Device and method for de-stacking stacked articles

Abstract

A device for de-stacking a stack (1) of articles, in particular of cup-like capsules (1.1 -1.n), in particular with a peripheral edge, comprises separating elements (2.1, 2.7) for engaging between adjacent articles (1.1, 1.2) of the stack (1) of articles. A plurality of these separating elements (2.1 - 2.12) are arranged in engagement in the stack (1) all around the stack (1), and the separating elements (2.1 - 2.12) of the plurality are mounted to be radially movable. The separating elements (2.1 - 2.12) of the plurality are each mounted resiliently (3.1 - 3.12), and the device comprises a mechanism (5, 11.1, 11.2) for moving the separating elements (2.1 - 2.12) of the plurality outwards, into a position of non-engagement in the stack (1). The device permits the automatic de-stacking of stacked articles which are fragile yet at the same time fit firmly into one another and have irregularities in terms of their orientation within the stack.

Description

[0001] Device and method for separating stacked objects

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a device and a method for separating a stack of objects, in particular cup-like capsules, especially with a peripheral edge, wherein separating elements are provided to engage between adjacent objects of the stack. A plurality of these separating elements are arranged around the stack and mounted for radial movement.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Such separation is particularly necessary in manufacturing and processing processes, for example, when objects of a certain type are stored or temporarily stored in stacks, but processing steps require these objects to be present individually. This could be, for example, the automatic filling of cup-like capsules that are initially stacked after production. In a production line, separation must be as reliable, fast, cost-effective, and low-maintenance as possible. This, in turn, requires solutions that do not require complex control mechanisms or sensors.

[0006] Methods and devices for separating stacked objects already exist. European patent application EP 2 799 350 A1 (ES Plastic GmbH), for example, discloses a device for unstacking trays stacked one inside the other, which are equipped, in particular, with a circumferential edge. The device comprises at least one shaft for receiving a stack of trays and a lower, movable separating blade that is arranged to move between a closed position, in which it closes the shaft on the removal side, and an open position, in which the lower tray to be removed is released, and vice versa. In addition, the invention comprises movable separating blades that can enter the gaps between the trays and thus hold the stack in the shaft during the separation process, while releasing the bottommost tray.

[0007] The device also includes a driven, movable suction device with at least one suction element for contact with the tray to be removed. This allows a tray to be secured to the suction device.

[0008] A disadvantage of this device becomes apparent when a stack of objects is to be separated where there are irregular gaps around the circumference between the individual objects in the stack, e.g. due to objects in the stack that are positioned at an angle to the stack axis. In this case, there is a risk that the separating knives will encounter a gap between the objects that is not large enough for the respective separating knife to enter. It can then happen that a separating knife, regardless of the gap being too small, takes up its end position facing the stack and thus damages the objects in the stack, e.g. crushes them. Alternatively, the separating knife could be damaged in this case, or the stack could not be separated effectively.

[0009] CN 1 1 1874643 A (Zhejiang Wie Chi Light Ind Machinery Co Ltd) discloses a separating device for stacked tray-shaped cans. This device comprises curved blades that can penetrate into a gap between the bottommost can and the adjacent can. To separate the can, smaller cutting blades integrated into the curved blades move downward, pushing the bottommost can away from the stack. The remaining stack is held in place by the curved blades.

[0010] Here, too, the separation process of the stacked cans only works if the gaps between the cans allow the curved knives to engage in the stack.

[0011] CN 207 12 1210 U (Shanghai Maike Machinery Co Ltd) discloses an automatic cup feeding device for individually removing stacked paper cups. This device comprises a guide for storing and holding the stack of cups, wherein the guide includes a cup feed hole through which the cups to be removed pass during removal. It further comprises a plurality of flexible tabs that project into the cup feed hole. These tabs can deform so that a cup falls through the cup feed hole, but in their relaxed state they prevent the stacked cups from falling through. A cup holder below the cup feed hole can use negative pressure to hold a cup in place and remove it from the stack. During this process, the tabs on the cup feed hole deform enough to allow this cup to pass through, but return to their relaxed state quickly enough to hold the remaining stack.

[0012] The disadvantage of this device is that the flexible tabs must deform sufficiently to allow a cup to pass through during removal, but at the same time, their spring force must prevent the rest of the stack from passing through. If the cup being removed is so tightly wedged with the adjacent cup that a greater force than the spring force of the tabs is required to separate them, the device cannot effectively separate these cups.

[0013] Description of the invention

[0014] The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset, which allow effective separation of stacked objects, in particular cup-like capsules, even when the objects are inclined relative to the stacking axis, without the objects being damaged, wherein the device is constructed in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0015] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claims 1 and 12. In the device according to the invention, the separating elements of the plurality are individually spring-mounted, and the device comprises a mechanism for moving the separating elements outward into a position without engagement with the stack.

[0016] A stack refers to a set of similar objects arranged along a stacking axis, touching one another, and especially nested within one another. This means that no individual object in the stack can be moved individually along the stacking axis without moving other objects along with it, unless it is an object at the end of the stack that can be moved away from the stack along the stacking axis. Separation refers to the detachment of a stacked object from the stack.

[0017] The objects can, for example, be open capsules whose cup-like bodies have been nested together. The process is particularly suitable for separating cup-like capsules made of fiber material, which, while easy to stack, can be easily damaged during separation due to their fragility.

[0018] If the object has a peripheral edge, this is a flat, protruding bulge on the object that is furthest from the stacking axis of all areas of the object.

