Container treatment machine and container transport device

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container handling machine for transporting containers. State of the art

[0002] Container handling machines and transport equipment are known from the prior art.

[0003] A container treatment machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is known and comprises one or more conveyor belts with a subsequent sawtooth star.

[0004] The machine may be equipped with a locking device that blocks the inlet area of ​​the sawtooth star on one side of the transport device in such a way that no containers can enter the inlet of the sawtooth star.

[0005] While this machine allows for improved transport of the containers, particularly with regard to reduced container abrasion, it turns out that, especially at high transport speeds and when containers are jammed, the containers leading in the direction of movement can be damaged if the transfer of the containers to the sawtooth star is not carried out correctly.

[0006] A container treatment machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 10 2015 121433 A1. Task

[0007] Based on the known state of the art, the invention therefore aims to provide means for transporting the containers that, with the lowest possible abrasion, also prevent undesirable damage to the containers. Solution

[0008] This problem is solved by the container treatment machine for treating containers according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The container handling machine according to the invention is characterized in that the locking device for containers, arranged upstream of the sawtooth star, for locking and releasing the inlet area comprises two locking elements arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor belt. With this design of the locking device, it can be achieved that the forces acting on the container or containers leading in the transport direction are evenly distributed in the event of a backup, and the risk of deformation or damage to these containers is reduced.

[0010] The locking elements can be designed as pawls with a curved contact surface for the containers. Preferably, the contour of the contact surface can (at least partially) substantially correspond to the outer contour of a container transported on the conveyor belt. This allows for positive locking of the container even in the event of backflow, resulting in the effective and damage-free transfer of forces acting on the container into the locking elements.

[0011] Furthermore, each pawl can be equipped with a pneumatic or electric drive to move it between a locking position and a release position. This allows for precise control of the locking elements, enabling the locking of the sawtooth star's entry area even at high transport speeds with a reduced risk of container damage.

[0012] Alternatively, the locking elements are designed as locking stars with at least three locking teeth, and the axis of rotation of the locking stars runs perpendicular to the transport plane of the containers defined by the second conveyor belt. By moving these locking stars, the inlet can be blocked, and when the inlet of the sawtooth star opens, the leading container can be separated from the other containers, thus preventing damage to the leading container, for example, when transport is resumed.

[0013] In particular, each locking star can be assigned a drive, especially an actuator, which can cause the locking star to move such that, in a locking position, a tooth protrudes into the second conveyor belt, and in a passing position, a pocket of the locking star points towards the second conveyor belt. If the drive is designed, for example, as a servo motor, reliable control of the movement of the locking stars and thus of the locking / opening of the infeed area can be achieved.

[0014] According to the invention, the locking device is arranged in the inlet area immediately in front of the sawtooth star. "Immediately" here means that the distance between the locking device, in particular the front end of the locking device in the transport direction, and the sawtooth star is at most equal to the diameter of a container to be treated by the container handling machine. This ensures that only exactly one container enters the inlet of the sawtooth star and that the other containers are prevented from doing so by locking the inlet. The risk of damage to the single container during the transition to the sawtooth star is thus reduced. Brief description of the characters

[0015] Figure 1 shows a container treatment machine with a machine inlet according to the prior art, Figures 2a and 2b show two embodiments of the container treatment machine with a locking device according to the invention, Figures 3a and 3b show embodiments of the contact surface of a locking pawl. Detailed description

[0016] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a container treatment machine 100 according to the prior art, wherein the locking device according to the invention is located in the Figures 2a and 2b will be explained in more detail.

[0017] A container handling machine can be any type of container handling machine designed for handling preferably shaped containers, such as bottles. Examples include labeling machines, fillers, printing presses, and similar equipment.

[0018] For this purpose, the container handling machine 100 can, for example, comprise a carousel 140 with several container handling stations 141 into which containers can be received and treated. The treatment of the containers need not be carried out by the container handling stations themselves, but can also be performed by treatment units arranged at the periphery of the carousel, such as labeling units or printheads. The design of the container handling machine as a carousel is not mandatory. Alternatively, the container handling machine can also comprise a linear section in which the containers are transported along a conveyor track and treated by treatment stations.

[0019] In the Figure 1The container treatment machine also includes a machine inlet 103, in which the containers are transported and ultimately fed to the illustrated carousel 140. After treatment in the carousel 140, the containers can be transferred from the container treatment stations 141 to a further transport device 180, which is shown only schematically here, and thus removed from the container treatment machine.

