System for a laterally contactless single-lane transport of containers, interlocked installation for handling containers, and method for a laterally contactless single-lane transport of containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) for a laterally contactless single-lane transport of containers (10), the system (100) having the following: at least one transport device (110) which is designed to transport a plurality of containers (10) in a single lane along a transport path (S) at speeds which differ from one another; a distance detection device (120) which is designed to detect distances (L) between containers (10) being transported on the transport device (110); and a control device (130) for controlling the transport device (110) on the basis of the distances (L) detected by the distance detection device (120). The control device (130) is designed to control the transport device (110) in such a way that the containers (10) are transported at a distance to one another so as to not contact one another, the transport device (110) being designed without railings at least on one side, preferably on both sides, for a laterally contactless transport. The invention further relates to an interlocked installation for handling containers (10) and to a method for a laterally contactless single-track transport of containers (10).

Description

[0001] System for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of containers, enclosed system for treating containers, and method for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of

[0002] containers

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention relates to a system for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of containers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a block-type system for treating containers and a method for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of containers.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Container transport systems are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, they are employed in container handling systems in a wide range of configurations. In such systems, various types of containers, such as bottles or cans, are conveyed through the handling system. The containers can be made of different materials, such as glass, plastic, or metal. Furthermore, the containers can vary in size and shape.

[0007] To guide the containers within the container handling system, the system, and especially the transport equipment used therein, incorporates guide units. These guide units can be designed, for example, as railings and serve to direct the flow of containers along a transport route. The guide units must be adapted to the specific characteristics of the containers, such as their shape, weight, and especially their size. To ensure that the container handling system can be used for different containers or container sizes, the guide units, particularly the railings (i.e., format components), must be adapted to the different container sizes, specifically the container diameter.For this reason, the guide units, especially railings, are generally interchangeable, so that when the container handling system is converted from one type of container to another, the guide elements can be adapted to the respective container. Alternatively, adjustable guide elements are also known.

[0008] For example, US patent 6,305,528 B1 discloses a format part for guiding containers which is adjustable transversely to the transport direction by means of a pneumatic linear drive via a lever mechanism.

[0009] Furthermore, GB 93 03 027 discloses an adjustment unit for format parts or an adjustable format part for container guiding, in which the guide rails are formed from a convexly curved and elastic material. This elastic material is clamped in a height-adjustable holder in such a way that it projects into the transport path to varying degrees.

[0010] In addition to the costly provision of different format parts for different container sizes or groups of container sizes, the exchange of the format parts itself is also time-consuming and prone to errors.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a system that eliminates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to provide a system that allows for easy adaptation to different container sizes. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a complete system comprising a corresponding system and an associated method, which also eliminate the aforementioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] These problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are specified in particular in the dependent claims.

[0014] The solution according to the invention consists in particular of providing a system for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of containers. The system comprises at least one transport device configured to transport several containers in a single lane along a transport track at different speeds. Furthermore, the system comprises a gap detection device configured to detect gaps between containers transported on the transport device. The system also includes a control unit for controlling the transport device based on the gaps detected by the gap detection device. The control unit is thus configured to control the transport device based on the gaps detected by the gap detection device.The control unit is further designed to control the transport device in such a way that the containers are transported without contact with each other, maintaining a gap between them. For laterally contactless transport, the transport device is designed without railings on at least one side, and preferably without railings on both sides.

[0015] Containers are formed from a single piece or from several parts firmly joined together. Preferably, each container has an internal cavity bounded by an outer wall. The outer wall typically determines the container size. These containers can be, for example, used to store food and / or liquid, viscous, or pasty substances. Bottles or cans are particularly preferred. The containers can be made of plastic, but also of other materials, such as glass.

[0016] Laterally contactless, single-lane transport is a method of transporting or manipulating goods, particularly containers, in which the goods are moved in a single lane along a transport route and, during transport, remain at least on one side without direct lateral contact with other surfaces, mechanisms, or elements, especially railings. In other words, the containers are moved at least on one side without direct contact with other objects.