[0019] The separating elements are components that have a suitable shape to engage in a gap between two objects in a stack of objects to be separated. Their extension in the direction of the stack axis is selected in such a way that it is smaller than the gap size between the objects in the stack, as long as these objects are not inclined relative to the stack axis. The gap size refers to the smallest extent of the space in the direction of the stack axis into which the separating elements must enter in order to engage between two objects in the stack.

[0020] Intervention here means that at least a part of the corresponding separating element is located, with respect to the stack axis, between parts of two adjacent objects of the stack, i.e. a part of the separating element is closer to the stack axis than the object parts above and below the separating element that are furthest away from the stack axis and the stack is not freely movable in any direction along the stack axis without these object parts touching the separating element.

[0021] A plurality of separating elements refers to the totality of a number of more than one separating elements, i.e., at least two separating elements, in particular more than two separating elements. Engagement in the stack is defined as the state in which all separating elements of the plurality engage in the stack or rest against it.

[0022] The arrangement of the plurality of separating elements around the stack is such that a stack of objects can be positioned such that those separating elements of the plurality which engage in the stack at the same time engage between the same two objects of the stack.

[0023] An engagement in the stack by the plurality of separating elements between an end object of the stack and its nearest neighbor allows the outer object to be moved away from the stack along the stack axis by a suitable process, while the rest of the stack is prevented by one or more separating elements from following this object, either by falling or by adhering to this object.

[0024] The movable mounting of the separating elements allows the separating elements to assume various radial positions relative to the stack. The majority of the separating elements can assume a position where they engage with or rest against the stack, or a position where they do not, thus preventing the entire stack from moving along the stack axis.

[0025] The individually spring-loaded bearings push the respective separator toward the position where, assuming a stack is present and the stacking position is appropriate, it engages between two adjacent objects in the stack, as long as the mechanism for moving the separator outward is not active. Should a separator encounter the stack at a location where there isn't a large enough gap between the objects to engage, the spring force is selected so that it rests against the stack without damaging the objects.

[0026] The device further comprises a mechanism for moving the plurality of separating elements outward, within their range of motion, into a position without engaging the stack. Upon activation of the mechanism, the plurality of separating elements are moved outward away from the stack, counter to the spring force of their spring-loaded mounting. The mechanism is also capable of holding the separating elements in the position without engaging the stack for the duration of its activation. Deactivation of the mechanism subjects the separating elements again to the spring force of their spring-loaded mounting, and, if a stack is present, they engage the stack or rest against it.

[0027] This mechanism allows the stack to be appropriately positioned relative to the separating elements before each separation. The separating elements and stack can be aligned so that when the mechanism is deactivated, the spring force pushes the separating elements toward the gap between the object now to be separated from the stack and the next adjacent object in the stack. For example, a design can be selected in which the stack falls onto a support when the mechanism is activated, and the gap between the next object to be separated and its neighbor is then exactly level with the separating elements.

[0028] The advantage of the device described is that the individually selectively spring-loaded separating elements only engage the stack, even without controlled activation, when the respective separating element finds a sufficiently large gap between the objects to be separated. This ensures that during each separation process, enough separating elements engage the stack to separate an object from the stack, even if the gap between the object to be separated and a neighboring object is irregularly large along the circumference of the stack. The remaining separating elements rest against the stack without damaging the objects in the stack or being damaged themselves, and without disrupting the separation process. Furthermore, the separating elements and their spring-loaded mounting can be arranged, if required, so that the spring force, at least primarily, does not run in the direction of the stack axis.As a result, a force component parallel to the stack axis acting on the separators will not force the separators from the stack-engaged position to the non-engaged position.

[0029] Preferably, the separating elements are spring-mounted in such a way that they are pressed radially inward against the stack. This means that the separating elements are pressed along a straight line in the direction of the stack axis. In particular, these lines lie essentially in the same plane perpendicular to the stack axis for all separating elements. However, embodiments are also possible in which the radial movement occurs along a line inclined to the stack axis or in which the separating elements are moved along a curved path with a radial movement component.

[0030] This design has the advantage that the separating elements each cover a comparatively small area of ​​space around the stack in their range of movement, while maintaining the same shape of the separating elements, and can therefore individually engage even in a narrow gap between the objects.

[0031] Alternatively, the radial movement of the separating elements is achieved by a pivoting movement about an axis outside the stack, e.g. pivoting about an axis parallel to the stack axis.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the majority of separating elements comprises at least three, in particular at least four separating elements, wherein a maximum angular distance between adjacent separating elements is less than 180°, ie along the circumference there is no continuous angular region without a separating element which has an extension of 180° or more.

[0033] This ensures, particularly for objects that are themselves symmetrical with respect to the stack axis, that there are always a sufficient number of separating elements in the stack, regardless of their position in the stack.

[0034] The device preferably includes a guide within which the stack of objects to be separated can be located. This prevents unwanted movement of the stack that is not along the stack axis.

[0035] Alternatively, such a guide can be omitted. However, depending on the nature of the objects to be separated, this can lead to the stack becoming prone to failure and falling apart uncontrollably. The guide can consist of a tube whose inner diameter is selected so that the stack fits into the tube if the stack axis and the tube's axis of symmetry coincide. Alternatively, several rods running parallel to the stack axis can be arranged around the stack to guide the stack of objects.

[0036] Preferably, the plurality of separating elements is arranged at one end of a guide as described above, wherein the end means a part of the guide which is at the end in the direction of the stacking axis.

[0037] This has the advantage that the separating elements can hold the stack within the guide, while the object to be separated can be gripped by another component without the guide limiting the space for this component.

