Method and device for automatically controlling at least two drivable belts in a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling at least two drivable belts (3, 4, 46, 47, 48, 49, 61, 64) in a system. The belts are each designed to transport containers in a first or second direction. The system comprises a machine that is upstream of the belts and / or a machine that is downstream of the belts. The method comprises: detecting a first operating state of the upstream machine and / or detecting a second operating state of the downstream machine; determining a speed to be selected for each of the belts based on the first and / or second operating state; and controlling the belts in accordance with the speed to be selected. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method, the system comprising a machine that is upstream of the belts and / or a machine that is downstream of the belts.

Description

[0001] Method and device for the automatic control of at least two drivable belts in a system

[0002] The invention relates to a method and device for the automatic control of at least two drivable belts in a system according to the independent claims.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] DE 31 19 990 A1 discloses a method for determining the filling level of buffer sections between vessel treatment machines for the purpose of regulating the throughput of machines and conveyors in a vessel treatment plant.

[0005] In general, buffer systems cannot react independently to disruptions in a filling line to ensure optimal use of buffer capacity or increase line efficiency. Furthermore, the quantity of containers dispensed is not constant or defined. Containers are usually dispensed in bulk, and the dispensed quantity is controlled by the pushing behavior on the line.

[0006] Task

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device that enable flexible and efficient control of a buffer device.

[0008] Solution

[0009] This object is achieved by the method and device according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims.

[0010] A method for automatically controlling at least two drivable belts in a system, wherein the belts are each designed to transport containers in a first direction or a second direction, wherein the system comprises a machine upstream of the belts and / or a machine downstream of the belts, comprises:

[0011] - Recording an initial operating state of the upstream machine and / or

[0012] - Recording a second operating state of the downstream machine,

[0013] - Determining a respective speed to be controlled for each of the belts based on the first operating state and / or the second operating state,

[0014] - Controlling the belts according to the respective speed to be controlled.

[0015] A direction (the first or second direction) and a speed value (the absolute value of the speed) can be assigned to the respective controlled speed. Therefore, if an upstream and a downstream machine are present in the system, the first operating state of the upstream machine and the second operating state of the downstream machine are recorded, and the respective controlled speed of the belts is determined based on the first operating state and the second operating state.

[0016] If there is only one upstream machine in the system, the first operating state of the upstream machine is recorded and the respective speed of the belts to be controlled is determined based on the first operating state.

[0017] If there is only one downstream machine in the system, the second operating state of the downstream machine is recorded and the speed of the belts to be controlled is determined based on the second operating state.

[0018] Controlling the bands can also include regulation.

[0019] The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

[0020] The belts can be regarded as a buffer device since they can also have a buffering effect in a container transport process due to their ability to transport containers in a first direction or a second direction.

[0021] The first operating state may comprise a first transport speed and / or a first power, and the second operating state may comprise a second transport speed and / or a second power.

[0022] The first and second transport speeds can each be assigned a direction and a speed value (amount of the speed).

[0023] The method may further comprise simulating a position of the containers in the system.

[0024] By simulating the position, it is possible to completely or largely eliminate the need to arrange light barriers or cameras in the system for monitoring purposes.

[0025] The simulation may further include evaluating sensor data from a sensor included in the system, for example, data from a light barrier included in the system, or may further include using a default value from the downstream machine. The data from the light barrier can be used to check and control the simulation. The default value of a downstream machine may include a number of processable containers for a given machine state.

[0026] The respective target speed can also be determined based on the specified belt occupancy of the belts. By taking the belt occupancy into account, for example, it can be avoided that there are too many containers or rows of containers on one belt.

[0027] The determination of the respective speed to be controlled can also be based on a predetermined number of containers that are to be delivered by the belts.

[0028] For example, the number of containers to be delivered can take into account an increased or reduced performance of a machine following the conveyor belts.

[0029] The at least two drivable belts can be two consecutive belts.

[0030] The at least two drivable belts can be arranged in parallel. A first and a second belt can be provided, arranged in parallel—that is, exactly two belts arranged in parallel. More than two belts arranged in parallel can also be provided.

