DE102008051919A1 - Objects i.e. bottles, sorting device, has discharge opening in recess arranged and dimensioned such that bottles are held in recess by compressed air flow until delivery of bottles to discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a separation device (14) for separation of bottles (24-30) from each other. The separation device has a circumferential recess (34) for accommodating the bottles in an unsorted flow in an accommodation direction, where the recess is fed with compressed air. The air is discharged over a discharge opening attached to the recess. The opening in the recess is arranged and dimensioned such that the bottles are held in the recess by compressed air flow until delivery of the bottles to discharge devices (16-22). Attachment layers in the recess are made of plastic material. An independent claim is also included for a method for sorting of objects.

Description

• – wenigstens einer Zuführvorrichtung zum Zuführen eines unsortierten Zufuhrstroms der zu sortierenden Gegenstände,
• – wenigstens einer Separiereinrichtung zum Separieren der zu sortierenden Gegenstände voneinander nach Maßgabe ihres Typs, und
• – wenigstens einer Abführeinrichtung zum Abführen wenigstens eines Abfuhrstroms sortierter Gegenstände,

wobei die Separiereinrichtung wenigstens eine umlaufende Aufnahme aufweist, die einen Gegenstand aus dem unsortierten Strom der zu sortierenden Gegenstände in einer Aufnahmerichtung aufnimmt, während ihrer Umlaufbewegung hält und nach Maßgabe seines Typs an den diesem zugeordneten Abführstrom abgibt.The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sorting objects, in particular bottles, of different types with:

• At least one feeding device for feeding an unsorted feed stream of the articles to be sorted,
• - At least one separating device for separating the items to be sorted from each other according to their type, and
• At least one discharge device for discharging at least one discharge stream of sorted articles,

wherein the separating means comprises at least one circumferential receptacle which receives an object from the unsorted stream of articles to be sorted in a take-up direction, during its orbital motion, and delivers according to its type to the discharge stream associated therewith.

Such devices are known in the art. For example, the genre document shows US 3,279,599 Such a device in which a stream of differently shaped bottles is fed via a feed belt of a star-like separating device. There, the individual bottles are held with vacuum on suction cups and taken along a circulation movement of the star-shaped separating device to various discharge belts. Each discharge conveyor is assigned to a specific type of bottle. The system is controlled in such a way that the particular bottle types are fed to the conveyor belts assigned to their bottle type in the course of the circulating movement of the separating device and released when these conveyor belts are reached.

It However, it has been shown that in this device in practice significant difficulties occur. In particular, the suction the bottles of suction cups causes them can not be returned in a controlled manner. often Adhere to the suction cups due to the resulting negative pressure so close to the bottles that the bottles are not attached to theirs Bottle type assigned conveyor belt pinpoint delivered but still in the context of the orbital motion be taken along in an undesirable way. This leads to wrong sorting or defective bottles. About that In addition, the principle of the suction of individual bottles over Suction cups the problem that the bottles are not usually are clean. Thus, individual labels are partially detached from the Bottle body away, in an undesirable manner over the suction device are sucked. Furthermore suck such suction cups and foreign bodies, for example Dirt, label residues, liquids, etc., what to a considerable cleaning of the plant leads to to keep them operational.

The document US 3,409,128 describes a similar device in which individual bottles are mechanically held over gripper fingers. This device is subject to the problem that only certain types of bottles can be sorted, namely those types of bottles that are reliably accessible with the movement pattern of the gripper fingers. Other bottles can not be sorted with such a device. In addition, the mechanical complexity for the realization of such a device is considerable, which leads to high wear and undesirably high maintenance costs.

Also the document US 4,651,879 shows a device in which bottles to be sorted are gripped mechanically by means of pliers elements. This device is also subject to the problem of a considerable mechanical effort and the associated difficulties, in particular with regard to maintenance and reliability.

Further such mechanical devices are only for new bottles and not suitable for empties, as gripper or pliers elements To keep the bottles dirty faster and thus disabled be, for example, by moist peeling labels.

As further prior art is based on the documents US 2,881,918 . GB 2,005,885 A . DE 28 48 215 A1 such as DE 42 00 546 A1 directed.

It is an object of the present invention, an apparatus and to provide a method of the type described in the beginning, which with a simple construction a reliable and almost maintenance-free Allow operation with low downtime.

