DE102011016858A1 - Device for transporting and sorting plastic preforms, has transport unit which transports plastic performs along predetermined transport path, where transport unit has two guide elements that support plastic preforms - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a transport unit (2) which transports the plastic performs along a predetermined transport path (P). The transport unit has two guide elements (12,14) that support the plastic preforms. The plastic preforms are guided between the guide elements. The device also has a control body (20) movable by a movement of the plastic preforms. The control body is arranged with a portion of the guide elements opposite to a position relative to and movable to the moving plastic preforms in contact. A discharge unit is provided for discharging individual plastic preforms. An independent claim is also included for a method for transporting plastic preforms.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for transporting and / or sorting plastic preforms. Such plastic preforms are used in the prior art to be expanded to plastic containers, in particular by applying compressed air. It is also known that the plastic preforms are transported and sorted. So it is possible that the plastic preforms fall from a chute on a sorting unit and are sorted in this. However, the problem may arise that the plastic preforms, for example, become wedged or transported in undesired arrangements or positions.

The WO 2010/006462 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for separating cylindrical bodies and in particular plastic preforms. In this case, a detection device is provided which detects incorrectly positioned and / or nested preforms and is equipped with a control device for an ejection device. In this case, a first ejection means for ejecting preforms and a second ejection device may be provided with a blow-out for ejecting preforms.

However, especially at high production speeds, this device has to react very quickly to corresponding error messages in order to be able to eject misoriented plastic preforms. It has been shown that this type of ejection does not always work flawlessly, especially with the ever-increasing demand for high production speeds.

From the US 2008/022 67 63 A1 Also, an apparatus for stocking plastic preforms is known, which has a device for removing improperly positioned preforms. In this case, an ejection device is provided which can eject, for example, incorrectly positioned plastic preforms. In addition, an adjusting device is known from this document, with which a guide rail of the plastic preforms can be moved so that the plastic preforms fall out of the transport path.

The EP 2 065 320 A1 describes a device for aligning plastic preforms. Also in this device, a so-called kicker wheel is provided, which is arranged above the transport path of the plastic preforms in order to push away incorrectly oriented preforms.

The EP 1 866 223 B1 describes a device and a method for rectifying blanks for the production of plastic containers by blow molding. In this case, a turntable is provided with an upper side for receiving the disordered blanks and a guide element which is arranged above the turntable, so that a gap is formed between the upper side of the turntable and the guide element, wherein the main body of the blanks each radially outwardly through the gap is feasible.

However, the above-described prior art has the disadvantage that ejecting poorly sorted plastic preforms is difficult, especially at high production speeds. Furthermore, the production flow is not stopped even when detecting a poorly sorted plastic preform. Furthermore, a plurality of plastic preforms and possibly also a plurality of other correctly oriented plastic preforms are often ejected with the ejection devices described therein.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device for transporting plastic preforms, which allows safe ejection of the plastic preforms even at higher production speeds. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for transporting plastic preforms has a first transport unit which transports the plastic preforms along a predetermined transport path, the transport unit having a first guide element which supports the plastic preforms and, in contrast, moves the plastic preforms along the transport path. In addition, the transport unit has a second guide element, which supports the plastic preforms and, in contrast, the plastic preforms move along the predetermined transport path. The plastic preforms are preferably guided between these guide elements.

According to the invention, the device has a control body which can be moved or driven by a movement of the plastic preforms, wherein the control body can be brought into contact with at least a portion of the plastic preforms arranged and moving in a first position relative to the guide elements and thus movable.

It is therefore proposed according to the invention that a drivable control body provided which is being driven by the movement of the plastic preforms along the transport path. In particular, the control body is moved only by those plastic preforms which are arranged in a first position, in particular a correct position, relative to the guide elements. In this way, the movement of this control body is an indication of whether the plastic preforms are transported properly and whether they are in a correct position relative to the guide elements. In addition, it is also possible to determine the amount of transported plastic preforms by means of the control body or based on its movement.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport unit transports the plastic preforms one behind the other or abutting one another. Thus, preferably no isolated transport of the plastic preforms takes place.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least a portion of the plastic preforms protrudes in the longitudinal direction beyond the guide elements. Advantageously, two sections protrude beyond the guide elements in particularly preferred opposite directions. Thus, it would be possible for the guide elements to support the plastic preforms, for example, on their support rings, and for the base body of the plastic preform to protrude downwards, whereas an opening of the plastic preform protrudes upward.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the control body contacts each plastic preform, but it would also be conceivable that only every nth plastic preform, for example, every second, third or fourth plastic preform is contacted. By this contact with the moving plastic preforms of the above-mentioned control body is driven.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a movement of the control body is slowed or blocked and preferably blocked when the control body contacts a arranged in a second position relative to the guide elements plastic preform. In this case, the control body is advantageously designed such that, for example, approximately parallel to the guide elements or approximately horizontal or about 90 ° relative to the first position twisted plastic preforms block movement of the control body. In the case of such a blockage of the control body can be determined so that incorrectly oriented plastic preforms are transported.

