Container conveying device for conveying containers
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KHS GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2024063737_27022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Container transport device for transporting containers
[0002] Description:
[0003] The present invention relates to a container transport device for transporting containers with a transport lane arranged along a transport direction and a holding arrangement assigned to the transport lane, wherein the holding arrangement has a holding element which is displaceable along a transverse direction running obliquely to the transport direction and which, in a holding position, extends at least partially into the transport lane.
[0004] Such container transport devices are generally known from the prior art, with reference to container transport devices from the food industry, particularly the beverage industry. Accordingly, the containers are preferably beverage containers. In this context, beverage containers mean that the containers are intended to hold a beverage as the filling medium.
[0005] In particular, the invention provides that the beverage containers are so-called preforms, which are formed into beverage containers during blow molding or stretch blow molding. The preforms are containers that already have an external thread for receiving a closure cap, so that only the adjoining body section is formed during a forming process, with the shape resulting from the size of the beverage container and also from the desired visual appearance. During the forming process, the containers are typically first removed from a collection container via an ascending conveyor and then separated and aligned.The containers are then fed into the actual blow molding system, where they are first heated in a heating device to bring the container material to a temperature that allows for easy plastic forming.
[0006] In particular, for introducing the containers or preforms into the blow molding machine, a corresponding container transport device is provided which controls the feed into the blow molding machine.
[0007] A corresponding container transport device is known, for example, from DE 10 2020 122 470 A1, wherein a container transport device referred to as a feed transport device enables the feeding of the preforms into a separating device. It is also known that the feeding of the containers can be stopped by inserting a holding element into the transport lane, thereby blocking the movement of the containers. This may be necessary, for example, if a rapid shutdown of the machine is desired. During commissioning, the individual system components are first started, and then the feeding or movement of the containers is enabled by releasing the holding element.
[0008] Such a configuration is common practice, with the holding element being moved in a transverse direction to the transport direction. In particular, the transverse direction is arranged substantially perpendicular to the transport direction, although within the scope of the invention, configurations are also possible in which a slightly inclined position to the transport direction is provided. However, an inclined arrangement refers to configurations in which the holding element is arranged in a holding position at an angle between 70° and 110°, in particular between 75° and 105°, to the transport direction.
[0009] Such a design has proven itself in practice, as it allows the container supply to be interrupted in just a very short period of time, just a few milliseconds.
[0010] However, especially with a high throughput of containers, it becomes apparent that the stop fingers only have a relatively short period of time to engage between two containers in a container chain. This inevitably leads to the risk of damage to individual containers or even the holding element itself.
[0011] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a container transport device which enables the feeding of containers into subsequent system components in a product-friendly manner and at the same time improves functional reliability.
[0012] This object is achieved by a container transport device according to claim 1, according to the invention a container detection device for detecting containers in the transport direction is arranged in front of the holding arrangement, wherein a control device is set up to move the holding element between a release position and the holding position on the basis of the containers detected by the container detection device.
[0013] In contrast to previously known container transport devices, the holding element is triggered based on the containers detected by a container detection device. This makes it possible to detect the individual positions of the containers as well as any gaps between them and to trigger the holding element via the control device in such a way that the holding element can be inserted into the transition between two consecutive containers, if possible. Gaps within a container chain formed by containers are particularly suitable for this purpose.
[0014] The particular advantage of such a solution is that, in contrast to the random triggering of the holding element known from the prior art, the position of the containers is now directly taken into account, thus minimizing the risk of the holding element striking areas of a preform that could lead to damage to the preform. At the same time, the loads potentially acting on the holding element are avoided or at least reduced, thus also reducing any failures or damage to the holding element.
[0015] The container detection device is accordingly designed to detect the containers within the transport lane. This is preferably done via at least one container detection sensor. This container detection sensor is preferably arranged within the transport lane, although solutions are also possible in which the sensor is not arranged directly within the transport lane. In such a case, however, the container detection sensor is at least designed to detect the containers within the transport lane.
