Device and method for transporting empty containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 26) for transporting empty containers, such as empty cans (2, 27) or empty PET containers, comprising: a conveyor chain (3, 28), on the transport surface (5, 30) of which empty containers can be transported in a single row in a transport direction (7, 32), the conveyor chain comprising continuous holes (4, 29) which extend from the transport surface to a lower face (6, 31) of the conveyor chain; a vacuum pump (8, 33), the suction side (9, 34) of which is situated below the conveyor chain in order to suction the bottom of the empty container on the transport surface; and an at least one-sided lateral guide (10, 23, 35, 48) along the conveyor chain, the at least one-sided lateral guide at least partly comprising a gill-like channel (11, 24, 36, 49). The outlet side (12, 37) of the vacuum pump is fluidically connected to an inlet (20, 45) of the at least one-sided lateral guide in order to supply at least part of the exhaust air of the vacuum pump to the at least one-sided lateral guide and to allow the air flows through the gill-like channel to be discharged. The invention further relates to a method for transporting empty containers by means of the device.

Description

[0001] Device for transporting empty containers and method for transporting empty containers using the device

[0002] The invention relates to a device for transporting empty containers, such as empty cans or empty PET containers, and a method for transporting empty containers using the device according to the independent claims.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] It is common practice in can-filling lines to use vacuum conveyors in the empty can section to stabilize the very light empty cans within various functional units. These functional units can include inspection units, can pressure merging stations, date stamping stations, or transfer points from the conveyor to a downstream machine, such as a can rinser.

[0005] Vacuum pumps are used to generate the vacuum. The conveyor has a sealed, enclosed design. The vacuum pump, connected to the conveyor via its suction side, creates a vacuum on the surface of the conveyor chain during operation. This suction holds the empty cans, which are arranged upright on the conveyor chain, in place by their bases, thus stabilizing them. Synchronous transport of the empty cans by the conveyor chain is ensured. When the vacuum is generated by the vacuum pump, air is drawn in on one side of the pump and expelled on the other. This expelled air is either released into the room or vented to the outside.

[0006] In various applications, blowers are used to assist the flow of cans. The compressed air from the blowers reduces friction between the cans and the lateral guide rails that run along the conveyor chain and / or a transport path for the empty cans, preventing them from backing up or slowing down. This compressed air can be used at can merging points, curves, and transitions to downstream machinery and / or equipment.

[0007] The blowers are usually connected to prepared side guides via a hose, or the airflow from the blower is directed directly onto the cans.

[0008] Task

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a device for transporting empty containers and a method for transporting empty containers using the device, which can enable resource-saving, energy-efficient and trouble-free transport of the empty containers.

[0010] The problem is solved by the device for transporting empty containers and the method for transporting empty containers using the device according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The device according to the invention for transporting empty containers, such as empty cans or empty PET containers, comprises a conveyor chain on whose transport surface empty containers can be transported in a single row in a transport direction, wherein the conveyor chain comprises through holes extending from the transport surface to an underside of the conveyor chain, a vacuum pump whose suction side is arranged below the conveyor chain to create a suction of the undersides of empty containers on the transport surface of the conveyor chain, and at least one-sided lateral guide along the conveyor chain, wherein the at least one-sided lateral guide at least partially comprises a gill guide.An exhaust side of the vacuum pump is flow-connected to an inlet of the at least one-sided side guide in order to make at least part of the exhaust air of the vacuum pump feedable to the at least one-sided flow guide and to make air currents able to be discharged through the gill guide.

[0012] The empty containers can comprise a circular cylindrical container body.

[0013] The underside of the empty container can be curved inwards and include a circular ring surrounding the curved area, on which the empty container can stand.

[0014] The empty PET containers can be PET bottles. For example, the empty PET containers can include a champagne-style base as the bottom of the empty container.

