Apparatus for transporting containers, and control device
The device addresses smooth and gentle container transport by using multiple transport devices with a detection and control system to reduce speed at congestion points, enhancing efficiency and reducing damage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KRONES AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing container transport systems in automated plants face challenges in adapting operating parameters to ensure smooth operation and gentle handling, particularly in situations of congestion, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies.
A device comprising multiple container transport devices with a detection system to identify jams and a control mechanism that reduces the speed of affected transport devices, allowing containers to accumulate gently and move laterally, minimizing reorientations and damage.
The solution ensures gentle and efficient transport of containers by reducing speed at congestion points, minimizing damage and noise, and maintaining a smooth operation by adapting to machine throughput fluctuations.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025080970_21052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Device for transporting containers and control device
[0002] The invention relates to a device for transporting containers and a control device for such a device.
[0003] Devices for transporting containers are regularly used in automated plants in the consumer goods and / or food industry, for example in the form of conveyor belts or conveyor chains.
[0004] Integrating such a device into an automated system comprising several successive machines for handling containers creates a need to adapt the operating parameters, particularly the device's actual speed (e.g., the actual speed of a conveyor belt or chain), to the machines and the container load to ensure smooth overall operation. Specifically, this can mean that the devices transport the containers from the machine's outfeed and provide a sufficient number to the infeed of the next machine.
[0005] From DE 31 31 352 A1 a method for the continuous transport speed control of transporters is known.
[0006] DE 2830 196 A1 teaches a method for transporting vessels.
[0007] A congestion conveying system is known from EP 1 542 916 A1.
[0008] DE 102006058893 A1 shows a so-called intelligent accumulation conveyor system.
[0009] According to DE 2830 196 A1, a section of a conveyor is gradually shut down by using several sensors, each measuring the number of containers present, in order to avoid back pressure. However, this does not result in the controlled accumulation of containers.
[0010] In light of this, the object underlying the invention is to enable the gentle transport of containers.
[0011] This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1.
[0012] The invention provides a device for transporting containers. The device comprises a first container transport device for transporting the containers along a transport direction, a second container transport device for transporting the containers along the transport direction, wherein the second container transport device is arranged immediately downstream of the first container transport device in the transport direction, a third container transport device for transporting the containers along the transport direction, wherein the third container transport device is arranged downstream of the second container transport device in the transport direction, a detection device configured to detect a build-up of containers in the second or third container transport device, and a control device configured to reduce the actual speed of the second container transport device.as soon as the detection device detects a traffic jam, such that the actual speed of the second container transport device is lower than the actual speed of the first container transport device.
[0013] Since the actual speed of the second container transport device is lower than that of the first, a build-up of containers forms at the transition between the first and second transport devices. This build-up, where containers are pushed sideways perpendicular to one side of the transport direction, moves—unlike a jam—at the reduced actual speed of the second transport device and encounters an existing end of the jam. Because the build-up is already pre-compacted and laterally widened, fewer reorientations and compensatory movements of the containers occur upon reaching the end of the jam. Consequently, the containers are transported more gently.
[0014] The containers can be packaging, in particular bottles, especially made of plastic, glass or pulp; cans, especially made of metal; jars or canisters, especially made of metal or plastic. The containers can also be slaves. The containers can also be bags in holders. The containers can be empty or filled with a contents, especially liquids. The contents can be foodstuffs, for example a beverage, especially water, juice, soft drink or beer, cleaning agents and / or bulk goods.
[0015] A transport direction is the direction in which containers are transported. The transport direction usually coincides with the direction in which, for example, a conveyor belt or conveyor chain of the container transport device (more details below) on which the containers stand moves.
[0016] The second container transport device follows directly after the first. The containers transfer directly from the first to the second container transport device and / or are pushed directly from the first to the second container transport device. The containers can be pushed from the first to the second container transport device by means of guide devices (see below for details). Alternatively or additionally, the containers can be pushed from the first to the second container transport device via a plate (see below for details).
[0017] The speed of a container transport system can be the speed of the moving elements of the system that are in direct contact with the containers and ensure their transport, in particular the speed of a conveyor belt or chain. Provided there is no congestion, the speed of the container transport system can be equal to the speed of a container.
