveyor belt, which feeds the preforms to the conveying unit arranged at its downstream end, and wherein at least one sensor for detecting the number of preforms loaded into the funnel-shaped device and one sensor for detecting the number of preforms unloaded from the funnel-shaped device are provided in the area of ​​the funnel-shaped device for monitoring the fill level with preforms.

[0005] WO 2012 / 126129 A1 describes a device for feeding a conveyor system with a large quantity of parts, such as preforms for hollow bodies. The device comprises a tipping mechanism with a pivoting tipper section and a device for the temporary storage of the parts. The temporary storage device is a silo with a removable cover, and the tipping mechanism includes a mechanical connecting and force transmission element that is connected to the removable cover of the silo. Even with this solution, damage / scratches to the preforms and an increased noise level can occur during the tipping process.

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device by means of which the preforms can be fed to a downstream module of a conveyor system in a gentle and as quiet a manner as possible.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a transport and feeding unit for preforms, in particular for PET bottles, wherein the transport and feeding unit can be loaded with preforms at its upstream end and feeds the preforms to a conveying unit arranged at the downstream end of the transport and feeding unit, wherein the transport and feeding unit has a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt, wherein a funnel-shaped device is provided at the downstream end of the first conveyor belt, through which the preforms reach the second conveyor belt, which feeds the preforms to the conveying unit arranged at its downstream end.

[0008] The transport and feeding unit according to the invention therefore does not include the upstream feeding device or the downstream conveying unit.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the funnel-shaped device tapers to a truncated pyramid shape and has a preferably vertical outlet. This geometric design allows the funnel-shaped device to function particularly effectively as a storage or buffer, transferring the preforms delivered by the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt in a substantially continuous manner (i.e., while the storage preferably remains filled between a minimum and a maximum level). Furthermore, the use of the funnel-shaped device eliminates the need for an additional conveyor belt, which would otherwise be required to separate the preform load between the tilting device and the second (transverse) conveyor belt, thus saving considerable space.

[0010] In the area of ​​the first conveyor belt, at least two sensors (S1) and (S3), preferably at least three sensors (S1), (S2), and (S3), are provided to monitor the presence or absence of preforms along the first conveyor belt. Sensor (S1) is located at the beginning of the first conveyor belt, and sensor (S3) at the end; sensor (S2) is preferably located in the middle of the first conveyor belt (i.e., in the side wall above the first conveyor belt). The sensors are preferably designed as photoelectric sensors and connected to a (conventional) control system.

[0011] If, for example, the sensor (S1) detects that there are no preforms present in the initial area of ​​the first conveyor belt, the tilting device is activated to tip a new carton containing preforms onto the first conveyor belt.

[0012] If sensor (S2) detects that no preforms are present in the middle section of the first conveyor belt, the drive of the first conveyor belt is activated and the belt speed is increased. The same applies if sensor (S3) detects that no preforms are present in the end section of the first conveyor belt.

[0013] In the area of ​​the funnel-shaped device, at least one maximum sensor (S5) and one minimum sensor (S6), and preferably an overfill sensor (S4), are provided for monitoring the fill level with preforms. The sensors (S4), (S5) and (S6) are also connected to the control system.

[0014] The overfill sensor (S4) is located slightly above the funnel-shaped device. If the overfill sensor (S4) detects the presence of preforms in its area, the funnel-shaped device is overfilled (i.e., filled beyond the rim) and the first conveyor belt is switched off.

[0015] The maximum sensor (S5) is located slightly below the edge of the funnel-shaped device. If the maximum sensor (S5) detects the presence of preforms in its area (i.e., maximum fill level reached), the speed of the first conveyor belt is reduced accordingly.

[0016] The minimum level sensor (S6) is located at the lower end of the vertical outlet of the funnel-shaped device. When the minimum level sensor (S6) no longer detects any preforms within its range, the minimum fill level has been reached and a warning message is triggered. If necessary, the speed of the first conveyor belt is increased and / or another carton of preforms is tipped onto the first conveyor belt (i.e., depending on the readings of sensors (S1), (S2), and (S3)).

[0017] When the fill level is between the maximum sensor (S5) and the minimum sensor (S6), the system operates essentially continuously. This is the intended normal operating condition. It is also possible to omit sensor (S4).

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one additional sensor (S7) is provided in the area of ​​the second conveyor belt to monitor the presence or absence of preforms on the second conveyor belt, and this sensor is also connected to the control system. The sensor (S7) is arranged below the funnel-shaped device in a side wall of the second conveyor belt. If the sensor (S7) does not detect any preforms in its area, and at the same time the sensor (S6) indicates the presence of preforms, then bridging may have occurred between the second conveyor belt and the funnel-shaped device or the vertical chute, resulting in a blockage. An alarm signal is then generated, and the blockage must be cleared manually by an operator.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensors (S1) to (S7) are designed as light barriers. This allows the presence or absence of preforms in the respective area to be detected in a simple and reliable manner.

