Conveying device for objects to be conveyed and method for producing a conveying device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023722581
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-12
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-19
AI Technical Summary
Conventional conveyor devices for pharmaceutical packaging materials are complex and costly to produce, with difficult-to-reach connection points on the inner circumferential surface that complicate manufacturing and reduce conveying capacity.
A conveyor device with a helical track and a jacket featuring through openings for anchoring elements, allowing for a cohesive connection by welding on the outer surface, which simplifies production and increases conveying capacity by minimizing inner connections and allowing for adjustable track sizes.
The solution enables cost-effective and efficient manufacturing of conveyor devices with enhanced conveying capacity, reduced risk of objects falling off, and improved cleaning properties due to the absence of inner connections, making it suitable for pharmaceutical packaging applications.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] CONVEYING DEVICE FOR CONVEYING OBJECTS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A CONVEYING DEVICE
[0002] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveyed objects, in particular pharmaceutical packaging or parts thereof. The packaging can be, for example, containers such as vials, syringes, carpules, or ampoules, wherein the conveyed objects are closing elements for closing the packaging, for example plugs or crimp caps. In another application, the conveyed objects are, for example, packaging themselves, for example vials made of a plastic or glass material. The conveying device comprises at least one helical conveyor track for the conveyed objects and can, for example, comprise or form a conveyor bowl with a bottom wall or be a component of a conveyor bowl with a bottom wall.
[0003] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for producing a conveying device.
[0004] A conveying device of the type described above is used, for example, in a system for processing pharmaceutical packaging materials, in particular pharmaceutical containers. For example, the objects to be conveyed are fed to the conveying device, which is set in motion, in particular oscillating, by a drive device. This allows the objects to be conveyed to reach the conveyor track, which is typically helical and extends from the bottom wall toward a free edge of the conveying device, where the objects can be uncoupled and fed for processing.
[0005] A conveying device for conveying objects in the form of plugs is described in EP 1 593 619 A1.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device for conveyed objects which can be manufactured in a structurally simple manner.This object is achieved by a conveying device according to the invention for conveyed objects, which optionally comprises or forms a conveying bowl with a bottom wall or is a component of a conveying bowl with a bottom wall, wherein the conveying device comprises a casing which comprises an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface and extends from a first side to a second side, and at least one conveying track for the conveyed objects which runs helically along the inner circumferential surface from the first side to the second side, wherein the at least one conveying track comprises at least one anchoring element and the casing comprises at least one through-opening assigned to the at least one anchoring element, wherein the at least one anchoring element extends through the at least one through-opening or engages it and is integrally connected to an edge of the at least one through-opening, in particular by welding.
[0007] In the conveying device according to the invention, a casing is provided, the first side of which can be arranged in particular on the bottom wall and, for example, connected to it. From the first side to the second side, where, for example, a free edge of the casing is formed, at least one conveyor track extends helically along the inner circumferential surface. The conveyor track can be referred to, for example, as a "conveyor spiral." During intended use, objects to be conveyed can reach the conveyor track and be conveyed thereon from the first to the second side. The at least one conveyor track is connected to the casing by means of at least one anchoring element, which engages in or passes through the through opening. The integral connection, preferably by welding, enables simple and cost-effective production.The present invention incorporates the consideration that, due to the through-opening, the anchoring element can be connected to the edge from the side of the outer peripheral surface of the casing during manufacture. A corresponding connection position between the anchoring element and the edge is easily accessible. This preferably makes it possible to eliminate the need to connect the conveyor track to the casing from the side of the inner peripheral surface, which is more difficult to reach due to the conveyor track running there. Furthermore, the number of connection positions between the conveyor track and the casing can preferably be deliberately kept low, while still achieving reliable fixation of the conveyor track.
[0008] Furthermore, it is possible, for example, to manufacture the at least one conveyor track separately from the shell. This proves advantageous, for example, with regard to scaling, since conveyor tracks and shells can be manufactured depending on the size of the conveyor device to be manufactured. It is also conceivable that conveyor devices of different sizes could, for example, have conveyor tracks of the same size but shells of different sizes, and vice versa.
