Feeding device for feeding articles to a container-processing machine, and container-processing machine
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023721294
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-26
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-05
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Feeding device for feeding articles to a container treatment machine and container treatment machine
[0002] The invention relates to a length-adjustable feeding device for feeding articles to a treatment unit of a container treatment machine and to a container treatment machine with such a feeding device.
[0003] Devices for feeding articles to corresponding treatment units of container processing machines are well known in the art. For example, feeding devices for feeding cap-like container closures or closure caps to a closing unit of a closing machine are known, which are used, for example, in container processing systems, particularly in beverage filling systems.
[0004] Feeding devices, which exist in a wide variety of designs, typically comprise a transport or conveyor channel that receives the items during transport or the conveying process and along which the items move. The feeding devices thus form a conveying or guiding path for the items. The feeding devices are usually connected to the processing unit to which they feed the items, in such a way that the items can be transferred from the transport or conveyor channel or the conveying or guiding path to the processing unit.
[0005] Since the treatment units of container processing machines usually process containers of different sizes or formats, a height adjustment of the corresponding treatment units or container processing machines is often necessary. Therefore, the connected feed devices are usually designed to be height and / or length adjustable, so that a height adjustment of the container processing machine also requires a corresponding length adjustment of the feed devices. For example, various designs of devices for feeding container closures to closing machines are known from the prior art, which are adjustable in length.
[0006] For example, WO 2011 / 004102 A1 describes a device for feeding closure caps, in which two tracks of a guide channel are arranged side by side over at least a predetermined section and can be displaced relative to each other in the longitudinal direction to adjust the length of the device. One of the tracks is designed as a threading track, from which the container closures are redirected on their conveying path into the adjacent feed track.
[0007] Furthermore, for example, DE 10 2019 127 451 A1 discloses a telescopic device for guiding closure caps, in which two guide rails are provided that are arranged so that they can be pushed or pulled into one another. Furthermore, WO 2018 / 041428 A1 also discloses a segmented, telescopically adjustable cap channel constructed from a plurality of segments, each of which is displaceable relative to the adjacent segments, so that the length of the cap channel can be adjusted over a relatively wide range.
[0008] Some of the known devices have a complex structure. Furthermore, the interlocking guide rails or segments can result in disruptive edges or transitions, which can lead to the container closures becoming jammed or jammed.
[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a length-adjustable feeding device for feeding articles to a treatment unit of a container treatment machine, which allows a particularly trouble-free and obstruction-free feeding of the articles with a structurally simple design.
[0010] This object is achieved by a length-adjustable feeding device for feeding articles to a treatment unit of a container treatment machine according to the features of independent patent claim 1. Furthermore, to achieve the object, a container treatment machine according to patent claim 14 and the use of the feeding device according to patent claim 15 are specified. The dependent patent claims relate to particularly advantageous developments of the invention.
[0011] The present invention provides a length-adjustable feed device for feeding articles to a treatment unit of a container treatment machine. The feed device comprises at least one first guide part and at least one second guide part, wherein the guide parts each extend in a longitudinal direction and are arranged in alignment one behind the other along a longitudinal axis of the feed device, each forming a section of a guide path for the articles. The feed device is characterized by a connecting device arranged between the guide parts and displaceable relative to the guide parts in at least one displacement direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis.The connecting device is designed such that by moving the connecting device in the direction of displacement, a length of the feed device extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be variably adjusted over a predetermined length variation range.
[0012] According to the invention, the two guide parts, together with the connecting device displaceably arranged between the two guide parts, thus form the guide path for the articles. The guide path can be designed, in particular, as a continuous, preferably gap-free and, in particular, barrier-free or chicane-free guide path. The guide path is preferably free of interfering edges, disruptive gaps or gaps, or joints or joint gaps. The connecting device interacts with the guide parts arranged in alignment one behind the other in such a way that the length of the feed device can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis by displacing the connecting device transversely to the longitudinal axis. The length of the feed device is preferably continuously adjustable within the length variation range.
[0013] The setting or adaptation of the length of the feeding device can in this case comprise both shortening, i.e. setting a shorter length starting from a relatively longer length, and lengthening, i.e. setting a longer length starting from a relatively shorter length. The displacement of the connecting device in the displacement direction transverse to the longitudinal axis can in this case comprise a forward movement of the connecting device and a reverse movement opposite thereto, with which the length adjustments of the feeding device can be made. The forward movement of the connecting device can also be understood as inserting or pushing the connecting device between the guide parts, whereby, for example, the length of the feeding device is increased.The backward movement of the connecting device can also be understood as a pushing back or retracting of the connecting device, which, for example, reduces the length of the feeding device.
