DE102004054284B4 - Feed unit for containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Feed unit (1) for containers, in particular for bottles, cans, cardboard boxes, with:
at least one transporting means (11), which is for a transport of a container (4) in a predetermined conveying direction in operative connection with the same; and with
at least one rotating means (12, 13) operatively connected to rotate the container (4) about a predetermined axis with the container (4);
wherein the at least one transporting means (11) and the at least one rotating means (12, 13) are mutually engageable in operative connection with the container;
wherein there are provided as rotating means two rollers (12, 13) forming a V-shaped groove for receiving the container (4) in a rotational means operative connection position of the at least one rotating means (12, 13);
the at least one transporting means (11) can be lowered from the transporting active connection position into a neutral position by means of a drive device (3) in such a way that the container is inserted into the V-shaped channel formed by the two rollers (12, 13) in the rotational means operative connection position slides, and that at least ...

Description

The The present invention relates to a conveyor unit for containers, in particular for bottles, cans, Cardboard boxes, or the like. The invention further relates a conveyor system.

Even though Applicable to any commodity products, the present invention and its underlying problem with respect to containers for Taking in particular liquids, such as juices, Milk, water, beer or the like, explained in more detail.

The taking back empties are generally done today using Reverse vending machines. An introduced Empties, such as beverage bottles, is transported in these machines from an input to an output, where it is collected. On this way through the machine passes through Empties an identification device in which it detects the is called recorded by type and quantity will. Thereby becoming characteristic Data about the empties or containers recorded and also determines how the containers continue should be treated, that is, for example, whether for the distance from the conveyor unit sorted out or, if necessary, to a further unit to get promoted should. In this case, a classification of the container, for example due to a bar code which, by means of the identification device, such as a scanner or a bar code reader, read out and evaluated. Due to the evaluation can be a decision be taken as the individual containers subsequently handle are, for example, whether they are sorted out, condensed, further treated, recycled or reused.

At the End of an individual input process is usually a Deposit printed and issued. With this pledge goes the customer to a cash register, where a corresponding payment of the deposit he follows. However, there is also a direct payment at the machine possible.

To the Operation of present existing take-back systems find turntable or multi-band systems use in general.

For example, is from the DE 43 18 388 a Leerflaschenrücknahmegerät known, which consists of an input chamber and a footprint for invariably standing bottles, which is closed by a customer-operated sliding door.

At However, this approach has proved to be disadvantageous that an elaborate Mechanics of temporally serially operated recognition movement in Referring to a transverse thrust movement of the bottles into the magazine is provided, creating a long and complicated travel path becomes.

Further are more empty bottle take-back devices known which the entered containers or carry bottles on associated turntable, wherein the identification device the bottles during the rotation on the turntables identified.

At this approach according to the state However, the art has proved to be disadvantageous in the fact that that a high effort by conveying on the turntables necessary is different and rotational speeds disadvantageous affect the identification unit. This reduces the achievable Accuracy, reliability and throughput.

The publication EP 1 081 661 A2 describes a picking logic of a reverse vending machine for containers, such as bottles or cans, the apparatus comprising conveyor belt means for transporting the containers in a substantially horizontal position and means for rotating the containers for scanning thereof.

The DE 697 15 876 T2 describes a device for handling containers, such as cans made of glass or plastic, wherein the containers are conveyed by means of a conveyor in a lying position past a detector to remove the characteristic data of the container.

The publication EP 1 167 247 A1 describes a conveyor belt assembly for transporting and rotating individual containers or beverage crates.

The publication DE 100 55 208 A1 describes a unit for container take-back machines with a conveying device for transporting the container in the direction of its longitudinal axis, arranged with two along the conveying path, driven by a rotary drive rollers which can be transferred from a neutral position to an identification position in which they except the loading container Engage the conveyor and set it in rotation.

The pamphlets DE 100 55 206 A1 . DE 201 12 651 U1 and DE 103 53 537 A1 also describe each case-reverse vending machines.

In view of this, the present invention has for its object to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above and in particular to provide a conveyor unit for containers, which in a simple, space-saving and cost-effective manner ensures a safe and reliable transport of the containers through the system and identification by means of the identification device.

These The object is achieved by a delivery unit with the features of claim 1 and by a conveyor system solved with the features of claim 10.

