Container-feeding device and method for feeding containers to a metering and / or filling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a container-feeding device, in particular a cup-feeding device, for feeding containers (12), in particular cups, to a metering and / or filling device (14), comprising: at least one magazine unit (16) for receiving multiple containers (12), in particular multiple container stacks; and at least one lift unit (18) for transporting the containers (12), in particular the container stacks, in a lifting direction (20) of the lift unit (18), in particular to a plane which is located higher than a transport surface (22) of a transport element (24) of the magazine unit (16). According to the invention, the container-feeding device comprises at least one movement unit (26) which movably mounts the lift unit (18), in particular drivingly movably mounts same, relative to the magazine unit (16), in particular relative to a frame (28) of the magazine unit (16), along a movement axis (30) of the lift unit (18) which runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the lifting direction (20).

Description

[0001] Description and methods for feeding containers to a dosing and

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a container feeding device, in particular a cup feeding device, for feeding containers, in particular cups, to a dosing and / or filling device, with at least one magazine unit for receiving a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks, and with at least one lifting unit for transporting the containers, in particular the container stacks, along a lifting direction of the lifting unit, in particular to a level higher with respect to a transport surface of a transport element of the magazine unit.

[0004] Such container feeding devices are already known. In the previously known container feeding devices, containers, in particular container stacks, are essentially free of guides during transport from the magazine unit to the lifting unit, at least in the transport direction. As a result, the containers, in particular the container stacks, can become jammed or tip over during transfer from the magazine unit to the lifting unit. This can lead to the containers, in particular the container stacks, becoming jammed in the lifting unit, thus causing an unintentional machine stoppage, which must be remedied by an operator.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic container feeding device, a generic production machine, and a generic method with improved properties regarding process reliability. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 6, and claim 7, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on a container feeding device, in particular a cup feeding device, for feeding containers, in particular cups, to a dosing and / or filling device, with at least one magazine unit for receiving a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks, and with at least one lifting unit for transporting the containers, in particular the container stacks, along a lifting direction of the lifting unit, in particular to a level higher with respect to a transport surface of a transport element of the magazine unit.

[0008] It is proposed that the container feed device comprise at least one movement unit which movably mounts, in particular drivably mounts, the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit, in particular relative to a frame of the magazine unit, along a movement axis of the lifting unit running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the lifting direction. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a high level of process reliability can advantageously be achieved. It can advantageously enable guidance of the containers, in particular of the container stacks, during transfer of the containers, in particular of the container stacks, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit. Tipping over or tilting of the containers, in particular of the container stacks, can advantageously be counteracted.It can advantageously be achieved that the container, in particular the container stack, can be held at least substantially tilt-proof during a transfer of the containers, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit. An undesired machine stop due to jamming of the container, in particular the container stack, can advantageously be counteracted in a simple design. The lifting unit can advantageously be moved toward the magazine unit and away from the magazine unit in order to enable a safe and guided transfer of the containers, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit.

[0009] The magazine unit preferably comprises a plurality of feed tracks, in particular separated from one another by lateral guide elements of the magazine unit, for receiving a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks. The magazine unit preferably has at least two feed tracks for receiving a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks. Particularly preferably, the magazine unit comprises an integer multiple of two feed tracks for receiving a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks, such as four feed tracks, six feed tracks, eight feed tracks, ten feed tracks, twelve feed tracks or the like. However, it is also conceivable for the magazine unit to comprise an odd number of feed tracks, such as three feed tracks, five feed tracks, seven feed tracks, nine feed tracks, eleven feed tracks or the like.The number of feed tracks preferably depends on a specific application or field of use of the container feed device. Preferably, a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of container stacks, can be arranged in each feed track, in particular arranged in a row one behind the other. When arranged in at least one feed track, the containers, in particular the container stacks, preferably form a row of containers, in particular container stacks, in the feed track along a transport direction of the magazine unit, in particular a transport element of the magazine unit.

[0010] The feed tracks of the magazine unit are preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to one another. By "substantially parallel" is meant in particular an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The feed tracks are preferably arranged within the frame of the magazine unit. When the container feed device is in the ready-to-use state, the feed tracks are preferably arranged inclined relative to a horizontal plane and / or relative to a base of a frame unit of a production machine comprising the container feed device. The base is designed to support the weight and / or operating forces of the production machine on a base, such as a production hall floor or the like.provided.