[0020] The first conveyor belt is designed as a soft belt. This prevents damage / scratches to the preforms when they are poured onto the first conveyor belt and also reduces noise. The second (cross) conveyor belt can also be designed as a soft belt. The soft belts are preferably made of or coated with a soft plastic material.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are arranged at right angles to each other. This again saves space during the construction of the system.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more covers can be arranged above the first conveyor belt and above the funnel-shaped device. The covers are provided for hygienic reasons and are intended to protect the preforms from dust and other particles. The covers can be hinged and / or removable.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a ramp is arranged at the upstream end of the first conveyor belt. The ramp is preferably made of plastic material and assists in feeding the first conveyor belt by the tilting device, i.e., no preforms remain in front of the first conveyor belt.

[0024] A further inclined surface is preferably provided at the interface between the first conveyor belt and the funnel-shaped device. This inclined surface is also preferably made of plastic and ensures that no preforms get stuck here.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first conveyor belt has a length L1 between 1800 mm and 2200 mm, preferably approximately 2000 mm. By using the funnel-shaped device (or storage unit) according to the invention, a relatively short length for the first conveyor belt is sufficient. In particular, it is not necessary to provide an additional conveyor belt – connected to the first conveyor belt – to sufficiently separate the quantity of preforms before the second (transverse) conveyor belt, thus ensuring the most continuous operation possible.

[0026] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of clarity.

[0027] It shows: Fig. 1 a top view of an exemplary conveyor system in which a transport and feeding device according to the invention is integrated; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the transport and feeding unit according to the invention; Fig. 3 a top view of the transport and feeding unit according to the invention. Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a frontal view of the transport and feeding unit according to the invention Fig. 2 ; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the second conveyor belt (with housing) of the transport and feeding unit according to the invention.

[0028] In Fig. 1 An exemplary conveying system 1 is shown, into which the transport and feeding unit 4 according to the invention is integrated. Such a conveying system 1 is provided, for example, to transfer preforms into a stretch blow molding machine.

[0029] In this process, two cartons containing preforms are brought via the conveyor belt to the tipping device 3, which takes up one carton at a time and empties the contents, i.e. the preforms, onto the first conveyor belt 5 of the transport and feeding unit 4 according to the invention.

[0030] The first conveyor belt 5 brings the preforms to the funnel-shaped device or storage container 6 (in this case, a cover 6a is arranged over the funnel-shaped device 6 and a cover 5a is arranged over the rear part of the first conveyor belt).

[0031] From there, the preforms are conveyed onto the second conveyor belt 7 (here concealed by the funnel-shaped device 6 and its cover 6a), which transfers the preforms to an uplift conveyor 8. A conventional roller sorter 9 with a return conveyor 9a connects to the uplift conveyor 8.

[0032] Downstream of the roller sorter 9, a feeding unit 10 is provided, which transfers the preforms to an infeed star of an inspection and ejection unit of a clamping conveyor 11, where the preforms are singulated. A discharge rail 12 is connected to the clamping conveyor 11, via which the preforms are fed into a stretch blow molding machine 13, which is only schematically indicated here.

[0033] Fig. 2 Figure 1 now shows a perspective view of the transport and feeding unit 4 according to the invention, wherein the funnel-shaped device 6 is shown partially in section and wherein the second conveyor belt 7 is only schematically indicated (the second conveyor belt is shown in Figure 2). Fig. 5 (described separately).

[0034] The area with the raised side walls 15a, the grid sections 15b placed on the side walls 15 and the slope 14 at the upstream end of the first conveyor belt 5 is to be connected to the Fig. 1 The tilting device 3 shown interact in such a way that when the first conveyor belt 5 is loaded with the preforms, no preforms fall off to the side or remain at the interface between the tilting device 3 and the first conveyor belt 5.

[0035] The drop height of the preforms from the tilting device 3 onto the first conveyor belt 5, which is regularly designed as a soft belt, is preferably less than 100 mm in the transport and feeding device 4 according to the invention, so that the preforms do not suffer any damage / scratches during the pouring process and the noise level can be kept low.

[0036] After the pouring process, the preforms are conveyed by the first conveyor belt 5 in the transport direction T1 to the funnel-shaped device 6. The first conveyor belt 5 is driven by the drive 18 and supported by a frame 19. Between the side walls 15 are supports 16 for the Fig. 1 Covers 5a, 6a of the first conveyor belt 5 and the funnel-shaped device 6 shown.

[0037] At the interface between the first conveyor belt 5 and the funnel-shaped device 6, a ramp 17 is provided to prevent the preforms from getting stuck. The preforms then enter the funnel-shaped device (or storage unit) 6, which they begin to fill after a certain start-up time. After a specific dwell time, they exit through the vertical outlet 6b (buffer or storage function) and fall onto the second conveyor belt 7.

