DE102009009439B4 - Adjustable transport channel for container closures - Google Patents

Abstract

Transport device (1) for cap-like container closures with at least one first rod-shaped guide body (2) extending in a first predetermined longitudinal direction (L1) for guiding the container closures, at least one second rod-shaped guide body (4) extending in a second predetermined longitudinal direction (L2) for guiding the container closures, wherein the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body (4) are spaced apart from one another, with a first holding element (12) for holding the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body, the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body (4) are each flexible, characterized in that the transport device (1) has at least one second holding element (14) for holding the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body and that first holding element (12) opposite the z wide holding element (14) - in particular defined - is movable, with a projection (32) being arranged on a holding element (12, 14) which is guided in a hole (34) arranged in a further holding element (14, 12).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of the beverage manufacturing industry. In the field of the beverage manufacturing industry, it has long been known to fill containers, for example plastic containers, with a drink and then to automatically attach a closure to the container. For this purpose, special closing units are provided which attach the container closures to the containers, for example screw them onto them. In this case, the container closures are usually fed to these closure units or the containers using special transport devices, such as, for example, transport chutes. Such transport devices or sealing channels are designed differently depending on the application or arrangement of the corresponding devices and also have different geometric designs. In addition, manufacturing tolerances can cause the container closures to tilt within these closure channels.

A device for feeding closures to a closing machine is known from WO 2008/022 735 A1. This device has a conveying channel within which these closures are transported. The conveying channel in turn is composed of a large number of rods, each of which is held in certain geometric positions relative to one another by individual holders. However, this device does not allow any adaptation or adjustment of this conveying device for the container closures.

The US 5 097 943 A describes a transfer device for bobbin carriers. This transfer device also has three rod-like bodies that guide the coil carriers.

The GB 576 841 A describes a flexible transport channel which has a plurality of flat strips which are joined together in the form of a channel. However, this mechanism is not suitable for the transport of the relatively light container closures, as these could jam within this channel.

In the FR 2 849 647 A1 describes a transport device in which two flexible guide rails are provided on a downwardly directed conveyor belt, the beginning and end of which can be moved transversely to the transport direction on the conveyor belt by means of positioning means. In this way, the side feed point to the transport device or the side discharge point of the articles sliding down the conveyor belt between the guide rails can be changed and, for example, sorting can be carried out as a result.

In the DE 73 28 988 U describes an interlinking device for transporting workpieces between processing machines. In this device, several supports are provided, with wires being clamped in recesses in these supports. It is provided that a channel width can be changed and the channel can thus be adapted to different sizes of the workpieces to be transported.

From the DE 10 2006 025 517 A1 a conveyor belt and a chute for this are known. A large number of channel sections are provided, which are connected to one another by means of pivot bearings.

In the US 3797 624 A describes a guide rail for, for example, cans. Here, too, a large number of rods are provided, each of which is flexible and which are each held at intervals by a plurality of holding elements.

Furthermore, in filling systems, the closures are usually fed as bulk goods to a sorting device, the closures then oriented in the correct position usually being guided to the closure machine by means of gravity in the closure channel or the shaft adapted to the closure dimensions. In some cases, the path that the closures cover from sorting to the closer is not a straight line, but includes curved, spiral and curved pieces. The sealing channel often runs three-dimensionally in space. The effort involved in designing and manufacturing these parts, which consist of many individual pieces, is considerable. Manufacturing the channels, which are usually designed as welded parts, is still very time-consuming and only very good welders can manufacture such often very filigree parts.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a transport device for container closures and in particular cap-like container closures which can be adapted to different spatial conditions and which allows safe transport of the container closures even with different adaptations.

This is achieved according to the invention by a transport device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A transport device according to the invention for cap-like container closures has at least one rod-shaped guide body extending in a first predetermined longitudinal direction - hereinafter also referred to more simply as a rod-shaped body - for guiding the container closures and at least one second rod-shaped body extending in a second predetermined longitudinal direction for guiding the container closures, the first rod-shaped body and the second rod-shaped body are spaced from each other. Furthermore, the device has a first holding element for holding the first rod-shaped body and the second rod-shaped body, the first rod-shaped body and the second rod-shaped body each being flexible at least in sections. The rod-shaped bodies can have any cross-sections, but they preferably have circular or oval cross-sections.

According to the invention, the device has at least one second holding element for holding the first rod-shaped body and the second rod-shaped body and the first holding element can be moved — in particular in a defined manner — with respect to the second holding element. A defined movement is understood to mean that the holding elements can be moved relative to one another in predetermined directions, or, for example, only a certain play is permitted when moving in a first direction and only a certain play is also allowed when moving in a direction perpendicular thereto. The degree of flexibility of the transport device is determined overall by this defined game. The defined movement thus preferably includes defined movement games in different directions of movement.