[0014] According to the present understanding, a "guide part" can also be viewed as a component or structural element of the feed device and is to be understood in particular as a section of the feed device or as a feed part or feed section. Each "guide part" forms or defines a guide section of the guide track. The guide track as such is in particular a straight, linear guide track that preferably extends over its entire length without bends or curves. The guide track thus describes an ideal line along which the articles move, with the articles moving forward along this ideal line on their path of movement through the entire guide track without having to perform a movement that deviates from this ideal line.
[0015] The articles, which may also be referred to as conveyed articles in the present context, may be containers, preforms, or container closures, particularly cap-like container closures such as screw caps or crown corks. Articles, in the present context, may also be sealing elements or seals, labels, cartons, or other cardboard or packaging materials, or the like.
[0016] It is understood that each guide part has a guide or transport space defined by corresponding boundary surfaces (sections) or boundary walls or sections. For example, the boundary surfaces (sections) or boundary walls form sliding and / or guide surfaces for the articles.
[0017] The articles transported by the feed device, in particular those fed to the treatment unit of the container treatment machine, are therefore preferably not subject to any change in direction on their path through the guide track and always move in the same feed direction during their feed. Deflecting or redirecting the articles on their path through the guide track is thus unnecessary and effectively avoided, ensuring a uniform, trouble-free, and safe feed of the articles to the treatment unit of the container treatment machine.
[0018] The present feeding device is advantageously of extremely simple construction and comprises only a small number of individual parts or components, so that the feeding device is particularly cost- and resource-efficient both in production and in maintenance.
[0019] Preferably, each guide part is designed as a feed trough or guide channel. In these preferred embodiments, the guide parts can also be understood as trough- or channel-shaped guide parts. This provides the advantage that the articles are guided in a particularly secure manner.
[0020] In the present understanding, a feed chute or feed channel comprises a chute or channel space defined by corresponding boundary surfaces or walls, in which the articles move as they pass through the feed device. Thus, in these embodiments, in which each guide part is designed as a feed chute or guide channel, the guide or transport space is designed as a chute or chute space, or as a channel or channel space.
[0021] The feed trough or feed channel can thus also be understood as a profile-like guide part whose cross-sectional shape resembles the cross-section of an open profile or a hollow profile. The boundary surfaces or walls of the feed trough or feed channel can be formed by a continuous, in particular continuously continuous, boundary surface or wall, or by several boundary surface sections or wall sections arranged at a distance from one another.
[0022] For example, the cross-sectional shape of the guide parts, in particular the cross-sectional shape of the gutter or channel space delimited by the boundary surfaces or walls, is adapted to the geometry of the articles to be transported, namely to the geometry of the articles to be fed to the treatment unit. For example, the adaptation to the geometry is such that the articles - which can be cap-like container closures, for example - rest against the boundary surfaces or walls on four sides, namely the top and bottom and two opposite sides, and are guided in a sliding manner. This ensures particularly safe and reliable guidance of the articles, while at the same time ensuring that the articles remain in their desired, predetermined orientation during feeding to the treatment unit and are transported in this orientation without hindering one another.
[0023] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, regardless of the set length of the feed device, the guide parts connected by means of the connecting device, together with the connecting device, form a flat, in particular obstacle-free and / or transition-free and / or edge-free guide path for the articles. A flat guide path is to be understood in the present case as meaning that flat sliding and / or guide surfaces for the articles are formed continuously along the guide path. With the present feed device, the guide path for the articles is thus leveled, effectively avoiding or even completely preventing possible tilting, jamming, or snagging of the articles. Safe, trouble-free, and reliable feeding is thus ensured for any variably selected length of the feed device.
[0024] The guide section, in particular all sliding and / or guide surfaces, are designed without any disruptive transitions between the guide parts and the connecting device, particularly avoiding gaps, joints, and / or abutting edges. This ensures that the sliding and / or guide surfaces of the two guide parts connected via the connecting device are flush with each other, ensuring unhindered transport of the articles.
[0025] The guide parts preferably have connecting ends that face one another and are at least partially spaced from one another. The at least one connecting device forms a corresponding intermediate piece and interacts with the connecting ends of the guide parts. By moving the connecting device in the direction of displacement, the distance between the connecting ends can be adjusted, and the length of the feed device can therefore be varied. In particular, the connecting device interacts with the connecting ends of the guide parts in a precisely fitting manner, although of course the displaceability of the connecting device relative to the guide parts is maintained. The connecting device can therefore also be understood as a corresponding insert or corresponding link between the guide parts. Likewise, the connecting device can be designed as a variable or variably adjustable spacer orbe seen as a variable or variably adjustable spacer.