[0038] Alternatively, the separating elements can also extend through recesses within the guide. However, in this case, other components, such as a structure for gripping the object to be separated, might also have to be designed to accommodate the extension of the guide.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanism for moving the separating elements includes a sleeve, the movement of which along the stack axis radially moves the separating elements of the plurality. Due to its shape, this sleeve, depending on its position along the stack axis, presses on the spring-loaded mounting of the separating elements of the plurality and can prevent them from engaging the stack in the opposite direction to their spring direction.

[0040] Alternatively, a number of pneumatically extendable and retractable levers could be used, each of which, at a certain extension level, would individually press against a connecting element of the separating elements. However, this would be a more complicated design.

[0041] Preferably, the majority of separating elements are arranged transversely to a stacking axis, in a circle around the stack, and radially aligned. "Circular" means that the separating elements of the plurality are located on the circumference of a circle whose radius is transverse to the stacking axis and whose center lies on the stacking axis, as long as all separating elements occupy the same position within their respective range of motion.

[0042] The radius of this circle is again chosen so that the separating elements can assume the positions described above within their range of movement.

[0043] Alternatively, the separating elements can be arranged at different heights relative to the stacking axis, for example, and then engage the stack at different angles relative to a straight line that is perpendicular to and intersects the stacking axis. However, this is more complicated to solve.

[0044] Radially aligned, in turn, means that all separating elements of the plurality are aligned in the same way relative to the stacking axis, as long as they are each at the same distance from the stacking axis. Particularly preferably, the majority of separating elements are evenly distributed over the circumference they describe with their arrangement.

[0045] Preferably, the invention is implemented such that an object to be removed from the stack can be temporarily fixed using a carrier that is movable along the stack axis. This enables the removal of a stacked object by fixing and then moving the carrier together with the object to be removed, while the separating elements prevent the rest of the stack from following. The carrier can be moved along the stack axis towards the object to be separated so that it is able to fix it. With the object fixed and the separating elements engaged, the carrier can then separate the object by moving it along the stack axis, away from the stack. Ending the fixing then allows the separated object to be removed from the carrier and fed for further use.

[0046] Alternatively, a subset of the separating elements described above can be movably mounted along the stack axis and thus, after engaging the stack, separate an object from the stack by moving it along the stack axis. However, this is more complicated to achieve from a constructional perspective. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier described above comprises a suction device for creating a vacuum between a wall of an object to be removed and the carrier. The created vacuum secures the object in the carrier.

[0047] Alternatively, a carrier can also secure the object by gripping it or using an adhesive surface. The advantage of a suction device is the tolerance regarding the orientation of the object being removed from the stack. Furthermore, switching the suction device on and off can activate or release the fixation very precisely, and the vacuum acts on a relatively large area of ​​the object, minimizing point-like forces and thus damage to the object.

[0048] Preferably, a flexible sealing ring is located on the carrier to create a seal between the carrier and the object to be removed. A flexible sealing ring, e.g., made of foam, allows the creation of a vacuum between the carrier and an object wall with increased tolerance for various object orientations compared to inflexible rubber seals. Tests have shown that this can achieve suction of objects tilted up to 30° relative to the stacking axis.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier comprises two suction devices designed as coaxially arranged bellows suction cups. The mouth of an inner bellows suction cup is arranged further inside the carrier than a very flexible mouth of an outer bellows suction cup. The inner bellows suction cup has the task of pulling the object to be separated far enough into the outer, more flexible bellows suction cup to allow a negative pressure between the outer suction cup and the object. As soon as the object is sufficiently close to the outer bellows suction cup, the stronger negative pressure of the outer suction cup takes effect. This negative pressure then leads to a compression of both bellows suction cups, with the outer bellows suction cup resting on the carrier. By placing the outer bellows suction cup on the carrier, it can no longer be compressed and the object can be aligned in the carrier by the negative pressure, so that, for example,The edge of the object or parts of the object rest against the mouth of the bellows suction cup. Alternatively, the carrier can also contain only a suction system to generate the negative pressure. In this case, the steps of creating a good seal between the object and the carrier, aligning and securing the object on the carrier, and removing the object from the stack must be performed by a suction cup.

[0050] The inventive method for separating a stack of objects comprises the following steps: a) providing the stack of objects; b) positioning the stack of objects such that an end object of the stack rests on a plurality of separating elements; c) moving the separating elements of the plurality away from the stack by a mechanism; d) repositioning the stack, in particular by dropping it onto a support, so that the separating elements, in a position of their range of motion facing the stack, engage between the end stack object and an object adjacent to it; e) releasing the separating elements of the plurality from the mechanism to move the separating elements away from the stack, wherein the separating elements of the plurality are pressed by a spring force to engage the stack; f) moving the object lying at the end of the stack away from the stack, in particular by fixing and pulling the object off by a movable support;g) Repeat steps c - f until a desired degree of separation is achieved or all objects in the stack have been separated.;

[0051] Preferably, during step d) of the method described above, the stack is repositioned relative to the separating elements by falling and then stopping its fall by a component. This means that after the separating elements are moved out by activating the mechanism, the stack is moved by gravity and then stopped in its descent at the appropriate height, allowing the separating elements to engage between the next object to be separated and its neighbors.

[0052] As an alternative to falling, movable sliding elements can act on one or both ends of the stack to shift the stack along the stacking axis. This is obviously more complex to implement than using gravity, but remains an option if falling is impractical, e.g., due to space constraints.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the object to be separated from the stack comes into contact with a carrier before step e). The carrier is a component capable of individually supporting the object to be separated and transporting it for further use.