The The idea underlying the present invention is that that the conveyor unit has at least one means of transport, which for a Transport of the container in a predetermined conveying direction can be brought into operative connection with the same. Furthermore, the conveyor unit at least one rotating means, which for rotating the container to a predetermined axis with the container also in operative connection can be brought. In addition, that can at least one transport and the at least one rotating means mutually with the container be brought into operative connection.

by virtue of the mutual operative connection with the container comprises the present invention Invention over the approaches according to the state of Technology has the advantage that the containers either with the means of transport for one Transporting the same or with the at least one rotating means for rotation of the container for identifying tags or tags attached thereto can be brought into operative connection. Thus, on easy, space-saving and cost-effective Way the transport operation, if necessary, by a rotary operation be replaced, so that the identification means the identification identifier on the container on reliable and easy way to detect. Further, for this Arrangement requires only a small storage space, so that the overall system can be formed with a reduced footprint overall.

advantageous Refinements and developments of the invention are the dependent claims and the description with reference to the drawings.

At least a transport means and the at least one turning means are so provided that the means of transport and the rotation means mutually into a respective operative connection position and a neutral position can be brought. This can be for the case that during transport an identification of the container is not carried out could be the at least one means of transport from the operative connection position switched to the neutral position and done simultaneously an operative connection of the rotating means with the container, so that the container at a simultaneous suspension of the transport in the longitudinal direction at the position the identification device for identification and Classification can be rotated.

According to one Another preferred development is the at least one means of transport designed as a conveyor belt, which axially axially the container in the horizontal state move to the rear or to the front can. Alternatively, the means of transport can also be used as round belts for position stabilization of the container be formed.

The Rotational means are provided as two rollers, which are a V-shaped groove for receiving the container in the rotating means operative connection position, the is called in the neutral position of the means of transport. Thereby will be a reliable one Rotary device for rotating the container in a simple and cost-effective manner guaranteed.

Preferably transports the conveyor belt or the round belt, if they are in the transport operative connection position, the container in Direction of its longitudinal axis. Thereby can a fall over and a damage be prevented for example as a bottle trained container so that Malfunction of the entire system due to overturned, transversely lying or broken containers be avoided.

The Turning means or the rollers rotate, if they are in the rotational means operative connection position, the container preferably around its longitudinal axis. Thereby can Identification detections on, for example, the container belly be made visible so that the identification device These identifiers can be detected and evaluated.

According to one another preferred embodiment is the container in the Tanzportmittel Wirkverbindungsposition on the conveyor belt or the round belt for a transport thereof with its longitudinal axis in the transport direction on and advantageous to one of the two rollers and / or the means of transport for one lateral stabilization on or on. Thus, in the transport active link position a stable transport of the container in the direction of his Längsach se guaranteed, without that the container can fall down to one side of the conveyor belt.

The means of transport can be lowered from the transport active connection position into a neutral position by means of a drive device in such a way that the container slides from the transport active connection position into the V-shaped channel formed by the two rollers and thus into the rotary means operative connection position. Vice versa is the transport preferably from the neutral position in the transport agent-active compound position can be raised so that the container on the Trans the same means for transporting the same in the longitudinal direction and is not in operative connection with the rotating means. By the mutual operative connection of the means of transport and the means of rotation with the container, the conveyor unit can be reliably switched by lowering or raising the means of transport into the transport operative connection position for longitudinal transport or into the rotational means operative connection position for rotating the container about its longitudinal axis , This is advantageously accomplished due to the mutual coupling of the transport means and the rotating means with a small space requirement.

The delivery unit is preferably coupled to an identification device, which serves to recognize and classify the transported container, as already explained above has been.