[0011] The magazine unit preferably comprises at least one transport element, in particular at least one circulatingly drivable conveyor belt, for transporting the container, in particular the container stack, along a transport direction. The transport element is preferably provided to transport the container, in particular the container stack, in the feed path along the transport direction, in particular into the lifting unit. The term “provided” should be understood in particular to mean specially set up, specially designed and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.The transport element preferably comprises a transport surface on which the container, in particular the container stack, is arranged in a state arranged in the magazine unit, in particular on which the container, in particular the container stack, stands. In an operational state of the container feed device, the transport surface is preferably arranged inclined relative to the horizontal plane and / or relative to the standing surface of the frame unit of the production machine. The transport surface preferably encloses an angle with the horizontal plane and / or with the plane running at least substantially parallel to the standing surface of the frame unit of the production machine, which angle is in particular less than 45°, preferably less than 35°, and particularly preferably less than 25°.Most preferably, the transport surface forms an angle with the horizontal plane and / or with the plane running at least substantially parallel to the base of the frame unit of the production machine, said angle having a value from a range of 0° to 20°. The magazine unit preferably comprises a plurality of transport elements, in particular a plurality of circulatingly drivable transport belts, for transporting the containers arranged in the magazine unit, in particular container stacks, along the transport direction. Preferably, at least one transport element from the plurality of transport elements is assigned to each feed track, in particular a single transport element for each feed track. The transport elements preferably all have an identical design. A description of one of the transport elements preferably applies to all of the transport elements.Preferably, the, in particular all, transport elements of the magazine unit are designed as circumferentially drivable transport belts. However, it is also conceivable for the transport elements to have a different design that appears expedient to a person skilled in the art for transporting the containers, in particular the container stacks, along the transport direction, such as, for example, as a slider, as a fluid-dynamic transport element, as an electrodynamic transport element or the like. The transport elements are preferably provided for feeding the containers, in particular container stacks, arranged in the feed tracks to the lifting unit. The containers, in particular container stacks, arranged in the feed tracks can preferably be transported along the transport direction in the feed track by means of the transport element assigned to the respective feed track, in particular into the lifting unit.

[0012] The lifting unit preferably comprises at least one lifting element, in particular a lifting finger, for transporting the containers, in particular a stack of containers, along the lifting direction. The lifting element is preferably mounted so as to be movable along the lifting direction, in particular so as to be drivable along the lifting direction. The lifting element is preferably movable back and forth along and against the lifting direction. After transporting the containers, in particular a stack of containers, along the lifting direction, the lifting element is preferably movable against the lifting direction into a starting position of the lifting element, in which containers, in particular a stack of containers, can be transported onto the lifting element by means of the transport element. The lifting unit preferably comprises a plurality of lifting elements. The lifting elements of the lifting unit preferably have an identical design.A description of one of the lift elements preferably applies to all of the lift elements. Preferably, the lift element is assigned to a lift track of the lift unit. The lift unit preferably comprises a plurality of lift tracks, wherein at least one of the lift elements of the lift unit is assigned to each lift track. Preferably, a lift track of the lift unit is assigned to each feed track. A number of lift tracks of the lift unit preferably corresponds to a number of feed tracks of the magazine unit. Movement paths of the lift elements in the lift tracks preferably define a lift plane of the lift unit. The lift direction preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the lift plane of the lift unit. The lift plane of the lift unit preferably runs at least substantially perpendicular to the transport surfaces of the transport elements.

[0013] The movement unit can be provided for a translational and / or rotational movable mounting of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit. It is conceivable that the lifting unit is movably mounted relative to the magazine unit by means of the movement unit in such a way that the lifting unit as a whole can be moved translationally along the movement axis of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit, that the lifting unit can be pivoted about the movement axis of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit, that the lifting unit can first be pivoted about the movement axis relative to the magazine unit and then can be moved translationally along the movement axis of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit, or vice versa, or that the lifting unit can be moved along and / or about the movement axis of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit in another manner that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.The movement unit preferably comprises at least one guide element, in particular at least one linear guide element, for guiding a movement of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit along and / or around the movement axis of the lifting unit. The guide element can be designed as a plain bearing, a rolling bearing, a fluid bearing or the like. In at least one embodiment of the container feed device, the guide element is preferably designed as a linear guide carriage. However, it is also conceivable for the guide element to have a different embodiment that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, in particular a configuration that corresponds to a type of movement to be guided. The movement unit preferably comprises four guide elements for guiding a movement of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit along and / or around the movement axis of the lifting unit.Preferably, two guide elements are arranged on each of two outer sides of the lift unit. The guide elements preferably have an identical design, in particular except for a laterally reversed design. A description of one of the guide elements preferably applies to all of the guide elements. Preferably, the movement axis of the lift unit runs at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction of the lift unit. The term “substantially perpendicular” is intended here to define in particular an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.The movement axis of the lifting unit is preferably designed as a linear movement axis, along which the lifting unit is mounted for translational movement relative to the magazine unit. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also conceivable for the movement axis to be designed as a rotational movement axis, about which the lifting unit is mounted for rotational movement relative to the magazine unit. The movement axis preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the transport surface of the transport element. Preferably, the movement axis runs at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting plane of the lifting unit.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the movement axis of the lifting unit, along which the lifting unit is movably mounted relative to the magazine unit, in particular in a drivable manner, is inclined relative to a horizontal plane, in particular the one already mentioned, and in particular encloses an angle with the horizontal plane which has a value from a value range between 0° and 90°. The movement axis of the lifting unit preferably encloses an angle with the horizontal plane and / or with the plane running at least substantially parallel to the base surface of the frame unit of the production machine, which angle is in particular less than 45°, preferably less than 35°, and particularly preferably less than 25°.Most preferably, the movement axis of the lifting unit forms an angle with the horizontal plane and / or with the plane running at least substantially parallel to the standing surface of the frame unit of the production machine, said angle having a value from a range of 0° to 20°. Preferably, as a result of an inclined arrangement of the magazine unit together with the lifting unit, a distance of the transport surface of the transport element on a side of the transport element facing away from the lifting unit relative to the standing surface of the frame unit of the production machine is greater than a distance of the transport surface of the transport element on a side of the transport element facing the lifting unit relative to the standing surface of the frame unit of the production machine. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a gravitational force can be used in a structurally simple manner to support a movement of the lifting unit in at least one direction along the movement axis.It is advantageously possible to counteract any tipping over of the containers, in particular of the container stacks, in the direction of an operator when the magazine unit, in particular the feed tracks, are being loaded. It is advantageously possible to achieve a high level of process reliability. It is advantageously possible to enable the containers, in particular of the container stacks, to be guided during a transfer of the containers, in particular of the container stacks, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit. It is advantageously possible to ensure that the container, in particular of the container stack, can be held at least substantially securely against tipping during a transfer of the containers, in particular of the container stacks, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit. It is advantageously possible to counteract any undesired machine stoppage as a result of the container, in particular of the container stack, becoming jammed in a simple design.

