Device and system for supporting at least one container treatment module

Abstract

A device (10) for carrying at least one container handling module (12), in particular a labeling module, for a container handling machine (50) is described, comprising at least one support unit (14) for carrying and moving the container handling module (12), at least one coupling element (16) for coupling to at least one lifting unit (52) for lifting the at least one support unit (14), at least one support element (18) attached to the at least one support unit (14), which is movable between a retracted position and a support position in which the at least one support element (18) supports the at least one support unit (14) in a raised state, wherein the device (10) further comprises at least one actuating element (20) for coupling to at least one stationary holding element (56) when the at least one coupling element (16) couples to at least one lifting unit (52), wherein the actuating element (20) is in a state,in which the at least one coupling element (16) is coupled to the at least one lifting unit (52), and is designed to move the at least one support element (18) from the retracted position to the support position during the lifting of the at least one support unit (14) by means of the at least one lifting unit (52).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a system for carrying at least one container treatment module.

[0002] Container handling modules can be mounted on container handling machines and flexibly dismounted, for example, to use other container handling modules on the same machine. Labeling stations are typically designed as modules and can be coupled to labeling machines. However, the handling area where the labeling station is intended to label containers is usually not located on the transport level of the labeling station. Therefore, it may be necessary to first lift the module so that the labeling station can be attached to the labeling machine, as described, for example, in DE 103 29670 A1.

[0003] From EP 2 133 275 A1 it is further known to support a free-floating end section of the module by means of support legs.

[0004] One object of the invention is to provide a device for carrying a container treatment module that can be supported with minimal effort and has high stability.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a device for carrying at least one container treatment module, in particular a labeling module, for a container treatment machine is described, comprising at least one support unit for carrying and moving the container treatment module, at least one coupling element for coupling to at least one lifting unit for lifting the at least one support unit, at least one support element attached to the at least one support unit, which is movable between a retracted position and a support position in which the at least one support element supports the at least one support unit in a raised state, wherein according to the invention it is provided that the device further comprises at least one actuating element for coupling to at least one stationary holding element when the at least one coupling element couples to at least one lifting unit, wherein the actuating element is in a state,in which the at least one coupling element is coupled to the at least one lifting unit, and is designed to move the at least one support element from the retracted position to the support position during the lifting of the at least one support unit by means of the at least one lifting unit.

[0007] With this device, the support element is moved from its retracted position to its extended position during the lifting of the support unit. The lifting movement of the lifting unit thus extends the support element. The support unit is therefore not only held to the lifting unit by the coupling element, but also additionally supported by the extended support element. The support unit can be designed to carry a container treatment module. This allows a container treatment module to be mounted on the support unit. Furthermore, the support unit can be mobile, in particular, wheeled. To mount the support unit or the container treatment module it holds, the coupling element can first be connected to a lifting unit of the container treatment machine to which the container treatment module is to be attached. The lifting unit is designed to lift the support unit including the container treatment module.During the coupling of the coupling element to the lifting unit, the actuating element can be coupled to a stationary holding element, which is preferably attached to the lifting unit. The holding element remains in its position when the lifting unit raises the load-bearing unit; that is, the holding element is not lifted. When the load-bearing unit is lifted by the lifting unit, the support element can be moved from its retracted position to its supported position via the actuating element held by the holding element. The extension of the support element into the supported position can thus be synchronized with the lifting movement. This allows the load-bearing unit to be supported by the support element at virtually any height level during the lifting process. The support of the load-bearing unit can therefore be achieved with minimal effort and simultaneously exhibits high stability.The device is lightweight and can dampen or prevent vibrations of the raised support unit. Furthermore, the device is cost-effective and simple in design.

[0008] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the at least one support element can be pivotably mounted on the at least one support unit, preferably as a foldable support roller, and can be pivoted towards the support unit in the retracted position and pivoted away from the support unit in the support position.

[0009] The support element can thus be moved between the retracted position and the supported position using its pivoting motion. In the retracted position, the support element can, for example, be pivoted towards the load-bearing unit, and in the supported position, project away from the load-bearing unit. In the positions between the retracted and supported positions, the support element can be pivoted at any time during the lifting process to such an extent that it can easily provide support for the load-bearing unit.