[0026] Preferably, the at least one connecting device comprises at least one connecting element, which is particularly preferably formed by at least one slider or a slider arrangement. The slider or the slider arrangement can be variably inserted between the guide parts by sliding in the sliding direction, specifically with variably selected insertion depths or immersion depths. By inserting the slider or the slider arrangement at different immersion depths, the length of the feed device is advantageously adjusted.
[0027] Most preferably, the connecting element has a cross-section in the shape of an isosceles triangle or isosceles trapezoid in a sectional plane running parallel to the longitudinal axis and to the direction of displacement. A respective height of the triangle or trapezoid extends in the direction of displacement. The connecting element is approximately formed by a body which essentially has the shape of a right triangular prism or essentially the shape of a right quadrangular prism. For example, the connecting element can assume a multitude of different insertion positions or intermediate positions, starting from a minimum position, which can also be understood as the basic position, up to a maximum position, which can also be understood as the end position, wherein the change in the insertion position brings about a change in the length of the feed device.
[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each guide part has at least one sliding surface section, and the connecting element has a connecting surface arranged between the sliding surface sections of the guide parts. The connecting surface of the connecting element interacts with the sliding surface sections to form a flat and continuous sliding surface of the guide path. In embodiments in which the connecting element is a triangular or quadrangular prism, for example, a base surface or top surface of the prism forms the connecting surface, which is arranged between the sliding surface sections of the guide parts, preferably arranged flush between them.
[0029] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the guide path for the articles is limited on four sides. For this purpose, each guide part comprises two pairs of opposing, parallel strips. Alternatively, each guide part is designed in the form of a hollow profile rail with four adjoining side walls. In both alternative embodiments, the connecting device comprises a first and a second pair of opposing connecting elements, with a connecting element engaging the respective strips or side walls on each side of the guide path.
[0030] Furthermore, the strips or side walls are preferably beveled at one end face and have an inclined surface, wherein the inclined surfaces each form a contact surface section for the sliding engagement of a connecting element of the connecting device. At the same time, the connecting elements of the connecting device have a triangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape and have two leg surfaces extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis. The leg surfaces of each connecting element slide against the respective inclined surfaces of the strips or side walls.
[0031] It is understood that the design of the inclined surfaces and leg surfaces with regard to their shape, angle and the like are coordinated and adapted to one another in such a way that the inclined surfaces and leg surfaces are in mutual contact and form corresponding or complementary surfaces which can preferably slide against one another over the entire displacement distance.
[0032] Particularly preferably, the first pair of connecting elements is displaceable in a first displacement direction, and the second pair of connecting elements is displaceable in a second displacement direction. The first and second displacement directions run perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feed device.
[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the feed device further includes at least one drive for displacing the connecting device, wherein the drive can be configured to drive the forward movement of the displacement in the displacement direction and / or the opposite backward movement. Thus, the connecting device can be displaced in a driven manner, in particular pressed between the guide parts. Preferably, the drive is formed by a pneumatic cylinder, whereby the connecting device can be pneumatically pressed between the guide parts. In such embodiments, the connecting device can also be referred to as an actively adjustable connecting device or an actively actuatable or displaceable connecting device.
[0034] Likewise, according to further alternative embodiments, it is preferred that at least one spring element is provided for preloading the connecting device in the direction of displacement, namely that the connecting device is spring-loaded and therefore passively displaceable.
[0035] Advantageously, the first guide part is configured at its free end remote from the second guide part for connection to a sorting device for sorting the articles, and the second guide part is configured at its free end remote from the first guide part for connection to the treatment unit of the container treatment machine. The first guide part thus forms the first end of the feed device, and the second guide part forms the second end of the feed device.
[0036] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the feed device is a closure cap feeder designed to feed container closures or closure caps to a closing unit of a container closing machine. In particular, the first guide part is designed for connection to a closure cap sorter, and the second guide part is configured for connection to the closing unit of the closing machine.
[0037] In particular, the feed device in these embodiments is configured and equipped to feed container closures or caps, such as screw caps made of metal or plastic, crown corks, aluminum caps, aluminum lids, or other cap- or lid-like closures, or the like. The feed device can also be specifically adapted for feeding one or more of the types of container closures or caps mentioned here, for example, by adapting the shape and size or geometry of the guide path to a particular type of container closure or cap.
[0038] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the feeding device is designed to feed containers or to feed preforms or blanks or preforms, or to feed sealing elements or seals, or to feed labels or labels, or to feed cartons or other cardboard or packaging materials.