[0009] Because, for example, a connection between the at least one conveyor track and the casing on the inner circumferential surface can be eliminated, a relatively small distance between adjacent conveyor tracks or sections of a conveyor track in the direction of inclination from the first to the second side can be achieved. With this small distance, the objects being conveyed can orient themselves in the correct desired position on the conveyor track, while preferably preventing them from "standing up" and falling off the conveyor track. This allows the conveying capacity of the conveyor device to be increased compared to a conventional conveyor device.
[0010] A missing connection between the at least one conveyor track and the casing on the inner circumferential surface can be advantageous because the material to be conveyed cannot come into contact with any connection points between the conveyor track and the casing, since the connection points are arranged on the outer circumferential surface.
[0011] During manufacture of the conveying device, it can be provided that the casing is already present as such, a self-contained body. Alternatively, it can be provided that a flat material with the at least one through-opening is present, which is formed into a self-contained casing. Insofar as a connection between the at least one conveyor track and the casing was discussed above, this can particularly refer to both of these possibilities. The invention is particularly suitable for conveying objects in the form of closure elements for pharmaceutical packaging, in particular caps or stoppers. However, the invention is not limited to this application and conveying objects.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one anchoring element can pass through the at least one through-opening, for example in the radial direction, relative to an axis defined by the conveying device, in particular by the casing.
[0013] The at least one anchoring element is preferably formed integrally with the conveyor track. The conveyor track, including at least one anchoring element, can be manufactured entirely or partially, for example, as a stamped part from a sheet metal material. A material of the casing can, for example, be a stamped part from a sheet metal material.
[0014] The at least one conveyor track and / or the at least one anchoring element are preferably formed from a flat material. The at least one anchoring element can, for example, be arranged in a plane formed by the at least one conveyor track.
[0015] The jacket can, for example, be made of a flat material.
[0016] Preferably, the conveying device is made entirely or partially from pharmaceutical-grade materials.
[0017] It can be provided that the at least one anchoring element on the outer circumferential surface is connected to the edge of the at least one through-opening. In such an embodiment, the anchoring element in particular extends through the through-opening and can, for example, comprise a connecting section which can be placed against the outer circumferential surface and subsequently connected to it. Alternatively, for example, a connecting section is provided at a distance from the outer circumferential surface, which is connected to the edge. In another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one anchoring element is connected to the casing at an edge of the at least one through-opening running in a material layer of the casing. In this embodiment, the connection can be provided in the through-opening itself.
[0018] For example, a clearance of at least approximately 1 mm and preferably at least approximately 2 mm between the at least one anchoring element within the at least one through-opening may prove advantageous. Such a clearance is sufficiently large, for example, during cleaning processes, particularly during rinsing in a parts washing system and / or during autoclaving, to reliably remove residues of the cleaning agent, particularly a cleaning fluid, after the cleaning process. For example, any remaining cleaning fluid can be reliably dried off.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a free space between the at least one anchoring element within the at least one through-opening is less than approximately 5 mm, preferably less than approximately 3 mm.
[0020] The free space can, for example, be an air gap.
[0021] The at least one anchoring element is preferably guided through the at least one through-opening with some clearance or engages with some clearance. This advantageously allows for a sufficiently large clearance to be provided between the anchoring element and the edge of the opening.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one anchoring element comprises a web section protruding from the at least one conveyor track and at least one connecting section protruding from the web section, for example laterally, wherein the web section extends through the at least one through-opening and the at least one connecting section is connected to the edge on the outer peripheral surface. The web section extends through the through-opening, and in a preferred embodiment, the at least one connecting section can bear against the edge on the outer peripheral surface. By means of a material-to-material connection, in particular welding, the anchoring element can be connected to the edge in this way without additional material.
[0023] The at least one connecting section protrudes laterally from the web section, for example in a circumferential direction of the shell.
[0024] The at least one anchoring element can preferably comprise two connecting sections projecting from the web section in opposite directions, each of which is connected to the edge. In this way, a particularly reliable connection can be achieved.
[0025] The at least one anchoring element is formed in a plan view, for example in the axial direction of the casing, substantially T-shaped or mushroom-shaped.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one through-opening can comprise a first section and a second section which is arranged laterally next to the first section, wherein the web section extends through the second section and the at least one connecting section is connected to the edge laterally next to the first section and the second section. During manufacture of the conveyor device, the at least one anchoring element is passed through the first section, for example, and the web section is then positioned in the second section of the through-opening, such that the at least one connecting section is positioned on an edge region of the edge laterally next to the first section and the second section and preferably rests against this edge region.