Furthermore, it can also be advantageously prevented by this blockade of the control body that such a wrongly oriented plastic preform is transported further. In this way, the transport of the plastic preforms is blocked starting from the misoriented plastic preform.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a discharge device for discharging individual plastic preforms. Thus, it is possible that, for example, by the control body a faulty arranged plastic preform is detected and this is ejected accordingly. It is also conceivable that several plastic preforms are discharged at one go.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the discharge device moves at least one of the two guide elements. Thus, it is possible that one of the two guide elements is moved or moved in such a way that the distance between the two guide elements increases and in this way the plastic preform can fall down due to gravity.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device also has a second ejection device such as a kicker wheel. This wheel can eject, for example, interlocked plastic preforms.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the guide elements is designed as a rotatable roller. Advantageously, both guide elements are designed as rotatable rollers whose axes are particularly preferably parallel to each other. By rotating these rollers while the plastic preforms can be better aligned. Advantageously, the rollers rotate in opposite directions and indeed particularly advantageous such that they tend to raise the plastic preform against gravity.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a movement detection device which detects a movement of the control body. This may be, for example, a light barrier which is suitable for detecting a standstill of the control body. However, it would also be possible for the movement detection device to work on the basis of inductive elements so as to be able to detect when the movement of the control body is interrupted or interrupted.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the control body is a predetermined one Axle rotatable. In particular, the control body is a rotatable control wheel, which is advantageously symmetrical with respect to its axis of rotation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the control body is arranged above the transport path of the plastic preforms. The plastic preforms are preferably transported below the control body and the control body contacts each of these plastic preforms (or at least a part thereof) and is driven by the movement thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the control body has a plurality of projections which are suitable for engaging in openings of the plastic preforms. Particularly preferably, the control body is provided here in the form of a vertically arranged star wheel which engages with the star points in the mouth of the correctly sorted plastic preforms. In this way, the said control wheel is rotated. For poorly sorted or lying plastic preforms, said star point can not reach into the mouth and the respective preform remains attached to the control body. In this case, said plastic preform can be discharged and introduced again into the transport device.

In this case, the control body particularly preferably has a multiplicity of projections (which advantageously extend in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the control body), which projections are suitable for engaging in openings of the plastic preforms. However, it would also be conceivable that the control body contacted with projections, the side walls of the plastic preforms and is thus driven by the movement thereof. If in this case a plastic preform is horizontal, a longer gap would arise and accordingly the control body would not be driven. This standstill of the control body could also be detected accordingly.

However, the embodiment with the engagement in the mouths offers the advantage that the control body is not only blocked even by the said poorly oriented plastic preform, but in turn blocks the plastic preform in its movement and thus prevents the transport of further plastic preforms. On the other hand, it may just be desired in other embodiments that, despite a misoriented preform, the transport of the remaining preforms is continued.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the projections have a sawtooth-like profile. The respective saw teeth engage as mentioned above in the mouths of the plastic preforms.

The present invention is further directed to a method for transporting plastic preforms, wherein the plastic preforms are transported by means of a transport unit along a predetermined transport path. According to the invention, the movement of the plastic preforms drives a control body, which is temporarily in contact with at least part of the moving plastic preforms, when the plastic preforms are arranged in a first position relative to the transport unit. Furthermore, movement of this control body is slowed or blocked and preferably blocked when the control body comes into contact with at least one plastic preform, which is arranged in a second position relative to the transport unit.

It is therefore also proposed in the method that a control body is provided which, in particular in normal working operation, d. H. in the presence of correctly arranged plastic preforms, is driven and the reverse is reversed in the presence of an improperly disposed plastic preform advantageous.

Preferably, in response to detecting an at least temporary stoppage of the control body, at least one plastic preform is discharged.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings, in which:

1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

2 a plan view of the device 1 ;

3 a partial view of in 1 shown device; and

4 a further detailed view of a device according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention 1 for transporting plastic preforms 10 , The plastic preforms are conveyed along a transport path P. For this purpose is a transport unit 2 intended. This transport unit 2 here has a first guide element 12 as well as a second guide element 14 , These two guide elements are arranged here as rotatable rollers, which are the plastic preforms, especially supported on their support ring. By rotating these rollers, the plastic preforms are transported along the transport path P. The reference number 40 indicates an ejector, which serves to, for example, superimposed or wedged plastic preforms 10 eject.

Next to it is a control body 20 provided, which is also designed here as a rotatable about a rotation axis X control wheel. This axis of rotation X is arranged here above the transport path P of the plastic preforms and in this case runs essentially perpendicular to the plane of the figure. This control wheel 20 has a variety of star points 22 on which into the mouths 16 the "well sorted" plastic preforms 10 intervention. Thus, the control wheel by the movement of the plastic preforms 10 driven.

