TRANSPORTING DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING PUCKS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting pucks designed for container transport, comprising a puck transport track for transporting pucks towards a container handling machine, in particular a direct printing machine or a labeler, and away from the container handling machine.

[0002] It is known to transport containers upright in pucks between different areas of container handling systems, particularly to or from container handling machines, such as labeling or direct printing machines. Each puck transports one container upright. The pucks have recesses in which the containers stand, and the walls of these recesses provide lateral support.

[0003] For example, pucks are transported along a puck transport line to the inlet of a container treatment machine, where the containers are transferred to the container treatment machine via an inlet star and treated there.

[0004] After treatment in the container treatment machine, the containers are removed from the container treatment machine with a discharge star, placed back into pucks and transported away from the container treatment machine standing in pucks.

[0005] For removing the containers from the pucks and transferring them to the infeed star wheel, or for transferring the containers from the outfeed star wheel and inserting them into the pucks, an intermediate star wheel is provided, forming the counterpart to the infeed and outfeed star wheels, respectively. The intermediate star wheel can be designed as a lifting star wheel that grips the containers and lifts them out of the pucks. The pucks themselves then continue from the infeed star wheel to the outfeed star wheel to pick up the processed containers.

[0006] With such transport devices, it is possible to use a three-star arrangement in which the inlet star and the outlet star share an intermediate star, for example a lifting star.

[0007] In this configuration, empty pucks will always be removed from the outflow of the container handling machine at the beginning of a batch of containers, as long as the first containers are being processed in the container handling system. Additionally, empty pucks must be sent behind the pucks that are transporting the last containers of a batch, so that there are enough pucks available for transfer from the container handling machine.

[0008] Furthermore, interruptions in the operation of the container handling machine during the processing of a batch are problematic, as the machine often has to be run empty without any further containers being fed into it, thus preventing empty pucks from being dispensed. In this situation, there are therefore not enough pucks to take over the containers already in the machine.

[0009] EP 2 889 238 A1 discloses a transfer device for transferring articles along a path.

[0010] EP 1 645 340 A1 shows a sorting device and conveying device for unit loads as well as a method for sorting or conveying unit loads.

[0011] DE 10 2011 080 441 A1 publishes a storage device for a bottling plant and a beverage bottling plant with such a storage device.

[0012] EP 2 848 416 A1 publishes a transport system for packaging materials and a device for treating packaging materials with such a transport system.

[0013] US 3,776,395 discloses a transport system with pallets, preferably for handling airport baggage.

[0014] EP 1 281 643 A1 shows an automatic linear machine for orientation and alignment of articles.

[0015] WO 2004 / 110905 A1 publishes a device for the continuous filling and closing of one-sided open cardboard / plastic composite packs and a cell cage for transporting such packs in the device.

[0016] DE 10 2013 112 091 A1 publishes a device for loading and / or unloading objects onto and / or from a processing machine.

[0017] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a transport device for transporting pucks, in which the puck flow is optimized at the beginning and end of a batch as well as during interruptions in the operation of the container treatment plant.

[0018] To solve the problem, the invention provides a transport device according to claim 1.

[0019] This allows the pucks, initially transported empty from the container handling machine, to be fed into the puck buffer for temporary storage and then reintroduced as needed, for example, at the end of a batch or during an interruption of the container handling machine's operation. This optimizes the container flow, particularly at critical points in the process. There is no need to pre-feed or post-feed additional pucks.

[0020] The containers could be bottles, for example, and various formats are conceivable, such as containers with a base that is round, oval, oblong with rounded ends, or polygonal.

[0021] Container handling machines can be of various types, such as rotary machines. Specifically, they can be direct printing machines or labeling machines.

[0022] The pucks can, in principle, be transport elements of any shape that have a recess in which containers are transported upright and are laterally supported and stabilized by the walls of the recess.

[0023] The transport device can, in principle, comprise any type of transport equipment for conveying pucks, in particular conveyor belts or conveyor chains. The pucks can be guided laterally by rails, at least for part of the way. For this purpose, the pucks can also have grooves in their outer wall into which the rails engage. This allows the pucks to be transported stably with a predetermined orientation.

[0024] The puck transport line can be considered a main transport line that transports the pucks from other areas of the plant to the container treatment machine and from there to other areas of the plant, and along which the containers are also transported (except for the area where the containers are removed from the pucks and treated in the container treatment plant).