[0039] The present invention also relates to a container processing machine comprising a processing unit and a feed device for feeding articles to the processing unit, wherein the feed device is designed and configured as described above. Particularly preferably, this is a closing machine or container closing machine for closing containers, in which the feed device is a closure cap feeder, namely a feed device for feeding closure caps or closure lids to a closing unit of the closing machine.
[0040] It is understood that other container processing machines for other or additional applications are also included here, in particular any container processing machines to which articles are fed for operation. For example, the container processing machine can be a blow molding machine, a filling machine, for example, with an integrated closing device, a labeling machine, a packaging machine, or the like. The feeding device is then designed, for example, for feeding preforms or blanks or preforms, or for feeding caps, covers, or seals, or for feeding labels, or for feeding cartons or other cardboard or packaging materials.
[0041] The invention further encompasses the use of the feeding device described above for feeding closure caps or closure lids to a closing unit of a container closing machine.
[0042] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show:
[0043] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the feeding device according to the invention;
[0044] Figs. 2a and 2b are schematically illustrated in a perspective view (Fig. 2a) and a side view (Fig. 2b) of the feed device of Fig. 1, respectively, in three differently set lengths; Figs. 3a and 3b are highly simplified, roughly schematic representations of an inside view of a lateral boundary of the guide path in a preferred embodiment of the feed device in two different length settings;
[0045] Fig. 4a and 4b are highly simplified and roughly schematic sketches of a preferred embodiment of the feeding device in an empty state (Fig. 4a) and in a state with the article picked up (Fig. 4b) and
[0046] Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative, also preferred embodiment of the feeding device according to the invention.
[0047] Figure 1 shows, based on a schematic drawing in perspective view, a preferred embodiment of a length-adjustable feeding device, generally designated in the figures by the reference number 1, for feeding articles 2 (see e.g. Figure 4b) to a treatment unit of a container treatment machine, not shown in the figures.
[0048] The feed device 1, which is essentially rectilinear and extends along a longitudinal axis LA according to its length lx, forms a likewise essentially rectilinear guide path for the articles 2 and has a first end 1.1 and an opposite second end 1.2, wherein the two ends 1.1, 1.2 can also be referred to as upper and lower ends or as front ends.
[0049] The second or lower end 1.2 of the feed device 1 is connected or coupled to the treatment unit of the container treatment machine during use and is therefore specifically designed for connection to the container treatment machine or the treatment unit. The first or upper end 1.1 of the feed device 1 can, for example, also be connected to other machines or machine parts during use, for example, to a sorting device or sorter for the articles, and is therefore also specifically designed for connection to such machines or machine parts, for example, to a sorting device or sorter.
[0050] For example, the feed device 1 can be designed to feed cap-like container closures, in particular crown caps, wherein the feed device 1 is then oriented substantially vertically, i.e., mounted so as to extend vertically along its length, such that the longitudinal axis LA is aligned substantially vertically, wherein the first end 1.1 is then connected to a cap sorter and the second end 1.2 is connected to a closing unit of a closing machine. The cap-like container closures, in particular crown caps, can then move through the feed device 1, guided essentially by gravity.
[0051] The feed device 1 has an elongated, first guide part 3 and a likewise elongated, second guide part 4, wherein the guide parts 3, 4 follow one another in their respective longitudinal direction in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA and are arranged in alignment one behind the other along a longitudinal axis LA, wherein the guide parts 3, 4 have connecting ends facing one another and spaced apart from one another at least in sections. With their respective ends opposite the connecting ends, the guide parts 3, 4 form the first and second ends 1.1, 1.2 of the feed device 1.
[0052] A connecting device 5 is arranged between the guide parts 3, 4, which connects the two guide parts 3, 4 and forms a corresponding intermediate piece and interacts correspondingly with the connecting ends of the guide parts 3, 4. The length lx of the feeding device 1 can be changed, in particular adjusted or adapted, via the connecting device 5. For example, the length lx of the feeding device 1 can be adapted by means of the connecting device 5 to a predetermined, for example variable, distance between the sorting device and the treatment unit if, for example, a height adjustment of the treatment unit is necessary due to a format change in order to treat containers of different formats. The connecting device 5 is displaceable relative to the guide parts 3, 4, specifically displaceable transversely to the longitudinal axis LA, namely in at least one displacement direction running transversely to the longitudinal axis LA.By moving the connecting device 5 in the direction of displacement SR1 / SR1', SR2 / SR2', a distance d (not visible in Figure 1, see Figures 3a, 3b) between the connecting ends can be adjusted, thereby varying the length lx of the feed device 1. Thus, by moving the connecting device 5 in the direction of displacement SR1 / SR1', SR2 / SR2' transversely to the longitudinal axis LA, the length lx of the feed device 1 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA can be adjusted.
