DE102010049135A1 - Device and method for transporting container closures - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for transporting container closures (10a, 10b) with a first supply device (2) for supplying first container closures (10a), with a second supply device (4) for supplying second container closures (10b) and with a transport device (8) for Transporting the first container closures (10a) and the second container closures (10b) which, in a transport direction of the container closures (10a, 10b), are arranged at least partially downstream with respect to the first feed device (2) and the second feed device (4) and which the first container closures ( 10a) and the second container closures (10b) are transported in a predetermined sequence. According to the invention, the device (1) has a distribution device (20) and the distribution device can be used to change the sequence of the container closures (10a, 10b) in the transport device (8).

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for transporting container closures. Closers are known from the prior art, which closes containers with closures, such as screw caps. For this purpose, the containers are usually transported and the closures are brought to the containers to then be screwed onto the containers can. Such transport devices for container closures have partially transport rails along which slide the closures or transported.

The DE 195 13 064 B4 describes a method and a system for filling containers with a liquid filling material and a filling machine with labeling device for use with this system. In this case, a capper for closing the containers is provided. This capper can close the containers, for example, with a crown cap or other suitable closure.

The DE 195 220 36 A1 describes a device for producing and supplying aluminum caps to closing organs. In this case, at least two drawing and embossing tools are present for producing the closure caps, each having a feed device with supply channel and these feed channels is arranged downstream of a merge, followed by a further up to the cap transfer extending supply device with supply channel.

This device serves the purpose of producing closure caps with a large diameter and preformed edge made of aluminum in a capping machine for vessels and supply closure organs.

The WO 2008/125898 describes a feeding device for caps. In this case, a first cap supply and a second cap supply is provided which open into a common feed line, wherein the caps of the first supply row are supplied offset from those of the second. In this case, the caps of the common row are always alternately fed from the two Zuführreihen.

From the JP 2005 347444 is also a feeder for caps known, in which also two rows of caps are supplied to a common row.

From the DE 43 06 110 C2 a device for merging cover strands is known. The US 2,325,163 describes a capping machine to apply caps to bottles.

There are also known from the prior art filling devices that can fill different types of drinks, such as three or more different types of milk in containers. In this case, these milk types may for example have different fat contents, wherein these different fat contents are achieved by mixtures in the containers to be filled. These containers must then be closed with a specific closure with a corresponding color, for example, blue color for whole milk, yellow color for low-fat milk and so on. This leads to the problem that the containers were transported in a certain number and also filled accordingly. At the capper this claims to lead the closures in the correct order to the capping. The problem is the very high performance and sometimes very small quantities to a single closure, which must be fed to a feeder such as a gutter.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a transport device for container closures, which allows any order of closures to be supplied. This is inventively achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for transporting container closures has a first feed device for feeding first container closures, a second feed device for feeding second container closures and a transport device for transporting the first container closures and the second container closures. In this case, the first container closures and the second container closures differ from each other in at least one physical property. This transport device is arranged in a direction of transport of the container closures at least in sections and preferably completely downstream with respect to the first supply device and the second supply device and transports the first container closures and the second container closures in a predetermined order.

According to the invention, the device has a distribution device and through the Distributor is the sequence of container closures in the transport device - in particular arbitrarily - can be fixed or changed. Advantageously, the first supply device and the second supply device are separated from each other.

Advantageously, the first container closures and the second container closures have a different color. Advantageously, the first container closures and the second container closures have the same geometric shape.

Advantageously, the first and the second container closures in the transport device are transported together in a row and the sequence in which the first and the second container closures are transported in series in this row, can be adjusted by the distribution device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the feeders are separated from each other.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device has a first controllable locking device, which controls the supply of the first container closures to the transport device. This locking device is advantageously arranged in a region and advantageously in an end region of the first supply device.

Advantageously, the device has a second controllable locking device, which controls the supply of the second container closures to the transport device. In this case, the second locking device is advantageously arranged in an end section of the second feed device or a transition region between the feed device and a subsequent unit.

Advantageously, the blocking device has a blocking body which is movable in a transport path of the container closures transported by the respective feeding device.