[0015] It is further proposed that the movement unit have at least one drive, in particular a servo cylinder, by means of which the lifting unit can be actively moved along the movement axis of the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit. The drive is preferably designed as a linear drive, in particular as a servo cylinder. However, it is also conceivable for the drive to have another design that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a rack and pinion drive, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or the like. Preferably, the drive has a drive axis that runs at least substantially parallel to the movement axis of the lifting unit. The drive is preferably arranged at one end on the frame of the magazine unit, in particular fixed thereto, and at another end the drive is arranged on the lifting unit, in particular fixed thereto.The movement unit preferably comprises at least two drives for actively moving the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit. The drives preferably have an identical design, in particular a design as a servo cylinder. Preferably, one drive is arranged on each of the two outer sides of the lifting unit. However, it is also conceivable for the movement unit to have only a single drive for actively moving the lifting unit relative to the magazine unit. The container feeding device and / or the production machine preferably comprise / comprise at least one control or regulating unit that is configured to control or regulate the drive(s) of the movement unit to move the lifting unit. A “control or regulating unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one control electronics unit.The term "control electronics" should be understood in particular as a unit with a processor unit and a memory unit, as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit. The container feed device and / or the production machine comprise / comprises at least one sensor unit, the signals of which can be processed by the control or regulating unit at least for controlling or regulating a movement of the lifting unit. The control or regulating unit is preferably configured, in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, to control or regulate further functions of the container feed device and / or the production machine, such as, for example, driving the transport elements of the magazine unit, moving stopper elements, in particular separating flaps, of the magazine unit, or the like. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a high degree of automation can advantageously be achieved.Precise control or regulation of the movement of the lifting unit can be achieved. Advantageously, high process reliability can be achieved. Advantageously, a safe transfer of the containers, especially the container stacks, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit can be achieved.

[0016] It is further proposed that the lift unit have at least one movably mounted lateral guide element which is intended to at least partially encompass or cover the containers, in particular the container stacks, when arranged in the lift unit. The lateral guide element is preferably designed as a lateral guide plate. However, it is also conceivable for the lateral guide element to have another design that appears expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as a design as a lateral guide grid, as a lateral guide web or the like. The lateral guide element extends, viewed along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the lift plane and at least substantially parallel to a plane comprising the movement axis of the lift unit, preferably at least largely over a maximum extent of the lift track.Preferably, the lateral guide element extends along the lift track for at least more than 50% of the maximum extent of the lift track. It is conceivable for the lateral guide element to be composed of several individual segments arranged along the lift track and spaced apart from one another, the sum of their maximum individual extensions corresponding to at least more than 50% of the maximum extension of the lift track. It is also conceivable for the lateral guide element to be a continuous element arranged along the lift track and whose maximum extension corresponds to at least more than 50% of the maximum extension of the lift track. Other configurations of the lateral guide element that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.The lateral guide element preferably projects beyond the containers, in particular the container stacks, when the containers, in particular the container stacks, are arranged in the lift unit, along a direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the lift plane. The lateral guide element can be mounted for translational and / or rotational movement. The lateral guide element can be mounted for active movement, in particular by means of a motor of the lift unit, or for manual movement, in particular for changing or adjusting a position of the lateral guide element relative to the container, in particular relative to the container stack. The lift unit preferably has two lateral guide elements per lift track, in particular a left lateral guide element and a right lateral guide element per lift track.By means of the configuration according to the invention, the containers, in particular the container stacks, can be advantageously guided during transport by the lifting unit. The containers, in particular the container stacks, can advantageously be securely received in the lifting unit. A high level of process reliability can advantageously be achieved.

[0017] It is further proposed that the lift unit have at least one movably mounted lateral guide element, in particular the previously mentioned movably mounted lateral guide element, whose axis of movement runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of movement of the lift unit. Preferably, the axis of movement of the lateral guide element runs at least substantially parallel to the transport surface of the transport element. The axis of movement of the lateral guide element runs, in particular, at least substantially parallel to the lifting plane of the lift unit. Preferably, the axis of movement of the lateral guide element runs at least substantially perpendicularly to the axis of movement of the lift unit.Preferably, the two lateral guide elements are mounted so as to be movable in opposite directions along the movement axes of the lateral guide elements, in particular in order to change or adjust a position of the lateral guide elements relative to the cup, in particular relative to the cup stack. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, a partial clamping of the containers, in particular the container stacks, can advantageously be realized when the containers, in particular the container stacks, are arranged in the lifting unit, in particular in the lifting track. Guidance of the containers, in particular the container stacks, during transport with the lifting unit can advantageously be realized. Secure reception of the containers, in particular the container stacks, in the lifting unit can advantageously be realized. A high level of process reliability can advantageously be realized.

