EP3165354A1 - Compacting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a compacting device for compacting containers (6) with at least one compacting unit (1), comprising a feeder (12) for a container (6) and an ejector (13) for a compacted container, at least one conveying device with several co-acting in the same direction Traction devices that transport a container (6) to be compacted by a compression channel (4) that tapers in the direction of transport and that extends from the feeder (12) to the ejector (13) and in which the container (6) extends transversely to the transport direction of an output cross-section is compressed to a target cross-section, wherein the traction devices are formed as plate belts (2, 3), two plate belts (2, 3) limit the compression channel (4), the two plate belts (2, 3) arranged convergent with each other at a first angle are and these plate bands (2, 3) are additionally interlocked by a second angle to each other, wherein the first W Increment, a first compression direction from the output cross section to the target cross section perpendicular to the transport direction and the second angle, a second compression direction from the output cross section to the target cross section perpendicular to the transport direction (FIG. 1)

Description

The invention relates to a compacting device for compacting containers with at least one compacting unit, comprising a feeder for a container and an ejection for a compacted container, at least one transport device with a plurality of co-acting pulling devices that transport a container to be compacted by a compressed in the transport direction compression channel which extends from the feeder to the discharge and in which the bundle is compacted transversely to the transport direction from a starting cross section to a target cross section.

Such a container is for example a disposable plastic bottle or a beverage can. A compacting device according to the invention is, for example, part of a reverse vending machine or an empties return station, in which a consumer can deliver empties, for example in a shop, against return of a deposit. A reverse vending machine accepts empties in the form of containers, for example disposable plastic bottles or beverage cans and leads this package to a compacting device.

A compaction device of the aforementioned kind is, for example, in EP 2 692 513 A1 described. The EP 2 692 513 A1 describes a compacting device for compacting containers comprising a compacting unit having an insertion opening for inserting at least one container, at least one propulsion device for transporting the at least one container in an insertion direction and an ejection opening for ejecting the at least one compacted container. The compacting unit is designed as a funnel which extends between the insertion opening and the ejection opening and tapers towards the ejection opening, wherein the compacting unit has a plurality of propulsion devices, which are arranged in the circumferential direction about the insertion direction and around the funnel and along a jacket surface enveloping the funnel extend. The propulsion devices in the form of driven chains are symmetrical arranged on the circumference of the funnel. In one embodiment of the in the EP 2 692 513 A1 described compacting device a total of six propulsion devices in the form of six chain drives are provided, which are arranged distributed evenly around an insertion direction on a housing of a Kompaktiereinheit. The chain drives are each connected via sprockets to the housing movable. Since all chain drives synchronously, ie, acting in the same direction and must be driven at the same speed, the compacting device according to EP 2 692 513 A1 structurally complex. In addition, the known compacting device has the disadvantage that it is prone to blockages due to the construction of the insertion funnel and requires a high level of maintenance.

The invention is therefore based on the object to improve a compacting device of the type mentioned in this regard.

The object is achieved with the features of claim 1, advantageous embodiments of the invention are covered by the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a compacting device for compacting containers with at least one Kompaktiereinheit is provided comprising a feeder for a container and an ejection for a compacted container, at least one transport device having a plurality of co-acting pulling devices, a compacting container through a in Transport direction tapered compression channel, which extends from the feeder to the ejection and in which the container is compacted transversely to the transport direction of a starting cross-section to a target cross-section, wherein the traction devices are formed as plate bands, two plate bands limit the compression channel, the two plate bands with a first angle to each other are arranged converging and these plate bands are additionally interlocked by a second angle to each other, wherein the first angle a first direction of compression of the Output cross section on the target cross section perpendicular to the transport direction and the second angle a second Compaction direction from the output cross section to the target cross section perpendicular to the transport direction.

Under a compression in the context of the present invention, a volume reduction of the container is to be understood. A compression transversely to the transport direction in the context of the invention is a compression of the container in its circumferential direction. The invention is fundamentally based on the fact that the container to be compacted, for example a PET bottle or a tin can, is drawn in and transported in the longitudinal direction.