In addition, the device advantageously has a control device for coordinated control of the first and second locking means on each other. With the aid of this control device, the sequence of the closures supplied to the transport device can be controlled and thus, in principle, arbitrary sequences of the container closures can be achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a collection device arranged between the feed devices and the transport device, into which opening both the first feed device and the second feed device open. This collecting device can be designed, for example, in the manner of a funnel, by means of which the container closures are fed to the transport device. In this case, this collecting device is advantageously arranged such that the container closures indeed move in a predetermined direction, but can not tilt, so that the orientation of these container closures does not change during movement through the collecting device.

The feed devices are advantageously arranged at least partially above the transport device. Particularly preferably, the container closures pass under the influence of gravity through the collecting device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a third feed device for feeding a third type of container closures. In this embodiment, an arbitrary sequence of the three types of container closures can be assembled in the transport device. Advantageously, the device also has a third locking device, which can control the supply of the third type of closures to the transport device.

The present invention is further directed to a container closure system comprising a device of the type described above and a closure unit which closes the containers with the container closures.

Advantageously, the system has a transport device for transporting containers to be closed, and a control device controls the sequence of container closures as a function of a sequence of the containers transported by the transport device. Advantageously, these are filled containers. However, it would also be possible to determine the order of the containers before or during the filling process and to adapt the order of the container closures in response to this order. Furthermore, it would also be possible for the order of the container closures to be changed in response to a change in the sequence of the containers which is desired, for example, by the user.

The present invention is further directed to a method for transporting container closures, wherein container closures of a first type with a first feeder and container closures of a second type with a second feeder are each fed to a transport device and with the transport device, in particular by a distributor, in a variable Sequence of the first Container closures and the second container closures are transported. Thus, it is also suggested on the method side that the sequence of container closures can be predetermined or changed as desired.

In a preferred method, the supply of the first container closures to the transport device is controlled by a first blocking device and / or the delivery of the second container closures to the transport device by a second blocking device. This blocking device can be, for example, elements which temporarily interrupt the transport flow of the container closures.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings, in which:

1a and 1b two schematic views of a transport device according to the invention;

2 a schematic view of a transport device in a further embodiment;

3a - 3d four illustrations of an embodiment of a transport device according to the invention;

4 an overall view of a device according to the invention for transporting plastic closures;

5 a schematic representation of another embodiment of a device according to the invention;

6 a block diagram of a system for sealing containers;

7 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention; and;

8th a plant with the device off 7 ,

The 1a and 1b show two representations of a device according to the invention 1 for transporting container closures. Here are three feeders 2 . 4 . 6 provided, in each of which container closures 10a . 10b and 10c are arranged. It is in the individual feeders 2 . 4 . 6 in each case only a certain genus arranged on container closures.

The reference numerals 22 . 24 and 26 refer to locking devices here at the end of each feeder 2 . 4 . 6 are arranged and by appropriate movements an outlet of the container closures 10a . 10b or 10c allow or prevent. Here are the locking devices 22 . 24 . 26 each designed so that they the passage of individual container closures 10a . 10b and 10c can allow as in 1a illustrated. For this purpose, these locking devices may for example have openings, which just allow the passage of a single closure but block the passage again with a corresponding further movement.

Below the feeders 2 . 4 . 6 is a collection facility 12 arranged, in which the individual container closures 10a . 10b and 10c fall in. By a corresponding control of the locking devices 22 . 24 . 26 can be controlled in which order the container closures 10a 10b and 10c to the collection facility 12 reach. At the lower end of the collecting device, a transport device closes 8th in which the container closures 10a 10b and 10c reach. It can be seen that by a corresponding control of the locking devices 22 . 24 . 26 the sequence or sequence of container closures 10a . 10b and 10c in the transport device 8th is controllable. Advantageously, the container closures move 10a . 10b and 10c in the individual feed devices and advantageously also in the transport device under the action of gravity. In this case, the individual container closures in the feeders and the transport device 8th advantageous already uniformly oriented.

2 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , It can be seen that here the feeder 4 is higher than the two feeders 2 and 6 , In this way, the circumstance can be taken into account that the closures 10a such as 10c may have a greater fall time as they pass over the slanted surfaces 12a the collection device 12 slide off whereas the closures 10b fall directly in vertical direction down.