These The object is achieved by a device of the type described in the beginning solved, in which it is provided that the at least one Recording with compressed air is chargeable, which over at least an outlet associated with the outlet exits, wherein the at least one outlet opening in the receptacle in such a way arranged and dimensioned is that the object to be picked by the resulting compressed air flow until delivery to the discharge device is held in the recording.

The device according to the invention is beyond the idea of an active mechanical gripping of the objects to be sorted. Also, the apparatus of the invention avoids problems associated with aspirating the articles to be sorted via a vacuum source, as described in detail above with reference to the generic state of the art. Although the device according to the invention also uses pneumatic effects for holding the objects to be sorted on the at least one receptacle, these pneumatic effects are not achieved by the use of a vacuum source, but rather by the use of compressed air. This ensures that the bottles are kept targeted in the recordings, with interference bodies, such as partially protruding labels, dirt or the like, the holding of the respective objects in the at least one recording does not affect. Thus it can be provided according to the invention to temporarily hold an article in the recording by targeted blowing with compressed air. Alternatively, it can be provided according to a preferred embodiment of the invention to generate by means of the compressed air in the recording via clever generation of air currents negative pressure areas that provide for holding a respective item in the recording. However, both operating principles are based on an output of compressed air via the at least one outlet opening, whereby neither an active mechanical holding nor a suction via suction cups connected to a vacuum source is required. Further, the compressed air used may be used to separate adjacent articles to be sorted when picked up. This also increases the sorting quality with the device according to the invention.

According to the invention be further provided that the at least one recording with its lateral surface adapted to the contour of the objects to be sorted is, for example, a round bottle contour. A further education The invention provides that the at least one receptacle at least partially cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical, Lateral surface simulates. In the aforementioned application sorting different types of bottles this means that the at least one recording at least partially a cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical Has concave lateral surface in a receiving area.

According to the invention be further provided that the at least one recording at least a recessed with respect to their lateral surface Has area in which the at least one outlet opening is arranged.

there it can be provided that the at least one outlet opening is formed nozzle-like, wherein the compressed air in the distance from the lateral surface in such a way from the outlet opening emerges that the leaked compressed air in the reset Area transverse to the receiving direction flows, the off the outlet opening exiting air flow air from the environment sucks to generate a negative pressure in the recording. With others Words in the recessed area locally a negative pressure produced so strong that the item to be sorted is sucked in locally and thereby held firmly in the recording can, as long as the negative pressure exists. As soon as the item reaches a Abführe should be issued, takes place temporarily switching off the compressed air, so that the negative pressure quickly degrades and so the object is no longer in the recording is held. In a preferred embodiment The invention can be two outlet openings in recessed area with wegweisendem air flow be provided. As a result, the negative pressure can be built even more stable become.

In In terms of design, a variant of the invention provides that the Separator a rotatably drivable star-shaped Rotor having a plurality of in regular Angular distances arranged recordings is formed. Thus, according to the invention, the star-shaped Rotor be driven continuously during its rotation and Rotary movement in each case in a receiving area of the feeder in each case one object from the feed stream to be sorted Pick up objects, this along its rotation take along, according to the above-described Effect is held in the receptacle and then to the respective discharge device, which is assigned to this type of object. Such a construction has the particular advantage of being only a small number has movable parts, namely, specifically only the driven star-shaped rotor. Its recordings must be supplied with compressed air, which in a conventional manner can happen, for example, via a centrally arranged Hollow shaft. Each recording can be controlled centrally be associated with pneumatic functional elements.

As an alternative to a rotatably drivable star-shaped rotor, according to the invention, however, it can also be provided that the separating device has an endless belt which comprises a plurality of band members connected in an articulated manner and having at least one receptacle. Such a band may be formed like a chain, wherein the individual recordings form the band members or chain links. Between the band members conventional hinge or hinge elements may be arranged. It can be provided that the band is guided around at least two deflection wheels, of which little least one is drehantreibbar. Also in this variant of the invention, the number of mechanical moving parts is relatively low, which makes this variant insensitive to mechanical defects and overall maintenance friendly.

