Apparatus and method for drying boxes

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for drying objects (10) and, in particular, crates (10), the device comprising: - a transport apparatus (2), which transports the objects (10), more particularly in contact with each other, in a specified transport direction (T); - a first rotating apparatus (4), which is disposed along the transport direction and individually grips the objects (10) and rotates the objects by at least 360°, with respect to an axis of rotation (D) substantially perpendicular to the transport direction (T), in order to dry the objects by means of this rotation process.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for drying, and in particular for spin-drying, objects, and in particular crates or boxes. The invention is described with reference to the food industry, for example, to boxes or crates used to transport meat and the like. These crates are typically washed after each use and refilled. It is important that these crates are dried after the washing process. Therefore, devices are known in the prior art that dry these crates or boxes, for example, by applying compressed air. However, these drying devices often involve considerable energy consumption and also generate considerable noise.

[0002] Therefore, devices and methods for drying such crates are also known from the prior art, in which the crates are rotated or spun around a predetermined axis of rotation to achieve the drying effect. However, the problem with this approach is that these processes are relatively slow, since the crates are fed into and removed from a spinning device one at a time.

[0003] JP5190227 B2, JP6510865 B2, JP2008246436 A, JP2002206857 A, JP3132753 B2 and JP2003245622 A disclose prior art devices and methods for drying objects.

[0004] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device and a method that enable a higher throughput for the objects to be dried. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] A device according to the invention for drying objects, and in particular crates or boxes, comprises a transport device that transports the objects in contact with one another, or at least temporarily in contact with one another, in a predetermined transport direction and / or along a predetermined transport path. Furthermore, the device comprises a first rotating device arranged along the transport path, which grips the objects individually and rotates them by at least 180° and preferably by at least 360° with respect to a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction, in order to dry them by the rotating process.

[0006] According to the invention, the device has a spacing device which creates a distance in the transport direction between an object to be rotated and the object preceding it in the transport direction and a distance between the object to be rotated and the object following it in the transport direction, wherein this spacing device stops the object to be rotated in a predetermined position in the transport direction so that it can be grasped by the rotating device and which also stops the preceding and the following object in a predetermined position in the transport direction.

[0007] According to the invention, the device has a second rotating device which is arranged after the first rotating device in the transport direction.

[0008] Therefore, within the scope of the invention, it is proposed that a specific distance be created between the object to be rotated, for example, the crate to be rotated, and a preceding and following object, thus enabling rotation of the object. Preferably, the objects are, as mentioned above, crates or boxes.

[0009] Preferably, the distance between the object to be rotated and the neighboring objects is selected at least such that they cannot collide with the preceding or following object during a rotation. Thus, the distance is preferably selected to be at least half the difference between the length of the diagonal of the object and the length of a long side. The objects are preferably objects with a rectangular or square cross-section.

[0010] Preferably, the transport device transports the objects such that their longitudinal direction runs parallel to the transport direction and their width direction perpendicular to it. However, it would also be conceivable for the objects to be transported in their width direction.

[0011] However, it would also be conceivable that the objects are transported in a certain orientation and removed in a different orientation, for example rotated by 90°.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor belt comprises a circulating conveying means, for example a circulating conveyor belt or a circulating conveyor chain.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, this spacing device has at least one, preferably several, position detection devices which detect the positions of the objects in the transport direction. These position detection devices are particularly preferably one or more light barriers, each of which can detect the arrival of the containers in a specific position. Depending on this position, the respective distances can be created in particular by stopping the individual objects in their transport. In this case, it is preferably possible to stop the objects while the transport device continues to run. In addition to or instead of light barriers, light sensors (i.e. devices which work without mirrors), laser sensors, capacitive sensors, or even sound sensors or radar sensors can be used. Light sensors or laser light barriers are particularly preferably used.

[0014] Therefore, holding devices are preferably provided which stop the objects, whereby the transport device itself continues to run and / or whereby a relative movement is generated between the transport device and the objects.