[0010] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the at least one support element can have at least one first lever arm for pivoting the at least one support element.

[0011] The support element can thus be pivoted using the first lever arm to perform a pivoting movement between the retracted position and the supported position. This further simplifies the design and can further reduce the costs of operating the support element.

[0012] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the at least one actuating element can be pivotably mounted on the at least one support unit and preferably has a second lever arm for coupling to the at least one holding element and a third lever arm for connecting to the support element, wherein the second and the third lever arm can further preferably be oriented in an L-shape relative to each other.

[0013] The actuating element can thus actuate the support element via a pivoting movement. In particular, if the actuating element is held by the stationary holding element during the lifting process, the holding action during the lifting of the support unit can cause a pivoting movement of the actuating element. This pivoting movement of the actuating element can cause the support element to move between the retracted position and the supported position. Preferably, the actuating element has two lever arms, which, to distinguish them from a possible lever arm of the support element, can be referred to as the second and third lever arms. The second lever arm can be designed for coupling with the stationary holding element. The third lever arm can transmit a pivoting movement of the actuating element to the support element. It is further advantageous if the second and third lever arms are oriented in an L-shape relative to each other.In this way, a swiveling movement can be transferred to the support element particularly easily.

[0014] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the at least one actuating element and the at least one support element can be mechanically coupled to each other in terms of movement.

[0015] In this embodiment, the actuating element can be mechanically coupled to the support element. This mechanical coupling allows a movement of the actuating element to be directly converted into a movement of the support element. In this way, an additional drive for the support element, controlled by the actuating element, is unnecessary. This further simplifies the device and reduces costs.

[0016] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that at least one push rod, the at least one actuating element and the at least one support element can be coupled to each other in terms of movement.

[0017] The push rod can connect the actuating element and the support element. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the push rod can be pivotally connected to both the support element and the actuating element. If the support element and the actuating element are pivotally mounted on the support unit, a pivoting movement of the actuating element can then be mechanically converted into a pivoting movement of the support element via the pivot connection with the push rod.

[0018] According to some embodiments, it is conceivable that the support unit can be mobile, in particular movable. Preferably, the support unit can have at least one wheel for moving the support unit.

[0019] The support unit can, for example, be designed as a trolley on which the container treatment module can be mounted. When the support unit is lifted by the lifting unit, at least one wheel of the trolley can be lifted off the ground. Only the support element can then provide supporting contact with the ground for the support unit.

[0020] According to a second aspect, a system for carrying at least one container treatment module, in particular a labeling module, for a container treatment machine is described, comprising at least one lifting unit, at least one stationary holding element and a device according to the preceding description, wherein the at least one holding element is designed for pivotally mounting the actuating element.

[0021] The advantages, effects, and further developments of the system derive from the advantages, effects, and further developments of the device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0022] According to a third aspect, a plant for manufacturing and / or treating containers is described, comprising at least one container treatment machine designed to transport containers along a transport path, at least one device according to the preceding description and / or at least one system according to the preceding description, wherein the device is designed to arrange the containers at a treatment station on the transport path by means of the at least one lifting unit.

[0023] The advantages, effects, and further developments of the system result from the advantages, effects, and further developments of the device and system described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0024] The invention is described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Figure 1a, a schematic representation of the system for supporting at least one container handling module; Figure 2a, a schematic representation of the system in a coupled state; Figure 3, a schematic representation of the system in a partially raised state; Figure 4, a schematic representation of the system in a fully raised state; Figure 5a, a schematic representation of the movement coupling of the actuating element with the support element; and Figure 6, a schematic representation of the system.

[0025] The device for carrying at least one container treatment module for at least one container treatment machine is described below as in Figure 1a represented in their entirety with reference number 10.

[0026] The device 10 is designed to carry at least one container treatment module 12 for at least one container treatment machine 50. The container treatment module 12 can be a labeling module for a container treatment machine 50 configured as a labeling machine.

[0027] The device 10 further comprises at least one support unit 14, from which the container treatment module 12 can be supported and moved. For the movement process, the support unit 14 can, for example, have wheels 36. The container treatment module 12 can be mounted on the support unit 14. Different container treatment modules 12 can be supported by the support unit 14.

