DEVICE FOR DRYING OBJECTS AND IN PARTICULAR BOXES, CRATES AND THE LIKE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for drying objects, and in particular crates or boxes. In the beverage manufacturing industry, but also generally in the packaging industry, it is known that crates or boxes, which are used in particular for transporting goods, are washed after use in order to be refilled. Following such washing processes, it is known that these crates are dried. For this purpose, in the prior art, the crates are usually exposed to a strong air stream that blows liquid off the surfaces of the crates. However, this procedure is associated with very high noise levels and is also energy-wasting, since the corresponding ventilation fans have high energy requirements.

[0002] Therefore, it has recently become known to dry such crates less with an air stream and more by spinning them. This spinning is usually done by a drive, such as a gripper, grasping the object to be dried and spinning it around an axis that is usually perpendicular to the bottom of a container. For example, it is possible for the crates to be delivered in a normal upright position or hanging upside down and then rotated about a vertical axis.

[0003] This procedure is efficient, but has the disadvantage that not all of the liquid is forced out of the container, but some of it is simply pushed against the side walls of the boxes or crates due to centrifugal force.

[0004] A device and a method according to the prior art are known from DE 198 33 416 A1.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the object of making such drying processes more effective. These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] A device according to the invention for drying objects, which are boxes or crates, wherein these boxes or crates have at least one bottom wall and at least one side wall, comprises a transport device that transports the objects along a predetermined transport path. In addition, a holding device is provided, which is suitable and intended for temporarily holding the objects, as well as a drive device and / or rotating device, which is suitable and intended for rotating the holding device with the object arranged thereon relative to at least one predetermined axis of rotation.

[0007] The specified axis of rotation runs at an angle other than 90° to the bottom wall.

[0008] The object is thus rotated around an axis of rotation that is not perpendicular to the bottom wall of the container. This makes it easier to force liquid out of the object by spinning or rotating it.

[0009] The object is a box or crate having at least one bottom wall and one side wall, wherein this side wall may, for example, be perpendicular to the bottom wall. Particularly preferably, the box or object has at least two side walls in addition to the bottom wall. Particularly preferably, the box or crate has at least three and preferably four side walls.

[0010] A side wall can be either a closed wall, i.e., a wall without openings, or it can be a wall with a multitude of perforations. The wall can also be constructed in the manner of a mesh or similar structure. For example, the wall can be constructed from a multitude of parallel struts or as a grid with a multitude of struts. A side wall can also consist of individual webs and / or form a material-free window.

[0011] The wall itself may be rigid, but the side walls may also be flexible. The bottom wall can also be either rigid or flexible. The box can be collapsible or foldable, but it can also be non-collapsible or always remain in the same shape.

[0012] The box is particularly preferably made of plastic.

[0013] The bottom wall can also preferably be designed as a continuous or closed wall, although it would also be possible for the bottom wall to have openings. Furthermore, it is possible for the bottom wall to be formed as a single piece. The side walls can also be formed as a single piece, although it would also be possible for the side parts to be formed as multiple parts.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the drive device comprises an electric motor, in particular a servomotor. However, other motors, such as fuel-powered engines, are also conceivable as drive devices.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the drive device is a servomotor. This makes it possible to rotate the object by a precisely predetermined angle, for example, by five to ten full revolutions. This allows the container to be redefined or placed in a defined position on the transport device after the rotation has been completed.

[0016] Preferably, the device comprises a movement element that is suitable and intended to space and / or decouple the object from the transport device, at least during its rotation. For example, the object could also be (briefly) lifted from the transport device during its rotation in order to be able to rotate essentially freely.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the rotating device or drive device is suitable and intended to rotate the objects by a defined angle, and in particular by an angle that represents an integer multiple of 90°. In the simplest case, it is thus possible for the objects to be rotated by full revolutions in order to return to the transport device in the same manner as before the rotation began.

[0018] However, under other circumstances, it might also be desirable to rotate the containers by an angle, for example, an angle that is an odd multiple of 90°, especially if, for example, the transport orientation of a rectangular container needs to be changed. It would also be possible to rotate the containers by an odd multiple of 180°, for example, if the crates are delivered with their opening facing down and are to be transported with their opening facing up.

[0019] The transport device consists of a conveyor belt on which the objects are conveyed. However, it could also consist of side guide belts that hold the objects to be dried between them and transport them in this way.