[0015] The rotating device preferably performs at least 1.5 rotations, preferably at least 2 complete rotations, preferably at least 4 rotations. In a further preferred embodiment, the rotating device causes the objects to be rotated so quickly that liquid or water can drip off them. The rotating device preferably rotates the objects at an angular velocity or speed of between 100 rpm and 1000 rpm, preferably between 200 rpm and 800 rpm.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the objects are rotated by a whole or half-integer multiple of 180° or 360°. This allows the objects to be fed back into the transport path or transport direction in the same orientation after their rotation. However, as explained above, a change in the orientation may be desired.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a lifting device which moves the object to be rotated in its direction of rotation (and in particular in the vertical direction). In particular, the lifting device causes the object to be rotated to be lifted in its direction of rotation, i.e. to be moved upwards in a vertical direction. In this case, it is possible for the object to be lifted so far that it is lifted above its entire height. However, this is not absolutely necessary since the spacing device has also created a sufficient distance between the object and the following or preceding object. Preferably, the lifting device causes the object to be lifted so far that it projects beyond the guide devices of the transport devices so that these do not hinder the subsequent rotation of the objects.

[0018] It is therefore preferable to lift the object into a position where it can be rotated.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the axis of rotation around which the object is rotated runs substantially perpendicular to the transport direction. "Substantially perpendicular" means that the angle between this axis of rotation and the transport direction is between 70 and 90°, preferably between 80 and 90°, and preferably between 85 and 90°, and particularly preferably 90°.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the lifting device is adjustable in its deflection. This allows adaptation to different objects.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the lifting device comprises a stamping device or a plate or similar device, which can be applied to an inner wall of the base of the object, a compartment (in the case of a beverage crate), or a peripheral wall to perform the lifting operation. Particularly preferably, the objects are transported upside down, i.e., with their respective openings facing downwards. In the case of crates or boxes, the opening of these boxes is preferably oriented downwards, which facilitates draining.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, as mentioned, the lifting device is placed against a base of the crates. This also makes it possible for the lifting device to deliver the objects to a gripping device of the rotating device, as explained in more detail below.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has a first circulating transport means and a second circulating transport means, which are spaced apart from one another perpendicular to the transport direction (and in particular in a width direction of the objects).

[0024] Therefore, it is preferable not to choose a revolving conveyor belt or a completely covering conveyor chain, but rather two belt-like or chain-like conveyors with a free space between them so that, for example, the lifting device can lift the objects through this free space. These revolving conveyors can be designed, for example, like tank tracks or the like.

[0025] Preferably, these two transport means are arranged such that the objects are supported at least in their edge regions in a width direction perpendicular to their longitudinal direction and a central region is not supported by the transport means, so that, as mentioned, elements such as the lifting device or stopper fingers or the like can be arranged in this region.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the two transport means are synchronized with each other and / or move at the same rotational speed.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the rotating device has a drive device, which is arranged in particular above the objects to be rotated. This drive device can be, in particular, but not exclusively, an electric motor. The arrangement above the objects ensures that they are not reached by dripping water and are therefore not significantly at risk from moisture.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the device, and in particular the rotating device, comprises an energy recovery device. In particular, an energy recovery device is provided which recovers electrical energy from the drive devices of the rotating device. As mentioned above, the rotating device causes the individual objects or crates to spin. After the spinning process, the rotational movement of the objects is reduced or braked again. During this braking process, electrical energy can be generated—particularly inductively—which can be stored in an energy storage medium, such as a charging capacitor.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the lifting device is arranged below the objects. This allows the lifting device to lift the objects so that they can be grasped by a gripping device of the rotating device, at least for rotation.

[0030] Advantageously, however, the rotating device comprises a gripping device that allows the objects to rotate but does not hold them in the longitudinal direction. This allows the gripping device to be held very easily. Preferably, the lifting device and the gripping device work together to achieve the rotation. For example, the gripping device (arranged above the objects) causes the objects to rotate, and the lifting device supports the objects. Preferably, the lifting device also comprises a rotatable support or plate that can rotate with the rotation of the objects.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the spacing device has at least two holding elements that can be moved into the transport path of the objects and that rest against at least one side wall of the objects to hold the objects. The objects are preferably objects with a rectangular cross-section, i.e., with two longitudinal directions and two width directions. The longitudinal directions are preferably longer than the width directions. The holding elements can be placed or pushed into the transport path of the objects so that the side wall of the objects strikes them and the objects are held in a defined position, wherein the transport means can still continue to run at this time.