[0028] The device 10 further comprises at least one coupling element 16 for coupling to at least one lifting unit 52. The lifting unit 52 can be configured to lift the at least one support unit 14. Furthermore, the lifting unit 52 can have at least one lifting arm 54 to which the coupling element 16 of the device 10 can be coupled. For example, the coupling element 16 can have a downward-facing surface under which the lifting arm 54 can be inserted to lift the support unit 14.

[0029] The coupling element 16 can further comprise first centering elements, which can, for example, be arranged on suitable second centering elements of the lifting arm 54. The second centering elements can, for example, be dome-shaped. In this way, the support unit 14 can be arranged in a predefined coupling position on the lifting unit 52 and lifted by the lifting unit 52 into a predefined treatment position on the container treatment machine 50. The end section of the support unit 14, on which the coupling element 16 is arranged, can be referred to as the first end section 32.

[0030] Furthermore, the device 10 has at least one support element 18 which is attached to the support unit 14. The support element 18 can be moved between a retracted position and a supported position. In the supported position, the support element 18 can support the support unit 14 in a raised state.

[0031] The support element 18 can be arranged at a second end section 34 of the support unit 14. The second end section 34 is arranged opposite the first end section 32, such that the support unit 14 extends between the first end section 32 and the second end section 34.

[0032] In the embodiment described here, the support element 18 can have a support roller 22 which is pivotably mounted on the support unit 14. In the retracted position, the support element 18, in particular the support roller 22, can be pivoted towards the support unit 14. In the supported position, the support element 18, in particular the support roller 22, can be pivoted away from the support unit 14.

[0033] The support element 18, in particular the support roller 22, can be designed to be height-adjustable in the support position in some embodiments. This also allows for the compensation of uneven ground and the adjustment of a horizontal alignment of the container treatment module 12.

[0034] In some embodiments, the support roller 22 can be arranged further axially between two spring elements (not shown). The multiple elements allow for centering of the support roller 22. In this way, precise alignment of the container treatment module 12 can be achieved in the support position.

[0035] As in Figure 1bAs shown, the support element 18 can be pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation 38. Furthermore, the support element 18 can have a first lever arm 24. A movement of the first lever arm 24 about the first axis of rotation 38 can cause a pivoting movement of the support roller 22 about the first axis of rotation 38.

[0036] The device 10 can further comprise at least one actuating element 20 for the support element 18. The actuating element 20 can be arranged on the first end section 32. However, the actuating element 20 can also be arranged at another position on the device 10.

[0037] The actuating element 20 is designed to couple with a stationary holding element 56. The holding element 56 does not change its height position when the lifting unit 52 lifts the support unit 14. Furthermore, the actuating element 20 is designed to actuate the support element 18 such that it can be moved between the retracted position and the supported position.

[0038] The retaining element 56 holds at least part of the actuating element 20 during a lifting movement of the support unit 14. This allows the at least one actuating element 20 to move the at least one support element 18 from the retracted position to the support position during the lifting of the at least one support unit 14 by the at least one lifting unit 52.

[0039] The actuating element 20 can also be pivotably arranged on the support unit 14. For this purpose, it can have a second lever arm 26, which can be pivotably mounted about a second axis of rotation 40. Furthermore, the second lever arm 26 can couple with the holding element 56. For this purpose, the second lever arm 26 can, for example, have a coupling rod 46, which can be inserted into a guide 58 of the holding element 56 when the coupling element 16 is coupled with the lifting unit 52. By inserting the coupling rod 56 into the guide 58, movement in the vertical direction through the guide 58 can be prevented.

[0040] When the support unit 14 is lifted by the actuating element 20, the second lever arm 26 is held at a constant vertical height by the holding element 56. Due to the pivotable mounting of the second lever arm 26, the actuating element 20 can be pivoted during a lifting operation of the support unit 14.

[0041] The actuating element 20 can further comprise a third lever arm 28, which can also be pivoted about the second axis of rotation 40. The second lever arm 26 and the third lever arm 28 can be rotationally fixed to each other and can be arranged in an L-shape relative to each other. A pivoting movement of the second lever arm 24 when lifting the support unit 14 can thus be transmitted to the third lever arm 28.