[0054] Alternatively, the separated object can also fall directly onto a conveyor belt in step f) and be transported from there for further use.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the object to be separated is temporarily fixed by a carrier movable along the stack axis. While fixed to the carrier, it is removed from the stack by the carrier moving away from the stack within its range of motion. The carrier can move before step f), particularly preferably before step e), so that it comes into contact with the object to be separated and then fixes it. Once the object is fixed to the carrier, the carrier is moved away from the stack during step f), thereby also removing the object from the stack. Releasing the fixation of the object to the carrier then allows further use of the object.

[0056] The advantage of this process is that after separation, the object is already sitting on an individually controllable component and can therefore be reused in an individually controlled manner, unlike if it were on a conveyor belt, for example.

[0057] Alternatively, the object can also be moved away from the stack by other means. For example, a subset of the majority of the separating elements can move along the stack axis after step e), thus detaching the object to be separated from the stack and dropping it onto a conveyor belt, for example.

[0058] Preferably, the method temporarily secures the object to be separated to the carrier by means of a vacuum. After contact is established between the object and the carrier, a suction device is activated, creating a vacuum between one wall of the object and the carrier. As long as the suction device remains activated, the object is secured to the carrier and can be separated as described above. The advantage of this method is that the vacuum reliably secures the object compared to other methods, but the fixation can be quickly released.

[0059] Alternatively, another method can be used to temporarily fix an object to the carrier, for example, by means of gripping elements attached to the carrier. However, this depends on the shape of the objects and can be more difficult to achieve.

[0060] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

[0061] Short description of the drawings

[0062] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

[0063] Fig. 1.1 A cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in a plane containing the stacking axis of the stacked objects;

[0064] Fig. 1 .2 is an isometric plan view of the first embodiment;

[0065] Fig. 1 .3 is a direct plan view of the first embodiment;

[0066] Fig. 2.1 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention with a different carrier; Fig. 2.2 is a detailed view from Figure 2.1 around a separating element, on an enlarged scale;

[0067] Fig. 3.1 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a plane containing the stacking axis of the stacked objects;

[0068] Fig. 3.2 a detailed view from Figure 3.1 around a separating element, with an enlarged scale;

[0069] Fig. 3.3 is an isometric plan view of the third embodiment; and

[0070] Fig. 3.4 is a direct plan view of the third embodiment;

[0071] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of a method for separating capsules by the first embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0072] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0073] Ways to implement the invention

[0074] Figures 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 show a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, here for separating a stack of cup-shaped capsules made of a fiber material. Figure 1.1 is a schematic sectional drawing, while Figure 1.2 shows the device in an isometric plan view from the outside. The sectional plane chosen for Figure 1.1 is shown in Figure 1.2 as the dashed outline A.

[0075] The selected sectional plane of Figure 1 . 1 contains the stacking and symmetry axis of a stack 1 of cup-like capsules 1.1 - 1.n made of a fiber material, whereby this axis is again upright in the image plane.

[0076] The device comprises a guide 4, designed as a tube with a circular cross-section, whose axis of symmetry lies on the same straight line as that of the stack 1 of cup-shaped capsules 1.1 - 1.n. ​​The inner diameter of the tube is adapted to the outer diameter of the capsules 1.1 - 1.n to be accommodated, and the length of the tube is adapted to the maximum height of the stacks to be processed, with the illustrated stack 1 being significantly shorter. The wall thickness of the guide 4 is constant and amounts to approximately 5% of the inner diameter.

[0077] At the lower end of the guide 4 is the lowest capsule 1 . 1 of the stack 1 to be separated. Like all capsules 1.1 - 1.n of the stack 1, the cylindrically symmetrical capsule

[0078] 1.1 has a flat top and a conical, cup-like body that tapers downwards and ends in a flat bottom. The conical shape of the body of capsule 1.1 has a smaller opening angle in the upper area, over a section of approximately one-third of its height, and thus a less pronounced downward taper than the lower area of ​​its body. The bottom of capsule 1.1 is a significantly smaller surface than the top and is again perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of capsule 1.1.

[0079] At the top, an edge protrudes beyond the body of capsule 1.1 and away from its axis of symmetry. The axis of symmetry of capsules 1.1 - 1.n coincides with the axis of symmetry of guide 4. Capsules 1.1 - 1.n are open at their top and thus fit into each other when stacked, with only a small part of a capsule, e.g., 1.2, including the protruding edge, protruding from the adjacent capsule below, here 1.1.

[0080] The capsule 1.1 is positioned so that the underside of its edge is flush with the underside of the guide 4 and the capsule body protrudes downwards from the guide 4.

[0081] Figure 1.3 shows that on the circumference of the lower end of the guide 4 12 separating elements

[0082] 2.1 - 2.12 are evenly distributed around the circumference. The two separating elements 2.1 and 2.7 visible in the cross-section of Figure 1.1 are located diametrically opposite each other and extend beneath the guide 4 to below the edge of the lowest capsule 1.1. Their cross-section is rectangular in shape with a length greater than the wall thickness of the guide 4. Figure 1.3 also shows that the separating elements are also rectangular in shape when viewed from above, with a width approximately equal to half their length.

[0083] The separating elements 2.1 - 2.12 are each connected to a leaf spring 3.1 - 3.12, which presses the respective separating element radially inward, toward the stack 1. In Figure 1.2, the leaf springs 3.1 and 3.2 - 3.6 are visible, while in Figure 1.1 only the two leaf springs 3.1 and 3.7 are visible.

[0084] The leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12 are located outside the guide 4 and run parallel to it from their suspension at the upper end of the guide 4 to a separating element 2.1 - 2.12 at the lower end. The upper ends of the leaf springs are suspended in a flange-like upper part 12 of the guide 4.