[0020] With regard to the holding device, it is conceivable that it is brought closer to the containers to carry out the spinning process, for example, by being positioned against them from above or below. Furthermore, it is possible for the holding device to also have gripping elements that enable the objects to be grasped.

[0021] It would also be conceivable for the rotating device to rotate the objects together with part of the transport device.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device comprises a feed conveyor that transports the objects to the respective spinning stations. In addition, the transport device can also comprise a carrier onto which the objects are pushed so that they can then be gripped by the gripping device.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the geometric axis of rotation does not intersect the bottom wall of the respective objects. Particularly preferably, the axis of rotation does not intersect a horizontal plane in which the bottom wall is also located.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the geometric axis of rotation runs parallel to a plane of the base wall. In this case, it is possible for the base wall itself to be rotated relative to or around this axis of rotation.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the geometric axis of rotation runs parallel to a plane of the base wall or within a plane of the base wall. In this embodiment, it is proposed that the axis of rotation runs parallel to the base wall and, in particular, runs relatively close to the base wall or lies in the plane of the base wall. It would be conceivable for the axis of rotation to run through the volume of the object (i.e., in particular, intersect the side walls) or to run outside the volume of the object (i.e., for example, in the case of an upright object, runs below its base).

[0026] For example, it is possible for the rotation axis to be spaced from the base wall at a distance of less than half the height of the object, preferably less than a third of the height of the object, and preferably less than a quarter of the height of the object. This design ensures that, upon corresponding rotation or spinning, liquid is forced out of the object or box or crate by the spinning process.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive device has a counterweight to compensate for any imbalance during rotation. As mentioned above, the container is preferably rotated about a rotation axis located near the bottom of the container. For this reason, the objects are preferably not rotated about an axis containing the center of gravity. To compensate for the resulting imbalances, a counterweight is preferably provided. It is possible to shift the position of this counterweight in order to spin different crates or boxes.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive device is suitable and intended to generate rotational speeds of at least 20 revolutions per minute, preferably of at least 40 revolutions per minute.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the drive device is suitable and intended to generate a rotational speed of at most 700 revolutions per minute, preferably of at most 600 revolutions per minute, preferably of at most 500 rpm and preferably of at most 300 rpm.

[0030] The transport device conveys the objects along a linear transport path. The objects can then be fed to the drive or rotating device along this linear transport path.

[0031] It is possible for the objects to be transported in a timed manner, with the containers being fed into the spinning process one by one. However, it would also be possible for the objects to be conveyed continuously. A locking device could be provided that, despite the continuous conveying, only allows individual containers or objects, or groups of containers or objects, to reach the area where they are being rotated.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, multiple drive devices can also be provided for rotating the objects. In particular, these drive devices can be arranged one behind the other in the transport direction.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the above-mentioned axis of rotation of the containers is parallel to the transport path.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a housing which serves to catch or shield the liquid, for example water, which is thrown away by the spinning process.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device also has an additional drying device, for example in the form of a fan. Cooling air for the drive motors can also be used for additional drying. However, due to the drying already performed, this fan can be smaller than is usual in the prior art.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the holding device is a gripping device, which preferably grips the objects on at least one side wall. Particularly preferably, the gripping device grips the objects on two side walls, and particularly preferably on two opposite side walls. The gripping device can contact the objects on an outer side of the side walls or also on an inner side of the side walls.

[0037] Particularly preferably, the gripping device grips the objects in such a way that the rotational axis of the centrifugal movement is parallel to a longer side of the objects. However, it would also be possible for the gripping device to grip the objects on their inner wall or even on the bottom wall.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the gripping device is a gripping device preloaded by a tensioning means, in particular a spring device. It is preferably possible for this tensioning means to force the gripping device into a closed position, i.e., into a position in which it holds at least one object. This has the advantage that the objects are automatically gripped by the gripping device without the application of additional forces. In this way, the objects can be held during the rotation without additional forces and / or without additional energy supply.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises actuators that are suitable and intended to move the holding device and / or gripping device from a closed position and / or a position in which the objects are held to an open position, i.e., a position in which the objects are not gripped. For example, it would be possible for the gripping devices to be reset after the actuator has performed the rotation, thus releasing the grip on the objects.

[0040] The actuator is preferably a guide curve. Thus, the grip on the objects can be released by a relative movement between this guide curve and the gripping device. However, the actuator can also have a drive, such as, in particular but not exclusively, an electric drive, a pneumatic drive, and / or a hydraulic drive.