The rod-shaped bodies are preferably guide rods or guide tubes along which the container closures can slide. The holding elements can be arranged regularly in order to keep the guide bodies at a predetermined distance from one another. The individual rod-shaped bodies are designed to be flexible and the device as a whole can thus be adapted to different spatial conditions, while at the same time the holding elements ensure that a certain distance is maintained between the rod-shaped bodies so that narrowing of the transport path is prevented.

Preferably, a connecting device connecting these holding elements is provided between the first holding element and the second holding element, which connection device enables a relative movement between the second holding element and the first holding element. With this connecting device, a defined movement can be moved between the individual holding elements. However, a carrier could also be provided and this carrier could be connected to the two holding elements via two connecting devices.

The transport device is preferably designed in such a way that a minimum radius of curvature of the transport device is limited. In this way it can be prevented that the transport device is bent so much by a user that transport of the container closures is made too difficult or even prevented.

According to the invention, a projection is arranged on a holding element which is guided in a hole arranged in a further holding element. With this arrangement, a predetermined play can be established between the two holding elements, which at the same time also limits the minimum radius of curvature for the device as a whole. In this way the movement of the holding elements is mutually defined, as well as allowing limited guidance of the projection in the hole.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the hole is formed in a tab which is fixedly arranged on the further holding element. For example, a tab can extend from the holding element at least in the direction of the further holding element and the projection can be moved with a predetermined clearance within this tab, i.e. the hole in this tab.

The device according to the invention is thus designed in the manner of a flexible hose for closures. This hose can run from a sorter to the closer. As mentioned, it is bendable within certain limits or only flexible in certain areas. Due to the specially designed parts, in particular the holding elements, this hose is designed in such a way that sorted closures fit through it. This can for example be carried out in such a way that special sheet metal parts such. B. long transverse to the transport direction z. B. fix round or plastic parts (i.e. rod-shaped bodies) at a certain distance from one another. The closures are guided through these named plastic parts or rod-shaped bodies.

In an advantageous embodiment, a first end section of the transport device is spatially movable with respect to a second end section of the transport device. It is possible here for the first section to be movable only along, for example, a curved line, but it would also be possible for the first end section to be movable spatially, ie in several spatial directions, around in this way to make the transport device even more variable. For example, it would also be possible for a flexible transport channel designed in this way to be attached to at least one point in order to prevent or avoid collision or also jamming of the closures or the like.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device is designed such that the longitudinal parts of the rod-shaped bodies of the transport device become rigid after a certain adjustment, for example by introducing a hard or hardening medium into the interior of the rod-shaped bodies or the like. This can be a melting medium, for example, which hardens under a certain temperature or also when air is supplied and in this way effects a rigid transport device. It is pointed out, however, that such a transport device is also designed to be flexible or bendable under certain physical conditions or at least at certain times during its creation.

One advantage of such a flexible sealing channel is that it saves costs in terms of design, construction, drawing, work planning, manufacture and assembly. The user or skilled worker only has to select the appropriate channel cross-section and estimate the length of the channel. The length should preferably always contain a certain reserve so that the channel can be shortened if necessary. During final assembly, the transport device or the channel can be placed and, if necessary, fixed at a suitable point. In this way, a high cost advantage is possible compared to the channel concepts known in the prior art.

However, it would also be possible for the transport device to be rigid in sections, that is, for the transport device to contain rigid track parts. It would also be possible for stops for the transport device to be provided in order to avoid curves and arcs that are too tight.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a connecting member is arranged between at least two holding elements, which is movable with respect to a holding element. This connecting member can be, for example, a bolt that engages at the end in holes of the respective holding elements, so that they allow a precisely defined play between the respective holding elements.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first holding element has a first holding means which is in engagement with the first rod-shaped body and a second holding means which is in engagement with the second rod-shaped body.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container closure can be received at least in sections between the first rod-shaped body and the second rod-shaped body. In this way, the container closure is preferably guided through both rod-shaped bodies.

As mentioned above, the two longitudinal directions of the two rod-shaped bodies preferably run parallel to one another. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one rod-shaped guide body has at least one curved section.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has at least three, preferably at least four rod-shaped bodies. In a further advantageous embodiment, the container closures or closure caps are located between these rod-shaped bodies. It is particularly preferably possible for six rod-shaped bodies to be provided, between which the container closures are guided. In this case, a cross section is spanned by the rod-shaped bodies, or their outer circumference facing the container closure, within which the respective container closure lies. The longitudinal directions of all rod-shaped bodies preferably run parallel to one another.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one holding element has a plurality of holding means which are each in engagement with the rod-shaped bodies. In this case, these holding means can have receiving grooves which grip the rod-shaped bodies in such a way that at least the container closures themselves do not come into contact with the holding means during the transport of the container closures. The number of holding means preferably corresponds to the number of rod-shaped bodies.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has a large number of holding elements. Due to this large number of holding elements, the rod-shaped bodies can be aligned with one another in a precisely defined manner, even over longer transport routes.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the rod-shaped bodies are plastic elements, for example plastic tubes. It is thus also possible for the rod-shaped bodies to be at least partially and / or in sections hollow in their interior. The holding elements can be sheet metal parts, for example.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the holding elements are each designed in the same way. In this way it is possible for a corresponding transport device to be produced with comparatively few different components. It is also possible that the individual holding elements each have a plurality of holding means, these holding means in turn being able to be of essentially identical design so that the transport device can also be produced in a simple manner in this way.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the holding element has at least two similar holding means for holding the rod-shaped body. In this way, too, production with a smaller number of identical parts is possible.

