EP1584559B1 - Method and apparatus for aligning containers for liquid and flowable media, in particular beverages. - Google Patents

Abstract

The aligning process is for bottles (1a) to be arranged in crates (3). The bottle is gripped from above, turned to a defined initial position, and then brought to a selected defined position, with its front labels (44) and rear labels (58) correctly aligned. The printed carriers (57) are then applied to the bottles. The intended positions depend on the position for the bottles in the printed carriers.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for machine alignment of vessels such that they occupy preselected desired positions after storage on the trays of transport containers.

In the arrangement of beverage containers, in particular drinks bottles, in Gefachekästen, trays od. Like. It is often desirable to arrange the beverage containers so that their labels are visible from the outside. Even more so, this is desirable in the application of so-called. Bottle carrier, the od of kraft cardboard or the. Like. Produced and auf the necks of beverage bottles aufdrückbare carrying aids for a small number of z. B. 2 x 2, 2 x 3 or 1 x 4 bottles represent.

Previously known methods and devices for aligning beverage containers are usually combined with packaging machines, by means of which bottles delivered to a conveyor belt are automatically detected by gripping members and simultaneously turned during their transfer into container boxes (eg. DE 39 27 848 A1 . DE 39 09 865 A1 . DE 39 17 121 A1 ). The alignment of the bottles takes place exclusively in dependence on their position, which they occupy in the Gefachekasten, which is why only the outer bottles and those bottles are rotated, which are associated with a viewing opening in the Gefachekasten. In addition, there is the disadvantage that the bottles od their desired positions in the Gefachekästen. Like. Not always maintained, especially if they are transported on vibrating conveyor belts or otherwise supplied to a further treatment.

Furthermore, methods and devices of the type described are already known, by means of which the bottles are rotated only after introduction into a Gefachekasten ( DE 37 28 291 C2 ). Again, only those bottles are rotated to a preselected desired position, the labels can be made visible through an opening in the Gefachekasten. To secure the established nominal positions provided in the Gefachekästen brake or holding means. The economic application of such methods and devices has hitherto failed because od in the beverage sector no provided with such braking and holding means Gefackekästen. Like. Are available.

Finally, it is known not to bring bottles in Gefachekästen, but to provide with outer packaging or wrappings (so-called six-packs) ( US-PS 40 51 366 ). Here, before attaching the wrappers, the bottles are placed on a conveyor belt in spaced apart groups of six bottles, then rotated in a manner as desired in their later placement in the wrappers (six-packs), and only then a packaging machine fed. This results in the disadvantage that neither during the subsequent transport of the bottles standing loose on the conveyor belt nor during the packaging can it be ensured that the bottles maintain their previously established setpoint positions. One consequence of this is that more or less large and random deviations from the nominal positions result after the packaging step.

In view of this, the technical problem underlying the invention is to provide a method and a device of the type described, by means of which the alignment process is also automatically, but in a different manner than previously feasible.

To solve this problem, the characterizing features of claims 1 and 9 serve.

The invention has several advantages. First, it allows the alignment after arranging the vessels in normal Gefachekästen, trays od. Like., As they are fitted after alignment with aufdrückbaren from above, hereinafter referred to briefly as a carrier Carrying packaging or bottle carriers, at the same time as a backup for the manufactured Serve target positions. These carriers can be pressed onto the bottlenecks from above immediately after the production of the desired positions and without taking the bottles out of conventional trash boxes, trays or other boxes. By "immediate" is meant that the pressing of the carrier takes place at such an early point in time after the production of the desired positions that any further transport of the transport container on a conveyor belt or the like can not have any significant influence on the produced desired positions.

Carriers suitable for the purposes of the invention are known (e.g. DE 33 21 036 C2 . DE 40 34 069 A1 . DE 203 16 996 U1 ). Such carriers may be either manually or with dedicated devices ( DE 203 14 08 8 U1 . DE 203 17 325 U1 ) are placed on the vessels. With particular advantage, however, a device with the features of claim 9 is used, which has an automatically operating, following the alignment station placement station. This makes it possible to effect in a continuous processing line not only alignment and securing the position of the vessels, but also a loading of the vessels with carriers, as it is for the subsequent application z. B. is generally desirable in the beverage sector. During all these procedural steps are and remain the Vessels arranged in conventional and available on the market transport containers.

Further advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• Fig. 1 eine Seitenansicht einer erfmdungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Gefäßen;
• Fig. 2 eine Vorderansicht der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 eine Draufsicht der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1;
• Fig. 4 eine vergrößerte Seitenansicht einer Ausrichtstation der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 während eines Ausrichtvorgangs;
• Fig. 5 eine der Fig. 4 entsprechende Ansicht der Vorrichtung, jedoch mit einem seitlich offenen Transportbehälter für die Gefäße;
• Fig. 6 bis 8 Schnitte längs der Linien VI - VI bis VIII - VIII der Fig. 4;
• Fig. 9 eine vergrößerte Einzelheit X der Fig. 8;
• Fig. 10 eine schematische Darstellung eines Positionsstoppers der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 bis 8;
• Fig. 11 und 12 je eine der Fig. 5 bzw. 7 entsprechende Ansicht nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Ausrichten der Gefäße;
• Fig. 13 und 14 den Fig. 11 und 12 entsprechende Ansichten der Ausrichtstation nach Beendigung des Ausrichtvorgangs;
• Fig. 15 und 16 eine Einzelheit einer Hubvorrichtung der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 bis 8;
• Fig. 17 eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende Vorderansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in Kombination mit einer Bestückungsstation;
• Fig. 18 eine Draufsicht der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 17;
• Fig. 19 die perspektivische Darstellung eines Transportbehälters und von in diesem angeordneten, mit Trägern bestückten Gefäßen;
• Fig. 20 die perspektivische Ansicht eines einzelnen, dem Transportbehälter nach Fig. 21 entnommenen Trägers mit sechs Gefäßen;
• Fig. 21 und 22 perspektivische Darstellungen je eines Gefachekastens und Trays mit erfindungsgemäß ausgerichteten Gefäßen;
• Fig. 23 und 24 Seitenansichten der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung analog zu Fig. 7 in je einem abgesenkten und angehobenen Zustand der Gefäße bei Anwendung einer anderen Sensoreinrichtung;
• Fig. 25 eine schematische und stark vergrößerte Draufsicht allein auf die Gefäße und die Sensoreinrichtung nach Fig. 23;
• Fig. 26 groß schematisch die Vorderansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von unrunden Gefäßen; und
• Fig. 27 einen Längsschnitt durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Greiforgans für die Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1.