[0018] Furthermore, a production machine with at least one container feeding device according to the invention is proposed. The production machine can comprise further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and that can be used for handling, filling and / or manufacturing products, in particular foodstuffs. The production machine is preferably intended for manufacturing, filling, packaging and / or repackaging foodstuffs. In addition to the container feeding device, the production machine can have a plurality of further devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate, such as, for example, a forming device for packaging, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closing device, a repackaging device, a dosing device or the like.The production machine preferably comprises at least one frame unit, in particular the one already mentioned, and at least one storage unit, in particular a linear extension unit, wherein the storage unit is provided for movably supporting the container feed device as a whole relative to the frame unit. The magazine unit, the lifting unit, and the movement unit are preferably movably supported together by means of the storage unit, in particular for maintenance purposes or the like. The storage unit can have a motor that can drive the container feed device as a whole relative to the frame unit, or the container feed device as a whole can be moved manually relative to the frame unit. A movement axis of the storage unit, along which the container feed device as a whole is movably supported relative to the frame unit, preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and / or to the base of the frame unit.By means of the design according to the invention, a high level of process reliability can advantageously be achieved during production, filling, packaging and / or repackaging of products, in particular foodstuffs, by means of the production device.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for feeding containers, in particular cups, to a dosing and / or filling device, in particular the production machine, by means of a container feeding device, in particular by means of a container feeding device according to the invention. It is proposed that a lifting unit of the container feeding device is moved by means of a movement unit relative to a magazine unit of the container feeding device along a movement axis of the lifting unit running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicular, to a lifting direction of the lifting unit. By means of the configuration according to the invention, a high level of process reliability can advantageously be achieved. It can advantageously be enabled to guide the containers, in particular the container stacks, during a transfer of the containers, in particular the container stacks, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit.It is advantageously possible to counteract any tipping over or jamming of the containers, in particular the container stack. It is advantageously possible to ensure that the container, in particular the container stack, can be held at least substantially securely against tipping during a transfer of the containers, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit. It is advantageously possible to counteract any undesired machine stoppage as a result of the container, in particular the container stack, becoming jammed in a simple design. It is advantageously possible to move the lifting unit towards the magazine unit and away from the magazine unit in order to enable a safe and guided transfer of the containers, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit.It is also proposed that the lifting unit be actively moved by means of at least one drive of the movement unit, in particular the drive already mentioned, into the vicinity of a movably mounted, in particular the drive already mentioned, stopper element, in particular a separating flap, of the magazine unit and / or into the vicinity of a transport element, in particular the transport element already mentioned, of the magazine unit. A "near area" is to be understood in particular as an area with a maximum distance, in particular viewed along the transport direction of the magazine unit, of in particular less than 100 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, and very particularly preferably less than 10 mm relative to the transport element, in particular relative to a deflection edge of the transport element, and / or relative to the stopper element.By means of the configuration according to the invention, a secure transfer of the containers, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit can advantageously be realized. This advantageously ensures that the container, in particular the container stack, can be held at least substantially tilt-proof during a transfer of the containers, in particular the container stack, from the magazine unit to the lifting unit.

[0020] It is further proposed that at least one, in particular the previously mentioned, lateral guide element of the lifting unit, which is provided to at least partially laterally encompass the containers, in particular the container stacks, when arranged in the lifting unit, is actively moved. Preferably, the lateral guide element and the further lateral guide element are actively moved. Preferably, all left lateral guide elements and all right lateral guide elements are actively moved, in particular actively moved together, for transporting the containers, in particular the container stacks, by means of the lifting unit, wherein all left lateral guide elements are moved in one direction and all right lateral guide elements are moved in an opposite direction.By means of the configuration according to the invention, a distance of the lateral guide element relative to the further lateral guide element can be adjusted in a structurally simple manner to adapt the lifting unit to a container format, in particular a cup format. Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one, in particular the previously mentioned left, lateral guide element of the lifting unit and another, in particular the previously mentioned right, lateral guide element of the lifting unit be actively moved in opposite directions. Preferably, the lateral guide element and the further lateral guide element are moved toward one another with the lifting unit to transport the containers, in particular the container stack, and then moved away from one another again.The design according to the invention advantageously allows for secure guidance of the containers, in particular the container stacks, during transport by means of the lifting unit. A distance between the lateral guide element and the other lateral guide element can be easily adjusted to adapt the lifting unit to a container format, in particular a cup format.

[0021] The container feeding device according to the invention, the production machine according to the invention, and / or the method according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the container feeding device according to the invention, the production machine according to the invention, and / or the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0022] Drawings

[0023] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will conveniently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations. They show:

[0024] Fig. 1 A production machine according to the invention with at least one container feeding device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0025] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the container feeding device according to the invention in an operating position in a frame unit of the production machine according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0026] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the container feeding device according to the invention in a maintenance position in the frame unit of the production machine according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0027] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the container feeding device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0028] Fig. 5 is a detailed view of a magazine unit and a lifting unit of the container feeding device according to the invention, wherein the lifting unit is in a state moved away from the magazine unit, in a schematic representation,

[0029] Fig. 6 is a detailed view of the magazine unit and the lifting unit of the container feeding device according to the invention, wherein the lifting unit is in a state moved towards the magazine unit, in a schematic representation,

[0030] Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the lifting unit of the container feeding device according to the invention in a schematic representation and

[0031] Fig. 8 shows a schematic process flow of a process according to the invention in a schematic representation.