For poorly sorted or lying plastic preforms 10a can the respective star wave 22 do not engage in the mouth and said plastic preform 10a stays on the star wheel 20 hang.

The reference number 26 indicates a movement detection device, which in particular also a standstill of the control body 20 can capture. If such a stoppage of the control body 20 is detected, an automatic discharge can be actuated, which in particular also the plastic preform lying here 10a ejects.

The control body 20 can be after the ejection device 40 be arranged. The so-discharged plastic preform can be fed again to the transport device. The reference number 44 indicates another guide rail, by means of which the plastic preforms 10 be transported further.

2 shows another view of the in 1 shown device. Again, the guide elements 12 and 14 provided, as shown, the guide elements may also be fixed rails. The reference number 12a indicates a likewise rotatable end portion of a roller 12 , The reference number 30 indicates a discharge device, which, for example, in 2 Can be moved up to the poorly sorted plastic preform 10a eject. The control wheel is perpendicular to the plane of the figure or its axis of rotation X is parallel to the plane of the figure.

The above-mentioned kicker wheel 40 (ie the ejection device) and the discharge device 30 may also be provided alternatively.

As in 3 illustrates the control body 20 be arranged in an outlet fitting of the device, ie after the two above-mentioned roles. In this case, it is with the guide elements 12 and 14 around fixed rails, ie not around rotating rollers. The individual projections 22 of the control body 20 are arranged here so that they each in the mouths 16 the plastic preforms intervene when they are transported adjacent to each other. This means that the distance between the individual protrusions 22 in the circumferential direction of the control body 20 corresponds to the distance between the axes of symmetry of two successive plastic preforms substantially.

Also, you realize that the protrusions 22 Shark fins are formed, whereby an intervention in the moving in the direction P plastic preforms is possible. The motion detection device 26 in turn, a movement of the control body 20 to capture.

4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Here are again the two guide elements 12 and 14 shown, wherein in response to a stoppage of the control body 20 for example, the guide element 14 by means of two drive devices 34 and 36 can be withdrawn to the corresponding between the guide elements 12 and 14 eject plastic preforms located. It would also be possible, a shorter guide element 14 as in 4 shown withdrawn, so that a correspondingly lower number of plastic preforms is ejected when an error occurs.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all the features mentioned in the description as essential to the invention, provided that these are new to the prior art individually or in combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

transport unit

10

The plastic preforms

10a

poorly lying plastic preforms

12

first guide element

12a

rotatable end section

14

second guide element

16

Mouths of the "well sorted" plastic preforms

20

Control body / star

22

star Point

26

Movement detection device

30

discharge device

34

driving means

36

driving means

40

Discharge Wheel / Kickerrad

44

Guide rail for further transport of the plastic preforms

P

transport path

X

axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2010/006462 A1 [0002]
• US 2008/0226763 A1 [0004]
• EP 2065320 A1 [0005]
• EP 1866223 B1 [0006]

Claims (9)

Contraption ( 1 ) for transporting plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) with a first transport unit ( 2 ), which the plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) transported along a predetermined transport path (P), wherein the transport unit ( 2 ) a first guide element ( 12 ), which the plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) and opposite the plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) move along the transport path (P) and wherein the transport unit ( 2 ) a second guide element ( 14 ), which the plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) and opposite the plastic preforms ( 10a . 10b ) along the predetermined transport path (P), and wherein the plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) between these guiding elements ( 12 . 14 ), characterized in that the device ( 1 ) one by a movement of the plastic preforms ( 10a . 10 ) movable control body ( 20 ), the control body ( 20 ) with at least a portion of the in a first position relative to the guide elements ( 12 . 14 ) and moving plastic preforms ( 10 ) in contact and bar is movable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a movement of the control body is slowed down or blocked when the control body has a plastic preform arranged in a second position relative to the guide elements ( 10a ) contacted. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a discharge device ( 30 ) for discharging individual plastic preforms ( 10a ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a movement detection device ( 26 ) for detecting a movement of the control body ( 20 ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control body ( 20 ) is rotatable about a predetermined axis of rotation (X). Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control body ( 20 ) above the transport path of the plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control body ( 20 ) a plurality of projections ( 22 ), which are suitable for opening in ( 16 ) of the plastic preforms ( 10 ) intervene. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the projections ( 22 ) have a sawtooth profile. Method for transporting plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) wherein the plastic preforms ( 10 . 10a ) by means of a transport unit ( 2 ) are transported along a predetermined transport path (P), characterized in that by the movement of the plastic preforms ( 10 ) a control body ( 20 ), which at times with at least a portion of the moving plastic preforms ( 10 ) is driven, when the plastic preforms in a first position relative to the transport unit ( 2 ) are arranged, and a movement of this control body ( 20 ) is braked or blocked when the control body ( 20 ) in contact with at least one plastic preform ( 10a ), which in a second position opposite the transport unit ( 2 ) is arranged.

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