[0042] The support element 18 and the actuating element 20 can be connected to each other in a movement-coupled manner. This can be achieved, for example, mechanically via a push rod 30. In some embodiments, the push rod 30 can connect the first lever arm 24 and the third lever arm 28. For this purpose, the push rod 30 can have a first joint connection 42 with the first lever arm 24 and a second joint connection 44 with the third lever arm 28.

[0043] When the actuating element 20 is pivoted during the lifting process of the support unit 14, the support element 18 is also pivoted via the push rod 30. This provides a motion coupling between the actuating element 20 and the support element 18.

[0044] In some alternative embodiments, actuation of the actuating element can actuate a motor to extend or retract the support element 18.

[0045] Device 10 is in Figure 1a decoupled from the support unit 52 and the stationary holding element 56.

[0046] In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the actuating element 20 can be attached to the lifting unit 52. The second lever arm 26 could then be pivotally attached to the lifting unit 52 via a joint connection, which could replace the coupling rod 46. In particular, this joint connection would be connected to the stationary part of the lifting unit 52. The second pivot axis 40 could then be omitted, and instead of the joint connection 44, the coupling rod 46 could be provided on the third lever 28. The push rod 30 could then pivotally couple to the coupling rod 46.

[0047] Figure 2a Figure 10 shows a coupled state, with the support unit 14 not yet raised. The support element 18 is shown here in the retracted position.

[0048] The lifting unit 52 is coupled to the coupling element 16 via at least one lifting arm 54. The actuating element 20 further couples to the stationary holding element 56. For this purpose, the coupling rod 46 may be inserted into the guide 58. The coupling rod 46 may be pivotally mounted in the guide 58 and slidably mounted in the horizontal direction.

[0049] Figure 2b Figure 1 shows a detailed representation of the coupling between the actuating element 20 and the retaining element 56. It illustrates that, in this embodiment, the coupling rod 46 extends between two second lever arms 26 of the actuating element 20. The retaining element 56 is positioned with the guide between the second lever arms 56, so that the coupling rod 46 can be inserted into the guide 58.

[0050] In Figure 3The figure shows the lifting unit 14 in a raised position. The wheels 36 of the lifting unit 14 are lifted off the ground. The lifting unit 14 has not yet been raised into its final treatment position.

[0051] It is evident that at least one end of the second lever arm 26 is held at a constant vertical height by the stationary holding element 56. Accordingly, the second lever arm 26 is, compared to the state in Figure 2a The second pivot axis 40 is pivoted. This also pivots the third lever arm 28 around the second pivot axis 40. The pivoting movement is transmitted via the push rod 30 to the first lever arm 24 of the support element 18, so that the support element 18 is also pivoted around the first pivot axis 38.

[0052] The support element 18 is pivoted in such a way that it is in contact with the ground and provides a support effect on the load-bearing unit 14.

[0053] In Figure 4 Figure 1 shows the fully raised state of the support unit 14. The actuating element 20 is pivoted further than shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 Accordingly, support element 18 is also further away than in Figure 3 Extended from the support unit and is in the support position.

[0054] In the Figure 5a and 5b The mechanism of motion coupling according to the present embodiment is shown in more detail than in the preceding figures. Figure 5a and Figure 5b Figure 1 shows a vertical section through the support unit 14 with a top view of the pivoting mechanism, which in this embodiment can consist of the actuating element 20, the push rod 30 and the support element 18.

[0055] Figure 5a This shows the insertion position of the support element 18, in which the actuating element 20 is arranged in a first pivot position.

[0056] Figure 5bFigure 1 shows the support position of the support element 18, in which the actuating element 20 is arranged in a second pivot position. The transition between the first and second pivot positions of the actuating element 20 moves the support element 18 from the retracted position to the support position.

[0057] In Figure 6 This is presented as an embodiment of a plant, plant 60, for the manufacture and / or treatment of containers. The containers can be manufactured from preforms, which may consist of thermoplastic material.

[0058] However, the use of treatment module 12 should not be limited to such systems. Instead, the treatment methods described above can be used with any container treatment machine. The container treatment machine can be a standalone unit or integrated with other machines. Furthermore, the container material can be of any type.

[0059] The preforms can be fed to a heating device 66 via a feeding device 62 and a transport wheel 64. The arrows indicate the transport direction of the preform or container. In the heating device 66, the preforms can be thermally conditioned so that they can be formed into containers in a subsequent step.

