Device for guiding packages and / or containers and method for automatically controlling the device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023748764
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-12
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing devices for guiding containers along transport lanes require semi-automatic adjustment of guide plates, which poses a risk of injury to operating personnel due to the need for manual intervention between guide plates and adjustment rods.
A device with stiffenable joints in the connecting elements allows guide elements to pivot around a joint, enabling automatic adjustment without the need for manual intervention, reducing the risk of injury and allowing for fully automated operation.
The solution prevents crushing injuries during adjustment and enables full automation of the device, eliminating the need for manual supervision and allowing for safer and more efficient adjustment of guide elements.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Device for guiding packages and / or containers and method for automatically controlling the device
[0002] The invention relates to a device for guiding bundles and / or containers and a method for automatically controlling the device.
[0003] Devices with single- or multi-track transport lanes are used to transport packages and / or containers. The packages or containers are transported along the transport lanes. The transport lanes have railings with railing guides, roller conveyors, or guide plates that extend along the sides of the transport lanes in the direction of transport. The guide plates can be suspended, for example, over a conveyor belt. When changing package or container types, different widths may require an adjustment of the lane width. Therefore, the guide plates are suspended so they can be adjusted transversely to the direction of transport.
[0004] For this purpose, DE 101 46 447 C1 discloses adjusting the guide plates using an adjustment device. For this purpose, the guide plates are freely suspended from rods connected to a threaded spindle. The rods have openings perpendicular to the rod direction with an internal thread that engages the threaded spindle. However, this device can only be adjusted semi-automatically, since objects or body parts of the operator could be crushed between the guide plates and / or the rods during the adjustment process.
[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a device for guiding packages and / or containers in which the risk of injury during adjustment is reduced.
[0006] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description. In a device for guiding packages and / or containers along a transport direction, comprising at least one railing with at least two guide elements extending in the transport direction, which are arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the transport direction, and at least one adjusting device for adjusting the distance between the at least two guide elements, wherein the adjusting device is designed to adjust at least a first guide element of the at least two guide elements and at least the first guide element is fastened to the adjusting device via at least one connecting element, the invention provides that the connecting element is divided by at least one stiffenable joint, wherein the joint has a stiffening state,in which the joint is stiffened, and a mobility state in which the joint is movable, wherein the first guide element is pivotable about the joint in the mobility state of the joint relative to the adjusting device transversely to the transport direction.
[0007] The invention thus provides a device for guiding packages and / or containers in which crushing is avoided when the guide elements become blocked. Monitoring the adjustment of the distance between the guide elements is therefore no longer mandatory. At least one of the two guide elements, between which the distance is to be adjusted transversely to the transport direction, has a stiffenable joint on the connecting element. Preferably, the distance is then adjusted simply by adjusting this guide element. Furthermore, each guide element that is moved for the adjustment preferably has a joint. The connecting element of the guide element is divided by the joint. The two parts of the connecting element can be pivoted relative to one another around a joint axis due to the joint.Since a first part of the connecting element is connected to the adjustment device and thus fixed, the second part of the connecting element, to which the guide element is fastened, can be wasted relative to the first part and thus also relative to the adjustment device and the remaining components of the device around the joint. Furthermore, the stiffenable joint has at least two states. In a stiffened state, the joint cannot be bent. Pivoting of the guide element about the joint is not possible in the stiffened state. In a mobile state, the joint can be bent. In the mobile state, the guide element can be pivoted about the joint transversely to the transport direction. If an object or a body part of operating personnel is positioned in the path of movement of the guide element transversely to the transport direction when the guide element is adjusted, the guide element can accommodate the object orThe body part can be deflected by pivoting around the joint perpendicular to the transport direction. This prevents crushing or pinching of objects by the guide element during adjustment, so that supervision during adjustment is essentially unnecessary.
