DE102009009439A1 - Transporting device for transporting cap-like closure that is attached to plastic beverage container in beverage producing industry, has holding elements holding guiding bodies at preset distance, where elements are oppositely movable - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has two bar-shaped, flexible guiding bodies (2, 4) extending in two longitudinal directions for guiding container closures, where the guiding bodies are arranged at a distance from each other. Two holding elements (12, 14) hold the guiding bodies at a preset distance to each other and are movable opposite to each other. A connecting device (30) is arranged between the holding elements for moving the holding elements relative to each other. A projection (32) is arranged at one of the holding elements and guided in a hole (34) provided at the other holding element.

Description

The The present invention relates to the field of beverage manufacturers Industry. In the field of beverage manufacturing industry It has long been known containers, such as plastic containers to fill with a drink and then automated to attach a closure to the container. For this purpose special sealing units are provided, which the container closures on the containers attach, for example screw on this. It will become more common Make the container closures with special ones Transport facilities, such as transport channels this Verschließaggregaten or the containers supplied. Such transport devices or troughs are depending on the application or arrangement of the corresponding devices designed differently and also have different geometric Embodiments on. In addition, by manufacturing tolerances also tilting of the container closures within these occlusions occur.

From the WO 2008022735 A1 For example, a device for feeding closures to a closing machine is known. In this case, this device has a delivery channel within which these closures are transported. The conveyor channel in turn is composed of a plurality of rods, which are each held by individual brackets in certain geometrical positions to each other. However, this device does not allow any adjustment or adjustment of this conveyor for the container closures.

The US 5,097,943 describes a transfer device for coil carriers. This transfer device also has three rod-like bodies which guide the coil carriers.

The GB 576,841 describes a flexible transport channel having a plurality of flat strips which are assembled in the form of a groove. However, this mechanism is not suitable for transporting the relatively light container closures, as they could tilt within that groove.

Farther are usually the closures at bottling plants supplied as bulk material to a sorting device, the then correct position oriented closures usually by gravity in the sealing channel or the closure dimensions adapted shaft led to the closing machine become. In some cases, the way is the closures from the sort to the capper, not straight, but includes curved, spiral and curved pieces. The gutter often runs three-dimensionally in space. The effort, this consisting of many individual pieces Designing and manufacturing parts is significant. The most as Welded part run gutters is to produce still very time consuming and only very good welders They can often produce very delicate parts.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a transport device for container closures and in particular cap-like container closures available to put, which to different spatial conditions is customizable and which even with different adjustments a safe transport of the container closures allowed.

This is inventively by a transport device achieved according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A inventive transport device for cap-like container closures points at least a rod-shaped and in a first predetermined Longitudinally extending guide body - im Below also easier than rod-shaped body designated - for guiding the container closures on and at least a second in a second predetermined Longitudinally extending rod-shaped body for guiding the container closures, wherein the first rod-shaped body and the second rod-shaped body spaced from each other are. Furthermore, the device has a first holding element for holding the first rod-shaped body and the second rod-shaped body, with the first rod-shaped Body and the second rod-shaped body are each formed at least partially flexible. The rod-shaped bodies can be arbitrary Have cross sections, but preferably have circular or oval cross sections.

According to the invention, the device has at least one second holding element for holding the first bar-shaped body and the second bar-shaped body, and the first holding element is movable relative to the second holding element-in particular defined. A defined movement is understood to mean that the holding elements are movable in predetermined directions with respect to one another, or, for example, only a certain play is permitted in a movement in a first direction and only a certain play is allowed in a movement in a direction perpendicular thereto. Through this defined game overall the degree of flexibility of the transport device is set. The defined move tion thus contains preferably defined movement games in different directions of movement.

The Rod-shaped bodies are preferably guide rods or guide tubes, along which the container closures can slide. The holding elements can thereby be arranged regularly to the guide body to keep at a predetermined distance from each other. The single ones rod-shaped body are flexible and thus the device in its entirety may differ adapted to spatial conditions, while at the same time the retaining elements ensure that a certain distance respected between the rod-shaped bodies respectively is, so that constrictions of the transport route are prevented.

Preferably is between the first holding element and the second holding element a connecting device connecting these holding elements is provided, which a relative movement between the second holding element and allows the first holding element. Through this connection device This allows a defined movement between the individual holding elements to be moved. However, it could also be a carrier be provided and this carrier could be over two connecting devices with the two holding elements are in communication.