[0018] The speed of the second container transport device can assume any value between the current speed (i.e., the instantaneous speed) and zero. In other words, the control device can be configured to reduce the current speed of the second container transport device to zero as soon as a jam is detected by the detection device.
[0019] The reduced actual speed of the container transport device, which is located in the transport direction immediately upstream of the container transport device in which the congestion was detected, in particular the second container transport device, can be a maximum of 30%, in particular a maximum of 20%, in particular a maximum of 10% higher than an actual speed of the container transport device in which the congestion was detected.
[0020] The reduced actual speed of the container transport device, which is located in the transport direction immediately upstream of the container transport device in which the congestion was detected, in particular the second container transport device, can be a maximum of 30%, in particular a maximum of 20%, in particular a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5% of its maximum speed in normal operation.
[0021] Such a reduced actual speed allows the accumulation of containers to reach the end of the traffic jam in a way that protects the containers.
[0022] A jam is detected when the speed of containers in the direction of transport within a container transport system is lower than the actual speed of the container transport system itself. A jam can also be detected when a container moves laterally, particularly when it is pushed against a lateral boundary, especially a side railing, of a container transport system.
[0023] Alternatively or additionally, a jam can be detected by the detection device, particularly indirectly, by the control unit calculating a jam based on a signal from the detection device, for example, an integrated sensor, especially a light barrier. The detection device can be configured to determine how many containers pass a measuring point per unit of time. The calculation can further be based on a feed rate and / or a discharge rate, where a feed rate and a discharge rate are the number of containers fed or discharged by a feeding or discharging machine, respectively.
[0024] The control device may be configured to reduce the actual speed of the second container transport device by 10% to 30%, but not 30%, if a congestion is detected in the third container transport device or in the 30% of the transport path of the second container transport device located further forward in the direction of transport, and / or to reduce it by 30% to 70%, but not 70%, if a congestion is detected between 30% and 70%, but neither 30% nor 70%, of a transport path of the second container transport device in the direction of transport, and / or to reduce it by 70% to 90% if a congestion is detected in the 30% of the transport path of the second container transport device located further back in the direction of transport.
[0025] A reduction of the actual speed by X% means a reduction of the actual speed to (100-X)% of the actual speed before the reduction.
[0026] The transport route is the path and / or distance that the containers travel in the respective container transport device. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may be configured to increase the actual speed of the second container transport device by 10% relative to the reduced actual speed if the first container transport device is loaded with cylinders at more than 10% above its nominal capacity, and / or not to increase or decrease the speed further if the first container transport device is loaded with cylinders at least 10% below and at most 10% above its nominal capacity, and / or to reduce the actual speed by a further 10% relative to the reduced actual speed if the first container transport device is loaded with cylinders at more than 10% below its nominal capacity.
[0027] A corresponding control device enables the actual speed of the second container transport system to be reduced more significantly the further the containers have backed up into the second container transport system and the shorter the remaining distance between the point where an accumulation forms and the end of the backlog. Consequently, an accumulation is formed even with a significant backlog. Furthermore, the actual speed of the second container transport system is reduced more significantly the lower the occupancy of the first container transport system. Consequently, an accumulation is formed even with a low occupancy. This effectively solves the problem of improving the reliability of the gentle transport of the containers.
[0028] The rated capacity is the number of containers per unit of time that the container transport system can transport under normal conditions without affecting its service life or safety.
[0029] Furthermore, the control device can be designed to increase the actual speed of the second container transport device as soon as the second container transport device has traveled the distance between the location where the jam was detected and the transition from the first to the second container transport device, i.e., the point where transported containers transfer from the first container transport device to the second container transport device.
[0030] With a control device designed in this way, the actual speed of the second container transport system is increased as soon as the accumulation has reached the end of the queue. This enables efficient onward transport within the queue, especially as the queue eases.
[0031] The path traveled by the second container transport device is the transport path of the containers in the second container transport device and can be the length of a conveyor belt or conveyor chain of the second container transport device that has continued.