[0008] The adjustment device can, for example, be arranged above the guide elements on a bridge. The bridge can be oriented transversely to the transport direction, with at least one guide element being movable along the bridge. The bridge can be supported at its end sections to the side of the guide elements.
[0009] Furthermore, the adjustment device can move several guide elements, preferably each with its own adjustment drive. An adjustment drive can, for example, comprise a linear motor that is mounted on the bridge and can move along the bridge.
[0010] Furthermore, in another embodiment, several guide elements can be connected to the adjustment device via a joint. A connecting element can thus also connect several guide elements to the adjustment device. The guide elements can then be arranged, for example, one after the other along the transport direction.
[0011] The guide elements can, for example, be sheet metal guides, which are arranged freely suspended from the connecting elements, for example. The device can preferably comprise a conveyor belt, wherein the guide elements can be arranged suspended above the conveyor belt, e.g., on the bridge described above. The device can be part of a system for producing, treating, filling, etc., containers. The device can preferably be designed for transporting packages, although the transport of containers or other objects should not be excluded.
[0012] According to one embodiment, the joint can be changed from the mobility state to the stiffening state only in an extended state.
[0013] As long as the joint is flexed, i.e. as long as the guide element is pivoted about the joint relative to the adjustment device, the joint cannot change to the stiffened state. Forces acting laterally on the guide element can then cause the guide element to pivot further. This can also prevent the guide element from remaining in the wasted state. By monitoring the flexion state of the joint, the presence of objects in the adjustment path of the guide element can be detected and, if necessary, a warning signal can be triggered to prompt the removal of the object. Furthermore, resumption of operation of the device can then be delayed until the joint has changed to a stretched state.
[0014] According to a further embodiment, the device can have a clamping element on the joint for stiffening the joint, wherein the clamping element can be changed between a first functional position in which the clamping element stiffens the joint and a second functional position in which the clamping element releases the joint.
[0015] In this embodiment, the joint can be stiffened by means of the clamping element; in other embodiments, the joint can be stiffened in a different way. The change between the two functional positions of the clamping element can be achieved by moving the clamping element or by changing its orientation. It is also conceivable that the clamping element could be designed, for example, as a sleeve or linear bushing and enclose the joint in the first functional position.
[0016] In the first functional position, the clamping element can extend from one part of the split connecting element to the other part of the split connecting element. This allows the clamping element to prevent the second part of the connecting element from pivoting against the first part of the connecting element through positive engagement. The second part can thus be locked in the first functional position of the clamping element. The joint is thus enclosed by the clamping element and cannot be bent. The sleeve can be attached to a console guide, for example, by means of two retaining rings and a spacer ring. For this purpose, the console guide can have an elongated hole extending transversely to the transport direction.
[0017] In a further embodiment, the clamping element can be operatively connected to at least one drive, wherein the clamping element is movable along the connecting element by means of the drive to change between the first and second functional position.
[0018] In this example, the drive can move the clamping element along the connecting element, e.g., over the joint to change the clamping element into the first functional position, or away from the joint to change the clamping element into the second functional position.
[0019] It is further conceivable that the clamping element can be slidably mounted on a guide rail transversely to the transport direction and to the connecting element, wherein the guide rail extends transversely to the transport direction and to the connecting element and is movable along the connecting element.
[0020] The guide rail can be the console guide described above. Furthermore, a guide rail drive can move the guide rail along the connecting element. When the connecting element or guide element moves transversely to the transport direction, the clamping element can slide in the guide rail transversely to the transport direction and to the connecting element in the guide rail.
[0021] If multiple guide elements are connected to the adjustment device via at least one joint, a guide rail drive can drive multiple clamping elements simultaneously during the transition between the first and second functional positions. These clamping elements can be connected to each other via the guide rail, allowing them to move relative to each other transversely to the transport direction. Furthermore, the guide rail drive can move the guide rail along the connecting element, for example, with a force in the range of 1 N to 119 N.
[0022] The guide rail drive can be, for example, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, magnetic or mechanical.