[0027] The first section can, for example, be slit-shaped.
[0028] The second section can, for example, be formed as a bulge of the first section. It can be provided that the at least one through-opening is at least partially slit-shaped, in particular with a longitudinal extension in the circumferential direction of the casing.
[0029] The at least one conveyor track can preferably comprise two or more anchoring elements, each connected to the casing. This allows for a more reliable connection between the conveyor track and the casing. The two or more anchoring elements are advantageously designed identically.
[0030] An angular distance between adjacent anchoring elements of the at least one conveyor track, relative to an axis of the conveyor device, can be, for example, approximately 20° to 50°, preferably approximately 30° to 40°.
[0031] It can be advantageous if the conveying device is free of a connection between the at least one conveyor track and the casing on the inner circumferential surface. This eliminates the need to intervene between adjacent conveyor tracks or sections of the same conveyor track during manufacture of the conveying device. This can simplify the manufacture of the conveying device. In particular, it is possible to position adjacent conveyor tracks or sections of the same conveyor track relatively close to one another. For example, the tracks or sections of the same track can be positioned so close to one another that the objects to be conveyed can only be transported on the conveyor track when lying in the correct desired position (possibly in two orientations). The conveying capacity of the conveying device can be increased in this way.
[0032] The at least one conveyor track is preferably free from contact with the casing on the inner peripheral surface.
[0033] A ratio of a width of the at least one conveyor track—this can be referred to, for example, as "aisle width"—to a distance between adjacent conveyor tracks or adjacent sections of a conveyor track—this can be referred to, for example, as "aisle height"—can, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, be, for example, 1:4 to 1, preferably approximately 1:3 to 3:4, for example, approximately 1:2. The ratio of approximately 1:3 to 3:4 is used, for example, in a conveying device for closing elements such as crimp caps or plugs.
[0034] For example, the width of the at least one conveyor track is dimensioned such that the object to be conveyed is fully positioned on it in the correct target position and does not protrude beyond the conveyor track, with the conveyor track not protruding beyond the object to be conveyed or protruding only slightly. The above ratio is preferably selected such that the objects to be conveyed can be transported in the target position (possibly in two orientations) but cannot move into an incorrect position (e.g., upright or standing).
[0035] When conveying closing elements, the aisle width can, for example, be approximately equal to or larger than the diameter of the closing elements, but conveying can also be possible with an aisle width that is smaller than the diameter, for example up to approximately 60% of the diameter.
[0036] When conveying closing elements, the aisle height can preferably be less than the aisle width.
[0037] When conveying containers, the aisle height is preferably lower than the height of the containers in their erected state.
[0038] Containers are preferably transported lying down.
[0039] The conveyor device can, as follows from the above, comprise, for example, two or more conveyor tracks that can intersect. For example, three conveyor tracks are provided.
[0040] The conveying device can comprise or form a conveyor pot having a bottom wall, with the casing protruding from the bottom wall. The casing can be free of any connection to the bottom wall or can be connected to the bottom wall, for example, by welding. The conveying device can have an insert that encloses the casing with the at least one conveyor track. In particular, the casing with the at least one conveyor track can form the conveying device.
[0041] The conveyor device may comprise an insert that encloses the casing with the at least one conveyor track. The insert may include a bottom wall. The insert may be referred to, for example, as a "conveyor insert" or "sorting insert."
[0042] The conveying device and / or the conveyor bowl can comprise at least one outer shell that surrounds the shell in the circumferential direction and is connected to the shell. For example, objects to be conveyed that are decoupled from the second side of the shell are transported away between the shell and the outer shell or between two outer shells and fed for use. A transport track for the objects to be conveyed can be arranged in the intermediate space, for example. The outer shell can be connected to the shell directly or indirectly, for example, via the bottom wall.
[0043] Conveniently, the conveying device comprises a drive device for driving the conveyor bowl, in particular in an oscillating manner. The drive device can, for example, act on the bottom wall, the casing, or the outer casing and cause them to oscillate.
[0044] In a preferred form of the invention, the casing may, for example, have a cylindrical shape, in particular the shape of a vertical circular cylinder, wherein the at least one conveyor track is helical.
[0045] A diameter of the shell can be constant, in particular, over its entire extension from the first side to the second side.