[0017] A transport device is, in general, a conveyor for transporting containers. The transport device can have transport element sections or elements that together form a horizontal or substantially horizontal transport plane or surface on which the container rests with its base.

[0018] The transport device is designed to move several containers simultaneously at different speeds. In particular, the transport device is designed to vary the speeds of the containers relative to each other. This allows the transport device to be controlled in such a way that the gaps between the containers can be increased or decreased.

[0019] A gap is defined as the space between two adjacent containers being transported on the transport device. Accordingly, the gap detection device is designed to detect the distance between two containers transported one behind the other. The gap detection device can incorporate various types of sensors designed to detect the position of the containers. Gap data can be acquired, for example, using a light barrier, infrared, sound, sonar and / or laser, or lidar. Alternatively, gap data can be acquired using at least one image from a camera or image acquisition device.

[0020] The gap detection device is configured at least to determine the gap between one container and another, particularly adjacent, container. Independently of this, the gap detection device can also be configured to detect distances between one container and several other containers, and / or distances between several containers and one container, and / or other distances.

[0021] The gap detection device is particularly preferably designed to detect gaps or gap data of the transported containers at several different positions on the transport device. For example, the gap detection device can be designed to detect gaps or gap data at at least two, preferably at least three, and preferably at least five different positions on the transport device. The detection of the gaps can be continuous or intermittent.

[0022] The gap detection device is particularly preferably arranged at a position behind a track section with one-sided guidance. Such track sections are also referred to as first sections in the application. Due to friction, the gaps in the guided first track section can decrease or disappear. The gap detection device can then check whether the gaps are still sufficiently pronounced. Furthermore, the gap detection device is preferably arranged at a position behind a curve or transition. The control unit is designed to control, in particular, the different speeds of the transport device. The control unit is preferably designed as a control and / or regulating device. The control unit is further preferably connected to the gap detection device, in particular via a signal connection, or is designed to be connectable.The control unit is designed to generate and / or output a control command to the transport device. This control command contains at least information regarding a new speed to be set within a section of the transport path. For example, the control command contains information regarding a new speed for at least one of the transport elements of the transport device. The new speed is preferably determined based on the gaps or gap data detected by the gap detection device. In this way, the control unit can be used to change the gap between containers transported on the transport device by increasing or decreasing the speed of individual containers.

[0023] Preferably, the control device can be designed to control the transport device in such a way that the containers are transported without contact with each other, i.e., always with a gap between them. Since the containers are transported without contact with each other, they cannot push each other off the transport track. Therefore, a guiding rail to counteract the pushing of the containers is unnecessary.

[0024] Laterally contactless transport is achieved by designing the transport device to be without railings on at least one side. In other words, no railing is provided on one side of the transport device to guide the containers. Here, a railing is understood to be any lateral barrier that runs along one of the longitudinal sides of the transport route and is suitable for guiding or at least securing containers during transport. The railing can thus be designed to guide, particularly as a manipulation element for changing direction, or to protect, particularly as a safety element against falling at higher speeds. Naturally, a railing is also considered to be without railings if it is positioned at such a distance from the transport route that it does not come into contact with the containers during transport.

[0025] Preferably, the transport device is designed without railings on both sides. In other words, railings along the transport route can be omitted at least on one side, and preferably on both sides. This has the advantage that the railings do not need to be replaced when the container size changes. This eliminates the need to keep different format parts for different container sizes on hand. Furthermore, the corresponding replacement is no longer necessary when changing configurations. In contrast, with conventional single-lane transport devices, the railings run lengthwise along both sides of the transport route, thus defining the container width. Consequently, with such transport devices, the railings must be replaced or adapted to the container size.

[0026] Furthermore, the removal of railings allows for better protection of more sensitive container surfaces, especially in the case of thin-walled or elaborately finished containers.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device is designed without railings on one side of a first section of the transport route.