According to the invention, it is provided that the compacting unit, which is part of the compacting device according to the invention, comprises a compression channel whose geometry is determined essentially by the arrangement of two plate bands to each other, wherein the plate bands on the one hand wedge-shaped, i. are convergent with each other at a first angle and arranged converging to each other and on the other hand, these plate bands are additionally interlocked by a second angle which is different from the first angle.

The compression channel in the sense of the invention does not necessarily have to be fully closed, but rather can be designed such that it defines a polygonal lateral surface which is only closed to the extent that a container caught between the plate bands can not move transversely to the transport direction. By this arrangement, in particular the number of components to be moved is reduced and simplifies the geometry of the arrangement, so that in the simplest case, only the running speed of two plate bands must be synchronized with each other.

An input cross section of the compression channel can be insignificantly larger than the output cross section of the largest container to be compacted. The output cross section or ejection cross section of the compression channel corresponds to the target cross section of the first to be compacted in the circumferential direction or to be compacted container. The terms "compaction" on the one hand and "compaction" on the other hand in the context of the present invention hereinafter synonymously used and denote, as already mentioned, the reduction in volume of the container to be compacted.

In principle, the compacting device may comprise one or more compacting units, it being possible, for example for different types of packs, to provide different compacting units.

In principle, the compaction device according to the invention may comprise means for the automatic detection of drawn-in containers and means for sorting the containers and means for allocating the containers to a compacting unit according to the invention.

The compacting device according to the present invention may comprise one or more drives, for example in the form of electric motors and at least one transmission, which transmits drive power to the traction devices.

The first angle and the second angle in the sense of the preceding invention are each greater than 0 and different.

Preferably, the second angle predetermines a direction of compression from the starting cross section to the target cross section of greater than 0 ° and less than 360 °, preferably greater than 45 ° and less than 135 °, and more preferably approximately 90 ° to the first direction of compression. Particularly preferably, the plate bands are arranged to each other such that the first angle (convergence angle) defines a first compression direction in the circumferential direction of the container and the second angle (Verschränkungswinkel) a second direction of compression in the circumferential direction of the container and transversely or obliquely to the first direction of compression.

In a particularly preferred variant of the invention, it is provided that the plate belts each form a conveyor track, each with a closed guide surface partially delimiting the compression channel. In particular, by the fact that the plate bands a closed guide surface form, it is ensured that in the compression channel torn or protruding plastic parts or metal parts can not jam in the plate bands, which could possibly lead to a blockage of the Kompaktiereinheit.

In order to produce a corresponding cross-sectional contour of the compression channel, it is advantageous if the plate bands each have a groove-shaped profile with lateral guide cheeks for the container, between each of which a conveyor track is formed. The conveyor tracks of the slat belts are suitably interlocked, i. these intersect in the projection, thereby defining a compacting channel which tapers in a cross-section, the lateral guide cheeks of the plate bands substantially preventing the container from deflecting transversely to the transport direction.

In a particularly expedient variant of the compacting device according to the invention, it is provided that a guide cheek of one of the two converging plate bands each form opposite lateral boundaries of the compression channel with a guide cheek of the other plate band of the two converging plate bands.

The compression channel may be additionally limited by fixed and immovable side guides, for example in the form of side guide plates.

It is particularly expedient if at least one plate band is provided on a side facing the compression channel with puncture tools for perforation of the container. A perforation of the container before or at the same time with the compression is particularly useful and appropriate when containers provided with lid closure containers are to be compacted. The arrangement of puncture tools on at least one plate belt, the perforation of the container takes place immediately before and about the same time as the compression of the container, while air and / or liquid from the container can escape. At the same time the puncture tools can serve as a traction aid for pulling the container into the compression channel.

It is particularly useful if a plurality of thorns extending into the compression channel are provided as puncture tools, which form on at least one plate band a mandrel track extending in the transport direction of the container. This ensures continuous perforation and compaction of the container in question.

Although, in principle, the plate bands in the compacting device according to the invention can be resiliently mounted to one another in order to break down force peaks arising during compression, for example, it is preferred that the plate strips are arranged rigidly relative to one another. This serves in particular for the mechanical simplification of the construction according to the invention.