Preferably the transport device is designed such that a minimum Radius of curvature of the transport device is limited. In this way can be prevented from being a user the transport device is so strongly curved that a Transport of container closures too difficult or even prevented.

at a further advantageous embodiment is at one Holding element arranged a projection which in one in another Holding element arranged hole is guided. Through this Arrangement can be a predetermined game between the two holding elements be set, which at the same time also the minimum radius of curvature for limited the device in its entirety. This way will also defines the movement of the holding elements mutually, as well allowed limited guidance of the projection in the hole.

at Another advantageous embodiment is the hole formed in a tab, which firmly on the further holding element is arranged. For example, a tab can be different from the Holding element at least in the direction of the further holding element extend and the projection is within this tab, d. H. the hole of this tab, with a predetermined game movable.

In order to is the device according to the invention in the Art a flexible hose for closures formed. This hose can run from a sorting to the capper. He is, as mentioned, within certain limits or bendable flexible only in certain areas. Due to the specially designed Parts, in particular the holding elements, this hose is designed so that assorted closures fit through it. This For example, it can be designed such that special Sheet metal z. B. transversely to the transport direction long z. B. round or Plastic parts (ie rod-shaped bodies) fix at a certain distance from each other. Through these mentioned Plastic parts or rod-shaped body the closures led.

at an advantageous embodiment is a first end portion the transport device relative to a second end portion the transport device spatially movable. That's it possible that the first section only along for example one curved line is movable, but it would be too possible that the first end portion is spatially, i. H. is movable in several directions in space, in this way the Transport device even more variable. That's how it is For example, it is also possible that a so executed flexible transport channel is attached to at least one point, to collision or even jamming of the closures or to prevent or avoid such.

at A further advantageous embodiment is the transport device designed such that the longitudinal parts of the rod-shaped Body of the transport device after a certain adjustment become rigid, for example, in which in the interior of the rod-shaped Body or the like a hard or hardening Medium is introduced. This can be, for example, a melting Medium acting which is below a certain temperature or too hardens on supply of air and on this Way causes a rigid transport device. It is, however, on it pointed out that such a transport device under certain physical conditions or at least certain At times during their creation flexible or bendable is executed.

An advantage of such a flexible closure trough is to save costs in design, construction, drawing, work planning, manufacturing and assembly. The user or skilled worker only has to select the appropriate channel cross-section and estimate a length of the channel. The length should preferably always include a certain reserve, so that the gutter can be shortened if necessary. In a final assembly, the transport device or the Gutter placed and optionally fixed at a suitable location. In this way, a high cost advantage over the known in the art gutter concepts is possible.

It However, it would also be possible for the transport device Sectionally rigid, so that the transport device includes rigid track parts. It would also be possible that stops for the transport device are provided, to avoid tight curves and bends.

at a further advantageous embodiment is between at least two holding elements arranged a connecting member, which is movable relative to a holding element. In this Link may be, for example, a bolt, the end engages in holes of the respective holding elements, so that they have a well-defined game between the respective holding elements allow.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the first holding element on a first holding means, which engages stands with the first rod-shaped body as well a second holding means, which engages with the second rod-shaped Body stands.

at A further advantageous embodiment of the container closure at least in sections between the first rod-shaped Body and the second rod-shaped body received. Thus, the container closure is preferred guided by both rod-shaped body.

As mentioned above, preferably extend the two longitudinal directions the two rod-shaped bodies parallel to each other. In a further advantageous embodiment has at least one rod-shaped guide body at least one curved section.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Transport device at least three, preferably at least four rod-shaped body. At another advantageous embodiment, the container closures, or closure caps between these rod-shaped Bodies. So it is particularly possible, that six rod-shaped bodies are provided, between which led the container closures become. It is through the rod-shaped body, or their respectively facing the container closure Outer circumference, a cross-section spanned, within which the respective container closure is located. Preferably proceed the longitudinal directions of all rod-shaped bodies parallel to each other.

at a further advantageous embodiment has at least a holding member on a plurality of holding means, each in engagement with the rod-shaped bodies. In this case, these holding means may have receiving grooves, which the rod-shaped bodies grip in such a way that during transport of the container closures in any case, the container closures themselves not come into contact with the holding means. Preferably corresponds to Number of holding means of the number of rod-shaped bodies.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Transport device on a plurality of holding elements. By This variety of holding elements can be the rod-shaped body in a well-defined way, even over longer transport distances be aligned with each other.

at Another advantageous embodiment is in the rod-shaped bodies around plastic elements for example, plastic hoses. This is also possible that the rod-shaped bodies in their interior at least partially and / or in sections are hollow. The holding elements can be, for example, sheet metal parts.

at In another advantageous embodiment, the retaining elements each formed identically. In this way it is possible that with comparatively few different components one corresponding transport device is produced. It is too possible that the individual holding elements in each case several Holding means, these holding means in turn substantially can be similarly formed so that even on this Way the transport device can be made in a simple manner can.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Holding element at least two similar holding means for holding the rod-shaped body. Also on this Way, a production with a smaller number of identical parts is possible.