[0053] Figures 2a and 2b show the feeding device 1 of the example in Figure 1 in various length settings, namely in a minimum, shortest possible length lx, in a maximum, longest possible length l.x+n, and, by way of example, in an additional length l.x+1, where the length l.x+1 is intended to symbolize any intermediate length between the minimum and maximum lengths lx, l.x+n. The feeding device 1 set to different lengths lx, l.x+1, l.x+n is shown in a perspective view in Figure 2a and in a side view in Figure 2b.
[0054] The length adjustment of the feed device 1 can be variable, in particular continuously, over a predetermined length variation range V. In the example shown, the length variation range V is the entire adjustment range over which the length adjustment is possible, namely from the minimum length lx to the maximum length l.x+n.
[0055] In the example shown in Figure 1, each of the guide parts 3, 4 is designed in the form of a guide channel such that the guide path for the articles 2 is bounded on four sides, thereby providing a channel or channel space bounded on four sides through which the articles 2 move. For this purpose, each guide part 3, 4 has two pairs of opposing, parallel strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4, with the strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4 each being held by a frame-like holding element 16.
[0056] The strips 6.1-6.4 of the first guide part 3, arranged in opposite pairs, and the strips 7.1-7.4 of the second guide part 3, arranged in opposite pairs, are each aligned with one another such that the respective four strips 6.1-6.4; 7.1-7.4 of each guide part 3, 4 are oriented to one another essentially like the side surfaces of a cuboid, but are spaced apart and unconnected at the edges. The respective pair of opposing strips 6.1, 6.3 or 7.1, 7.3 is arranged essentially at right angles to the respective pair of opposing strips 6.2, 6.4 or 7.2, 7.4.
[0057] Thus, the strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4 essentially describe a rectangular cross-section and delimit a channel space which is also rectangular in cross-section, which defines the guide path of the feed device 1 and is preferably adapted in shape and dimension to the geometry of the articles 2 to be transported or guided.
[0058] Each of the strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4 is beveled at one end face and thus has an inclined surface 12, 12' (see Figures 3a, 3b). The bevels of the strips 6.1 - 6.4 or their inclined surfaces 12, 12' are formed at the respective ends of the strips 6.1 - 6.4 facing away from the first end 1.1 of the feed device, and the bevels of the strips 7.1 - 7.4 or their inclined surfaces 12, 12' are in turn formed at the respective ends of the strips 7.1 - 7.4 facing away from the second end 1.2 of the feed device 1. The two guide parts 3, 4 are arranged in alignment one behind the other in such a way that the strips 6.1 and 7.1, as well as the strips 6.2 and 7.2, as well as the strips 6.3 and 7.3 and the strips 6.4 and 7.4 are aligned with each other at the front and point towards each other with their respective bevelled ends.
[0059] In the example of Figure 1, the connecting device 5 is realized in the form of a slide arrangement and has a first and a second pair of opposing connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4, which are essentially designed in the form of a triangular prism and have an essentially triangular cross-sectional shape, wherein each connecting element 5.1 - 5.4 has two leg surfaces 10, 10' oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis LA.
[0060] On each side of the guide section, a connecting element 5.1 - 5.4 engages with the respective strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4 located there, namely in engagement or in contact with the mutually facing beveled ends of the strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4, which with their beveled surfaces 12, 12' each form a contact surface section for the sliding contact of the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4, namely for the sliding contact of the leg surfaces 10, 10'. In this way, each connecting element 5.1 - 5.4, with its leg surfaces 10, 10' running obliquely to the longitudinal axis LA, slides against the respective beveled surfaces 12, 12' of the strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4, so that each connecting element 5.1 - 5.4 is moved in sliding manner relative to the guide parts 3, 4 on the inclined surfaces of the strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4 when moved in the direction of displacement SR1 / SR1 ', SR2 / SR2'.
[0061] This mechanism is described in more detail with reference to Figures 3a and 3b. Figures 3a and 3b show, in a roughly schematic and highly simplified, isolated representation, an internal view of two strips 6.1, 7.1 of the first and second guide parts 3, 4, respectively, which adjoin one another via the connecting element 5.1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA and form a lateral boundary of the guide section.
[0062] The connecting element 5.1, which in the example shown has a cross-section in the shape of an isosceles triangle and whose leg surfaces 10, 10' slide against the inclined surfaces 12, 12' of the strips 6.1, 7.1, can be moved or displaced between the strips 6.1, 7.1 in the displacement direction SR1 / SR1' running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. The sliding displacement of the connecting element 5.1 is possible over a predetermined displacement distance running in the displacement direction SR1 / SR1', starting from a basic position or minimum position shown in Figure 3a up to an end position or maximum position shown in Figure 3b.