[0085] The cross-section of each leaf spring 3.1 - 3.12 has, in an upper area which extends over most of the length of the leaf spring 3.1 - 3.12, the shape of an elongated rectangle with a thickness comparable to the wall thickness of the guide 4 and a height comparable to the length of the guide 4.

[0086] The lower section of each leaf spring 3.1 - 3.12, which is located directly above the respective separating element 2.1 - 2.12, has a thickening on the side facing stack 1 and increases towards the bottom. The leaf spring 3.1 - 3.12 grows to a maximum of approximately twice the thickness of the upper part of the spring. At its maximum thickness, the thickness of the leaf spring 3.1 - 3.12 remains constant for a short distance and then tapers again towards the bottom. Here it assumes a thickness that is narrower than its upper part. The narrow lower section of each leaf spring 3.1 - 3.12 protrudes into a hole in the respective separating element 2.1 - 2.12 that is parallel to the drawing plane, whereby the spring force acts on the respective separating element 2.1 - 2.12 perpendicular to the stack axis. The depth of the leaf springs 3.1-3.12 can only be seen in Figure 1.2 and corresponds approximately to the thickness in the upper area of ​​each leaf spring 3.1-3.12.

[0087] The leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12 are mounted in such a way that the area of ​​maximum strength would have to penetrate the guide 4 for the spring to fully relax. As a result, they are permanently tensioned and rest against the guide 4, which in turn also defines the stack-side end position of the movement range of the separating elements 2.1 - 2.12.

[0088] In the isometric top view according to Figure 1.2, the guide 4 appears as a tube with a round opening at the top, which stands upright in the image plane. The suspension 12 of the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12 sits on the upper end of the guide 4. The leaf springs 3.1 - 3.5 are arranged on the outside of the guide 4. They run parallel to the guide 4 and are evenly distributed around its circumference. The width of the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12 is significantly less than one-twelfth of the outer circumference of the guide, meaning there are larger gaps between the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12.

[0089] Outside the guide 4 there is also a sleeve 5 for moving the separating elements radially outwards.

[0090] The sleeve 5 has a tubular body 5b with a slightly larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the guide 4. The wall thickness of the tubular part 5b is selected so that it fits between the guide 4 and the upper part of the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12.

[0091] The tubular part 5b of the sleeve 5 shares the same axis of symmetry with the guide 4, is mounted axially displaceably on the guide 4, and is surrounded by the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12. At the lower edge of the sleeve 5 is a bead-like thickening directed outward toward the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12, with the wall thickness of the sleeve 5 approximately doubled here.

[0092] In addition, the sleeve 5 has two arms 5a.1 and 5a.2 extending radially outward from the sleeve body 5b, which are connected to lifting elements 11.1 and 11.2, wherein the arms 5a.1 and 5a.2 of the sleeve 5 each encompass the leaf springs 3.1 and 3.7 (see Figure 1.2), so that the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12 are gripped by the sleeve 5 only at the lower end.

[0093] In Figure 1.1, the sleeve 5 is positioned such that it does not touch the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12. In an upper area of ​​the sleeve 5, two support parts (5a.1 and 5a.2 in Figure 1.2) protrude horizontally and radially outward on both sides of the guide 4 and at approximately half its height. Each support part is connected to a lifting element 11.1 and 11.2 on its underside.

[0094] If the sleeve 5 is moved downward using the lifting elements 11.1 and 11.2, the lower thickening of the sleeve 5 presses against the thickening of the leaf springs 3.1 - 3.12, forcing their lower section away from the stacking axis. This also moves the separating elements 2.1 - 2.12 away from the stacking axis, into a position without interfering with the stack.

[0095] Below the capsule 1.1 is a carrier 20 for securing and removing the capsules from the stack, again consisting of components 21-25. The carrier 20 has a cylindrical shape overall, with its cylinder axis again lying on the same straight line as the symmetry axis of the guide 4. Its outer diameter corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the guide 4, and its length is approximately half the length of the guide.

[0096] The largest part of the support 20 is the support base 21. This support base 21 is solid in its lower half 21a, while the upper half 21b is hollowed out by a recess coming from above to such an extent that the support base 21 is limited to a thin outer wall.

[0097] In the lower part 21a of the support base 21, there are two holes 24 and 25. The first hole 25 lies on the axis of symmetry of the support base 21 and completely penetrates it, opening into the upper recess. The second hole 24 lies outside the axis of symmetry and, also coming from above, extends to approximately halfway through the solid part 21a of the support base 21 and from there horizontally outwards, again completely penetrating the support base 21.

[0098] The other two main parts of the support 20 are formed by two coaxially running bellows 22, 23, which are located within the upper recess of the upper part of the support base 21a. The outer diameter in the lower region of the first bellows 22 is adapted to the inner diameter of the recess in the support base 21. Its axis of symmetry lies on the same straight line as the axis of symmetry of the support base 21, the guide 4 and the stack 1. The length of the bellows 22 allows approximately one third of the bellows 22 to protrude from the top of the walled area 21a of the support base 21, whereby the upper end of the bellows 22 forms the highest point of the support 20. The outer diameter of the mouth of the bellows 22, which is located outside the support base 21, is approximately the same as that of the support base 21.

[0099] The bellows 22 is open at the top, and the opening at this end can be completely closed from the underside of the capsule. If the carrier 20 and capsule 1.1 touch, a vacuum can be generated via the bore 24 within the bellows 22, thus securing the capsule 1.1 to the carrier 20.