[0032] For example, the holding elements could be holding fingers that are moved at least vertically into the object transport path. These holding elements can be arranged in such a way that they contact a front wall in the object transport direction from the front, or a rear wall in the object transport direction, also from the front. For example, these holding fingers can be raised or lowered depending on a specific position of the objects.

[0033] Particularly preferably, these holding elements comprise drive devices, and in particular drive devices that enable rapid movement of these holding elements. For example, pneumatic drives could be provided to control these holding elements. Particularly preferably, the control takes place taking into account the respective position of the individual objects, which, as mentioned above, can be detected, for example, by light barriers.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the rotating device has a gripping device for gripping the objects and / or containers to be rotated. As mentioned above, this gripping device is designed, for example, in the manner of a clamp in such a way that it allows rotation but not lifting. This lifting is achieved, as mentioned above, by the lifting device, which is particularly preferably arranged below the transport path of the objects.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the transport device has at least one, and preferably at least two lateral guide devices, between which the objects are guided. These can in particular be lateral guide railings, so that the objects are guided between these two railings. The lifting device preferably causes the objects to be lifted at least above an upper edge of these lateral guide railings. These lateral guide devices preferably have an incline, which particularly preferably pushes or aligns the objects back into a transport position upon resetting. For example, these lateral guide rails can each have a surface that slopes inwards so that the objects slide back into the correct transport position upon resetting the lifting movement, even if they are not exactly aligned in the rotational movement.These lateral guide edges therefore preferably act as guide bevels when returning the rotated objects. This way, the objects do not need to be precisely aligned in their direction of rotation, but are simply pushed back into position by the bevels. These lateral guide devices or railings are particularly preferably designed to run in a straight line. This allows the use of motors for the drive motors that are not absolutely precise, since the objects are still returned to the transport rail or transport device even at angles that deviate by up to 10° from the ideal angle.

[0036] According to the invention, the device comprises a second rotating device arranged in the transport device downstream of the first rotating device. This enables a higher throughput of this device, since particularly preferably two rotating devices can rotate the corresponding objects simultaneously. Particularly preferably, the spacing device also creates a distance between the two objects rotated by the two rotating devices. In this way, it is possible for two objects to be dried simultaneously in a cyclic operation.

[0037] The device particularly preferably has more than two rotating devices, preferably at least three rotating devices, preferably at least four rotating devices. Accordingly, the spacing device can also cause distances to be created between all the objects to be rotated, as well as between the first object to be rotated and the last object to be rotated and the respective subsequent objects. In this case, it is possible for the foremost object in the transport direction to be held at its front wall, and the others in the interior to be held at the rear wall. As a control system, it is possible for the foremost object to be stopped first and then the respective other holding elements to be retracted in order to hold the subsequent objects at their respective rear walls. This offers the advantage that the other holding elements have a certain amount of time to move into the objects.This procedure also offers the advantage that the holding elements do not have to move into a space between two adjacent objects, but only into the hollow space formed by the objects or boxes.

[0038] Furthermore, it is possible for the motors of the individual rotating devices to be synchronized with each other and to operate essentially simultaneously.

[0039] It is also possible for the lifting device that lifts the objects to lift all of the objects together. For example, a lifting device can be provided below the transport path that lifts all of the objects simultaneously.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device described is designed with two or generally multiple lanes. The objects to be dried are not transported in a single lane, but in two or more parallel lanes. Preferably, each of these lanes is assigned at least one, and preferably several, rotating devices that rotate the objects to be dried.

[0041] Furthermore, it would be possible for the lifting devices of all rotating devices to be coupled together, allowing all objects (on both tracks) to be lifted simultaneously. It would also be possible for the position detection devices of both tracks to share common elements, such as shared light sources in the case of light barriers.

[0042] It would also be possible for two or more rotating devices to share a common drive. For example, one motor could be provided to rotate several objects simultaneously.

[0043] The present invention is further directed to a method for drying objects and in particular boxes, wherein the objects are transported by a transport device, in particular touching one another, along a predetermined transport direction and are individually gripped by a first rotating device arranged along the transport direction, and are rotated by at least 360° with respect to a rotation axis which is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction in order to dry these objects by this rotating process.