[0032] Furthermore, the control device can be designed to increase the actual speed of the first and / or the second container transport device to the actual speed of the first and / or the second container transport device before reducing the actual speed.
[0033] A suitable control device makes it possible to restore a state, such as normal operation, prior to the reduction of the actual speed of the second container transport device. This ensures smooth operation beyond a specific control process, particularly the reduction of the actual speed.
[0034] The detection device may include sensors. It may also include an inductive toggle switch and / or an image acquisition and evaluation device, in particular a camera with an evaluation unit. The detection device may also include an ultrasonic measuring device. Such a detection device enables traffic jams to be detected in a simple and reliable manner.
[0035] A toggle switch can be mounted on a railing that laterally borders the container transport system, with its toggle extending into the surface of a conveyor belt or chain. The toggle can be pushed towards the railing by accumulating containers. The movement of the toggle is inductively detected, thus identifying a blockage.
[0036] An image acquisition device, in particular a camera, can be positioned above or to the side of the container transport system and oriented to capture top-view images of the container transport system. Based on two images taken in sequential order, the evaluation unit can determine changes in the positions of individual containers within the container transport system over time. As soon as the positions of individual containers move at a slower speed than the actual speed of the second container transport system, a bottleneck can be detected – generally and specifically for the evaluation unit.
[0037] Furthermore, the device can include at least one additional container transport device for transporting the containers along the transport direction.
[0038] A suitable device makes it possible to transport the containers over a longer distance than with a smaller number of container transport devices of the same length.
[0039] Some of the additional container transport equipment may be located directly upstream of the first container transport equipment and / or directly downstream of the second container transport equipment and / or directly upstream of the third container transport equipment.
[0040] Furthermore, the first and / or the second and / or the third container transport device, in particular the first and the second container transport device, in particular all container transport devices, may include a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain.
[0041] Appropriate container transport systems enable efficient and flexible transport of the containers. They also allow for the creation of buffer zones for the containers. Furthermore, the first and second container transport systems, and in particular all container transport systems, can be interconnected by at least one plate and / or at least one guide device.
[0042] A suitable transition enables the safe and simple transport of containers between the container transport facilities.
[0043] The plate can be a molded part made of metal and / or plastic.
[0044] The guiding device can be arranged laterally on the container transport device, in particular on a conveyor belt or conveyor chain. The guiding device can include a side railing.
[0045] Furthermore, the device may also include a feeding machine arranged upstream of the first container transport device. The feeding machine may be arranged directly upstream of the first container transport device.
[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the device may further comprise a discharge machine arranged downstream of the third container transport device. The discharge machine may be arranged directly downstream of the third container transport device.
[0047] The infeed machine and / or the outfeed machine can each comprise several individual machines. The infeed machine and / or the outfeed machine can each comprise a container transport device.
[0048] The infeed machine can be a discharge liner, a filler, or a washer. The outfeed machine can be a packer.
[0049] Furthermore, the control device can be designed to reduce the actual speed of container transport devices, in particular the first and / or the second container transport device, in particular all container transport devices, by 10% to 50% if the actual speed of the feeding machine is at least 10% lower than the actual speed of the discharging machine.
[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured to increase the actual speed of container transport devices, in particular the first and / or second container transport device, and especially all container transport devices, by 10% to 50% if the actual speed of the feeding machine is at least 10% higher than the actual speed of the discharging machine. Such a control device enables the actual speeds of the container transport devices to be adapted to the future utilization of the container transport devices, as expressed by the actual speed of the feeding machine.
[0051] The actual speed of the infeed machine is the instantaneous number of bottles fed into the machine per unit of time. The actual speed of the outfeed machine is the instantaneous number of bottles discharged from the machine per unit of time. These actual speeds can be recorded, for example, by an additional image acquisition and evaluation device at the infeed / outfeed of the infeed / outfeed machine and using standard image analysis methods. Such an evaluation device can be configured to compare the actual speed of the infeed machine with the actual speed of the outfeed machine.