[0025] The puck buffer can be considered a secondary transport route for pucks. It can include any type of conveying device for pucks, in particular one or more conveyor belts. This conveying device can be designed to operate independently of the conveying device of the main transport route (puck transport route). In particular, the puck buffer can include one or more conveyor belts that can be operated independently of the conveyor belt(s) of the puck transport route.

[0026] The fact that the pucks can be coupled from the puck buffer into the puck transport line means that pucks located in the puck buffer can be fed into or introduced into the puck transport line. In particular, the pucks can be coupled automatically, for example, by controlling a switch and / or changing the position of stoppers, engaging locking stars, and / or activating a drive for certain conveying devices in the puck buffer and / or the puck transport line. Coupling can take place in a designated coupling area.

[0027] The fact that the pucks can be detached from the puck transport line and fed into the puck buffer means that pucks can be diverted from the puck transport line into the puck buffer. The pucks can be detached automatically, for example, by triggering a switch and / or pushing the container using a pusher system. Separation can take place in a designated uncoupling area.

[0028] The transport device may include elements designed and arranged in such a way that the pucks are aligned during or after coupling and / or uncoupling.

[0029] The transport device is designed in such a way that pucks can be coupled from the puck buffer into the puck transport line before the container treatment machine enters, and can be uncoupled from the puck transport line and fed back to the puck buffer after the container treatment machine exits.

[0030] The terms "before" and "after" the inlet and outlet refer to the transport direction of the pucks in normal operation, for example when containers are transported to the container treatment machine for treatment and transported away from it after treatment.

[0031] The infeed of the container handling machine is the area where containers are removed from the pucks and transferred to the machine. The outfeed of the container handling machine is the area where containers are removed from the machine and placed back into the pucks. The infeed section can be equipped with, for example, the infeed star wheel described above, and the outfeed section with the discharge star wheel.

[0032] For coupling and / or uncoupling pucks, the transport device can include at least one guide and / or at least one puck lock, for example in the form of a stopper or locking star, and / or a switch and / or a pusher system.

[0033] The advantage of guides or diverters is that pucks are guided smoothly, which is particularly beneficial for pucks with containers. When using one or more guides, a puck stop can be incorporated, especially when two puck flows converge, for example, from the puck buffer and the puck transport track. The puck stop allows for efficient and precise stopping and starting of a puck flow. A diverter has the advantage of being able to simultaneously guide pucks from one transport track and stop them from another. The advantage of a pusher system is that pucks can be redirected very quickly to a different track.

[0034] In a coupling area where the pucks can be coupled into the puck transport track, guides are designed and arranged in such a way that pucks are guided from the puck buffer and coupled into the puck transport track by means of the guides.

[0035] In the coupling area, two transport branches, namely the transport branch on which pucks from other plant areas are transported, and the transport branch of the puck buffer, from which pucks can be coupled, can be combined to form a third transport branch, namely the transport branch that then leads to the inlet of the container treatment plant.

[0036] To switch between normal puck feeding and coupling pucks, a puck flow from one of the two transport branches can be stopped and a puck flow from the other transport branch can be allowed, ensuring in particular that the pucks do not fall off but continue to reach the third transport branch.

[0037] For this purpose, guides, such as rails or rods, may be provided, which are designed and arranged for the lateral guidance of the pucks.

[0038] The puck flow can generally be stopped, for example, by switching off the respective conveying device, such as the respective conveyor belt.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, at least one stopper can be designed and arranged in the coupling area such that, by adjusting the position of the at least one stopper, it is possible to determine whether pucks are coupled from the puck buffer or remain in the puck buffer. In particular, a stopper can be provided that is designed such that the puck flow on the puck transport path can be stopped in the transport direction before the third transport branch. For example, only pucks from the second transport branch, i.e., from the puck buffer, can then be transported further onto the third transport branch, i.e., towards the container handling machine.

[0040] The advantage of the stoppers is that they have an immediate effect and thus stop the container flow very precisely, whereas due to the inertia of the pucks, simply stopping the respective conveying device takes effect somewhat more slowly.

[0041] Alternatively, a blocking star can be used, which can be used similarly to the stopper to stop or allow the flow of puck.

[0042] It is also conceivable that a switch is provided in the coupling area. This switch could, for example, include a pivoting guide rail or rod that, in a first position, blocks the flow of pucks from the puck buffer (i.e., from the second transport branch) and simultaneously directs pucks from the first to the third transport branch, thus guiding incoming pucks along the puck transport track to the container handling machine. The switch can further be designed and arranged such that, in a second position, the flow of pucks from the first transport branch is blocked, and simultaneously pucks from the second transport branch (i.e., from the puck buffer) are directed to the third transport branch (i.e., onto the puck transport track). Such a switch eliminates the need for separate puck stops for the first and second transport branches and improves puck guidance.

