Interchangeable system for container element reversing devices

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a changing system for container element turning devices and a corresponding method for a container element transport device for transporting container elements. State of the art

[0002] As described, for example, in WO 2017 / 125201 A1 by the applicant, so-called turning devices are known with which containers (e.g., cans) can be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. In the beverage processing industry, such rotation may be necessary for various container processing steps. These include, for example, cleaning the interior of the container, draining a cleaning agent, or labeling the container bottom.

[0003] The turning devices can be manufactured, in particular, using a so-called "generative manufacturing process," in which one or more objects are manufactured directly from formless (liquids, powders, etc.) or form-neutral (strip, wire-like) material using chemical and / or physical processes based on computer-internal data models. 3D printing, for example, can be used for the generative manufacturing process.

[0004] EP 3 045 410 A1 relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1 for transporting and turning piece goods, comprising at least one turning device with a guide channel, into which the serially fed piece goods are introduced in a first position and guided in a transport direction while changing their position, and comprising a transport device adjoining the turning device in the transport direction, with a transport channel in which the piece goods are transported further linearly in their second position. In order to be able to process different piece goods with the device without retooling, it is provided that the shape and / or diameter of the guide channel and the shape and / or diameter of the transport channel are adaptable to one another.

[0005] So-called free-running and push-pull turners are known in the prior art. Free-running turners have a gradient, so that the containers are rotated by their weight in conjunction with the contact of the device. Push-pull turners have no gradient, and the rotation of the containers occurs due to the dynamic pressure of the following containers.

[0006] Currently, when changing formats, for example, in a canning line, an operator has to change the can turner manually. To do this, any existing guard must be removed, the can turner unscrewed and dismantled, the next can turner attached, and then re-locked. Finally, any existing guard must be replaced.

[0007] Therefore, operators are required for these manual processes to carry out the changeover, which is disadvantageous given the transition to automation. Furthermore, the cost of a locking device for the currently used turners is high. Description of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is to at least partially mitigate or eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0009] The problem is solved by an inventive exchange system according to patent claim 1.

[0010] The changing system for container element turning devices according to the invention comprises: a container element transport device for transporting container elements; a plurality of turning devices for container elements, wherein each turning device comprises a guide channel with an inlet side and an outlet side, wherein a container element is movable from a first alignment position to a different second alignment position when passing through the guide channel from the inlet side to the outlet side, and wherein each turning device is clampable in a transport path of the container element transport device; and a clamping device for automatically clamping a turning device from the plurality of turning devices in the transport path of the container element transport device.

[0011] The changing system according to the invention has the advantage that the movement sequence when changing the turning device can be carried out without manual intervention by operating personnel, for example by a robot, and no additional tool is required.

[0012] For the purposes of the present application, the container elements can be, for example, bottles, cans, preforms for PET bottles, cardboard containers, lids, or closures.

[0013] The clamping device comprises a first connecting element on the container element transport device and a respective second connecting element on each turning device, wherein the first and second connecting elements can be brought into engagement with one another. Using the two connecting elements, the turning device can be easily attached to the container element transport device by engaging / coupling the first and second connecting elements with one another. This represents a simple and cost-effective implementation suitable for automated clamping.

[0014] In addition, the clamping device comprises a third connecting element on the container element transport device and a respective fourth connecting element on each turning device, wherein the third and fourth connecting elements are engageable with each other, and wherein the second connecting element is provided on the inlet side and the fourth connecting element is provided on the outlet side. This results in secure fastening along the entire transport path.

[0015] Each second and each fourth connecting element comprises a projection of the respective turning device, and the first and third connecting elements comprise a receptacle, in particular a receiving shoe, for the projection of the second and fourth connecting elements, respectively. The respective projection can be inserted into the respective receptacle. This provides a restriction of the movement of the turning device or a fixation perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0016] The receptacle of the first connecting element comprises a spring element with which a spring force can be exerted on the turning device from the inlet side toward the outlet side. Preferably, the engagement of the third connecting element with the fourth connecting element is unsprung. The compressive force of the spring-loaded receptacle thus always acts in the direction of flow of the cans. This allows the maximum compressive force required to clamp the turning device to be kept relatively low.