[0028] The transport route is the path or track along which the containers are transported or moved. Guardrails are typically arranged along the sides, particularly on the left and right, of the transport route. If the first section of the transport route is without a guardrail on one side, then at least one of these sides lacks a guardrail. Regardless, the other side of the first section may or may not have a guardrail.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a curve is formed along the transport path in the first section. Alternatively, a transition from a first transport device to a second transport device of the transport system is formed.

[0030] In other words, the containers move in a curved path during the first section. In this first section, a railing preferably extends along the side of the transport device opposite the direction of the curve. For example, if the first section curves to the right, the right side of the transport device is without a railing, while the left side is preferably equipped with one. The railing's sole purpose is to support and guide the containers as they move around the curve. Similarly, when transitioning from one transport device to another, the railing's function is to support and guide the containers during a track change. Since there is preferably no railing on the opposite side, no adjustments are necessary when changing the container format.

[0031] According to an advantageous further development of this embodiment, the transport device has a format-independent, in particular non-adjustable, railing on one side in the first section.

[0032] The transport device therefore has no railing on one side in the first section, and a format-independent, and specifically non-adjustable, railing on the other side. Since, as explained above, the railing only serves the purpose of guiding the device through curves and transitions, it does not need to be adapted to the container's dimensions. Accordingly, the railing does not require an adjustment mechanism to adapt it to different container sizes. A format-dependent replacement of the railing is also unnecessary.

[0033] Such adjustment devices are extremely complex. Furthermore, as already described at the beginning, changing the format is extremely cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device is designed without railings on both sides of a second section of the transport route, which differs from the first section.

[0035] The second section is preferably a straight section of the transport route. A straight section is understood to be a section that is at least essentially linear and has no or only slight curves.

[0036] The transport route thus comprises at least one first section, which is without railings on one side, and a second section, which is without railings on both sides. Since the containers are transported without contact with each other, they can be transported without railings on both sides in the straight section. In the first curved section, they are then guided by a railing on one side. However, it would also be conceivable for the transport device to be at least partially, preferably completely, without railings on both sides in the first section as well. This depends on the specific curve in the first section. Naturally, it is conceivable that the transport route has several sections, which are designed either as first sections or as second sections.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device is designed for carrying, and in particular at least substantially slip-free, transport of the containers.

[0038] The term "slippery" in transport technology refers to a situation in which no relative slippage occurs between moving parts, in this case containers, and the surface on which the moving parts are located. Physically speaking, the velocity of the containers and the surface of the transport device in contact with the containers are identical.

[0039] A transport of containers without mutual pressure is understood to mean transport in which the containers are moved without any mutual back pressure. The containers are thus only supported, i.e., moved, by the transport device.

[0040] The slip-free transport of the containers eliminates the need for belt lubrication of the transport device. Rather, the aim is to maintain the friction between the surface of the transport device, for example, a conveyor belt, and the moving containers. Furthermore, the slip-free transport enables particularly precise positioning and movement of the containers. This also allows for highly precise changes and adjustments to the speed of individual containers. In particular, the speed of the containers can be detected by measuring the speed of the transport device or its transport elements. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device comprises at least one continuously driven transport element, for example, a transport chain. This transport element preferably forms a closed loop.

[0041] The transport device can also be a conveyor belt. In particular, several continuously driven transport devices can be configured. The different transport devices are preferably controllable at different speeds.

[0042] Controlling the multiple transport devices at different speeds represents one way to transport the containers at different speeds.

[0043] In an advantageous further development of the embodiment, the transport device, in particular the conveyor belt or transport chain, is designed to be variable in length. Preferably, the transport device has several transport element sections that are slidable relative to one another. For example, a transport chain has several chain links arranged so as to be slidable relative to one another.