[0031] In the case of at least two drivable belts arranged in parallel, the determination of the respective speed to be controlled can be further carried out based on a first distance to be covered by a container on a first belt of the belts to a position downstream of the belts and on a respective distance to be covered from a container on the other of the belts to the position.

[0032] A specified total dispensing rate for the belts can be based on a respective dispensing rate for the belts, whereby the respective dispensing rates can vary. The total dispensing rate or the dispensing rate can refer to a number of containers that can be dispensed by all pools or one of the belts, respectively.

[0033] For example, if exactly two belts are arranged in parallel, for a total output ratio of 120%, one of the belts can be operated with an output ratio of 100% and the other belt with an output ratio of 140%.

[0034] The method may further comprise communication with a secondary buffer included in the system, which may be arranged downstream of the belts, for regulating the belts according to the respective speed to be controlled. The secondary buffer may be drivable, connected to the belts, and also configured to transport containers in the first direction or the second direction.

[0035] During a system malfunction, additional containers or container rows can be buffered on the secondary buffer. The containers can be arranged as container rows on the belts. The container rows can be maintained while the first or second belt is moving in the first or second direction, and during a belt stop.

[0036] Alternatively, the containers can be arranged on the baths in a series in any arrangement, whereby, for example, a belt coverage of containers per square meter can be the same.

[0037] A device for automatically controlling at least two drivable belts in a system, wherein the belts are each designed to transport containers in a first direction or a second direction, wherein the system comprises a machine upstream of the belts and / or a machine downstream of the belts, is designed to carry out the method as described above or below.

[0038] For example, the device may include stored instructions that, when executed by a processor of the device, cause the device to perform this method.

[0039] The at least two drivable belts can be two consecutive belts, or the at least two drivable belts can be arranged in parallel. For example, exactly two parallel belts can be provided.

[0040] The device may further comprise a time delay element. The time delay element can provide a temporal offset when the respective controlled speeds of the belts can begin.

[0041] In the presence of exactly two parallel belts, the time delay element can be used to enable the speed of the first belt to be controlled and / or the speed of the second belt to be controlled to start with a certain time delay, so that a difference in the length of a first distance to be covered by a container on the first belt to a position downstream of the first and second belts and a second distance to be covered by a container on the second belt to the position can be taken into account.

[0042] Short character description

[0043] The attached figures represent aspects and / or embodiments of the invention by way of example for better understanding and illustration. It shows:

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the device with two parallel, drivable belts with a feed conveyor belt and a discharge conveyor belt running transversely thereto, Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary method for the automatic control of two parallel, drivable belts in a system,

[0045] Figure 3A shows a path-time diagram of several rows of containers on the first belt,

[0046] Figure 3B shows a path-time diagram of several rows of containers on the second belt,

[0047] Figure 4A is a speed-time diagram of the first band,

[0048] Figure 4B is a speed-time diagram of the second band,

[0049] Figure 5A shows the percentage occupancy of a first band as a function of time,

[0050] Figure 5B shows the percentage occupancy of a second band as a function of time,

[0051] Figure 6A shows the accumulation of containers of a first band as a function of time and linear regression thereto,

[0052] Figure 6B shows the accumulation of containers of a second band as a function of time and linear regression thereto,

[0053] Figure 60 the sum of the accumulation of containers of the first and second band as a function of time and linear regression to it,

[0054] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the device with four parallel, drivable belts with a feed conveyor belt and a discharge conveyor belt running transversely thereto and

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of the device with two successive belts, each with a feed conveyor belt and a discharge conveyor belt running transversely thereto.

[0056] Detailed character description

[0057] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the device with two parallel, drivable belts 3, 4 with a transversely extending feed belt

[0058] 1 and a discharge conveyor belt 7 running transversely thereto. The two belts 3, 4 can each be driven in a first direction 5 and in a second direction 6 and are each designed to transport containers in the first or the second direction 5, 6. The transporting can also include buffering of the containers. The first direction 5 and the second direction 6 are opposite to each other. The belts 3, 4 can also be stationary. The containers can be arranged in container rows, which can each be maintained during transport or buffering on the belts 3, 4. In the illustration, the feed conveyor belt 1 is driven in a third direction

[0059] 2 and the discharge conveyor belt 7 in a fourth direction 8, wherein the third and fourth directions 2, 8 are opposite to each other. Alternatively, the feed conveyor belt 1 and the discharge conveyor belt 7 can also be transported in the same direction.