[0060] From the heating device 66, the preforms can be fed to a container manufacturing machine 70 via a further transport wheel 68. In the container manufacturing machine 70, the preforms can be formed into containers, for example by means of a stretch blow molding or mold filling process.

[0061] The manufactured containers can be fed to processing machines via additional transport wheels 72, 74, 76. In this example, the containers can be labeled. This can be carried out in a container processing machine 50, which can be configured as a labeling machine. At least one device 10, as described above, can be arranged on the container processing machine 50. The device 10 can carry at least one container processing station 12, which can be configured as a labeling station.

[0062] In this way, the containers of the container treatment machine 50 can be treated with the container treatment station 12.

[0063] The treated containers can be transported further using another transport wheel 78. Additional container treatment machines and transport wheels can be added.

[0064] The example described above does not in any way limit the invention. Rather, the invention can be modified in numerous ways. All features of the invention described above can be essential to the invention, either alone or in combination. Reference sign list

[0065] 10 Device 12 Container handling module 14 Support unit 16 Coupling element 18 Support element 20 Actuating element 22 Support roller 24 Lever arm 26 Lever arm 28 Lever arm 30 Push rod 32 First end section 34 Second end section 36 Wheel 38 First pivot axis 40 Second pivot axis 42 Articulated connection 44 Articulated connection 46 Coupling rod 50 Container handling machine 52 Lifting unit 54 Lifting arm 56 Holding element 58 Guide 60 System 62 Feeding device 64 Transport wheel 66 Heating device 68 Transport wheel 70 Container manufacturing machine 72 Transport wheel 74 Transport wheel 76 Transport wheel 78 Transport wheel

Claims

1. Device (10) for carrying at least one container treatment module (12), in particular a labeling module, for a container treatment machine (50), comprising at least one support unit (14) for carrying and moving the container treatment module (12), at least one coupling element (16) for coupling to at least one lifting unit (52) for lifting the at least one support unit (14), at least one support element (18) attached to the at least one support unit (14), which is movable between a retracted position and a support position in which the at least one support element (18) supports the at least one support unit (14) in a raised state, characterized by the fact thatThe device (10) further comprises at least one actuating element (20) for coupling to at least one stationary holding element (56) when the at least one coupling element (16) couples to at least one lifting unit (52), wherein the actuating element (20) is designed in a state in which the at least one coupling element (16) is coupled to the at least one lifting unit (52) and during lifting of the at least one support unit (14) by means of the at least one lifting unit (52) to move the at least one support element (18) from the retracted position to the support position.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the at least one support element (18) is pivotably mounted on the at least one support unit (14), preferably as a foldable support roller (22), and is pivoted towards the support unit (14) in the retracted position and is pivoted away from the support unit (14) in the support position.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the at least one support element (18) has at least one first lever arm (24) for pivoting the at least one support element (18).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the at least one actuating element (20) is pivotably mounted on the at least one support unit (14) and preferably has a second lever arm (26) for coupling to the at least one holding element (56) and a third lever arm (28) for connecting to the support element (18), wherein the second and the third lever arm (26, 28) are further preferably oriented in an L-shape relative to each other.

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the at least one actuating element (20) and the at least one support element (18) are mechanically coupled to each other in terms of movement.

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatat least one push rod (30) couples the at least one actuating element (20) and the at least one support element (18) together in motion.

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the at least one actuating element (20) is arranged on a first end section (32) of the at least one support unit (14), wherein the at least one support element (18) is arranged on a second end section (34) of the at least one support unit (14) opposite the first end section (32).

8. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the support unit (14) is designed to be mobile, in particular movable.

9. System for carrying at least one container treatment module (12), in particular a labeling module, for a container treatment machine (50), comprising at least one lifting unit (52), at least one stationary holding element (56) and a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one holding element (56) is designed for pivotably mounting the actuating element (20).

10. Plant (60) for manufacturing and / or treating containers, comprising at least one container treatment machine (50) configured to transport containers along a transport path, at least one device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or at least one system according to claim 9, wherein the device (10) is configured to be positioned at a treatment station on the transport path by means of the at least one lifting unit (52).

Images