[0023] According to one embodiment, the device may comprise a return element, in particular a spring element, wherein the return element drives the clamping element into the second functional position by means of a return force.
[0024] By returning the clamping element to the second functional position, a counterforce must be actively exerted against the return force of the return element when changing to the first functional position, whereby the counterforce must be greater than the return force. If the counterforce is no longer present, e.g., in the event of a power failure, the clamping element automatically switches to the second functional position. This can provide a fail-safe mode in which the stiffenable joint is movable. The return forces of the return element can, for example, range from 1 N to 119 N.
[0025] The return element can also be attached, for example, to the guide rail and to a bridge as described above. The bridge can be a rail of the adjustment device.
[0026] According to one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one first sensor element for detecting the stiffening state of the joint and / or at least one second sensor element for detecting the mobility state of the joint.
[0027] The first and / or second sensor element can support full automation, allowing it to detect whether the stiffening state or the mobility state is reached. If one of the two states is not achieved, a warning signal can be issued, which can be used, for example, to request an inspection by operating personnel.
[0028] If the clamping element described above is provided, a sensor element can be designed as a limit switch for the clamping element.
[0029] Additional sensor elements can, for example, detect a bending of the joint or a position of the guide rail described above or the pivotable second part of the connecting element.
[0030] According to one embodiment, the device may comprise a control unit for controlling the device, wherein the control unit is designed to monitor the stiffening state and / or the mobility state for receiving sensor signals of at least one sensor element.
[0031] The control unit allows the device to be adjusted fully automatically. Especially when sensor elements are included, the distance between the guide elements can be adjusted fully automatically. This allows, for example, the device to be adjusted in sections as soon as the corresponding sections no longer contain any containers to be transported. There's no longer any need to wait for operators to perform the adjustment.
[0032] According to one embodiment, the connecting element can be designed as a rod that extends between the guide element and the adjusting device.
[0033] According to one embodiment, the device can have a housing which encloses the at least one adjusting device, wherein the at least one joint is arranged within the housing and the at least one connecting element extends from the housing to the guide element through an elongated hole extending transversely to the transport direction.
[0034] Furthermore, the clamping elements described above can also be arranged within the housing. This allows the joint to transition between the stiffened and flexible states in an environment protected by the housing. This further reduces the risk of injury.
[0035] Furthermore, the slot can preferably have a brush as an anti-interference device to further reduce the risk of injury.
[0036] According to one embodiment, the joint can be designed as a rotary joint, a spring joint, a solid joint, a ball joint, a locking joint or a cardan joint.
[0037] It is also conceivable for the joint to have a tube filled with a fluid. By controlling the pressure, the tube can be switched between a stiffened state and a flexible state.
[0038] If the joint is designed as a rotary joint, the joint can have an axis, in particular a pin, which is fastened to a first part of the connecting element, wherein a second part of the connecting element, which is fastened to the guide element, is pivotally mounted on the axis.
[0039] Alternatively, the axle can be attached to the second part, with the axle being rotatably mounted on the first part.
[0040] Another embodiment of a rotary joint can, for example, be a joint that has a pin that can be moved linearly along the connecting element in an elongated hole in the first part. The stiffening state and the mobility state are achieved by pulling the two parts of the connecting element together or apart. By pulling them together, the parts are placed against each other and can no longer move against each other. The pulling together can be actively achieved by applying a force. If the force is removed, the two parts are spaced apart from each other and the joint is in the mobility state.
[0041] If the joint is a locking joint, it can, for example, have two discs, with one disc attached to the first part and the other to the second part. The discs can be connected to one another via a pivot and have teeth on the sides facing each other. When the locking disc is pressed together, stiffening occurs. Otherwise, one disc can be twisted against the other. A clamping element as described above can press the discs together in the first functional position. A spring can push the two discs apart when the clamping element is in the second functional position.