[0020] The machine inlet 103 can comprise one or more conveyor belts. In the arrangement shown here, the machine inlet includes a first conveyor belt 101 in which the containers 130 are transported at a speed V1. For this purpose, the conveyor belt is driven by a preferably controllable, in particular frequency-controlled, drive M1. The speed V1 can be selected such that the containers, after leaving a previous process or an upstream, preceding container handling machine, are transported in the conveyor belt 101 with a small gap between them or already slightly jammed. For this purpose, the speed V1 can be selected to be greater than the transport speed of the containers in the preceding container handling machine or preceding transport devices.

[0021] The containers are transferred from the first conveyor belt 101 to a second conveyor belt 102. This second conveyor belt 102 moves at a speed V2, or transports the containers at a speed V1, which is greater than the speed V1, so that the distance between the containers in the second conveyor belt 102 is further increased compared to the first conveyor belt 101, or the back pressure of the containers is further reduced. This second conveyor belt 102 can also be driven by a controllable, in particular frequency-controlled, drive M2.

[0022] Preferably, the speed of the second conveyor belt is between 5% and 15% greater than the speed of the first conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt 102 can be arranged such that it extends from the machine inlet 103 through a guide described later into the further transport device 180, so that containers can also be transported out of the container treatment machine after treatment using this conveyor belt.

[0023] In the machine infeed 103, the containers are transferred from the first conveyor belt 101 to the second conveyor belt 102 in a transfer area 160. For this purpose, a guide is arranged in the transfer area 160. This guide can, for example, be provided by two parallel guide elements 120 and 121 running at an angle to the direction of transport. The conveyor belts 101 and 102 preferably run parallel to each other in the transfer area 160, so that when a container contacts the guide element 120 and the first conveyor belt 101 moves simultaneously, the container is transferred to the second conveyor belt 102, where it is then transported further.When the container 130 comes into contact with the guide element 120, a torque acts on the container. This torque is determined by the transport speed V1 in the first conveyor belt and the associated frictional force of the container's surface against the guide element 120, as well as the angle of attack of the guide element and the container's radius. To minimize the duration of contact between the container's surface and the guide element 120 and to reduce damage to the container, the angle of attack of the guide element 120 with respect to the transport direction defined by the first conveyor belt 101 is preferably 45°. However, other angles, for example between 30° and 60°, are also conceivable. The torque causes the container to roll along the guide element in the direction of the second conveyor belt 102.

[0024] To ensure the reliable transfer of containers 130 from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt, the first conveyor belt 101 can continue running under the guide element 120 in its transport direction as indicated by the arrow. The second conveyor belt 102 can also begin before the guide element 121, so that containers transferred from the first conveyor belt 101 to the second conveyor belt 102 are reliably transported onward by this conveyor belt in every case.

[0025] Downstream of the transfer area 160, a sawtooth star 107 is arranged. This sawtooth star comprises several teeth 171 and pockets 172. The containers transported in the second conveyor belt 102 are picked up by the sawtooth star 107 in the pockets 172 and transported further according to the illustrated direction of rotation of the sawtooth star 107, in order to finally be transferred to the carousel 140 or one of the container handling stations 141. The teeth of the sawtooth star 107 can be advantageously used to ensure that the containers roll into the pockets 172. Thus, the teeth 171 block the infeed area 190 for a subsequent container after one container has been picked up, until the next pocket 172 follows in the direction of rotation. Since the container is moved further towards the sawtooth star by the conveyor belt 102, or...As the container is advanced towards the sawtooth star due to its velocity V2, it rolls along the moving sawtooth until it slides into the pocket 172 following the sawtooth and can then be transported further through the sawtooth star 107. The sawtooth star can be operated at a rotational speed selected to allow the containers to be transferred to the processing stations of the container handling machine. In particular, the speed at which containers are transported through the sawtooth star can be between 5% and 15% greater than the transport speed V2 in the second conveyor belt.

[0026] To prevent containers from sliding out of the pockets 172 of the sawtooth star 107, a guide arc 104 can be provided, which can, for example, be designed as a circular segment and is arranged such that the saw teeth move along the profile 141 of the guide arc. The containers are thus prevented from moving out of the sawtooth star 107 both by the pockets 172 and by the profile of the guide arc 104.