[0060] The belts 3, 4 can be comprised of a system, wherein the system can comprise a machine upstream of the belts 3, 4 and / or a machine downstream of the belts 3, 4. In a method for automatically controlling these two belts 3, 4, a first operating state of the upstream machine and / or a second operating state of the downstream machine can be detected, depending on their presence. The determination of a respective controlled speed for each of the belts 3, 4 can be based on the first and / or the second operating state. The control of the belts 3, 4 can then be carried out in accordance with the respective controlled speed.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a block diagram 9 for an exemplary method for the automatic control of two parallel, drivable belts in a system. The system is provided with an inlet, a pasteurizer, a feed conveyor belt, the two belts, a buffer, and a discharge conveyor belt. Data 10 relating to the inlet is transferred to the pasteurizer, and data 11 from the pasteurizer is transferred to the feed conveyor belt. The pasteurizer can be viewed as a machine upstream of the first and second belts. Data 12 from the pasteurizer is transferred to the feed conveyor belt, and data 12 from this is transferred to the first and second belts. The first speed of the first belt can be controlled or regulated using measured values ​​19 and the output 20 of a first actuator. Correspondingly, the second speed of the second belt can be controlled or regulated using measured values ​​21 and the output 22 of a second actuator.

[0062] By way of example, a time delay element 15 is assigned to the second belt, to which data 14 from the second belt is supplied. The time delay element 15 allows the second speed to start with a certain time delay, so that a difference in the length of a first distance to be covered by a container on the first belt to a position downstream of the first and second belts and a second distance to be covered by a container on the second belt to that position can be taken into account.

[0063] Data 13 from the first belt and time-delayed data from the second belt are fed to an adder. Data 16 from the adder is fed to the buffer. The buffer can be viewed as a machine downstream of the first and second belts. Data 17 from the buffer can be transferred to the discharge conveyor 18.

[0064] Thus, by detecting a first operating state of the pasteurizer and detecting a second operating state of the buffer, it is possible to determine the first speed of the first belt and the second speed of the second belt based on the first operating state and the second operating state and to control the first and second belts accordingly.

[0065] Figure 3A shows a distance-time diagram 25 of several rows of containers on the first belt, which can thus be described, for example, by respective s(t) functions. The distance is given in meters, the time in seconds. The length of the first belt is 2 meters, as an example. The lines shown in the diagram, three of which are labeled 26, 27, and 28, each represent a row of containers being transported on the first belt.

[0066] Transport can occur by moving or stopping the first belt. For example, it can be moved / driven in the first direction (increasing the numerical value of the distance) or the second direction (decreasing the numerical value of the distance). The first belt can also be stationary (constant numerical value of the distance). Transport can include buffering the rows of containers. The individual rows of containers can remain constant at all times. The slope (first derivative of the s(t) function) of the curves shown corresponds to the speed of the first belt.

[0067] If the first and second directions are assumed to be parallel to the y-direction, the length of the first band is in the y-direction, the "path" represents the y-coordinate.

[0068] Figure 4A shows the speed-time diagram of the first band corresponding to the path-time diagram shown in Figure 3A.

[0069] Between 0 seconds and 20 seconds the system is in normal operation. The numerical values ​​for the paths of the individual container rows therefore show an increase. Container row 26 can leave the first belt during normal operation. Container row 27 is still on the first belt when, between 20 seconds and 80 seconds, a first malfunction occurs in the system and the release of containers from the first belt is prevented by appropriate control of the first belt. During the malfunction, however, new containers can still reach the first belt and can be buffered together with the existing ones for the duration of the first malfunction. For example, container row 28 reaches the first belt after the onset of the first malfunction.

[0070] It can be seen that after the onset and during the first disruption, the path of the container rows on the first belt decreases or remains the same, depending on whether the first belt is moving in the second or first direction or is stationary. Due to the change in direction, more container rows can reach the first belt than during normal operation, which can be seen, for example, in the decrease in the distance between the individual lines, for example, between 20 and 80 seconds and a path of 0 to 0.5 meters.