[0052] Furthermore, the control device can be designed to control the actual speed of the container transport device, which is arranged directly upstream of the discharging machine, depending on the actual speed of the discharging machine, in particular to adapt it to the actual speed of the discharging machine.
[0053] A suitable control device allows the actual speed of the discharging machine to be taken into account when controlling the actual speed of the container transport system, which is located directly upstream of the discharging machine. This ensures that the discharging machine is supplied with a sufficient number of containers at all times. In particular, it is desirable that a sufficient number of containers are always available in the section of the container transport system located further upstream of the discharging machine, so that they can be picked up by the discharging machine.
[0054] Adjusting the actual speed of the container transport device, located immediately upstream of the discharging machine, to match the actual speed of the discharging machine can involve ensuring that the container transport device, located immediately upstream of the discharging machine, delivers the same number of containers per unit of time as are taken from the discharging machine. The actual speed of the discharging machine, the number of containers per unit of time delivered by the container transport device located immediately upstream of the discharging machine, and the number of containers per unit of time taken from the discharging machine can be determined, for example, by one of the aforementioned or another image acquisition and evaluation device and conventional image analysis methods.
[0055] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to increase the actual speed of the container transport device, located immediately upstream of the discharge machine, by 10% to 20% if the actual speed of the discharge machine is more than 10% above its rated speed. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured to decrease the actual speed of the container transport device, located immediately upstream of the discharge machine, by 10% to 20% if the actual speed of the discharge machine is more than 10% below its rated speed.
[0056] A corresponding control device enables the container transport device, located directly upstream of the discharging machine, to react accordingly to the throughput of the discharging machine and to ensure the supply of containers to the discharging machine.
[0057] The rated speed of the discharge machine is the speed at which the machine operates under normal conditions without affecting its service life or safety.
[0058] Furthermore, the detection device can be designed to detect a jam of containers in the 90%, in particular 80%, 70%, 60% or 50% of a transport path of the second container transport device, which are located further ahead in the transport direction.
[0059] A corresponding detection device ensures that the accumulation can travel a sufficient distance on the second container transport system to the end of the jam in order to form. The further along the transport direction the detection device detects the container jam, the more distance remains for the accumulation to form.
[0060] The detection device can be designed to detect a jam of containers in an area of the transition from the second container transport device to the third container transport device.
[0061] Furthermore, the device can include a fourth container transport device for transporting the containers along the transport direction, wherein the fourth container transport device is arranged immediately upstream of the first container transport device in the transport direction. In this respect, the fourth container transport device can be one of the aforementioned additional container transport devices.The detection device may comprise at least one further inductive toggle switch, and / or at least one further image acquisition and evaluation device, in particular at least one further camera with evaluation device, which are configured to detect a jam of containers in the first or second container transport device, wherein the control device may be configured to reduce the actual speed of the first container transport device as soon as a jam is detected by the at least one further inductive toggle switch, and / or the at least one further image acquisition and evaluation device, so that the actual speed of the first container transport device is lower than the actual speed of the fourth container transport device.
[0062] A suitable device enables multiple accumulations to form along the transport direction, thus utilizing the buffer capacity of the entire device.
[0063] The fourth container transport device can be another container transport device.
[0064] The detection device can include a variety of inductive toggle switches.
[0065] Furthermore, the invention provides a control unit for the aforementioned device for transporting containers. The control unit comprises an input configured to receive a signal indicating the detection of a container jam in a second and / or third container transport unit, and a processor configured to determine a reduced actual speed of the second container transport unit, such that the actual speed of the second container transport unit is lower than the actual speed of a first container transport unit, causing a build-up of containers at the transition from the first to the second container transport unit. The control unit further comprises an output configured to output a signal to reduce the actual speed of the second container transport unit based on the processor's determination.
[0066] In any case, it is ensured that the actual speed of the second container transport device is lower than the actual speed of the first container transport device and that an accumulation of containers forms at the transition from the first container transport device to the second container transport device.
[0067] A suitable control device enables the gentle transport of containers. This control device can be used in the device according to the invention. The same applies to the control device as to the specific control device of the device according to the invention. The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following exemplary figures. These show:
[0068] Fig. 1a schematically shows a device for transporting containers in a filling operating state in a top view,
[0069] Fig. 1b schematically shows a device for transporting containers in an operating state of production in a top view.
