Computer-implemented method for modeling an occupancy state of a container transport device, computer-implemented method for controlling a container transport device, and control unit for controlling a container transport device

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for modeling an occupancy state of a container transport device, wherein the container transport device comprises a feeding machine, a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, and a discharging machine. The modeling of the occupancy state comprises modeling an occupancy of the first and / or second conveyor belt with containers, wherein the modeling of the occupancy of the first conveyor belt is based on the container feed rate and the first transport speed of the first conveyor belt and / or wherein the modeling of the occupancy of the second conveyor belt is based on the second transport speed of the second conveyor belt and the container discharge rate. The invention also relates to a computer-implemented method for controlling a container transport device and to a control unit for controlling a container transport device.

Description

[0001] Computer-implemented method for modeling the occupancy state of a container transport device, computer-implemented method for controlling a container transport device, and control device for controlling a container transport device.

[0002] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for modeling the occupancy state of a container transport device, a computer-implemented method for controlling a container transport device, and a control device for controlling a container transport device.

[0003] Container transport devices are regularly used in automated plants in the consumer goods and / or food industries, for example in the form of devices for transporting containers, which include 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 of them to the infeed of the next machine.

[0005] DE 31 31 352 A1 discloses a method for the continuous control of the transport speed of conveyors. DE 2830 196 A1 discloses a method for transporting containers. EP 1 542916 A1 discloses an accumulation conveyor system. DE 102006 058 893 A1 discloses a so-called intelligent accumulation conveyor. DE 10 2021 130 468 A1 discloses a method for operating a thermal container treatment device. DE 10 2021 130 464 A1 discloses a method for controlling a buffer belt of a thermal container treatment device and filling line. DE 102022 122531 A1 discloses a method for the automatic control of at least two driven belts in a plant.

[0006] According to DE 28 30 196 A1, a section of a conveyor is gradually shut down by using several sensors, each measuring the occupancy of containers, in order to avoid back pressure. However, no modeling of the occupancy state takes place.

[0007] In light of this, the object underlying the invention is to enable the gentle transport of containers. This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1.

[0008] The invention provides a computer-implemented method for modeling the occupancy state of a container transport device, wherein the container transport device comprises a feeder machine, a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, and a discharge machine. The feeder machine is configured to feed containers to the first conveyor belt at a defined feed rate. The first conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along a transport direction, with the first conveyor belt being arranged immediately downstream of the feeder machine in the transport direction and having a first transport speed.The second conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt is arranged downstream of the first conveyor belt in the transport direction and has a second transport speed. The discharge machine is configured to remove the containers from the second conveyor belt at a container discharge rate, wherein the discharge machine is arranged immediately downstream of the second conveyor belt in the transport direction.Modeling the occupancy state includes modeling the occupancy of the first and / or second conveyor belt with containers, wherein the modeling of the occupancy of the first conveyor belt is based on the container feed rate and the first transport speed and / or wherein the modeling of the occupancy of the second conveyor belt is based on the second transport speed and the container removal rate.

[0009] Modeling the occupancy state allows for the acquisition of information and insights about the containers in the container transport system. This information and these insights can, in turn, form the basis for controlling the container transport system to ensure gentle transport of the containers. Consequently, modeling the occupancy state enables the gentle transport of containers.

[0010] 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.

[0011] The infeed and / or outfeed machine can be designed to process the containers. The infeed machine can be located directly upstream of the first conveyor belt. The infeed and / or outfeed machine can include additional conveyor belts. The containers can be transferred directly from a conveyor belt of the infeed machine to the first conveyor belt. The containers can be transferred directly from the second conveyor belt to a conveyor belt of the outfeed machine. The containers can be transferred using guide devices and / or plates.

[0012] 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 conveyor belt.

[0013] The infeed machine can be a discharge liner, a filler, or a washer. The outfeed machine can be a packer.

[0014] The first conveyor belt and / or the second conveyor belt can each be a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain.

[0015] The transport direction is the direction in which containers are transported. The transport direction usually coincides with the direction in which a conveyor belt, such as a conveyor belt or conveyor chain, moves on the container transport device on which the containers are placed.