[0032] Description of the embodiment

[0033] Figure 1 shows a production machine 44 with at least one container feed device 10 for feeding containers 12 (cf. Figures 4 to 7), in particular cups, to a dosing and / or filling device 14 of the production machine 44. The container feed device 10 is preferably connected via a transport device (not shown in detail here) of the production machine 44 to the dosing and / or filling device 14 for feeding containers 12 into which products, in particular foodstuffs, can be filled, in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. The production machine 44 is preferably provided for producing, filling, packaging and / or repackaging foodstuffs. The production machine 44 is preferably provided at least for filling foodstuffs into containers 12.The production machine 44 can be designed, for example, as a food packaging machine, a food filling machine, a food manufacturing machine, a combination of the aforementioned machines, or the like. The production machine 44 can have further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and are used for the production and / or processing of products, in particular foodstuffs, such as, for example, a further transport device, a sterilization device, a closure device, a repackaging device, or the like.

[0034] Figure 2 shows the container feeding device 10 in an operating position in a frame unit 52 of the production machine 44. The container feeding device 10 is provided for feeding containers 12, in particular cups, to the dosing and / or filling device 14, in particular via the transport device of the production machine 44. The container feeding device 10 is preferably designed as a cup feeding device. The container feeding device 10 comprises at least one magazine unit 16 for receiving a plurality of containers 12 (see also Figure 4), in particular a plurality of container stacks (see also Figure 4). Furthermore, the container feeding device 10 comprises at least one lifting unit 18 for transporting the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, along a lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18, in particular to a higher level with respect to a transport surface 22 of a transport element 24 of the magazine unit 16.

[0035] In the operating position, the lifting unit 18 is designed to interact with a container retrieval unit 70 of the production machine 44. The container retrieval unit 70 is preferably arranged above the lifting unit 18. The container retrieval unit 70 preferably comprises a container receiving basket 72, into which the lifting unit 18 transports the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, along the lifting direction 20. The container receiving basket 72 is arranged removably, in particular without tools, on a receiving frame 74 of the container retrieval unit 70. The container receiving basket 72 can preferably be exchanged depending on a container format of the containers 12, in particular container stacks, to be picked up, preferably without tools. The container receiving basket 72 preferably has connecting recesses (not shown in detail here), in particular in the shape of a keyhole.The connecting recesses have a region with a narrow width and a directly adjacent region with a large width. The receiving frame 74 preferably has suspension bolts (not shown in detail here) that are provided for interaction with the connecting recesses. The receiving frame 74 is pivotally mounted on the frame unit 52. A pivot axis of the receiving frame 74 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane 32 and / or at least substantially parallel to a base surface 62 of the frame unit 52. The pivot axis of the receiving frame 74 preferably runs at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18, in particular at least substantially parallel to a lifting plane of the lifting unit 18.A linear movement axis of the receiving frame 74 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 32 and / or at least substantially parallel to the base 62 of the frame unit 52. The linear movement axis of the receiving frame 74 preferably runs transversely to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18, in particular transversely to the lifting plane of the lifting unit 18.

[0036] Preferably, the receiving frame 74 is mounted translationally along a linear axis 76 of the container retrieval unit 70. The container retrieval unit 70 further comprises closure elements 78, which are provided for closing the container receiving basket 72 on a side facing the lifting unit 18 after it has been filled with containers 12, in particular container stacks. The closure elements 78 are preferably mounted movably, in particular in a drivable manner. The closure elements 78 are preferably fork-shaped, in particular to enable the passage of lifting elements 82 of the lifting unit 18. The container receiving basket 72 preferably has a plurality of separate receiving spaces (not shown in detail here) for receiving the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, wherein a number of receiving spaces corresponds to a number of lifting tracks 80 of the lifting unit 18 and / or a number of feed tracks 58 of the magazine unit 16.