Regarding the structural design of the invention Device may further be provided that the at least one Recording has a receiving body, the layered is constructed, wherein between two plant layers, preferably Made of wear-resistant plastic material, one opposite the lateral surface reset at least Provided a functional opening defining a discharge opening is. As a wear-resistant plastic material comes in the Food industry example POM (polyoxymethylene) in question. But there are also other types of materials, for example Aluminum or rubber materials. Regarding the functional layer can be provided that these are formed by a metal sheet is, in which the at least one outlet opening as well at least one of the outlet opening associated compressed air channel are provided. In this embodiment, it is possible to shape the metal sheet in its contour, that after sandwiching with one over it lying and underlying investment layer in the reset Area which results in at least one outlet opening. For example can be provided in the metal sheet two channel-like recesses be that extend to the edge portion in the recessed Area of the recording is arranged. In this area, the Sheet metal running away from each other channels, the front side are shielded, approximately comparable to at least two divergent streams a river delta known from geography. The supply with Compressed air can be supplied via the plant layers made of plastic passing through supply channels. sandwiched Composite shots can pass through this Connecting bolts are pressed together. Such a sandwich Construction of several layers, for example of three functional layers and four investment stories, has the advantage of being relatively simple manufacturable items can be used in the Wear with little effort individually or in groups are interchangeable. Another advantage is that due to the sandwich construction by adding or Removal of plant layers and functional layers without disassembly of the star-shaped rotor, the separating device to the mold an item to be sorted can be adjusted.

A Development of the invention provides that each recording a controllable Valve is assigned, with which the loading of the outlet opening with Compressed air can be switched on and off. As already stated above, can be such a controllable pneumatic valve to pneumatically control each recording separately and to make sure that in a single shot recorded object held reliably and pinpoint to the discharge device associated with the article type can be delivered. The valves can be, for example via a Control radio interface, the each valve or a Group of valves is assigned.

According to the invention Furthermore, a recognition device, preferably a camera for recognition the type of each individual item to be sorted be provided in the feed stream. The camera is at a certain Arranged near the feed stream and monitors this. It reports the detected object type, for example Bottle type, to a central control unit with which it is connected is. The control unit can thus be considered accurately determine the geometric relationships of the plant which bottle type is currently in which receptacle of the separating device located. For this purpose, it can be provided that the separating device at least one position detection device for viewing their current position during the orbital motion. Taking into account the respective object type leaves then the recording, in particular their control valve, control and so the recorded in the respective recording object as long hold in the receptacle until the removal device associated with this article is reached. Then, the object released from the recording and be discharged with the discharge device. The detection device may be preceded by a device be that detects, for example, an object in the feed stream outside a predetermined desired position is, for example, overturned, or is broken, for example, broken. Such an item can be sorted out automatically or manually, before he the separating device reached.

A Further development of the invention provides a pre-positioning for positioning the articles to be sorted from the Supply current in each case before a recording. Such a pre-positioning may be, for example, a leaf spring or the like that ensures that every single item to be sorted out of the feed stream is brought into a desired position in which he is reliable from the recording detected and in this in the manner described above Utilization of pneumatic effects achieved with compressed air can be.

The invention further relates to a separator Device for a device of the type described above, wherein the separating means comprises at least one circumferential receptacle which receives an object from the unsorted stream of objects to be sorted in a take-up direction, during its orbital motion and delivers in accordance with its type to the discharge current supplied thereto. In the separating device according to the invention it is provided that the at least one receptacle is supplied with compressed air, which exits via at least one outlet associated with the receptacle, wherein the at least one outlet opening in the receptacle is arranged and dimensioned such that the male object by the resulting compressed air flow held until delivery to the discharge device in the receptacle.

Further can the above with regard to the separating described features in development of the invention Separating be provided.

• – Zuführen eines unsortierten Zufuhrstroms der zu sortierenden Gegenstände,
• – Separieren der zu sortierenden Gegenstände voneinander nach Maßgabe ihres Typs, und
• – Abführen wenigstens eines Abfuhrstroms sortierter Gegenstände,

wobei die Separiereinrichtung wenigstens eine umlaufende Aufnahme aufweist, die einen Gegenstand aus dem unsortierten Strom der zu sortierenden Gegenstände in einer Aufnahmerichtung aufnimmt, während ihrer Umlaufbewegung hält und nach Maßgabe seines Typs an den diesem zugeordneten Abführstrom abgibt. Bei diesem Verfahren kann vorgesehen sein, dass die wenigstens eine Aufnahme mit Druckluft beschickt wird, die über wenigstens eine der Aufnahme zugeordnete Austrittsöffnung abgegeben wird, wobei die wenigstens eine Austrittsöffnung in der Aufnahme derart angeordnet und dimensioniert ist, dass der aufzunehmende Gegenstand durch den sich ergebenden Druckluftstrom bis zur Abgabe an die Abführeinrichtung in der Aufnahme gehalten wird.The invention further relates to a method for sorting articles, in particular bottles, of different types, comprising the following steps:

• Supplying an unsorted feed stream of the items to be sorted,
• - Separate the items to be sorted from each other according to their type, and
• Removing at least one discharge stream of sorted articles,

wherein the separating means comprises at least one circumferential receptacle which receives an object from the unsorted stream of articles to be sorted in a take-up direction, during its orbital motion, and delivers according to its type to the discharge stream associated therewith. In this method, it can be provided that the at least one receptacle is supplied with compressed air, which is discharged via at least one outlet associated with the receptacle, wherein the at least one outlet opening in the receptacle is arranged and dimensioned such that the object to be picked up by the resulting Compressed air flow is held until delivery to the discharge device in the receptacle.

The Invention will be described in the following by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures explained. They show:

1 a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic plan view;

2 a detailed view of a portion of the recording of the separating device of the device according to the invention in a sectional view;

3 a detailed view of the recording of the device according to the invention 2 in a sectional view along the section line AA 2 ;

4 a second embodiment of the device according to the invention in a plan view; and

5 a flow diagram of the inventive method for sorting objects.

In 1 a first embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in a plan view and generally with 10 designated. This device 10 has a feeder 12 , a separating device 14 and several discharge devices 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 on. The feeder 12 performs an unsorted supply stream of bottles to be sorted 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 different type of separating device 14 to. The bottles have, for example, different shape, color or material and must be sorted into similar groups. How out 1 can be seen, are the feeder 12 and the drainage facilities 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 designed as conveyor belts, which are suitable to transport the bottles to be sorted.

The separating device 14 has a rotary drivable star-shaped rotor 32 on, with a plurality of arranged at regular angular intervals round shots 34 is trained. This star-shaped rotor 32 is via a centrally arranged hollow shaft 36 rotary drive connected to a motor (not shown). The separating device 14 turns in the direction of the 38 designated arrow around its own axis. Next is each shot 34 a controllable valve 40 associated with each recording 34 each be charged with compressed air.

Furthermore one recognizes in 1 a control unit 42 with a camera 44 and sensors 46 . 48 . 50 connected is. The camera 44 and the sensors 46 . 48 are near the feed stream and close to the feeder, respectively 12 arranged and monitor this. The sensor 50 is near the separating facility 14 arranged so that this during the orbital movement, the current position of the separating device 14 by means of one on the separating device 14 attached position detection point 52 detected. Once the bottles to be sorted 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 by means of the feeding device 12 the separating device 14 are fed, the capture sensors 46 . 48 the presence and the exact location of each bottle 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) to recognize already wrong positioned or defective, for example, broken or overturned bottles, before Sortierbeginn so that they can be sorted out automatically or manually and do not hinder the actual sorting process. The control unit 42 can according to the of the sensors 46 . 48 obtained signals the rotational speed of the rotor 32 or the separating device 14 and control the sorting performance associated therewith. Then the camera captures 44 the respective bottle type and reports this to the central control unit 42 , Once the respective bottle 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 through the feeder 12 at the separating device 14 has arrived positioned a Vorpositioniereinrichtung 54 the just arriving bottle from the feed stream in a receptacle 34 in front. How out 1 this pre-positioning device can be seen 54 formed as a leaf spring, which on a side wall of the feeder 12 is appropriate. This leaf spring 54 Ensures that each bottle is brought from the supply stream to a desired position, in which they from the recording 34 is reliably recorded.

Taking into account the geometric and dynamic conditions of the plant 10 detects the control unit 42 Which bottle type is currently in which recording 34 the separating device 14 located. The control unit 42 thus controls taking into account the respective bottle type 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 that every shot 34 associated control valve 40 , so those shots 34 be supplied with compressed air, in which just bottles are to be kept. Furthermore one recognizes in 1 that the control valves 40 about one at the separating device 14 attached radio interface 56 through the control unit 42 be controlled. Every shot is taken 34 or any controllable pneumatic valve 40 controlled separately. This will ensure that they are in a single shot 34 recorded bottle held reliably and pinpoint on the object type associated discharge device 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 can be delivered.

