DE102016203816A1 - Device for transporting packaging, in particular bottles or cups - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for transporting packaging, in particular of bottles or cups, comprising - at least one workstation (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) - at least one transport device (10), - at least one packaging means carrier (14) the transport device (10) moves along the work station (20, 22, 24, 26, 28), - at least one drive (16) for driving the transport device (10), wherein - at least one further drive (18) for driving the transport device ( 10) is provided, wherein at least one of the two drives (16, 18) is driven to set a desired voltage of the transport device (10).

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a device for transporting packaging, in particular bottles or cups according to the preamble of the independent claim.

A generic device for transporting bottles or the like is for example from the DE 19542673 C2 known. The conveyor has an endless chain, wherein at least one stationary measuring device for the length of the chain is arranged on the orbit of the chain.

The invention has for its object to further increase the accuracy of the transport device. This object is solved by the features of the independent claim.

Disclosure of the invention

The device according to the invention for the transport of packaging material according to the features of claim 1 has the advantage that the wear and the elongation of the chain or the transport system, which would lead to a reduced chain prestressing, are recognized and reduced in their effects. As a result, an accurate positioning of the packaging means carrier relative to the processing stations is possible. Incorrect positioning, which could lead to collisions with other stations, is avoided. In addition, the quality of movement of the packaging material carrier is improved by reducing impacts and vibrations that would cause a large machine length and corresponding wear. A manual readjustment between the modules and the chain can be omitted, since this can be done automatically with the device according to the invention.

This is inventively possible in that two drives are provided for the transport device, wherein at least one of the drives in the sense of a desired voltage of the transport device, in particular an associated chain or an associated band, is driven.

In an expedient development it is provided that one of the drives is controlled as a master drive and the further drive is controlled as a slave drive depending on a control of the master drive. This makes it possible in a particularly simple manner to realize the control when using two drives to drive only a single chain.

In an expedient development it is provided that the two drives are controlled synchronously to each other. This type of control is control technology particularly easy to achieve upon reaching the desired voltage of the chain.

In an expedient development it is provided that at least one of the drives, in particular the slave drive, with a position offset or position offset relative to the other drive, in particular the master drive, is controlled. In this way, the respective elongation of the chain can be taken into account in a particularly accurate manner in such a way that the desired chain tension can be maintained. Particularly expedient, the position offset or position offset depends on the desired tension of the chain and / or an elongation of the chain. As a result, the desired parameters can be easily adjusted and influenced in a particularly simple manner.

In an expedient development, at least one control is provided which changes the control of at least one drive when the torque changes, which is applied by at least one of the two drives, in particular by the controller changing a position offset or position offset with which the drive is controlled , Particularly useful is a wear, in particular an elongation of the chain, based on a change in torque, which must apply one of the drives, in particular the slave drive determined. This size gives sufficient conclusions about a current tension of the chain and is usually available to a drive anyway without further sensors.

In an expedient development, a sensor is provided for detecting a measure for detecting a wear of the transport device, in particular a chain as part of the transport device. The condition of the transport device can be selectively or continuously monitored by means of this sensor and counteracted in a targeted manner by suitable control of the drives. For this purpose, at least one control is preferably provided, which controls at least one of the two drives as a function of at least one output signal of the sensor.

In an expedient refinement, it is provided that the control activates at least one workstation as a function of the output signal of the sensor. Since the detected state of the transport system has an effect on the relative positioning of the packaging material carrier to the workstation, so particularly malpositions of the workstations relative to Packing medium carriers are compensated. This increases the security of the arrangement.

In an expedient development, it is provided that the controller controls the drives in a referencing, so that a reference position in the region of a reference station is approached. This increases the accuracy between the pack carrier and workstations or this reference station, since the reference position is the starting point for all further determinations of elongation of the chain and its possible effects on the positioning of the pack carrier in other workstations. Particularly preferably, the reference station is also a workstation. The workstations are preferably a transfer station and / or a sealing station and / or a filling station and / or a packaging station and / or a testing station and / or a packer.

Further expedient developments emerge from further dependent claims and the description.

Short description of the drawing

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing is:

1 a perspective view of the transport device when passing through various workstations,

2 an enlarged view of the arrangement of the sensor at the end of the transport device,

3 an enlarged view of the arrangement of the sensor at the beginning of the transport device,

4 a perspective view of the transport device with three sensors as well

5 a perspective view of the transport device with an alternative arrangement of two sensors.