[0017] With the spring element of the first connecting element, a force can be exerted on the projection of the second connecting element, in particular with a pressure piece arranged on the spring element.

[0018] Another development consists in that each turning device is designed as a 3D-printed part and / or each turning device has a section suitable for engagement with a robot device.

[0019] The majority of turning devices can be provided for different types of container elements, in particular for containers with different dimensions, wherein the containers are in particular beverage cans.

[0020] The changing system may further comprise a robot device which is designed to change, in particular to change automatically, the turning devices when the type or size of the container elements to be transported with the container element transport device changes.

[0021] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method according to claim 6.

[0022] The method according to the invention for a container element transport device for transporting container elements comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of turning devices for container elements, each turning device comprising a guide channel with an inlet side and an outlet side, a container element being movable from a first alignment position to a different second alignment position as it passes through the guide channel from the inlet side to the outlet side, and each turning device being insertable into a transport path of the container element transport device; and automatically clamping a turning device from the plurality of turning devices into the container element transport device using a clamping device.

[0023] The advantages of the method according to the invention and the further developments thereof mentioned below correspond to those described with regard to the device according to the invention and the further developments thereof, and reference is therefore made to the relevant above statements.

[0024] The clamping device has a first connecting element on the container element transport device and a respective second connecting element on each turning device, wherein the first and the second connecting element can be brought into engagement with one another, wherein the clamping device can have a third connecting element on the container element transport device and a respective fourth connecting element on each turning device, wherein the third and the fourth connecting element can be brought into engagement with one another, and wherein the second connecting element is provided on the inlet side and the fourth connecting element is provided on the outlet side, and wherein the clamping step comprises a first engagement of the first and second connecting elements and a second engagement of the third and fourth connecting elements.

[0025] Each second and each fourth connecting element comprises a projection of the respective turning device, and the first and third connecting elements comprise a respective receptacle, in particular a respective receiving shoe, for the projection of the second or fourth connecting element, wherein the receptacle of the first connecting element comprises a spring element with which a spring force can be exerted on the turning device from the inlet side towards the outlet side, wherein the engagement of the third connecting element with the fourth connecting element is preferably unsprung, and wherein a force can be exerted on the projection of the second connecting element with the spring element of the first connecting element, in particular with a pressure piece arranged on the spring element, wherein the first engagement comprises: inserting the projection of the second connecting element into the receptacle of the first connecting element and,As soon as the projection of the second connecting element rests against the pressure piece in its initial position, tensioning the spring element; wherein the following further step is provided: positioning the projection of the fourth connecting element relative to the receptacle of the third connecting element after the pressure piece has been sufficiently pressed into the receptacle of the first connecting element; and wherein the second engagement comprises: inserting the projection of the fourth connecting element into the receptacle of the third connecting element up to a stop, whereby the pressure piece no longer moves completely back to its initial position, whereby a permanent tensioning force acts on the turning device.

[0026] Automated clamping can be done using a robotic device.

[0027] The method may comprise the further step of unclamping the turning device, in particular with the robot device.

[0028] The movement of the turning device for unclamping can take place in the reverse order of the movement of the turning device for clamping.

[0029] The turning device can be delivered by an automated guided vehicle (AGV).

[0030] Further features and exemplary embodiments, as well as advantages of the present invention, are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. It is understood that this embodiment cannot exhaust the entire scope of the present invention. It is further understood that some or all of the features described below can also be combined in other ways. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the changing system according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a set of turning devices for the Fig. 1shown exchange system. Fig. 3 shows a spring-loaded receiving shoe for the Fig. 1 shown exchange system with the in Fig. 2 shown set of turning devices. Embodiments

[0032] Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of the exchange system according to the invention, which is described below.