[0042] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a device according to the preceding description, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: changing the joint to the mobility state; adjusting the distance between the at least two guide elements by moving at least the first guide element transversely to the transport direction by means of the adjusting device when the joint is in the mobility state; and changing the joint to the stiffened state after adjusting the distance.
[0043] Advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the method, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.
[0044] According to one embodiment, the device can have a first and a second sensor element according to the preceding description, and the method can further comprise one of the following steps: checking whether the joint reaches the mobility state when changing to the mobility state; and / or checking whether the joint reaches the stiffening state when changing to the stiffening state. In a further embodiment, it is conceivable that the method can further comprise the following steps: detecting a format change by receiving a format change signal and stopping a container or pack feed into the device; determining the required distance between the guide elements; determining whether at least one area of the device is free of containers and / or packs; carrying out the steps according to the preceding description for the at least one area.
[0045] These steps can be repeated until all areas of the device have been adjusted.
[0046] Furthermore, the steps described above can be carried out by a control unit of the device, e.g. with the control unit described above.
[0047] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. They show:
[0048] Figure 1 a, b shows a schematic representation of a device for guiding packages and / or containers with a housing;
[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a device without a housing;
[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the device;
[0051] Figure 4a, b a schematic representation of the stiffenable joint in the stiffening state (a) and the mobility state (b);
[0052] Figure 5a, b a schematic representation of an embodiment of the stiffenable joint;
[0053] Figures 6a-d show a schematic representation of another embodiment of the stiffenable joint; Figures 7a, b show a schematic representation of another embodiment of the stiffenable joint;
[0054] Figure 8a-c is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the device; and
[0055] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the method for automatically controlling the device.
[0056] The device for guiding packages and / or containers along a transport direction 12 is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 below, as shown in Figure 1a.
[0057] In this exemplary embodiment, the device 10 has a railing 14 comprising a plurality of guide elements 16, which can be designed as guide plates. The guide elements 16 are attached to connecting elements 22 and arranged freely suspended above a conveyor belt 13. Furthermore, the guide elements 16 are arranged transversely to the transport direction 12 at a distance 18 from one another. The distance 18 determines the maximum width of the bundle or container that can be guided along the transport direction 12 by the guide elements 16.
[0058] The device 10 further comprises an adjustment device 19 for adjusting the distance 18 between the guide elements 16. The adjustment device 19 can be arranged at least partially within a housing 32 to protect against injuries. Adjustment drives 21 of the adjustment device 19 are arranged outside the housing 32 in Figure 1a.
[0059] The device 10 can be divided into different areas 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, wherein each area can have its own guide elements 16 and adjustment devices 19.
[0060] According to Figure 1b, the connecting elements 22 protrude into the housing 32 through first openings 34 formed as elongated holes. The first openings 34 extend transversely to the transport direction 12 and can have brushes as protection against intrusion. The connecting elements 22 can be moved along the first openings 34 by the adjusting device 19 to adjust the distance 18.
[0061] A control unit 40 can control the device 10. In particular, the control unit 40 can control the adjustment device 19 for adjusting the guide elements 16.
[0062] Figure 2 shows a portion of the device 10 without the housing 32. Since the housing 32 is optional, Figure 2 can represent a separate embodiment of the device 10.
[0063] The connecting elements 22 are mounted on the adjustment device 19. For this purpose, the adjustment device 19 can have at least one threaded rod 36, wherein the connecting elements 22 comprise internal threads 20 that engage with the threaded rod 36. By rotating the threaded rod 36 by means of the adjustment drive 21, the distance 18 can be adjusted.
[0064] The connecting elements 22 can be designed as rods and have a stiffenable joint 24 with a stiffened state and a movable state. The stiffenable joint 24 divides the connecting element 22 into two parts. A first part 23 has the internal thread 20 and is not pivotable about the joint 24. The guide element 16 is attached to the second part 25. The second part 25 can be used with the guide element 16 around the stiffenable joint 24 when the stiffenable joint 24 is in the movable state, as shown in Figure 3.