[0100] The second bellows 23 runs coaxially with the bellows 22 and, with a smaller diameter, lies within it. It is also attached to the bottom of the support base 21 and has an upper open opening facing the bottom of capsule 1.1. However, its length is shorter than that of the bellows 22, and its upper opening is approximately level with the upper edge of the support base 21.

[0101] The volume within the bellows 23 can be evacuated via the bore 25 if the capsule wall (e.g. of capsule 1.1) closes it at the top.

[0102] Figure 2.1 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, again in cross-section, analogous to Figure 1.1. The structure of the device differs from the device in Figures 1.1 and 1.2 by a different shape of the support, which here consists exclusively of the support base 121 with the bore 125. The marking of the components that do not differ from the shape shown in Figure 1.1 has been retained.

[0103] The support base 121 has a similar shape and the same placement as the support base 21 from Figure 1.1 and is cylindrically symmetrical. In an upper region 121b, the support base 121 is tubular and open towards the top, whereby this region, along its axis of symmetry, makes up slightly less than half of the support base 121. The inner diameter of the tubular region 121b is selected such that the support base 121 can be completely covered by the lower wall together with the edge of the capsule 101.1, but at the same time the capsule can enter the upper region 121b of the support base 121 up to its edge. The inner diameter of the upper region 121b of the support base 121 tapers slightly from the top, thereby improving the fit of the capsule 101.1 on the support base 121.

[0104] This also means that the inner diameter of the tubular portion 121b is smaller than the inner diameter d4 of the guide 4. The outer diameter of the portion 121b corresponds approximately to the inner diameter d4 of the guide 4. The lower portion 121a, which makes up the remainder of the support base 121, is cylindrical and solid, with an outer diameter that roughly corresponds to the inner diameter of the portion 121b. The two portions 121a and 121b are directly connected, and the underside of the tubular portion 121b is completely closed off by the upper side of the cylindrical portion 121a. Located on the axis of symmetry of the support base 121, there is a bore 125 that completely pierces the lower portion 121a of the support base 121.If a capsule is placed on the support base 121, the volume within the tubular region 121b and below the capsule can be evacuated via this bore, thereby fixing the capsule to the support base 121. The essential difference from the support in Figure 1.1 is the absence of the concentric bellows (22 and 23 in Fig. 1.1) and the two individually evacuatable regions within these bellows.

[0105] Figure 2.1 shows a capsule 101.1 of the same shape as capsule 1.1 in Figure 1.1. In this capsule 101.1, the body is more bell-shaped toward the bottom. The inner diameter d4 of the guide 4 in this design is 61 mm.

[0106] Figure 2.2 shows a circular section of Figure 2.1 on a larger scale, with the area where the separating element 2.1 engages under the edge of the capsule 101.1 located in the center. The thickness s2 of the separating elements 2.1 - 2.12 is 0.5 mm.

[0107] Figure 3.1 shows a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, again in cross-section. This embodiment is also suitable for separating a stack 201 of cup-shaped capsules. For the sake of simplicity, no device for moving the capsules away from the stack is shown. For this purpose, for example, the carrier 21 shown in Figure 1.1 or the carrier 121 from Figure 2.1 can be used. Figure 3.1 shows the device as a schematic sectional drawing, in which the sectional plane contains the stacking axis of the stack 201. Figure 3.2 shows a section of Figure 3.1 on a larger scale, Figure 3.3 shows the same device as an isometric top view, and Figure 3.4 shows the device as a direct top view, with the sectional plane A2 of the cross-sectional drawing according to Figure 3.1 being drawn in here.

[0108] The orientation of Figure 3.1 is analogous to Figure 1.1; the stack axis is upright in the image plane, with the belly of the capsules pointing downwards. The stack 201 is located in a guide 204, which is tubular and whose axis of symmetry coincides with the stack axis. Figure 3.1 also shows a different capsule shape than that seen in Figures 1.1 - 2.2. The capsule 201.1 of the stack 201 also has a body that tapers conically towards the bottom, but with a uniform opening angle across the entire capsule body. In contrast to the capsule 1.1 in Figure 1.1, the underside of the capsule 201.1 is curved downwards and not flat.

[0109] The guide 204 has two different sections with a constant inner diameter along its length: a lower section whose inner diameter approximately corresponds to the outer diameter of the stack 201, and an upper section with a slightly larger inner diameter. The lower section accounts for approximately one-tenth of the total length of the guide 204. There is a linear transition in the inner diameter from the first to the second section, which also accounts for approximately one-tenth of the total length of the guide 204.

[0110] The guide 204 has a length approximately twice its smallest inner diameter. The outer diameter of the guide 204 also varies, with the upper half of the guide 204 having a slightly larger outer diameter than the lower half, with the larger outer diameter being approximately 15% larger and the smaller outer diameter being approximately 7% larger than the inner diameter of the guide 204.

[0111] The lower end of the guide ends with a flange to which the retaining ring 213 is attached, which in turn contains recesses on its upper side, which is in contact with the underside of the flange of the guide, in which the separating elements 202.1 - 202.12 are located and can move radially with respect to the stack axis.

[0112] Below the guide 204, the separating elements 202.1-202.12, of which the diametrically opposite elements 202.1 and 202.7 are located in the plane of the drawing, extend from outside the guide 204 toward the stack axis, so that the stack cannot leave the guide 204 at this end. They have a length of approximately twice the wall thickness of the guide 204.

