DE102021125919A1 - Device and method for diverting piece goods with diverting segments operated by linear motors - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for treating piece goods and in particular containers (10) with a transport device (2) which transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), with an inspection device (6) which 2) transporting containers (10) inspected and with a diverting device (4) which is suitable for diverting containers (10) from the transport path, this diverting device (4) having a large number of diverting segments (42a, 42b, ...). , which can be moved into the transport path in order to divert the containers, and having drive devices (44a, 44b) for moving the diverting segments (42a, 42b), characterized in that the diverting segments (42a, 42b) can be pivoted with respect to a predetermined axis of rotation and the Drive devices (44a, 44b) are electric linear motors with movable drive elements (46), these drive elements being coupled to the diversion segments (42a, 42b, ...) in such a way that the movement of the drive elements (46) results in a pivoting movement of the diversion segments (42a , 42b, ...) is implemented.

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for treating containers. Various devices and methods for treating containers are known from the prior art. It is also known that containers are inspected and rejected if they are defective.

The rejection of faulty containers from a production flow, for example before distribution, has been known from the prior art for a long time. It is known that diverting devices of this type have a large number of segments. These can have different widths. In some cases it is necessary to divert containers that are standing next to one another or containers that are a short distance apart without touching the front or rear container or the front or rear container.

The diverting segments are controlled one after the other, in particular depending on the conveying speed and the position of the containers to be diverted. If the container has passed a specific curve segment, it returns to the starting position. The curves have different lengths and therefore the number of these curve segments can vary.

Corresponding lifting curves are designed according to the largest container diameter. If the containers are stable and have a good coefficient of friction, the lateral acceleration of the containers is used by the rising curve and the last curve segments are not extended depending on adjustable speed thresholds. The containers slide out of the production flow on a production facility such as a conveyor belt.

It is known from the applicant's internal prior art to use linear motors to extend these curve segments. These linear motors must travel the entire path to build the curve geometry accurately.

Other companies use lifting segments and also folding segments. These lifting segments are controlled with pneumatic cylinders. In the case of folding segments, the linear movement is converted into a rotary movement (e.g. 90°) with a pneumatic cylinder. The curve segments are partially mounted on one axis. Due to the rotary movement, curve segments of different lengths can be controlled with the same stroke of the pneumatic cylinder, because the rotary movement always takes place at a specific angle.

If linear motors are used to move the segments, they must cover the entire path. As the stroke of the individual curve segments increases, the distance traveled by the linear motor becomes longer and longer, which means that more time is needed to move a curve segment in and out. Containers in the production flow before and after the container to be rejected can be touched and fall over or be moved due to the longer movement time of the curve segments. Due to an integrated guide, the curved segments of the lifting segment are heavier than, for example, a folding segment. In this way, lifting segments can be moved less dynamically (since less acceleration and a longer braking distance are required).

The use of pneumatic lifting cylinders has well-known disadvantages. On the one hand, a comparatively expensive medium, namely compressed air, has to be used. In addition, production is also expensive and complex compressed air buffers are also required for higher system outputs. In addition, pneumatic cylinders result in high noise emissions. Furthermore, pneumatic lifting cylinders have a higher level of wear and tear and require more maintenance. Also, pneumatic lifting cylinders cannot be adjusted as precisely as other drives.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating a rejection device which is also suitable for high production outputs and also of creating an improved adjustment option. Excessive noise emissions should also be avoided as far as possible.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for treating and in particular transporting piece goods and in particular containers has a transport device which transports the containers along a predetermined transport path. In addition, the device has an inspection device which inspects the containers transported by the transport device, and a diverting device which is suitable and intended for diverting containers from the transport path, this diverting device having a large number of diverting segments which can be moved in the transport path, to discharge the containers. In addition, a large number of drive devices are provided for moving the diversion segments. Preferred the diversion segments can be moved independently of one another and/or preferably each have their own drive device.

According to the invention, the diversion segments can be pivoted with respect to at least one specified axis of rotation and/or pivot axis and the drive devices are electric linear motors with movable drive elements, these drive elements being coupled to the diversion segments (in particular mechanically) in such a way that the movement of the drive elements is converted into a pivoting movement of the diversion segments and /or is converted.

A combination of a linear motor and a pivoting mechanism is therefore proposed, which enables particularly rapid switching (and/or pivoting) with still comparatively short stroke lengths of the linear motors. The drive elements are preferably the runners of the linear motors or the drive elements are coupled to these runners of the linear motors.