[0065] Figure 3 further shows that the joints 24 allow pivoting of the guide elements 16 transversely to the transport direction 12. The transport direction 12 is marked in Figure 3 as a top view of an arrowhead.
[0066] If the guide elements 16 encounter an obstacle while adjusting the distance 18, the guide elements 16 pivot transversely to the transport direction 12 relative to the further moving adjustment device 19. The first part 23 of the connecting element 22 is moved further by the adjustment device 19, while the second part 25 of the connecting element is pivoted about the joint 24. The object, in particular body parts of operating personnel, that is located in the path of movement of the adjusted guide element 16 is thus not crushed. By means of the stiffenable joint 24, the guide element 16 can thus perform an evasive movement.
[0067] After the desired distance 18 between the guide elements 16 has been set, the stiffenable joint 24 is switched to the stiffened state. In the stiffened state, the guide element 16 cannot pivot about the joint 24.
[0068] Figures 4a and 4b show the stiffening state and the mobility state of an embodiment of the stiffenable joint 24. In this embodiment, the joint 24 is designed as a rotary joint. A clamping element 26, which may be designed as a sleeve, can be arranged on the joint 24. The clamping element 26 can be designed to be movable along the connecting element 22.
[0069] In Figure 4a, the clamping element 26 extends from the first part 23 across the joint 24 to the second part 25 of the connecting element 22, so that the joint 24 cannot be bent. Figure 4a shows the first functional position, in which the clamping element 26 stiffens the joint 24. The clamping element 26 encloses the joint 24 and fixes the second part 25 relative to the first part 23 of the connecting element 22. The joint 24 is then in the stiffened state.
[0070] In Figure 4b, the clamping element 26 is arranged above the joint 24 on the connecting element 22, with the joint 24 free from the clamping element 26. Figure 4b shows the second functional position, in which the clamping element 26 releases the joint 24. The joint 24 is then in the movable state.
[0071] The clamping element 26 can be mounted on a guide rail 30, e.g., a carrier bracket, via at least one retaining ring 27. In this embodiment, the clamping element 26 has two retaining rings 27, which are spaced apart from each other by a spacer ring 29.
[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the clamping element 26 can only switch between the first functional position and the second functional position when the joint 24 is extended, i.e., the first part 23 and the second part 25 are arranged in a line. When the joint 24 is bent, the clamping element 24 cannot switch from the first functional position to the second functional position in this embodiment.
[0073] Figures 5a and 5b show the two functional states of the clamping element 26 in a three-dimensional schematic representation. The clamping element 26, designed as a sleeve, extends around the connecting element 22. In the first functional position according to Figure 5a, the clamping element 26 bridges the joint 24 and connects the two parts 23, 25.
[0074] Figures 6a to 6d show a further embodiment of the stiffenable joint 24.
[0075] In this embodiment, the joint 24 has a pin 42, which can be non-rotatably attached to the second part 25 of the connecting element 22. As shown in Figure 6a, the pin 42 is slidably mounted in an elongated hole 44. The elongated hole 44 is arranged on the first part 23 of the connecting element 22. Alternatively, the pin 42 can also be arranged on the first part 23 and the elongated hole 44 on the second part 25.
[0076] Figure 6b shows a side view of Figure 6a. The joint 24 is shown here in the movable state. The second part 25 of the connecting element 22 can be pivoted relative to the first part 23 about the stiffenable joint 24.
[0077] Figures 6c and 6d show the stiffened state of the joint 24. For this purpose, the second part 25 is displaced relative to the first part 23. In this exemplary embodiment, this can be achieved by lifting the second part 25. According to Figure 6c, the pin 42 is guided along the elongated hole 44 closer to the first part 23. Figure 6d shows a side view of Figure 6c. According to Figure 6d, the end faces of the parts 23, 25 abut one another. The abutting of the end faces prevents pivoting of the second part 25 about the joint 24 by a positive fit. The joint 24 is therefore in the stiffened state.
