Package forming device, as well as procedure for changing transport groups

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container forming device with two opposing transport devices, wherein the transport devices are configured to group containers into containers by means of a plurality of circumferentially movable guide elements and to move them along transport paths arranged parallel to each other, wherein the guide elements are movable along a circumferential guide track of the transport devices.

[0002] Container-forming devices of the type described above are generally known from the prior art and are used, for example, to group containers into containers and fix them together. The invention relates in particular to container-forming devices in the beverage industry, where the containers can be beverage containers, for example, plastic or glass bottles, or beverage cans.

[0003] The containers are first filled with the appropriate filling medium in a beverage bottling plant and then, if necessary after further processing steps such as labeling, fed into a corresponding container forming machine. The size and design of the containers to be formed in the container forming machine are determined by the grouped guide elements and the two transport sections. To form so-called six-packs, three guide elements from one transport unit are grouped together and combined with a corresponding transport group from the other transport unit.

[0004] A generic embodiment is known, for example, from EP 3 038 927 B1. According to this document, the individual containers are fixed together to form the bundles using an adhesive. For this purpose, an adhesive is first applied to discrete points on the containers, and then the containers are joined together via these adhesive points. To generate sufficient bonding force between the containers of the first transport device and the containers of the second transport device, the two transport devices are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the containers transported within them are pressed against each other to a certain extent. Guide elements are provided to guide the containers within the transport devices; these elements move around the circumference of the transport devices. A chain drive is provided as the drive mechanism for the guide elements, which is connected to the guide elements via a bolt.

[0005] The individual guide elements are usually grouped into so-called transport groups, the size of which is determined primarily by the container being produced. For example, if a container consisting of six containers (six-pack) is to be formed, three guide elements per transport unit are grouped together to form one transport group, with the size of the container then resulting from the size of the two transport groups aligned relative to each other.

[0006] In practice, however, it is often necessary to replace these transport groups at certain intervals, for example, to create containers of different sizes or with different diameters. It should be noted that the individual transport groups are usually made up of mechanically connected guide elements, thus requiring the replacement of entire transport groups. DE 10 2019 119 809 A1 proposes that the individual transport groups can be separated from the drive unit via a hinged connecting bolt. The guide track is then opened at a suitable point so that the individual guide units can be easily replaced. The document does not specify how the guide track is opened.

[0007] In practice, however, it is known that a section of the guide track is shifted outwards, thus protruding from the adjacent sections. Along with this section, a transport group mounted on it is also shifted outwards and can then be removed by sliding it laterally. The new transport group is then also positioned on this section by sliding it laterally, and the outwardly shifted section is realigned with the adjacent sections of the guide track by sliding it inwards. This process is repeated until all transport groups, or all required transport groups, have been replaced.

[0008] This principle has generally proven successful. However, due to the individual removal of the transport groups, it is very time-consuming, and the process is therefore also associated with long downtimes of the container forming device.

[0009] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a container forming device which is characterized by an easier and faster exchange of the guide elements or the transport groups of guide elements.

[0010] The solution to this problem and the subject of the invention is a container forming device according to claim 1.

[0011] Accordingly, it is provided that the guideways each have an adjustable exchange section between an exchange position and an operating position for the exchange of guide elements, wherein the exchange section is arranged offset inwards in the exchange position compared to adjacent sections of the circumferential guideway.

[0012] The invention is based on the understanding that, in a circumferential and thus essentially oval-shaped guide track, the exchange section is offset inwards, so that the adjacent sections of the guide track project beyond this exchange section. Accordingly, the individual guide elements or entire transport groups formed from guide elements can be removed from the adjacent sections of the guide track by lateral displacement, since the exchange section does not block removal from the adjacent sections of the guide track.

[0013] In contrast, according to the prior art, it is only possible to move the guide elements to be replaced together with the replacement section and then remove them. This limits the number of guide elements that can be replaced simultaneously. According to the present invention, a plurality of guide elements or a plurality of transport groups can be removed from the guide track or replaced simultaneously without requiring any adjustment of the replacement section. This allows the entire replacement process to be carried out much faster and more efficiently, thereby reducing the required downtime of the container forming device to the necessary minimum.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the exchange section for each transport device is located on the side of the guide track facing away from the respective transport path. Starting from a circumferential guide track, these are therefore external sections of the guide track, which are particularly easily accessible from the outside. In contrast, only a very limited space is available for changing guide elements within the transport path itself.