The 3a - 3d show a representation of a device according to the invention 1 , Again, each of the feeders again 2 . 4 . 6 shown as well as a distribution device 20 into which the individual feeders 2 . 4 . 6 lead. The distribution device 20 has a housing 28 on.

3b shows a representation in which the collecting device 12 that is, open in the lid 16 opened (especially for cleaning and maintenance purposes or to eliminate traffic jams) and thus a collecting space 14 the collection device 12 free. The collection room 14 is like that designed that the container closures with closed cover 16 do not tip over and become wedged.

The 3c and 3d show a further illustration, in which now the case 28 the distribution device 20 is open. You can see here the three locking devices 22 . 24 and 26 , respectively, the supply of container closures in the collection device 12 Taxes. The feeders 2 . 4 . 6 are in this embodiment, as in particular in 3c shown completely separated but parallel to each other. Furthermore, the lower portion of the feeders 2 . 4 . 6 each form a jam section for the container closures.

4 shows an overall view of a device according to the invention for transporting container closures. Here are three reservoirs 42 . 44 . 46 provided, in each of which the container closures unsorted but introduced by genres such as colors separately. The reservoirs 42 . 44 . 46 are in this embodiment sorting, which are suitable container closures, which are present as bulk material, in a similar orientation - bring a predetermined position - and isolated, so in a row successively deliver. The similar orientation can, for example, be "all container closures with their interior upwards". Starting from these reservoirs 42 . 44 . 46 The container closures pass over chutes 42a . 44a and 46a each to inspection or control devices 52 . 54 . 56 in which the container closures are checked, for example, according to physical characteristics or damage. Damaged container closures or those with undesired physical characteristics can be removed from the row of container closures. The container closures, which the distributor 20 be supplied, for example, by means of conveyor belts 42b . 44b and 46b be transported. Subsequent to the inspection or control devices, the container closures reach the respective feed devices 2 . 4 . 6 and via the distribution device 20 in the transport device 8th , The reference number 50 refers to a Eintaktstern that supplies the container closures isolated to a (not shown) capper.

5 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention. Here is a rotating sawtooth 60 provided, which serves as a collector for container closures in the desired sequence. The sawtooth wheel 60 has a plurality of recesses 62 on, which in each case for guiding the individual container closures 10a . 10b and 10c serve. Again, there are three feeders 2 . 4 . 6 shown, over which either the container closures can be supplied. In this embodiment, it would be possible that the Sägezahnrad 60 in any order with the individual container closures 10a 10b and 10c is supplied. The reference number 64 indicates a border, which causes the container closures in the recesses 62 hold and thus as a transport device 8th serves. The container closures 10a . 10b . 10c are transferred directly in the desired order to the capping machine. Alternatively it is possible, another transport device 8th , For example in the form of a (not shown) groove after the Sägezahnrad 60 to arrange.

For example, it is possible that the sawtooth 60 permanent with the locks 10c from the feeder 6 is supplied. If the closures 10c in the recesses 62 This will be an entry more container closures 10a and 10b prevented. If the locking device 26 the supply of container closures 10c instead prevents the container closures 10b occur and prevent their entry into the container closures 10a , If also the locking device 24 the supply of container closures 10b locks the container closures 10a in the recesses 62 one. If desired, however, it would also be possible to selectively create spaces, ie positions of recesses 62 that are not occupied by container closures. These are all feeders 2 . 4 . 6 through the locking devices 22 . 24 . 26 locked for the moment in which a corresponding recess 62 moving past them. In this way, for example, deliberately a blank space can be generated, for example, if in advance a container was bottled incorrectly. The incorrectly filled container is then not closed with a container closure.

In the embodiment shown above, therefore, three or more sorting units with the individual webs or feeding devices can be used on one filling device 2 . 4 . 6 are available, which the container closures to the stoppers shown 22 . 24 . 26 bring.

After these locking devices, as mentioned, the funnel-shaped collecting device is provided, into which the container closures can slip.