[0016] The first and / or second transport speed of a conveyor belt can be the speed of the moving elements of the respective conveyor belt that are in direct contact with the containers and ensure their transport, in particular the speed of the respective conveyor belt or conveyor chain. Provided no jamming occurs, the transport speed of a conveyor belt can be equal to the speed of a container on the respective conveyor belt.

[0017] The container feed rate is the number of containers per unit of time fed to the first conveyor belt. The container discharge rate is the number of containers per unit of time discharged from the second conveyor belt.

[0018] Additionally, the modeling of the first conveyor belt's occupancy can be based on the second conveyor speed and / or the container discharge rate. Additionally, the modeling of the second conveyor belt's occupancy can be based on the container feed rate and / or the first conveyor speed.

[0019] The modeling of the occupancy state can be further based on a first width of a container-accessible area of ​​the load-bearing section of the first conveyor belt perpendicular to the direction of transport, and / or a second width of a container-accessible area of ​​the load-bearing section of the second conveyor belt perpendicular to the direction of transport. The first width of a container-accessible area can be the entire width of the first conveyor belt, reduced by the amount that a guardrail projects into the first conveyor belt. The second width of a container-accessible area can be the entire width of the second conveyor belt, reduced by the amount that a guardrail projects into the first conveyor belt.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the modeling of the occupancy state can still be based on a first length of the load section of the first conveyor belt in the transport direction and / or a second length of the load section of the second conveyor belt in the transport direction.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the modeling of the occupancy state can still be based on a parameter characteristic of a maximum cross-section of the containers, in particular a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the containers.

[0022] Modeling the occupancy of the first conveyor belt can include determining an occupancy parameter for the first conveyor belt as a whole, in particular a proportion of the occupied area relative to the total area of ​​the load section of the first conveyor belt that can be occupied by containers, and / or a number of containers. Alternatively or additionally, modeling the occupancy of the second conveyor belt can include determining an occupancy parameter for the second conveyor belt as a whole, in particular a proportion of the occupied area relative to the total area of ​​the load section of the second conveyor belt that can be occupied by containers, and / or a number of containers.

[0023] Determining an occupancy parameter of the first / second conveyor belt as a whole makes it possible to characterize the occupancy state in a simple way.

[0024] The occupancy parameter can be "full," "half full," or "empty." It can be "1," for example, indicating occupancy with at least one bottle, or "0," for example, indicating no occupancy (i.e., empty). The occupancy parameter can also be continuous. For example, it can take a numerical value in the interval from 0 to 1, where "0" represents no occupancy and "1" represents full occupancy.

[0025] The occupied area can be the area of ​​the respective conveyor belt that the containers cover with their outlines when viewed from above. Alternatively, the occupied area can be the area of ​​the respective conveyor belt that can no longer be occupied, particularly due to the presence of containers. The load side or tension side is the side of a conveyor belt, especially a conveyor belt or conveyor chain, that is pulled and is taut.

[0026] Modeling the occupancy of the first and / or second conveyor belt can include subdividing the area of ​​the load section of the first and / or second conveyor belt that can be occupied with containers into a plurality of successive sections in the direction of transport, whereby an occupancy parameter is determined for each section, in particular a proportion of an occupied area of ​​the respective section in relation to a total area of ​​the respective section and / or a number of containers.

[0027] Such modeling allows for an exact characterization of the occupancy state.

[0028] The sections can be rectangular. Alternatively or additionally, the sections can each extend across the entire width of a container-bearing area of ​​the load-bearing section of the respective conveyor belt, perpendicular to the direction of transport. Alternatively or additionally, the sections can all have the same width and / or length.

[0029] Sections chosen in this way allow for a simple characterization of the occupancy status.

[0030] The sections can each extend over a maximum of half the length of the respective load section in the transport direction, in particular over a maximum of one quarter of the length of the respective load section in the transport direction, and / or over a maximum of 50 cm, in particular over a maximum of 25 cm, in particular over a maximum of 10 cm, in particular over a maximum of 5 cm, in particular over a maximum of 1 cm, in particular over a maximum of 5 mm in the transport direction.

[0031] The larger the sections, the less computing power is required for modeling. Conversely, smaller sections allow for a higher model resolution. The chosen section dimensions are therefore a trade-off between the required computing power and the model resolution.