[0063] The connecting element 5.1 can be moved continuously and variably over the displacement path, assuming a multitude of continuously and variably selectable intermediate positions between the home position and the end position. The displacement of the connecting element 5.1 in the displacement direction SR1 / SR1' can be divided into a forward movement VB oriented in the displacement direction SR1, starting from the home position to the end position, and a backward movement RB oriented in the displacement direction SR1' and thus counter to the forward movement VB, starting from the end position to the home position.
[0064] Due to the sliding forward movement VB of the connecting element 5.1 in the displacement direction SR1 relative to the strips 6.1, 7.1, the strips 6.1, 7.1 are pushed apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA and the beveled front ends with the beveled surfaces 12, 12' move apart, whereby a distance d between the connecting ends of the guide parts 3, 4 and finally the length lx, l.x+n of the feeding device 1 can be set.
[0065] As can be seen from Figures 3a and 3b, the feeding device 1 is set to its minimum length lx when the connecting element 5.1 is in the basic position, in which the beveled front ends of the strips 6.1, 7.1 have the smallest possible distance d or the beveled surfaces 12, 12' touch in sections, i.e. in the region of their outer tips. Accordingly, the feeding device 1 is set to its maximum length l.x+n when the connecting element 5.1 is in the end position, in which the beveled front ends of the strips 6.1, 7.1 have the greatest possible distance d from the beveled surfaces 12, 12'.
[0066] The illustration in Figures 3a and 3b shows the view of the sides or surfaces facing the channel or channel space, which together form a sliding surface 11, against which the articles 2 slide and slide during their movement along the guide path. The sides or surfaces of the individual strips 6.1, 7.1 are therefore also to be understood as sliding surface sections 11a, 11b, which form a part or portion of the sliding surface 11. The connecting element 5.1 has a connecting surface 5a on its side or surface facing the channel or channel space, which in turn forms an essentially integral part of the sliding surface 11 or is to be regarded as part of the sliding surface 11 and, together with the sliding surface sections 11a, 11b of the strips 6.1, 7.1, forms the sliding surface 11.
[0067] The strips 6.1, 7.1 and the connecting element 5.1 are configured and aligned with one another in such a way that the sliding surface 11 is formed as a flat and, in particular, substantially continuous surface. In particular, the sliding surface sections 11a, 11b of the strips 6.1, 7.1 and the connecting surface 5a of the connecting element 5.1 adjoin one another, avoiding gaps, butt joints, edges, transitions, or the like, in such a way that a flat, in particular obstacle- and / or transition-free sliding surface 11 is formed over the entire length of the guide path.
[0068] In the setting shown in Figure 3a, namely in the basic position of the connecting element 5.1, the portion of the sliding surface 11 provided via the connecting surface 5a is designed in the shape of a triangular surface. In the setting shown in Figure 3b, namely in the end position of the connecting element 5.1, the portion of the sliding surface 11 provided via the connecting surface 5a is designed in the shape of a trapezoidal surface. The portion of the sliding surface 11 provided via the connecting surface 5a is thus larger in the end position of the connecting element 5.1 than the portion in the basic position of the connecting element 5.1.
[0069] With reference now to Figures 4a and 4b, a feed device 1 designed as an example in the form of a closure cap feeder is shown in a roughly schematic diagram in a front view. The closure cap feeder 1 is shown in Figure 4a in the empty state and in Figure 4b in the operating state, in which an article 2 designed as a closure lid or closure cap (shown in dashed lines in Figure 4b) is located in the channel space of the guide section. As is clearly evident from Figure 4b, the guide section, namely in particular the geometry of the channel space, is adapted to the type and size of the closure caps 2 to be transported.
[0070] In particular, the closure cap feeder 1 is configured such that the guide path is delimited on four sides by corresponding walls or wall sections such that the closure caps 2 are in sliding contact and / or guided contact on four sides and slide along the guide path in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA.
[0071] In the illustrated example, as in the example in Figure 1, the four walls or wall sections delimiting the channel space are formed by correspondingly arranged strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4 of the guide parts 3, 4, which are again held by frame-like holding elements 16. In the end view of the example, only the guide part 3 with its strips 6.1 - 6.4 is visible. The guide part 4 with its strips 7.1 - 7.4 adjoins the guide part 3 in a flush manner in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA—in the illustration in Figures 4a, 4b, that is, away from the viewer into the plane of the paper. The guide parts 3, 4 are in turn connected via the connecting device 5, wherein a first connecting element 5.1 is arranged between the aligned strips 6.1 and 7.1, a second connecting element 5.2 is arranged between the aligned strips 6.2 and 7.2, and a second connecting element 5.2 is arranged between the aligned strips 6.3 and 7.3, a third connecting element 5.3 is arranged, and a fourth connecting element 5.4 is arranged between the aligned strips 6.4 and 7.4. The strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4 and connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4 interact in particular in the manner described with reference to Figures 3a, 3b and are displaced in their respective displacement directions SR1 / SR1', SR2 / SR2' to adjust the length of the feed device 1.