[0044] According to the invention, a spacing device creates (or increases) a distance in the transport direction between an object to be rotated and the object preceding it in the transport direction and a distance between the object to be rotated and the object following it in the transport direction, wherein this spacing device stops the object to be rotated in a predetermined position in the transport direction so that the object is gripped by the rotating device, and the spacing device also holds the preceding and / or following object in a predetermined position in the transport direction.

[0045] It is therefore also proposed in terms of the method that the objects are conveyed in a row and that a distance between the individual objects is created or increased by the spacing device, and then at least one of the objects is gripped and rotated about the said axis of rotation.

[0046] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the attached drawings, which show: Fig. 1 is a side view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the Fig. 1 shown device; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 1 shown device; Fig. 4 a detailed view of the Fig. 1 shown device; and Fig. 5 the device from Fig. 1 with a frame.

[0047] Figure 1shows a device 1 according to the invention for drying or spin-drying crates 10. These crates or boxes 10 are transported in a rectilinear transport direction T. For this purpose, a transport device 2 is provided, which is driven by a drive device 22.

[0048] Four rotating devices 4, 4a, 4b, 4c are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. These rotating devices serve to rotate the objects 10 or crates relative to axes of rotation D (only one shown). The rotating devices 4, 4a, 4b, 4c each have drives 42, which are in particular electric motors. Furthermore, the rotating devices have gripping devices 44, which grip the objects 10 in such a way that rotation of the containers about the respective axes of rotation is possible. During rotation, the individual objects are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction T to such an extent that they cannot collide with one another. The gripping devices 44 can be designed in the manner of gripping clamps, each having brackets that are applied to the side edges of the objects 10.

[0049] The reference numeral 8 denotes as a whole a lifting device which lifts the individual objects 10 in the direction of the respective axes of rotation so that they can then be gripped by the gripping devices 44 and rotated about the axes of rotation D. This lifting device 8 has two supports 82 and a coupling device 84 in the form of a crossbar in order to lift the four objects arranged one behind the other essentially simultaneously into a rotational position in which the objects 10 can be rotated. In particular, the objects 10 are lifted far enough that they protrude beyond a lateral guide device, i.e. a lateral guide railing 26, of the transport device 2 and thus the rotation is not blocked or impeded by this lateral guide device.

[0050] Reference numerals 24 denote position detection devices for detecting the individual objects in the transport direction T. In the embodiment shown here, in particular, five such position detection devices are provided, which are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. As mentioned above, these position detection devices are designed in particular as light barriers.

[0051] Reference numerals 28 denote holding elements that serve to stop the objects in the transport direction, with the transport device preferably continuing to run. These holding elements 28 are designed here as holding fingers that are moved into the transport path of the objects to stop them. The foremost holding element in the transport direction T preferably holds the object 10 that is to be rotated by the rotating device 4c. This object 10 is preferably held by its front wall, and the remaining objects are preferably held by their respective rear walls.

[0052] The holding elements can be equipped with damping devices, such as an elastic coating, which ensures that excessive impacts are not generated when objects collide with them. It would also be conceivable to spring-mount the individual holding elements in the transport direction to cushion the impacts caused by the objects colliding with them.

[0053] The individual holding elements are preferably controlled by a control device. This control device also controls the holding elements, taking into account the position of the objects in the transport direction. This position is determined, as mentioned, by the light barriers 24. This control device preferably causes the foremost object to be stopped first, and then additional holding elements to move into the interiors of the following objects to secure them at predetermined positions in the transport direction.

[0054] Reference numeral 6 denotes the spacing device, which spaced apart the individual objects transported one after the other in the transport direction or along the transport path. Preferably, constant distances are set between the individual objects. Furthermore, the spacing device also ensures that the individual objects are stopped precisely below the respective rotating devices assigned to them.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the Fig. 1The device shown here shows that the transport device 2 comprises two transport means, for example, conveyor belts or conveyor chains 21, 23, which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the transport direction T and which form a gap 25 between them, through which, for example, elements of the lifting device can also move. These two transport means 21, 23 are coupled to one another by means of a coupling device 27.