[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one container detection sensor is designed to detect containers in an upper section of the transport lane. In this context, an upper section means the area of the transport lane which is located in the upper half with respect to the height of the transport lane. Since it is usually a container transport device which transports preforms, these are preferably guided via a so-called neck ring holder. A neck ring is understood to be a protruding section of the preform which is arranged below the external thread and protrudes relative to it. This neck ring usually represents the widest area of the preform and is therefore particularly suitable for guiding the preform in a supporting manner.
[0017] Based on this, a neck ring holder is then provided within the transport lane. This neck ring holder typically consists of two guide surfaces extending along the transport direction, which are spaced apart from each other such that the preform rests on the guide surfaces via the neck ring, while the lower section of the preform, which is to be subsequently formed, extends through the slot formed by the guide surfaces. The upper section of the transport lane is then arranged above the guide surfaces, and the lower section below them.If the at least one container detection sensor is arranged above the guide surfaces, this results in a particularly advantageous design, since the preform, due to its elongated extension, is subject to strong pendulum movements in a lower section located below the guide surfaces and is therefore not particularly suitable for container detection. In contrast, the preforms rest comparatively still on the guide surfaces, thus reducing any possible misdetection.
[0018] By incorporating a container detection sensor, it is possible to determine the presence of a container at a specific position in the transport aisle. In the simplest case, this is achieved when the container detection sensor is designed like a light barrier, so that a distinction can essentially be made between two states: the presence of a container or not. If the container is then moved past the corresponding container detection sensor, the container detection sensor generates a signal which is present for a certain period of time. After the corresponding container has left the position, another container can be detected. The distance between the two signals, in particular, provides information about whether or not there is a gap between the two containers. This gap can then be used to extend the holding element.However, this also requires a certain amount of knowledge about the container's speed, since only then can the required time difference until the holding element is triggered be calculated from the distance between the container detection sensor and the holding element on the one hand and the container's speed on the other. Since the speed usually only varies slightly during transport, the time difference until the holding element's trigger signal can be determined in advance. However, this time interval must then be adjusted accordingly if the container transport device is readjusted.
[0019] Accordingly, within the scope of the invention, container detection sensors that can also perform a speed measurement are particularly advantageous. A container detection sensor embodied as a camera is also suitable for this purpose. Particularly if this camera is suitable for high-speed recording, it is possible to determine not only the position of a container but also its speed based on two images taken at a specified time interval. The disadvantage, however, is that complex image analysis is required, which is often insufficient for the time interval available until the holding element is triggered.
[0020] Accordingly, a particularly preferred embodiment provides for at least two container detection sensors to be arranged one behind the other in the transport direction. Using these container detection sensors, the time period in which a container passes the two container detection sensors arranged one behind the other can then be determined. This not only allows the position of the container or any gaps within the container chain to be determined, but also the speed of the container or a container chain, so that the time interval until the holding element is triggered can be continuously adjusted accordingly. In such a case, the container detection sensor can also be designed particularly simply as a light barrier, resulting in rapid signal evaluation and transmission to the control device.
[0021] As already explained above, container detection sensors designed as light barriers are particularly well suited for use within the scope of the invention. The possibility of a camera system, in which case the at least one container detection sensor is designed as a camera, has also proven useful within the scope of the invention. Camera systems that enable rapid image analysis are preferably provided in this case.