As already described above, the bottles 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 in a recording direction by a circumferential recording 34 recorded and during the orbital motion (arrow 38 ) of the separating device 14 through the out of the recording 34 held out air. This will be discussed in detail below. Once in the direction of rotation (arrow 38 ) of the separating device 14 moving bottles 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 in each case at the discharge device associated with the bottle type 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 arrive, causes the control unit 42 in that the respective control valve 40 the compressed air supply to its intake 34 interrupts, so that the respective bottle received therein to the associated discharge device 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 is delivered.

In the 1 shown Abführeinrichtungen 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 can arbitrarily around the separating device 14 be installed around. Therefore, for example, between the discharge device 20 and 22 a transfer plate 58 provided for better transfer of the bottles of a 20 to the other discharge device 22 serves.

In 2 is a detailed view of the picture 34 the separating device 14 shown. This detail view shows a section of the picture 34 perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the separating device 14 , From this view, it is clear that the lateral surface 60a the recording 34 with the bottle to be picked up 28 comes into contact with the contour of the bottle 28 is adapted and a cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical outer surface simulates.

In the sectional view 3 is the layered composition of the recording 34 recognizable. It is between two investment layers 62 . 64 one opposite the lateral surface 60a recessed functional layer 66 brought in. The investment stories 62 and 64 consist of wear-resistant plastic material, such as POM material (polyoxymethylene). The functional layer 66 is made of a precisely cut metal sheet. The individual layers of the sandwiched recording 34 are about this penetrating connecting bolt 68 and nuts pressed together. Next are the functional layer 66 as well as the investment stories 62 . 64 each divided into segments, each of which is easily interchangeable.

The functional layer 66 indicates at its front 60b a T-shaped extension 82 up, with his base thigh 84 on the front side 60b the functional layer 66 is appropriate. The transverse legs 86 . 88 of the T-shaped extension 82 are to the circumferential contour of the front 60b the functional layer 66 customized. As a result, exit openings form 70 . 72 out. Each outlet 70 . 72 is with a compressed air channel 74 . 76 connected in the form of a channel-like recess. Furthermore one recognizes in 2 that these compressed air channels 74 . 76 each in a hole 78 . 80 end up. It also shows that in the functional layer 66 punched or cut compressed air channels 74 . 76 run away from each other, with the outlet openings 70 . 72 pointing away from each other. Furthermore, the compressed air channels 74 . 76 a quadrangular cross section. The in the functional layer 66 existing holes 78 . 80 are with the investment stories 62 . 64 passing through supply channels (not shown). These supply channels are via hoses with the control valves 40 and finally connected to a compressed air source to provide a supply of compressed air. Here, the air supply via the hollow shaft 36 , which have hoses with the control valves 40 connected is.

How to get in 3 further recognizes is the functional layer 66 opposite the lateral surface 60a set back so that next to the front 60b also their T-shaped extension 82 is set back, wherein one opposite to the direction of recording according to arrow 90 open cavity 91 results. As in 3 As shown, another functional layer and abutment layer is provided so that the receptacle 34 consists of two functional layers and three plant layers. Furthermore, it is off 2 and 3 recognizable that the lateral surface 60a the investment stories 62 . 64 so opposite to the recording direction (characterized by the with 90 indicated arrow) that the recorded bottle 28 with its lateral surface only on the lateral surface 60a the investment stories 62 . 64 positioned in position. Thereby, a possible wear or possible damage by the recorded object on the recessed functional layer 66 avoided.

Once the control valves 40 in operation by the command of the control unit 42 be opened, compressed air flows through the compressed air channels 74 . 76 , whereby the air from the outlet openings 70 . 72 flows. Because the outlet openings 70 . 72 each on an opposite side of the base leg 84 of the T-shaped extension 82 are arranged, the two of the outlet openings 70 . 72 exiting air streams away from each other. In other words, the air flows across the recording direction 90 between the front 60b the functional layer 66 and the respective base leg 86 . 88 of the T-shaped extension 82 out. Through the in the recessed area transverse to the recording direction (arrow 90 ) escaping compressed air is in the cavity according to the Venturi effect 91 an air flow generates (see arrow u), the air from the vicinity of the cavity 91 sucks. This is through the in 2 illustrated arrows v illustrated. The thereby in the admission 34 generated negative pressure is so strong that the bottle 28 in recording direction 90 sucked and stuck in the receptacle 34 is maintained as long as the negative pressure exists. Shall the bottle 28 again to a discharge device 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 are discharged, it takes place switching off the compressed air by driving the valve 40 via the control unit 42 , As a result, the negative pressure builds up suddenly, so that the bottle 28 no longer in the recording 34 is held. It also serves along the front 60b the functional layer 66 flowing compressed air to separate adjacent inflowing bottles from each other.