[0078] The second part 25 can be lifted actively, whereby the lifting force must be actively applied. If the force is lost, the second part 25 is automatically dropped. This provides a fail-safe mechanism that returns the joint 24 to the mobile state in the event of a loss of the active force.
[0079] Figures 7a and 7b show another embodiment of the joint 24.
[0080] According to Figure 7a, the joint 24 has a locking disc 46. The double arrow shown indicates the possible pivoting direction of the second part 25 when the joint 24 is in the movable state.
[0081] Figure 7b shows a side view of the joint 24. The locking disc 46 shown in Figure 7a is connected to another locking disc 50 via an axis 47. The locking disc 46 is attached to the first part 23. The locking disc 50 is attached to the second part 25 and is rotatable about the axis 47 relative to the locking disc 46.
[0082] Both locking discs 46, 50 have toothed surfaces 48, 51 facing each other. In the stiffened state, the locking discs 46, 50 are pushed toward each other along the axis 47, and the toothed surfaces 48, 51 engage with each other. Rotation of the locking disc 50 relative to the locking disc 46 is thus blocked.
[0083] Spring elements 53 can be arranged between the locking discs 46, 50. In the stiffened state, these elements exert a force that drives the locking discs 46, 50 apart along the axis 47. When the locking discs 46, 50 are moved away from each other along the axis 47, the toothed surfaces 48, 51 are separated, and the joint 24 is in the movable state. To maintain the stiffened state, a force must therefore be actively applied to counteract the spring force. This can be achieved, for example, by sliding a sleeve over the joint 24.
[0084] In further embodiments, the joint 24 can be designed as a rotary joint, a spring joint, a solid joint, a ball joint, a locking joint or a cardan joint.
[0085] Figures 8a to 8c show a plurality of connecting elements 22 with joints 24. The joints 24 are designed according to the exemplary embodiment, among others, as shown in Figures 4a to 5b.
[0086] The clamping elements 26 are mounted in guide rails 30 such that the guide rails 30 carry the clamping elements 26 along the connecting elements 22 during movement. A drive 28 can move the guide rails 30 in one direction along the connecting elements 22. The clamping elements 26 carried by the guide rail 30 are therefore operatively connected to the drive 28, whereby the drive 28 can switch these clamping elements 26 between the first and second functional positions. The drive 28 can, for example, have at least one short-stroke cylinder, in particular an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic one.
[0087] Furthermore, the drive 28 can be designed to be unilaterally retroactive. Then, the drive 28 can only change the clamping elements 26 from the second to the first functional position.
[0088] Furthermore, at least one return element 56 can be provided, which exerts a return force. The return force can raise the guide rail 30 and thus change the clamping elements 26 into the second functional position in order to release the joints 24. The drive 28 must therefore act against the return force in order to lower the guide rail 30 and bring the clamping elements 26 into the first functional position. The return element 56 can be fastened with one end section to the guide rail 30 and with an opposite end section to a bridge element 39, which is mounted on holding elements 38 that support the bridge element 39 on the floor. The adjustment device 19 can also be fastened to the holding elements 38.
[0089] In the event of a failure of the drive 28, the clamping elements 26 can therefore be automatically changed into the second functional position so that the joints 24 are in the movable state.
[0090] The clamping elements 26 are movably mounted transversely to the direction of extension of the connecting elements 22 and transversely to the transport direction 12 along second openings 31, as shown in Figure 8c. The second openings 31 can be designed as elongated holes.
[0091] The device 10 can further comprise a first sensor element 52 to monitor the stiffening state. The first sensor element 52 can, for example, be a limit switch that switches when the clamping element 26 has reached the first functional position. The first sensor element 52 can, for example, be arranged on the drive 28 and switch when the drive 52 has reached a corresponding position.