In an expedient variant of the Kompaktierungsvorrichtung according to the invention it is provided that the plate bands each comprise two endless chains, which are guided over deflections, so that they each form an upper strand and a lower strand, the chains are arranged in the same direction circumferentially and in pairs and between Having the chains extending cranked stirrups, which connect parallel and spaced-apart chain links of the chains of a pair together. The contour of the cranked stirrups, which may be designed, for example, as two-fold angled tabs, essentially predetermines the channel-shaped contour or the channel-shaped profile of the plate bands.

The guide surfaces forming parts of the bracket can, for example, when the deflections are designed as sprockets, extend in the region of the deflections on the pitch circle diameter of the sprockets.

The cranked stirrups can extend, for example, in the upper strand and in the lower strand of the plate bands, so that they abut each other there completely, so that they each form a conveyor track with a closed guide surface in the upper run and in the lower run.

Conveniently, the chains are designed as link chains or roller chains. For example, the chains may be formed as roller chains with angle tabs formed as straps chain links on which the cranked brackets are mounted, between the rollers, so that the brackets each rest in the lower strand and in the upper run a plate band against each other.

The chains can each be supported on a chain sword arranged between the upper strand and the lower strand. Alternatively it can be provided that the chains are supported at least over part of the length on side guides of the compression channel.

In a particularly preferred variant of the compacting device according to the invention, it is provided that this has a first and a second compression channel, wherein the first compression channel is part of a first Kompaktiereinheit and the second compression channel is part of a second Kompaktiereinheit.

Basically, the compacting apparatus may include first and second and third and fourth plate belts, wherein the first and second plate belts form a first compression channel and the second and third plate belts form a second compression channel.

The compacting device may for example be preceded by a conveyor belt or a conveyor belt arrangement, which initially leads the containers via a sorting device. The containers can be sorted by material, color or other criteria and fed to the first or the second compression channel.

A particularly preferred variant of the compacting device, which comprises a double-compacting unit, according to the invention is characterized in that a first, second and a third plate band is provided, wherein the first and the third plate band define a first compression channel and the second and the third plate band define a second compression channel. In this variant, a geometry with two compression channels is formed in a particularly advantageous manner by the arrangement of exactly three plate bands to each other, which is particularly favorable in terms of the required components, the formation of the required gear and in terms of the number of required drives. The third plate band can be dimensioned for example by its width, ie its dimension transverse to the transport direction about twice as wide as the first and the second plate band, the first and second plate band are advantageously arranged entangled with respect to the third plate band and all three Plate bands converge towards one another, ie are arranged wedge-shaped. All three plate bands are acting in the same direction and synchronously driven, with the plate bands that limit a compression channel, move against each other.

In this variant of the invention, the compacting device can expediently comprise a sorting device which selectively supplies a container to be compacted to the first or second compression channel.

For example, the sorting device may comprise at least one sorting paddle, which shifts a container arranged on the third plate belt approximately centrally, if necessary, transversely to the transport direction, so that the container is drawn into the first or the second compression channel.

It is particularly advantageous if the plate bands are arranged to each other so that between the first and the second compression channel an ejection lane is formed, through which a container can be transported without compaction. This discharge lane advantageously extends approximately in the longitudinal center axis of the third plate belt. On the third plate band or the third plate band upstream can mean be provided for categorizing the container to be compacted. For example, a label of the container can be read out by means of a laser scanner, for example a barcode label. Depending on the type of container, a device for detecting the type of container then sends a signal to the sorting device which, if appropriate, effects an actuation of the sorting paddle when the container is at the corresponding height of the transport path on the third plate conveyor. If, for example, a glass container is introduced into the compaction device, this can be detected either optically or via the detection of a label or else via the specific weight that can be determined by a weighing device. For example, if it were a glass container, no signal would be sent to the sorter, sorting paddles would not be actuated, and the container would be conveyed about the center of the plate belt or on a separate conveyor belt through the discharge gate.

In a particularly compact and expedient arrangement of the Kompaktierungsvorrichtung with two Kompaktiereinheiten or a double Kompaktiereinheit is provided that the first and the second plate belt are driven in the same direction and synchronously via a common first drive.