[0037] The magazine unit 16 preferably comprises a plurality of feed tracks 58, in particular separated from one another by lateral guide elements 54, 56 of the magazine unit 16, for receiving a plurality of containers 12, in particular a plurality of container stacks (see also Figure 4). The magazine unit 16 preferably has at least two feed tracks 58 for receiving a plurality of containers 12, in particular a plurality of container stacks (see also Figure 4). The feed tracks 58 of the magazine unit 16 are preferably aligned at least substantially parallel to one another. The feed tracks 58 are preferably arranged within a frame 28 of the magazine unit 16. In an operational state of the container feed device 10, the feed tracks 58 are preferably arranged inclined relative to the horizontal plane 32 and / or relative to the base 62 of the frame unit 52 of the production machine 44.The base 62 is provided to support the weight and / or operating forces of the production machine 44 on a base (not shown in detail here), such as a production hall floor or the like. Preferably, a plurality of containers 12, in particular a plurality of container stacks, can be arranged in the respective feed track 58 for each feed track 58, in particular arranged as a row one behind the other (see also Figure 4). The containers 12, in particular the container stacks, form a row of containers 12, in particular container stacks, in a state arranged in at least one feed track 58, preferably in the feed track 58 along a transport direction 60 of the magazine unit 16, in particular of the transport element 24 of the magazine unit 16 (see also Figure 4). Preferably, the magazine unit 16 comprises, in particular per feed track 58, at least one movably mounted stopper element 50 (cf. Figures 5 and 6), in particular a separating flap.The stopper element 50 is preferably provided for separating the containers 12, in particular container stacks, lined up in the feed tracks 58 and / or for holding the lined-up containers 12, in particular container stacks, back during a lifting process by means of the lifting unit 18. The magazine unit 16 preferably comprises at least the transport element 24 for transporting the container 12, in particular the container stack, along the transport direction 60 of the magazine unit 16. The transport element 24 is preferably designed as a circulatingly drivable conveyor belt. However, it is also conceivable for the transport element 24 to have another design that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, a design as a circulating conveyor chain, as a conveyor slide or the like.The transport element 24 is preferably provided for transporting the container 12, in particular the container stack, in the feed path 58 along the transport direction 60, in particular into the lift unit 18. The transport element 24 preferably comprises the transport surface 22, on which the container 12, in particular the container stack, or the plurality of containers 12, in particular container stacks, is arranged in a state arranged in the magazine unit 16, in particular on which the container 12, in particular the container stack, stands. In an operational state of the container feed device 10, the transport surface 22 is preferably arranged inclined relative to the horizontal plane 32 and / or relative to the standing surface 62 of the frame unit 52 of the production machine 44.The magazine unit 16 preferably comprises a plurality of transport elements 24, in particular a plurality of circulatingly drivable transport belts, for transporting the containers 12, in particular container stacks, arranged in the magazine unit 16 along the transport direction 60 (see also Figure 4). Preferably, each feed track 58 is assigned at least one transport element 24, in particular a single transport element 24 for each feed track 58, of the plurality of transport elements 24. The transport elements 24 preferably all have an identical design. A description of one of the transport elements 24 preferably applies to all of the transport elements 24. The transport elements 24 are preferably provided for feeding the containers 12, in particular container stacks, arranged in the feed tracks 58 to the lift unit 18 (see also Figure 4).The containers 12 arranged in the feed tracks 58, in particular container stacks, can preferably be transported along the transport direction 60 in the feed track 58 by means of the transport element 24 assigned to the respective feed track 58, in particular into the lifting unit 18. Figure 3 shows the container feeding device 10 in a maintenance position in the frame unit 52 of the production machine 44. The production machine 44 preferably comprises at least one storage unit 64, in particular a linear extension unit. The storage unit 64 is preferably provided for movably supporting the container feeding device 10 as a whole relative to the frame unit 52. Preferably, the magazine unit 16, the lifting unit 18 and a movement unit 26 of the container feeding device 10 are movably supported together by means of the storage unit 64, in particular for maintenance purposes or the like.The bearing unit 64 can have a motor 66 that can movably drive the container feed device 10 as a whole relative to the frame unit 52. The motor 66 is preferably intended to interact with a rack (not shown in detail here) of the bearing unit 64 in order to move the container feed device 10 as a whole relative to the frame unit 52. The rack is preferably arranged on a linear guide of the bearing unit 64. The motor 66 can be designed as an electric motor, a linear motor, a compressed air motor, a hydraulic motor, or another motor that would be appropriate to a person skilled in the art. It is also conceivable for the motor 66 to interact with another element of the bearing unit 64 that would be appropriate to a person skilled in the art in order to move the container feed device 10 as a whole relative to the frame unit 52.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the container feed device 10 as a whole to be manually movable relative to the frame unit 52 by an operator. It is conceivable for the bearing unit 64 to be designed free of the motor 66 and the rack, particularly in the case of manual mobility of the container feed device 10 as a whole relative to the frame unit 52. A movement axis 68 of the bearing unit 64, along which the container feed device 10 as a whole is movably mounted relative to the frame unit 52, preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 32 and / or to the base 62 of the frame unit 52.

[0038] The container feed device 10 comprises at least one movement unit 26, which movably supports, in particular drivably supports, the lifting unit 18 relative to the magazine unit 16, in particular relative to the frame 28 of the magazine unit 16, along a movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the lifting direction 20. The lifting unit 18 preferably comprises at least the lifting element 82, in particular a lifting finger, for transporting the containers 12, in particular a container stack, along the lifting direction 20 (see also Figure 4). The lifting element 82 is preferably movably mounted along the lifting direction 20, in particular drivably mounted along the lifting direction 20. The lifting element 82 is preferably movable back and forth along and counter to the lifting direction 20.Preferably, after transporting the containers 12, in particular a single stack of containers, along the lifting direction 20, the lifting element 82 is movable counter to the lifting direction 20 into a starting position of the lifting element 82, in which the containers 12, in particular a single stack of containers, can be transported onto the lifting element 82 by means of the transport element 24. The lifting unit 18 preferably comprises a plurality of lifting elements 82. The lifting elements 82 of the lifting unit 18 preferably have an identical design. A description of one of the lifting elements 82 preferably applies to all of the lifting elements 82. Preferably, the lifting element 82 is assigned to a single lifting track 80 of the lifting unit 18. The lifting unit 18 preferably comprises a plurality of lifting tracks 80, wherein each lifting track 80 is assigned at least one of the lifting elements 82 of the lifting unit 18. Preferably, each feed track 58 is assigned a lifting track 80 of the lifting unit 18.A number of lift tracks 80 of the lift unit 18 preferably corresponds to a number of feed tracks 58 of the magazine unit 16.