In a further preferred embodiment, the diversion segments can each be pivoted by a predetermined pivoting angle. This pivoting angle is preferably between 60° and 120°, preferably between 60° and 100°, preferably between 60° and 90° and particularly preferably between 70° and 90°.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport device transports the containers along a linear transport path, at least in the area of the diverting device. The diverting device is preferably arranged in a straight section of the transport path of the containers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the inspection device is suitable and intended for inspecting the containers optically and/or without contact. The transport device is preferably a conveyor belt, on which the containers are particularly preferably transported in an upright position.

Position-controlled linear motors are particularly preferably used. These have a high level of positioning accuracy and work very quietly compared to pneumatic drives. In addition, the speeds of the linear motors can also be determined and/or regulated.

In a preferred embodiment, the linear motors are motors that have a stator and a runner that can move linearly with this stator. The linear motors preferably have an electromagnetic direct drive, which is particularly preferably designed to be brushless.

Particularly preferably, at least one of the linear motors and preferably several and particularly preferably all of the linear motors have position sensors which are suitable and intended for detecting a position of the runner or runners of this linear motor relative to the stator. In a particularly preferred embodiment, these are internal position sensors.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the linear motors and preferably several and particularly preferably all of the linear motors have temperature sensors.

In particular, these are internally arranged temperature sensors, which allow the linear motors to be monitored.

The device particularly preferably has a monitoring and/or control device which determines and/or monitors movement parameters of the linear motor or motors. These movement parameters are selected from a group of parameters that contain a position of a runner of the linear motor, a speed of movement of the runner, a direction of movement of the runner, an acceleration of the movement of the runner and/or a force during the movement of the runner .

The device preferably has a control device which is suitable and intended for controlling the linear motor or motors in such a way that they run through a (particularly previously defined and/or programmed) travel profile and/or a travel sequence. In this case, it is particularly preferably possible for setpoint values of this travel profile to be predeterminable and/or to be predeterminable. Both analogue and digital setpoint specification is possible.

In a further preferred embodiment, the linear motor or motors is/are connected to a control device via an interface. This interface can be a field bus and/or an Ethernet connection, for example.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the pivot axis, about which the diverting segments are pivoted, extends parallel to the transport path. In a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of diversion segments and particularly preferably all diversion segments can be pivoted with respect to the same pivot axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the number of diverting segments is greater than 4, preferably greater than 5 and preferably greater than 8. In another preferred embodiment, the number of diverting segments is less than 50, preferably less than 40, preferably less than 30 and particularly preferably less than 25

At least one diverting segment is particularly preferred, and multiple diverting segments are preferably designed to be lighter. This means that these segments are preferably not designed as solid bodies, but rather partially as hollow bodies. The diverting segments are particularly preferably made of a plastic. The diverting segments are particularly preferably 3D printed parts. The diverting segments particularly preferably have a switching time which is less than 100 ms, preferably less than 80 ms, preferably less than 60 ms and particularly preferably less than 30 ms.

The piece goods are particularly preferably full or empty containers. These can be plastic containers or else glass containers. These can have different cross sections, for example circular cross sections, oval cross sections, polygonal cross sections and the like.

Plain bearings with narrow tolerances are particularly preferred for mounting the diversion segments on a shaft or an axle. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an axis or shaft, which is used for pivoting the diversion segments, is supported in at least one area, for example in a central area.

The diversion segments can preferably be pivoted within a predetermined pivoting range. This pivoting movement is particularly preferably limited in one direction by a stop. This stop or this stop element preferably limits the movement of the diverting segments in a reset position, ie a position in which they do not protrude into the transport path of the containers.

This stop particularly preferably also serves to reference the pivoting movement. This stop is preferably a metal stop. The conversion of the linear movement into the pivoting movement particularly preferably has connecting rods in each case. These connecting rods can be designed as identical parts.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive elements are connected to the diversion segments by means of a joint bearing and in particular by means of a double joint bearing. These bearings are particularly preferably designed to be maintenance-free. A particularly precise movement of the diversion segments is possible through the use of a joint bearing and in particular a double joint bearing. This double-pivot joint bearing particularly preferably has at least two and preferably exactly two ball heads. These can also serve to compensate for misalignments and tolerances.

Preferably, at least one linear motor and preferably several linear motors and preferably all linear motors have a stroke that is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 12 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm.