[0015] To create suction, i.e., to generate a vacuum on the conveyor surface, one suction side of the vacuum pump is positioned below the conveyor chain, connected to the airflow. During operation, the vacuum pump draws in air through the suction side, and the air drawn through the holes creates a vacuum on the conveyor surface. This allows the undersides of the empty containers to be suctioned onto the conveyor surface, thus stabilizing their stability.

[0016] The fact that the lateral guidance, at least on one side, includes a gill guide, at least partially, is to be understood as meaning that the gill guide does not have to be located along the entire length of the lateral guidance, or, in the case of a lateral guidance on both sides, on both sides of this (bilateral) guidance. For example, the gill guide can be located on one side of this (bilateral) guidance or on a section of one side of this (bilateral) guidance. For example, in the case of a curved lateral guidance, the gill guide can be located on the side of this (bilateral) guidance that defines the outer curve.

[0017] The gill guide can include at least one gill plate. The gill plate can be made of metal, plastic, aluminum, brass and / or a composite material, or a combination thereof.

[0018] The vacuum pump can thus be used to generate a negative pressure on the transport surface of the conveyor chain and to expel the airflows through the gill guide. Both functions can be controlled independently.

[0019] The portion of the vacuum pump's exhaust air remaining after at least part of it has been fed to the at least one-sided flow path can be used for other purposes. To distinguish between the two, the portion of the vacuum pump's exhaust air that is made available to the at least one-sided flow path is referred to as the first portion of the exhaust air. The portion of the vacuum pump's exhaust air remaining after at least part of it has been fed to the at least one-sided flow path is referred to as the second portion of the exhaust air.

[0020] The second part can be used, at least partially, for blowing out empty cans in a can rinser. For this purpose, the exhaust side of the vacuum pump can also be connected to an inlet of a blow-out device for blowing out empty cans in the can rinser, in order to make the second part of the vacuum pump's exhaust air at least partially feedable to the blow-out device.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the second part can be used, at least partially, for drying ink after can dating. For this purpose, the exhaust side of the vacuum pump can be connected to an inlet of a drying device for drying ink after can dating, in order to make the second part of the vacuum pump's exhaust air at least partially available to the drying device.

[0022] The second part can be used, at least partially, for blowing off PET containers and / or in a PET container drying device. For this purpose, the exhaust side of the vacuum pump can also be connected to an inlet of a blow-off device for blowing off PET containers and / or the PET container drying device, in order to make the second part of the vacuum pump's exhaust air at least partially available to the blow-off device and / or the PET container drying device.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the second part can be used, at least partially, to heat air in a sleeve labeling device. For this purpose, the exhaust side of the vacuum pump can also be connected to an inlet of the sleeve labeling device, allowing at least part of the second part of the vacuum pump's exhaust air to be fed to the sleeve labeling device.

[0024] The conveyor chain can be at least partially enclosed by a housing. This can ensure the creation of a vacuum on the conveyor chain's transport surface during operation of the vacuum pump.

[0025] The gill guide can be designed to direct the airflow in the direction of transport. This airflow can prevent contact between the outer shell of the empty containers and the side guide (at least on one side), or reduce friction between the empty containers and the side guide (at least on one side).

[0026] A control device may be provided for operating the vacuum pump. The delivery rate of the vacuum pump can be regulated by means of the control device.

[0027] Alternatively, a frequency converter can be used to operate the vacuum pump. The frequency converter allows the delivery rate of the vacuum pump to be regulated. A mechanical or electromechanical flow control can be provided on the discharge side of the vacuum pump to regulate the exhaust air.

[0028] A dividing device can be provided on the exhaust side of the vacuum pump to divide the exhaust air into a first air stream and a second air stream.

[0029] The first air stream can be fed into the inlet of the at least one-sided lateral duct, and the second air stream can be discharged into an external space. The first air stream can thus correspond to the previously mentioned air stream that can be discharged through the gill duct. The different terminology is used to clarify in the description that the exhaust air can be divided, with one part forming the air stream that can be fed into the at least one-sided lateral duct and thus into the gill duct – namely, the first air stream in this case.