[0033] The inventive exchange system 100 for container element turning devices comprises: a container element transport device 10 for transporting container elements 50; a plurality of turning devices 20, 20a, 20b for container elements 50, wherein each turning device 20, 20a, 20b comprises a guide channel with an inlet side 21 and an outlet side 22, wherein a container element 50 is movable from a first alignment position to a different second alignment position as it passes through the guide channel from the inlet side 21 to the outlet side 22, and wherein each turning device 20, 20a, 20b is clampable into a transport path 15 of the container element transport device; and a clamping device 30 for automatically clamping a turning device 20 from the plurality of turning devices 20, 20a, 20b into the transport path of the container element transport device 10.

[0034] The clamping device 30 has a first connecting element 31 on the container element transport device 10 and a respective second connecting element 32 on each turning device 20, 20a, 20b, wherein the first and second connecting elements 31, 32 can be brought into engagement with one another. Using the two connecting elements 31, 32, the turning device 20 can be easily fastened / clamped to the container element transport device 10 by bringing the first and second connecting elements 31, 32 into engagement with one another / coupling them with one another.

[0035] In addition, the clamping device 30 has a third connecting element 33 on the container element transport device 10 and a respective fourth connecting element 34 on each turning device 20, 20a, 20b. The third and fourth connecting elements 33, 34 are engageable with each other, and the second connecting element 32 is provided on the inlet side and the fourth connecting element 34 is provided on the outlet side. This results in secure fastening along the entire transport path 15.

[0036] Each second and each fourth connecting element 32, 34 comprises a projection 32, 34 of the respective turning device, and the first and third connecting elements comprise a receiving shoe 31, 33 for the projection 32, 34 of the second and fourth connecting elements 32, 34, respectively. The receiving shoes 31, 33 are fastened, e.g., screwed, to the container element transport device 10, for example, with a respective fastening bracket 41, 43. The receiving shoe 31 of the first connecting element has a widened portion 313 toward the opening to enable the clamping of the turning device. In addition, the widened portion 313 further facilitates the insertion of the projection 31.

[0037] The receptacle 31 of the first connecting element 31 comprises a spring element 311, with which a spring force is exerted on the turning device 20 from the inlet side 21 in the direction of the outlet side 22, wherein the engagement of the third connecting element with the fourth connecting element is unsprung. With the spring element 311 of the first connecting element 31, a force can be exerted on the projection 32 of the second connecting element 32 via the pressure piece 312 arranged on the spring element 311. It is indeed possible to also design the receptacle 33 of the third connecting element 33 to be spring-loaded, but in this case the spring force against the running direction of the container elements 50 should be less than the spring force in the running direction, so that a firm stop of the turning device 20 with the transport device (e.g. with the receptacle 33) is produced in the running direction in order to compensate for changes in position / oscillations of the turning device 20 in the running direction orto avoid the opposite.

[0038] Each turning device 20, 20a, 20b is designed as a 3D-printed part. Furthermore, each turning device 20, 20a, 20b has a section 25a, 25b suitable for engagement with a robot device 90. For example, a gripper arm 95 of the robot device 90 can grasp and secure the section 25a, 25b. The robot device 90 is designed to automatically change the turning devices 20, 20a, 20b when changing the type or size of the container elements 50 to be transported by the container element transport device 10.

[0039] In this embodiment, the turning device 20, 20a, 20b is designed as a freewheel turner. However, the invention is not limited to this and can also be directly applied to push-pull turners. Only the guide channel is designed to be straight in push-pull turners.

[0040] The majority of turning devices 20, 20a, 20b are provided for different types of container elements 50, for example for cans with different dimensions.