[0071] At 80 seconds, the first malfunction is resolved, and the containers accumulated on the first belt, i.e., the rows of containers, begin to be removed, i.e., transferred from the belt, for example, to a discharge device. The belt occupancy is the same on both belts. The different positive gradients of the lines at different time intervals mean that the first belt is moving at different speeds in the first direction. A gradient of zero, i.e., a constant numerical value for the distance, means that the first belt is stationary (for example, at a time of approximately 200 seconds).

[0072] At a time of 300 seconds, a second disruption occurs for a period of 20 seconds, so that the release of containers from the first belt is prevented by appropriate control of the first belt. During the disruption, however, new containers can still reach the first and second belts and can be buffered together with the existing ones for the duration of the second disruption. The gradient of zero, i.e. a constant numerical value for the distance, means that the first belt comes to a standstill after the start of the second disruption. After that, the distance of the rows of containers on the first belt decreases, remains the same for a short time and then increases, corresponding to a movement of the first belt in the second direction, a standstill and a movement in the first direction.Due to the change of direction, more rows of containers can reach the first belt than in normal operation, which can be seen, for example, in the reduction in the distance between the individual lines in the period from 310 to 320 seconds and a distance of 0 to 0.25 meters.

[0073] At time 320 seconds, the second malfunction is resolved, and the containers accumulated on the first belt, i.e., the rows of containers, begin to be removed, i.e., transferred from the belt to, for example, a discharge device. The different positive gradients of the lines at different time intervals mean that the first belt is moved at different speeds in the first direction.

[0074] Figure 3B shows a distance-time diagram 29 of several rows of containers on the second belt, which can thus be described, for example, by respective s(t) functions, with the framework conditions corresponding to those of Figure 3A. The distance is given in meters, the time in seconds. The length of the second belt is, for example, 2 meters. The lines shown in the diagram, three of which are designated by the reference numerals 30, 31, 32, each represent a row of containers being transported on the second belt.

[0075] Transport can occur by moving or stopping the second belt. For example, it can be moved / driven in the first direction (increasing the numerical value of the distance) or the second direction (decreasing the numerical value of the distance). The second belt can also be stationary (constant numerical value of the distance). Transport can include buffering the rows of containers. The individual rows of containers can remain constant at all times. The gradient (first derivative of the s(t) function) of the curves shown corresponds to the speed of the second belt.

[0076] If the first and second directions are assumed to be parallel to the y-direction, and the length of the second band is in the y-direction, the "path" represents the y-coordinate.

[0077] Figure 4B shows the speed-time diagram of the second band corresponding to the path-time diagram shown in Figure 3B.

[0078] Between 0 seconds and 20 seconds the system is in normal operation. The numerical values ​​for the paths of the individual container rows therefore show an increase. Container row 30 can leave the second belt during normal operation. Container row 31 is still on the second belt when, between 20 seconds and 80 seconds, a first malfunction occurs in the system and the release of containers from the second belt is prevented by appropriate control of the second belt. During the malfunction, however, new containers can still reach the second belt and can be buffered together with the existing ones for the duration of the first malfunction. For example, container row 32 reaches the second belt after the start of the first malfunction.

[0079] It can be seen that after the onset and during the first disruption, the path of the container rows on the second belt remains the same or decreases, depending on whether the second belt is stationary or moving in the second or first direction. Due to the change in direction, more container rows can reach the second belt than during normal operation, which can be seen, for example, in the decrease in the distance between the individual lines, for example, between 20 and 80 seconds and a path of 0 to 0.5 meters.

[0080] At 80 seconds, the first malfunction has been resolved, and the containers accumulated on the second belt, i.e., the rows of containers, begin to be removed, e.g., transferred from the belt to a discharge device. The different positive gradients of the lines at different time intervals mean that the second belt is moved at different speeds in the first direction.