[0027] The Fig. 1 This is intended only to provide a basic overview of the design of a machine inlet with a sawtooth star and is not to be understood as limiting. According to the invention, it is only necessary that the containers are transported on a conveyor belt in the direction of the sawtooth star; transport on conveyor belts of different speeds is not mandatory.

[0028] Figures 2a and 2bFigure 1 shows embodiments of the machine inlet according to the invention. Here, essentially the area of ​​the machine inlet is shown, which comprises the sawtooth star 107 and at least a part of the conveyor belt 102.

[0029] In Fig. 2aIn this embodiment, a movable locking device 260 is arranged upstream of the sawtooth star in the area of ​​the conveyor belt 102. This locking device is designed as a pair of pawls 261, 262 such that it can be moved at least partially into the transport plane of the conveyor belt 102 in such a way that further movement of the containers 130 transported therein towards the sawtooth star 107 is prevented. This movement can be effected periodically and, in particular, coupled with the movement of the sawtooth star by the drives 271 and 272, so that, after a first container has been guided into a pocket of the sawtooth star, a subsequent container is prevented from entering by the locking pawls blocking the entry area. Fig. 2aInitially, the container is prevented from moving towards the sawtooth star and at most experiences a rotation relative to the pawls, caused by the movement of the conveyor belt 102 beneath the container, whose movement is inhibited by the pawls. When a pocket of the sawtooth star advances, allowing a container to be transferred, the pawls release the infeed area, and the container can be moved into the pocket of the sawtooth star and transported away from it.

[0030] The pawls can have separate drives or a common drive. In the embodiment shown here, the pawls are driven by separate pneumatic drives 271 and 272. The drives can, for example, be implemented via a piston and a piston rod connected to the respective pawl.

[0031] However, electric drives, especially servo motors, can also be used. This type of drive is advantageous because it allows for a high switching frequency of the pawls, which, even with a typical throughput of several thousand containers per hour, ensures reliable control of the containers entering the sawtooth star wheel. Furthermore, especially when using a servo motor, the speed profile of the pawls can be controlled.

[0032] Preferably, a contact surface 281 or 282 of the respective locking pawl is shaped such that it can make positive contact, at least partially positive contact, with the container that is to be prevented from moving further by the locking device. In particular, the contact surface can have a circular cylinder cutout shape that corresponds to the outer contour of the container with respect to its diameter.

[0033] It is advantageous if the locking pawls, or at least the correspondingly shaped contact surfaces, are interchangeable, so that they can be replaced when switching from a container type with one shape to a container type with a second shape. If the contact surfaces are provided as separate components for the locking pawls, which can be quickly connected to the rest of the locking pawl body, for example via click connections, this can advantageously contribute to reducing any changeover times.

[0034] In Fig. 2bAnother embodiment of the locking device 260 is shown. In this embodiment, the locking device is designed as a pair of locking stars 291, 292, which rotate and alternately release and lock the entry area. The rotation of the sawtooth star and the locking stars can be coupled together, so that controlled release and locking of the entry area can also occur with changing rotational speed of the sawtooth star.

[0035] The shape of the teeth of the locking stars (which define the pockets of the locking stars) can be analogous to the pawls of the Fig. 2aThe locking stars must be shaped to engage with a container in a form-fitting manner. Preferably, the locking stars are arranged in a holder such that their axis of rotation (within the holder) is perpendicular to the transport plane or parallel to the normal of the second conveyor belt. In this position, it can be particularly advantageous if the locking stars are quickly interchangeable with the rest of the container handling machine. For example, they can be mounted on a physical axis of rotation or shaft. They can then be changed as quickly as possible, so that, for example, locking stars adapted in their shape to specific container types can be exchanged efficiently when changing the machine from one container type with a first outer contour to a second container type with a second outer contour.

[0036] The star-shaped locking mechanisms can also preferably be driven by an electric drive.

[0037] Regardless of whether the locking device 260 is designed as a pair of pawls or as a pair of locking stars, the locking device can be arranged such that, as in Fig. 2a As described, a container is isolated from the other containers by the locking device and thus fed separately to the sawtooth star. The movement of the locking pawls / star can be such that their speed varies from a pass-through position (the position of the locking pawls / star in which the locking device is permeable to containers) to a blocking position (the position of the locking pawls / star in which the locking device blocks the inlet and is not permeable to containers), in particular being initially high and as low as possible upon reaching the blocking position.