Description of the embodiment

The following is with reference to the 1 to 5 a transport device 10 described in detail. The transport device 10 is used to transport packaging such as cups or bottles, especially in filling systems for filling liquid or pasty foods. However, the use is not limited to this. The transport device 10 includes at least one chain 12 or a band. On the chain 12 is a variety of carriers 13 attached. These drivers 13 act with to be fastened there packaging carriers 14 together. In the packaging carriers 14 are shots 15 provided in the form of circular recesses for receiving a packaging means, not shown. Per pack carrier 14 can take several shots 15 be provided so that several packaging transported and processed at the same time, for example, filled and sealed, can be. On each of the two end faces of a packaging material carrier 14 this is each with a chain 12 connected. About the chains 12 become the packaging carrier 14 at different stations 24 . 26 or workstations moved along.

The chain 12 is about at least one drive wheel 17 which from a drive 16 is moved, driven. On the other side of the transport device 10 is a diversion 19 intended. The diversion 19 is also from another drive 18 driven. Here, for example, teeth, not shown, engage in the chain 12 ,

At the transport device 10 is a sensor 30 arranged, preferably at the beginning of the transport device 10 , The sensor 30 is located, for example, in the area of the transfer station 20 , As shown in more detail later, the sensor 30 outside the chain 12 arranged so that an elongation of the chain 12 can be safely detected. Optionally, another sensor 32 be provided. This could, for example, at the other end of the transport device 10 be arranged as shown in the embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment is the other sensor 32 in the area of the packer 28 , However, the arrangement of only a single sensor 30 at the transport device 10 is possible. Alternatively, only the additional sensor could be used 32 in the area of the packer 28 be provided.

The sensor 30 gives a sensor signal 31 to a controller 34 from. The further sensor 32 gives another sensor signal 33 to the controller 34 from. The control 34 If necessary, it serves to control the drive 16 and / or the further drive 18 , If necessary, the controller receives 34 corresponding position signals of the drives 16 . 18 or further characteristics of the drives 16 . 18 such as the applied torque, speed or the like reported back. With the controller 34 is an operator interface 36 connected. About this interface 36 the user can provide appropriate operating commands to the controller 34 hand off. In addition, over the interface 36 appropriate information or warning messages are issued to the operator. The control 34 can be optional with the transfer station 20 and / or the other stations 24 . 26 and / or the Referenzierstation 22 and / or the packer 28 be connected as an example of possible workstations for driving and / or feedback interesting characteristics. The term control 34 is by no means restrictive, but includes the usual servo drives with associated control circuits, for example, in terms of position, speed, torque or the like.

At the beginning of the transport device 10 is a transfer station 20 intended. About this transfer station 20 the packaging can the respectively available packaging carrier 14 be supplied. The transfer station 20 is along a transport direction 9 the transport device 10 or the chain 12 displaceable, preferably arranged displaceably in the horizontal direction. The transfer station 20 extends over the complete packaging medium carrier 14 so that each of the shots 15 can be filled with packaging.

Transverse to the transport direction 9 the transport device 10 is a reference station 22 over the complete width of the transport device 10 arranged. The reference station 22 For example, in the middle of the transport device 10 be arranged. At the reference station 22 it is a specific workstation whose position is the reference position for the drives 16 . 18 serves. Especially when using servo-motor drives 16 . 18 Automatic referencing to the freely selected zero point in the machine is possible.

It close further stations 24 . 26 an exemplary two workstations are shown, but it may also be less or more. These other stations 24 . 26 or only individual workstations may possibly also in the transport direction 9 the transport device 10 be moved. This displacement of the stations 24 . 26 or workstations can be used to elongate the chain 12 the positioning of the station 24 . 26 to this detected, changing elongation of the chain 12 adjust. As possible stations 24 . 26 For example, sterilization module, filling device, sealing device for sealing a cover film or the like onto a filled packaging material are used. Also, stations can 24 . 26 for the extraction of foreign particles, application of slip-on caps, control systems for example for cup sealing or labeling systems for labeling or coding of a lid or the like find use. The packaging material carrier 14 serve the transport of the packaging to the required depending on the workstations 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 ,