[0070] Fig. 1c schematically shows a device for transporting containers in a backflow operating state in a top view.
[0071] Fig. 1d schematically shows a device for transporting containers in an emptying operating state in a top view,
[0072] Fig. 2 schematically shows an alternative device for transporting containers,
[0073] Fig. 3 schematically shows a control device for a device for transporting containers.
[0074] Figures 1a to 1d illustrate the schematic structure of an exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for transporting containers 2 in various operating states. The corresponding reference numerals denote the corresponding elements.
[0075] Such a device 1 is used in a food and / or consumer goods plant for the transport of containers 2 and comprises a feeding machine 3, for example a filler, and a discharging machine 4, for example a packer. In addition to the elements described below, the device may also include further container transport devices, each comprising a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain, for transporting the containers 2 along the transport direction 5 and / or detection devices, each comprising an inductive switch or a camera with an evaluation unit, designed to detect a build-up of containers 2 in the container transport devices.
[0076] Fig. 1a shows containers 2, for example bottles, in the filling operating state of the device 1. In this operating state, the device 1 is filled with containers 2. The containers 2 can also be cans, jars, packages, bags in holders, or canisters. The containers 2 are transported upright on a first container transport device 6, a second container transport device 7, and a third container transport device 8, comprising, for example, conveyor belts 9 or conveyor chains 9. Each conveyor belt 9 is tensioned by two rollers 10 and runs in a loop, driven by an electric motor 11, i.e., a drive unit. The second container transport device 7 is arranged directly downstream of the first container transport device 6. The third container transport device 8 is arranged directly downstream of the second container transport device 7.The containers are transported on the container transport devices in the direction of transport 5. The containers are transferred from the first container transport device 6 to the second container transport device 7 and from the second container transport device 7 to the third container transport device 8 by means of guiding devices 12, for example, side railings. In addition, plates 13 are shown between the first 6 and second container transport devices 7 and between the second 7 and third container transport devices 8, in particular the corresponding conveyor belts 9, which also ensure the transfer of the containers.
[0077] In the filling operating state, the containers 2 are fed by the feeding machine 3, the filler, either singly, in particular in a single lane, or in a concentrated mass flow, and transported by the container transport devices of the device 1 towards the discharging machine 4. The discharging machine discharges the containers in a concentrated mass flow or singly, in particular in a single lane. The container transport devices operate at factory-preset standard speeds and / or at actual speeds adapted to the speed of the feeding machine 3. The actual speed of the container transport devices is controlled by a control unit 14. The number of bottles per unit of time fed by the feeding machine 3 is equal to the number of bottles per unit of time transported by the container transport devices. In this operating state, no build-up of containers 2 typically occurs.All containers 2 in the device are transported at the actual speed of the container transport devices. A detection device 15, comprising an inductive lever switch 16 or an image acquisition 17 and evaluation device 18, in particular a camera with evaluation device, does not detect any congestion in this operating state.
[0078] Fig. 1b shows container 2 in the operating state of the production device 1 during normal operation. During production, one objective of the control system is to create and maintain an accumulation of bottles in the container transport device immediately upstream of the packer, i.e., the third container transport device 8, directly in front of the packer. This ensures that even with fluctuations in the actual speed of the outgoing machine 4, a sufficient number of containers 2 are always available for further processing in the outgoing machine 4. The third container transport device 8 serves as a buffer for the containers 2. During production, the actual speed of the container transport device located immediately upstream of the outgoing machine is adjusted to the actual speed of the outgoing machine 4. The actual speed can be controlled by the control unit 14.For example, the actual speed of the third container transport device 8 is increased if the actual speed of the discharging machine 4 increases over time and the accumulation of containers 2 in the third container transport device 8 begins to decrease. Conversely, the actual speed of the third container transport device 8 can be decreased if the actual speed of the discharging machine 4 decreases over time and the accumulation of containers 2 in the third container transport device 8 begins to increase.