The compacting device according to the invention may further comprise at least one post-densification device, which performs a compression or densification of a transverse to the transport direction already compressed container in the transport direction.

The invention will be explained below with reference to second embodiments shown in the drawings.

• Fig.1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kompaktiereinheit gemäß der Erfindung als Teil einer Kompaktierungsvorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung,
• Fig. 2 eine perspektivische Vorderansicht in den Verdichtungskanal der Kompaktiereinheit,
• Fig. 3 eine Seitenansicht der Kompaktiereinheit gemäß Figuren 1 und 2,
• Fig. 4 eine weitere Seitenansicht der Kompaktiereinheit gemäß der Erfindung,
• Fig. 5 eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Plattenbandes im Bereich einer als Kettenrad ausgebildeten Umlenkung,
• Fig. 6 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Anordnung von insgesamt drei Plattenbändern, die eine Doppel-Kompaktiereinheit mit zwei Verdichtungskanälen bildet,
• Fig. 7 eine perspektivische Draufsicht der Anordnung gemäß Fig. 6 und
• Fig. 8 eine perspektivische Draufsicht einer Anordnung entsprechend den Figuren 6 und 7, die das Antriebskonzept der Kompaktierungsvorrichtung veranschaulicht.

Show it:

• Fig.1 a perspective view of a compacting unit according to the invention as part of a compaction device according to the invention,
• Fig. 2 a perspective front view into the compression channel of Kompaktiereinheit,
• Fig. 3 a side view of the Kompaktiereinheit according to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
• Fig. 4 another side view of the Kompaktiereinheit according to the invention,
• Fig. 5 an enlarged view of a plate band in the area of a deflection formed as a sprocket,
• Fig. 6 a perspective view of an arrangement of a total of three plate bands, which forms a double-Kompaktiereinheit with two compression channels,
• Fig. 7 a perspective top view of the arrangement according to Fig. 6 and
• Fig. 8 a top perspective view of an arrangement according to the FIGS. 6 and 7 which illustrates the drive concept of the compaction device.

It is first referred to the FIGS. 1 to 4 , which shows a compacting unit 1 as a single compacting unit of a compacting apparatus in the sense of the present invention. The compacting unit 1 is part of a compaction device, which is arranged, for example, in a substantially closed housing with controls. The compacting device in the sense of the invention may have a housing with operating elements, an insertion opening or input opening and an output opening. The design of such a housing is not critical to the invention, which is why this is not shown.

In the FIG. 1 illustrated compacting unit 1 comprises a first compression stage, which is formed by a first and a second plate belt 2, 3, which define a compression channel 4. A second compression stage is provided by a post-compression device 5. In the compression channel 4, the compaction or compaction of a container to be disposed of 6, for example, a PET bottle in the circumferential direction of the container 6, whereas in the post-densification device compaction or compaction of the container 6 takes place transversely to the circumferential direction, ie in the longitudinal direction. The container is only in the FIGS. 6 and 7 which show a double-compaction unit 7 of a compaction apparatus according to the invention.

The example in FIG. 1 illustrated Kompaktiereinheit 1 comprises as plate bands 2, 3, the first lying, in the illustrated configuration approximately horizontally arranged plate belt 2 and obliquely arranged second plate belt 3. The first plate belt 2 and the second plate belt 3 are wedge-shaped with a first angle α and converging to each other arranged.

This first angle α is hereinafter referred to as the convergence angle for the sake of simplicity. The first and the second plate band 2, 3 are still a in FIG. 1 drawn z-axis (vertical axis) arranged at a second angle to each other entangled. This angle will also be referred to as the entanglement angle below. In FIG. 1 For the sake of simplicity, a coordinate system comprising x, y and z coordinates is shown. When configuring the compacting unit according to FIG. 1 the first plate belt 2 extends in a plane spanned by the x and y axes, the angle α (convergence angle) extending between a plane spanned by the x / y coordinates and an inclined plane in the plane Space in which the second plate belt 3 extends. The second plate belt 3 is arranged entangled with respect to the first plate belt 2, ie in a projection on the xy plane, the first and the second plate belt 3 intersect. Each of the plate belts 2, 3 forms a conveyor track, the plate belts 2, 3 are rotating in opposite directions arranged and are driven synchronously by a first drive 8. A second drive 9 is provided as a drive for the not described in detail Nachverdichtungseinrichtung 5.