[0046] In another preferred form of the invention, the casing can, for example, have a shape that widens, in particular, conically from the first side to the second side, and the at least one conveyor track is spiral-shaped. As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a conveyor device. The object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor device characterized by simplified production.
[0047] This object is achieved by a method according to the invention for producing a conveying device, in particular of the type described above, comprising:
[0048] - Providing at least one conveyor track comprising at least one anchoring element;
[0049] - Providing a casing or a flat material comprising at least one through-opening;
[0050] - positioning the at least one anchoring element such that it extends through or engages into the at least one through-opening from a first side of the casing or the flat material;
[0051] - Connecting by material bond, in particular by welding, the at least one anchoring element to an edge of the at least one through-opening from a second side of the casing or the flat material, which is remote from the first side.
[0052] The first side is, in particular, the side on which the inner circumferential surface of the casing is located during intended use. The second side is the side on which the outer circumferential surface is located.
[0053] The advantages already achieved in connection with the explanation of the conveying device according to the invention can be achieved by implementing the method. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations. Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention. The advantageous features described with reference to the device can be implemented in the method for its manufacture. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations.
[0054] During the manufacture of the conveyor device, it may be provided that the casing is already manufactured and the at least one conveyor track is connected to the existing casing. Alternatively, it may be provided that a flat material is provided, which is connected to the at least one conveyor track and then formed into a casing.
[0055] Advantageously, the at least one anchoring element is connected to the casing or the flat material without the addition of additional material. For example, the anchoring element is applied to the outer peripheral surface at the edge of the through-opening, for example via the connecting section described above, and then connected to the casing, in particular by welding.
[0056] In the case of a connection by welding, the conveyor device is advantageously subsequently ground and / or polished at the connection points.
[0057] The at least one conveyor track can be formed, for example, from a plurality of segments arranged in a direction of travel of the track, based on the intended use, each comprising at least one anchoring element. For example, a plurality of segments are provided which are connected in a material-to-material manner, in particular by welding. A subsequent grinding and / or polishing process can be provided. The conveyor track provided from the plurality of segments can then be connected to the casing or the flat material. The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show:
[0058] Figure 1: a perspective view of the conveying device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment, which comprises a conveying pot;
[0059] Figure 2: a perspective view of the conveyor insert of the conveyor device from Figure 1, which comprises a casing, conveyor tracks and a bottom wall;
[0060] Figure 3: a sectional view of the conveying device from Figure 1;
[0061] Figure 4: an enlarged view of detail A in Figure 3;
[0062] Figure 5: an enlarged view of detail B in Figure 2;
[0063] Figure 6: a representation similar to Figure 5, with the viewing direction being in the direction of arrow "6" in Figure 5;
[0064] Figure 7: a representation relating to the manufacture of the conveyor device, the viewing direction being in the direction of arrow "7" in Figure 5;
[0065] Figure 8: a representation similar to Figure 7 at a later stage in the manufacture of the conveyor device;
[0066] Figure 9: a simplified schematic representation of a conveying device according to the invention.
[0067] Figure 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention, designated overall by reference numeral 100, for conveying objects 102, which are schematically illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In the present exemplary embodiment, the objects 102 are closure elements for pharmaceutical containers, in particular crimp caps for vials. The conveying device 100 comprises a conveying bowl 104, which can also be referred to as a "sorting bowl." In order to set the conveying bowl 104 in motion and, in particular, in vibration, the conveying device 100 preferably comprises a drive device 106, which is schematically illustrated in Figure 1.
[0068] The conveyor bowl 104 has a bottom wall 108 that slopes radially outward from a center relative to an axis 110 of the conveyor device 100 (Figure 3). Conveyed objects 102, for example, consisting of bags, are positioned on the bottom wall 108 and are conveyed radially outward along the conveyor device 100 by the vibration of the conveyor bowl 104.
[0069] The conveyor insert 112, which can be seen particularly in Figure 2, can in turn form an advantageous embodiment of the conveyor device according to the invention, designated by the reference numeral 114. In the present case, this can be understood in particular to mean that the conveyor device 114 can consist of the conveyor insert 112. A drive device is not absolutely necessary.
[0070] In the present example, the conveyor insert 112 comprises the bottom wall 108 and a self-contained casing 116, which is placed on the bottom wall 108. The casing 116 is preferably firmly connected to the bottom wall, for example, by welding. The casing 116 defines an axis that coincides with the axis 110, so that the axis 110 is also an axis of the casing 116 and the conveyor insert 112.