The The present invention is further directed to a closure device directed by containers, which a closing device which attaches closures to containers as well a transport device of the type described above, which the Closing device which supplies closures.

Further Advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached Drawings:

In this demonstrate:

1 a transport device according to the invention in a first embodiment;

2 a sectional view of the transport device 1 ;

3 a plan view of the transport device 1 ;

4 another perspective view of the transport device 1 ;

5 a transport device according to the invention in a further embodiment.

1 shows a transport device according to the invention 1 in a first embodiment. This transport device has a plurality of rod-shaped bodies 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th on, which extend here substantially parallel to each other. By way of example, the extension lines L4 and L5 are indicated. Between these single rod-shaped bodies 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th Container closures (not shown) can be guided and thus, for example, be transported by gravity from one unit to another.

The individual rod-shaped bodies 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th be by holding elements 12 . 14 held at predetermined intervals from each other and also stabilized in this way. More precisely, here is a variety of holding elements 12 . 14 provided, which are also provided along the longitudinal direction of a rod-shaped body. Here are the individual elements 12 . 14 with each other in their entirety 30 designated connecting means in connection, in which case at each of the holding elements in a 1 upwardly extending projection 32 is provided and a connection tab 36 which is an opening 34 in which said projection can intervene. By this way, on the one hand, the holding elements 12 . 14 held together and on the other hand prevents too small a radius of curvature is generated, which could prevent transport of the container closures.

2 shows a further illustration of a transport device according to the invention. It can be seen here in particular the individual holding elements 12 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 , At each of these holding elements are two of said connecting straps 36 arranged opposite each other. It can be seen that while the individual connecting straps 36 are each arranged obliquely opposite to the direction of the holding elements, so that they widen outwards. In this case, an extension direction E1 with respect to an extension direction E2 of the holding element 12 inclined by an angle A, which is between 92 ° and 110 °, preferably between 92 ° and 100 °.

By this extension, a mating of the retaining elements according to the invention can be facilitated. Furthermore, it is achieved in this way that the connecting straps 36 the individual holding elements 12 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 do not interfere with each other, regardless of a position of the transport device 1 in their entirety.

3 shows a plan view of the in the 1 and 2 shown transport device. One recognizes here that the projection 32 inside the opening 34 the connecting strap 36 in the direction Y has a certain game. In this way it is achieved that the transport device is spatially bendable, ie not only in the in 2 shown direction, but also perpendicular thereto ie the left end portion 1a the transport device is opposite the right end portion 1b the transport device 1 also movable along the direction Y, not only in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the figure. It would also be possible, however, here the game between the projection 32 and the opening 34 reduce so that a movement in the direction Y is only slightly or not possible.

However, it would also be possible to use the tabs shown here not only as in 3 provided to arrange, but also perpendicular thereto, ie, for example, here on the upper and lower sides of the individual holding elements or diagonally opposite in the respective outer corners of the holding elements.

Also, corresponding holding elements could be designed such that the opening 34 no play of projection 32 allowed to allow in this way a fixed connection of two separate transport devices. One recognizes that at the in 3 the embodiment shown in the opening in the direction X the projection 32 allows a considerable game, and on the other hand, a maximum curvature of the entire transport device through the openings 34 and the projections movable therein 32 is defined. More precisely, a maximum angle is the levels of two holding elements 12 enclose each other by the size of these openings precisely defined.

4 shows a further illustration of a transport device according to the invention 1 , It can be seen here in particular the design of the retaining element 12 containing a variety of holding means 22 . 24 in which the rod-shaped body 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th each are arranged. These are in these holding means 22 . 24 the rod-shaped body is received so that they protrude inward, ie the container closures contact the individual holding elements in any area and thus by the holding elements 12 . 14 ... not hindered in their movement.

The individual holding elements 12 . 14 , ... have an inner wall here 52 which is curved inward in the direction of the respective rod-shaped body. Furthermore, it can be seen that the individual holding elements 12 . 14 ... may each be designed as identical parts, in order to simplify the production in this way. More specifically, it is possible to construct the entire transport device from only two different components, namely on the one hand the holding elements 12 . 14 etc. and on the other hand the rod-shaped bodies 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ,

It would also be possible, special connection holding elements to create, which have a higher width and the Recording second rod-shaped body in a row to enable. In this way, two could Transport devices are interconnected.