[0032] The area of ​​the load section of the respective conveyor belt that can be covered with containers can be completely divided into sections.

[0033] Modeling the occupancy can include modeling a change in the occupancy between a time tO and a time t1.

[0034] Appropriate modeling makes it possible to predict occupancy based on certain input variables. The container transport device cannot transport any containers at time tO, i.e., it can be empty.

[0035] The modeled change in occupancy can be verified or falsified by congestion switches. In particular, a congestion predicted by the model can be confirmed or refuted by the congestion switch.

[0036] The container transport device can include at least one additional conveyor belt, wherein the at least one additional conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along the transport direction, and wherein the at least one additional conveyor belt is arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the first conveyor belt, and wherein the at least one additional conveyor belt has at least one additional transport speed. Modeling the occupancy state can include modeling the occupancy of the at least one additional conveyor belt with containers, wherein the modeling is based on the container feed rate and / or the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed and / or the at least one additional transport speed and / or the container discharge rate.

[0037] The addition of at least one more conveyor belt enables the container transport system to cover a longer distance. Furthermore, it allows for more flexible control with greater options for braking individual conveyor belts.

[0038] The next transport belt can be a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain.

[0039] The same applies to the subsequent transport speed as to the first and / or second transport speed.

[0040] The container transport device can also include two or more additional conveyor belts arranged sequentially between the first and second conveyor belts. Modeling the occupancy state can include modeling the occupancy of the at least two additional conveyor belts with containers, based on the container feed rate and / or the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed and / or the at least one additional transport speed and / or the container discharge rate.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention provides a computer-implemented method for controlling a container transport device, wherein the container transport device comprises a feeding machine, a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, and a discharging machine. The feeding machine is configured to feed containers to the first conveyor belt, the containers being fed at a defined feed rate. The first conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along a transport direction, the first conveyor belt being arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the feeding machine, and the first conveyor belt having a first transport speed.The second conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt is arranged downstream of the first conveyor belt in the transport direction and has a second transport speed. The discharge machine is configured to remove the containers from the second conveyor belt at a container discharge rate, wherein the discharge machine is arranged immediately downstream of the second conveyor belt in the transport direction. The method comprises the previously described modeling of the occupancy state and generating a first control signal for controlling the first transport speed and / or a second control signal for controlling the second transport speed based on the modeled occupancy.

[0042] Such steering enables the gentle transport of containers.

[0043] In particular, the container transport device may be the container transport device of the computer-implemented method for modeling the occupancy state or a preferred embodiment of the same.

[0044] The method can include generating at least one additional control signal to control at least one additional transport speed based on the modeled occupancy.

[0045] The first control signal can include a reduction in the first transport speed if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value higher than the occupancy at time t0. Alternatively or additionally, the second control signal can include a reduction in the second transport speed if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value higher than the occupancy at time t0.

[0046] Appropriate controls slow down the accumulation of containers, thus enabling gentler transport.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, this can include at least one further control signal indicating that the transport speed is reduced if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value higher than the occupancy at time t0. The occupancy at time t1 can be at least one minimum value higher than the occupancy at time t0 if, at time t1, there are at least one minimum value more containers in the container transport device than at time t0, and / or if, at time t1, at least one minimum value more area of ​​the container transport device is occupied than at time t0. The minimum value can be at least 1%, in particular at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, in particular at least 30%.

[0048] Reducing a transport speed can mean reducing the actual transport speed of the respective conveyor belt.

[0049] The first control signal can include an increase in the first transport speed if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value lower than the occupancy at time t0. Alternatively or additionally, the second control signal can include an increase in the second transport speed if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value lower than the occupancy at time t0.

[0050] Appropriate control enables the efficient utilization of the container transport device.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, this can include at least one further control signal indicating that at least one further transport speed is increased if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value lower than the occupancy at time tO.

[0052] The occupancy at time t1 can be at least one minimum value lower than the occupancy at time t0 if, at time t1, there are at least one minimum value fewer containers in the container transport device than at time t0, and / or at time t1, at least one minimum value less area of ​​the container transport device is occupied than at time t0. The minimum value can be at least 1%, in particular at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, in particular at least 30%.