[0015] The exchange section is preferably formed outside a curved track section on a substantially straight section of the guide track, so that it can be shifted inwards particularly easily. It should be noted that the transport devices are typically designed with a substantially straight transport section along the transport path and a counter-rotating, also substantially straight, return section, with the transport section and the return section each being connected at their ends by a curved track section. Accordingly, the exchange section is then formed in the return section of the transport device.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the exchange section has a length that corresponds to between 3 and 10% of the total guide track. The length is specifically dimensioned such that at least one transport group can be arranged in the area of ​​the exchange section. This makes it possible to move the transport elements from the guide track into the area of ​​the exchange section and then remove them. A significantly longer exchange section is not necessary, since the individual transport groups can be removed from the guide track one after the other and new transport groups can be inserted accordingly.

[0017] Accordingly, the length of the exchange section can also be determined based on the size of the transport groups, wherein the exchange section of a preferred length comprises between 0.8 and 1.5 times the width of a transport group, which is formed from several, in particular two, three, or four, guide elements arranged one behind the other. Thus, the exchange section is at least designed to remove transport groups from several, for example, a total of two, three, or four guide elements. Particularly preferably, transport groups from at least four containers should be removable.

[0018] According to a further development of the invention, the guide elements are provided with a drive device, preferably a toothed belt drive or a chain drive. Chain drives are already well known in the prior art. Toothed belt drives are a type of drive in which a so-called transport belt is toothed on one side, the teeth engaging positively with toothed drive pulleys. Rotation of these drive pulleys then moves the transport belts and the elements arranged on them. The transport belt is usually made of a plastic. Within the scope of the invention, a transport belt made of neoprene or chloroprene rubber has proven to be particularly advantageous.Compared to the commonly used chain drives, toothed belt drives are characterized by particularly high dimensional stability, thereby eliminating the problem of chain elongation.

[0019] For connection to the drive unit, the guide elements, or at least one guide element of a transport group, have an adjustable bolt or bolt section. This bolt or bolt section allows the corresponding guide element to be connected to the drive unit. For this purpose, the drive unit typically has a coupling element, e.g., in the form of a bore or groove, into which the bolt or bolt section of the guide element engages. The coupling element then creates a positive connection with respect to the direction of travel of the respective transport unit, so that when the drive unit moves, e.g., via a chain or toothed belt, the guide elements, or the guide elements arranged in transport groups, are also moved. The bolt can, for example, be completely removed.A preferred embodiment, however, is one in which a bolt section is adjustable, e.g., foldable, and arranged directly on at least part of the guide elements. Accordingly, the guide elements, which are originally connected to the drive unit, can be detached from the drive unit by simply folding them over, thus allowing for easy removal of the guide elements.

[0020] As already explained in detail, the guide elements are grouped into transport groups, the size of which is determined by the size of the containers to be formed. According to this configuration, the individual guide elements within a transport group are preferably connected to one another, so that their relative positions are fixed during movement along the guide track. Based on this configuration, it is then only necessary for one of these guide elements to be connected to the drive unit, with this guide element also causing the movement of the other guide elements within a transport group. This configuration is particularly advantageous because, especially when cornering, a certain degree of fanning out of the coupling elements of the drive units can occur.Therefore, if the guide elements of a transport group were not connected to each other, the movement of the guide elements relative to each other would also spread out to a certain extent. Furthermore, the individual transport groups can be connected to or disconnected from the drive unit much more quickly, since only one bolt or bolt section per transport group needs to be connected or disconnected from the drive unit.

[0021] Preferably, between 50 and 150, and particularly preferably between 80 and 120, guide elements are arranged in the transport devices. The transport groups preferably have a size of 2, 3, 4, or more guide elements. Furthermore, the guide elements are not limited with regard to their shape; for example, guide elements with different contact surfaces can be provided, the contact surface being designed to rest against the container being transported as it passes through the transport path. For example, different contact surfaces can be provided for different container diameters.