The last stop is the transport device 10 a packer 28 at. About this packer 28 appropriately processed packaging (for example, filled and sealed cups) can be gripped and fed to further processing steps. In a concatenation of the transport device 10 as part of a filling machine with a downstream packaging, as part of the packer 28 is used, there are increased demands on the gripper system of the packer 28 , The packer 28 collects individual packaging in a crate into a multiple package. Small deviations in the positioning can lead to problems with the packer 28 or damage the packaging. The sensor signal 33 as a measure of the positional deviation of two adjacent packaging means carrier 14 namely, the determined distance 40 based on a nominal size, can the packer 28 to get redirected. The packer 28 can a pick-up movement of a gripper exactly to the center of the packaging carrier 14 Taxes. This is preferably done as a function of the determined distance 40 or a deviation from the nominal dimension. Alternatively, sensor signals could also be used 33 . 37 additional sensors 32 . 35 , This can be done by other sensors 32 . 35 determined elongations of the chain 12 extrapolated to the position of the packer 28 , Here it is assumed that a uniform elongation of the chain 12 took place. Based on the known distance between the respective sensor 32 . 35 and the packer 28 or the other desired workstation 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 is extrapolated to the resulting elongation or interpolated. About this determined elongation, the associated workstations 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 accordingly further in the transport direction 9 to be moved.

A section of the 1 is now in the 2 shown enlarged. The sensor 32 is laterally from the chain 12 arranged so that it is in a certain position of two adjacent packaging means carrier 14 their distance 38 along the transport direction 9 determined. The sensor 32 located at the end of the transport device 10 near the packer 28 , The elongation of the chain 12 is determined by the distance 38 two adjacent packaging material carrier 14 , This is the sensor 32 with its detection area transverse to the transport direction 9 the transport device 10 aligned. The detection range is preferably selected such that the distance 38 between two packaging carriers 14 can be detected safely, both in the normal state as in the state of a chain langue 12 , The corresponding sensor signal 33 gets to the controller 34 for further evaluation. The sensor 32 thus serves to measure the offset of the chain links or packaging carrier 14 in the transport direction of the transport device 10 , The sensor 30 . 32 recognizes the current elongation of the chain 12 based on the determined distances 38 . 40 ,

In the enlarged view according to 3 is the sensor 30 in the area of the transfer station 20 arranged. Similar to the sensor 32 at the packer 28 is the sensor 30 so oriented that in the area of the transfer station 20 a distance 40 between two adjacent packaging carriers 40 can be safely detected. A corresponding sensor signal 31 gets to the controller 34 forwarded. The further sensor 32 is fixed to the moving chain 12 arranged laterally from this. Its detection range is oriented so that it covers the front sides of the packaging carrier 14 or their distance 40 safely detected. Alternatively, the sensor could 30 . 32 also be oriented so that it also covers the area between drivers 13 and packaging carrier 14 detected, ie a distance transversely to the transport direction 9 , This can be a monitoring of the correct attachment of the packaging material carrier 14 on the driver 13 respectively. Is the distance between drivers 13 and end face of the packaging carrier 14 transverse to the transport direction 9 too big, it is closed on a faulty attachment. This can be the user with an appropriate message at the interface 36 be signaled.

The arrangement according to 4 is different from the one of 1 in that another sensor 35 is provided, so that a total of three sensors 30 . 32 . 35 available. This (third) additional sensor 35 is in the area of the reference station 22 also on the side of the chain 12 arranged. The first sensor 30 is located at the beginning of the transport device 10 in the area of the transfer station 20 , The (second) sensor 32 sits at the end of the machine or transport device 10 at the packer 28 , This will be the total elongation of the chain 12 from station 20 over the station 22 to the station 28 measured. The further sensor 35 gives another sensor signal 37 to the controller 34 ,

The arrangement according to 5 is different from the one of 4 in that now the sensor 32 in the area of the packer 28 is missing. Thus, only two sensors are provided, namely the sensor 35 in the area of the reference station 22 and the sensor 30 in the area of the transfer station 20 , each side of the chain 12 arranged. The chain elongation at the end of the machine or transport device 10 at the packer 28 is linearly scaled up over the distance from station 20 on station 22 , optionally to other workstations, such as the packer 28 ,