[0038] The second conveyor belt 7 conveys the preforms away in the transport direction T2 (i.e. perpendicular to the transport direction T1) to the one in Fig. 1 The height conveyor 8 shown. The funnel-shaped device 6 is supported by a frame 20.

[0039] Based on Fig. 3 In particular, the arrangement of sensors S1, S2 and S3 along the first conveyor belt 5 and their functionality are described.

[0040] As can be seen, sensor S1 is arranged in the beginning region of the first conveyor belt 5, sensor S2 in the middle region of the first conveyor belt 5, and sensor S3 in the end region of the first conveyor belt 5 (i.e., each above the first conveyor belt 5 in the side wall 15). Sensors S1, S2, and S3 are preferably designed as photoelectric sensors and connected to a conventional controller (not shown).

[0041] If the sensor S1 detects that there are no preforms present in the initial area of ​​the first conveyor belt 5, the tilting device 3 is controlled accordingly to pour a new carton of preforms onto the first conveyor belt 5.

[0042] If sensor S2 detects that no preforms are present in the middle section of the first conveyor belt 5 (and sensor S1 is activated), the drive 18 of the first conveyor belt 5 is activated and the belt speed is increased. The same applies if sensor S3 detects that no preforms are present in the end section of the first conveyor belt 5 (and sensor S1 and / or S2 is activated).

[0043] In the area of ​​the funnel-shaped device 6, the sensors S4 (overfill sensor) and S5 (maximum sensor) are also arranged, wherein the overfill sensor S4 is arranged near the slope 17 in the side wall 15, specifically slightly above the upper edge of the slope 14 (see [reference]). Fig. 4 ).

[0044] The maximum sensor S5 is located, viewed in the transport direction T1, a short distance after the overfill sensor S4, specifically slightly below the lower edge of the slope 17 (see also...). Fig. 4 ).

[0045] The first conveyor belt 5 has a length L1 of 1500 mm to 2500 mm, preferably approximately 2000 mm, and a width B1 of approximately 1700 mm. The funnel-shaped device 6 has a length L2 of approximately 1660 mm and a width B2 of approximately 1720 mm.

[0046] Based on Fig. 4 In particular, the arrangement of the sensors S4, S5 and S6 in a vertical direction along the funnel-shaped device 6 and the vertical outlet 6b, as well as their operation, is explained.

[0047] The overfill sensor S4 is arranged in the side wall 15, slightly above the upper edge of the slope 14, i.e., also above the upper edge of the funnel-shaped device 6. The overfill sensor S4 indicates an overfill condition of the funnel-shaped device 6.

[0048] The maximum sensor S5 is located on the underside of the funnel-shaped device 6, slightly below the lower edge of the slope 17. The maximum sensor indicates a maximum fill level of the funnel-shaped device 6.

[0049] The minimum sensor S6 is located in the side wall of the vertical outlet 6b. The maximum sensor S6 indicates a minimum fill level of the funnel-shaped device 6.

[0050] Sensors S4, S5 and S6 are also connected to the usual control system.

[0051] If the maximum sensor S5 detects the presence of preforms in its area (i.e., the maximum fill level has been reached), the speed of the first conveyor belt 5 may be reduced, as there is a risk of overfilling.

[0052] However, if the overfill sensor S4 detects preforms in its area despite everything, the funnel-shaped device 6 is overfilled (i.e. filled to overflowing with preforms) and the first conveyor belt 5 is switched off.

[0053] If the first conveyor belt 5 has been switched off due to an overfill condition detected by sensor S4, it is preferable to wait until the fill level of the preforms has dropped below the maximum fill level before the first conveyor belt 5 is switched on again and new preforms are supplied.

[0054] If the minimum level sensor S6 detects no preforms within its range, the minimum fill level has been undershot and a warning message is triggered. If necessary, the speed of the first conveyor belt 5 is increased and / or another carton of preforms is tipped onto the first conveyor belt (i.e., depending on the readings of sensors S1, S2, and S3).

[0055] When the fill level is between the maximum fill level (sensor S5) and the minimum fill level (sensor S6), the transport and feeding unit according to the invention operates essentially continuously. This is the desired normal operating condition.

[0056] Below the funnel-shaped device 6 is the second conveyor belt 7, which brings the preforms to the downstream conveying unit 8 (see figure). Fig. 1 The arrangement and function of the S7 sensor are described further below in connection with Fig. 5 described.

[0057] The height H1 from the lower edge of the vertical discharge 6b to the first conveyor belt 5 is between 240 mm and 320 mm, preferably about 280 mm. The height H2 from the second conveyor belt 7 to the lower edge of the vertical discharge 6b is less than about 300 mm, preferably less than 200 mm.