[0053] Increasing a transport speed can mean increasing the actual transport speed of the respective conveyor belt.

[0054] The first control signal can include a reduction in the first transport speed if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the second conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value higher at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time t0. Alternatively or additionally, the second control signal can include a reduction in the second transport speed if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the second conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value higher at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time t0.

[0055] Appropriate controls slow down the accumulation of containers, thus enabling gentler transport.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, this can include at least one further control signal indicating that the transport speed is reduced if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the respective conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value higher at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time tO.

[0057] The occupancy at time t1 can be at least one minimum value higher than the occupancy at time t0 if, at time t1, there are at least one minimum value more containers in the container transport device than at time t0, and / or if, at time t1, at least one minimum value more area of ​​the container transport device is occupied than at time t0. The minimum value can be at least 1%, in particular at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, in particular at least 30%.

[0058] Reducing a transport speed can mean reducing the actual transport speed of the respective conveyor belt.

[0059] The first control signal can include an increase in the first transport speed if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the second conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value lower at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time t0. Alternatively or additionally, the second control signal can include an increase in the second transport speed if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the second conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value lower at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time t0.

[0060] Appropriate control enables the efficient utilization of the container transport device.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, this can include at least one further control signal indicating that at least one further transport speed is increased if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the respective conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value lower at time t1 than the occupancy at time t0. The occupancy at time t1 can be at least one minimum value lower than the occupancy at time t0 if, at time t1, there are at least one minimum value fewer containers in the container transport device than at time t0 and / or at time t1, at least one minimum value less area of ​​the container transport device is occupied than at time t0. The minimum value can be at least 1%, in particular at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, in particular at least 30%.

[0062] Increasing a transport speed can mean increasing the actual transport speed of the respective conveyor belt.

[0063] An occupancy that is at least one minimum value higher can be a maximum occupancy or higher.

[0064] Provided that the occupancy is at least one minimum value higher than the maximum occupancy or higher, it is possible to avoid a build-up of containers.

[0065] Maximum capacity can mean that the corresponding container transport device, conveyor belt, or section cannot accommodate any more containers. In particular, maximum capacity may be reached when the entire available area is occupied by containers.

[0066] Maximum occupancy can be achieved if the proportion of an occupied area of ​​a section, in relation to the total area of ​​that section, is at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, in particular at least 98%, and in particular at least 99%. Alternatively or additionally, maximum occupancy can be achieved if the proportion of an occupied area of ​​a conveyor belt, in relation to the total area of ​​the load section of the respective conveyor belt that can be occupied with containers, is at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, in particular at least 98%, and in particular at least 99%.

[0067] By setting a maximum occupancy, it is possible to avoid a bottleneck in the containers at an early stage.

[0068] Furthermore, the invention provides a control device for controlling a container transport device, wherein the container transport device comprises a feeding machine, a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, and a discharging machine. The feeding machine is configured to feed containers to the first conveyor belt, the containers being fed at a defined feed rate. The first conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along a transport direction, the first conveyor belt being arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the feeding machine, and the first conveyor belt having a first transport speed.The second conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt is arranged downstream of the first conveyor belt in the transport direction and has a second transport speed. The discharge machine is configured to remove the containers from the second conveyor belt at a container discharge rate, wherein the discharge machine is arranged immediately downstream of the second conveyor belt in the transport direction. The control device is configured to execute the previously described computer-implemented method for controlling a container transport device during its operation.

[0069] Such a control device enables the gentle transport of containers.

[0070] In particular, the container transport device may be the container transport device of the computer-implemented method for modeling the occupancy state and / or the computer-implemented method for controlling the container transport device, or a preferred embodiment thereof.

[0071] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following exemplary figures. These figures show

[0072] Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a container transport device in top view and a control device for controlling the container transport device.

[0073] Figure 2 shows the container transport device and the control device of Figure 1 at time tO according to a first example of an operating state,

[0074] Figure 3 shows the container transport device and the control device of Figure 1 at time t1 according to the first example of an operating state,

[0075] Figure 4 shows the container transport device and the control device of Figure 1 at time tO according to a second example of an operating state,

[0076] Figure 5 shows the container transport device and the control device of Figure 1 at time t1 according to the second example of an operating state.