[0043] In a decoupling area where the pucks can be decoupled from the puck transport line, a pusher system can be designed and arranged in such a way that, by actuating the pusher system, pucks are decoupled and fed to the puck buffer.

[0044] Such a pusher system can include a pusher element that can be moved into the puck transport path, causing the pucks to be pushed laterally and thus deflected. The pusher system can be designed in such a way that the pusher element is triggered automatically, for example, by a control device.

[0045] The advantage of such a pusher system is that pucks can be detached from the puck transport track very quickly.

[0046] In the decoupling area, a guide can alternatively or additionally be designed and arranged such that the pucks are guided out of the decoupling system and fed into the puck buffer. This guide can be designed similarly to the guide described in connection with the coupling area, for example, as a rod or rail. Here, the guide is designed to divide transport branches (not to merge them as in the coupling area). For example, the guide can be V-shaped. Alternatively or additionally, a switch, for example, as already described in connection with the coupling area, is conceivable.

[0047] Furthermore, a guide can be provided which is arranged laterally on the conveying device, for example the conveyor belt, of the puck buffer in such a way that pucks released from the puck transport route, in particular pucks pushed by the pusher system, cannot fall laterally off the conveying device.

[0048] The following are examples of the transport routes or areas of the transport device.

[0049] The transport device can comprise a first conveyor belt of the puck transport track, a second conveyor belt of the puck transport track and a conveyor belt of the puck buffer, wherein the first conveyor belt, the second conveyor belt and the conveyor belt of the puck buffer run parallel, in particular directly adjacent to each other, in a coupling area in which the pucks can be coupled into the puck transport track, and wherein the second conveyor belt runs between the first conveyor belt and the conveyor belt of the puck buffer.

[0050] In this application, "immediately adjacent" means that neighboring conveyor belts are arranged so close together that a puck can run from one conveyor belt to the other.

[0051] In such an arrangement, pucks transported on the first conveyor belt (for example, from other plant areas) or on the conveyor belt of the puck buffer—that is, pucks transported on an outer conveyor belt—can be diverted onto the centrally located second conveyor belt, where the pucks are transported further toward the container handling machine. This is advantageous because the diversion paths can be kept short. In conjunction with this arrangement, the guides described above (optionally with stoppers) or the arrangement with a diverter are particularly advantageous, since the movement of the pucks only needs to be slightly redirected. This is especially beneficial for pucks with containers.

[0052] The transport device can comprise one or the second conveyor belt of the puck transport line, one or the conveyor belt of the puck buffer, and a third conveyor belt of the puck transport line. The third conveyor belt, the second conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt of the puck buffer can run parallel, particularly directly adjacent to one another, in the uncoupling area where the pucks can be uncoupled from the puck transport line, with the second conveyor belt running between the third conveyor belt and the conveyor belt of the puck buffer.

[0053] In such an arrangement, pucks exiting the container handling machine on the centrally located second conveyor belt can either be decoupled by deflecting them in one direction or directed onto the third conveyor belt by deflecting them in the other direction, from where they can be transported to other areas of the plant. This is advantageous because the deflection paths can be kept short. In connection with this arrangement, the guides described above, particularly in combination with the pusher system, are advantageous, with the pusher system being designed to decouple the pucks and the guide handling the deflection onto the third conveyor belt.

[0054] Between the conveyor belt of the puck buffer and the second conveyor belt, one or more additional conveyor belts can run parallel to and directly adjacent to the neighboring conveyor belts. This arrangement is advantageous for bridging any potential difference in the transport speed of the pucks on the second conveyor belt and on the conveyor belt of the puck buffer during operation.

[0055] The pusher system mentioned above for releasing the pucks from the puck transport track can be designed to push the pucks from one (especially the second) conveyor belt of the puck transport track onto the conveyor belt of the puck buffer. In particular, the pusher system can include a pusher designed such that, when triggered, it laterally impinges on the puck, thus redirecting it. The pusher can be triggered automatically, especially by a control device.

[0056] The puck buffer can be designed to hold at least as many pucks as the container handling machine to which the pucks are transported has container holding elements or handling stations. This can mean, for example, that the transport mechanism of the puck buffer is long enough to accommodate this number of pucks.