[0044] More precisely, the transport device is designed as a continuously driven transport device forming a closed loop. To form this closed loop, it is guided by a deflection device located at the front (relative to the transport direction) and a deflection device located at the rear (relative to the transport direction). A section or part of the transport path of the transport device is formed between the front and rear deflection devices. The transport device is designed such that it has several transport element sections arranged to be rotatable and displaceable relative to each other, so that the overall length of the respective transport device can be changed by a relative displacement of the individual transport element sections.The transport section comprises at least two transport track segments, each extending between two successive drive units in the transport direction, so that by selectively controlling adjacent transport track segments with a differential speed using the respective drive unit, gaps can be created between the containers located on these transport track segments. An example of such a transport device is also given in WO 2017 / 029100 of the applicant.

[0045] This provides another possibility to transport multiple containers along the transport route at different speeds.

[0046] Alternatively, the transport device can be designed as a transport chain forming a closed loop and continuously driven in a direction of rotation and / or transport direction. To form the closed loop, the transport chain is guided over a deflection device at the front (relative to the transport direction) and a deflection device at the rear (relative to the transport direction). Between the front and rear deflection devices, the transport device forms a portion of the transport path by means of the at least one transport chain. At least one drive arrangement is provided between the deflection devices to drive the at least one transport chain, and this drive arrangement is operatively connected to the at least one transport chain along this portion of the transport path. The transport chain has several rotatable chain links that are arranged to be displaceable relative to one another.The chain links can also be used to create gaps between the containers by means of targeted control. Such a transport device is described, for example, in WO 2020 / 182367 of the applicant, to which reference is made here.

[0047] This provides another way in which the multiple containers can be transported at different speeds.

[0048] Overall, the described transport devices offer a simple way to design the transport route in such a way that several containers can be transported in a single lane at different speeds.

[0049] A further advantage of the described transport devices is that transitions from one transport device or transport chain to another within the transport route can be eliminated or at least reduced in number. Furthermore, the length adjustability of the transport devices provides a buffering option.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the system includes a container flow monitoring device for monitoring the container flow along the transport route.

[0051] The container flow monitoring device directly detects the position of the individual containers by means of the position of the transport device, in particular the transport device or the position of the individual transport element sections.

[0052] The container flow monitoring device is designed to detect the position of individual containers. However, the device does not directly detect the position of the individual containers, but instead detects the position of the transport device, in particular the transport system on which the containers are arranged. For example, the device detects the position of a transport element section or a chain link of the transport system. Since the transport system is designed for the essentially slip-free transport of the containers, it is possible to determine the position of the containers based on the position of the transport system. This significantly simplifies determining the position of the containers and thus flow monitoring, as the position of the transport system can be determined with simpler sensors than the position of the individual containers.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a linear or circular buffer storage tank for receiving and / or transporting containers. Particularly preferably, the inlet and outlet are designed as single lanes, so that the containers flow in and out of the buffer storage tank in a single lane.

[0054] In the event of operational disruptions or to compensate for fluctuations in performance, containers can be placed in the buffer and thus removed from the transport route. A transfer station, controlled by a control unit, is used for inserting and removing containers from the buffer. The buffer may, for example, include further transport equipment, which in turn may contain several interconnected transport devices, in particular conveyor belts or conveyor chains.

[0055] Furthermore, the task is solved by specifying an integrated system for handling containers. The system comprises at least one first container handling unit and at least one second container handling unit, which are integrated as a single, cohesive unit. For transporting the containers within the integrated system, one of the previously described systems for laterally contactless, single-lane container transport is used. Accordingly, the integrated system includes at least two container handling units and one system for laterally contactless, single-lane container transport. The container handling units could be, for example, a blow molding machine, a labeling machine, or a filling machine. Overall, this provides a space-saving and cost-effective design.Especially with such modular systems, i.e., combination machines, replacing guide rails during format changes is time-consuming. The described system for laterally contactless, single-lane transport eliminates this changeover during format changes, thus improving the system accordingly.

[0056] Since the system used in the interconnected system is one of the systems described above, all individual aspects and advantages of the systems can also be applied to the interconnected system.