[0056] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown device 1. It can be seen that the individual gripping devices are designed in the manner of clamps, which are applied to the outer side walls of the objects 10. Preferably, the gripping device 44 has two first clamp elements 44a, which are applied to the long sides of the objects, and two second clamp elements 44b, which are applied to the transverse sides of the objects.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the rotating device 4 viewed in the transport direction of the objects. The lifting device 8 is shown, which lifts the containers in the lifting direction (which coincides with the rotation axis D). Reference numerals 26a denote side surfaces of the guide devices 26, which, when the objects 10 are lowered, can ensure that they are correctly returned to the transport device even if they are not precisely aligned. Reference numeral 86 denotes a further drive device, such as in particular a pneumatic drive, which lifts the objects 10 together.

[0058] Reference numeral 92 denotes a support device, such as a support plate, which supports the objects during lifting. This support device is mounted for rotation about the rotation axis D. In this way, the objects can be rotated about the rotation axis D during lifting.

[0059] Fig. 5shows a representation of the device from Fig. 3 , wherein a frame 50 is additionally shown here, on which the device is arranged. This frame serves to support both the transport device 2 and the individual rotating devices 4 - 4c.

[0060] 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 additional 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

[0061] 1Device 2Transport device 4Rotation device 4a - 4cFurther rotation devices 6Spacing device 8Lifting device 10Object 21, 23Transport means 22Drive device 24Position detection device 25Space between the conveyor belts 26Side guide device 27Coupling device 26aSide surface of the side guide device 28Holding elements 42Drive device 44Gripping device 44aFirst clamp elements 44bSecond clamp elements 50Frame 82Supports 84Coupling device 86Drive device 92Support device TTransport direction DRotation axis HLifting direction

Claims

1. Apparatus for drying objects (10) and in particular crates (10), having a transport device (2) which transports the objects (10), in particular in contact with one another, along a predetermined transport direction (T), having a first rotating device (4) which is arranged along the transport direction and which grips the objects (10) individually and rotates them by at least 360° with respect to an axis of rotation (D) which is essentially perpendicular to the transport direction (T), in order to dry them by this rotation process, the apparatus (1) has a spacing device (6) which creates a distance in the transport direction between an object (10) to be rotated and the object (10) preceding it in the transport direction (T) and a distance between the object (10) to be rotated and the object (10) following it in the transport direction (T), wherein the spacing device (6) stops the object to be rotated in a predetermined position in the transport device so that it can be gripped by the rotating device and which also stops the preceding and the following object in each case in a predetermined position in the transport direction (T), characterized in that the apparatus (1) has a second rotating device (4a) which is arranged downstream of the first rotating device (4) in the transport direction.

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus (1) has a lifting device (8) which lifts the object (10) to be rotated in its direction of rotation.

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport device (2) has a first circumferential transport means (21) and a second circumferential transport means (23) which are spaced apart from one another perpendicularly to the transport direction (T).

4. Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating device comprises a drive device (42) arranged above the objects (10) to be rotated.

5. Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 - 4, characterized in that the lifting device (8) is arranged below the objects (10).

6. Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacing device (6) has at least two holding elements (28) which can be moved into the transport path of the objects (10) and which rest against at least one side wall of the objects (10) in order to stop the objects (10).

7. Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating device (4) has a gripping direction (44) for gripping the objects (10) to be rotated.

8. Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (2) has at least two lateral guide devices (26) between which the objects (10) are guided.

9. Method for drying objects and in particular crates (10), wherein the objects being transported along a predetermined transport direction (T) by a transport device (2), in particular in contact with one another, and being gripped individually by a first rotating device (4) arranged along the transport direction (T) and by a second rotating device (4a) which is arranged downstream of the first rotating device (4) in the transport direction and rotated by at least 360° with respect to an axis of rotation (D) which is essentially perpendicular to the transport direction, in order to dry them by this rotating process, wherein a spacing device (6) produces a distance in the transport direction (T) between an object (10) to be rotated and the object preceding it in the transport direction (T) and a distance between the object (10) to be rotated and the object (10) following it in the transport direction (T), wherein this spacing device (6) stops the object (10) to be rotated in a predetermined position in the transport device (T) so that it is gripped by the rotating device (4) and which also stops the preceding and / or the following object (10) in each case in a predetermined position in the transport direction (T).

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