The invention will be explained in more detail in connection with the accompanying drawings held at different scales of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a side view of a device according to the invention for aligning vessels;
• Fig. 2 a front view of the device according to Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 3 a plan view of the device according to Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 4 an enlarged side view of an alignment of the device according to Fig. 1 during an alignment process;
• Fig. 5 one of the Fig. 4 corresponding view of the device, but with a laterally open transport container for the vessels;
• Fig. 6 to 8 Sections along the lines VI - VI to VIII - VIII of Fig. 4 ;
• Fig. 9 an enlarged detail of the X Fig. 8 ;
• Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a position stopper of the device according to Fig. 1 to 8 ;
• Fig. 11 and 12 one each of Fig. 5 or 7 corresponding view after the alignment of the vessels according to the invention;
• Fig. 13 and 14 the Fig. 11 and 12 corresponding views of the alignment after completion of the alignment process;
• FIGS. 15 and 16 a detail of a lifting device of the device according to Fig. 1 to 8 ;
• Fig. 17 one of the Fig. 1 corresponding front view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention in combination with a loading station;
• Fig. 18 a plan view of the device according to Fig. 17 ;
• Fig. 19 the perspective view of a transport container and arranged in this, equipped with carriers vessels;
• Fig. 20 the perspective view of a single, the transport container after Fig. 21 removed carrier with six vessels;
• FIGS. 21 and 22 perspective representations of a Gefachekastens and trays with inventively aligned vessels;
• Fig. 23 and 24 Side views of the device according to the invention analogous to Fig. 7 in each case a lowered and raised state of the vessels when using another sensor device;
• Fig. 25 a schematic and greatly enlarged plan view alone on the vessels and the sensor device according to Fig. 23 ;
• Fig. 26 large schematic front view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention for aligning non-circular vessels; and
• Fig. 27 a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of a gripping member for the device according to Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 1 to 3 show a device according to the invention for aligning beverage containers 1, which are hereinafter referred to briefly as bottles, initially only roughly schematically. An essential part of the device is an alignment station 2, in which a plurality of bottles 1 is not one after the other, but after their arrangement in a conventional, available on the market transport container 3, in particular a usual Gefachekasten for mineral, lemonade or beer bottles is turned off. For this purpose, the filled with the bottles 1 transport container 3 are preferably successively retracted in succession by means of a transport path 4 in the alignment station 2 and removed from this again. The direction of movement is in Fig. 1 and 3 denoted by an arrow v .

In the alignment station 2 standing in the transport containers 3 bottles 1 are detected from above with gripping members 5 and rotatably coupled with these. The gripping members 5 are in turn with rotating means 6, z. As electric motors, firmly connected and can of these together with the bottles 1 in a rotational movement about the in Fig. 2 vertical cylinder axes are offset 1x. Furthermore, the alignment station 2 is provided with sensor elements 7, which are directed from above to the bottles 1 and serve the purpose of located on the bottles 1 markers, z. As necklaces, and to derive therefrom the rotational position of the bottle 1. In this case, the gripping members 5, the rotating means 6 and the sensor elements 7 in the direction of the bottles 1 back and forth, in Fig. 1 Thus, in the direction of an arrow w up and down movable mounted on a lifting device 8 to couple the gripping members 5 after descending through the lifting device 8 with the bottles 1 or withdraw after uncoupling of these back up, so a new transport container. 3 can be introduced into the alignment station 2. Finally, a control device, not shown, is provided, which is connected to the gripping members 5, the rotating means 6, the Senorelementen 7, the lifting device 8 and other components such that the bottles located in the transport containers 1. 1 all are turned to a preselected desired position. In this case, it is assumed according to a first embodiment of the invention that transport containers 4 are used in which Fig. 3 4 x 6 = 24 bottles 1 are included with a predetermined division, and therefore that the lifting device 8 is provided in a corresponding division with 24 gripping members 5 and sensor elements 7. This ensures that all 24 bottles 1 detected simultaneously, can be rotated to the desired position and then released again.

Fig. 4 to 9 show further details of the device described, wherein like parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Thereafter, the lifting device 8 includes a mounted in a machine frame, stationary base plate 9, on which a cylinder 10 of a double-acting, preferably pneumatic cylinder / piston assembly 11 is attached. A piston rod 12 of this cylinder / piston assembly 11 extends through the base plate 9 vertically, ie in the Z direction of an imaginary coordinate system or parallel to the arrow w in Fig. 1 and 2 , Below the base plate 9, a frame 14 is fixed to the piston rod 12, which has a mounting plate 15 in a lower portion. On the mounting plate 15 a number of bottles 1 in the transport container 3 corresponding number of rotating means 6 is attached, the z. B. consist of DC geared motors and drive shafts 16 which are arranged parallel to the arrow w and the mounting plate 15 projecting downwards.

At the lower ends of the drive shafts 16 each one of the gripping members 5 is attached. Each gripping element 5 preferably consists of a so-called tulip gripper or a gripping tulip. Such gripping members 5 are well known for different types of bottles (eg. DE 37 28 291 C2 . DE 39 02 667 A1 ) and therefore need not be explained in detail here.