[0041] The method according to the invention for a container element transport device for transporting container elements 50 comprises, in this embodiment, the steps of: providing the plurality of turning devices 20, 20a, 20b for container elements 50, wherein the clamping step comprises a first engagement of the first and second connecting elements 31, 32 and a second engagement of the third and fourth connecting elements 33, 34.

[0042] The first engagement comprises: inserting the projection 32 of the second connecting element 32 into the receptacle 31 of the first connecting element 31 and, as soon as the projection 32 of the second connecting element 32 rests against the pressure piece 312 in its starting position, tensioning the spring element 311; wherein the following further step is provided: positioning the projection 34 of the fourth connecting element 34 opposite the receptacle 33 of the third connecting element 33 after the pressure piece 312 has been sufficiently pressed into the receptacle 31 of the first connecting element 31; and wherein the second engagement comprises: inserting the projection 34 of the fourth connecting element 34 into the receptacle 33 of the third connecting element 33 up to a stop, wherein the pressure piece 312 no longer moves completely back into the starting position, whereby a permanent tensioning force acts on the turning device 20.

[0043] The most important features are briefly summarized below using the example of a can turner. The turning device in the form of a can turner is manufactured as a 3D-printed part. Holders are used that are very well suited for an automated process. A spring-loaded receiving shoe, which is firmly screwed to the transport device, serves as the inlet-side holder of the can turner. The spring-loaded receiving shoe is used to press the can turner into the outlet-side receiving shoe. This ensures that the can turner sits firmly in the holders. The spring-loaded receiving shoe is firmly screwed to the transport device on the inlet side of the can turner. There is no spring mechanism built into the outlet-side holder.

[0044] Installation is carried out using the following steps. Step 1: The can turner must be inserted at an angle downwards into the spring-loaded holder on the inlet side. As soon as the holder tab / protrusion of the can turner rests against the pressure piece, the compression spring is tensioned. Step 2: Once the pressure piece has been pressed far enough into the holder, the can turner can be moved downwards. Step 3: The can turner can now be moved into the outlet-side holder. The pressure piece does not return completely to its original position, which means that a constant clamping force is exerted on the can turner. This firmly clamps the can turner.

[0045] It is important that the pressure force of the spring-loaded holder always acts in the direction of can flow. This allows the maximum pressure force to be kept relatively low, as the spring does not have to counteract the force exerted by the cans on the turner. The unclamping process of the can turner works in the opposite direction. Since no locking or similar devices need to be released or tightened for the clamping and unclamping processes, this movement sequence can be easily automated and performed, for example, by a robot.

[0046] For example, the can turner can be delivered by an automated guided vehicle (AGV), and then the currently installed can turner is replaced by the one delivered. The exchange can be performed by a robot.

[0047] The illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and the full scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A changing system (100) for turnover apparatuses for a container element transporting apparatus (10) comprising: a container element transporting apparatus (10) for transporting container elements (50); a plurality of turnover apparatuses (20, 20a, 20b) for container elements (50), wherein each turnover apparatus comprises a guiding channel including an inlet side (21) and an outlet side (22) wherein a container element (50) when passing through the guiding channel from the inlet side to the outlet side can be moved from a first alignment position to a second alignment position differing therefrom and wherein each turnover apparatus can be clamped in a transport path (15) of the container element transporting apparatus; and a clamping device (30) for automated clamping of one turnover apparatus (20) among the plurality of turnover apparatuses (20, 20a, 20b) in the transport path (15) of the container element transporting apparatus (10); wherein the clamping device includes a first connecting element (31) at the container element transporting device as well as a respective second connecting element (32) at each turnover apparatus, wherein the first and second connecting elements can be brought into engagement with each other; and wherein the clamping device includes a third connecting element (33) at the container element transporting device as well as a respective fourth connecting element (34) at each turnover apparatus, wherein the third and fourth connecting elements can be brought into engagement with each other, and wherein the second connecting element is provided at the inlet side and the fourth connecting element is provided at the outlet side; each second and each fourth connecting element comprise a projection (32, 34) of the respective turnover apparatus and the first and third connecting elements comprise a receptacle (31, 33), in particular a receiving shoe, for the projection of the second and the fourth connecting element, respectively; characterized in that the receptacle of the first connecting element comprises a spring element (311) for applying a spring force to the turnover apparatus from the inlet side towards the outlet side.