[0022] Preferably, the guide elements are designed as slides. The guide elements can, for example, each have several rollers by means of which the guide elements are guided along the guide tracks. Each guide element can, for example, have at least one pressure head, preferably at least two pressure heads arranged one above the other, each with a contact surface for a container. The pressure heads are expediently format parts.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the replacement section is made of a plastic material. Furthermore, the replacement section can also be formed at its ends with an inlet and / or an outlet arc. These arcs are then located below an overlap area of ​​the adjacent sections of the guide track during operation. This ensures that no gap exists between the replacement section and the adjacent sections of the guide track during operation. A gap would result in the guide elements being exposed for a brief moment, thus disrupting the movement to some extent. This would also be associated with increased noise pollution.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, each transport unit is equipped with an adhesive application device for applying an adhesive to the containers in the production direction. Accordingly, the container-forming device is designed not only to group the individual containers together via the transport units, but also to fix them in place. For this purpose, the containers are pressed against each other to a certain degree by the guide elements in the individual transport units, allowing the adhesive applied in the adhesive application device to cure along the transport path.

[0025] The invention further relates to a method for changing transport groups formed from guide elements in a container forming device according to the invention as per claim 12.

[0026] Accordingly, the inventive method provides that the exchange section is first adjusted relative to adjacent sections of the guide track and that subsequently at least two transport groups are removed from the guide track and / or inserted into the guide track.

[0027] As previously explained, the advantage of the inventive design is that the transport groups can now be removed directly via the adjacent sections of the guide track, so that after adjusting the exchange section in an inward direction, it is possible to remove transport elements in groups.

[0028] In particular, the procedure provides that at least two transport groups are first removed from the guideway and at least two other transport groups are inserted into the guideway, while the exchange section has been moved into the exchange position.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, at least the transport groups to be removed are detached from the drive unit before removal and moved relative to each other so that the exchange section of the guide track is exposed, i.e., not occupied by guide elements. For example, the transport groups can be removed by removing a bolt by which at least one guide element of the transport group is connected to the drive unit. Alternatively, at least one guide element of the transport groups has an adjustable bolt section, so that separation between the drive unit and the transport group is possible by folding or some other type of adjustment. The detached transport groups then lie freely on the guide track and can be moved relative to each other.In this process, enough transport groups are disconnected from the drive unit so that the exchange section can be exposed by shifting them relative to each other. The exchange section is then moved inwards into the exchange position without a transport group attached, and the transport groups are then removed or inserted.

[0030] Preferably, the exchange section is moved back to its operating position after completion of an exchange step. An exchange step typically comprises the removal of at least two transport groups and the insertion of at least two other transport groups. Within the scope of the invention, the operating position refers to a position of the exchange section in which it is aligned with the adjacent sections of the guide track, so that the guide elements can be moved circumferentially along the guide track.

[0031] One embodiment of the invention further provides that several replacement steps are performed sequentially to exchange the guide elements. In order to replace all transport groups, the replacement section is moved into the replacement position several times, and then at least two transport groups are removed and inserted each time. Preferably, between two and five replacement steps are provided. A particularly preferred embodiment provides a total of three replacement steps. Based on an exemplary embodiment with 96 guide elements per transport device, for example, a configuration of transport groups with four guide elements each results in a total of 24 transport groups. In this case, a total of three replacement steps can be provided, in each of which eight transport groups can be removed and replaced by new transport groups.This design has proven particularly advantageous because not all transport groups can be detached from the drive unit simultaneously. Due to the circumferential arrangement, a large number of the transport groups are located along the transport path, which is not easily accessible, or in the curved sections of the guide track.

[0032] A further development of the process involves removing one type of transport group from the guide track and inserting a second type of guide group into it. This constitutes a change of transport groups, with the transport groups being distinct from one another. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that individual transport groups could be replaced by the same type. This might be necessary, for example, if individual transport groups are damaged and need to be replaced. However, the preferred method is to exchange different types of transport groups. This allows, for example, changes to the size of the containers or the type of containers being transported.