At the bottom of the mounting plate 15 holders 17 are fixed, with which at least one support plate 18 is fixedly connected, which has passage openings for the drive shafts 16. On this support plate 18, the sensor elements 7 are attached and so positioned so that each sensor element 7 is directed from above to an associated bottle 1, provided that it has been detected by a same sensor element 7 associated with the gripping member 5. The sensor elements 7 serve to scan on the bottles 1 existing markings from above and to recognize, in which it is z. B. imprints in the bottle glass, attached to the bottle bodies labels and can act with particular advantage to neck labels of bottles 1, such. In Fig. 7 and 10 is indicated by the reference numeral 19. The arrangement is according to Fig. 5 made so that after the correct insertion of the transport container 3 in the alignment station 2 automatically each drive shaft 16 and its axis of rotation coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation 5 of a fixed to her Dregangans 5 and this in turn coaxially on the axis of rotation 1x each associated bottle 1.

Moreover, the cylinder / piston assembly 11 is connected to the control device such that it extends the piston rod 12 with compressed air supply on one side of the piston and the frame 14 therefore moves to such a stroke parallel to the arrow w down that the gripping members. 5 according to Fig. 8 centered on the bottlenecks 1y from above ( Fig. 8 ) put on the bottle 1, while the compressed air supply on the other side of the piston piston rod 12 and with it the frame 14 are raised again. For safe guidance of the frame 14 serve at this fixed, arranged parallel to the stroke direction guide rods 20 which slide in guides 21 which are mounted on the base plate 9.

The gripping members 5 are normally held by a spring in its open position and by compressed air against the spring pressure in a the bottle neck 1y ( Fig. 8 ) brought comprehensive closing position. In order to be able to rotate in the closed position, ie under pressure, an arrangement is preferred Fig. 9 intended. Thereafter, a two-part, formed from an upper part 23 and a lower part 24 mounting block is provided for mounting the rotating means 6, which has an inner passage 25. In the passage 25 protrude an output shaft 6a of the rotating means 6 and the upper, with the output shaft 6a rotatably connected end formed as a hollow shaft drive shaft 16 (eg. Fig. 4 ). The upper end of the hollow shaft is closed.

Laterally next to the shafts 6a, 16, the upper part 23 and the lower part 24 are provided with aligned passages which form a channel 26. This has at an upper end to an air connection 27 and is connected at a lower end with a transverse bore 28 od to the outside by a grub screw. Like. Closed. Between the drive shaft 16 and the lower part 24, a hollow cylindrical sleeve 29 is arranged, which rotatably receives the drive shaft 16 and has a transverse bore 30, which is connected to a respective radially inner or outer, incorporated in the bushing circumferential groove. In this case, the transverse bore 28 of the channel 26 opens into the radially outer circumferential groove, while a transverse bore 16b, which is formed below the closed end of the drive shaft 16 in the sheath, opens into the radially inner circumferential groove of the bush 29. Therefore, the interior of the hollow drive shaft 16 is independent of their current rotational position and regardless of the stationary position of the sleeve 29 relative to the stationary upper part 23 and lower part 24 always in fluid communication with the air duct 26 in connection. If compressed air is supplied to the latter via the air connection 27, it can flow via the drive shaft 16 to that gripping element 5 which is connected to the gripper element 5 in FIG Fig. 9 free end of the drive shaft 16 is connected. The gripping member 5 can therefore be supplied both at rest and during a transmitted via the drive shaft 16 rotational movement with compressed air and thereby closed or held in the closed state.

Moreover, the mounting block 23, 24 provided at required points with seals 31, 32.

The operation of the device described is essentially as follows:

A transport container 3 is manually or automatically introduced into the alignment station 2 ( Fig. 1 to 3 ). This can be done automatically by the transport path 4 accordingly Fig. 2 is provided with two spaced conveyor belts 33a, 33b, which are guided over rollers driven by a drive motor 34. In addition, the transport path 4, not shown, photoelectric sensors, proximity switches od. The like. Assigned to signal the passage of the transport container 3. The photocells od. Like. Also cause via the associated with them and the drive motor 34 control means that the conveyor belts 33 a, 33 b are stopped as soon as a transport container 3 located in the alignment station 2 and in Fig. 10 Position stopper 35 shown schematically achieved in order to avoid unnecessary slippage of the transport container 3 on the conveyor belts 33a, 33b. The position stopper 35 is as Fig. 10 schematically shows, for. B. formed by the one leg of an elbow whose other leg z. B. below the space between the drive belts 33 a, 33 b and is mounted with a bearing pin 36 pivotally mounted on a bearing block 37. One of these legs downwardly projecting lever 38 is pivotally connected to the piston rod 39 of a cylinder / piston assembly 40, the cylinder 41 is also pivotally mounted with a bearing pin 42 on the bearing block 37. By applying the cylinder / piston assembly 40 with compressed air, the position stopper 35 can therefore in the Fig. 10 apparent stop position or in a schematically indicated by dashed lines release position to be pivoted. The position stopper 35 sets the supplied transport container 3, as viewed in the direction of the arrow v , in the position required for the alignment process, while the lateral position by guide rails 43 ( Fig. 2 ). The beverage containers 1 are now all arranged substantially coaxially with associated gripping members 5.

As soon as a transport container 3 rests against the position stopper 35, the lifting device 8 is actuated and thereby the frame 14, which has been in its high position up to that point, with all the parts mounted thereon, in the lowered position Fig. 1 . 4 . 5 . 7 . 8th or lowered 9, whereby the gripping members 5 are pushed onto the associated bottle necks. Subsequently, the gripping members 5 via the air connections 27 after Fig. 9 Compressed air supplied, making them tight to the bottlenecks be coupled. Thereafter, the rotating means 6 are turned on and the bottles 1 thereby rotated under the control or monitoring of the sensor elements 7 in preselected desired positions. This is z. B. from a comparison of Fig. 5 and 7 with the Fig. 11 seen. Fig. 5 and 7 show the side view of a series of bottles 1 with cut open transport container 3, wherein the neck labels 19 and located on the Flaschenkörpem main or Brustetiketten 44 are in randomly resulting positions (rotational positions). After a turning process ( Fig. 11 ), however, take all bottles 1 such a preselected set position that all labels 19, 44 have in the same or any preselected direction. That means in Fig. 11 z. B. that all labels 19, 44 have to the outside of the transport container 3, in which they are located.