[0039] The movement unit 26 can be provided for a translational and / or rotational movable mounting of the lifting unit 18 relative to the magazine unit 16. The movement unit 26 preferably comprises at least one guide element 84, in particular at least one linear guide element, for guiding a movement of the lifting unit 18 relative to the magazine unit 16 along and / or about the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18. The guide element 84 can be designed as a plain bearing, a rolling bearing, a fluid bearing, or the like. In at least one embodiment of the container feed device 10, the guide element 84 is preferably designed as a linear guide carriage. However, it is also conceivable for the guide element 84 to have a different embodiment that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, in particular a configuration that corresponds to a type of movement to be guided.The movement unit 26 preferably comprises four guide elements 84 for guiding a movement of the lifting unit 18 relative to the magazine unit 16 along and / or around the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18. The movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 preferably runs at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18. The movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 is preferably designed as a linear movement axis, along which the lifting unit 18 is mounted for translational movement relative to the magazine unit 16. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also conceivable for the movement axis 30 to be designed as a rotational movement axis, about which the lifting unit 18 is mounted for rotational movement relative to the magazine unit 16. The movement axis 30 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the transport surface 22 of the transport element 24.Preferably, the movement axis 30 runs at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting plane of the lifting unit 18.

[0040] The movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18, along which the lifting unit 18 is movably mounted relative to the magazine unit 16, in particular in a drivable manner, is oriented at an angle relative to the horizontal plane 32. In particular, the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 forms an angle 34 with the horizontal plane 32, which has a value from a range between 0° and 90°. The movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 preferably forms an angle 34 with the horizontal plane 32 and / or with the plane running at least substantially parallel to the base 62 of the frame unit 52, which angle is in particular less than 45°, preferably less than 35°, and particularly preferably less than 25°.Most preferably, the movement axis 30 of the lift unit 18 forms an angle 34 with the horizontal plane 32 and / or with the plane running at least substantially parallel to the base surface 62 of the frame unit 52, said angle having a value from a range of values ​​from 0° to 20°.

[0041] The movement unit 26 has at least one drive 36, by means of which the lifting unit 18 can be actively moved along the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18 relative to the magazine unit 16. The drive 36 is preferably designed as a linear drive, in particular as a servo cylinder. However, it is also conceivable for the drive 36 to have another design that appears expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as a rack and pinion drive, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or the like. Preferably, the drive 36 has a drive axis that runs at least substantially parallel to the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18. The drive 36 is preferably arranged at one end on the frame 28 of the magazine unit 16, in particular fixed thereto, and at another end the drive 36 is arranged on the lifting unit 18, in particular fixed thereto.The container feed device 10 and / or the production machine 44 preferably comprise / comprises at least one control or regulating unit 86 (see Figure 1), which is configured to control or regulate at least the drive 36 of the movement unit 26 to move the lift unit 18. The container feed device 10 and / or the production machine 44 comprise / comprises at least one sensor unit (not shown in detail here) for detecting positions of the individual elements and / or units of the container feed device 10 and / or the production machine 44, the signals of which can be processed by the control or regulating unit 86 at least to control or regulate a movement of the lift unit 18.

[0042] The lifting unit 18 has at least one movably mounted lateral guide element 38, 40, which is intended to at least partially laterally encompass or cover the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, when arranged in the lifting unit 18 (cf. Figures 4 to 7). The lateral guide element 38, 40 is preferably designed as a lateral guide plate. However, it is also conceivable for the lateral guide element 38, 40 to have another design that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as a design as a lateral guide grid, as a lateral guide web, or the like. The lateral guide element 38, 40 preferably projects beyond the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, when the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, are arranged in the lifting unit 18, along a direction that runs at least substantially perpendicular to the lifting plane.The lateral guide element 38, 40 can be mounted for translational and / or rotational movement. A movement axis 42 of the lateral guide element 38, 40 of the lifting unit 18 preferably runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18. The lateral guide element 38, 40 can be actively mounted for movement, in particular by means of one or more motors (not shown in detail here), such as by means of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a servo cylinder, or the like of the lifting unit 18, or can be manually mounted for movement, in particular for changing or adjusting a position of the lateral guide element 38, 40 relative to the container 12, in particular relative to the container stack. The lift unit 18 preferably has two side guide elements 38, 40 per lift track 80, in particular a left side guide element 38 and a right side guide element 40 per lift track 80.

[0043] Figure 7 shows a schematic process sequence of a method 46 for feeding containers 12, in particular cups, to a dosing and / or filling device 14, in particular the one already mentioned, by means of a container feeding device 10, in particular the one already mentioned. Preferably, the magazine unit 16 is loaded with containers 12, in particular container stacks, in at least one process step 88 of the method 46, in particular manually by an operator or automatically by a robot or the like. The containers 12, in particular container stacks, are preferably introduced into the feed tracks 58 of the magazine unit 16 during loading. The stopper elements 50 of the magazine unit 16 are preferably closed during loading.As a result of an inclination of the magazine unit 16, the containers 12, in particular container stacks, preferably slide on the transport surfaces 22 of the transport elements 24 until the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, rest against the stopper elements 50 or against previously inserted containers 12, in particular container stacks.