[0079] Fig. 1c shows container 2 in an operating state of the device 1 during backflow. Backflow can occur if the control of the third container transport device is insufficient in the production operating state to compensate for an increase in the accumulation of containers 2 in the third container transport device 8. This can occur, for example, if the discharge machine 4 discharges containers 2 for an extended period at a lower actual speed than its rated speed, i.e., the speed at which the machine operates under normal conditions without affecting its service life or safety.
[0080] In this case, the containers 2 can fill the third container transport device 8, and a jam can form all the way back to the second container transport device 7, which is located upstream of the third container transport device 8. Such a jam is detected by the detection device 15. The detection device 15 can include a toggle switch 16 and / or an image acquisition device 17 with evaluation unit 18 along a transport path 19, i.e., the path and / or distance that the containers 2 travel in the container transport devices, for example, at the transition from the second container transport device 7 to the third container transport device 8. The detection device 15 is triggered and detects a jam at this point.
[0081] The triggering of the detection device 15 can include a bracket of the detection device 15, which extends from a railing 20 of the container transport device into the container transport device, for example, a conveyor belt, and detects a pressure that is above a preset minimum value. The minimum value can be determined such that it is not exceeded by the contact of a single container 2 passing by during transport, but is exceeded by containers 2 that are backed up and pushed to the side under pressure in the accumulation. The triggering of the detection device 15 can also include the evaluation device 18, i.e.,A computer with a processor, based on two images in temporal sequence relative to each other, determines a change in the positions of the individual containers in the container transport device over time, and the positions of the individual containers 2 move at a lower speed than the actual speed of the second container transport device 7.
[0082] As soon as the detection device 15 detects a jam, the control device 14 reduces the actual speed of the second container transport device 7 so that its actual speed is lower than that of the first container transport device 6. Reducing the actual speed involves the control device 14 sending a signal to the second container transport device, causing it to reduce the actual speed of, for example, a conveyor belt 9 or a conveyor chain 9. This is achieved by the motor 11 of the corresponding conveyor belt 9 or conveyor chain 9 receiving a signal to reduce its rotational speed.By reducing the actual speed of the second container transport device 7 to a speed below the actual speed of the first container transport device 6, an accumulation and / or a compression of containers 2 occurs at the transition from the first container transport device 6 to the second container transport device 7. This accumulation moves, in particular in a wave-like manner, towards the end of the queue at the actual speed of the second container transport device 7.
[0083] Since the accumulation is already pre-compacted and laterally widened, fewer reorientations and compensatory movements of the containers 2 occur when they reach the end of the accumulation. Consequently, abrasion on the containers is reduced, and there is less damage to a machine inlet caused by falling containers. Furthermore, pressures between the containers are reduced, resulting in less damage to containers 2 and the device 1. Finally, noise generation is also reduced.
[0084] Figure 1d shows container 2 in the emptying operating state of the device 1. In this operating state, the device is emptied, i.e., the number of containers 2 in the device 1 decreases. This operating state occurs before the planned shutdown of the device 1 after production or a backup.
[0085] During unloading after production, the infeed machine 3 may operate at minimum speed, i.e., feed a minimal number of containers 2 per unit of time. The control unit 14 then reduces the actual speed of the container transport system so that only the minimum number of containers per unit of time is removed from the infeed machine 3. During unloading after a backup, the discharge machine 4 may operate at a higher speed than its nominal speed, i.e., discharge an increased number of containers 2 per unit of time. The control unit 14 adjusts the actual speed of the container transport system so that containers 2 are supplied while the backup is cleared. Once the backup is cleared, the discharge machine resumes operation at its nominal speed.
[0086] Fig. 2 shows an alternative device 1 which, in addition to the elements of Figs. 1a to 1d, also includes a fourth container transport device 21, which is arranged in the transport direction 5 immediately upstream of the first container transport device 6 and comprises a conveyor belt 9. Corresponding elements are marked with corresponding reference numerals as in Figs. 1a to 1d.