Alternatively, it is possible to individually rotate each bottle 1 of a transport container 3 into a nominal position assigned to it individually. This results z. B. off Fig. 12 showing a front view of the transport container 3, in which four rows of six bottles 1 are arranged. The labels 19, 24 of the bottles 1a in a first, in Fig. 4 the leftmost row towards the outside, ie directed to the left in the drawing. In a second, middle row, however, the labels 19, 44 are directed from bottles 1b to the opposite side, ie towards the median plane of the transport container 3. In the third row, the orientation of bottles 1c is corresponding, ie their labels 19, 44 have mirror images of those of the bottles 1b to the median plane. Finally, in a fourth row of bottles 1d, which is in Fig. 12 are arranged rightmost, the arrangement again so that the labels 19, 44 of these bottles 1d outwards, ie in Fig. 12 are directed to the right, as well as out Fig. 11 is apparent.

Fig. 13 and 14 show the Fig. 11 and 12 corresponding elevations of the device according to the invention after the alignment and after raising the frame 14 again by means of the lifting device 8. This lifting operation is initiated as soon as all the rotating means 6 have come to a standstill, which shows the control device that the alignment process is completed.

Following the lifting of the frame 14 in FIG Fig. 13 and 14 is the position stopper 35 ( Fig. 10 ) is controlled in the release position and the drive motor 34 for the conveyor belts 33a, 33b turned on again. As a result, on the one hand provided with aligned bottles 1 transport container 3 according to Fig. 1 and 3 advanced into a station 45 in which it can be removed from the device, while at the same time a provided with not yet aligned bottles 1 transport container 3a is retracted in the direction of the arrow v in the alignment station 2. In this case, the subsequent transport container 3a was held until this time with another stopper, not shown, so far in front of the alignment station 2 in a waiting position that when removing the leading transport container 3 from the alignment station 2 still enough space and time between the transport containers 3 and 3a remains to od under the control of the light barriers. Like. Timely the position stopper 35 back to its stop position Fig. 10 to be able to pivot.

The control of the individual rotations of the bottles 1 is preferably carried out by means of a connected to the sensor elements 7, electronic, at least one microprocessor having control unit, which is part of said control device. In order to be independent of the angular position of the sensor elements 7 relative to the bottles 1, it is expedient to proceed as follows.

After coupling the gripping elements 5 with the bottles 1, these are first rotated in order to determine or produce a safe starting position for the bottles 1. In this case, each bottle 1 of the transport container 3 is driven individually by an associated rotating means 6. The associated sensor elements 7 now detect the states "neck label 19 present" or "neck label 19 not present". It is required that each of these two states is detected reliably at least once. This prevents bottles 1, which are exactly at the beginning in the direction of rotation from or behind the edge of the neck label 9, may be misjudged under circumstances, or that bottles that stand with their neck labels 19 in the detection range of a sensor element 7, erroneously judged as already aligned become. The latter could apply if a sensor element 7 is aligned with the associated bottle in such a way that its scanning beam strikes the neck label 19 even in the correctly arranged state.

As a result of the described requirements there are two possible cases. If the sensor element 7 at the beginning of the rotation process, the signal "neck label 19 not available" from, then the bottle 1 is first rotated by approximately 360 ° until two times a change from the bottle to the label or vice versa is signaled or to the signal "Bottle present" once the signal "label present" and then again the signal "bottle present" follows. It is then certain that the scanning beam is behind the neck label 19 in the direction of rotation. As a result, the next "neck tag 19 present" signal is used as an indication that the scanning beam is exactly at the forward leading edge of the neck label 19, and this position is defined as an "initial position" in the microprocessor control program. If this initial position is reached, the bottles 1 are still rotated by a predetermined angle of rotation. For this purpose, z. B. activates a timer that rotates the bottles 1 with the rotational speed of the rotating means 6 still for a preselected period of time. This time span can be set individually for each individual bottle 1 as a function of the position of the associated sensor element 7 and is selected so that the labels 19, 44 of the associated bottle 1 are exactly in the desired desired position when the rotating means 6 are switched off after this time has elapsed (eg Fig. 13, 14th ). Alternatively, however, the sensor elements 7 could also be mounted on the mounting plate 18 such that the same time span leads to the desired setpoint position for all bottles.

On the other hand, if the scanning beam is at the beginning of the turning operation on a neck label 9, then the signal "neck label 19 present" appears. As a result, the next transition to the bottle or the next signal "neck label 19 not present" is equivalent to the fact that the scanning beam is safe in the direction of rotation behind the neck label 19. In this case, therefore, at the next appearance of the signal "neck label 19 present", the timer is turned on until the associated Bottle has reached its preselected setpoint position. In this way, the required to reach a preselected desired position initial position is defined for safety's sake only when the scanning has been at least once on the label and once on the bottle. Of course, it would also be possible to temporarily stop the bottles in the initial position, but this would only delay the alignment process.

The described turning operations are terminated after the set time periods by switching off the associated rotating means 6. The alignment process as a whole is terminated when either all the rotating means 6 have been turned off or a set maximum alignment time has expired. By the latter prevents z. B. in a bottle 1 without neck label 19 or with wrong standing neck label 19 is endlessly trying to effect an alignment. At the same time, upon reaching the maximum alignment time, an error signal may be generated which shuts down the device or generates an alarm signal.

In a particularly advantageous variant of the alignment device described, the frame 14 is raised by a small amount after coupling the gripping members 5 with the bottles 1 until the bottoms of the bottles 1 coupled via the gripping members 5 to the frame 14 are somewhat (eg some Millimeters) are arranged above the bottoms 3b of the transport containers 3, as in FIG Fig. 7 and 12 is indicated by a measure h . This ensures that the bottles 1 do not rest on the trays 3b of the transport containers 3 during the turning process and can damage them, which can not be ruled out when using sensitive materials.