[0113] Similar to the design presented in Figure 1.1, leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12 run along the outside of the guide 204 from the upper end to its lower end. In this design, however, the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12 have a different shape. They have the same thickness throughout their length, which is very small relative to their length. Instead, they have a curved shape: The upper end of each leaf spring is screwed to a flange-like structure 212. From this attachment, they initially run downwards parallel to the guide 204. Within their lower third, the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12 bend towards the stack 201 and thus run diagonally inwards, towards the guide 204. Shortly above the end of the guide 204, the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12 bend back and run outwards again away from the guide 204.Flush with their upper part, they bend again just before their lower end and then continue downwards, parallel to the upper part, slightly beyond the end of the guide 204. Due to their attachment, the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12 cannot assume their completely relaxed form in the device, but rather rest with their radially inwardmost section under preload on the outside of the guide 204. The lower section of the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12 extends again into a recess within the separating elements 202.1 - 202.12, whereby the spring force is transferred to the separating elements 202.1 - 202.12.

[0114] The mechanism for moving the separating elements away from the stack is implemented by a sleeve 205 with a tubular body 205b. The inner radius of its body 205b is slightly larger than the outer radius of the guide 204. The body 205b is coaxial with the guide 204 and axially displaceable, located between the guide 204 and the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12. The length of the sleeve 205 corresponds to approximately a quarter of the length of the guide 204 and is located at the level of the lower section of the guide 204, where its outer diameter is reduced. The outer diameter of its body 205b allows the sleeve 205 to assume a position where it does not touch the leaf springs. The sleeve body 205b itself has two approximately equal sections with different outer diameters, with the upper section having a larger outer diameter than the lower section. In addition, the lower outer edge of the body 205b of the sleeve 205 is rounded.Connecting elements 205a.1 and 205a.2 are located on the upper portion of the sleeve body 205b, projecting radially from the guide 204 and extending beyond the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12. These elements have a nearly square cross-section, with the edge length of their cross-section being approximately half the length of the sleeve body 205b, thus only being located on the portion of the sleeve body 205b with the larger outer diameter.

[0115] Figure 3.2 shows a section of Figure 3.1 on a larger scale, where, as in Figure 2.2, the area around a separating element can be seen more clearly.

[0116] Figure 3.3 shows the same embodiment of the invention as Figures 3.1 and 3.2, this time in an isometric plan view. The structure of the assembly is defined by the guide 204, to whose upper edge the twelve leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12 are attached with a screw each, with the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.5 being identified in the view of Figure 3.3. The leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12 have their greatest width, approximately one twenty-fourth of the guide circumference, at the location of their attachment and taper linearly to approximately one-quarter of their original width at the first bend in their lower region. From here, their width remains constant until the second bend and then increases again until the third bend. The width of their lower region, which also enters the recesses in the separating elements 202.1 - 202.12, is less than the width at their suspension. The connecting elements 205a.1 and 205a.2 of the sleeve are located in the areas of the leaf springs 203.1 and 203.7. Each connecting element 205a.1 and 205a.2 consists of two connecting pieces, one on each side of the respective leaf spring 203.1 and 203.7, which are attached to the tubular sleeve body and extend outward between the leaf springs 203.1 and 203.7, transversely to the stacking axis. Each connecting piece is essentially cube-shaped, with the two connecting pieces having flush outer surfaces on one side of the guide 205 and being connected to the sleeve body 205b across their full width.

[0117] Figure 3.3 also shows the shape of the twelve recesses in the retaining ring 213. They are positioned in an upper area to accommodate the separating elements 202.1 - 202.12 and keep the top of the separating elements flush with the underside of the guide 204. Within the recesses that hold the separating elements 202.1 - 202.12, there are additional grooves that are somewhat narrower but deeper than the recesses for the separating elements. These grooves accommodate the ends of the leaf springs 203.1 - 203.12, which protrude beyond the bottom of the separating elements 202.1 - 202.12.

[0118] Figure 3.4 shows a direct top view of the embodiment according to Figures 3.1 - 3.3. Here, the axis of symmetry of the guide 204 forms the center of the drawing, and the axis of symmetry itself passes through the drawing plane. The section plane A2 of Figures 3.1 and 3.2 lies horizontally in the drawing plane. The shape of the separating elements 202.1 - 202.12 corresponds to a rectangle with slightly rounded edges, with their width corresponding to slightly more than one-twelfth of the guide circumference and their length approximately twice the wall thickness of the guide 204. They are evenly distributed over the circumference of the guide 204 (Figs. 3.1 - 3.3).

[0119] Figure 4 shows, based on the cross-sectional drawing of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention from Figure 1.1, an example of a method for separating a stack of cup-shaped capsules. The description refers to the reference numerals of Figures 1.1 - 1.3, as they show the same device. Of the separating elements 2.1 - 2.12, as in Figure 1.1, only the separating elements 2.1 and 2.7 are shown. Analogously, only the leaf springs 3.1 and 3.7 are shown. Whenever separating elements or leaf springs are mentioned in the following description, all 12 are meant, even if only the reference numerals of the respective components shown are mentioned. Figure 4 contains method steps 1 - 6 and, based on these, shows the separation of capsule 1.1 from stack 1.

[0120] 1. At the beginning of the separation step, the stack 1 of cup-shaped capsules 1.1 - 1.n rests on the separating elements 2.1, 2.7. The bottommost capsule 1.1 is drawn obliquely relative to the axis of symmetry of the guide 4 to illustrate the inventive alignment of the capsules 1.1 - 1.n during separation.