It should be noted at this point that the position of the compacting unit 1 in the room can be, for example, as shown in FIG FIG. 1 is shown, that is, in which the first plate belt 2 is arranged substantially lying. However, the compacting unit 1 can also be arranged so that the compression channel 4 forms a substantially overhead insertion opening.

In the FIG. 1 the observer facing side of the compression channel 4 forms a feeder for the compacted container 6, wherein the plate bands 2, 3 form a transport device because of their opposite circulation that pull the container 6 in the compression channel 4.

The plate bands 2, 3 are each designed as endlessly circulating conveyor belts with an upper strand 10 and a lower strand 11. The upper strand 10 of the first plate belt 2 is arranged opposite the upper strand 10 of the second plate belt 3. Due to the tilted and entangled arrangement of the plate belts 2, 3 results in a polygonal in cross-section, tapering from an output cross section to a target cross section compression channel. 4

In the FIG. 2 View shown provides a view into the indentation 12 of the compression channel 4, where the compression channel 4 has the largest cross-section, which is referred to here as the starting cross-section. The compression channel 4 tapers as far as an ejection 13, to which the post-compression device 5 is connected downstream. The ejection 13 defines the target cross section of the container 6, which is reduced relative to the starting cross section.

The plate bands 2, 3 comprise as "plates" each cranked bracket 14, each extending between the same direction circulating chains 15. The chains 15 are each formed as endless chains. A plate belt 2 or 3 is formed in each case by two parallel spaced apart and oppositely circulating chains 15, wherein the sense of rotation of the chains 15 of the first plate belt 2 counter to the sense of rotation of the chains 15 of the second plate belt 2, so that the plate belts 2, 3 run against each other and with reference to the illustration in FIG. 2 determine a conveying direction or transport direction of an input into the compression channel container from the feeder 12 in the direction of the ejection 13.

How this in particular the FIG. 3 can be seen, the chains 15 are formed for example as roller chains and deflected by two spaced apart in the transport direction sprockets 16.

The cranked bracket 14 of the plate belts 2, 3 each form in the upper run 10 and the lower run 11 of a plate belt 2, 3 a conveyor track with a closed guide surface. The cranked brackets 14 are each formed a lobe shaped two-fold and have at their ends mounting bracket 17, with which they are each mounted on a tab 18 of a chain link. The cranked bracket 14 are arranged centrally on the relevant tab of the chain link, wherein the profile is such that the adjacent cranked bracket 14 lateral guide cheeks 18 form a conveyor track, wherein the areas of the cranked bracket 14 between their mounting brackets 17 in the Sprockets 16 on the pitch circle diameter of the sprockets 16 extend.

The cranked brackets 14 are provided on their outer sides with puncture tools in the form of spikes 19, wherein each of the cranked bracket 14 has two thorns 19 and the thorns 19 of a plate belt 2, 3 mutually aligned, a mandrel track forming are arranged. The spikes 19 are designed both as puncture tools in the sense of the invention and as a traction aid for a container 6 drawn into the compression channel 4.

The mandrel tracks are on the plate bands 2, 3 respectively off-center, that is arranged in parallel and adjacent to a longitudinal central axis, with respect to the FIG. 2 the spine track of the first plate belt 2 is arranged to extend to the right, whereas the spine track of the second plate belt 3 is arranged to run to the left.

In the in the FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrated embodiment of the invention, a lateral boundary of the compression channel 4 is effected by two side guide plates 20 which close the laterally formed between the plate bands 2, 3 gusset. However, these side guide plates 20 are not necessarily required for the functioning of the compacting unit 1, since a side guide is already effected via the guide cheeks 18 of the plate belts 2, 3.