[0022] However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. Rather, the at least one image direction sensor can also be an ultrasonic sensor or a mechanical detection unit. A mechanical detection unit is understood to mean mechanical elements that engage in the transport aisle and past which the containers are guided. Accordingly, detection occurs when the container strikes the mechanical detection unit, whereby this mechanical detection unit is preferably designed such that it does not influence the transport of the containers or only influences them insignificantly. In addition, container detection sensors in the form of laser measuring sensors can also be provided. These laser measuring sensors have the advantage that they can detect the position of a container not only like a light barrier. Rather, it is also possible to determine the distance between the container and the container detection sensor.This can be particularly useful when there is no gap within a container chain, so the specific position of the containers is also of interest. It should be noted that containers are usually circular, so that two adjacent containers have a narrow contact surface in which the distance between the containers and the container detection sensor is greatest. This area is particularly suitable for the engagement of the holding element, as only minimal damage to the preform can be expected. In contrast, the distance between the container and the container detection sensor is greatest when the container detection sensor is aimed directly at the greatest extent of the container. This area is not suitable for the engagement of the holding element.Accordingly, a laser measuring sensor can be used to immediately determine when the engagement of the holding element is particularly advantageous.
[0023] A particularly preferred development of the invention provides that the at least one container detection sensor and the holding arrangement are each connected to the control device via a signal connection. These signal connections can be either wired or wireless. Of course, both systems can also be combined, so that one of these signal connections is wireless and the other is wired.
[0024] A further development of the invention further provides that the holding element, in a holding position, is spaced at least 5 mm, preferably at least 8 mm, in the transport direction from the at least one container detection sensor. If multiple container detection sensors are provided, this distance is determined by the container detection sensor closest to the holding element.
[0025] With regard to the holding element, previously known holding elements can be used. The drive is preferably pneumatic. However, it is also possible to move the holding element using a hydraulic or electric drive. It should be noted that a hydraulic drive, while fundamentally possible, can be disadvantageous, especially with regard to use in the food processing industry, as it must be ensured that the hydraulic oils used do not come into contact with the food being processed. Accordingly, careful separation must be ensured.
[0026] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding element is designed to be movable along the transport direction at least in a deceleration section for transfer into the holding position. According to such an embodiment, the invention is further specified in that not only is the time at which the holding element is triggered by the container detection device determined. Rather, the movement of the holding element itself is also influenced in such a way that the holding element can be inserted particularly gently between two consecutive preforms.
[0027] This is achieved by moving the transport mandrel not exclusively in a transverse direction, but also along the transport direction in a deceleration section of the transport lane. Accordingly, a type of damping zone forms in the deceleration section, resulting in a lower relative speed between the holding element and the containers moving along the transport lane, which allows for gentle product insertion of the holding element. In this context, it should be noted that the deceleration section refers to the section of the transport lane in which the holding element moves diagonally to the transverse direction and along the transport direction.
[0028] According to a preferred development of the invention, the delay section extends over a length of between 15 and 200 mm in the transport lane.
[0029] In principle, various possibilities are conceivable for implementing a movement of the holding element along the transport direction. The invention preferably provides that the holding arrangement has an adjusting carriage which guides the holding element in a linearly displaceable manner along the transverse direction and wherein the adjusting carriage is designed to be movable at least partially along the transport direction. Accordingly, the holding arrangement enables adjustment in the transverse direction via a relative movement of the holding element to the adjusting carriage, while the movement along the transport direction is brought about by a movement of the adjusting carriage itself. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the adjusting carriage on a rotatably designed support. Accordingly, the adjusting carriage is moved along a curved path, thereby enabling movement in the transport direction.It should, of course, be noted that the movement along a curved path also imparts additional transverse movement to the holding element, which must be compensated for by moving the holding element in the adjusting carriage. In particular, the adjusting carriage is arranged on the rotatably mounted support at a relatively large radius, so that the movement path of the adjusting carriage has only a slight curvature. In particular, the adjusting carriage is arranged at a radius between 40 and 200 mm.
[0030] An alternative embodiment provides for the adjusting carriage to be movable along a linear guide. This allows for a more or less flexible configuration of the movement path of the adjusting carriage and thus also of the holding element. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the linear guide is arranged parallel to the transport lane, at least in sections. If only a movement parallel to the transport lane is intended, the transfer of the holding element from a released position to the held position can take place in the same way as before, since no additional movement components perpendicular to the transport direction are imposed.