[0072] The aligned strips 6.1, 7.1 provide the sliding surface 11 on their side facing the channel space, along which the closure caps 2 slide with their respective undersides. The aligned strips 6.2 and 7.2, the aligned strips 6.3 and 7.3, and the aligned strips 6.4 and 7.4 each provide a first, second, and third guide surface 13, 14, 15 on their side facing the channel space, over which the closure caps 2 are guided, in particular slidably guided, laterally and from above.
[0073] In a manner analogous to that described above with reference to Figures 3a and 3b in connection with the sliding surface 11, the guide surfaces 13, 14, 15 are also designed over the entire length of the guide path as flat, in particular obstacle- and / or transition-free guide surfaces 13, 14, 15.
[0074] In the example shown, the first and third connecting elements 5.1, 5.3 and the second and fourth connecting elements 5.2, 5.4 are arranged in pairs and each form a pair of slides, whereby the slides of a respective pair can be actuated together. The pair of slides 5.1 and 5.3 are displaceable in the displacement direction SR1 / SR1 ', and the pair of slides 5.2 and 5.4 are displaceable in the displacement direction SR2 / SR2', whereby the displacement directions SR1 / SR1 ', SR2 / SR2' run perpendicular to each other.
[0075] Although not shown in the figures, a drive is provided for actuating the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4, which drive is designed, for example, as a pneumatic drive, such as in the form of a pneumatic cylinder. The drive is preferably configured such that it drives the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4 in the respective displacement direction SR1, SR2 defining the forward movement VB (cf. Figure 3a), whereby the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4 are driven and thus actively pushed between the respective strips 6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4 of the guide parts 3, 4 or pressed between the guide parts 3, 4 in order to push them apart.
[0076] The backward movement RB of the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4 can occur with or without the action of the drive. For example, the backward movement RB of the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4 can be triggered and executed solely by adjusting the height of the closing machine.
[0077] According to alternative embodiments, the connecting elements 5.1-5.4 can also be spring-loaded, for example, whereby a respective spring element can be provided for this purpose, via which the connecting elements 5.1-5.4 are preloaded in the displacement direction SR1, SR2. In such an embodiment, the connecting elements 5.1-5.4 are forced between the guide parts 3, 4 following the spring tension or spring force when the height of the closing machine is adjusted.
[0078] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the feeding device 1, in which, in contrast to the variant in Figure 1, each guide piece 3, 4 is designed in the form of a hollow profile rail. The hollow profile rail of the guide piece 3 has four side walls 8.1 - 8.4 adjoining one another at right angles. Likewise, the hollow profile rail of the guide piece 4 comprises four side walls 9.1 - 9.4 adjoining one another at right angles. In the same way as described for the example in Figure 1, the side walls 8.1 - 8.4, 9.1 - 9.4 of the hollow profile rails of the guide pieces 3, 4 interact with the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4 to adjust the length of the feeding device 1 by moving the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4 in the direction of displacement SR1 / SR1 ', SR2 / SR2'. For this purpose, the side walls 8.1 - 8.4, 9.1 -
[0079] 9.4 of the hollow profile rails of the guide pieces 3, 4 are chamfered at the mutually facing ends in such a way that they have inclined surfaces 12, 12' which slide against the leg surfaces 10, 10' of the connecting elements 5.1 - 5.4.