[0071] Orientation specifications such as "axial" and "radial" refer to axis 110.
[0072] The casing 116 has a cylindrical shape in the present case, in particular the shape of a vertical circular cylinder with the axis 110.
[0073] Radially outside the casing 116, the conveyor bowl 104 comprises, for example, at least one outer casing and, in this case, two outer casings 118, 120. The outer casing 118 surrounds the casing 116, preferably along the entire circumferential direction. The outer casing 120 surrounds the outer casing 118 at least in sections along the circumferential direction.
[0074] The outer shells are connected to each other. The conveyor insert 112 is connected to the outer shell 118, for example, at the bottom wall 108 (Figure 3), for example, by welding.
[0075] A gap 122 is formed between the jacket 116 and the outer jacket 118. Another gap 124 is formed between the outer jackets 118, 120.
[0076] A transport track 126, designed as a roller track, extends from an upper side of the conveying device 100 facing away from the bottom wall 108 in the intermediate space 124 downwards and ends, for example, approximately in the region of the bottom wall 108. Conveyed objects 102, which are conveyed upwards via the conveying insert 112 as explained below, can reach the transport track 126 and are fed for processing.
[0077] The drive device 106 acts, for example, on at least one outer casing 118 and / or 120 and, via this, on the casing 116 and / or the bottom wall 108. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom wall 108 can be excited to vibrate by the or a drive device 106.
[0078] As further shown in the drawing, the casing 116 is closed in the circumferential direction of the axis 110 and extends from a first side 128 in the axial direction to a second side 130. The first side 128 faces the bottom wall 108. The second side 130 faces away from the bottom wall 108 and is formed by a free edge 132 of the casing 116.
[0079] The casing 116 comprises an inner circumferential surface 134 on the radial inside and an outer circumferential surface 136 on the radial outside. The casing 116 is made of a flat material, for example of a metal sheet, which has been shaped and closed in particular by welding.
[0080] The conveying device 100 is used in particular in a system for processing pharmaceutical packaging materials, in particular containers. It is therefore advantageous if all materials of the conveying device 100 are designed to meet pharmaceutical requirements. For example, the conveyor bowl 104 and the conveyor insert 112 are made of pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel.
[0081] At least one through-opening 138 is formed in the casing 116. In the present case, a plurality of through-openings 138 are provided, which may, in particular, be configured identically.
[0082] As can be seen particularly from Figure 2, the through-openings 138 are arranged in a helical configuration on the casing 116. Successive through-openings 138, which are assigned to a respective conveyor track 140, have an angular spacing of approximately 30° to 40° with respect to the axis 110.
[0083] As can be seen in particular from Figures 5 to 8, a respective through-opening 138 is designed in sections as a slot with a longitudinal extension in the circumferential direction of the casing 116. The through-opening comprises a first section 142, which is slot-shaped, and a second section 144. The second section 144 can, for example (Figure 7), be regarded as a bulge 146 on the first section 142.
[0084] The shape of the through-opening 138 in plan view in the radial direction can be approximately described, for example, by a T that is greatly stretched along the circumferential direction, wherein the slot-shaped first section 142 represents the cross-section of the T.
[0085] Section 144 is arranged centrally in the circumferential direction with respect to section 142. The through-opening 138 is designed symmetrically overall. The through-opening 138 has an edge 148 that encloses the free opening of the through-opening 138 and surrounds both sections 142, 144. Edge regions 150 are arranged laterally next to the first section 142 and the second section 144, with the edge regions 150 being opposite one another with respect to the section 144.
[0086] The already mentioned conveyor track 140 serves to convey objects 102 from the first side 128 to the second side 130 under excitation by the drive device 106.
[0087] The conveyor insert 112 comprises at least one conveyor track 140. In the present case, three conveyor tracks 140 are provided, which extend into one another and are, in particular, identically designed, so that only one conveyor track 140 will be discussed below. The relevant explanations also apply to the other conveyor tracks 140.
[0088] The conveyor tracks 140 run helically along the inner circumferential surface 134 from the first side 128 to the second side 130. In the present case, the conveyor tracks 140 are helical.