[0031] Of course, the linear guide can be provided with at least curved guide sections. These curved guide sections can be provided, on the one hand, to enable a parallel arrangement to the transport lane, provided that this is non-linear. At the same time, however, it is also possible to provide curved guide sections along a linear transport lane. For example, the movement of the holding element in the transport lane in the transverse direction can then also be significantly effected by the movement of the adjusting carriage. This allows two separate movement components to be superimposed on one another to enable even faster closing.
[0032] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the holding element is designed to be displaceable at least along a distance of between 2 and 20 mm along the transverse direction between the release position and the holding position. The distance is particularly dependent on the size of the containers to be transported within the transport lane.
[0033] The invention further relates to a container transport arrangement comprising a container transport device according to the invention and a transport rotor connected to the container transport device. This transport rotor can, for example, be a separating device designed to arrange the containers at a specific distance from one another. This can be necessary, for example, if, starting from the transport rotor, a feed into predefined container receptacles, e.g., in a heating device, is required. A transfer device is then provided in the transfer area, which enables or at least facilitates the transfer of the containers from the container transport device to the transport rotor. This transfer device can be a blow nozzle, which imparts a movement component to the containers, allowing them to be transferred easily to the transport rotor.The invention further relates to a container blow-molding arrangement according to claim 13 for blow-molding, in particular for stretch-blow molding of containers, comprising a blow-molding machine and a container transport device according to the invention associated with the blow-molding machine or a container transport arrangement according to the invention. The design of such a container blow-molding arrangement has already been explained in detail above.
[0034] In particular, a heating device can be provided between the blow-molding machine and the container transport device. The containers are taken over by the container transport device and guided along a specific heating section. Radiant heat is then supplied via appropriate heating elements, which heats the containers so that they can be easily plastically deformed.
[0035] The transfer from the transport device to the heating device can take place via the transport rotor, which is preferably designed as a separating star, so that the heating device is directly adjacent to the container transport arrangement or, via the transport rotor, to the container transport device. An additional transfer star is then provided between the heating device and the blow molding machine, via which the containers are removed from the heating device and inserted into the blow molds of the blow molding machine.
[0036] In this context, it should be noted that the blow molding machine can of course also be a stretch blow molding machine. During stretch blow molding, a mandrel is inserted into the container, which already allows a certain elongation along the container axis. By introducing compressed air, the container is then expanded and pressed towards the blow molds. Furthermore, a method for interrupting the transport of containers according to patent claim 14 is also the subject of the invention, wherein, starting from the container transport device according to the invention, a container or a gap between two consecutive containers is detected in a first step and wherein the transport container is subsequently interrupted in a second step.
[0037] The transport is interrupted, in particular, by inserting a holding element transversely into the transport lane. This can occur either before or after the container. In particular, it is intended that if a gap is detected, the holding element is inserted into the gap.
[0038] A further development of the invention further provides that the second step takes place at a time interval of between 2 and 20 ms after the first step.
[0039] In addition, it can also be provided that in the first step the speed of the container is also determined and the time interval is adjusted based on this.
[0040] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to determine the transverse distance of the container from the holding element in the first step. Based on this, the triggering of the holding element or the execution of the second step can then be adjusted.
[0041] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a container blow molding arrangement according to the prior art
[0042] Fig. 2A, 2B a container transport device according to the invention in a loose state and a holding state
[0043] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an alternative container transport device with a holding arrangement on a rotatable carrier
[0044] Fig. 1 shows a prior art container blow molding system used in the beverage industry. The containers 1 are so-called preforms, commonly referred to as preforms, and are fed via a container transport device 2 to a rotatably driven conveyor gyroscope 3 designed as a separating star. The container transport device 2 can be a feed chute in which the containers 1 are moved solely by gravity. Alternatively, a blow molding system is also possible, in which the containers 1 are transported by compressed air.
[0045] In the transport carousel 3, the containers 1 are spaced apart from each other to a certain extent and transferred into a heating device 4 by rotation.