[0058] In Fig. 5 The second conveyor belt 7 with the housing 22 is now described. The second conveyor belt 7 is, as in Fig. 4 As indicated above, the transport direction T2 is mounted perpendicular to the first conveyor belt 5 below the funnel-shaped device 6 or the vertical outlet 6b. The upper housing opening 23 is aligned with the vertical outlet 6b.

[0059] The drive 21 of the second conveyor belt 7 is located at the downstream end of the rear side wall 26. A hinged viewing and inspection window 27 is provided on the top of the housing 22. In this case, the second conveyor belt 7 does not extend over the entire length of the housing 22. The rear end region 24 of the housing 22 no longer includes a section of the belt; the upstream end of the second conveyor belt 7 is therefore regularly separated from the end region 24 by a flap.

[0060] In the front side wall 25, preferably in the area of ​​the housing opening 23, a further sensor S7 is provided, which is also designed in the form of a light barrier and is connected to the usual control system.

[0061] Sensor S7 monitors the presence or absence of preforms on the second conveyor belt. If sensor S7 detects no preforms in its area, while sensor S6 indicates their presence, a bridge may have formed between the second conveyor belt and the funnel-shaped device or the vertical shaft, resulting in a blockage. This triggers an alarm, and the blockage must be cleared manually by an operator. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0062] 1 Conveyor system 2 Transport roller belt 3 Tipping device 4 Transport and feeding unit 5 First conveyor belt 5a Cover 6 Funnel-shaped device (storage) 6a Cover 6b Vertical discharge 7 Second conveyor belt 8 High conveyor 9 Roller sorter 9a Return conveyor 9a 10 Feeding unit 11 Clamp conveyor 12 Discharge rail 13 Stretch blow molding machine 14 Incline 15 Side wall 15a Raised side wall 15b Grid sections 16 Brackets for covers 17 Incline 18 Drive for first conveyor belt 19 Frame for first conveyor belt 20 Frame for funnel-shaped device 21 Drive for second conveyor belt 22 Housing 23 Upper housing opening 24 End area 25 Front side wall 26 Rear side wall 27 Inspection window H1 Height of first conveyor belt - bottom edge of discharge H2 Height of lower edge of outlet - second conveyor belt L1 Length of first conveyor belt L2 Length of funnel-shaped device B1 Width of conveyor belt B2 Width of funnel-shaped device S1 Sensor first conveyor belt (starting area) S2 Sensor first conveyor belt (middle area) S3 Sensor firstConveyor belt (end area) S4 Overfill sensor S5 Maximum sensor S6 Minimum sensor S7 Sensor second conveyor belt T1 Direction of transport first conveyor belt T2 Direction of transport second conveyor belt

Claims

1. Transport and feed unit for preforms, in particular for PET bottles, wherein the transport and feed unit (4) can be loaded with preforms at its upstream end and feeds the preforms to a conveyor unit (8) arranged at the downstream end of the transport and feed unit (4), wherein the transport and feed unit (4) has a first conveyor belt (5), wherein a funnel-like device (6) is provided at the downstream end of the first conveyor belt (5), wherein the transport and feed unit (4) has a second conveyor belt (7), wherein the preforms pass through the funnel-like device (6) onto the second conveyor belt (7), which feeds the preforms to the conveyor unit (8) arranged at its downstream end, wherein the first conveyor belt (5) is designed as a soft belt, wherein at least two sensors (S1; S3) are provided in the region of the first conveyor belt (5) for monitoring the presence or absence of preforms along the first conveyor belt (5), wherein at least one maximum sensor (S5) and one minimum sensor (S6) are provided in the region of the funnel-like device (6) for monitoring the fill level with preforms.

2. Transport and feed unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the funnel-like device (6) converges in a truncated pyramid shape and has a preferably vertical outlet (6b).

3. Transport and feed unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an overfill sensor (S4) is further provided in the region of the funnel-like device to monitor the fill level with preforms.

4. Transport and feed unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further sensor (S7) is provided in the region of the second conveyor belt (7) for monitoring the presence or absence of preforms on the second conveyor belt (7).

5. Transport and feed unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors (S1-S7) are designed as light barriers.

6. Transport and feed unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second conveyor belt (7) is designed as a soft belt.

7. Transport and feed unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first conveyor belt (5) and the second conveyor belt (7) are arranged at right angles to each other.

8. Transport and feed unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more covers (5a, 6a) can be arranged above the first conveyor belt (5) and above the funnel-like device (6).

9. Transport and feed unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a slope (14) is arranged at the upstream end of the first conveyor belt (5).

10. Transport and feed unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first conveyor belt (5) has a length (L1) between 1800 mm and 2200 mm, preferably of about 2000 mm.