[0087] The device 1 further comprises an additional inductive switch 22. The additional inductive switch 22 is mounted on a railing 20 that laterally delimits the conveyor belt 9 of the first container transport device 6. As soon as a jam is detected by the additional inductive switch 22, the actual speed of the first container transport device 6 is reduced so that its actual speed is lower than that of the fourth container transport device 21. This causes a build-up of containers 2 at the transition between the fourth container transport device 21 and the first container transport device.
[0088] Fig. 3 shows a control device 14 for a device 1 for transporting containers 2. In particular, it is the control device 14 for use in the described embodiments of Figures 1a to 1d.
[0089] The control unit 14 can be configured as the central control unit of the device for transporting containers 2. Alternatively, the control unit 14 can be a distributed control unit.
[0090] The control unit 14 includes an input 23 for receiving a signal from the detection unit 15 indicating a jam of containers 2 in the second container transport unit 7. Additional inputs for further detection units may also be included. Input 23 may be a wired or virtual interface. For example, input 23 may be a radio connection. Input 23 may be a wireless connection.
[0091] The signal indicating the detection of a container jam in the second container transport device 7 is received via input 23 by a processor 24. Based on this signal, the processor determines a reduced actual speed of the second container transport device 7, such that the actual speed of the second container transport device 7 is lower than the actual speed of a first container transport device 6. This results in a build-up of containers 2 at the transition to the second container transport device 7. For example, the processor 24 calculates a 20% reduction in the actual speed if the jam is detected at 15% of the transport path 19 of the second container transport device 7, which is located further ahead in the transport direction 5. The processor 24 can be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) or as a distributed processing unit. The processor 24 incorporates standard computing resources.The processor 24 comprises one or more chips.
[0092] Additionally, the processor 24 can be configured to determine a reduced actual speed of the second container transport device 7. For example, the processor 24 calculates a 10% increase in the actual speed if the first container transport device 6 is loaded with bottles 15% more than its nominal capacity. In this example, the actual speed of the second container transport device 7 is initially determined to be 80% of the original actual speed due to the position of the jam in the transport direction 5, and finally 110% of the actual speed thus determined. Ultimately, an actual speed of 80% multiplied by 110% equals 88% of the original actual speed is determined. This corresponds to a 12% reduction in the actual speed of the second container transport device 7.Assuming that the first container transport device 6 and the second container transport device 7 originally had the same actual speed, this ensures that the second container transport device 7 will have a lower actual speed than the first container transport device 6 after the actual speed has been reduced. The determined actual speed is available as a signal in the processor 24. Furthermore, the control unit includes an output 25 to output the signal for reducing the actual speed of the second container transport device 7 based on the described determination. In particular, the signal can be output to the second container transport device 7, especially to one of its associated motors 11. Reference numeral list:
[0093] 1 Device
[0094] 2 containers
[0095] 3 feeding machine
[0096] 4 discharge machine
[0097] 5. Transport direction
[0098] 6 First container transport device 7 Second container transport device 8 Third container transport device 9 Conveyor belt or conveyor chain
[0099] 10 rolls
[0100] 11 Engine
[0101] 12 Guidance device
[0102] 13 plate
[0103] 14 Control unit
[0104] 15 Recognition device
[0105] 16 lever switches
[0106] 17 Image capture device
[0107] 18 Evaluation unit
[0108] 19 transport route
[0109] 20 railings
[0110] 21 fourth container transport device 22 further toggle switch input processor output
Claims
Claims 1. Device (1) for transporting containers (2) comprising: a first container transport device (6) for transporting the containers along a transport direction (5), a second container transport device (7) for transporting the containers along the transport direction, wherein the second container transport device is arranged immediately downstream of the first container transport device in the transport direction, a third container transport device (8) for transporting the containers along the transport direction, wherein the third container transport device is arranged downstream of the second container transport device in the transport direction, a detection device (15) which is designed to detect a jam of containers in the second or third container transport device, a control device (14) configured to reduce the actual speed of the second container transport device as soon as a jam is detected by the detection device, so that the actual speed of the second container transport device is lower than the actual speed of the first container transport device.