[0046] For this purpose, the heating device 4 has a plurality of transport elements 5, into which containers 1 are placed upon transfer from the transport system 3 and via which the containers 1 are transported in the heating device 4. The heating device 4 also has heating elements 6, via which the containers 1 are thermally conditioned during transport. Thermal conditioning in this context means heating the containers 1 to a predetermined temperature, which is suitable for plastically deforming the containers in a subsequent process step by introducing compressed air. This plastic deformation serves to convert the containers 1 into beverage containers, in particular beverage bottles. The preforms are therefore made of a thermoplastic material. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has proven particularly suitable for this purpose.
[0047] After passing through the heating device 4, the containers 1 are removed from the transport elements 5 via a gripping arrangement 7 and fed to a blow molding machine 8, in which the plastic deformation or plastic shaping of the containers 1 designed as preforms then takes place.
[0048] In order to interrupt the supply of containers 1 into the transport carousel 1 as quickly as possible, a holding arrangement 10 with a holding element 11 displaceable in the transverse direction Q is also provided. This holding element 11 is a finger-like or mandrel-like element which is displaced into a transport lane 12 and thereby blocks the containers 1 moved along the transport direction T within the transport lane 12.
[0049] This is shown schematically in Fig. 2B. While according to Fig. 2A the holding element is retracted relative to an adjusting element 13 and thereby releases the transport aisle 12 for the containers 1, between the loose state according to Figure 2A and the held state according to Figure 2B the holding element moves in a transverse direction Q which is arranged obliquely to the transport direction T and as a result of which the holding element 11 engages at least partially in the transport aisle 12 and blocks the movement of the containers 1 along the transport direction T. In this context it should be noted that the transport direction T is not a linear direction but can rather be determined based on the orientation of the transport aisle 12. The transverse direction Q can be perpendicular to the transport direction T. However, it is also sufficient if a certain inclination is achieved.
[0050] As can be seen from Figures 2A and 2B, the holding element 11 moves almost exclusively at an angle to the transport direction T, so that the holding element 11 must preferably engage directly in the spaces between two consecutive containers 1 to avoid damaging them. This is particularly problematic at high container throughputs.
[0051] Against this background, a container detection device 15 for detecting containers in the transport direction is arranged in front of the holding arrangement 10. This container detection device 15 has a first and a second container detection sensor 16a, 16b, which are arranged one behind the other along the transport aisle 12 in the transport direction T. By means of these container detection sensors 16a, 16b, it is possible, on the one hand, to detect the passing of the containers 1. On the other hand, however, gaps 17 between two consecutive containers 1 can also be detected. Such gaps 17 are particularly well suited for interrupting the transport of the containers 1 at this point, since sufficient time is available in which the holding element 11 can be inserted into the gap 17. However, the two container detection sensors 16a, 16b make it possible not only to detect containers 1 and gaps 17.Rather, the speed of the containers 1 can also be determined. This involves measuring the time interval in which a container 1 passes through the first and then the second container detection sensor 16a, 16b. Based on this speed measurement, the triggering of the holding element 11 can then be adjusted.
[0052] The container detection sensors 16a, 16b are light barriers that distinguish exclusively between two states. Of course, it is also possible to use other sensor systems, such as cameras, ultrasonic sensors, or mechanical fingers.
[0053] Furthermore, the container detection sensors 16a, 16b can also be designed as laser measurement sensors or additionally include a corresponding laser measurement sensor. This makes it possible to also determine the distance to the containers 1, so that, in the case of a non-existent gap 17, the area between two containers 1 where the containers 1 are in contact with each other can be estimated. This area is also particularly suitable for inserting the holding element 11.
[0054] The container detection device 15 or the container detection sensors 16a, 16b are connected via a first signal connection 20a to a control device 18, which triggers the holding element 11. For this purpose, the holding arrangement 10 is then connected to the control device 18 via a second signal connection 20b. Furthermore, the first and / or second signal connections 20a, 20b can be either wired or wireless.