Preferably, at least one linear motor and preferably several linear motors and preferably all linear motors have a stroke that is less than 50 mm, preferably less than 45 mm, preferably less than 40, preferably less than 35 mm and particularly preferably less than 30 mm. As a result, the linear motors are used with comparatively short stroke distances and can therefore be controlled very quickly while still causing sufficient movement of the individual diverting segments.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a cooling device for cooling the linear motors. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling device is a heat sink on which linear motors are arranged. This is preferably a metallic heat sink. The cooling device is preferably a cooling device brought about by air and in particular by ambient air. The linear motors are preferably clamped between the heat sinks.

In a preferred embodiment, the device has a further diverting function for diverting the containers from the transport path. This diverting device is preferably suitable and intended for ejecting individual containers from the transport path. This function is particularly preferably performed by one or more diverting elements which, unlike when transferring onto a diverting belt, the one or more diverting elements do not build up in front of the container, but fold out almost in the middle of the container and thus push it over the diverting belt with high lateral acceleration .

A further diversion device particularly preferably has a linearly movable diversion component nent on, which allows ejection of individual containers directly by this linear movement. With this combination of two reject devices, individual containers or multiple groups of containers can also be rejected as required.

Particularly preferably, at least two adjacent linear motors and in particular linear motors adjacent in the transport direction are offset from one another and in particular offset from one another in two directions perpendicular to one another. The linear motors are therefore preferably not arranged at the same height position (which is preferably defined perpendicularly to the transport plane of the containers), but offset from one another.

The linear motors are particularly preferably arranged alternately with respect to one another in different positions. Particularly preferably, the linear motors are offset from one another perpendicularly to said pivot axis. In this way, the diversion segments with their associated linear motors can be placed in a small space.

Preferably, a first group of linear motors is arranged in a first plane and a second group of linear motors is arranged in a second plane which is parallel to and spaced from the first plane.

Particularly preferably, at least one linear motor causes a pivoting about a predetermined pivoting angle and a delivery of the diverting segment assigned to it into the transport deposit by extending (the drive element) and at least one other linear motor causing the diverting element assigned to it to pivot by the same predetermined angle by retracting ( of the drive element). This is explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

The linear motors in question can preferably always be arranged alternately above and below the pivot shaft. The mechanical connection, which converts the linear movement of the linear motors into a pivoting movement of the diversion segments, is particularly preferably designed in such a way that the same stroke path of the linear motor (either as part of an extension or as part of a retraction of the drive element) causes the same pivoting movement. A space saving can be achieved in this way.

In a preferred embodiment, linear motors are provided which are rigidly clamped in a heat sink. These are preferably used to control the diversion segments, which, as mentioned above, are in particular folding segments. The linear movement of the linear motors is thus preferably converted into a rotary movement by means of a double-pivot joint bearing and preferably via a deflection. The deflection is preferably mounted on an axle.

The maintenance-free double-pivot bearing preferably contains two ball heads to compensate for misalignments and tolerances. Due to the advantageous limitation of the width of the individual diversion segments or curve segments, the linear motors are arranged in a staggered row of two, as mentioned above. In this way, the double-pivot bearings are attached to the deflection at two different bearing points.

In order to be able to move the diversion segments downwards by a predetermined angle, such as 90°, with the same stroke, the upper row of linear motors pushes forwards and the lower row pulls backwards. The diversion segments are fastened to the deflection, in particular screwed on, in order to enable easy replacement when worn. The number and width of the diverting segments can be adapted to the curve geometry required, depending on the container size, system performance and stability.

The present invention is also aimed at a diverting device for diverting containers from transport paths, this diverting device having a multiplicity of diverting segments which can be moved into the transport path in order to divert the containers. Furthermore, drive devices for moving the diversion segments are also provided.

According to the invention, the diversion segments can be pivoted with respect to a specified axis of rotation and the drive devices are electric linear motors with movable drive elements, these drive elements (which are in particular the runners of the linear motors) being coupled to the diversion segments in such a way that the movement of the drive elements converts into a pivoting movement of the Diverting segments is implemented. In this case, it is preferably possible for the rejection device described here to also be retrofitted to existing systems.

A diverting element preferably has a carrier and a contact element arranged on this carrier and/or a contact surface which contacts the containers for diverting them.