2. The changing system according to claim 1, wherein by means of the spring element of the first connecting element a force can be applied to the projection of the second connecting element, in particular by means of a thrust piece (312) arranged on the spring element.

3. The changing system according to claims 1 or 2, wherein each turnover apparatus is configured as a 3D-printed part and / or wherein each turnover apparatus includes a portion suitable for engagement with a robot device.

4. The changing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of turnover apparatuses are each provided for different container elements, in particular for containers with different dimensions, and wherein the containers are in particular beverage cans.

5. The changing system according to claims 1 to 4, further comprising a robot device (90) configured for automated exchanging the turnover devices when changing the type and size of the container elements to be transported by means of the container element transporting apparatus.

6. A method for a container element transporting device (10) for transporting container elements (50) comprising the following steps: providing a plurality of turnover apparatuses (20, 20a, 20b) for container elements (50), wherein each turnover apparatus comprises a guiding channel including an inlet side (21) and an outlet side (22), wherein a container element (50), when passing through the guiding channel from the inlet side to the outlet side, can be moved from a first alignment position to a second alignment position differing therefrom, wherein each turnover apparatus can be clamped in a transport path (15) of the container element transporting apparatus; and automated clamping of one turnover apparatus (20) among the plurality of turnover apparatuses (20, 20a, 20b) in the container element transporting apparatus by means of a clamping device (30); wherein the clamping device includes a first connecting element (31) at the container element transporting device as well as a respective second connecting element (32) at each turnover apparatus, wherein the first and second connecting elements can be brought into engagement with each other; wherein the clamping device includes a third connecting element (33) at the container element transporting device as well as a respective fourth connecting element (34) at each turnover apparatus, wherein the third and fourth connecting elements can be brought into engagement with each other, and wherein the second connecting element is provided at the inlet side and the fourth connecting element is provided at the outlet side and wherein the step of clamping includes a first sub-step of making the first and second connecting elements engage with each other and a second sub-step of making the third and fourth connecting elements engage with each other; characterized in that every second and every fourth connecting element comprise a projection (32, 30) of the respective turnover apparatus and the first and the third connecting elements comprise a respective receptacle (31, 33), in particular a respective receiving shoe, for the projection of the second and fourth connecting element, respectively, wherein the receptacle of the first connecting element comprises a spring element (311) for applying a spring force to the turnover apparatus from the inlet side towards the outlet side, and wherein by means of the spring element of a first connecting element a force can be applied to the projection of the second connecting element, in particular by means of a thrust piece (312) arranged on the spring element (311), wherein the first engaging step comprises: introducing the projection (32) of the second connecting element into the receptacle (31) of the first connecting element and loading the spring element as soon as the projection (32) of the second connecting element abuts against the spring element (311), in particular against the thrust piece (312) in the initial position thereof; wherein the following further step is provided: positioning the projection (34) of the fourth connecting element in opposition to the receptacle (33) of the third connecting element after the first piece has been sufficiently pushed into the receptacle of the first connecting elements; and wherein the second engaging step comprises: introducing the projection (34) of the fourth connecting element into the receptacle (34) of the third connecting element up to a stop, wherein the spring element, in particular the thrust piece, does not completely return to the initial position thereof thus exerting a permanent biasing force on the turnover apparatus (20).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the automated clamping is carried out by a robot device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, further comprising the following step: unclamping the turnover apparatus (20), in particular by means of the robot device (90).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein movement of the turnover apparatus for unclamping is carried out in reverse order of the movement of the turnover apparatus for clamping.