[0038] For example, the voltage applied to the servo motor can be controlled to prevent containers from being crushed and thus prevent them from being prevented from moving further.

[0039] In addition to locking and unlocking the inlet during operation, the locking device can also be advantageously used to run the container treatment machine empty. For this purpose, the locking device can permanently block the inlet, preventing any further containers from being transported into the container treatment machine, and allowing all containers still inside to be processed and removed.

[0040] Figs. 3a and 3b show embodiments of the contact surface of a pawl, as used, for example, in Fig. 2a was described.

[0041] In Fig. 3aA pawl 261 is shown in relation to a container 130 with an outer contour (i.e., a surface shape, such as a curved surface). The container shown here has a substantially round, in particular circular, cross-section. This can be characterized, for example, by a radius r. The cross-section does not have to be the same over the entire length of the container from the bottom to the opening, but can also be constant only in certain sections or vary arbitrarily.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the contact surface 380 of the pawl is selected to correspond to the contour of the container 130. For example, the contact surface 380 can be designed as a circular segment (or, in three dimensions, as a cylindrical segment) with a corresponding radius of curvature r. This allows for the most positive-locking contact possible between the container and the pawl, thus preventing movement of the container relative to the pawl despite continuous movement of the conveyor belt beneath the container.

[0043] Since rotation of the container relative to the pawls is difficult to avoid without the pawls actually gripping the container in the form of a clamp, it can be provided that the contact surface 380 has a material which has the lowest possible coefficient of friction, in particular coefficient of sliding friction, with respect to the material from which the container is made (for example PET), so that the container can roll off the pawls without significant abrasion.

[0044] Fig. 3bFigure 1 shows another embodiment of the contact surface 390 of a pawl 261. In this embodiment, the contact surface 390 is quickly interchangeable with the base body of the pawl 261 via connecting elements 391 and 392. These can be, for example, click connections or strong magnets. This design allows the contact surface 390 to be replaced without having to replace the entire base body or the entire pawl. Thus, for example, if the contact surface is heavily worn, it can be replaced easily and cost-effectively. In combination with the embodiment of the Fig. 3aIt is also advantageous to provide several interchangeable contact surfaces 390, each with a shape corresponding to the outer shape of a specific type of container, so that the contact surfaces 390 of the locking pawls can also be replaced when changing formats. Since it is thus unnecessary to replace the entire locking pawls, format changes can be carried out more quickly. At the same time, machine costs are reduced, as the production and storage costs of the contact surfaces 390 are lower than those of the entire locking pawls.

[0045] Furthermore, the contact surface 390 and the base body of the locking pawl 261 can be made of different materials. For example, the base body can be made of or comprise stainless steel, thus ensuring a high degree of durability. The contact surface 390, on the other hand, can be adapted to specific requirements regarding contact with containers (e.g., abrasion resistance).

Claims

1. Container treatment machine (100) for treating containers (130) such as bottles, with a machine infeed (103) comprising at least one conveyor belt (102), a sawtooth star (107) being arranged in the machine infeed for increasing the distance between the containers, a locking device (260) for containers (130) being arranged upstream of the sawtooth star (107) for locking and releasing the infeed region (190), characterized in that the locking device (160) comprises two locking elements (261, 262) which are arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor belt, the locking device (260) being arranged in an infeed region (190) immediately upstream of the sawtooth starwheel (107).

2. Container treatment machine according to claim 1, wherein the locking elements (261, 262) are designed as locking pawls with a curved contact surface for the containers (130).

3. Container treatment machine according to claim 2, wherein a pneumatic or electric drive (271, 272) is assigned to each locking pawl (261, 262) for moving the locking pawl between a locking position and a pass-through position.

4. Container treatment machine according to claim 1, wherein the locking elements (261, 262) are designed as locking stars with at least three locking teeth and the axis of rotation of the locking stars runs perpendicular to the transport plane of the containers (130) defined by the conveyor belt.

5. Container treatment machine according to claim 4, wherein each locking star is assigned a drive, in particular an actuator, which can effect a movement of the locking star in such a way that in a locking position a tooth projects into the conveyor belt (102) and in a pass-through position a pocket of the locking star points in the direction of the conveyor belt (102).