In 4 is a second embodiment of the device according to the invention 92 shown, which is a feeding device 98 as well as several drainage facilities 100 . 102 . 104 . 106 . 108 . 110 . 112 having. Also in this embodiment are transfer plates 114 attached for transferring the objects between two conveyor belts.

This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment according to FIG 1 in that, as an alternative to a rotationally drivable star-shaped rotor, as in 1 represented, the separating device 116 an endless band 118 having. This band 118 includes a plurality of hingedly connected band members 119 taking the pictures 34 exhibit. How out 4 recognizable is the band 118 formed like a chain, wherein between the individual band members 119 joint elements 120 are arranged. Next is the tape 118 around two deflection wheels 122 . 124 led around, one of which is rotationally driven. The individual band members 119 run around the pulleys 122 . 124 around and can with the already described shots 34 , as in 2 represented, an object to be sorted 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 from the feeder 98 take up. The pictures 34 are formed in the same way as with respect to 2 described. Therefore, in every shot 34 by the resulting compressed air flow and by the negative pressure generated thereby in each case a bottle until it is delivered to a discharge device 100 . 102 . 104 . 106 . 108 . 110 . 112 being held. The detection, control and sorting, as well as the effect of positioning the bottles 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 in the recordings 34 takes place according to the first embodiment 10 , as in 1 to 3 shown.

5 shows a flowchart for inventive method 126 for sorting items of different types. This method 126 comprises the following steps: in a first step S128 an unsorted supply stream of articles to be sorted, such as bottles, cans, glasses or other containers, is fed to a separating device. Then, an item to be sorted from the unsorted stream with a recording 34 in shooting direction (arrow 90 ) (step S130). The recording 34 In this case, it is charged with compressed air, which via the arranged in the receptacle outlet openings 70 . 72 is issued (step S132). This will make the object to be picked up 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 sucked by the resulting compressed air flow and during the orbital movement of the separating 14 ; 116 held (step S134). When the article to be sorted reaches the discharge device associated with its type, the compressed air supply is stopped (step S136). As a result, the item to be sorted by the abruptly degrading sub pressure in the recessed area of the recording 34 no longer held and thus accurately delivered to the correct discharge device (step S138).

All in all The invention provides a simply designed sorting device of items produced under little effort and ensures easy and quick installation. The use of compressed air is a significant advantage of the invention. In particular, items to be sorted can be are held specifically in the recordings, for example, protruding Labels, soiling or the like holding the respective Do not interfere with objects in the picture. Further, the blown compressed air separates adjacent ones to sort items, reducing the sorting quality is further increased. Because of that the present Invention has little moving parts, this has little wear and shows a very high sorting performance. Another advantage is the cost-effective production of separating device and along with the whole sorting system. Due to the very compact Construction of the separating device, this has a very small Space requirement and can also due to the very high sorting performance be integrated into existing bottling plants.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 3279599 [0002]
• - US 3409128 [0004]
• US 4651879 [0005]
• - US 2881918 [0007]
• - GB 2005885 A [0007]
• - DE 2848215 A1 [0007]
• - DE 4200546 A1 [0007]

Claims (18)

Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) for sorting objects ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ), in particular of bottles of different types, comprising: - at least one feeding device ( 12 ; 98 ) for supplying an unsorted supply stream of the articles to be sorted ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ), - at least one separating device ( 14 ; 116 ) for separating the items to be sorted ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) of each other according to their type, and - at least one discharge device ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ; 100 . 102 . 104 . 106 . 108 . 110 . 112 ) for discharging at least one discharge stream of sorted articles ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ), the separating device ( 14 ; 116 ) at least one circumferential recording ( 34 ) having an object ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) from the unsorted stream of articles to be sorted in a take-up direction ( 90 ), during its orbital motion ( 38 ) and discharges according to its type at the discharge stream associated therewith, characterized in that the at least one receptacle ( 34 ) can be charged with compressed air, which via at least one of the receptacle ( 34 ) associated outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ), wherein the at least one outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) in the recording ( 34 ) is arranged and dimensioned such that the object to be picked up ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) by the resulting compressed air flow until delivery to the discharge device ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ; 100 . 102 . 104 . 106 . 108 . 110 . 112 ) in the recording ( 34 ) is held. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one receptacle ( 34 ) with its lateral surface ( 60a ) to the contour of the objects to be sorted ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) is adjusted. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one receptacle ( 34 ) at least in sections a cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical, lateral surface ( 60a ). Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one receptacle ( 34 ) at least one opposite to its lateral surface ( 60a ) reset area ( 91 ), in which the at least one outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) is formed like a nozzle, wherein the compressed air at a distance from the lateral surface ( 60b ) in such a way from the outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) emerges that the leaked compressed air in the recessed area transverse to the recording direction ( 90 ) flows, wherein from the outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) exiting air flow air from the environment to generate a negative pressure in the receptacle ( 34 ) sucks. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by two outlet openings ( 70 . 72 ) in the recessed area with airflow pointing away from each other. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device ( 14 ) a rotary drivable star-shaped rotor ( 32 ) which is provided with a plurality of images arranged at regular angular intervals ( 34 ) is trained. Contraption ( 92 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the separating device ( 116 ) an endless band ( 118 ) having a plurality of at least one receptacle ( 34 ) having band members ( 119 ). Contraption ( 92 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the band ( 118 ) by at least two deflection wheels ( 122 . 124 ) is guided around, of which at least one is rotatably drivable. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one receptacle ( 34 ) has a receiving body, which is constructed in layers, wherein between two plant layers ( 62 . 64 ), preferably made of wear-resistant plastic material, one opposite the lateral surface ( 60a ), the at least one outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) defining functional layer ( 66 ) is provided. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the functional layer ( 66 ) is formed by a metal sheet, in which the at least one outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) and at least one of the outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) associated compressed air channel ( 74 . 76 ) are provided. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each receptacle ( 34 ) a controllable valve ( 40 ), with which the charge of the outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) is switched on and off with compressed air. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a recognition device ( 44 ), preferably a camera ( 44 ), for recognizing the respective type of each item to be sorted ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) in the feed stream. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to claim 12 and 13, characterized in that the detection device ( 44 ) with a control unit ( 42 ), the control unit ( 42 ) according to the recognized type of one in a photograph ( 34 ) ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) of this recording ( 34 ) associated control valve ( 40 ) for holding and delivering the object ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) to the respective discharge device ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ; 100 . 102 . 104 . 106 . 108 . 110 . 112 ). Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device ( 14 ; 116 ) at least one position detection device ( 50 . 52 ) to understand their current position during the orbital motion. Contraption ( 10 ; 92 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a pre-positioning device ( 54 ) for positioning the items to be sorted ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) from the feed stream in a respective receptacle ( 34 ). Separating device ( 14 ; 116 ) for a device ( 10 ; 92 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating device ( 14 ; 116 ) at least one circumferential recording ( 34 ) having an object ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) from the unsorted stream of articles to be sorted in a take-up direction ( 90 ) holds, during its orbital motion and delivers according to its type at the discharge associated therewith, characterized in that the at least one receptacle ( 34 ) can be charged with compressed air, which via at least one of the receptacle ( 34 ) associated outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ), wherein the at least one outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) in the recording ( 34 ) is arranged and dimensioned such that the object to be picked up ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) by the resulting compressed air flow until delivery to the discharge device ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ; 100 . 102 . 104 . 106 . 108 . 110 . 112 ) in the recording ( 34 ) is held. Procedure ( 126 ) for sorting objects ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ), in particular of bottles of different types, comprising the following steps: - supplying an unsorted supply stream of the articles to be sorted ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ), - separating the items to be sorted ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) of each other according to their type, and - discharging at least one discharge stream of sorted articles ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ), the separating device ( 14 ; 116 ) at least one circumferential recording ( 34 ) having an object ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) from the unsorted stream of articles to be sorted in a take-up direction ( 90 ) holds, during its orbital motion and delivers according to its type at the discharge associated therewith, characterized in that the at least one receptacle ( 34 ) is supplied with compressed air, which via at least one of the receptacle ( 34 ) associated outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) is discharged, wherein the at least one outlet opening ( 70 . 72 ) in the recording ( 34 ) is arranged and dimensioned such that the object to be picked up ( 24 . 26 . 28 . 30 ) by the resulting compressed air flow until delivery to the discharge device ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ; 100 . 102 . 104 . 106 . 108 . 110 . 112 ) in the recording ( 34 ) is held.