[0041] The gripping device can comprise two holding elements, such as clamping jaws, which contact the objects on two opposing surfaces and thus clamp them. These holding elements preferably extend in the transport direction of the objects.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, the gripping device is suitable and intended for gripping multiple objects, in particular boxes, simultaneously. Preferably, the gripping device is suitable and intended for gripping at least two objects, preferably for gripping at least three objects.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the gripping device can have contact elements that contact the objects. In a further advantageous embodiment, these contact elements can be interchangeable, for example, to enable adaptation to different objects.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment, the gripping device is arranged stationary in the transport direction of the objects. However, as mentioned above, the gripping device is preferably also rotatable about the aforementioned axis of rotation.

[0045] The device features a cage into which the objects can be inserted during the spinning process. This allows the objects to be rotated or spun safely.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment, the gripping device is arranged above or below the transport path of the objects. Preferably, the gripping device is advanced toward the objects in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the transport path of the objects. However, it would also be conceivable for gripping elements of the gripping device to move along a circular path.

[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive device is suitable and intended for simultaneously rotating multiple objects. It is possible for these multiple objects to be directly adjacent to one another, but it would also be possible to provide intermediate pieces that ensure the connection between two objects.

[0048] The present invention is further directed to a method for drying objects, and in particular for crates or boxes, wherein these crates or boxes have at least one bottom wall and at least one side wall, and wherein the objects are transported by means of a transport device along a predetermined transport path and are at least temporarily held by a holding device. Furthermore, a drive device rotates the holding device with the object arranged thereon relative to at least one predetermined axis of rotation.

[0049] The axis of rotation runs at an angle other than 90° to the bottom wall and / or at an angle other than 90° to a horizontal plane.

[0050] The containers are therefore not rotated around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the bottom wall, but around a different (geometric) axis in order to more easily push liquid away from the container or out of the box.

[0051] Particularly preferred is a transport speed of the objects or containers or boxes at which the transport device transports them that is greater than 0.2 m / s, preferably greater than 0.3 m / s, preferably greater than 0.4 m / s, preferably greater than 0.5 m / s, and preferably greater than 0.6 m / s. In a further preferred method, the transport speed is less than 3 m / s, preferably less than 2.5 m / s, preferably less than 2 m / s, preferably less than 1.5 m / s.

[0052] In a further preferred method, a spinning time is at least one second, preferably at least two seconds, preferably at least three seconds.

[0053] In a further preferred method, the spinning time is less than 20 s, preferably less than 15 s, preferably less than 12 s, preferably less than 10 s, preferably less than 8 s and particularly preferably less than 6 s.

[0054] The objects are boxes or crates. In another preferred method, these boxes or crates are conveyed at least temporarily upside down, i.e., with the filling opening facing downward.

[0055] In another preferred method, the objects are gripped by a gripping device during their rotation. It is conceivable that the objects are transported to an area where they are rotated or spun.

[0056] Preferably, in this area, the gripping device is advanced toward the objects in order to grip them. This advancement preferably occurs under the force of a spring device and, in particular, without the application of additional forces. Preferably, the objects are held during the rotation and / or spinning process solely by the force of said spring device.

[0057] In a further advantageous embodiment, the gripping device is released after the spinning process. In particular, this release occurs counter to the force of the spring device. Preferably, this release occurs through an additional force, in particular through the force of an actuator.

[0058] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a first embodiment and Fig. 2 is a roughly schematic sectional representation.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention in a first embodiment. A transport device is provided, designated here in its entirety by 2, but comprising two transport sections. These transport sections are interrupted by a rotary module, which generates the rotation of the objects around their axis D.

[0060] The reference number 8 designates a carrier which is suitable and intended for holding a total of 3 objects. The objects can be rotated together with this carrier 8 with respect to the axis of rotation D.

[0061] Reference numeral 4 denotes holding devices, which in this case engage laterally on the three objects 10 arranged next to one another. Reference numeral 6 denotes a drive device, which rotates the holding device together with the objects arranged thereon. These holding devices 4 can each be advanced toward the objects 10.

[0062] The reference symbols 10' and 10" each indicate objects that are not yet rotated here, i.e., they are still in front of or already behind the rotation area in the transport direction T.

[0063] The carrier itself can also be pivoted about a pivot axis Y arranged vertically in the figure between a first position and a second position.

[0064] In the first position, objects can be fed to the carrier from the left transport section or already dried objects can be removed to the right onto the second transport section.