[0089] Starting from the bottom wall 108, the conveyor tracks 140 are positioned such that their beginnings 152 are spaced at an angular distance of 120° relative to the axis 110. The same applies to the respective ends 154 of the conveyor tracks 140 (Figure 2).
[0090] The respective conveyor track 140 is made, for example, from a flat material, in particular from sheet metal. The conveyor track 140 can, for example, be formed from a plurality of segments 156 joined together in the direction of travel. The segments 156 are preferably connected by a material bond, for example, by welding.
[0091] Each conveyor track 140 is assigned one-third of the through-openings 138. The conveyor track 140 comprises at least one anchoring element 158, preferably several anchoring elements 158. In particular, each through-opening 138 is assigned one anchoring element 158.
[0092] The anchoring element 158 is formed integrally with the conveyor track 140 and is arranged, for example, within the plane defined by the conveyor track 140. The anchoring element 158 can be formed from a flat material.
[0093] The anchoring element 158 is provided for connecting the conveyor track 140 to the casing 116. As can be seen particularly from Figures 1, 5, and 6, the anchoring element 158 protrudes radially from the conveyor track 140. The anchoring element 158 extends through the through-opening 138 and is connected to the edge 148 at the outer peripheral surface 136 in the operational state of the conveyor device 100.
[0094] In this case, a material connection by welding is planned.
[0095] Welded joints in the conveyor device 100 are preferably ground and / or polished before completion.
[0096] The anchoring element 158 has, as can be seen particularly from Figures 5 and 6, a web section 160. The web section is otherwise fixed to the conveyor track 140 on the radially inner side with respect to the casing 116. The web section 160 extends through the through-opening 138. At least one connecting section 162 protrudes laterally from the web section 160 on the radially outer side, in the present example along the circumferential direction.
[0097] In the present case, two connecting sections 162 are provided, which protrude from the web section 160 in directions facing away from one another. The anchoring element 158 therefore has, in plan view in the axial direction, approximately the shape of a T or a mushroom shape. A gap 164 can be provided between the web section 160 and an area of the respective connecting section 162 that contacts the edge 148. The anchoring element 158 and the through opening 138 are dimensioned such that, when the conveyor insert 112 is in use, there is a free space between the anchoring element 158 and the edge 148. The free space is preferably at least 1 mm, more preferably at least approximately 2 mm. For example, the free space can be less than approximately 5 mm, preferably less than approximately 3 mm.
[0098] Providing a clearance improves the cleaning properties of the conveyor device. During liquid cleaning, any residues of the cleaning fluid can be dried and / or drained away, preventing them from sticking to the conveyor insert 112.
[0099] The conveyor track 140 extends radially inwardly relative to the casing 116, with a gap 166 being present between the casing 116 and the conveyor track 140 (Figure 6). The conveyor track 140 is thus free from contact with the casing 116 at the inner circumferential surface 134. Cleaning fluid present in the area of the gap 166 can also be dried and / or drained away, which improves the cleaning properties of the conveyor insert 112.
[0100] In the present embodiment, the conveyor track 140 is free of connection to the casing 116 along the inner circumferential surface 134. In a simple manufacturing manner, the connection to the casing 116 can be made from the outside on the outer circumferential surface 136, as already explained.
[0101] Avoiding the connection on the radial inside facilitates the manufacture of the conveyor insert 112. Furthermore, it is possible for conveyor tracks 140 adjacent to one another in the axial direction to have a relatively small distance between them.
[0102] In the present example, the ratio of the width of the conveyor track 140 ("aisle width") to the distance between adjacent conveyor tracks 140 ("aisle height") is approximately 1:2. The aisle width is preferably selected to be approximately the same size as the diameter of the conveyed objects 102 configured as closing elements. In this case, the distance is selected such that the conveyed objects 102 can only be conveyed lying in a correct target position on the conveyor track 140 (although the conveyed objects 102 can assume two orientations). In contrast, the conveyed objects 102 cannot enter the conveyor track 140 in a standing position or stand upright because the gap between adjacent conveyor tracks 140 is insufficient for this.
[0103] It has been shown in practice that a high conveying capacity can be achieved with the conveying device 100 in this way, since the conveying objects 102 that have once reached the conveyor track 140 can with a high probability be conveyed to the second side 130 and the proportion of the conveying objects 102 that fall back into the conveyor pot 104 is relatively small.