[0077] Figure 1 illustrates the schematic structure of an embodiment of a container transport device 1 for transporting containers 2.

[0078] Such a container transport device 1 is used in a food and / or consumer goods plant for transporting containers 2 and comprises a feeding machine 3, for example a filler, a first conveyor belt 4, for example a conveyor belt or conveyor chain, a further conveyor belt 5, for example a conveyor belt or conveyor chain, a second conveyor belt 6, for example a conveyor belt or conveyor chain, and a discharging machine 7, for example a packer. In addition to the elements described below, the container transport device 1 can also include further conveyor belts, for example conveyor belts or conveyor chains, arranged between the first conveyor belt 4 and the second conveyor belt 6. This is not shown in Figure 1.

[0079] Figure 1 shows containers 2, for example bottles, in upright transport, being fed from a conveyor belt of the feeding machine 3 to the first conveyor belt 4. The containers 2 can also be cans, jars, bundles, bags in holders, or canisters. Feeding occurs at a container feed rate, that is, a number of containers 2 per unit of time, which is determined by the operating parameters, for example, the output, of the feeding machine 3. The containers 2 are transferred in the transport direction 8 from the first conveyor belt 4 to the second conveyor belt 5. At the transition from the first conveyor belt 4 to the second conveyor belt 5, the containers 2 are pushed over a plate 9, in particular a molded plastic part, which establishes the connection between the first conveyor belt 4 and the second conveyor belt 5.Continuing in the transport direction 8, the containers 2 are transferred from the first conveyor belt 5 to the second conveyor belt 6. At the transition from the first conveyor belt 5 to the second conveyor belt 6, the containers 2 are pushed over a plate 9, in particular a molded plastic part, which establishes the connection between the first conveyor belt 5 and the second conveyor belt 6. Continuing in the transport direction 8, the containers 2 are transferred to a conveyor belt of the discharge machine 7. The discharge machine 7 removes the containers 2 at a container removal rate, that is, a number of containers 2 per unit of time, which is determined by the operating parameters, for example, the output, of the discharge machine 7.

[0080] Each of the aforementioned conveyor belts comprises, for example, a conveyor belt stretched between two rollers and running in a loop, driven by a motor, such as an electric motor. To prevent the containers 2 from falling sideways off the conveyor belts during upright transport, side railings 10 are installed, some of which project into the conveyor belts when viewed from above.

[0081] Furthermore, a control unit 11 for controlling the container transport device 1 is shown. The control unit 11 is configured to model the occupancy state of the container transport device 1 during its operation and, based on this, to generate a control signal for controlling the transport speeds of the conveyor belts. The control unit 11 comprises standard hardware, such as a processor, a hard drive, and main memory for performing the operations described below.

[0082] To model the occupancy of the first conveyor belt and control the initial transport speed of the first conveyor belt 12, the control unit 11 receives input signals about the container feed rate 13 and the initial transport speed 14. To model the occupancy of the second conveyor belt and control the subsequent transport speed of the second conveyor belt 15, the control unit 11 receives input signals about the initial transport speed 14 and the subsequent transport speed 16. To model the occupancy of the second conveyor belt and control the second transport speed of the second conveyor belt 17, the control unit 11 receives input signals about the second transport speed 18 and the container discharge rate 19.

[0083] The generation of corresponding control signals is preceded by a modeling of the occupancy state.

[0084] In a simplified model, the real container transport device 1 is represented. Key parameters, such as the container feed rate, the conveyor belt speeds, and the container discharge rate, become input variables for modeling the occupancy state. The model includes dividing the conveyor belts into sections. For example, the area of ​​the load-bearing section of each conveyor belt that can be occupied by containers 2 is divided into three consecutive sections in the transport direction 8. The area of ​​the conveyor belt that is inaccessible to containers 2 due to an intruding railing 10 is not included in this calculation. The sections can be rectangular, as shown, and all have the same length and width. Furthermore, the sections can extend laterally up to the railing 10.To achieve a higher resolution of the model, which is accompanied by increased complexity of the calculations, the section dimensions can be chosen to be smaller, for example, strips of 1 cm oriented in the width direction of the conveyor belt in the transport direction 8.