[0092] Furthermore, the device 10 can have a second sensor element 54 to monitor the mobility state. The second sensor element 54 can also be a limit switch that switches when the clamping element 26 has reached the second functional position. The second sensor element 54 can also be arranged, for example, on the drive 28 and switch when the drive 52 has reached a corresponding position.
[0093] The sensor signals of the first and second sensor elements 52, 54 can be received and evaluated by the control unit 40.
[0094] The control unit 40 can, for example, only instruct the adjustment device 19 to adjust the distance 18 when the second sensor element 54 transmits a second sensor signal. Likewise, the control unit 40 can, for example, only instruct the device 10 to resume transport operation when the first sensor element 52 transmits a first sensor signal. If one of the sensor signals is missing, the control unit 40 can issue a warning signal to request an inspection by operating personnel.
[0095] Additional sensor elements can be provided. For example, a further sensor element (not shown) can be provided to detect packages or containers in an area 58, 60, 62, 64, 66 of the device 10. The adjusting devices 19 arranged in the corresponding areas 58-66 can be controlled separately by the control unit 40 when the additional sensor elements emit signals indicating that these areas are empty.
[0096] Additional sensor elements can, for example, indicate a change in the format of the containers or bins to be transported.
[0097] The control unit 40 can then be further configured to carry out a method 100 for automatically controlling the device 10.
[0098] A flow chart of the method 100 is shown in Figure 9. It can be carried out after emptying the
[0099] In an optional step 112, it can first be determined whether a format change should take place. This is done by receiving a format change signal. The format change signal can be generated by a sensor element or initiated manually by operating personnel.
[0100] Next, in step 112, the supply of containers or packs to the device 10 is stopped. This stopping can occur actively, e.g., by shutting down transport equipment. Alternatively, it can also occur passively, e.g., if the inflow of containers or packs stops anyway due to the format change.
[0101] In a further optional step 114, the required distance 18 between the guide elements 16 for the containers or bins can be determined. This can also be done using sensor signals or by input from operating personnel.
[0102] In a further optional step 116, it can be determined whether an area 58-66 is free of containers or bins. This determination can also be made using sensor signals as described above.
[0103] If an area 58-66 is free of containers or packages, the stiffenable joint 24 in the corresponding area 58-66 is switched to the movable state in a step 102. This can be performed as described above.
[0104] In an optional step 108, during and after step 102, it can be checked whether the joint 24 reaches the mobility state. For this purpose, the second sensor element 54 can be used, for example, which outputs a second sensor signal upon reaching the mobility state.
[0105] After reaching the mobility state, the distance 18 can then be adjusted in a further step 104. This is carried out by means of the adjustment device 19.
[0106] After adjusting the distance 18, the joint 24 can be switched to the stiffened state in a further step 106. This can be done as described above.
[0107] In a further optional step 110, during and after step 106, it can be checked whether the joint 24 has reached the stiffening state. For this purpose, the first sensor element 52 can be used, for example, which emits a first sensor signal upon reaching the stiffening state. Subsequently, in a step not shown, the new format can be released, allowing the next formats to be approached.
[0108] The example described above does not limit the invention in any way. Rather, the invention can be modified in many ways. All of the features of the invention described above can be essential to the invention alone or in combination with one another.