[0104] When manufacturing the conveying device 100, in particular the conveying insert 112, the procedure can be as explained below, for example.
[0105] First, the at least one conveyor track 140 with the at least one anchoring element 158 and the casing 116 with at least one through-opening 138 are provided. Instead of a self-contained casing 116, as explained above, a flat material can be provided, for example, which is not yet closed in itself, wherein the connection to the casing 116 is only subsequently implemented.
[0106] For example, the conveyor track 140 can previously be formed from the plurality of segments 156.
[0107] To connect the conveyor track 140 to the casing 116 or the flat material, the anchoring element 158 is guided from a first side, on which the inner circumferential surface 134 lies, through the first section 142 of the through-opening 138 (Figure 7). The through-opening 138 is dimensioned relative to the anchoring element 158 such that the latter can be guided through with play. The anchoring element 158 is then moved in the axial direction such that the web section 160 engages the second section 144 (arrow 168). The connecting sections 162 are thereby positioned at the edge regions 150 (Figure 8). From the second side, on which the outer circumferential surface 136 lies, the anchoring element 158 can be connected to the casing 116. The material connection, in particular by welding, can be made without additional material between the connecting sections 162 and the edge 148.The material connection is marked in Figure 6 by a dashed line 170.
[0108] The intermediate space 164 is preferably aligned with the free space 172 of the second section 144 between the edge region 150 and the web section 160, whereby any cleaning fluid between the web section 160 and the connecting sections 162 can be removed or dried in an improved manner during cleaning.
[0109] The conveying device 100 was described above using the example of conveying objects 102, which are closing elements of pharmaceutical containers.
[0110] The intended use of the conveying device according to the invention is not limited to the conveyance of such conveyed objects 102. It is also conceivable to use it with a different type of conveyed material, for example, containers made of different materials. For example, plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles, are conceivable.
[0111] Figure 9 schematically shows an advantageous embodiment of the conveying device according to the invention, designated by reference numeral 180. Identical reference numerals are chosen for identical or equivalent features and components of the conveying devices 100 and 180.
[0112] The casing 116 of the conveying device 180 has a shape that widens from the first side 128 to the second side 130, in this case conical and in particular in the form of a truncated cone. The at least one conveying track 140 is spiral-shaped. Furthermore, reference is made to the above statements regarding features of the conveying device 100, which may also be provided in the conveying device 180.
[0113] List of reference symbols
[0114] 100 conveyor device
[0115] 102 Funding Object
[0116] 104 funding pot
[0117] 106 Drive device
[0118] 108 floor wall
[0119] 110 Axis
[0120] 112 conveyor insert
[0121] 114 Conveyor device
[0122] 116 Coat
[0123] 118 Outer jacket
[0124] 120 outer jacket
[0125] 122 space
[0126] 124 space
[0127] 126 Transport track
[0128] 128 first page
[0129] 130 second page
[0130] 132 free edge
[0131] 134 inner circumferential surface
[0132] 136 outer peripheral surface
[0133] 138 passage opening
[0134] 140 conveyor belt
[0135] 142 first section
[0136] 144 second section
[0137] 146 Bulging
[0138] 148 Rand
[0139] 150 peripheral area
[0140] 152 Beginning
[0141] 154 End
[0142] 156 segments
[0143] 158 Anchoring element
[0144] 160 footbridge section
[0145] 162 connecting section
[0146] 164 Space Space Arrow Dashed Line Free Space Conveyor Device
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS Conveying device (100; 114; 180) for conveying objects, in particular for pharmaceutical packaging materials or parts thereof, wherein the conveying device (100; 114; 180) comprises or forms a conveying pot (104) with a bottom wall (108) or is part of a conveying pot (104) with a bottom wall (108), wherein the conveying device (100; 114;180) comprises a shell (116) comprising an inner circumferential surface (134) and an outer circumferential surface (136) extending from a first side (128) to a second side (130), and at least one conveying track (140) for the conveyed objects (102) extending in a curved shape along the inner circumferential surface (134) from the first side (128) to the second side (130), wherein the at least one conveying track (140) comprises at least one anchoring element (158) and the shell (116) comprises at least one through-opening (138) associated with the at least one anchoring element (158), wherein the at least one anchoring element (158) extends through or engages in the at least one through-opening (138) and is materially connected to an edge (148) of the at least one through-opening (138), in particular by welding. Conveyor device (100; 114;180) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one anchoring element (158) extends radially through the at least one through-opening (138) with respect to an axis (110) defined by the conveying device (100; 114; 180). Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the at least one anchoring element (158) is formed integrally with the at least one conveying track (140). Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one anchoring element (158) is formed integrally with the at least one conveying track (140). Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the anchoring element (158) is connected to the outer circumferential surface (136) with the edge (148) of the at least one through-opening (138). Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: a clearance (172) between the at least one anchoring element (158) within the at least one through-opening (138) of at least approximately 1 mm, preferably approximately 2 mm; a free space (172) between the at least one anchoring element (158) within the at least one through-opening (138) of less than approximately 5 mm, preferably less than approximately 3 mm.Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one anchoring element (158) is guided through the at least one through-opening (138) with clearance or engages in it with clearance. Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one anchoring element (158) comprises a web section (160) projecting from the at least one conveying track (140) and at least one connecting section (162) projecting from the web section (160), wherein the web section (160) extends through the at least one through-opening (138) and the at least one connecting section (162) is connected to the edge (148) at the outer circumferential surface (136). Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one anchoring element (158) comprises two connecting sections (162) projecting from the web section (160) in opposite directions, each of which is connected to the edge (148). Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that the at least one anchoring element (158) is substantially T-shaped or mushroom-shaped in a top view.Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the at least one through-opening (138) comprises a first section (142) and a second section (144) which is arranged laterally next to the first section (142), wherein the web section (160) extends through the second section (144) and the at least one connecting section (162) is connected laterally next to the first section (142) and the second section (144) to the edge (148), Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first section (142) is slot-shaped and / or that the second section (144) is formed as a bulge (146) of the first section (142).Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one through-opening (138) is designed at least partially as a slot, in particular with a longitudinal extension in the circumferential direction of the shell (116). Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveying track (140) comprises two or more anchoring elements (158) each connected to the shell (116). Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to claim 14, characterized in that the angular distance between adjacent anchoring elements (158) of the at least one conveying track (140) with respect to an axis of the conveying device is approximately 20° to 50°, preferably approximately 30° to 40°. Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the conveying device (100; 114; 180) is free from a connection between the at least one conveying track (140) and the shell (116) at the inner circumferential surface (134); the at least one conveying track (140) is free from contact with the shell (116) at the inner circumferential surface (134).Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the width of the at least one conveyor track (140) to the distance between adjacent conveyor tracks (140) or adjacent sections of a conveyor track (140) is approximately 1:4 to 1, preferably 1:3 to 3:
4. Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor device (100; 114; 180) comprises two or more conveyor tracks (140), in particular three conveyor tracks (140) which run into one another. Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (100; 114; 180) comprises or forms a conveying pot (104) which has a bottom wall (108), wherein the shell (116) protrudes from the bottom wall (108).Conveyor device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor device (100; 114; 180) has an insert (112) comprising the jacket (116) with the at least one conveying track (140), and at least one of the jacket. (116) outer shell (118, 120) surrounding in the circumferential direction and connected to the shell (116). Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (100; 114; 180) comprises a drive unit (106) for, in particular, oscillating drive. Conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the following applies: the shell (116) has a cylindrical shape, in particular the shape of a vertical circular cylinder, and the at least one conveying track (140) is helical; the shell (116) has a shape that widens, in particular conically, from the first side (128) to the second side (130), and the at least one conveying track (140) is spiral. Method for manufacturing a conveying device (100; 114; 180), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: Providing at least one conveyor track (140) comprising at least one anchoring element (158); Providing a sheath (116) or a flat material comprising at least one through-opening (138); positioning the at least one anchoring element (158) such that it extends from a first side of the sheath (116) or the flat material through or engages in the at least one through-opening (138); Connecting by material bonding, in particular by welding, the at least one anchoring element (158) to an edge (148) of the at least one through-opening (138) of a second side of the shell (116) or of the flat material, which faces away from the first side. Method for manufacturing a conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least one anchoring- The anchoring element (158) is connected to the sheath (116) or the flat material without the addition of any supplementary material. A method for manufacturing a conveying device (100; 114; 180) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the at least one conveying track (140) is formed before being provided from a plurality of segments (156) arranged in a direction of travel of the track, each of which comprises at least one anchoring element (158).