[0085] The modeling process assumes a known occupancy state of the container transport device 1 at a time tO.

[0086] According to a first example of an operating state, it is known that the container transport device 1 is empty at time tO, i.e., it is not transporting any containers 2. This is shown in Figure 2. In this case, each section of the container transport device 1 is assigned a number of containers 2 of 0 at time tO, a so-called occupancy parameter. The modeling then makes it possible to calculate an occupancy at time t1 based on the occupancy at time tO and the input variables. For example, the control device 11 can be configured such that at any given time tO, it calculates the occupancy at time t1, which in the model will occur 10 seconds after tO.

[0087] As an input variable, it is known, for example, that the container feed rate from tO to t1 is a constant 15 containers 2 per second. Furthermore, it is known, for example, that the first conveyor belt 4 travels half the length of the load in the transport direction 8 every 10 seconds, and that this initial transport speed remains constant from tO to t1. One second after time tO, 15 containers 2 will have been fed by the feeding machine 3, and the first conveyor belt 4 will have traveled one-tenth of half the length of the load in the transport direction 8. One second later, 15 more containers 2 will have been fed by the feeding machine 3, and the first conveyor belt 4 will have traveled another tenth of half the length of the load in the transport direction 8.Finally, by 10 seconds after tO (i.e., at time t1), a total of 150 containers 2 will have been fed in evenly, and the first conveyor belt 4 will have advanced halfway along its load path in the transport direction 8. Assuming an even distribution of the containers 2 and a proportion of the sections' lengths in relation to the advanced length of the first conveyor belt 4, at time t1, 100 containers 2 will be on the first section of the first conveyor belt 20 and 50 containers 2 on the second section of the first conveyor belt 21. Thus, the model predicts that at time t1, the first section of the first conveyor belt 20 will be occupied by 100 containers 2 and the second section of the first conveyor belt 21 will be occupied by 50 containers 2. This is indicated in Figure 3.Since the container transport device 1 was empty at time tO, this corresponds to a change of plus 100 containers 2 in the first section of the first conveyor belt 20 and plus 50 containers 2 in the second section of the first conveyor belt 21.

[0088] This example illustrates the modeling for a time t1 10 seconds after a time tO. For times t1 further in the future, for example 2 minutes after tO, the other conveyor belt 5 and the second conveyor belt 6, as well as the container removal rate, are also included in the modeling.

[0089] According to a second example of an operating state, at time t0, there are 50 containers 2 in a third section of the second conveyor belt 22. This is indicated in Figure 4. The modeling may then show, for example, that at time t1, there are 130 containers 2 in the third section of the second conveyor belt 2. A maximum occupancy of a section may be, for example, 120 containers 2. This means that the third section of the second conveyor belt 22 cannot accommodate more than 120 containers 2 without causing a backup. This means that the occupancy of the third section of the second conveyor belt 2 predicted by the modeling for t1 is higher than the maximum occupancy. A backup of containers 2 in front of the discharge machine 7 into the second section of the second conveyor belt 23 is predicted. This is indicated in Figure 5.In this case, the control unit 11 will output a control signal 24, thus reducing the initial transport speed of the first conveyor belt 4 to slow down the accumulation of further containers 2. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also output a control signal 25, thus reducing the second transport speed of the second conveyor belt 6. Similarly, the control unit 11 can also output a control signal 26, thus reducing the further transport speed of the second conveyor belt 5.

[0090] Furthermore, the control device 11 can also be configured to verify the modeled change in occupancy by means of a jam switch 27. For example, the predicted 130 containers 2 at time t1 in the third section of the second conveyor belt 22 exceed the maximum occupancy of the corresponding section of 120 containers 2. The model therefore predicts a backflow from the third section of the second conveyor belt 22 into the second section of the second conveyor belt 23, provided the input variables of the model do not change from t0 to t1.This prediction can be confirmed, for example, by operating the container transport device 1 with unchanged operating parameters, i.e., among other things, constant quantities that are also used as input variables for modeling, such as container feed rate, container discharge rate and transport speeds of the conveyor belts, from tO to t1, and by detecting at time t1 a triggering of a jam switch 27 in the second section of the second conveyor belt 23.Accordingly, the prediction can be refuted, for example, by operating the container transport device 1 with unchanged operating parameters, i.e., among other things, constant quantities that are also used as input variables for modeling, such as container feed rate, container discharge rate and transport speeds of the conveyor belts, from tO to t1, and by ensuring that no triggering of the jam switch 27 in the second section of the second conveyor belt 23 is detected at time t1.