The present invention is further directed to a device for closing containers, which has a closing device which attaches closures to containers and a transport device of the type described above which supplies the closures to the closing device.

Further advantages and embodiments emerge from the attached drawings:

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Transportvorrichtung in einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 2 eine Schnittdarstellung der Transportvorrichtung aus 1;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf die Transportvorrichtung aus 1;
• 4 eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht der Transportvorrichtung aus 1;
• 5 eine erfindungsgemäße Transportvorrichtung in einer weiteren AusführungsForm.

Show in it:

• 1 a transport device according to the invention in a first embodiment;
• 2 a sectional view of the transport device 1 ;
• 3 a plan view of the transport device 1 ;
• 4th a further perspective view of the transport device from 1 ;
• 5 a transport device according to the invention in a further embodiment.

1 shows a transport device according to the invention 1 in a first embodiment. This transport device has a plurality of rod-shaped bodies 2 , 4th , 5 , 6th , 7th , 8th which extend here essentially parallel to one another. The extension lines are exemplary L4 and L5 indicated. Between these individual rod-shaped bodies 2 , 4th , 5 , 6th , 7th , 8th container closures (not shown) can be guided and thus transported from one unit to another by means of gravity, for example.

The individual rod-shaped bodies 2 , 4th , 5 , 6th , 7th , 8th are by holding elements 12 , 14th held at predetermined distances from one another and also stabilized in this way. A multitude of retaining elements is more precise here 12 , 14th provided, which are also provided along the longitudinal direction of a rod-shaped body. The individual elements are also included 12 , 14th with each other over in their entirety with 30th designated connecting devices in connection, here on each of the holding elements in 1 upward protrusion 32 is provided as well as a connecting strap 36 showing an opening 34 has, in which said projection can engage. In this way, on the one hand, the holding elements 12 , 14th held together and on the other hand also prevents that a too small radius of curvature is generated, which could prevent transport of the container closures.

2 shows a further representation of a transport device according to the invention. The individual holding elements can be seen here in particular 12 , 14th , 15th , 16 , 17, 18th . On each of these retaining elements there are two of said connecting straps 36 arranged opposite one another. You can see that the individual connecting straps 36 are each arranged obliquely with respect to the direction of the holding elements so that they widen outwards. There is a direction of extension E1 compared to a direction of extension E2 of the holding element 12 at an angle A. inclined, which is between 92 ° and 110 °, preferably between 92 ° and 100 °.

This expansion enables the holding elements according to the invention to be plugged together easier. It is also achieved in this way that the connecting tabs 36 of the individual holding elements 12 , 14th , 15th , 16 , 17, 18th do not interfere with each other, regardless of a position of the transport device 1 in their entirety.

3 FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the one in 1 and 2 shown transport device. You can see here that the lead 32 inside the opening 34 the connecting strap 36 in that direction Y has a certain amount of play. In this way it is achieved that the transport device is spatially flexible, ie not only in the 2 direction shown, but also perpendicular to this, ie the left end portion 1a the transport device is opposite the right end section 1b the transport device 1 also along the direction Y movable, not just in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the figure. However, it would also be possible here to have the game between the lead 32 and the opening 34 so reduce that movement in the direction Y only slightly or not at all possible.

However, it would also be possible to use the tabs shown here not only as in 3 provided, but also perpendicular to this, ie for example here on the upper and lower side of the individual holding elements or also diagonally opposite in the respective outer corners of the holding elements.

Corresponding holding elements could also be designed in such a way that the opening 34 no game of lead 32 allowed in order to enable a fixed connection of two separate transport devices in this way. You can see that the in 3 embodiment shown the opening in the direction X the lead 32 allows a considerable amount of play, and on the other hand a maximum curvature of the entire transport device through the openings 34 and the projections movable therein 32 is defined. More precisely, is a maximum angle that the planes of two holding elements 12 include each other precisely defined by the size of these openings.