The said locking devices can react as quickly as necessary to place the container closures. Depending on the order or customer request can be so from the different tracks or feeders 2 . 4 . 6 the container closures in the collector 12 and thus the transport device 8th slip. This transport device 8th can then, as in 4 shown, to the so-called pick wheel 50 lead the capper.

The collecting device 12 can, depending on how fast the container closures must fall, be mounted vertically or at a different angle. The length of the collector 12 depends on the cycle time or performance of the filler. In the embodiment shown, the collecting device is drawn as a sheet metal construction, but it would also be possible that the collecting device is formed, for example, of rods into which the container closures slide, as in the case of closure channels known from the prior art.

This makes it possible to provide a known so-called. Pick and place unit with multiple Zuläufen for closures. In systems known from the prior art, only such an inlet is present or further feeds are blocked by removable parts.

As part of the in 5 shown embodiment is proposed, at each inlet a movable stop and guide element 22 . 24 . 26 (shown only schematically), which can be opened and closed by a pre-assigned controller. The controlled sequence allows the various container closures 10a . 10b . 10c in indiscriminate but predetermined sequence in the pick wheel 60 be formed. From this pick wheel or saw gear 60 the sequence is passed unchanged to the closure elements of the sealer.

The advantages of such sequence formation are short reaction paths. The pre-assignment of the control can be done only a few divisions before the inlet of the containers to be closed in the Verschliesser. Even vacancies (in the case of containers) can only be detected late and the closure supply can be interrupted accordingly. Thus, in the case of a misallocation, the number of Fehlverschließungen is reduced to a minimum.

6 shows a block diagram-like representation of a plant for treating containers. There is a filling device 40 provided which the individual containers 70a . 70b and 70c filled with a liquid, for example, with milk. In this case, this filling device has a control device 45 on the one hand, the filling of the container controls on the other hand, however, a clear individualization of the filled containers 70a . 70b and 70c allowed.

The containers are preferably transported isolated. Furthermore, an allocation device 55 provided, which the respective filled containers 70a . 70b and 70c those closures 10a . 10b and 10c assigns, with which these are closed. The reference number 25 indicates a control device which the individual locking devices 22 . 24 . 26 controls

In this way, it can be ensured that every container 70a . 70b and 70c by means of a closing device 90 with a corresponding correct closure 10a . 10b and 10c is closed. This means that, for example, the in 6 shown container 70a already a corresponding closure 10a is assigned, which subsequently on the container 70a is screwed. Furthermore, the device advantageously has an error detection device (not shown) which, for example, outputs a corresponding alarm signal in the case of faulty closures or faulty container or ejects a correspondingly incorrectly closed container. Furthermore, the individual containers 70a . 70b and 70c each identification means such as barcodes or the like, so that after filling can be determined with which closure they are to be closed.

7 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention. Also in this embodiment, different closure variants 10a . 10b . 10c be supplied in free Kombinatorik the capper. In this embodiment, multiple feeders 2 . 4 . 6 on a rotatable support 30 arranged. This carrier is doing on a shaft 32 attached and is powered by a drive device 34 driven. Also in this embodiment locking devices are provided, but only the two locking devices 22 and 26 are shown. This includes each of the feeders 2 . 4 . 6 or each of the magazines ever a closure type that can be sorted and sorted removed from the magazine. The removal takes place by a star 80 according to the desired order of closure types is populated. This star also rotates by means of a wave 82 as well as a drive 84 ,

At the in 7 embodiment shown are therefore the feeders 2 . 4 . 6 at least partially movable and in particular rotatable about a predetermined axis of rotation. In this case, the feed devices can be designed such that they allow a transport of the container closures even with slight twists or twists. Also, the feeders could be arranged at a shorter distance on the carrier, so that only correspondingly lower rotations or movements of the feeders 2 . 4 . 6 necessary to change the shutter supply.

When changing the desired closure, the revolver or the carrier rotates 30 Accordingly fast, so now a different kind of closure in the transport device 8th or the feed chute of the closures for the actual capper drops or is specifically removed or placed. Each feeder 2 . 4 . 6 can be fed by a separate sorting unit or a separate alignment module that previously assumes the orientation, if necessary sterilization and / or quality assurance. The feeders 2 . 4 . 6 here also perceive the function of a buffer memory.