[0030] A filter can be provided on the exhaust side of the vacuum pump to filter the exhaust air. For example, the filter can include a HEPA filter. This filter allows suspended particles to be removed from the exhaust air.

[0031] Downstream of the dividing device, for example in a feed to the at least one-sided side guide, a valve can be arranged to determine a proportion of compressed air. For example, the valve can be an adjustable valve. The portion of compressed air can be used to discharge the air streams via the gill guide. Furthermore, a method for transporting empty containers, such as empty cans or empty PET containers, using the device for transporting empty containers as described above or below, is provided, wherein the method comprises operating the vacuum pump, transporting empty containers on the transport surface of the conveyor chain, suctioning the undersides of the empty containers on the transport surface of the conveyor chain by the vacuum pump, and supplying at least a portion of the exhaust air from the vacuum pump to the inlet of the at least one-sided side guide and discharging the air streams through the gill guide.

[0032] Furthermore, the procedure can include shaping the airflows in the direction of transport by means of gill guidance.

[0033] Furthermore, the method can include operating the vacuum pump with the control device. Alternatively, the method can further include operating the vacuum pump with the frequency converter.

[0034] Furthermore, the procedure can include regulating the exhaust air at the outlet of the vacuum pump by means of mechanical or electromechanical quantity control.

[0035] Furthermore, the process can include filtering the exhaust air of the vacuum pump using the filter provided in the discharge side of the vacuum pump.

[0036] Furthermore, the method can include determining the proportion of compressed air by means of the valve arranged after the dividing device.

[0037] Brief character description

[0038] The accompanying figures illustrate aspects and / or embodiments of the invention for better understanding and demonstration purposes. They show:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a device for transporting empty cans with a double-sided side guide.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the device of Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a double-sided side guide in a curved area; Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a device for transporting empty cans with a single-sided side guide.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic top view of the device of Figure 4,

[0043] Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of a double-sided lateral guide in a curved area.

[0044] Detailed Figure Description: In the following figures, empty cans are described as the empty containers. It is also possible to use empty PET containers. In the top view of the figures, for example, in the case of PET bottles, an opening area with a mouth and possibly a neck and / or shoulder area could be visible. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a device 1 for transporting empty cans 2 with a lateral guide 10 on both sides. Based on the specified Cartesian coordinate system, the section runs in the xz-plane and, by way of example, through a center line of a conveyor chain 3, which is encompassed by the device 1. Empty cans 2, arranged upright on the conveyor chain 3, can be transported in a single row in a transport direction 7 (in the x-direction).The conveyor chain 3 comprises through holes 4 extending from a transport surface 5 to an underside 6 of the conveyor chain 3. The empty cans 2 can be transported on the transport surface 5 in the transport direction 7. To generate a vacuum on the transport surface 5, an intake side 9 of a vacuum pump 8, enclosed by the device 1, is arranged in a flow-connected manner below the conveyor chain 3. During operation, the vacuum pump 8 draws in air through the intake side 9, and the air drawn through the holes 4 creates a vacuum on the transport surface 5. This vacuum allows the undersides of the empty cans 2 to be drawn onto the transport surface 5, thus stabilizing the cans 2 on the surface.

[0045] The double-sided side guide 10 is arranged along the conveyor chain 3, and the double-sided side guide 10 at least partially comprises a gill guide 11. The double-sided side guides 10 are arranged at such a distance from each other that the upright empty cans 2 can be transported in a single row by the conveyor chain 3 in the transport direction 7 at a predetermined distance between the double-sided side guide 10. The fact that the double-sided side guide 10 at least partially comprises a gill guide 11 means that the gill guide 11 is not arranged along the entire length of the double-sided side guide 10, nor is it arranged on both sides of the double-sided side guide 10. For example, the gill guide 11 can be arranged on one side of the double-sided side guide 10 or on a section of one side of the double-sided side guide 10.For example, the gill guide 11 can be arranged on the side of the double-sided side guide 10 that borders the outer curve when the double-sided side guide 10 has a curved profile. A filter 14 is provided in the discharge side 12 of the vacuum pump 8 for filtering the exhaust air of the vacuum pump 8. For example, a HEPA filter can be provided. A dividing device 15 is provided on the discharge side 12 of the vacuum pump 8 downstream of the filter 14 for dividing the (filtered) exhaust air into a first air stream 16 and a second air stream 17. The first air stream 16 can be fed to the double-sided side guide 10, and the second air stream 17 can be discharged into an external space.