[0033] In particular, it is intended that the first type of transport group will differ from the second type of transport group with regard to the number and / or design of the guide elements. For example, a different shape could mean a different contact surface for the containers. This contact surface must therefore have a different degree of curvature for containers of different sizes.

[0034] The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The figures shown are: Fig. 1 the container forming device according to the invention in an isometric view, Fig. 2 the container forming device according to Fig. 1 without guide elements, Fig. 3A to 3D the process steps for removing guide elements, Fig. 4A and 4B the process steps for inserting guide elements.

[0035] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a container forming device according to the invention with two opposing transport devices 1, 2, wherein the transport devices 1, 2 are configured to group containers (not shown in detail) into containers, each with a plurality of circumferentially movable guide elements 3. For this purpose, the guide elements 3 are grouped into transport groups 4, for example, of four guide elements 3 each, so that a total of four containers can be transported per transport group 4. Via the guide elements 3 of the transport groups 4, these containers are then conveyed along a circumferential guide track 5 to transport sections 6, 7, in which the guide elements 3 of transport device 1 and the guide elements 3 of transport device 2 are directly opposite each other. As shown in Figure 2, the containers are arranged in a circular guide track 5. Fig. 1 As can be seen, the two parallel transport sections 6, 7 are located between the two transport devices 1, 2. According to a preferred embodiment, the containers can be fed to an adhesive application device before being fed into the transport sections 6, 7. In this device, the containers are coated with adhesive at discrete points. Within the transport sections 6, 7, the arrangement of the transport devices 1, 2 causes the containers to be pressed together to a certain extent by the guide elements 3, thus bonding them together. The adhesive can then cure along the transport sections 6, 7. Starting with a configuration of four guide elements 3 per transport group 4, containers of eight can be formed.

[0036] To drive the guide elements 3 and the transport groups 4, the transport devices 1 and 2 each have a drive unit 8, which is designed as a toothed belt drive, so that a transport belt 9 is moved cyclically over drive pulleys 10. The transport groups 4 are connected to the transport belt 9. A comparative view with the Fig. 3A Figure 1 shows that for each transport group 4, a guide element 3 with an adjustable bolt section 11 engages in a coupling element 12 of the transport belt 9, which is formed with a groove. The bolt section 11 then rests positively in the groove with respect to the direction of travel, so that a movement of the transport belt 9 also causes a movement of the transport groups 4. The individual guide elements 3 within the transport group 4 are directly mechanically connected to each other, so that it is only necessary for one of the guide elements 3 to be connected to the drive unit 8.

[0037] The Fig. 2 The container forming device shows the Fig. 1 without guide elements 3, whereby it should also be noted in this context that also in the Fig. 1 Not all guide elements 3 provided within the guide track 5 are shown. However, it is evident from the guide elements 3, which are not shown in detail, that the guide track 5 has an exchange section 13, which is provided on the side of the guide track 5 facing away from the respective transport sections 6 and 7 of the transport devices 1 and 2. This means that the exchange sections 13 are located on an outer side of the container forming device and are therefore easily accessible from the outside.

[0038] This exchange section 13 makes it possible to remove guide elements 3 already arranged in the guide track 5 and replace them with new guide elements 3. This is preferably done when the guide elements 3 are arranged in transport groups 4, whereby the exchange section 13 is moved for this purpose and, after the exchange section 13 has moved into an exchange position, at least two transport groups 4 with guide elements 3 can be removed.

[0039] The exact procedure will be explained based on the Fig. 3A bis 3D and 4A, 4B clearly.

[0040] According to the Fig. 3A Transport groups 4, each with four guide elements 3, are arranged circumferentially in the guide track 5, with a small but clearly visible gap between the individual transport groups 4. The distance between the guide elements 3 within a transport group 4 is smaller than the distance between the transport groups 4.