[0091] The jam switch 27 can, for example, be designed as a lever switch in the second section of the second conveyor belt 23, projecting laterally into the conveyor belt at the side of the guardrail 10. In this case, a lever is pressed laterally towards the guardrail 10 by backing containers 2, thereby triggering an inductive mechanism that indicates a jam. Reference numeral list:

[0092] 1 container transport device

[0093] 2 containers

[0094] 3 feeding machine

[0095] 4 first conveyor belt

[0096] 5 more conveyor belts

[0097] 6 second transport belt

[0098] 7 discharge machine

[0099] 8 Transport direction

[0100] 9 plate

[0101] 10 railings

[0102] 11 Control unit

[0103] 12. Modeling the occupancy of the first conveyor belt and controlling the initial transport speed of the first conveyor belt

[0104] 13 Container feed rate

[0105] 14 first transport speed

[0106] 15 Modeling the occupancy of the next conveyor belt and controlling the further transport speed of the next conveyor belt

[0107] 16 additional transport speeds

[0108] 17 Modeling the occupancy of the second conveyor belt and controlling the second conveyor belt's transport speed

[0109] 18 second transport speed

[0110] 19 Container emptying rate

[0111] 20 first section of the first conveyor belt second section of the first conveyor belt

[0112] third section of the second conveyor belt

[0113] second section of the second conveyor belt

[0114] Control signal for the first transport speed of the first transport belt; control signal for the second transport speed of the second transport belt; control signal for the further transport speed of the next transport belt; jam switch

Claims

Claims 1. Computer-implemented method for modeling the occupancy state of a container transport device (1), the container transport device includes: a feeding machine (3), a first conveyor belt (4), a second conveyor belt (6), a discharge machine (7), wherein the feeding machine is configured to feed containers (2) to the first conveyor belt, wherein the containers are fed at a container feeding rate (13), wherein the first conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along a transport direction (8), wherein the first conveyor belt is arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the feeding machine, wherein the first conveyor belt has a first transport speed (14), wherein the second conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt is arranged downstream of the first conveyor belt in the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt has a second transport speed (18), wherein the discharging machine is configured to dischar the containers from the second conveyor belt, wherein the containers are discharged at a container discharging rate (19), wherein the discharging machine is arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the second conveyor belt, wherein the modeling of the occupancy state comprises modeling the occupancy of the first and / or second conveyor belt with containers, wherein the modeling of the occupancy of the first conveyor belt is based on the container feed rate and the first transport speed and / or wherein the modeling of the occupancy of the second conveyor belt is based on the second transport speed and the container discharge rate.

2. Method according to claim 1, where the modeling of the occupancy of the first conveyor belt includes determining an occupancy parameter for the first conveyor belt as a whole, in particular a proportion of an occupied area in relation to a total area of ​​the load section of the first conveyor belt that can be occupied with containers and / or a number of containers and / or where the modeling of the occupancy of the second conveyor belt includes determining an occupancy parameter for the second conveyor belt as a whole, in particular a proportion of an occupied area in relation to a total area of ​​the load section of the second conveyor belt that can be occupied with containers and / or a number of containers.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, where the modeling of the occupancy of the first and / or second conveyor belt comprises subdividing the area of ​​the load section of the first and / or second conveyor belt that can be occupied with containers into a plurality of successive sections in the direction of transport, wherein an occupancy parameter is determined for each section, in particular a proportion of an occupied area of ​​the respective section in relation to a total area of ​​the respective section and / or a number of containers.

4. Method according to claim 3, where the sections are rectangular and / or wherein the sections each extend over the entire width of an area of ​​the load-bearing section of the respective conveyor belt that can be covered with containers, perpendicular to the direction of transport and / or where all sections have the same width and / or length.