[0046] A valve 18 is provided for determining the proportion of compressed air 19 to be directed to an inlet 20 of the double-sided side guide 10. The valve 18 can be an adjustable valve. In this way, at least a portion of the exhaust air from the vacuum pump 8, which is discharged at the outlet side 12, can be directed through the inlet 20 of the double-sided side guide 10, and consequently, air currents can be discharged through the gill guide 11. These air currents can prevent contact between the outer shell of the empty containers 2 and the double-sided side guide 10, or reduce the friction between the empty containers 2 and the double-sided side guide 10.

[0047] A frequency converter 21, as shown, can be provided to operate the vacuum pump 8. In addition, a mechanical or electromechanical flow control device for regulating the exhaust air can be provided on the discharge side 12 of the vacuum pump 8.

[0048] The vacuum pump 8 can thus be used to generate a negative pressure on the transport surface 5 of the conveyor chain 3 and to discharge the airflows through the gill guide 11. Both functions can be controlled independently of each other.

[0049] In order to generate a negative pressure during the operation of the vacuum pump 8 on the transport surface 5 of the conveyor chain 3, the conveyor chain is at least partially surrounded by a housing 22.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the device of Figure 1. Three empty cans 2 are moved in the transport direction 7 on the transport surface 5 of the conveyor chain 3. Due to the creation of a vacuum on the transport surface 5, since the suction side 9 of the vacuum pump 8 is arranged in a flow-connected manner below the conveyor chain 3 and air is drawn through the holes 4 when the vacuum pump 8 is running, the undersides of the empty cans 2 are drawn onto the transport surface 5.

[0051] Contact between the outer shell of the empty containers 2 and the double-sided side guides 10 can be avoided, as indicated by the gap d on both sides, since at least part of the exhaust air from the vacuum pump 8, which is discharged at the outlet side 12, can be fed through the inlet 20 of the double-sided side guides 10 and the airflows can be discharged through the gill guide 11. In cases where contact between the outer shell of the empty containers 2 and the double-sided side guides 10 cannot be avoided, the lateral airflow can, however, minimize the friction between the empty containers 2 and the double-sided side guides 10 and thus the braking behavior of the empty containers 2.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of a double-sided side guide 23 in a curved section. The gill guide 24 is located on the side of the double-sided side guide 23 that defines the outer curve. No gill guide is provided on the inner curve, although this would be an option. The empty containers 2 are initially moved in the first transport direction 7 and then deflected by the curve into a second transport direction 25. To prevent the empty containers 2 from colliding with the double-sided side guide 23 that defines the outer curve during the deflection from the first transport direction 7 to the second transport direction 25, air currents are directed through the gill guide 24, creating a gap between the empty containers 2 and the double-sided side guide 23 that defines the outer curve.

[0053] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a device 26 for transporting empty cans 27 with a one-sided side guide 35. Based on the specified Cartesian coordinate system, the section runs in the xz-plane and here, by way of example, through a center line of a conveyor chain 28, which is encompassed by the device 26.

[0054] By means of the conveyor chain 28, empty cans 27 arranged upright on it can be transported in a single row in a transport direction 32 (in the x-direction). The conveyor chain 28 includes continuous holes 29 that extend from a transport surface 30 to an underside 31 of the conveyor chain 28. On the transport surface 30, the empty cans 27 can be transported in the transport direction 32. To generate a vacuum on the transport surface 30, a suction side 34 of a vacuum pump 33, which is part of the device 26, is arranged in a flow-connected manner below the conveyor chain 28.During operation, the vacuum pump 33 draws in air through the intake side 34, and thus a vacuum can form on the transport surface 30 due to the air drawn through the holes 29, which allows the undersides of the empty cans 27 to be suctioned onto the transport surface 30 and thus stabilizes the stability of the empty cans 27 on the surface.