An inserted into the feeder 12 container 6, for example in the form of a PET bottle is taken from the spikes 19 of the plate belts 2, 3 and pierced in the tapered compression channel of the mandrels 19 and perforated. The mandrel tracks, which are naturally crossed by the Verrakkungswinkel crossed, pull the container 6 in the compression channel 4, wherein the first angle α (convergence angle) of the plate belts 2, 3 a first compression direction from the starting cross section to the target cross section perpendicular to the transport direction, i. perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the compression channel 4, whereas the second angle, i. the Verschränkungswinkel a second compression direction transversely to the transport direction and transverse to the compression direction, so that a compression of the container on the guide cheeks 18 on the one hand and on the guide surfaces of the plate bands 2, 3 is transverse thereto. The container 6 is compressed over its entire circumference / cross section uniformly in the circumferential direction.

The container output from the ejection 13 is then compressed or compressed in the post-compression device 5 in the transport direction, so that a container compacted to an approximate spherical shape is present at the end of the compaction process. As a drive of Kompaktiereinheit a single engine may be provided, alternatively, a plurality of motors 8, 9 may be provided as described above, wherein the first motor 8 via a first gear 21, the first and second plate belt 2, 3 synchronously drives and the second motor the recompression device 5 drives. Alternatively, a single motor and a single gear may be provided.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed enlarged view of the second plate belt 3 in the region of a deflection. In particular, is off FIG. 5 the training and leadership of the chains 15 and the formation of the cranked bracket 14 can be seen. The chains 15 are each formed as roller chains with lug-shaped chain links 22, which are joined together to form an endless chain. At the tabs 23 of the chain links 22 each angle 24 are formed on which the mounting bracket 17 of the cranked bracket 14 are screwed.

The compacting device according to the invention may comprise one or more compacting units of the type described above for different containers. In principle, a plurality of compacting units 1 of the type described above can be arranged side by side in a compacting device according to the invention, wherein the compacting unit 1 can be preceded by a further feed and a sorting device.

Alternatively, the compacting unit 1 according to the invention may be designed as a double-compaction unit 7.

The following is based on the FIGS. 6 to 8 a double-Kompaktiereinheit 7 according to the invention, which makes substantially use of the previously described principle of the invention.

Components of the double-Kompaktiereinheit 7, the components of the Kompaktiereinheit 1 correspond, are provided in the following with the same reference numerals.

The double compacting unit 7 comprises a first, second and third plate belt 25, 26, 27, wherein the first and second plate belt 25, 26 a first compression channel 28 and the first and the third plate belt 25, 27 form a second compression channel 29. The first plate belt 25 of the double-Kompaktiereinheit 7 corresponds to the first plate belt 2 of the Kompaktiereinheit 1 (single-compacting unit), wherein the first plate belt 25 of the double Kompaktiereinheit 7 is about twice as wide as each of the second plate belt 26 and the third plate belt 27th The first plate band 25 and the second Plate belt 26 are tilted to each other and arranged in an inverted manner, as are the first plate belt 2 and the second plate belt 3 according to the first embodiment and the single-Kompaktiereinheit 1. Similarly, the first plate belt 25 and the third plate belt 27 of the double Kompaktiereinheit 7 to each other arranged. The first plate belt 25 and the second plate belt 26 are arranged at a distance from each other, between these and between the first compression channel 28 and the second compression channel 29 an ejection gate 30 is formed through which a container 6 can be passed without compression. Otherwise, the mode of operation of the double compacting unit 7 corresponds to the mode of operation of two compacting units 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the first, second and third plate bands 25, 26 and 27 to each other with a view into the indentation 12 of the first and second compression channel 28, 29. From this perspective, the compression channels 28, 29 are arranged divergently.

At the picture in FIG. 6 If only the second compression channel 29 is closed laterally with side guide plates 20, such lateral guide plates 20 are not shown in connection with the first compression channel 28. However, these can be provided there as well.