[0057] The transport device may also include a control unit configured to control whether pucks are coupled from the puck buffer into the puck transport track and whether pucks are uncoupled from the puck transport track and fed back to the puck buffer. In particular, the control unit may optionally be configured to control the switches and / or the pusher system, especially to trigger the pusher, and / or the puck lock, for example, the stopper or locking star.

[0058] The invention also relates to a method for transporting pucks designed for container transport, wherein the pucks are transported along a puck transport line towards a container handling machine, in particular a direct printing machine or labeler, and away from the container handling machine. The pucks are uncoupled from the puck transport line and fed to the puck buffer and / or coupled from the puck buffer into the puck transport line.

[0059] The pucks are decoupled from the puck transport line, particularly after the container treatment machine has exited, and fed into the puck buffer, and / or coupled from the puck buffer into the puck transport line before the container treatment machine enters.

[0060] In particular, empty pucks can be disconnected from the puck transport line, for example at the beginning of a batch, and / or empty pucks can be connected to the puck transport line, for example at the end of a batch.

[0061] Thus, after uncoupling, empty pucks are available in the puck buffer, which can be coupled back into the puck transport line empty if required, for example at the end of a batch.

[0062] Containers can be removed from the pucks at the infeed of the container handling machine and transported further within the machine. The pucks from which the containers were removed can be immediately transported to the outfeed of the container handling machine. After passing through the machine, the containers can be reinserted into pucks. The pucks can be transported at a constant speed, particularly along the puck transport section within the container handling machine.

[0063] At the beginning of a batch of containers, pucks can be decoupled from the puck transport line after the containers have been handed over to the container treatment machine, as long as no containers have yet reached the outlet of the container treatment machine and the pucks are being transported away empty from the outlet of the container treatment machine.

[0064] Since the pucks travel a shorter distance between the infeed and outfeed of the container handling machine than the containers themselves, and the containers also undergo further processing, the pucks arrive at the outfeed of the machine at the beginning of a batch even before the first containers have finished processing and reached the outfeed. These pucks can then be separated and placed in the puck buffer, for example, for later use. Once the first containers reach the machine's outfeed, where they are inserted into pucks, the pucks (now loaded with containers) are normally no longer separated. However, it is conceivable in certain cases to separate pucks loaded with containers, for example, if it is clear that the respective container is defective. In that case, the containers can be removed from the pucks in the puck buffer, for example, manually.

[0065] At the end of a batch of containers, empty pucks from the puck buffer can be coupled into the puck transport line, such that the last containers of the batch, after passing through the container treatment machine, are inserted into the pucks coupled from the puck buffer.

[0066] The transport path for pucks or containers within the container handling machine, as described above, also means that after the last container has been transferred to the machine and the resulting freed puck has been filled with a treated container, no further pucks are initially available from the (main) puck transport line. This results in several containers remaining in the handling machine for which there are no pucks available to place them after treatment. By coupling pucks from the puck buffer, additional pucks can be made available, allowing all containers to be filled with pucks and transported away from the handling machine.

[0067] The puck buffer is particularly advantageous when the uncoupling at the beginning of the batch is combined with the coupling at the end of the batch, because then exactly the right number of pucks is available.

[0068] In the event of an interruption in the operation of the container handling machine, particularly an emergency stop, the supply of pucks containing containers to the machine can be interrupted. To empty the machine, containers already inside are removed without releasing any pucks by removing containers and transferring them to the machine. In this situation, empty pucks can be fed from the puck buffer into the puck transport line (i.e., coupled into it) so that the containers can be removed from the machine. This is also referred to as emptying and is similar to the end of a batch. When the container handling system subsequently resumes operation, excess empty pucks can be provided at the beginning, similar to the start of a batch.These empty pucks can be added to the puck buffer.

[0069] In other words, an interruption in operation produces a similar effect to the beginning and end of a batch. That is, if the container handling machine stops and there are still containers in it, empty pucks from the puck buffer can be used to remove these remaining containers. When operation resumes, as at the beginning of a batch, empty pucks are first removed from the machine outlet and then returned to the puck buffer.

[0070] The pucks can be released using a pusher system, for example the pusher system described above, whereby the pusher system pushes a puck from a conveyor belt of the transport track onto a conveyor belt of the puck buffer.

[0071] The procedures described above can each be carried out using one of the transport devices described above.