[0080] List of reference symbols
[0081] Feeding device first end of the feeding device second end of the feeding device
[0082] 2 articles
[0083] 3 first guide section
[0084] 4 second guide part
[0085] 5 Connecting device
[0086] 5.1 - 5.4 Fasteners
[0087] 5a Connecting surface
[0088] 6.1 - 6.4 Lasts
[0089] 7.1 - 7.4 Lasts
[0090] 8.1 - 8.4 Side walls
[0091] 9.1 - 9.4 Side walls
[0092] 10, 10' leg surfaces
[0093] 11 Sliding surface
[0094] 11a, 11b sliding surface sections
[0095] 12, 12' inclined surfaces
[0096] 13, 14, 15 guide surfaces
[0097] 16 Holding element d distance
[0098] LA Longitudinal axis lx, l.x+1 , l.x+n Length of the feeding device
[0099] SR1 / SR1' first shift direction
[0100] SR2 / SR2' second shift direction
[0101] RB backward movement
[0102] V Length variation range
[0103] VB forward movement
Claims
Patent claims 1. Length-adjustable feeding device (1) for feeding articles (2) to a treatment unit of a container treatment machine, comprising at least a first guide part (3) and at least a second guide part (4), wherein the guide parts (3, 4) each extend in a longitudinal direction and are arranged in alignment one behind the other along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the feeding device (1) and each form a section of a guide path for the articles (2), characterized by at least one connecting device (5) which is arranged between the guide parts (3, 4) and is displaceable in at least one displacement direction (SR1, SR2) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (LA) relative to the guide parts (3, 4), wherein the connecting device (5) is designed such that by displacing the connecting device (5) in the displacement direction (SR1, SR2) a length (lx, l) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LA) is formed.x+n) of the feeding device (1 ) is variably adjustable over a predetermined length variation range (V).
2. Feeding device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that each guide part (3, 4) is designed as a feed trough or guide channel.
3. Feeding device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, regardless of the set length (lx, l.x+n) of the feeding device (1 ), the guide parts (3, 4) connected by means of the connecting device (5) together with the connecting device (5) form a flat, in particular obstacle-free and / or transition-free guide path for the articles (2).
4. Feeding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide parts (3, 4) have connecting ends facing each other and spaced apart from each other at least in sections, and that the at least one connecting device (5) has a corresponding The connecting element (5) forms an intermediate piece and interacts with the connecting ends of the guide parts (3, 4), wherein the distance (d) between the connecting ends can be adjusted by moving the connecting element (5) in the direction of movement (SR1, SR2), and thereby the length (lx, lx+n) of the feeding device (1) can be varied. Feeding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (5) comprises at least one connecting element (5.1), which is preferably formed by at least one slide or a slide arrangement. Feeding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting element (5.1) has a cross-section in the form of an isosceles triangle or isosceles trapezoid in a section plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) and to the direction of movement (SR1, SR2).Feeding device (1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each guide part (3, 4) has at least one sliding surface section (11 a, 11 b) and that the connecting element (5.1 ) has a connecting surface (5a) arranged between the sliding surface sections (11 a, 11 b) of the guide parts (3, 4), wherein the connecting surface (5a) of the connecting element (5.1 ) interacts with the sliding surface sections (11 a, 11 b) to form a flat and continuous sliding surface (11 ) of the guide section. Feeding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide path for the articles (2) is limited on four sides and for this purpose each guide part (3, 4) comprises two pairs of opposing, parallel strips (6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4) or in the form of a hollow profile rail with four adjoining side walls (8.1 - 8.4; 9.1 - 9.4) is formed and that the connecting device (5) comprises a first and a second pair of opposing connecting elements (5.
1. - 5.4) having a connecting element (5.1 - 5.4) on each side of the guide section in engagement with the respective strips (6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4) or side walls (8.1 - 8.4; 9.1 - 9.4). Feeding device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the strips (6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4) or the side walls (8.1 - 8.4; 9.1 - 9.4) are chamfered at an end face and have a sloping surface, wherein the sloping surfaces each form a contact surface section for the sliding contact of a connecting element (5.1 - 5.4) of the connecting device (5) and that the connecting elements (5.1 - 5.4) of the connecting device (5) have a triangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape and have two leg surfaces extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis (LA), wherein the leg surfaces of each connecting element (5.1 - 5.4) slide against the respective sloping surfaces of the strips (6.1 - 6.4; 7.1 - 7.4) or side walls (8.1 - 8.4; 9.1 - 9.4).Feeding device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the first pair of connecting elements (5.1, 5.3) is displaceable in a first displacement direction (SR1) and the second pair of connecting elements (5.2, 5.4) is displaceable in a second displacement direction (SR2), wherein the first and the second displacement directions (SR1, SR2) are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the feeding device (1). Feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one drive, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, for displacing the connecting element (5). Feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one spring element for pre-tensioning the connecting element (5) in the displacement direction (SR1, SR2). Feeding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first guide part (3) is configured at its free end facing away from the second guide part (4) for connection to a sorting device for sorting the articles (2), and that the second guide part (4) is configured at its free end facing away from the first guide part (3) for connection to the treatment unit of the container treatment machine. Container treatment machine, in particular a capping machine for capping containers, comprising a treatment unit and a feeding device (1) for feeding articles (2), in particular caps or lids, to the treatment unit, characterized in that the feeding device (1) is configured according to one of the preceding claims.Use of a feeding device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 13, for feeding closure caps or closure lids to a closing unit of a container closing machine.