A container 6 placed longitudinally on the first plate belt 25 can be deflected by means of a sorting device, not shown, for example by means of a sorting paddle from the middle of the first plate belt 25 so that the container 6 is fed to either the first compression channel 28 or the second compression channel 29. This sorting can be done depending on the nature of the container 6. For this purpose, it may be provided that the first plate belt 25 is preceded by a detection device, which detects, for example, based on optical properties of the container 6, whether it is, for example, a tin can, a PET bottle or a glass bottle. For example, in the case of detection of the container 6 as a glass bottle, the detection device can give a signal to the sorting device, which in turn causes the sorting paddle, the container 6 on the one or other side of the first plate belt 25 to push. Detection or detection of the container can take place by means of laser scanning of the label or by means of a color recognition or via a previous weighing. If the detection device recognizes, for example, that a double-compaction unit 7 is supplied with a glass bottle, it can be provided that the sorting device is not caused to move the bottle or the container 6 out of the longitudinal central axis of the first plate belt 25, so that the container 6 passes through the discharge gate 30 is conveyed out.

The double-Kompaktiereinheit 7 according to the invention can, except for a Nachverdichtungseinrichtung 5 different collection container downstream. In the double-Kompaktiereinheit 7 according to FIG. 6 is expediently downstream of each compression channel 28, 29 a Nachverdichtungseinrichtung 5.

FIG. 7 shows the double-Kompaktiereinheit 7 according to FIG. 6 in perspective plan view. As in particular the synopsis of the FIGS. 6 and 7 it can be seen, are preferably the second and third plate belt 26 and 27 driven by a single, common propeller shaft 31, wherein the propeller shaft 31 has a first propeller shaft portion 32 which drives a sprocket 16 of the second plate belt 26. The first propeller shaft portion 32 is connected via a universal joint 33 with a second propeller shaft portion 34, the second propeller shaft portion 34 drives a sprocket 16 of the third plate belt 27. In this way, both plate belts 26, 27 are driven synchronously and in the same direction via the propeller shaft 31. The second and third plate belts 26, 27 are driven in opposite directions to the first plate belt 25.

The FIG. 8 shows a possible drive concept of a double-Kompaktiereinheit 7, as for example in the FIGS. 6 and 7 is shown. A first motor 8 drives via a first gear 21 and the first and the second and the third plate belt 25, 26, 27, wherein an output shaft 35 of the second drive drives a sprocket 16 of the first plate belt 25. Via a transmission element 36, the propeller shaft 31 is driven simultaneously. The Propeller shaft 31 in turn drives the second and the third plate belt 26, 27 at. Behind the first compression channel 28, a first post-compression device 5a is arranged, behind the second compression channel 29, a second post-compression device 5b is arranged. The re-compaction devices 5a, 5b are driven by a second motor 9 and a further articulated shaft 37.

Indicated at 38 is a conveyor belt whose length is greater than the length of the first plate belt 25 and which completely envelopes the second plate belt 26 as an endlessly circulating conveyor belt 38. The conveyor belt 38 extends in the longitudinal center axis of the double-Kompaktiereinheit 7 through the discharge gate 30 therethrough. The conveyor belt can record, for example, the container 6 to be dispensed. The container 6 can then be raised, for example, by an organ of a sorting device, for example by a sorting paddle depending on the nature of the conveyor belt 38 on one or the other side of the first plate belt 25, to then either the first compression channel 28 or the second compression channel 29 fed to become.

For the sake of completeness it should be mentioned that the first plate belt 25 in the double-Kompaktiereinheit 7 on each side has a mandrel track with two adjacent thorns 19.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

compacting

2

first record band

3

second plate band

4

compressing channel

5

Nachverdichtungseinrichtung

5a

first post-compression device of the double-Kompaktiereinheit

5b

second post-compression device of the double-Kompaktiereinheit

6

container

7

Double-compacting

α

first angle (convergence angle)

8th

first engine

9

second engine

10

obertrum

11

strand

12

collection

13

ejection

14

cranked straps

15

chain

16

sprockets

17

mounting brackets

18

guide cheeks

19

thorns

20

Side guide plates

21

first transmission

22

chain links

23

tabs

24

angle

25

first record band

26

second plate band

27

third plate band

28

first compression channel of the double compacting unit

29

second compression channel of the double compacting unit

30

eject alley

31

propeller shaft

32

first drive shaft section

33

Universal joint

34

second propeller shaft section

35

output shaft

36

transmission element

37

propeller shaft

38

conveyor belt

Claims (19)