[0065] In the second position, the objects on the carrier 8 can be rotated around the axis D for drying.

[0066] This allows for continuous operation, as three objects can always be advanced after the drying process. A locking device (not shown) prevents the feeding of further objects 10 during the drying phase.

[0067] The carrier 8 can also have a drive device for transporting the objects. However, it would also be possible for the objects to be pushed onto the carrier by other objects. The carrier could be designed as a cage, which is rotatable in its entirety relative to the rotation axis D. Furthermore, a counterweight (not shown) could be present, which prevents the occurrence of imbalances when the carrier loaded with the objects 10 rotates.

[0068] Fig. 2shows a roughly schematic sectional view of a single box with a bottom wall 10a and two side walls 10b. Reference symbols D, D1, and D2 indicate three possible axes of rotation. It can be seen that the axis of rotation D runs parallel to the bottom 10a and, in this case, along the longitudinal direction L of the box. The axis of rotation D runs above the bottom, i.e., through the interior R of the box 10 and also through the two side walls 10b.

[0069] The rotation axis D1 here runs in the direction of the box's spatial diagonal, for example, through two opposite corners. Another possible rotation axis D2 also runs parallel to the floor 10a, but here below it and thus outside the box 10.

[0070] In addition to the three rotation axes D, D1, and D2 shown, further rotation axes are also conceivable, such as a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the rotation axis D and also perpendicular to the plane of the figure. In a preferred embodiment, rotation axes that are perpendicular to the base surface 10a are particularly excluded.

[0071] Preferably, the axes of rotation are also inclined relative to a plane of the base surface by an angle which is greater than 10°, preferably greater than 20°, preferably greater than 30°, preferably greater than 40° and particularly preferably greater than 50°.

[0072] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. List of reference symbols

[0073] 1Device 2Transport device 4Gripping device 6Drive device 8Carrier 10, 10', 10"Object, box 64Motor D, D1, D2Rotation axis YSwivel axis

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for drying objects (10) by spinning, wherein the objects (10) being boxes or crates which have at least one bottom wall (10a) and at least one side wall, wherein the apparatus (1) having a transport device (2) which transports the objects along a predetermined transport path and a holding device (4), which is suitable and intended for temporarily holding the objects, and a drive device (6) which is suitable and intended for spinning the holding device with the object arranged thereon with respect to at least one predetermined axis of rotation, wherein the predetermined axis of rotation (D) extends at an angle different from 90° with respect to the bottom wall, wherein the transport device (2) is a transport band on which the objects are conveyed and the transport device conveys the objects (10) along a straight transport path, characterized in that the apparatus (1) has a cage device in which the objects are moved in during a spinning process.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the cage device is rotatable in its entirety with respect to the axis of rotation (D).

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus (1) has a movement element, which is suitable and intended for distancing and / or decoupling the object at least during its rotation from the transport device.

4. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the objects are transported clock-wise and thus one after the other is supplied to a spinning process.

5. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the geometric axis of rotation (D) does not intersect the bottom wall.

6. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometric axis of rotation (D) runs parallel to a plane of the bottom wall or within the plane of the bottom wall.

7. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometric axis of rotation intersects at least one side wall.

8. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (6) has a counterweight in order to compensate for an imbalance during the rotation of the objects.

9. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (6) is suitable and intended to generate rotational speeds of at least 20 rpm, preferably of at least 40 rpm, preferably of at least 60 rpm, preferably of at least 100 rpm and / or in that the drive device (6) is suitable and intended to generate rotational speeds of at most 700 rpm, preferably of at most 500 rpm and preferably of at most 300 rpm.

10. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device is a gripping device which preferably grips the objects on at least one side wall.

11. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device is suitable and intended for the simultaneous rotation of several objects.

12. Method for drying objects (10) by spinning, wherein the objects (10) are boxes or crates which have at least one bottom wall (10a) and at least one side wall, wherein the objects are transported along a predetermined transport path by a transport device and are held at least temporarily by a holding device (4), and wherein a drive device (6) spins the holding device with the object (10) arranged thereon with respect to at least one predetermined axis of rotation (D), wherein the predetermined axis of rotation (D) extends at an angle different from 90° relative to the bottom wall, wherein the transport device (2) is a transport band on which the objects are conveyed and the transport device conveys the objects (10) along a straight transport path, characterized in that the apparatus (1) has a cage device in which the objects are moved in during a spinning process.