As in 8th Shown are the locks 10a . 10b . 10c become so in a pre-selected combinatorics the capper 90 fed, this Kombinatorik corresponds exactly to the supplied product, label and / or container. For this purpose, the closures are temporarily buffered in a revolver magazine or in individual chambers and controlled in accordance with a preselection (resulting for example from a production planning) taken and the capping trough (not shown in detail) supplied in the desired order.

Alternatively, an upstream color and form sorter can be used to load the feed unit / capping trough in the desired order of closure types. The closures are poured into a funnel and fall into the sorting unit, which preferably also takes over the orientation and possibly sterilization. In the sorting unit unwanted closures fall through a grid and are fed again to the hopper.

The desired closures are then transported on.

In 8th the reference number refers 92 on a transport star, the, for example, starting from a filling device, the filled, but still unsealed containers 70a transported. In the capper 90 The containers are transported with the predetermined container closures and closed and then the filled and sealed containers with another transport star 94 removed.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2, 4, 6

feeding

8th

transport means

10a, 10b, 10c

container closures

12

collecting device

12a

inclined surfaces

14

plenum

16

cover

20

distributor

22, 24, 26

blocking devices

25

control device

28

casing

30

carrier

32

wave

34

driving means

40

filling

42, 44, 46

reservoirs

42a, 44a, 46a

Slip

42b, 44b, 46b

conveyor belts

45

control device

50

Pickrad

52, 54, 56

control devices

55

allocator

60

Sägezahnstern

62

recess

64

border

70a, 70b, 70c

containers

80

star

82

wave

84

drive

90

capper

92, 94

transport star

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19513064 B4 [0002]
• DE 19522036 A1 [0003]
• WO 2008/125898 [0005]
• JP 2005347444 [0006]
• DE 4306110 C2 [0007]
• US 2325163 [0007]

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 1 ) for transporting container closures ( 10a . 10b ) with a first feeder ( 2 ) for feeding first container closures ( 10a ), with a second feeder ( 4 ) for feeding second container closures ( 10b ) wherein the first container closures ( 10a ) and the second container closures ( 10b ) differ in at least one physical property from each other and with a transport device ( 8th ) for transporting the first container closures ( 10a ) and the second container closures ( 10b ) which in a transport direction of the container closures ( 10a . 10b ) at least in sections downstream with respect to the first feed device ( 2 ) and the second feeder ( 4 ) and which are the first container closures ( 10a ) and the second container closures ( 10b ) transported in a predetermined sequence, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a distribution device ( 20 ) and by the distribution device, the sequence of container closures ( 10a . 10b ) in the transport device ( 8th ) is changeable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a first controllable locking device ( 22 ), which supplies the supply of the first container closures to the transport device ( 8th ) controls. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a second controllable locking device ( 24 ), which allows the supply of the second container closures to the transport device ( 8th ) controls. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a control device for the coordinated control of the first locking device ( 22 ) and the second locking device ( 24 ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) one between the feeders ( 2 . 4 ) and the transport device ( 8th ) arranged collecting device ( 12 ) into which both the first feeder ( 2 ) as well as the second feeder ( 4 ) opens. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a third feeder ( 14 ) for feeding a third type of container closures ( 10c ) having. Plant for closing containers with container closures ( 10 ) with a device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims and with a closure unit, which closes the containers with the container closures ( 10 ) closes. Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the plant a transport device ( 92 ) for transporting containers to be closed, wherein the control device controls the sequence of container closures in dependence on a sequence of the containers transported with the transport device. Method for transporting container closures ( 10a . 10b ), with container closures ( 10a ) of a first type with a first feeder ( 2 ) and container closures ( 10b ) of a second type with a second feed device ( 4 ) each one transport device ( 8th ) and with the transport device in a variable sequence of the first container closures ( 10a ) and the second container closures ( 10b ) be transported. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the supply of the first container closures to the transport device ( 8th ) with a first locking device ( 22 ) and / or the supply of the second container closures ( 24 ) to the transport device with a second locking device ( 24 ) is controlled

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