5 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , Also in this embodiment are here six rod-shaped body 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th provided, as well as individual holding elements 12 . 14 , which hold these rod-shaped bodies at a certain distance from each other. Furthermore, connecting elements 40 provided between the individual holding elements, wherein between the first holding element 12 and the second holding element 14 two connecting elements 40 at diagonally opposite areas or corners of the holding elements 12 . 14 are arranged and between the second holding element 14 and the third holding element 16 also two connecting elements 42 However, they are preferably at two other opposite corners, but offset from the first-mentioned diagonal corners.

The connecting elements 40 . 42 each have basic body 48 on, as well as two end-mounted heads 46 , Between these heads 46 and the basic bodies 42 are each grooves or recesses 45 provided, which in turn (not shown) in holes of the individual holding elements 12 . 14 intervention. By the distance between the basic bodies 40 and the heads 46 thus becomes a play of the holding element in a longitudinal direction of the connecting elements 40 . 42 allows by this in turn a minimum and a maximum distance between two holding elements and thus again a minimum radius of the entire device.

By doing that, the individual fasteners 40 . 42 are mutually offset by 90 ° alternately, in this way a three-dimensional mobility of the end sections relative to each other is achieved. However, other arrangements would be possible, for example, the individual connecting elements could be arranged centrally with respect to the respective longitudinal edges of the holding elements or else it would be possible to arrange three such connecting elements offset from each other. It would also be possible to design fasteners such that they connect not two, but three holding elements with play against each other.

All Features disclosed in the application documents are considered to be essential to the invention as far as they are individually or in combination the prior art are new.

1

transport device

1a, 1b

end

2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

rod-shaped guide body

12 14, 15, 16, 18

retaining element

22 24

holding means

30

connecting device

32

head Start

34

hole

36

flap

40 42

connecting element

45

recess

46

head

48

body

L1, L4, L5

longitudinal direction

E1

extension direction

E2

extension direction of the holding element

A

angle

X, Y

direction

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

• - WO 2008022735 A1 [0002]
• - US 5097943 [0003]
• GB 576841 [0004]

Claims (14)

Transport device ( 1 ) for cap-like container closures with at least one first and in a first predetermined longitudinal direction (L1) extending rod-shaped guide body ( 2 ) for guiding the container closures, at least one second bar-shaped guide body extending in a second predetermined longitudinal direction (L2) ( 4 ) for guiding the container closures, wherein the first rod-shaped body ( 2 ) and the second rod-shaped body ( 4 ) are spaced apart from each other, with a first holding element ( 12 ) for holding the first rod-shaped body ( 2 ) and the second rod-shaped body, wherein the first rod-shaped body ( 2 ) and the second rod-shaped body ( 4 ) are each formed flexible characterized in that the transport device ( 1 ) at least one second retaining element ( 14 ) for holding the first rod-shaped body ( 2 ) and the second rod-shaped body and the first retaining element ( 12 ) relative to the second retaining element ( 14 ) - in particular defined - is movable. Transport device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that between the first holding element ( 12 ) and the second holding element ( 14 ) a connection device ( 30 . 40 ) is provided, which a relative movement between the second holding element ( 14 ) and the first holding element ( 12 ). Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 1 ) is configured such that a minimum radius of curvature of the transport device ( 1 ) is limited. Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on a holding element ( 12 . 14 ) a lead ( 32 ) arranged in a in a further holding element ( 14 . 12 ) arranged hole ( 34 ) is guided. Transport device ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the hole ( 34 ) in a tab ( 36 ) is formed, which firmly on the further holding element ( 14 . 12 ) is arranged. Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first end section ( 1a ) of the transport device ( 1 ) with respect to a second end portion ( 1b ) of the transport device ( 1 ) is spatially movable. Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 1 ) is formed in sections rigid. Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between at least two retaining elements ( 12 . 14 ) a link ( 40 ) is arranged, which is movable relative to at least one holding element. Transport device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first holding element ( 12 ) a first holding means ( 22 ), which engages with the first rod-shaped body ( 2 ) and a second holding means ( 24 ), which engages with the second rod-shaped body ( 4 ). Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container closure at least in sections between the first rod-shaped body ( 2 ) and the second rod-shaped body ( 4 ) is receivable. Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal direction (L4) and the second longitudinal direction (L5) are parallel to each other. Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rod-shaped guide body ( 2 . 4 ) has at least one curved portion. Transport device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 1 ) at least three, preferably at least four rod-shaped guide body ( 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th ) having. Transport device ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the holding elements ( 12 . 14 ) are formed identically.