In order to be able to realize such a lifting movement even when using a simple cylinder / piston arrangement 11, it is proposed according to the invention, prior to the lifting operation, to place a spacer 47 (FIG. Fig. 15, 16 ) between the base plate 9 and the frame 14 to arrange. The spacer 47 is attached to a horizontally disposed piston rod of a cylinder / piston assembly 48 which by means of a holder 49 is attached to de base plate 9, that the frame 14 in a retracted position of the spacer 47 with the full stroke of the cylinder / piston assembly 11 can be moved up and down. If the cross-section z. B. U-shaped spacers 47, however, according to FIGS. 15 and 16 brought in lowered position frame 14 in an advanced position in which he partially surrounds the piston rod 12 of the cylinder / piston assembly 11, then the frame 14 can be withdrawn only as far as the stop on the spacer 47 and thus only so much , as the measure h in Fig. 7 and 12 equivalent. After completion of the rotation process, the bottles 1 are then lowered by means of the cylinder / piston assembly 11 initially again, z. B. until reaching the bottoms 3b, while then after loosening the gripping members 5 of the frame 14 by means of the cylinder / piston assembly 11 again completely in from Fig. 13 and 14 apparent position is raised. By selecting the thickness of the spacer 47 can therefore be preselected, how large the dimension h should be, with which the bottles 1 are raised before the turning operation on the bottoms 3b.

A second, currently considered best embodiment of the invention is in Fig. 17 and 18 shown. In this embodiment, an alignment station 49 and a loading station 50 are provided in the direction of the arrow v . The alignment station 49 is substantially equivalent Fig. 1 to 16 trained, while the loading station 50 serves to stock in transport containers 51 located bottles 1 with the already mentioned bottle carriers.

In accordance with the invention, this placement station 50 is assumed to operate at a slower rate than the alignment station 49. Therefore, it is provided for the alignment station 49 to mount the lifting device 8 and all attached to her components on a carriage 52 which is mounted on at least one parallel to the arrow v and substantially horizontally arranged guide rail 53 mobile. For moving the carriage 52 z. B. a arranged at one end of the alignment 49 drive motor 54, the output shaft carries a drive wheel, which acts on a rotating drive belt 55, which at the other end of the alignment station 49 runs over a rotatably mounted guide roller and is secured at a suitable location on the carriage 52. In this case, the guide rail 53 in the transport direction v is so long that the entire lifting device 8 can be moved by a distance that corresponds to the length of a transport container 51 or more transport container 51 selectively. In addition, the loading station 50 is set up so that at least two transport containers 51 can be arranged and processed in it at the same time.

The basis of the Fig. 17 and 18 described alignment station 49 is operated as follows:

First, two transport containers 51a, 51b are moved into the alignment station 49, wherein in this analogous to the above description, a position stopper 35 (FIG. Fig. 10 ) od. Like. Is used. The lifting device 8 is z. B. in such a starting position that it is after the introduction of the transport container 51 above the first transport container 51a in the transport direction ( Fig. 17 ). Following this, the bottles 1 located in this transport container 51a are aligned in the manner described above.

After completion of this process and lifting the frame 14 in its uppermost position, the drive motor 54 also connected to the control device is turned on and the lifting device 8 is moved back against the transport direction by the length of a transport container 51 until it is above the second transport container 51b. This process is od with other, not shown, photocells od. Like. Monitors. Following this, the alignment of the bottles 1 standing in the transport container 51b takes place in the manner described above.

In a next method step, the lifting device 8, depending on whether in the alignment station 49 only two or more than two transport containers 51 are arranged, either to the starting position Fig. 17 be brought or again moved back by the length of a transport container 51 to align located in another transport container 51 bottles. This process can be at corresponding length of the guide rail 53 are repeated as many times as waiting transport containers 51 in the alignment station 49 for their processing. At the end of all alignment operations, the lifting device 8 is moved back. It is clear that the starting position for the lifting device 8 in Fig. 17 also on the far left, ie, for example, could be above the transport container 51b, from which it is then moved later in the transport direction on the transport container 51a.

Simultaneously with the described alignment processes, a number of transport containers 51, which corresponds to the number of located in the alignment station 49 transport container 51, processed in the loading station 50 and z. B. equipped with the above-mentioned carriers. In contrast to the alignment station 49, this process takes place simultaneously by means of two (or more) placement devices 56a, 56b on the two (or more) transport containers 51c and 51d. This makes it possible, with a clock in each case z. B. two transport containers 51 from the alignment station 49 in the placement station 50 and at the same time introduce two new transport containers 51 in the alignment station 49 and thereby to use the optimum operating speeds of the two stations 49, 50 components. In the event that the alignment station 49 operates slower than the subsequent (or a preceding) placement station 50, it would also be conceivable to provide the alignment station 49 with two complete lifting devices 8 and in the Bestükkungsstation 50 with a movable processing unit successively two or more transport containers to edit. Also in this case, a compact unit is obtained, which contains two working with the same clock processing stations.

The basis of the 11 to 18 described, individual alignment of the bottles 1 a to 1 d serves the purpose of them for the assembly with a carrier 57 ( Fig. 19 ) to be prepared, which can be pressed from above on the necks of standing in the transport containers 3 bottles. Such carrier 57 may, for. B. each 2 x 3 bottles 1a to 1d record, as described in detail in the cited documents. That would be based on the Fig. 12 explained arrangement mean that each carrier 57 receives three bottles 1a and 1b or 1c and 1d, as in Fig. 19 is shown by way of example. Due to the clamping seat of the bottle necks in the associated openings of the carrier 57, the target positions of the bottles 1a to 1d produced by the pressing of the carrier 57 are also fixed, so that the transport container 3 can now be transported on the transport path 4 or otherwise, without the There is a risk that the nominal positions of the bottles 1a to 1d will change again as a result.

While Fig. 19 in a transport container 3 for 24 bottles four carriers 57 for each six bottles in the form shows how the transport container 3 z. B. presented in a supermarket, shows Fig. 20 a single of these carriers 57 with six bottles 1c and 1d as he z. B. after removal from the transport container 3 is obtained by a customer. The breast labels show 44 z. B. each one or the other outside, while about existing back labels 58 face each other.