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sections each extend over a maximum of half the length of the respective load section in the transport direction, in particular over a maximum of one quarter of the length of the respective load section in the transport direction and / or over a maximum of 50 cm, in particular over a maximum of 25 cm, in particular over a maximum of 10 cm, in particular over a maximum of 5 cm, in particular over a maximum of 1 cm, in particular over a maximum of 5 mm in the transport direction.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, where modeling the occupancy includes modeling a change in the occupancy between a time tO and a time t1.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container transport device comprises at least one further conveyor belt (5), wherein the at least one further conveyor belt is designed to transport the containers along the transport direction, wherein the at least one further conveyor belt is arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the first conveyor belt, wherein the at least one further conveyor belt has at least one further transport speed (16), wherein the modeling of the occupancy state includes modeling an occupancy of the at least one further conveyor belt with containers, wherein the modeling is based on the container feed rate and / or the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed and / or the at least one further transport speed and / or the container discharge rate.

8. Computer-implemented method for controlling a container transport device (1), wherein the container transport device comprises: a feeding machine (3), a first conveyor belt (4), a second conveyor belt (6), a discharge machine (7), wherein the feeding machine is configured to feed containers (2) to the first conveyor belt, wherein the containers are fed at a container feeding rate (13), wherein the first conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along a transport direction (8), wherein the first conveyor belt is arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the feeding machine, wherein the first conveyor belt has a first transport speed (14), wherein the second conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt is arranged downstream of the first conveyor belt in the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt has a second transport speed (18), wherein the discharging machine is configured to dischar the containers from the second conveyor belt, wherein the containers are discharged at a container discharging rate (19), wherein the discharging machine is arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the second conveyor belt, wherein the method comprises modeling the occupancy state according to one of the preceding claims and generating a first control signal for controlling the first transport speed and / or a second control signal for controlling the second transport speed based on the modeled occupancy.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the first control signal includes the instruction that the first transport speed is reduced if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value higher than the occupancy at time t0 and / or wherein the second control signal includes the instruction that the second transport speed is reduced if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value higher than the occupancy at time tO.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first control signal comprises increasing the first transport speed if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value lower than the occupancy at time t0 and / or wherein the second control signal includes the instruction that the second transport speed is increased if the occupancy at time t1 is at least one minimum value lower than the occupancy at time tO.

11. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first control signal includes the instruction that the first transport speed is reduced if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the second conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value higher at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time t0 and / or wherein the second control signal includes that the second transport speed is reduced if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the second conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value higher at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time tO.

12. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the first control signal includes the instruction that the first transport speed is increased if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the second conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least one minimum value lower at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time t0 and / or wherein the second control signal comprises that the second transport speed is increased if the occupancy of the sections located in the half and / or quarter of the second conveyor belt, which is further ahead in the transport direction, is at least a minimum value lower at time t1 than the occupancy of the same sections at time t0.

13. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, where an occupancy higher than at least one minimum value is a maximum occupancy or higher.

14. Method according to claim 13, where maximum occupancy exists when a proportion of an occupied area of ​​a section in relation to a total area of ​​the respective section is at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, in particular at least 98%, in particular at least 99% and / or where maximum occupancy exists when the proportion of an occupied area of ​​a conveyor belt in relation to a total area of ​​the load of the respective conveyor belt that can be occupied with containers is at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, in particular at least 98%, in particular at least 99%.

15. Control device (11) for controlling a container transport device (1), wherein the container transport device comprises: a feeding machine (3), a first conveyor belt (4), a second conveyor belt (6), a discharge machine (7), wherein the feeding machine is configured to feed containers (2) to the first conveyor belt, wherein the containers are fed at a container feeding rate (13), wherein the first conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along a transport direction (8), wherein the first conveyor belt is arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the feeding machine, wherein the first conveyor belt has a first transport speed (14), wherein the second conveyor belt is configured to transport the containers along the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt is arranged downstream of the first conveyor belt in the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor belt has a second transport speed (18), wherein the discharging machine is configured to dischar the containers from the second conveyor belt, wherein the containers are discharged at a container discharging rate (19), wherein the discharging machine is arranged in the transport direction immediately downstream of the second conveyor belt, wherein the control device is configured to execute the method according to one of claims 8 to 14 during the operation of the container transport device.

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