[0121] 2. By moving the sleeve 5 downwards, the leaf springs 3.1, 3.7 are pushed away from the guide 4 and the separating elements 2.1, 2.7 are pulled out of the stack 1. As a result, the stack 1 falls into the carrier 20. The negative pressure of the inner bellows suction cup 23 acts on the carrier 20, whereby the capsule 1.1 is completely drawn onto the outer bellows suction cup 22.

[0122] 3. The capsule 1.1 rests completely on the mouth of the outer bellows suction cup 22. This creates a negative pressure, which leads to the compression of the bellows suction cup 22. The outer bellows suction cup 22 contracts until its mouth rests on the support base 21. The capsule 1.1 is pulled into the support 20 with the bellows suction cup 22 up to its edge and, by placing the bellows mouth on the support base 21, is aligned in the support 20 such that its axis of symmetry coincides with the axis of symmetry of the guide 4. The negative pressure between the capsule 1.1 and the support 20 also fixes the capsule 1.1 to the support 20.

[0123] 4. The sleeve 5 is now moved upwards again, whereby the leaf springs 3.1, 3.7 press the separating elements 2.1, 2.7 towards the stack 1. The separating elements 2.1, 2.7 engage between the edges of the two lower capsules 1.1, 1.2 of the stack 1.

[0124] 5. The carrier 20 can now move away from the stack with the capsule 1.1 secured and the capsule 1.1 can be used for further processing. After the bellows suction cups 22 and 23 have been vented, the capsule 1.1 can be removed from the carrier 20 without any effort.

[0125] 6. After the separated capsule 1.1 has been removed from the carrier 20, the carrier 20 can be moved to the initial position, enabling the next separation step. The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. In particular, components such as the separating elements can have a different shape depending on the specific geometry of the stacked objects to be separated.

[0126] For example, it is conceivable that the separating elements could be significantly narrower, or that their front edge could have a curve adapted to the shape of the objects to be separated. The separating elements may also differ from the examples shown in terms of number and arrangement around the stack.

[0127] The guide can also have a different shape, or even be omitted. For objects that appear rectangular when viewed from above, a guide with a rectangular shape can be used instead of a tube.

[0128] Furthermore, different shapes of the carrier can be used or even other solutions for moving the capsules away from the stack can be found that do not require a carrier.

[0129] The spring-loaded bearings of the separating elements can also be designed differently while maintaining the same functionality; for example, spiral springs can press on the side of each separating element that is facing away from the stack.

[0130] The capsules depicted are merely examples of stacked objects that can be separated by the invention. For example, the capsules can also have other body shapes, e.g., completely convex or bell-shaped. Objects other than capsules, e.g., prismatic packaging elements with a rectangular base, can also be separated by a device or method according to the invention.

[0131] In summary, it can be stated that a device having a plurality of individually spring-mounted separating elements in conjunction with a mechanism that can move the separating elements into a position without engaging with the stack is capable of allowing effective separation of stacked objects, in particular cup-like capsules, even when the objects are inclined relative to the stack axis, without damaging the objects, whereby the device is constructed in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for separating a stack of objects, in particular cup-like capsules, in particular with a peripheral edge, wherein: Separating elements are provided to engage between adjacent objects of the stack of objects, a plurality of these separating elements are arranged around the stack with engagement in the stack, and the separating elements of the plurality are mounted for radial movement, characterized in that the separating elements of the plurality are individually spring-mounted, and in that the device comprises a mechanism for moving the separating elements of the plurality outwards, into a position without engagement in the stack.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating elements of the plurality are resiliently mounted such that they are pressed radially inwards against the stack.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality comprises at least three, in particular at least four, separating elements, wherein a maximum angular distance between adjacent separating elements is less than 180°.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a guide is provided within which the stack of objects to be separated can be located.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the plurality of separating elements are arranged at one end of the guide.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the mechanism for moving the separating elements includes a sleeve by whose movement along the stacking axis the separating elements of the plurality are moved radially.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the plurality of separating elements are arranged transversely to a stack axis, in a circle around the stack and radially aligned.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that an object to be removed from the stack can be temporarily fixed by means of a carrier movable along the stack axis.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the carrier comprises a suction device for generating a negative pressure between a wall of the object to be removed and the carrier.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that a flexible sealing ring is arranged on the carrier for sealing between the carrier and the object to be removed. 1 1. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the carrier comprises two suction devices, which are designed in particular as coaxially arranged bellows suction devices.

12. A method for separating a stack of objects, in particular cup-like capsules, in particular with a peripheral edge, comprising the following steps: a) providing the stack of objects; b) positioning the stack of objects such that an end object of the stack rests on a plurality of separating elements; c) moving the plurality of separating elements away from the stack by means of a mechanism; d) repositioning the plurality of separating elements relative to the stack, in particular by dropping the stack onto a support, so that the separating elements, in a position of their range of motion facing the stack, can engage between the end stacked object and an object adjacent to it; e) releasing the plurality of separating elements from the mechanism to move the separating elements away from the stack, wherein the plurality of separating elements are pressed by a spring force to engage in the stack; f) moving the object lying at the end of the stack away from the stack, in particular by fixing and pulling the object off by a movable support; g) repeating steps c - f until a desired degree of separation is achieved or all objects of the stack have been separated.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that during step d) the stack is repositioned with respect to the separating elements by falling and subsequently stopping the fall by a component.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the object of the stack to be separated comes into contact with a carrier before step e).

15. Method according to one of claims 12 - 14, characterized in that the object to be separated is temporarily fixed by a carrier movable along the stack axis and the object, while it is fixed to the carrier, is removed from the stack by the carrier moving away from the stack within its range of movement.

16. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the object to be separated from the stack is temporarily fixed to the carrier by a vacuum.

Images