[0081] At a time of 300 seconds, a second disruption occurs for a period of 20 seconds, so that the release of containers from the second belt is prevented by appropriate control of the second belt. During the disruption, however, new containers can still reach the second belt and can be buffered together with the existing ones for the duration of the second disruption. After the start of the second disruption, the path of the container rows on the second belt decreases, remains the same for a short time, then increases, remains the same for a short time, then decreases and remains the same for a short time, corresponding to a movement of the second belt in the second direction, a standstill, a movement in the first direction, a standstill, a movement in the second direction and a standstill.Due to the change of direction, more rows of containers can reach the second belt than in normal operation, which can be seen, for example, in the reduction in the distance between the individual lines in the period from 310 to 320 seconds and a distance of 0 to 0.5 meters.

[0082] At time 320 seconds, the second malfunction is resolved, and the containers accumulated on the second belt, i.e., the container rows, begin to be removed, i.e., transferred from the belt to, for example, a discharge device. The different positive gradients of the lines at different time intervals mean that the second belt is moved at different speeds in the first direction.

[0083] Figure 4A shows a velocity-time diagram 33 of the first belt, corresponding to the distance-time diagram in Figure 3A. The velocity is given in meters per minute, the time in seconds. The slope (first derivative of the v(t) function) of the curve shown corresponds to the acceleration of the first belt.

[0084] During the period from 0 seconds to 20 seconds during which the system is in normal operation, the first belt is driven in the first direction at a speed of 8 meters per minute (8 m / min).

[0085] The first malfunction in the system occurs between 20 and 80 seconds, and the release of containers from the first belt is prevented by controlling the first belt accordingly. The control can then adjust the speed and direction accordingly. Here, the first belt is initially slowed down as shown, so that the speed decreases from 8 m / min in the first direction until the belt comes to a brief standstill. The first belt is then moved in the second direction until it reaches a speed of approximately -3 m / min. In general, a positive speed value in the illustration corresponds to a speed in the first direction and a negative speed value to a speed in the second direction. This speed is maintained for some time.

[0086] The first belt is then slowed down again as shown, so that the speed decreases from -3 m / min in the second direction. The first belt remains stationary for a short time before being driven in the first direction until it reaches a speed of approximately 3 m / min. The belt is then slowed down so that the speed in the first direction decreases until the belt briefly stops. After that, the first belt is moved in the second direction until it reaches a speed of approximately -3 m / min. This process occurs five times in the example shown.

[0087] The first belt then slows down again, reducing its speed from -3 m / min in the second direction. The first belt remains stationary for a short time before being driven in the first direction.

[0088] At 80 seconds, the first malfunction is resolved, and the process of dismantling the rows of containers accumulated on the first belt begins, i.e., transferring them from the belt to a discharge device, for example. Therefore, the speed of the first belt in the first direction is increased to 8 m / min. After that, for a period of up to 300 seconds, the first belt is driven at various speeds in the first direction, or stopped for a certain period at a time of approximately 200 seconds.

[0089] Between 300 and 320 seconds, the second fault occurs in the system, and the discharge of containers from the first belt is prevented by appropriate control of the first belt. The belt is initially slowed down, then stopped for a while, and then moved in the second direction before slowing down again, stopping for a while, and then moving in the first direction. At 320 seconds, the second fault has been rectified, and the rows of containers accumulated on the first belt begin to be dismantled, i.e., they are transferred from the belt, for example, to a discharge device. For this purpose, the first belt is driven at different speeds in the first direction.

[0090] Figure 4B shows a velocity-time diagram 34 of the second belt, corresponding to the distance-time diagram in Figure 3B. The velocity is given in meters per minute, the time in seconds. The slope (first derivative of the v(t) function) of the curve shown corresponds to the acceleration of the second belt.

[0091] During the period from 0 seconds to 20 seconds during which the system is in normal operation, the second belt is driven in the first direction at a speed of 8 meters per minute (8 m / min).

[0092] The first malfunction in the system occurs between 20 and 80 seconds, and the discharge of containers from the second belt is prevented by appropriate control of the second belt. The control can adjust the speed and direction accordingly. Here, the second belt is first slowed down as shown so that the speed decreases from 8 m / min in the first direction until the belt is stationary for about 10 seconds. The second belt is then accelerated in the second direction until it reaches a speed of approximately -3 m / min. This speed is maintained for some time. In general, in the illustration, a positive speed value corresponds to a speed in the first direction and a negative speed value to a speed in the second direction.