[0044] In at least one method step 90 of method 46, the lifting unit 18 is preferably moved by means of the movement unit 26 relative to the magazine unit 16 along the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18, which runs transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18, in particular is moved towards the magazine unit 16. Preferably, the lifting unit 18 is actively moved, in particular moved towards the magazine unit 16, in particular in method step 90, by means of the drive 36 of the movement unit 26 into a near region 48 of the movably mounted stopper element 50, in particular of the stopper elements 50, of the magazine unit 16 and / or into a near region 48 of the transport element 24, in particular of the transport elements 24, of the magazine unit 16.

[0045] In at least one method step 92 of method 46, the stopper element 50, in particular the stopper elements 50, are preferably moved into an open position. In at least one method step 94 of method 46, the containers 12, in particular a single container stack per feed track 58, are preferably transported by means of the transport element 24 into the lift unit 18, in particular into the lift track 80, in particular the lift track 80 assigned to the respective feed track 58. In at least one method step 96 of method 46, the stopper element 50, in particular the stopper elements 50, are preferably moved into a closed position.In at least one method step 98 of method 46, preferably at least one lateral guide element 38, 40 of the lifting unit 18, which is provided to at least partially laterally encompass the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, when arranged in the lifting unit 18, is actively moved. Preferably, in method step 98 of method 46, at least the lateral guide element 38 of the lifting unit 18 and another lateral guide element 40 of the lifting unit 18 are actively moved in opposite directions.

[0046] In at least one method step 100 of method 46, the lifting unit 18 is preferably moved relative to the magazine unit 16, preferably by means of the movement unit 26, along the movement axis 30 of the lifting unit 18, which extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the lifting direction 20 of the lifting unit 18, in particular moved away from the magazine unit 16. In at least one method step 102 of method 46, the containers 12, in particular the container stacks, are transported by means of the lifting unit 18 along the lifting direction 20, in particular to the container collection unit 70.

[0047] Further method steps of method 46, such as transferring the containers 12, in particular the container stack, to the container collection unit 70, delivering the containers 12, in particular the container stack, from the container collection unit 70 to a transport device of the production machine 44, filling the containers 12 by means of the dosing and / or filling device 14, or other method steps that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, are also conceivable. In particular, further method steps of method 46 can be derived from the description of Figures 1 to 7 for method 46.

Claims

Claims 1. Container feeding device, in particular cup feeding device, for feeding containers (12), in particular cups, to a dosing and / or filling device (14), with at least one magazine unit (16) for receiving a plurality of containers (12), in particular a plurality of container stacks, and with at least one lift unit (18) for transporting the containers (12), in particular the container stacks, along a lift direction (20) of the lift unit (18), in particular to a level higher with respect to a transport surface (22) of a transport element (24) of the magazine unit (16), characterized by at least one movement unit (26) which movably mounts the lift unit (18) relative to the magazine unit (16), in particular relative to a frame (28) of the magazine unit (16), along a movement axis (30) of the lift unit (18) extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the lift direction (20).especially movable and mounted in a drive-like manner.

2. Container feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis of movement (30) of the lift unit (18), along which the lift unit (18) is movably mounted relative to the magazine unit (16), in particular in a driveable manner, is inclined relative to a horizontal plane (32), in particular forming an angle (34) with the horizontal plane (32) which has a value from a range between 0° and 90°.

3. Container feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movement unit (26) has at least one drive (36), in particular a servo cylinder, by means of which the lift unit (18) can be actively moved along the axis of movement (30) of the lift unit (18) relative to the magazine unit (16). Container feeding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lift unit (18) has at least one movably mounted side guide element (38, 40) which is designed to laterally at least partially encompass or cover the containers (12), in particular the stacks of containers, in a state arranged in the lift unit (18). Container feeding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lift unit (18) has at least one movably mounted side guide element (38, 40) whose axis of movement (42) extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the axis of movement (30) of the lift unit (18). Production machine with at least one container feeding device according to one of the preceding claims.Method for feeding containers (12), in particular cups, to a dosing and / or filling device (14) by means of a container feeding device, in particular by means of a container feeding device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a lift unit (18) of the container feeding device is moved by means of a movement unit (26) relative to a magazine unit (16) of the container feeding device along a movement axis (30) of the lift unit (18) extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a lift direction (20) of the lift unit (18).Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the lift unit (18) is actively moved by means of at least one drive (36) of the movement unit (26) to a near area (48) of a movable stopper element (50), in particular singulation flap, of the magazine unit (16) and / or to a near area (48) of a transport element (24) of the magazine unit (16). A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one lateral guide element (38, 40) of the lift unit (18), which is provided for laterally at least partially gripping the containers (12), in particular the stacks of containers, in a state arranged in the lift unit (18), is actively moved. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least one lateral guide element (38) of the lift unit (18) and a further lateral guide element (40) of the lift unit (18) are actively moved in opposite directions.

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