Further is the conveyor unit preferably with a weighing device for weighing the container either fixed or detachable connected. A detachable connection For example, by means of couplings, in particular by means of claw couplings, be accomplished. This is a simple way of compensation guaranteed by misalignment. In addition, the conveyor unit further preferably with a drive device for driving the means of transport and / or the rotating means either fixed or also solvable connected. Here are also clutches, especially claw couplings, advantageous. By the possibility created thereby a simple disassembly of the conveyor unit of an associated drive device and / or weighing device Can the conveyor unit without Any electronic components are formed. This will a simpler, faster and cheaper cleaning of the conveyor unit guaranteed.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the schematic figures The drawings specified embodiments explained in more detail. Show it attended:

1 a conveyor system having a conveyor unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

2 a perspective view of the conveyor system with integrated conveyor unit 1 ;

3 an exploded view of a conveyor system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

4 an enlarged view of the section C from 3 ;

5a a cross-sectional view of the conveyor system along the section line AA 1 , wherein the transport means is in the transport active connection position;

5b a cross-sectional view of the conveyor system along the section line AA 1 wherein the transport means is in the neutral position, that is, in the turning means operative connection position;

6 a cross-sectional view of the conveyor system along the section line BB 1 , wherein the transport means is in the transport active connection position;

7 a perspective view of the conveyor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

8a a front view of the conveyor unit 7 , wherein the transport means is in the transport active connection position; and

8b a front view of the conveyor unit 7 , wherein the transport means is in the neutral position, ie in the rotational means operative connection position.

In The figures of the drawing are the same or functionally identical elements - if nothing else is indicated - with the same reference numerals have been provided.

The following is based on the 1 and 2 , which illustrate a plan view and a perspective view of a conveyor system, a preferred embodiment of the present invention explained in more detail. The conveyor system according to the present embodiment includes, among other things, a conveyor unit 1 , which with a weighing device 2 and a drive device 3 connected is.

The conveyor unit 1 preferably consists of a housing 10 , in which as a means of transport a conveyor belt 11 is integrated such that a container 4 For example, a PET or glass bottle 4 , in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bottle 4 on the conveyor belt 11 is transported, as in the 1 and 2 is illustrated. The means of transport 11 Alternatively, as a circulating round belt for a La stabilization of the bottle 4 be formed. Such means of transport are well known to those skilled in the art, so that their design need not be discussed in detail.

Furthermore, the conveyor unit 1 two in the case 10 provided rolls 12 . 13 on that before Preferably parallel and spaced from each other are arranged such that they have a V-shaped groove for receiving the bottle 4 form. This is with reference to the 5a and 5b will be explained in more detail below.

As in 2 it can be seen, is the conveyor unit 1 with a preferably below the conveyor belt 11 arranged weighing device 2 connected. The weighing device 2 has weighing equipment 20 (please refer 4 ), which is a measurement of the weight of itself on the conveyor belt 11 located bottle 4 serve. This weight measurement can be used, for example, in connection with the detection of an identification identifier 40 the bottle 4 used to the bottle 4 to classify and accordingly print an associated deposit and / or a suitable treatment or forwarding of the bottle 4 select.

As in 2 is further shown, is the conveyor unit 1 either directly or indirectly via the weighing device 2 with the drive device 3 connected. The drive device 3 serves in particular a recording of electronic components, which for a drive and control of the weighing device 2 and in particular the conveyor belt 11 and the rollers 12 . 13 the conveyor unit 1 are provided.

Here is the conveyor belt 11 preferably from the rollers 12 . 13 decoupled such that separate control of the same by each associated drives are possible. For example, in a not immediate recognition of the label of the container 4 the conveyor belt 11 lowered over a first drive such that the container 11 in through the two rollers 12 and 13 formed V-shaped groove is added. Subsequently, the two rolls 12 and 13 driven by a second drive for rotating the same such that the container 4 is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis until the identification device, the label or the identifier of the container 4 detected.

Upon successful detection of the identifier, the rotation of the rollers becomes 12 and 13 finished and the conveyor belt 11 moved back to the starting position in which the container 4 again on the conveyor belt 11 for a longitudinal transport.

3 11 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the conveyor system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the conveyor unit 1 , the weighing device 2 and the drive device 3 preferably by means of plug connections 5 or couplings 5 detachably connectable to each other.

4 illustrates an enlarged view of the section C from 3 , The connectors are preferably designed as a driving clutch, in particular claw couplings, so that in a simple way a compensation of misalignment can be accomplished.

Due to the design of the conveyor unit 1 As an independent component, which can be formed without significant electronic components, a simple cleaning and maintenance of the conveyor unit 1 guaranteed, as in the cleaning and maintenance on any sensitive electronic construction elements no consideration must be taken. The individual components 1 . 2 and 3 can be exchanged as desired and replaced by modified and novel components in a simple way, without having to renew the entire system. Through the simple plug connections 5 is a fast and reliable assembly and disassembly of the conveyor unit 1 , the weighing device 2 and the drive device 3 guaranteed.