[0057] The task is further solved by specifying a method for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of containers. In particular, the method is implemented using one of the previously described systems for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of containers. The method comprises the following steps: detecting gaps between containers transported on a transport device; and controlling the transport device based on the detected gaps such that the containers are always transported without contact with each other.

[0058] The process is therefore characterized by the fact that there is always a gap between containers transported one after the other. In other words, the process is characterized by the fact that the containers never touch each other.

[0059] Since the system for the laterally contactless single-lane transport of containers can be one of the systems described above, all of the aforementioned aspects and advantages can also be applied to the process accordingly.

[0060] Brief description of the drawings

[0061] The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, insofar as this is technically sensible and suitable. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the following figure.

[0062] Figure 1, used to illustrate the embodiment, shows a schematic representation of the system according to the invention.

[0063] Ways to implement the invention

[0064] Fig. 1 shows a system 100 for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of containers 10. It can be seen that the containers 10 are transported in a single lane along a track S with several track sections S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the containers 10 are transported from the bottom left to the top right. Thus, in the foremost section S1, the containers 10 curve to the right. This is followed by a straight section S2. Then comes section S3 with a lane change. This is followed by another straight section S4, and finally, a left turn in the rearmost section S5. In general, the first sections S1, S3, and S5, which have a curve or a lane change, are distinguishable from the second sections S2 and S4, which are straight.

[0065] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the containers 10 are always transported without contact with each other, leaving gaps between them.

[0066] System 100 comprises a transport device 110 with a first transport unit 111 and a second transport unit 112. The two transport units 111 and 112 are preferably continuously driven transport units, in particular transport chains. Accordingly, the transport units 111 and 112 each form a closed loop.

[0067] The transport device 110, or its transport components 111 and 112, is fundamentally designed to transport the containers 10 along the transport path S at different speeds. Thus, it is possible to influence the gaps L between the containers 10 by accelerating and / or decelerating individual containers 10 or groups of containers. The system 100 includes a control unit 130, which is designed to control the transport device 110 in such a way that the containers 110 are transported without contact with each other, maintaining a gap between them.

[0068] System 100 further comprises a gap detection device 120, which is configured to detect gaps L between containers 10 transported on the transport device 110. The control unit 130 is signal-connected to the gap detection device 120, enabling control of the transport device 110 based on the gaps L detected by the gap detection device 120. The gap detection device 120 has sensors (not shown) for detecting the gaps L.

[0069] If, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the gap L between the two containers 10 is too small, so that there is a risk of the two containers 10 touching, the front container 10 can be accelerated relative to the rear container 10. Alternatively, the rear container 10 can be decelerated relative to the front container 10. In this way, the gap L between the two containers 10 can be increased accordingly. Since there is a gap L between all containers 10, pressureless transport of the containers 10 is achieved. Therefore, the transport device 110, or its transport devices 111, 112, can be designed for supporting and preferably at least substantially slip-free transport of the containers 10.

[0070] The acceleration or deceleration of individual containers 10 or groups of containers can be achieved, for example, by designing the transport devices 111, 112 to be variable in length. For example, the transport devices 111, 112 each have several chain links arranged to be displaceable relative to one another.

[0071] Since the transport device 110 is designed for the at least substantially slip-free transport of the containers 10, it is possible to detect the position of the containers 10 depending on the transport device 110, in particular the transport unit 111, 112. For this purpose, the system 100 has a container flow monitoring device 140, which is designed to monitor a flow of containers 10 along the transport route S.

[0072] The container flow monitoring device 140 can therefore be used to determine where each container 10 is located at what time.

[0073] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the transport device 110 for laterally contactless transport is designed in sections without railings on at least one side and in sections without railings on both sides. In other words, sections S1, S3 and S5 are present where a railing 113 is provided only on one side. Furthermore, sections S2 and S4 are present where no railing 113 is provided on any side.

[0074] In sections S1 and S5, a railing 113 is arranged in each section, the purpose of which is to guide the containers 10 around a curve of the transport track S. In section S3, a railing 113 is arranged, the purpose of which is to transfer the containers 10 from the first transport device 111 to the second transport device 112. Thus, the transition between the first transport device 111 and the second transport device 112 is to be initiated here.