The drive wheel 17 that the propulsion of the chain 12 serves, is from the drive 16 , preferably a servo-motor, in particular with gear, driven. Also the deflection wheel or the deflection 19 gets from another drive 18 moved, which also for propulsion on the chain 12 acts. Also with the further drive 18 it may preferably be a servo motor, in particular with gear. The drives 16 . 18 work in a mode where the chain 12 during the movement and the standstill tensioned in an upper chain center without play and with a through the drives 16 . 18 defined as low as possible bias is applied. For this purpose, at least one of the two drives 16 . 18 is controlled to set a desired voltage of the transport device 10 , especially the chain 12 and / or a belt of the transport device 10 , In this context, voltage in this context is understood in particular to mean a mechanical load acting on the transport device 10 , especially on the chain 12 , is exercised. The drives 16 . 18 For this purpose, they are moved to positions in which the chain 12 preferably tensioned free of play. The position of the drives 16 . 18 depends on a desired backlash tension of the chain 12 over time from the increasing lengthening of the chain 12 from. Thus, at least one of the drives 16 . 18 with a view to a lengthening of the chain 12 in one position relative to the other drive 16 . 18 method in which this elongation is compensated. This may correspond, for example, to the increase in elongation. Alternatively, at least one of the drives could 16 . 18 for example, when the other drive is at a standstill 16 . 18 , which exerts a holding moment on the chain 12 are driven and moved until a significant increase in torque to achieve the next position increment would be necessary. This increase in torque indicates that now the chain 12 is sufficiently tense. Now the drives can be connected 16 . 18 for normal transport of the packaging carrier 14 as described below, for example, be controlled speed synchronous, so that the desired voltage of the chain 12 , for example in the form of the desired length of the chain 12 between the two drive wheels 17 . 19 is, is maintained.

Thanks to the preferably servo-motor designed drives 16 . 18 Automatic referencing to a freely selected zero point in the machine is possible. The drives 16 . 18 can be set in a freely selectable ratio to divide pulling load and pushing load. The towing load is assigned, for example, a ratio of 50-90% of the total load, the sliding load is assigned a ratio of correspondingly 10-50% of the total load. The design of the drives 16 . 18 of the size-determining drive 16 . 18 can usually be designed smaller by one standard level than with single drives. The maximum load of the chain 12 the packaging carrier 14 is higher than for single drives.

The drives 16 . 18 operate preferably in a master-slave operation with a clamping function between the one drive 16 and the further drive 18 , The chain 12 is thus kept constant and jerk-free or play-free. The drive system is referenced to a defined zero point. The system can be operated in production mode at the middle of the station (the respective station 24 . 26 ) being held. There may be alternative reference points in the transport chain 12 be defined, which can be controlled if necessary.

The pulling drive 16 . 18 is the master, the pushing drive 18 . 16 the slave. In the exemplary embodiment would be in the transport direction shown 9 the drive 18 the pulling drive, so the master, and the drive 16 at the beginning of the transport device 10 the slave. There are different variants to the drives 16 . 18 to operate. In a first variant, it is a simpler version of the control technology. This is followed by the slave drive 18 . 16 the master drive 16 . 18 speed sync. This is the control 34 corresponding speed setpoints to the two drives 16 . 18 ,

In a further variant, both drives follow 16 . 18 a motion profile of a virtual axis. The slave drive 18 . 16 works with a position offset (input eg 2 mm). The position offset causes a "lag". This will cause a distortion of the chain 12 reached. If the chain 12 During operation, the drive torque of the slave drive decreases 18 . 16 , The control 34 of the slave drive 18 . 16 recognizes the sinking torque. The control 34 increases the offset value to the torque of the slave drive 18 . 16 and with it the tension of the chain 12 to keep constant.

The return of the chain not explicitly shown in the figures 12 or the upper strand can be tension-free. There are different variants. So can the chain 12 be filed in the return. Also could be a chain 12 be provided with tension wheels in the return. It would also be a drive wheel 17 or the diversion 19 with tensioning function in the transport direction 9 possible.

The machine length or length of the transport device 10 is known. This is the nominal dimension (theoretical dimension) of the machine or transport device 10 from station 20 until station 28 known. The machine and the modules or stations built on it 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 have a displacement range of about half the width of the packaging medium carrier 14 (eg 50 mm). With a chain elongation of approx. 0.5%, the limit of the adjustment range of a module or station becomes 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 reached. After that, a chain needs 12 be exchanged for a new one. About the sensors 30 . 32 . 35 for measuring the chain elongation and elongation and by the machine running times predictions for maintenance or adjustment of the machine are possible, for example, a prediction of the time to the next readjustment of the modules or stations 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 or the time to change the chain. This information is sent via the interface 36 output. For each machine station (stations 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 ) can be the actual position of the chain 12 be determined by calculation. The offset between actual value and setpoint results in the current difference. The control 34 and the interface 36 tell the operator whether the machine is operating in a safe operating window or whether the workstation (stations 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 ) or the module must be readjusted. Readjustments can be performed fully automatically or manually. This could be the controller 34 appropriate signals to the (work) stations 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 give, for example, according to the current elongation of the chain 12 slightly change the position accordingly.