[0055] The one-sided side guide 35 is arranged on the left side of the conveyor chain 28 and along the conveyor chain 28 in the illustration, wherein the one-sided side guide 35 at least partially comprises a gill guide 36. The fact that the one-sided side guide 35 at least partially comprises a gill guide 36 is to be understood as meaning that the gill guide 36 is not arranged along the entire one-sided side guide 35. For example, the gill guide 36 can be arranged on a section of the one-sided side guide 35. A filter 39 is provided in the discharge side 37 of the vacuum pump 33 for filtering the exhaust air of the vacuum pump 33. For example, a HEPA filter can be provided.

[0056] At the discharge side 37 of the vacuum pump 33, after the filter 39, a dividing device 40 is provided for dividing the (filtered) exhaust air into a first air stream 41 and a second air stream 42. The first air stream 41 can be fed into the one-sided side guide 35 and the second air stream 42 can be discharged into an outside space.

[0057] A valve 43 is provided for determining the proportion of compressed air 44 that is to be directed to an inlet 45 of the one-sided side guide 35. The valve 43 can be an adjustable valve. In this way, at least a portion of the exhaust air from the vacuum pump 33, which is discharged at the outlet side 37, can be made available through the inlet 45 of the one-sided side guide 35, and consequently, air currents can be discharged through the gill guide 36. These air currents can prevent contact between the outer casing of the empty containers 27 and the one-sided side guide 35, or reduce the friction between the empty containers 27 and the one-sided side guide 35.

[0058] A frequency converter 46, as shown, can be provided to operate the vacuum pump 33. In addition, a mechanical or electromechanical flow control device for regulating the exhaust air can be provided on the discharge side 37 of the vacuum pump 33.

[0059] The vacuum pump 33 can thus be used to generate a negative pressure on the transport surface 30 of the conveyor chain 28 and to discharge the airflows through the gill guide 36. Both functions can be controlled independently of each other.

[0060] In order to generate a negative pressure during the operation of the vacuum pump 33 on the transport surface 30 of the conveyor chain 28, the conveyor chain is at least partially surrounded by a housing 47.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of the device of Figure 4. Three empty cans 27 are moved in the transport direction 32 on the transport surface 30 of the conveyor chain 28. Due to the formation of a vacuum on the transport surface 30, since the suction side 34 of the vacuum pump 33 is arranged in a flow-connected manner below the conveyor chain 28 and air is drawn through the holes 29 when the vacuum pump 33 is running, the undersides of the empty cans 27 are drawn onto the transport surface 30.

[0062] Contact between the casing of the empty containers 27 and the one-sided side guide 35 can be avoided, as indicated by the existing distance d1, since at least part of the exhaust air from the vacuum pump 33, which is discharged at the outlet side 37, can be fed through the inlet 45 of the one-sided side guide 35 and the airflows can be discharged through the gill guide 36. In cases where contact between the casing of the empty containers 27 and the one-sided side guide 35 cannot be avoided, the lateral airflow can, however, minimize the friction between the empty containers 27 and the one-sided side guide 35 and thus the braking behavior of the empty containers 27.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of a one-sided side guide 48 in a curved section, the one-sided side guide 48 being arranged along the side that defines the outer curve. The gill guide 49 is provided along the curved section of the one-sided side guide 48; no gill guide is provided in linear sections of the one-sided side guide 48. The empty containers 27 are initially moved in the first transport direction 32 and then deflected by the curve into a second transport direction 50. To prevent the empty containers 27 from colliding with the one-sided side guide 48, which defines the outer curve, during the deflection from the first transport direction 32 to the second transport direction 50, air currents are directed through the gill guide 49, allowing a gap to exist between the empty containers 27 and the one-sided side guide 48, which, among other things, defines the outer curve.