The following is with reference to the 5a and 5b the operation of the conveyor unit 1 explained in more detail.

5a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the conveyor system 1 along the section line AA. The conveyor unit 1 according to 5a is located in a so-called transport active connection position, in which the bottle 4 with the conveyor belt 11 in operative connection, on the conveyor belt 11 rests and possibly additionally for lateral stabilization, for example, on one side against the roller 13 is applied. In this transport active connection position, the bottle 4 transported in the longitudinal direction on the conveyor belt, without any lateral displacement due to the plant of the bottle 4 with the roller 13 can occur.

The bottle 4 preferably has an identification identifier 40 on, which is attached to the outside of the bottle visible to the outside, as in 1 illustrated and with reference to 1 has already been explained. When transporting the bottle 4 through the conveyor belt 11 the conveyor unit 1 in the transport agent connection position, an associated identifier (not shown) attempts the identifier 40 on the container 4 for a classification of the same. However, the identifier could 40 can not be detected by the identification device, for example because the bottle 4 like that on the conveyor belt 11 rests that the identification mark 40 is hidden for the identification device, so is a Rotation of the bottle 4 necessary in the field of identification device, without any further transport of the bottle 4 takes place outside the area of the identification device.

Such a rotation of the bottle 4 is achieved by the means of transport 11 from the in 5a shown transport active connection position in a in 5b shown neutral position is lowered. Such a control can, for example, by the with the conveyor unit 1 coupled drive device 3 respectively.

As in 5b it can be seen, the conveyor belt 11 together with the conveyor belt carrier in such a way by means of a swivel arm 15 lowered that bottle 4 in through the two rollers 12 and 13 formed V-shaped gutter for a reception of the bottle 4 slides. This position can therefore also be referred to as a rotating means operative connection position, since the bottle 4 in this position with the rollers 12 and 13 for a turn of the bottle 4 is in operative connection.

For lowering and raising the means of transport 11 is this or the conveyor belt carrier on the swivel arm 15 and a swivel 16 pivotable on the housing 10 the conveyor unit 1 hinged.

In the rotational means operative connection position or in the neutral position of the means of transport 11 is thus the container 4 with his belly on the rollers 12 and 13 on. The rollers 12 and 13 can therefore be controlled so that the container is rotated at a predetermined speed and in a predetermined direction of rotation about its longitudinal axis. As a result, the previously hidden identification identifier 40 with respect to the identification device are rotated such that a detection of the identification identifier 40 is now easily possible by the identification device.

After successfully detecting the identifier 40 on the container 4 becomes the conveyor belt 11 and the limiting device 14 from the neutral position back to the in 5a illustrated transport active connection position by the pivot arm 15 raised. This will make the bottle 4 out of engagement with at least the roller 12 brought and in turn comes into operative connection with the conveyor belt 11 , as in 5 is shown.

By a corresponding drive of the conveyor belt 11 The bottle can either be transported back to the user depending on the classification carried out or transported for appropriate further treatment.

Preferably, the drive device 3 a control unit, which is advantageously data-connected to the identification device, so that, depending on the signals detected by the identification device, the conveyor belt 11 automatically lowered or raised, the rollers 12 . 13 rotationally controlled and the conveyor belt 11 is driven in a suitable direction. If the signals detected by the identification device do not suffice, for example for a classification of the container, then the control unit controls the swivel arm 15 for a lowering of the means of transport 11 as well as the rollers 12 . 13 for a turn of the bottle 4 accordingly. The same applies in the case of a successful classification of the bottle by the identification device, in which case the swivel arm 15 for lifting the conveyor belt 11 and the conveyor belt for transporting the bottle 4 be controlled in the selected direction by the control unit.

6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the conveyor system along the section line BB 1 , where the conveyor belt 11 located in the transport active connection position. Advantageously, the weighing device determines 2 in the transport mode connection position as in 6 is shown, by means of the associated weighing means 20 the weight of the bottle 4 , The weighing medium 20 For example, it may be based on piezoelectric, capacitive, or other functionality. Such weighing means are well known in the art, so that a detailed description of the same can be dispensed with.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that also the weighing device 2 can be connected to the common control unit, so that of the weighing device 2 detected signals also to classify the container 4 can be used.