[0072] The invention also relates to the use of one of the transport devices described above for one of the methods described above for transporting pucks.

[0073] It is understood that the features and advantages mentioned in connection with the device are also applicable to the method and the use.

[0074] Further features and advantages are explained below using the example figures. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic, non-scale top view of a transport device for transporting pucks; Figure 2 is a schematic, non-scale top view of a transport device for transporting pucks with exemplary detail views of an insertion area and an extraction area.

[0075] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a transport device 1 for transporting pucks 3, which are designed to transport containers 2, along a puck transport track 4 to and from a container treatment machine 5.

[0076] Although a rotary machine is shown as the container handling machine in this example, any other container handling machine can also be used. The container handling machine could be, for example, a direct printing machine, a labeler, or other machines.

[0077] Furthermore, an infeed star 6, an outfeed star 7, and an intermediate star 8 are shown here. That is, the figure depicts a three-star configuration. The intermediate star is preferably designed in the form of a lifting star, which grasps the containers, lifts them out of the pucks, transfers them to the infeed star, and then takes containers from the outfeed star and places them back into a puck.

[0078] The infeed star wheel and the container handling machine are arranged and designed such that the infeed star wheel transfers containers to the container handling machine, where the containers are transported and processed, for example, printed. The outfeed star wheel is designed and arranged such that, after the containers have passed through the container handling machine, it takes them from the machine and transfers them to the lifting star wheel, which then inserts the containers into the pucks.

[0079] The inlet and outlet of the container treatment machine can also be designed differently than with the stars described above.

[0080] The transport device includes conveying elements for transporting pucks in the form of conveyor belts. Alternatively or additionally, other types of conveying elements, such as conveyor chains, may also be provided. The transport direction of the pucks is indicated in the figure by reference numeral 9.

[0081] At the inlet of the machine, a single-screw 10 can be provided which brings the pucks to a division distance that corresponds, for example, to a division distance of gripping elements of the intermediate star.

[0082] The figure also shows area 11, which represents a puck buffer. Furthermore, area 12 is shown on the infeed side, and area 13 on the outfeed side. Area 12 will be referred to as the coupling area, since pucks can be coupled from the puck buffer into the puck transport track here. Area 13 will be referred to as the coupling area, since pucks can be coupled from the puck transport track into the puck buffer here.

[0083] There are various ways in which the output coupling area and the input coupling area can be configured. One such possibility is described below in connection with Figure 2 described.

[0084] The figure also shows the transport direction 14 of the pucks in the puck buffer. Furthermore, a control device 20 is shown, which can be designed in particular to control elements in the coupling area or coupling area.

[0085] Furthermore, the figure shows an example of a puck with a container in an oblique view. The puck has grooves as an example. If such grooves are provided, the puck can be guided, at least temporarily, by rails that engage in the grooves. However, this is not strictly necessary.

[0086] In Figure 2 An example of a container transport device is shown in detail, including a possible design of the coupling area 12 and coupling area 13. This design of areas 12 and 13 can be used, for example, in connection with Figure 1 described or can also be used for other container transport devices.

[0087] In this example, the pucks are coupled into coupling area 12 by means of an arrangement of three conveyor belts that run parallel within area 12. The first conveyor belt 4a is the one that runs from other areas of the system towards the container handling machine 5 and into area 12. During operation, pucks are fed into this belt along with containers.

[0088] The second conveyor belt 4b leads from area 12 to the inlet of the container handling machine. The conveyor belt 4c of the puck buffer extends between the uncoupling area 13 and the coupling area 12. This conveyor belt allows pucks to be coupled from the puck buffer into the puck transport line.

[0089] As can be seen here, conveyor belt 4b runs along a section in area 12 between conveyor belt 4a and conveyor belt 4c.

[0090] The figure also shows stoppers 15a and 15c, which can each stop the puck flow on the corresponding belt 4a and 4c, respectively, by adjusting their position accordingly. Alternatively, blocking stars could be used. It is also not necessary to include any blocking elements.

[0091] Guides 16a and 16c are also shown, which guide pucks from conveyor belt 4a and 4c, respectively, onto conveyor belt 4b. By adjusting the stopper position (or by means of a locking star), in particular by controlling the stoppers with a control device, it can be set whether pucks move from conveyor belt 4a or from conveyor belt 4c onto conveyor belt 4b. In other words, it can be set whether pucks are fed from the puck buffer to the puck transport line or coupled into it, or whether pucks from other areas of the system are fed to conveyor belt 4b via conveyor belt 4a.