[0093] The second belt is then slowed down again as shown, so that the speed decreases from -3 m / min in the second direction. The second belt stands still for a short time before being driven in the first direction until it reaches a speed of approximately 3 m / min. This speed is maintained for some time. The second belt is then slowed down so that the speed in the first direction decreases until the belt stands still for a short time. The second belt is then accelerated in the second direction until it reaches a speed of approximately -3 m / min. This process occurs four times in the example shown.

[0094] The second belt is then slowed down again as shown, so that the speed decreases from -3 m / min in the second direction. The second belt remains stationary for a short time before being driven in the first direction until it reaches a speed of approximately 3 m / min.

[0095] At 80 seconds, the first malfunction has been resolved, and the container rows accumulated on the second belt begin to be removed, i.e., transferred from the belt to the discharge device, for example. Therefore, the speed of the second belt is increased from 3 m / min to approximately 5.5 m / min. Afterward, the second belt is driven at various speeds in the first direction for up to 300 seconds.

[0096] Between 300 and 320 seconds, the second malfunction occurs in the system, and the discharge of containers from the second belt is prevented by appropriate control of the second belt. The belt initially slows down further, then stops for a short time, and then moves in the second direction before slowing down again, stopping for a short time, and then accelerating in the first direction until it reaches a speed of 3 m / min. This speed is maintained for some time before the belt slows down, then stops for a short time, and then moves in the second direction until it reaches a speed of -3 m / min.

[0097] At a time of 320 seconds, the second fault has been rectified and the rows of containers accumulated on the second belt have begun to be removed, i.e., they have been transferred from the belt, for example, to a discharge device. To do this, the second belt is first slowed down, stands still for a short time and is then accelerated in the first direction and driven at different speeds in the first direction. Figure 5A shows a representation 35 of the percentage occupancy (belt occupancy) of a first belt as a function of time, and Figure 5B shows a representation 36 of the percentage occupancy (belt occupancy) of a second belt as a function of time, which is given in seconds in each case. During normal operation of the system, here in the period from 0 to approximately 30 seconds and from approximately 230 seconds onwards, the percentage occupancy of the belts with containers is 12.5% ​​in each case. During a fault, the percentage occupancy increases approximately linearly.However, a reduction in capacity after a disruption to a value of 12.5% ​​occurs more unevenly. The reduction in capacity from the first and second conveyors can be carried out in such a way that subsequent machines are supplied with containers as optimally as possible.

[0098] Figure 6A shows a plot 37 of the accumulation of containers in a first lane as a function of time (given in seconds; abbreviated as s) and the corresponding linear regression. The measured data are shown in curve 38, and the linear regression is shown in straight line 39. The linear regression function is f(x)=0.038573(percent / s)x+6.6342.

[0099] Figure 6B shows a plot 40 of the accumulation of containers in a second belt as a function of time (given in seconds; abbreviated as s) and the corresponding linear regression. The measured data are shown in curve 41, and the linear regression is shown in straight line 42. The linear regression function is f(x)=0.041259 (percent / s) x+3.8564.

[0100] Figure 6C shows a plot 43 of the sum of the accumulations of containers in the first and second belts as a function of time (given in seconds; abbreviated as s) and the corresponding linear regression. The measured data and the linear regression agree so well that no separate reference symbols were assigned. For the linear regression, the function f(x) = 0.079832 (percent / s) x + 10.4906 applies. A gradient of 0.8 was expected.

[0101] The representation of the accumulation of containers shown in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C represents an exemplary condition with exemplary limit values ​​of the speed of 1 m / min and 8 m / min, respectively.