[0055] Fig. 3 shows a further development of the container transport device 2 according to the invention, wherein the holding element 11 is now designed to be linearly displaceable relative to a positioning carriage 14, the positioning carriage 14 being arranged on a rotatably configured support 9. Accordingly, not only is the holding element 11 moved relative to the positioning carriage 14 in a transverse direction Q. Rather, the positioning carriage 14 itself also moves along a curved path. As a result, the holding element 11 is designed to be movable along the transport direction T for the transfer between the release position and the holding position, this movement taking place within a deceleration section 19. This section marks the part of the transport aisle 12 from which the holding element 11 first engages in the transport aisle 12 and is completed by the holding state of the holding element 11.
[0056] List of reference symbols Container Container transport device Transport carousel Heating device Transport elements Heating elements Gripping arrangement Blow-molding machine Carrier Holding arrangement Holding element Transport lane Adjusting carriage Container detection device a, 16b Container detection sensor Gaps Control device Deceleration section a, 20b Signal connection Transport direction Transverse direction
Claims
Patent claims:
1. Container transport device (2) for transporting containers (1), in particular beverage containers, with a transport lane (12) arranged along a transport direction (T) and a holding arrangement (10) assigned to the transport lane (12), wherein the holding arrangement (10) has a holding element (11) which is displaceable along a transverse direction running obliquely to the transport direction (T) and which, in a holding position, extends at least partially into the transport lane (12), characterized in that a container detection device (15) for detecting containers (1) is arranged in front of the holding arrangement (10) in the transport direction (T), and wherein a control device (18) is configured to move the holding element (11) between a release position and the holding position on the basis of the containers (1) detected by the container detection device (15).
2. Container transport device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the container detection device (15) has at least one container detection sensor (16a, 16b).
3. Container transport device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one container detection sensor (16a, 16b) is designed to detect containers (1) in an upper section of the transport lane (12).
4. Container transport device (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least two container detection sensors (16a, 16b) are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction (T).
5. Container transport device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the at least one container detection sensor (16a, 16b) is a light barrier, a camera, an ultrasonic sensor or a mechanical detection unit.
6. Container transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one container detection sensor (16a, 16b) and the holding arrangement (10) are each connected to the control device (18) via a signal connection (20a, 20b).
7. Container transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element (11) is spaced at least 5 mm, preferably at least 8 mm, in the transport direction (T) from the at least one container detection sensor (16a, 16b) in a holding position.
8. Container transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element (11) can be moved in the transverse direction (Q) by a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric drive.
9. Container transport device (2) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the holding element (11) for Transfer into the holding position is arranged to be movable along the transport direction (T) at least in one deceleration section (19).
10. Container transport device (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the holding arrangement (10) has an adjusting carriage (14) which guides the holding element (11) in a linearly displaceable manner, wherein the adjusting carriage (14) is arranged to be movable at least in regions along the transport direction (T).
11. Container transport arrangement with a container transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a transport carousel connected to the container transport device (2), wherein a transfer device is arranged in a transfer area.
12. Container transport arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the transfer device is a blow nozzle.
13. Container blow molding arrangement for blow molding containers (1), comprising a blow molding machine and a container transport device (2) associated with the blow molding machine according to one of claims 1 to 10 or a container transport arrangement according to claim 11 or 12.
14. Method for interrupting a transport of containers (1) in a container transport device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in a first step a container (1) or a gap (17) between two consecutive containers (1) is detected and wherein subsequently in a second step the transport of the containers (1) is interrupted.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the transport is interrupted by inserting a holding element (11) in the transverse direction (Q) into the transport lane (12).
16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second step is carried out in a Time interval between 2 and 20 ms after the first step. 1 / .Method according to claim 16, wherein in the first step the speed of the container (1) is additionally determined and the time interval is adjusted based thereon.
18. Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein in the first step the distance of the container (1) in the transverse direction (Q) to the holding element (11) is additionally determined.