Claims

P152297 05438-P-DE 11 Claims 1. Device (1, 26) for transporting empty containers, such as empty cans (2, 27) or empty PET containers, comprising: - a conveyor chain (3, 28) on whose transport surface (5, 30) empty containers can be transported in a single row in a transport direction (7, 32), wherein the conveyor chain (3, 28) comprises through holes (4, 29) extending from the transport surface (5, 30) to an underside (6, 31) of the conveyor chain (3, 28), - a vacuum pump (8, 33) whose suction side (9, 34) is arranged below the conveyor chain (3, 28) to form a suction of empty container undersides on the transport surface (5, 30) of the conveyor chain (3, 28), - at least one-sided lateral guidance (10, 23, 35, 48) along the conveyor chain (3, 28), wherein the at least one-sided lateral guidance (10, 23, 35, 48) at least partially comprises a gill guide (11, 24, 36, 49), characterized by the fact that an outlet side (12, 37) of the vacuum pump (8, 33) is flow-connected to an inlet (20, 45) of the at least one-sided side guide (10, 23, 35, 48) in order to make at least part of the exhaust air of the vacuum pump (8, 33) feedable to the at least one-sided side guide (10, 23, 35, 48) and to make air currents dischargeable through the gill guide (11, 24, 26, 49).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor chain (3, 28) is at least partially enclosed by a housing (22, 47).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gill guide (11, 24, 36, 49) is configured to output air streams in the direction of transport (7, 32).

4. The device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a frequency converter (21, 46) is provided for operating the vacuum pump (8, 33).

5. The device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a mechanical or electromechanical quantity control for regulating the exhaust air is provided on the discharge side (12, 37) of the vacuum pump (8, 33).

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a dividing device (15, 40) is provided on the discharge side (12, 37) of the vacuum pump (8, 33) for dividing the exhaust air into a first air stream (16, 41) and a second air stream (17, 42). P152297 05438-P-DE 12 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the first air duct (16, 41) can be supplied to the inlet (20, 45) of the at least one-sided side guide (10, 23, 35, 49) and wherein the second air duct (17, 42) can be discharged into an outside space.

8. The device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a filter (14, 49) is provided in the discharge side (12, 37) of the vacuum pump (8, 33) for filtering the exhaust air of the vacuum pump (8, 33), wherein, for example, the filter (14, 49) comprises a HEPA filter.

9. The device according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a valve (18, 43) is arranged after the dividing device (15, 40) for determining a proportion of compressed air (19, 44), wherein, for example, the valve (18, 43) is a controllable valve.

10. Method for transporting empty containers, such as empty cans (2, 27) or empty PET containers, using the device (1, 26) for transporting empty containers according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method comprises: - Operating the vacuum pump (8, 33), - Transporting empty containers on the transport surface (5, 30) of the conveyor chain (3, 28) and suctioning the undersides of the empty containers onto the transport surface (5, 30) of the conveyor chain (3, 28) by the vacuum pump (8, 33), - Supplying at least part of the exhaust air from the vacuum pump (8, 33) to the inlet (20, 45) of the at least one-sided side guide (10, 23, 35, 48) and expelling the air streams through the gill guide (11, 24, 36, 49).

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising outputting the air streams in the direction of the transport direction (7, 32) by means of the gill guide (11, 36).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising operating the vacuum pump (8, 33) with the frequency converter (21, 46).

13. The method according to one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising controlling the exhaust air at the discharge side (12, 37) of the vacuum pump (8, 33) by means of mechanical or electromechanical quantity control.

14. The method according to one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising filtering the exhaust air of the vacuum pump (8, 33) by means of the filter (14, 39) provided in the discharge side (12, 37) of the vacuum pump (8, 33).

15. The method according to one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising determining the proportion of compressed air (19, 44) by means of the valve (18) arranged after the dividing device (15, 40).

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