[0102] Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the device with four parallel, drivable belts 46, 47, 48, 49, each with a feed conveyor belt 44 and a discharge conveyor belt 50 running transversely thereto. The belts 46-49 can each be driven in a first direction 52 and in a second direction 53 and are each designed to transport containers in the first or second direction 52, 53. The transport can also include buffering of the containers. The first direction 52 and the second direction 53 are opposite to one another. The belts 46-49 can also be stationary. The containers can be arranged in container rows, which can each remain in place during transport or buffering on the belts 46-49. In the illustration, the feed conveyor belt 44 is moved in a third direction 45 and the discharge conveyor belt 50 in a fourth direction 51, wherein the third and fourth directions 45, 51 are opposite to each other.Alternatively, the feed conveyor belt 44 and the discharge conveyor belt 50 can also be transported in the same direction.

[0103] To determine the respective controllable speed of the belts, the distances 55, 56, 57, 58 that must be covered by a container on each of the belts 46-49 to a position 54 downstream of the belts 46-49 can also be taken into account. On a first belt 46 of the belts 46-49, a container must travel the distance 55 to position 54 downstream of the belts 46-49, which is shorter than the distance 58 that a container on a fourth belt 49 of the belts 46-49 must travel to position 54 downstream of the belts 46-49.

[0104] Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of the device with two consecutive belts 61, 64, each with a feed conveyor belt 59 and a discharge conveyor belt 67 running transversely thereto. The first belt 61 can be driven in a first direction 63 and in a second direction 62 and is designed to transport containers in the first or the second direction 63, 62. The transporting can also include buffering the containers. The first direction 63 and the second direction 62 are opposite to one another. The second belt 64 can be driven in a first direction 66 and in a second direction 65 and is designed to transport containers in the first or the second direction 66, 65. The transporting can also include buffering the containers. The first direction 66 and the second direction 65 are opposite to one another. The belts 61, 64 can also be stationary.The containers can be arranged in container rows, which can be retained during transport or buffering on the belts 61, 64.

[0105] The second band 64 is shown to be shorter than the first band 61. The second band 64 can be considered a secondary buffer.

[0106] In the illustration, the feed conveyor belt 59 is moved in a third direction 60 and the discharge conveyor belt 67 in a fourth direction 68, with the third and fourth directions 60, 67 being opposite to each other. Alternatively, the feed conveyor belt 59 and the discharge conveyor belt 67 can also be transported in the same direction.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for automatically controlling at least two drivable belts (3, 4) in a system, wherein the belts (3, 4) are each designed to transport containers in a first direction (5) or a second direction (6), wherein the system comprises a machine upstream of the belts (3, 4) and / or a machine downstream of the belts (3, 4), the method comprising: - Recording an initial operating state of the upstream machine and / or - Recording a second operating state of the downstream machine, - determining a respective speed to be controlled for each of the belts (3, 4) based on the first operating state and / or the second operating state, - Controlling the belts (3, 4) according to the respective speed to be controlled.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first operating state comprises a first transport speed and / or a first power and wherein the second operating state comprises a second transport speed and / or a second power.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Simulate a position of the containers in the system.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the simulating further comprises: Evaluating sensor data from a sensor included in the system, for example data from a light barrier included in the system, or using a default value from the downstream machine.

5. The method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination of the respective speed to be controlled is further carried out based on a respective predetermined band occupancy of the bands (3, 4).

6. The method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination of the respective speed to be controlled is further carried out based on a respective predetermined number of containers which are to be delivered by the belts (3, 4).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least two drivable belts are two consecutive belts.

8. The method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least two drivable belts are arranged in parallel.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the respective speed to be controlled is further based on a first distance to be covered by a container on a first of the belts to a position downstream of the belts and on a respective distance to be covered by a container on the other of the belts to the position.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein a predetermined total output ratio of the bands is based on a respective output ratio of the bands, the respective output ratios being different.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10 further comprising communication with a secondary buffer included in the system and arranged downstream of the belts for regulating the belts according to the respective speed to be controlled.

12. The method according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the containers are arranged on the belts as rows of containers.

13. Device for automatically controlling at least two drivable belts in a system, wherein the belts are each designed to transport containers in a first direction or a second direction, wherein the system comprises a machine upstream of the belts and / or a machine downstream of the belts, wherein the device is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the at least two drivable belts are two consecutive belts or wherein the at least two drivable belts are arranged in parallel.

15. The device according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a time delay element.

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