The present invention is also aimed at a method for treating piece goods and in particular containers and in particular beverage containers. A transport device transports the piece goods and in particular the containers along a predetermined transport path and a diverting device diverts the piece goods or containers from the transport path, with this diverting device having a large number of diverting segments which are moved in the transport path in order to avoid the piece goods and/or evacuate containers. In addition, drive devices are provided which move these diversion segments.

According to the invention, the diversion segments are pivoted with respect to a predetermined axis of rotation and the drive devices are linear motors with movable drive elements, these drive elements being coupled to the diversion segments in such a way that the movement of the drive elements is converted into a pivoting movement of the diversion segments. The diverting segments are preferably pivoted one after the other in the transport direction.

The diversion segments are preferably pivoted through an angle that is greater than 30°, preferably greater than 40°, preferably greater than 60°, preferably greater than 70° and particularly preferably greater than 80°.

An inspection device, which is arranged in the transport device in front of the diverting device, preferably inspects the transported containers.

A linear movement of the linear motors and/or linear drives is particularly preferably converted into the pivoting movement of the diversion segments by means of a joint device.

• Darin zeigen:
  • 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
  • 2 eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Ausleiteinrichtung;
  • 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Ausleiteinrichtung mit ausgeklappten Ausleitsegmenten;
  • 4 eine Darstellung der Ausleiteinrichtung aus 3 mit hochgeklappten Ausleitsegmenten;
  • 5 eine Seitenansicht einer Ausleiteinrichtung mit in den Bewegungspfad ausgeklappten Ausleitsegmenten;
  • 6 die Ansicht aus 5 mit hochgeklappten Ausleitsegmenten;
  • 7 eine Detaildarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausleiteinrichtung;
  • 8 eine weitere Detaildarstellung einer Ausleiteinrichtung; und
  • 9 eine weitere Darstellung einer Ausleiteinrichtung;

Further advantages and embodiments result from the attached drawings:

• Show in it:
  • 1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;
  • 2 a plan view of a diversion device according to the invention;
  • 3 a perspective view of a diverting device with diverting segments folded out;
  • 4 a representation of the diversion device 3 with folded-up diverting segments;
  • 5 a side view of a diverting device with diverting segments folded out into the movement path;
  • 6 the view off 5 with folded-up diverting segments;
  • 7 a detailed view of a diversion device according to the invention;
  • 8th a further detailed view of a diversion device; and
  • 9 another representation of a diversion device;

1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention for treating containers 10. Here, a single-track transport device 2 in the form of a conveyor belt is provided, on which containers 10 are transported in a straight line here. The reference number 6 designates an inspection device which inspects the containers 10 . Reference number 4 designates a diverting device which is used to divert individual containers or groups of containers. A transport section 24 is provided, on which the containers that have not been diverted are transported further, and a diverting section 22, on which the diverted containers are transported further.

2 shows a plan view of a diverting device, wherein the diverting segments 42a, 42b etc. are swung out, ie protrude into the transport path. The reference numerals 46 each refer to drive elements or runners of linear motors 44a, 44b . These drive elements 46 are coupled to connecting rods 48 by means of articulated connections 45 . The movements of the linear motors 44a . . . allow the folding segments or diversion segments 42a, 42b .

3 shows a further representation of the diverting device. A stop 56 can be seen here, to which the individual diversion segments 42a, 42b or their carriers can be attached in a (in 3 not shown) created reset or folded up state. The reference number 54 identifies the stator of the linear motors in which the runner 46 moves. Reference number 52 denotes a carrier and reference number 57 denotes a contact element. This carrier 52 and the contact element 57 are components of the respective diversion segments.

However, the stop 56 is preferably only approached for referencing the linear motors. In a work operation (e.g. when withdrawing after a diverting process) is preferred the stop 56 is not contacted or approached by the linear motors or the carriers 52 .

4 shows the facility 3 , but here the diverting segments 42a, 42d are each folded up, ie do not cause the containers (not shown) to be diverted.

5 shows a side view of the diversion device. The heat sink 60, which cools the linear motors (stator 54), is also provided here again. The drive element 46 is coupled via a joint 45 to the connecting rod 48, which in turn is articulated to the diversion segments. Reference number 55 designates a carrier on which the diversion segments are arranged. The linear motor at the top here can extend in order to move the diverting segments from a retracted position into a diverting position in which the containers are diverted. The lower motors in each case achieve a pivoting of the diverting segments into the diverting position, ie the position in which the containers are diverted by being pulled back, ie in 5 a movement to the left.