[0092] In Figure 2 The diagram also shows an example of how the uncoupling area 13 can be designed. Here, conveyor belts 4b, 4c, and 4d are arranged parallel to each other, with conveyor belt 4b positioned between conveyor belts 4c and 4d. The end of conveyor belt 4b leading from the outlet of the container treatment machine into the uncoupling area 13, and conveyor belt 4d leading from area 13 to other plant areas, are shown in the diagram.

[0093] As can be seen here, a pusher system 17 is provided, which is designed such that pucks transported from the outlet of the container handling machine are each given a pulse or push that pushes the pucks onto the conveyor belt 4c. This can be done with a pusher (push element). The pusher system can be controlled by a control unit 20. In particular, the control unit can be designed such that it controls when the pusher is triggered to detach a puck.

[0094] Furthermore, an optional boundary 18 is provided, for example a guide or railing, which prevents the puck from falling off the conveyor belt 4c. Additionally, a guide 19 is shown here, which is arranged such that pucks that are not pushed onto the conveyor belt 4c are guided from the conveyor belt 4b to the conveyor belt 4d.

[0095] It should be noted that while one variant is shown here in which three conveyor belts are provided in the uncoupling area 13, more conveyor belts, in particular four, are certainly possible, with the additional conveyor belt(s) being arranged between conveyor belt 4b and conveyor belt 4c. This has the advantage that the additional conveyor belts can bridge a speed difference between conveyor belt 4b and conveyor belt 4c.

[0096] In the system described above, a guide is used in the coupling area 12 and a pusher system in the decoupling area 13. However, any mechanism can be used to couple the pucks in or out of areas 12 and 13. For example, pusher systems, guides, diverters, locking stars, and stoppers can be used in suitable combinations. It should be noted, however, that the pusher system shown here in area 13 is particularly advantageous when redirecting empty pucks, as these are relatively light. A pusher system for pucks with containers is conceivable, but for filled pucks, a system with diverters and / or guides is more advantageous.

[0097] The following describes a method according to the invention, which can be carried out, for example, with the devices described above or comparable devices.

[0098] In the container processing plant, containers are transported upright in pucks towards the container treatment machine along transport direction 9. If a device with conveyor belts 4a to 4c is present, the pucks can, for example, be transported on conveyor belt 4a and then, in area 12, diverted onto conveyor belt 4b and transported further on belt 4b into the infeed of the container treatment machine.

[0099] At the infeed of the container handling machine, the containers are removed from the pucks and transferred to the machine. For example, the pucks can be spaced to suitable intervals using the single-section screw conveyor 10, allowing the containers to be gripped and lifted from the pucks by the intermediate star wheel 9. The intermediate star wheel can, for instance, have gripping elements that are lifted by a cam guide. The containers can then be transferred from the intermediate star wheel 8 to the infeed star wheel 6. The infeed star wheel can then transfer the containers to the container handling machine 5. Other methods for transferring the containers to the container handling machine are also possible, particularly using different components.

[0100] In the container treatment machine, containers can be treated in the container treatment plant, for example printed or labelled.

[0101] After passing through the container handling machine, the containers are reinserted into pucks. For example, the outfeed star wheel 7 can remove the containers from the container handling machine and transfer them to the intermediate star wheel 8, which takes over the containers, lowers them, and reinserts them into pucks. Other methods for removing the containers from the container handling machine are also possible, particularly using different components.

[0102] After the containers are removed, the pucks themselves travel a distance approximately equal to the circumference of the intermediate star 8. In the area of ​​the container handling machine, deflection elements for conveyor belts and a pusher for the pucks can be provided to allow the pucks to navigate a tight curve.

[0103] After the containers have been reinserted into the pucks, the pucks and containers are transported away from the container handling machine. This can be done, for example, using conveyor belts 4b and 4d. Specifically, the pucks and containers can be transported on conveyor belt 4b to the uncoupling area 13, where they are diverted onto conveyor belt 4d and subsequently transported to other areas of the system. Alternatively, the pucks can be uncoupled here and fed into the puck buffer, for example, by diverting them onto conveyor belt 4c of the puck buffer.

[0104] In the arrangement with conveyor belts 4a to 4c and the stoppers, when containers from other plant areas are to be transported into the container handling machine, stopper 15c is in a position such that pucks located on conveyor belt 4c are not transported onto conveyor belt 4b. Stopper 15a is in a position that allows pucks to be transported from conveyor belt 4a to conveyor belt 4b. This function can alternatively be implemented with a locking star wheel. The position setting can be automatically controlled by a control unit.