The carriers 57 can be automatically pressed onto the bottles 1 manually or with the aid of the loading station 50. The only prerequisite is that the placement of the bottles 1 with the supports 57 follows the alignment process in the alignment station 49 immediately or so quickly that the bottles 1 do not undergo any significant rotations that change their target positions during their treatment or transport steps following the alignment can execute. This should also apply according to the invention if conventional, ie no additional braking or holding means having transport container 3 are used. In the case of the Fig. 17 and 18 described example of an automatic assembly, the cycle times are selected, for example, that depending on the performance of the device between a turning operation in the station 49 and a loading process in the station 50, assuming the usual transport speeds a period of about 8 to 15 seconds, which has proved to be completely sufficient for the desired assurance of the manufactured rotational positions.

The placement station 50 includes, as in Fig. 17 and 18 is shown only schematically, two to a unit 59 interconnected magazines 60a and 60b, in each of which a plurality of the carrier 57 (FIG. Fig. 19 ) is kept in stock. Each magazine 60a, 60b contains two in the transport direction v of the transport container one behind the other chambers, one of which is provided with carriers 57 for the leading transport container 51d and the other with carriers 57 for the trailing transport container 51c.

The assembly 59 is on a not shown, perpendicular to the plane of the Fig. 18 arranged shaft rotatably mounted in a frame 61. It can also by means of a not shown, mounted in the frame 61 and connected to the control device motor to a plane to the Fig. 18 vertical axis of rotation in each case by 180 ° between two fixed predetermined positions back and forth to be rotated, as a circle 62 indicates. One of these two positions is in Fig. 18 shown. In it is the magazine 60a in a filling position and the magazine 60b in a removal position, while it would be reversed by a rotation of the assembly 59 by 180 °. In the filling position, an emptied magazine (or each of its two chambers) is manually or otherwise filled with the carriers 57, while in the removal position, the carriers 57 located in the respective magazine are removed for equipping the transport containers 51c, 51d. Otherwise shows Fig. 18 in that the assembly 59 is arranged laterally next to the conveyor belts 33a, 33b for the transport containers 51c, 51d.

Above the unit 59 are accordingly Fig. 17 and 18 two horizontal guide rails 63 are attached to the frame 61, which extend from the magazine 60b located in the removal position to a position above the conveyor belts 33a, 33b. On these guide rails 63 is od with rollers, ball bearings 64 od. Like. At least one cross-beam 65 transversely to the transport direction v movable, carrying a track. For each of the two transport containers 51c, 51d, this contains as many (in this case for example four) removal and placement heads 66a and 66b as carriers 57 per transport container 51c, 51d. Each withdrawal and Placement head 66a, 66b is by means of a respective pneumatic cylinder / piston arrangement 67a, 67b and associated sliding guides 68a, 68b in the direction of an arrow x ( Fig. 17 ) mounted vertically displaceable on the track and provided with vacuum cups, not shown. Each removal and placement head 66a, 66b z. B. be provided with four such vacuum cups.

The described placement station 50 operates essentially as follows:

After entering the two provided with aligned bottles 1 transport container 51c, 51d in the placement station 50, the track is placed on them in position. Thereafter, with the help of the cylinder / piston assemblies 67a, 67b and the sliding guides 68a, 68b, the removal and placement heads 66a and 66b, which have previously received from the magazine 60b each have a carrier 57, each assigned to one of the carrier group of Bottles 1 lowered and pressed from above against the necks, whereby the carrier 57 accordingly Fig. 19 be pressed onto the bottle 1. Thereafter, if necessary, the vacuum cups are deactivated and the removal and placement heads 66a, 66b are raised again and moved in the direction of the magazine 60b, while at the same time the transport containers 51c, 51d are transported further and replaced by new transport containers. During this time, the removal and placement heads 66a and 66b, after they have been positioned in registration over the magazine 60b, lowered by means of the cylinder / piston assemblies 67a, 67b, after re-activation of the vacuum cups each have a further carrier 57 from to remove the magazine 60b. After renewed lifting of the removal and placement heads 66a, 66b or already during the lifting process, their return transport takes place to register-accurate alignment over the next two transport containers 51c and 51d. The described method steps are then repeated until the magazine 60b is emptied. Then, the assembly 59 is rotated 180 °, on the one hand to continue the loading process with the magazine 60a and on the other hand to refill the magazine 60b.

In the embodiments described so far, the vessels 1, 51 were transported in the usual Gefachekästen the alignment station 2, 49. In contrast, shows Fig. 21 an example of a transport container 70 or box made of a transparent material. In such boxes 70, it may be desirable or desirable to give containers 71 with labels on side surfaces 70a of boxes 70 a different orientation than end faces 70b. Is in Fig. 21 shown, after which labels 72a are arranged substantially perpendicular or in a position rotated by 90 ° with respect to the labels 72b.

Another variant shows Fig. 22 according to which the containers 71 are arranged in flat transport containers or trays 73 instead of in boxes 70. Otherwise, the same applies as in Fig. 21 , The processing of the containers 71 which are portable in the trays 73 can in turn be carried out in the manner described above. However, as described, the orientation of the bottles 71 or their labels 72 does not depend on which position the bottles 71 are in the transport containers 70 or trays 73, but what orientation they have within the carriers 57 (FIGS. Fig. 19, 20 ) should have. The orientation of the bottles 71 in the carriers ( Fig. 20 ) depends, moreover, on the type of wearer used in each case. It is clear that the invention can also be realized with the help of carriers or carrying packages that summarize the bottles in transport containers for 24 bottles each to containers of 2 x 2, 2 x 4, 1 x 3, 1 x 4, etc. Bottles can, so that per transport container z. B. six, three, eight or six carriers would be used. Accordingly, in transport containers for 20 bottles each division of 1 x 2, 1 x 4, 1 x 5, etc. per carrier could be made. Even different types of assignments would be possible, for. B. four carriers with 1 x 3 bottles and two carriers with 2 x 3 bottles in a transport container with 24 bottles. It is important only that the number of bottles 1, which can be received by a carrier is smaller than the number of receivable by a transport container bottles, the number of bottles per transport container can be distributed without residue on the various carriers and therefore no Bottle remains, which does not belong to any one of the carriers associated carrier. It would be Depending on the case, it may be possible to either empty some of the gripping members in the alignment station 49 or to provide the frame 14 with gripping members, sensor elements, etc., as is required in individual cases.