[0075] Since the containers 10 are always transported without contact, leaving gaps between them, no additional railings 113 are required. This means that railings 113 can be omitted on at least one or both sides in certain areas. This has the advantage that simple, format-independent, and, in particular, non-adjustable railings 113 can be used where a railing 113 is required. This means that when changing from one container type to another, there is no need to replace or adjust the railings 113.

[0076] It is understood that in the present invention there is a relationship between, on the one hand, features described in connection with process steps and, on the other hand, features described in connection with corresponding devices. Thus, described process features are also to be considered device features belonging to the invention – and vice versa – even if this is not explicitly stated.

[0077] It should be noted that the features of the invention described with reference to individual embodiments or variants, such as the type and design of the individual components as well as their precise dimensions and spatial arrangement, may also be present in other embodiments, unless otherwise specified or is precluded for technical reasons. Furthermore, not all features of such combined features of individual embodiments need necessarily be implemented in a given embodiment. Reference numerals

[0078] 10 containers

[0079] 100 System

[0080] 110 T transport device

[0081] 111 first transport facility

[0082] 112 second transport facility

[0083] 113 railings

[0084] 120 gap detection device

[0085] 130 Control unit

[0086] L gaps

[0087] S route

[0088] S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 route sections

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (100) for the laterally contactless, single-lane transport of containers (10), wherein the system (100) comprises: at least one transport device (110) configured to transport several containers (10) in a single lane along a transport track (S) at different speeds; a gap detection device (120) configured to detect gaps (L) between containers (10) transported on the transport device (110);and a control device (130) for controlling the transport device (110) based on the gaps (L) detected by the gap detection device (120), wherein the control device (130) is configured to control the transport device (110) in such a way that the containers (10) are transported without contact with each other, with the transport device (110) being configured for laterally contactless transport at least on one side, preferably on both sides.

2. System (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the transport device (110) is designed without railings on one side at a first section (S1 , S3, S5) of the transport route (S).

3. System (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that in the first section (S1 , S3, S5) a curve is formed along the transport route (S) or a transition from a first transport device (111 ) to a second transport device (112) of the transport device (110).

4. System (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transport device (110) in the first section (S1 , S3, S5) has a format-independent, in particular non-adjustable or non-replaceable, railing (113) on one side.

5. System (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the transport device (110) is designed without railings on both sides of a second section (S2, S4) of the transport route (S) that differs from the first section (S1 , S3, S5), wherein the second section (S2, S4) is preferably designed as a straight section of the transport route (S).

6. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (110) is designed for the load-bearing, in particular at least substantially slip-free, transport of the containers (10).

7. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (110) has at least one continuously driven transport device (111 , 112), in particular a transport chain, wherein the at least one transport device (111 , 112) forms a closed loop.

8. System (100) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one The transport device (111, 112), in particular the transport chain, is designed to be variable in length and preferably has several chain links arranged to be displaceable relative to each other.

9. System (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the system (100) has a container flow monitoring device (140) for monitoring a container flow along the transport route (S), wherein the container flow monitoring device (140) detects a position of the individual containers (10) directly by means of the position of the transport device (110), in particular the transport devices (111 , 112).

10. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system (100) has a linearly or circularly designed buffer storage for receiving and / or transporting containers (10).

11. Blocked system for treating containers (10), wherein the system comprises at least one first container treatment unit and at least one second container treatment unit, which are designed as a blocked unit, wherein a system (100) for the laterally contactless single-lane transport of containers (10) according to one of the preceding claims is designed for the transport of containers (10) in the blocked system.

12. Method for the laterally contactless single-lane transport of containers (10), in particular by means of a system (100) for the laterally contactless single-lane transport of containers (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: detecting gaps (L) between containers (10) transported on a transport device (110); Control of the transport device (110) based on the detected gaps (L) such that the containers (10) are always transported without contact with each other.

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