4th shows a further representation of a transport device according to the invention 1 . The design of the holding element can be seen here in particular 12 , which a variety of holding means 22nd , 24 has in which the rod-shaped body 2 , 4th , 5 , 6th , 7th , 8th are each arranged. There are holding means in these 22nd , 24 the rod-shaped bodies are received in such a way that they protrude inwards, ie the container closures do not contact the individual holding elements in any area and are thus held by the holding elements 12 , 14th ... not hindered in their movement.

The individual holding elements 12 , 14th , ... here have an inner wall 52 which is curved inward in the direction of the respective rod-shaped body. It can also be seen that the individual holding elements 12 , 14th ... can each be designed as identical parts in order to simplify production in this way. More precisely, it is possible to build the entire transport device from only two different components, namely on the one hand the holding elements 12 , 14th etc. and on the other hand the rod-shaped bodies 2 , 4th , 5 , 6th , 7th , 8th .

It would furthermore also be possible to create special connection retaining elements which have a greater width and which enable the reception of second rod-shaped bodies one behind the other. In this way, two transport devices could also be connected to one another.

5 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 . In this embodiment, too, there are six rod-shaped bodies 2 , 4th , 5 , 6th , 7th , 8th provided, as well as individual holding elements 12 , 14th which keep these rod-shaped bodies at a certain distance from one another. Furthermore are fasteners 40 provided between the individual holding elements, wherein between the first holding element 12 and the second holding element 14th two fasteners 40 on diagonally opposite areas or corners of the holding elements 12 , 14th are arranged and between the second holding element 14th and the third holding element 16 also two connecting elements 42 , but these preferably at two further opposite corners, which are offset from the first-mentioned diagonal corners.

The fasteners 40 , 42 each have base body 48 on, as well as two heads arranged at the ends 46 . Between these heads 46 and the basic bodies 42 are each grooves or recesses 45 provided, which in turn (not shown) in holes of the individual holding elements 12 , 14th intervention. Due to the distance between the basic bodies 40 and the heads 46 there is thus a play of the holding element in a longitudinal direction of the connecting elements 40 , 42 This in turn enables a minimum and a maximum distance between two holding elements and thus again a minimum radius of the entire device.

Because the individual fasteners 40 , 42 are alternately offset from one another by 90 °, a three-dimensional mobility of the end sections relative to one another is achieved in this way. However, other arrangements would also be possible, for example the individual connecting elements could be arranged centrally with respect to the respective longitudinal edges of the holding elements, or it would be possible to arrange three such connecting elements offset from one another. It would also be possible to design connecting elements in such a way that they connect not two but three holding elements with play against one another.

All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention, provided that they are new to the state of the art, individually or in combination.

List of reference symbols

1

Transport device

1a, 1b

End section

2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

rod-shaped guide body

12, 14, 15, 16, 18

Retaining element

22, 24

Holding means

30th

Connecting device

32

head Start

34

hole

36

Tab

40, 42

Connecting element

45

Recess

46

head

48

Base body

L1, L4, L5

Longitudinal direction

E1

Direction of extension

E2

Extension direction of the holding element

A.

angle

X, Y

direction

Claims (13)

Transport device (1) for cap-like container closures with at least one first rod-shaped guide body (2) extending in a first predetermined longitudinal direction (L1) for guiding the container closures, at least one second rod-shaped guide body (4) extending in a second predetermined longitudinal direction (L2) for guiding the container closures, wherein the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body (4) are spaced apart from one another, with a first holding element (12) for holding the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body, the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body (4) are each flexible, characterized in that the transport device (1) has at least one second holding element (14) for holding the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body and that first holding element (12) opposite the second holding element (14) - in particular defined - is movable, a projection (32) being arranged on a holding element (12, 14) which is guided in a hole (34) arranged in a further holding element (14, 12). Transport device (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that a connecting device (30, 40) is provided between the first holding element (12) and the second holding element (14), which enables a relative movement between the second holding element (14) and the first holding element (12). Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (1) is designed such that a minimum radius of curvature of the transport device (1) is limited. Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hole (34) is formed in a tab (36) which is fixedly arranged on the further holding element (14, 12). Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first end section (1a) of the transport device (1) is spatially movable with respect to a second end section (1b) of the transport device (1). Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (1) is rigid in sections. Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connecting member (40) is arranged between at least two holding elements (12, 14) which is movable with respect to at least one holding element. Transport device (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the first holding element (12) has a first holding means (22) which is in engagement with the first rod-shaped body (2) and a second holding means (24) which is in engagement with the second rod-shaped body (4) , having. Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container closure can be received at least in sections between the first rod-shaped body (2) and the second rod-shaped body (4). Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal direction (L4) and the second longitudinal direction (L5) run parallel to one another. Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rod-shaped guide body (2, 4) has at least one curved section. Transport device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the transport device (1) has at least three, preferably at least four rod-shaped guide bodies (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). Transport device (1) after Claim 9 , characterized in that the holding elements (12, 14) are designed in the same way.

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