[0109] List of reference symbols
[0110] 10 Device 36 Threaded rod
[0111] 12 Transport direction 38 Holding element
[0112] 13 Conveyor belt 39 Bridge element
[0113] 14 railings 40 control unit
[0114] 16 Guide element 42 Pin
[0115] 18 Distance 44 Slot
[0116] 19 Adjustment device 46 Locking disc
[0117] 20 internal thread 47 axis
[0118] 21 Adjustment drive 48 toothed surface
[0119] 22 Connecting element 50 Locking disc
[0120] 23 first part 51 toothed surface
[0121] 24 Joint 52 first sensor element
[0122] 25 second part 54 second sensor element
[0123] 26 Clamping element 56 Return element
[0124] 28 Drive 58 Area
[0125] 30 guide rail 60 area
[0126] 31 second opening 62 area
[0127] 32 Housing 64 Area
[0128] 34 first opening 66 area
Claims
Claims 1. Device for guiding packages and / or containers along a transport direction (12), comprising at least one railing (14) with at least two guide elements (16) extending in the transport direction (12) and arranged at a distance (18) from one another transversely to the transport direction (12), and at least one adjusting device (19) for adjusting the distance (18) between the at least two guide elements (16), wherein the adjusting device (19) is designed to adjust at least a first guide element (16) of the at least two guide elements (16) and at least the first guide element (16) is fastened to the adjusting device (19) via at least one connecting element (22), characterized in that the connecting element (22) is divided by at least one stiffenable joint (24), wherein the joint (24) has a stiffening state, in which the joint (24) is stiffened, and a mobility state,in which the joint (24) is movable, wherein the first guide element (16) is pivotable about the joint (24) relative to the adjusting device (19) transversely to the transport direction (12) in the movable state of the joint (24).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint (24) can be changed from the mobility state to the stiffening state only in an extended state.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (10) has a clamping element (26) on the joint (24) for stiffening the joint (24), wherein the clamping element (26) is interchangeable between a first functional position in which the clamping element (26) stiffens the joint (24) and a second functional position in which the clamping element (26) releases the joint (24). Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the clamping element (26) is designed as a sleeve or linear bushing and encloses the joint (24) in the first functional position. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the clamping element (26) is operatively connected to at least one drive (28), wherein the clamping element (26) is movable along the connecting element (22) by means of the drive (28) to change between the first and second functional position. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the clamping element (26) is slidably mounted on a guide rail (30) transversely to the transport direction (12) and to the connecting element (22), wherein the guide rail (30) extends transversely to the transport direction (12) and to the connecting element (22) and is movable along the connecting element (22).Device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the device (10) has a restoring element (56), in particular a spring element, wherein the restoring element (56) drives the clamping element (26) into the second functional position by means of a restoring force. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) has at least one first sensor element (52) for detecting the stiffening state of the joint (24) and / or at least one second sensor element (54) for detecting the mobility state of the joint (24). Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the device (10) has a control unit (40) for controlling the device (10), wherein the control unit (40) is designed to monitor the stiffening state and / or the mobility state by receiving sensor signals from at least one sensor element (52, 54). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (22) is designed as a rod that extends between the guide element (16) and the adjusting device (19). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) has a housing (32) that encloses the at least one adjusting device (19), wherein the at least one joint (24) is arranged within the housing (32) and the at least one connecting element (22) extends through an elongated hole (34) extending transversely to the transport direction (12) from the housing (32) to the guide element (16). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint (24) is designed as a rotary joint, a spring joint, a solid-state joint, a ball joint, a locking joint, or a universal joint.Method for automatically controlling a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises at least the following steps:. Changing (102) the joint (24) into the mobility state; Adjusting (104) the distance between the at least two guide elements (16) by moving at least the first guide element (16) transversely to the transport direction (12) by means of the adjusting device (19) when the joint (24) is in the movable state; and Changing (106) the joint (24) to the stiffened state after adjusting the distance. The method according to claim 13, wherein the device (10) comprises a first and a second sensor element according to claim 8, and the method (100) further comprises one of the following steps: Checking (108) whether the joint (24) reaches the mobility state when changing to the mobility state; and / or Checking (110) whether the joint (24) reaches the stiffened state when changing to the stiffened state. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: Detecting (112) a format change by receiving a format change signal and stopping a container or pack feed into the device (10); Determining (114) the required distance (18) between the guide elements (16); Determining (116) whether at least one area (58 - 66) of the device (10) is free of containers and / or packages; Performing the steps of claim 13 or 14 for the at least one region.