As sensor elements 7 preferably reflected light or laser probe are used, the from above (eg. Fig. 4 and 5 ) are directed to the bottles 1, in particular the bottle necks, under such a small angle relative to the axes of rotation 1 a, that the sensor elements 7 on the one hand even when placed on the bottles 1 gripping members 5 z. B. the neck labels 19 can "see", but on the other hand, the scanning beam paths of the sensor elements 7 are not disturbed or interrupted by parts of the transport container 3 or the alignment. The sensor elements 7 are also adapted to detect the color differences between the bottle materials and the label materials or other differences between the bottles and preselected markings on them.

Alternatively, it is also possible, the sensor elements 7 accordingly FIGS. 23 to 25 to attach to the lower ends of rod-shaped support domes 74, whose upper ends are fixed to the support plate 18. In this case, the support pins 74, as Fig. 25 shows, in the alignment position of the transport container 3 expediently arranged above intersection points 75 at which intersect the compartments for the bottles 1 forming intermediate walls 76. Since there form gaps between the individual bottles 1, the carrying dome 74 and with them the sensor elements 7 can dive deep into the transport container 3 and in close proximity z. B. the belly labels 44 of the bottles 1 are arranged. In addition, it is possible to arrange the sensor elements 7 in a star shape and in such a way that four sensors 7 are present on each support mandrel 74, by means of which, accordingly Fig. 25 four bottles 1 can be scanned. For a transport container 3 with 24 bottles, therefore, six such carrying dome 74 with four sensor elements 7 each are required. Also shows Fig. 23 the bottles 1 in a parked on the bottom 3b of the transport container 3 state while Fig. 24 the bottles 1 in a raised state to a preselected height. It can be seen that the bottles 1 as needed in up to Such a height can be increased so that the sensors 7 optimally scan the marks selected in individual cases during the rotation of the bottles 1. If necessary, these could also be colored markings located on the labels.

Fig. 26 shows a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in one of Fig. 4 corresponding view, but omitting the parts not essential here. Incidentally, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

Notwithstanding the previous description is in Fig. 26 assumed that vessels 78 are present, which are not rotationally symmetrical, in particular z. B. are cylindrical, but the z. B. oval, square or other cross-sections. Such vessels 78, regardless of whether they od in Gefachekästen or in boxes, trays. Like., Which have no compartments arranged are not readily rotated because they then butt with their long sides against each other or to wall sections of transport containers 79 would that here z. B. consist of conventional trays. Therefore, it is proposed according to the invention to bring the vessels 78 at least partially into different height levels in such a case. Is in Fig. 26 schematically indicated by vessels 78a and 78b, which are also both lifted out of the transport containers 79 completely upwards. Due to the different levels of lifting, it is achieved that more space is available for one rotation for each individual vessel 78. This is especially true if z. B. in each row of transport containers 79 z. B. each second vessel 78a of a first group and the remaining vessels 78b are assigned to a second group and also the one of these groups associated vessels 78a, 78b are arranged from row to row by one vessel relative to each other. Each group of vessels 78a, 78b is assigned its own lifting device in such a case, as in FIG Fig. 19 only schematically indicated. For example, the vessels 78a are coupled to rotary members 5a, which are connected by drive shafts 16a to rotating means 6 fixed to a first frame 14a. This frame 14a can z. B. be raised and lowered by means of a first cylinder / piston assembly. By contrast, the vessels 78b can be coupled to rotary members 5b, which are fastened to drive shafts 16b. These drive shafts 16b penetrate the frame 14a and are connected above this with rotating means, not shown, which are fixed to a second frame, not shown, which can be raised and lowered by a second cylinder / piston assembly. In this case, it is possible to give the cylinder / piston arrangement for the first frame 14a a smaller stroke than the cylinder / piston arrangement for the second frame, thereby producing the different height levels for the two groups of vessels 78a and 78b. In this case, the rotational movements for both groups of vessels 78a, 78b can be performed simultaneously, allowing for high processing speeds. According to another variant, but the vessels 78a and 78b could also be successively raised in groups, rotated and thereby aligned.

After another, the Fig. 26 Similarly, the rotary members 5a, 5b are divided into two (or more) groups and coupled with a lifting device in such a way that first lifted the one group of vessels 78a in a certain level of rotation enabling pivoting, then aligned and then again is parked in the transport container 79. Following this, the second group of vessels 78b is then raised, aligned and lowered again in the same manner and to the same height level. In this case, this height level can be chosen so large that the vessels 78 are lifted out of the transport container 79 in each case before turning.

Instead of the described gripping members 5 other gripping members can be used. In Fig. 27 is z. B. a gripping member 80 is shown, which works with suction pressure (vacuum). The gripping member 80 includes analogous to Tulip grippers a receiving body 81 which is formed in the manner of an upside-down cup and placed over the neck 82a of a vessel 82, the od with a closure 83 (crown cap, screw cap. Like.) Is provided. The receiving body 81 has at an upper end an opening 84 in which a hollow drive shaft 16 as described above is attached pressure-tight (see, in particular Fig. 9 ).