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is designed to determine the actual speed of the second container transport device to reduce by 10% to 30%, but not 30%, if a congestion is detected in the third container transport device or in the 30% of the transport path of the second container transport device located further ahead in the direction of transport and / or to reduce by 30% to 70%, but not 70%, if a congestion between 30% and 70%, but neither 30% nor 70%, of a transport path of the second container transport device in the direction of transport is detected and / or to reduce by 70% to 90% if a congestion is detected in the further rear 30% of a transport route of the second container transport device. and / or to increase by 10% again with respect to the reduced actual speed if the first container transport device is occupied with bottles to more than 10% of its nominal capacity and / or not to increase or decrease further if the first container transport device is occupied with bottles at least 10% less and at most 10% more than its nominal capacity and / or to further reduce the actual speed by 10% if the first container transport device is loaded with bottles at more than 10% less than its nominal capacity.
3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device is configured to increase the actual speed of the second container transport device as soon as the second container transport device has traveled the distance between the point where the jam was detected and the transition from the first to the second container transport device.
4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the control device is designed to increase the actual speed of the first and / or the second container transport device to the actual speed of the first and / or the second container transport device before a decrease in the actual speed.
5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device comprises an inductive lever switch (16) and / or an image acquisition (17) and evaluation device (18), in particular a camera with evaluation device.
6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises at least one further container transport device for transporting the containers along the transport direction.
7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second and / or the third container transport device, in particular the first and the second container transport device, in particular all container transport devices, comprise a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain (9).
8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the first and the second container transport device, in particular all container transport devices, are connected to each other by at least one plate (13) and / or at least one guide device (12).
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a feeding machine (3) arranged upstream of the first container transport device and / or wherein the device further comprises a discharge machine (4) arranged downstream of the third container transport device.
10. Device according to claim 9, where the control unit is designed: to reduce the actual speed of container transport devices, in particular the first and / or the second container transport device, in particular all container transport devices, by 10% to 50% if the actual speed of the feeding machine is at least 10% lower than the actual speed of the discharging machine and / or to increase the actual speed of container transport devices, in particular the first and / or the second container transport device, in particular all container transport devices, by 10% to 50% if the actual speed of the feeding machine is at least 10% higher than the actual speed of the discharging machine.
11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control device is designed to control the actual speed of the container transport device, which is arranged directly upstream of the discharging machine, depending on the actual speed of the discharging machine, in particular to adapt it to the actual speed of the discharging machine.
12. Device according to claim 11, where the control unit is designed: to increase the actual speed of the container transport device, which is located immediately upstream of the discharge machine, by 10% to 20% if the actual speed of the discharge machine is more than 10% above the rated speed of the discharge machine and / or to reduce the actual speed of the container transport device, which is located immediately upstream of the discharging machine, by 10% to 20% if the actual speed of the discharging machine is more than 10% below the rated speed of the discharging machine.
13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device is designed to detect a jam of containers in the 90%, in particular 80%, 70%, 60% or 50% of a transport path of the second container transport device, which are located further ahead in the transport direction.
14. Device according to one of the preceding claims further comprising: a fourth container transport device (21) for transporting the containers along the transport direction, wherein the fourth container transport device is arranged immediately upstream of the first container transport device in the transport direction, wherein the detection device comprises at least one further inductive lever switch (22), and / or at least one further image acquisition and evaluation device, in particular at least one further camera with evaluation device, which are configured to detect a jam of the containers in the first or second container transport device, wherein the control device is configured to reduce the actual speed of the first container transport device as soon as a jam is detected by the at least one further inductive bail switch, and / or the at least one further image acquisition and evaluation device, so that the actual speed of the first container transport device is lower than the actual speed of the fourth container transport device.
15. Control device (14) for a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims comprising: an input (23) which is configured to receive a signal of the detection of a jam of the containers in a second (7) and / or third container transport device (8), a processor (24) which is configured to determine a reduced actual speed of the second container transport device, so that the actual speed of the second container transport device is lower than the actual speed of a first container transport device, so that an accumulation of containers forms at the transition to the second container transport device, an output (25) configured to output a signal to reduce the actual speed of the second container transport device based on the determination by the processor.