6 shows the device 5 in a position in which the diverting segments are folded up and thus do not cause the containers to be diverted.

7 shows a detailed representation of the device according to the invention. The pivot axis S is shown here, with respect to which the diversion segments 42a are pivoted. It can be seen that the upper linear motors are articulated on a pivot shaft or pivot axis S1 and the lower linear motors on the pivot axis S2. The distances 11 and 12 between the pivot axis S and the axes S1 and S2 are preferably equal. As mentioned above, the pivoting movement of the diversion segments is achieved by the corresponding movements of the linear motors. The joint heads of the mechanical connection are thus also articulated on the pivot axes S1 and S2. Reference number 56 designates the stop against which the diverting segments or their supports 52 rest in the folded-up position.

8th shows a further detailed view of the diversion segments.

9 shows an overall view of the device according to the invention. The diversion segments 42a and 42b are also shown here again. The entire device is preferably integrated into a housing 80 .

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination. It is also pointed out that the individual figures also describe features which can be advantageous in and of themselves. The person skilled in the art recognizes immediately that a specific feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without adopting further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.

Claims (13)

Device (1) for treating piece goods and in particular containers (10) with a transport device (2) which transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), with an inspection device (6) which 2) transported containers (10) inspected and equipped with a diverting device (4) which is suitable for diverting containers (10) from the transport path (P), this diverting device (4) having a large number of diverting segments (42a, 42b, .. .) which can be moved into the transport path in order to divert the containers, and with drive devices (44a, 44b) for moving the diverting segments (42a, 42b), characterized in that the diverting segments (42a, 42b) can be pivoted with respect to a predetermined axis of rotation and the drive devices (44a, 44b) are electric linear motors with movable drive elements (46), these drive elements (46) being coupled to the diversion segments (42a, 42b, ...) in such a way that the movement of the drive elements (46) in a pivoting movement of the diversion segments (42a, 42b, ...) is implemented. Device (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the drive elements are connected to the diversion segments (42a, 42b, ...) by means of a joint bearing and in particular by means of a double joint bearing. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the double-pivot bearing has two spherical heads. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one linear motor (44a, 44b, ...) has a stroke which is greater than 10mm, preferably greater than 12mm, preferably greater than 15mm, preferably greater than 20mm and / or at least one linear motor has a stroke that is less than 50mm, preferably less than 45mm, preferably less than 40mm, preferably small less than 35mm and more preferably less than 30mm. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a cooling device (60) for cooling the linear motors (44a, 44b, ...). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cooling device (60) is a heat sink on which the linear motors are arranged. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a further diverting device for diverting the containers (10) from the transport path (P). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two adjacent linear motors are offset with respect to one another, in particular in at least two mutually perpendicular directions. Diverting device (4) for diverting containers (10) from transport paths, this diverting device (4) having a large number of diverting segments (42a, 42b, ...) which can be moved into the transport path in order to divert the containers, and having drive devices ( 44a, 44b) for moving the diversion segments, characterized in that the diversion segments can be pivoted with respect to a predetermined axis of rotation and the drive devices (44a, 44b) are electric linear motors with movable drive elements (46), these drive elements being coupled to the diversion segments in such a way that the movement of the drive elements is converted into a pivoting movement of the diversion segments (42a, 42b, ...). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diverting element has a carrier (52) and a contact element (54) which is arranged on this carrier and which contacts the containers for diverting them. Method for treating piece goods and in particular containers (10), wherein a transport device transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P) and a diverting device (4) diverts containers (10) from the transport path, wherein this diverting device (4) has a has a large number of diverting segments (42a, 42b, ...) which are moved into the transport path in order to divert the containers, and with drive devices (44a, 44b) moving these diverting segments (42a, 42b, ...), characterized in that that the diversion segments (42a, 42b, ...) are pivoted with respect to a predetermined axis of rotation and the drive devices (44a, 44b) are electric linear motors with movable drive elements (46), these drive elements being connected to the diversion segments (42a, 42b, .. .) are coupled in that the movement of the drive elements (46) is converted into a pivoting movement of the diversion segments (42a, 42b, ...). Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the diversion segments are pivoted through an angle which is greater than 30°, preferably greater than 40°, preferably greater than 60°, preferably greater than 70° and particularly preferably greater than 80°. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a linear movement of the linear drives is converted into the pivoting movement of the diversion segments by means of a joint device.

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