[0041] According to the Fig. 3B The adjustable bolt sections 11 are then folded down and released from the transport belt 9 for a first part of the transport groups 4. The transport groups 4 can then be moved freely relative to each other. In particular, it is possible to position the transport groups 4 directly against each other, so that the previously mentioned gap between the individual transport groups 4 no longer exists. If a certain proportion of the transport groups 4 has been moved relative to each other, the exchange section 13 is exposed and can be moved according to the Fig. 3C are moved inwards so that the adjacent sections 14 of the guide track 5 protrude towards the exchange section 13. The exchange section 13 is thus located according to the Fig. 3C in an exchange position, whereas exchange section 13 according to the Fig. 2 is shown in an operating position in which the guide track 5 is completely closed.

[0042] According to the Fig. 3D The portion of the transport groups 4 that has already been detached from the drive unit 8 can then be pushed directly out of the guide track 5. The exchange section 13 is not traversed by the transport groups 4 or the guide elements 3. New guide elements 3 can then be inserted into the guide track 5, after which the exchange section 13 is traversed according to the Fig. 4A The transport groups 4 are moved from the exchange position to the operating position by sliding them outwards. The transport groups 4 are brought into the desired position and the adjustable bolt sections 11 are connected to the coupling elements 12 of the transport belt 9.

[0043] The Figuren 3A bis 3D and 4A, 4BThis illustrates a so-called exchange step, which can be repeated multiple times to exchange all transport groups 4. Preferably, a total of three exchange steps are provided, with one-third of the transport groups 4 being removed in each exchange step.

Claims

1. Package forming device comprising two transport devices (1, 2) which lie opposite each other, wherein the transport devices (1, 2) are designed to group containers into packages, in each case by means of a plurality of guide elements (3), which can be moved in a circulating manner, and to move the containers along transport paths (6, 7) arranged parallel to one another, wherein the guide elements (3) can move along a circumferential guide path (5) of the transport devices (1, 2), characterised in that the guide paths (5) each have an exchange section (13) which can be adjusted between an exchange position and an operation position for the exchange of guide elements (3), wherein in the exchange position, the exchange section (13) is offset inwards with respect to adjacent sections (14) of the circumferential guide paths (5).

2. Package forming device according to claim 1, characterised in that the exchange section (13) in each case is formed on a side of the guide path (5) facing away from the particular transport path (6, 7).

3. Package forming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the exchange section (13) is of a length corresponding to between 3 and 10% of the length of the guide path (5).

4. Package forming device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the exchange section (13) comprises a length between 0.8 times and 1.5 times the width of a transport group (4), which is formed of a plurality of consecutive guide elements (3), in particular two, three or four.

5. Package forming device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that in the particular transport device (1, 2) the guide elements (3) are connected to a drive device (8).

6. Package forming device according to claim 5, characterised in that the guide elements (3) are connected at least in part to the drive device (8) by an adjustable bolt or an adjustable bolt section (11).

7. Package forming device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the drive devices (8) are designed as a toothed belt drive or as a chain drive.

8. Package forming device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the guide elements (3) are grouped into transport groups (4), wherein the guide elements (3) are preferably connected to each other within the transport groups (4).

9. Package forming device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that in each case between 50 and 150, preferably between 80 and 120 guide elements (3) are arranged in the transport devices (6, 7).

10. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the exchange section (13) is made of a synthetic material.

11. Package forming device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that an adhesive application device to apply an adhesive to the containers is positioned before the transport devices (6, 7) in the production direction.

12. Method for exchanging transport groups (4) formed of guide elements (3) in a package forming device according to one of the previous claims, wherein the exchange section (13) is adjusted relative to adjacent sections (14) of the guide path (5) from the operation position into the exchange position and wherein then at least two transport groups (4) are removed from the guide path (5) and / or inserted into the guide path (5).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein before at least the transport groups (4) to be removed are released from a drive unit (8) before removal and pushed together such that the exchange section (13) of the guide path (5) is bare.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that the exchange section (13) is moved back into the operating position after completion of an exchange step.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in that to exchange the guide elements (3) a plurality of exchange steps are carried out in succession.

16. Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein a first kind of transport group (4) is removed from the guide path (5) and a second kind of transport group (4) is inserted into the guide path (5).

17. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first kind of transport group (4) differs from the second kind of transport group (4) in terms of the number and / or the embodiment of the guide elements (3).