Compacting device for compacting containers with at least one compacting unit (1), comprising a feeder (12) for a container and an ejection (13) for a compacted container (6), at least one transporting device with a plurality of drawers acting in the same direction, the container to be compacted (6) by a in the transport direction tapered compression channel (4, 28, 29) transport, which extends from the feeder (12) to the ejection (13) and in which the container (6) transversely to the transport direction of an output cross section a target cross-section is compressed, wherein the pulling devices are formed as plate bands (2, 3, 25, 26, 27), two plate bands (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) define the compression channel (4, 28, 29), the two Plate bands (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) are arranged converging at a first angle to each other and these plate bands (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) in addition to a second angle verses verse are restricted, wherein the first angle predetermines a first compression direction of the output cross-section on the target cross section perpendicular to the transport direction and the second angle, a second compression direction from the output cross section to the target cross section perpendicular to the transport direction. Compacting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second angle a compression direction of the output cross-section to the target cross-section greater than 0 ° and less than 360 °, preferably greater than 45 ° and less than 135 °, further preferably about 90 ° to the first compression direction. A compacting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plate belts (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) each form a conveying strand with a closed guide surface partially delimiting the compression channel (4, 28, 29). Compacting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plate bands each having a trough-shaped profile have lateral guide cheeks (18) for the container (6), between each of which a conveyor track is formed. Compacting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a guide cheek (18) of one of the two converging plate belts (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) each with a guide cheek (18) of the other plate belt (2, 3 , 25, 26, 27) of the two converging plate bands (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) form opposite lateral boundaries of the compression channel (4, 28, 29). Compacting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one plate belt (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) on a the compression channel (4, 28, 29) facing side with puncture tools for perforation of the container (6) is. A compacting device according to claim 6, characterized in that a multiplicity of thorns (19) extending into the compression channel (4, 28, 29) are provided as puncturing tools , said pins being provided on at least one plate band (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) form in the transport direction of the container (6) extending mandrel track. Compacting device according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the plate bands (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) are arranged rigidly to each other. Compacting device according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the plate bands (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) each comprise two endless chains (15), which are guided over each formed as a sprocket (16) deflections so that they each form an upper strand (10) and a lower strand (11), wherein the chains (15) of a plate strip (2, 3, 25, 26, 27) are arranged in the same direction circumferentially and in pairs and extending between the chains (15), cranked stirrups (14) which are parallel and with Link spaced chain links (22) of the chains (15) of a pair connect together. Compacting device according to claim 9, characterized in that the cranked brackets (14) in the upper run (10) and in the lower run (11) abut each other without gaps, so that these in the upper run (10) and in the lower run (11) a conveyor track with a closed guide surface form. Compaction device according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the chains (15) are formed as roller chain or plate chains. Compacting device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the chains are each supported on a between the upper run (10) and the lower run (11) arranged chain sword. Compaction device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a first (28) and a second compression channel (29), wherein the first compression channel (28) part of a first Kompaktiereinheit and the second compression channel (29) part of a second Kompaktiereinheit is. Compaction device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a first and a second compression channel (28, 29), which are part of a double-Kompaktiereinheit (7) and that a first, second and third plate band (25, 26 , 27), wherein the first (25) and the second plate band (26) define the first compression channel (28) and the first (25) and the third plate band (27) define the second compression channel (29). Compacting device according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized by a sorting device, which selectively supplies a container (6) to be compacted to the first or the second compression channel (28, 29). Compacting device according to claim 15, characterized in that the sorting device comprises a sorting paddle, which moves a on the third plate belt (27) arranged container (6), if necessary, transversely to the transport direction. Compacting device according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the plate bands (25, 26, 27) are arranged to each other, that between the first and the second compression channel (28, 29) an ejection lane (30) is formed, through which a container (6) can be transported without compaction. Compacting device according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the first plate belt (25) and the second plate belt (26) are driven in the same direction and synchronously via a common first drive. Compaction device according to one of claims 1-18, further comprising at least one post-compression device (5), which performs a compression or recompression of a transversely to the transport direction already compressed container (6) in the transport direction.

Images