In the 7 . 8a and 8b is another embodiment of a conveyor unit 1 shown. As can be seen in these figures, in contrast to the previous embodiment, the transport means 11 through several round belts 11 , in the present example by four round belts 11 , educated. The individual round belts are mounted for example in a plurality of rollers arranged parallel to one another, which are formed with corresponding grooves for receiving the respective round belts, in particular in 7 is illustrated.

The carrier roller assembly and the round belt mounted thereon 11 Be about, for example, a bevel gear from the in 8a shown transport active connection position in the in 8b illustrated neutral position or lowered the rotational means operative connection position, in particular in 8b is shown, and vice versa.

Regarding further features and modes of operation is on the respect 1 to 6 referenced embodiment described.

Even though the present invention with reference to preferred embodiments As described above, it is not limited thereto on diverse Modifiable manner.

For example can the conveyor unit, the weighing device as well as the drive device as a one-piece component be connected to each other, which in an associated conveyor system can be integrated.

In addition, the two rollers 12 . 13 preferably provided with suitable coatings, so that damage to the container is prevented. The rollers 12 . 13 can also be replaced by individual pivot bearings or the like.

1

delivery unit

2

weighing

3

driving means

4

container

5

connectors

10

casing

11

Transport / conveyor belt / round belts

12

roller

13

roller

15

swivel arm

16

swivel

20

weighing means

40

identification tag

Claims (11)

Feed unit ( 1 ) for containers, in particular for bottles, cans, cardboard boxes, comprising: at least one means of transport ( 11 ), which is used for transporting a container ( 4 ) can be brought into operative connection with the same in a predetermined conveying direction; and with at least one rotating means ( 12 . 13 ), which is used to rotate the container ( 4 ) about a predetermined axis with the container ( 4 ) can be brought into operative connection; wherein the at least one transport means ( 11 ) and the at least one rotating means ( 12 . 13 ) are mutually engageable in operative connection with the container; wherein as a rotating means two rollers ( 12 . 13 ) are provided, which a V-shaped groove for receiving the container ( 4 ) in a rotational means operative connection position of the at least one rotational means ( 12 . 13 ) form; the at least one means of transport ( 11 ) from the transport agent engagement position to a neutral position by means of a drive device ( 3 ) is lowered so that the container in the through the two rollers ( 12 . 13 ) V-shaped groove slides in the rotational means operative connection position, and that the at least one transport means ( 11 ) can be raised from the neutral position into the transport mode connection position in such a way that the container ( 4 ) in operative connection with the means of transport ( 11 ). Feed unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one transport means ( 11 ) is designed as a conveyor belt or round belt. Feed unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one transport means ( 11 ) in the transport active connection position the container ( 4 ) transported in the direction of its longitudinal axis. Feed unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one rotating means ( 12 . 13 ) in the rotational means operative connection position the container ( 4 ) rotates about its longitudinal axis. Feed unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container ( 4 ) in the transport mode connection position on the means of transport ( 11 ) for transporting the container ( 4 ) rests with its longitudinal axis in the transport direction and on at least one of the two rollers ( 12 . 13 ) and / or the means of transport ( 11 ) rests for a lateral stabilization or rests. Feed unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor unit ( 1 ) with an identification device for the detection and classification of the transported container ( 4 ) is coupled. Feed unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor unit ( 1 ) with a weighing device ( 2 ) for weighing the container ( 4 ) is firmly or detachably connected during transport. Feed unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor unit ( 1 ) with a drive device ( 3 ) for driving the at least one means of transport ( 11 ) and / or the at least one rotating means ( 12 . 13 ) is firmly or detachably connected. Feed unit according to at least one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the conveyor unit ( 1 ) by means of plug connections ( 5 ), for example by means of claw couplings ( 5 ), with the weighing device ( 2 ) and / or the drive device ( 3 ) is releasably connected. Conveying system with a conveyor unit ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, with a weighing device ( 2 ) for weighing the container ( 4 ) during transport and with a drive device ( 3 ) for driving the at least one means of transport ( 11 ) and / or the at least one rotating means ( 12 . 13 ). A conveyor system according to claim 10, characterized in that the conveyor system further comprises identification means for identifying and classifying the transported container (12). 4 ) having.