[0105] The following describes the coupling of pucks from the puck buffer into the puck transport line based on the configuration in Figure 2The process is described. Pucks already in the puck buffer, for example on conveyor belt 4c, are transported in the direction of transport, i.e., along arrow 14, into the coupling area 12. The stopper 15c is moved into a position so that the pucks are not stopped. Due to the guide 16c, the pucks are then diverted onto belt 4b and transported further in the direction of transport 9. The stopper 15a is positioned to prevent pucks from being transferred from conveyor belt 4a to conveyor belt 4b. Coupling can also be achieved in other ways, particularly with other components such as switches.

[0106] The coupling process can occur at the end of a batch when an insufficient number of empty pucks are supplied by removing containers from the pucks. In this case, a corresponding number of pucks can be coupled from the puck buffer, and the last containers of the batch can be transported away. Alternatively or additionally, coupling can also occur during an interruption of the container handling machine's operation, when it is being run empty.

[0107] The following describes the process of decoupling pucks, i.e., when pucks are decoupled from the puck transport line and transported to the puck buffer, using the example in Figure 2The device shown is described. The pusher system 17 is operated such that pucks transported from the outlet of the container treatment machine on conveyor belt 4b are pushed onto conveyor belt 4c, where they may collide with the guide 18. The pucks are then transported further on conveyor belt 4c in the direction of arrow 14. The guide 19 may also ensure that the pucks are guided and transported on conveyor belt 4c. Coupling can also be achieved in other ways, in particular with other components.

[0108] The separation process can occur at the beginning of a batch. Since passing through the container treatment machine (including the treatment of the containers) takes longer than transporting the pucks between the inlet and outlet of the machine, there are no containers available at the outlet for the first pucks to be placed into. These pucks then exit the machine empty and can be separated and fed into the puck buffer.

[0109] In particular, decoupling at the beginning of a batch can also be combined with coupling in at the end of that batch.

[0110] The coupling can also take place during an interruption of operation of the container treatment machine if the container treatment machine is to be run empty.

[0111] The uncoupling can also occur after restarting the container handling machine following an interruption of operation, particularly after the emptying process described above, or to sort out pucks containing reject containers. In the latter case, the procedure can also include removing the reject containers from the pucks once they have reached the puck buffer.

[0112] It is understood that the features mentioned in the previously described embodiments are not limited to these specific combinations and are also possible in any other combinations.

Claims

1. A transporting apparatus (1) for transporting pucks (3) configured for transporting containers comprising a puck transport path (4) for transporting pucks (3) towards a container treatment machine (5), in particular a direct printing machine or a labeller, and away from the container treatment machine (5), provided with a puck buffer (11) from which pucks (3) can be coupled into the puck transport path (4) and to which pucks (3) coupled out of the puck transport path (4) can be supplied, wherein the pucks (3) before an entrance into the container treatment machine (5) can be coupled into the puck transport path from the puck buffer (11) and can be coupled out of the puck transport path and supplied to the puck buffer (11) after an exit of the container treatment machine (5), characterized in that in a coupling region (12) in which the pucks (3) can be coupled into the puck transport path (4), guides (16a, 16c) are formed and arranged such that the pucks (3) are guided by means of the guides (16a, 16c) from the puck buffer (11) to be coupled into the puck transport path (4).

2. The transporting apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the transporting apparatus (1) comprises at least one guide (16a, 16c, 19) and / or at least one puck barrier (15a, 15c) for instance in form of a stop or blocking star and / or a switch and / or a pusher system (17) for coupling and / or uncoupling the pucks (3).

3. The transporting apparatus (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein in a or the coupling region (12) in which the pucks (3) can be coupled into the puck transport path (4) the or the at least one stop (15a, 15c) is formed and arranged such that by adjusting the position of the at least one stop (15c) it can be determined whether the pucks (3) are coupled from the puck buffer (11) or remain in the puck buffer (11), and / or wherein in a or the coupling region (12) in which the pucks (3) can be coupled into the puck transport path (4) the or the at least one blocking star is formed and arranged such that by activating the at least one blocking star it can be determined whether the pucks (3) are coupled from the puck buffer (11) or remain in the puck buffer (11).