If this drive shaft 16 via the in Fig. 9 shown air terminal 27 connected to a suction source instead of a pressure source, then the neck 82a of the vessel 82 is drawn by the resulting negative pressure in the receiving body 81. It is advantageous if the end of the drive shaft 16 is applied by means of a funnel-shaped widening connector 85 to the closure 83. Greiforgane this type can be advantageously used in the presence of containers in the form of cans, which od no screw caps, crown caps. Like., But have smooth faces. In the case of cans made of magnetic materials, magnetic or electromagnetic gripping and holding devices could alternatively be used.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, which can be modified in many ways. This applies first to the shape and size of the vessels to be aligned and the receiving them transport container. For the purposes of the present invention, vessels are in particular product packaging in the form of bottles, cans or the like for liquid or flowable media, with the exception of beverages, other materials such as liquid soaps, oils and other products being considered. The vessels can, how Fig. 26 shows, instead of being rotationally symmetric, it should also be non-circular. Accordingly, the transport containers can be boxes, trays or other packaging containers which serve to receive a plurality of vessels in or on themselves, and which for this purpose are provided with suitable compartments or not. Further, the invention is not limited to the described manner of producing the desired desired positions. When using two or more sensor elements 7 per vessel 1 and corresponding arrangement of the sensor elements 7 on the circumference of the vessels, it may, for. For example, it may be possible to find the initial positions searched for further rotation into the desired nominal positions faster or differently than described above. In addition, it will be appreciated that the placement station 50 also has only one or more than two placement devices 56a, 56b and correspondingly each magazine 60a, 60b only one or more can have more than two chambers. Finally, it is understood that the various features may be applied in combinations other than those described and illustrated.

Claims (17)

1. Method for the machine alignment of receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) for liquid and flowable media, in particular beverages, wherein the receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) are placed on the bases (3b) of transport containers (3, 51, 70, 73, 79) and then gripped from above and rotated into a preselected desired position, characterised in that after being rotated all the receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) are provided with holders (57) pressed onto their throats from above, wherein each holder (57) pressed onto selected receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) of an associated transport container (3, 51, 70, 73, 79) takes up fewer receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) than the associated transport container (3, 51, 70, 73, 79), whereas the total number of receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) taken up by all these holders (57) is equal to the number of receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) taken up by the associated transport container (3, 51, 70, 73, 79), and that all the receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) of a transport container (3, 51, 70, 73, 79) are respectively rotated into a preselected desired position, which is dependent on its position in the respective holder (57).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the holders (57) are pressed onto the receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) directly after rotating the receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) and is conducted so that the given desired positions are assured by the pressed-on holders (57).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that all the receptacles (1) located on the bases (3b) of the transport containers (3) are rotated into the preselected desired positions simultaneously.
4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the receptacles (78) are rotated consecutively into the preselected desired positions in groups.
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least two groups are formed from the receptacles located on the bases of the transport containers (79), the receptacles (78a) of each group are then respectively gripped together from above and the receptacles (78b) of one group are raised to a greater height than the receptacles (78a) of the other group, and that the receptacles (78a, 78b) of both gropus are then rotated into the preselected desired positions.
6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the receptacles (1, 59, 62) are raised by a small dimension (h) from the bases (3b) of the transport containers (3, 51, 70, 73, 79) before being rotated.
7. Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) are set down again onto the bases (3b) after the desired positions are created.
8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) are firstly rotated into a defined initial position and then after the initial position is created are brought into the preselected desired positions by rotating them further around a preselected angle or for a preselected time.
9. Device for aligning receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82) for liquid and flowable media, in particular beverages, including: an aligning station (2, 49) to receive a transport container (3, 51, 70, 73, 79) filled with a predetermined number of receptacles (1, 71, 78, 82), gripping members (5, 80), which are individually associated with the receptacles (1) and can be coupled to these, rotation elements (6) connected individually to the gripping members (5, 80) for rotating the gripping members (5, 80), sensor elements (7) individually associated with the receptacles (1) for detecting preselected markings located on the receptacles (1), and a control means connected to the rotation elements (6) and the sensor elements (7) for controlling the gripping members (5, 80) and the rotation elements (6), characterised in that it includes a fitting station (50) for fitting the receptacles (1) with holders (57) that can be pressed onto these and a transport means (4) for transporting the receptacles (1) from the aligning station (2, 49) to the fitting station (50), and the control means is arranged so that all the receptacles (1) of a transport container (2) are rotated by the rotation elements (6) into a preselected desired position dependent on its position in the holders (57).
10. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that the gripping members (5, 80), rotation elements (6) and sensor elements (7) are mounted on at least one frame (14), which is movable backwards and forwards in the direction of the receptacles (1), of a hoisting device (8) connected to the control means.
11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the control means is arranged so that the frame (14) is raised by a preselected dimension (h) after the receptacles (1) are coupled to the gripping members (5, 80) and before the rotation elements (6) are actuated in order to lift the receptacles (1) from bases (3b) of the transport containers (2).
12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that the control means is arranged so that the frame (14) is firstly lowered again after the desired positions are created and before the receptacles (1) are detached from the gripping members (5, 80) to place the receptacles (1) on the bases (3b) of the transport containers (2).
13. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the control means is arranged so that the receptacles (78a, 78b) are coupled consecutively to the gripping members (5a, 5b) in at least two groups, rotated by means of the rotation elements (6) and then detached from the gripping members (5a, 5b) again.
14. Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that the hoisting device (8) is configured so that the receptacles (78a, 78b) can be gripped with at least two groups of gripping members (5a, 5b) and the groups of receptacles (78a, 78b) can be raised to different height levels above the bases of the transport containers (79) before being rotated.
15. Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterised in that it has a transport path (4) for moving the transport containers (2) in cycles, and the aligning station (2, 49) is assigned to a section of this transport path (4) in such a way that the transport containers (2) are run into the aligning station (2, 49) or removed therefrom in cycles.
16. Device according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterised in that the fitting station (50) includes two or more fitting units (56a, 56b) arranged one behind the other in the transport direction (4) to simultaneously fit the receptacles (1) of two or more transport containers (51c, 51d) with holders.
17. Device according to claim 16, characterised in that the hoisting device (8) is arranged inside the aligning station (49) to be movable in the transport direction of the transport containers (51), at least two respective transport containers (51) can be run into the aligning station (49) or removed therefrom per cycle, and the control means is arranged so that consecutively the hoisting device (8) is firstly arranged above a first container of the transport containers (51a) and is used to align the receptacles (1) of this first transport container (51a), is then run in the direction of movement of the transport containers (51) and arranged above the at least one second transport container (51 b) located in the aligning station (49) and is used to align the receptacles (1) located in the second transport container (51 b), and then both transport containers (51a, 51b) are moved from the aligning station (49) to the fitting station (50).

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