The sensor 30 . 32 . 35 for the positioning accuracy of the packaging carrier 14 or the chain 12 can next to a signal in the transport direction 9 (Functionality measurement chain elongation) also record a signal in the vertical direction. Packaging carrier 14 , which differ from the driver 13 the chain 12 have solved (for example, by loosened screw), are recognized when the distance between the packaging carrier 14 and takers 13 has exceeded a permissible level. the interface 36 alerts the operator to a troubleshooting. The packaging material carrier 14 can be automatically moved to a repair position.

Alternatively, the and / or the other sensors could 30 . 32 . 35 above or below the packaging carrier 14 , preferably be arranged laterally to the top or bottom of the gap between two adjacent packaging medium carriers 14 to investigate. Alternatively could also be a hole or a reduction in the packaging material carrier 14 or a pin on the packaging carrier 14 be determined. Also a detection of a roll of the chain 12 Measuring from below gives information about the condition of the chain 12 , This is also possible directly via the sensor 30 . 32 . 35 , which is provided with a certain intelligence, on the one hand to output a signal which corresponds to an analog value of the chain elongation. In addition, the sensor could 30 . 32 . 35 immediately emit an alarm signal when the chain 12 worn out. This would be the case if the current chain length exceeds a permissible limit.

In filling machines, where the transport device 10 is preferably used are especially workstations like the stations 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 especially important with high positioning accuracy. These are, for example, stations 24 . 26 for the extraction of foreign particles, slip-on lid, beaker tightness control, lid labeling or coding.

Here are these machines with associated transport device 10 mainly used in the dairy industry as well as baby food and hospital food for filling liquid to pasty foods. Increasingly, the filling machines are also used in the field of soft drinks, soups and in the filling of sauces.

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 19542673 C2 [0002]

Claims (15)

Device for transporting packaging, in particular bottles or cups, comprising - at least one transport device ( 10 ), - at least one workstation ( 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 ), - at least one packaging material carrier ( 14 ), the transport device ( 10 ) along at least one workstation ( 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 ), - at least one drive ( 16 . 18 ) for driving the transport device ( 10 ), characterized in that - at least one further drive ( 16 . 18 ) for driving the transport device ( 10 ) is provided, wherein at least one of the two drives ( 16 . 18 ) is controlled to set a desired voltage of the transport device ( 10 ), in particular a chain ( 12 ) and / or a belt of the transport device ( 10 ), for the further transport of the packaging carrier ( 14 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two drives ( 16 . 18 ) in dependence on a recognized wear, in particular an elongation of the chain ( 12 ), the transport device ( 10 ) is driven. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with changing wear, in particular an elongation of the chain ( 12 ), the activation of at least one of the two drives ( 16 . 18 ) changed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the drives ( 16 . 18 ) is controlled as a master drive and the further drive ( 16 . 18 ) is driven as a slave drive depending on a control of the master drive. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two drives ( 16 . 18 ) are synchronously speeded to each other. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the drives ( 16 . 18 ), in particular the slave drive, with a position offset or position offset relative to the other drive ( 16 . 18 ), in particular the master drive, is activated. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position offset or position offset depends on the desired tension of the chain ( 12 ) and / or elongation of the chain ( 12 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control ( 34 ) is provided, which at a change of a torque, which at least one of the two drives ( 16 . 18 ), the control of at least one drive ( 16 . 18 ), in particular by the controller ( 34 ) a position offset or position offset, with which the drive ( 16 . 18 ) is changed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control ( 36 ), which is a wear, in particular an elongation of the chain ( 12 ), based on a change in a torque, which one of the drives ( 16 . 18 ), in particular the slave drive ( 16 . 18 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control ( 34 ) is provided, which drives ( 16 . 18 ) in a referencing, so that a reference position in the region of a reference station ( 22 ), preferably a workstation. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor ( 30 . 32 . 35 ) is provided for recording a measure ( 38 . 40 ) for detecting a wear, in particular an elongation of a chain ( 12 ), the transport device ( 10 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control ( 34 ) is provided, which in dependence on at least one output signal ( 31 . 33 . 37 ) of the sensor ( 30 . 32 . 35 ) at least one of the two drives ( 16 . 18 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control ( 34 ) is provided, the at least one workstation ( 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 ) drives in dependence on the output signal ( 31 . 33 . 37 ) of the sensor ( 30 . 32 . 35 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slave drive is driven with respect to a torque with which the master drive is controlled, reduced torque. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is at the workstation ( 20 . 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 ) at least about a transfer station and / or a sealing station and / or a filling station and / or a Packaging station and / or a test station and / or a packer is.

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