4. The transporting apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in an uncoupling region (13) in which the pucks (3) can be uncoupled from the puck transport path (4), a or the pusher system (17) is formed and arranged such that by actuating the pusher system (17) pucks (3) can be uncoupled and supplied to the puck buffer (11) and / or wherein in a or the uncoupling region (13) a guide (19) is formed and arranged such that the pucks (3) are uncoupled while being guided by the guide (17) and supplied to the puck buffer (11).

5. The transporting apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first transport belt (4a) of the puck transport path (4), a second transport belt (4b) of the puck transport path (4) and a transport belt (4c) of the puck buffer (11), wherein the first transport belt (4a), the second transport belt (4b) and the transport belt (4c) of the puck buffer (11) run parallel, in particular directly adjacent to each other, in a or the coupling region (12) in which the pucks (3) can be coupled into the puck transport path (4), wherein the second transport belt (4b) runs between the first transport belt (4a) and the transport belt (4c) of the puck buffer (11).

6. The transporting apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a or the second transport belt (4b) of the puck transport path (4), a or the transport belt (4c) of the puck buffer (4) and a third transport belt (4d) of the puck transport path (4), wherein a or the second transport belt (4b), a or the transport belt (4c) of the puck buffer (11) and the third transport belt (4d) run parallel, in particular directly adjacent to each other, in a or the uncoupling region (12) in which the pucks (3) can be uncoupled from the puck transport path (4), wherein the second transport belt (4b) runs between the third transport belt (4d) and the transport belt (4c) of the puck buffer (11).

7. The transporting apparatus (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein a or the pusher system (17) for uncoupling the pucks (3) from the puck transport path (4) is configured to push the pucks (3) from a, in particular the second transport belt (4b) of the puck transport path (4) to a transport belt (4c) of the puck buffer.

8. The transporting apparatus (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the puck buffer (11) is configured such that at least as many pucks (3) can be received in the puck buffer (11) as the container treatment machine (5) whereto the pucks (3) are conveyed has container support members and / or treatment stations.

9. A method for transporting pucks (3) configured for transporting containers, wherein the pucks are transported along a puck transport path (4) towards a container treatment machine (5), in particular a direct printing machine or a labeller, and away from the container treatment machine (5), wherein pucks are uncoupled from the puck transport path (4) and supplied to a puck buffer (11) and / or pucks (3) from the puck buffer (11) are coupled into the puck transport path (4), wherein pucks (3) are uncoupled from the puck transport path (4) after an exit of the container treatment machine (5) and are supplied to the puck buffer (11) or are coupled from the puck buffer (11) into the puck transport path (4) before an entrance of the container treatment machine (5), characterized in that pucks (3) are guided by means of guides (16a, 16c) from the puck buffer (11) to be coupled into the puck transport path (4).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein empty pucks (3) are uncoupled from the puck transport path (4) and / or empty pucks (3) are coupled into the puck transport path (4).

11. The method according to claims 9 or 10, wherein containers (2) are removed from the pucks (3) in the entrance of the container treatment machine (5) and transported further within the container treatment machine (5) and wherein the pucks (3) wherefrom the containers (2) were removed are directly transported further to the exit of the container treatment machine (5) and the containers (2) are reinserted into the pucks after passing through the container treatment machine (5).

12. The method according to anyone of claims 9 to 11, wherein at the beginning of a charge of containers (2) pucks (3) are uncoupled from the puck transport path (4) after transfer of the containers (2) to the container treatment machine (5) as long as containers (2) have not yet reached the exit of the container treatment machine (5) and the pucks (3) are transported away from the exit of the container treatment machine (5) in an empty state.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at the end of a charge of containers (2) empty pucks are coupled from the puck buffer (11) into the puck transport path (4) so that the last containers (2) of the charge are inserted into the pucks (3) coupled from the puck buffer (11) after passing through the container treatment machine (5).

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein during an interruption of the operation of the container treatment machine (5), in particular an emergency stop, the supply (3) of pucks with containers (2) to the container treatment machine (5) is halted and empty pucks (3) are supplied to the puck buffer (11) and / or when the operation of the container treatment machine (5) is resumed after a stop initially empty pucks (3) from the puck buffer (11) are supplied to the puck transport path (4) before the supply of pucks (3) with containers (2) to the container treatment machine (5) is resumed.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the uncoupling of pucks (3) is carried out by means of a pusher system, wherein with the pusher system a puck (3) is pushed from a transport belt (4b) of the transport path (4) onto a transport belt (4c) of the puck buffer (11).