DE102023118834A1 - Device and method for merging containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for bringing containers (12) together, the device (10) having a conveyor device (14) for conveying the containers (12) in a conveying direction (F) and a guide device (22). The guide device (22) delimits a conveying lane (G) tapering in the conveying direction (F) for bringing together the containers (12) conveyed by the conveyor device (14) and has a plurality of guide elements (24). The guide elements (24) are resiliently movable and are arranged in a row one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction (F) and on one side of the conveying lane (G). The device (10) can advantageously enable a particularly compact design and a particularly reliable bringing together of the containers (12).

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a device and a method for merging containers, preferably for a container treatment plant.

Technical Background

In container treatment plants, containers can be transported through the individual plant sections and, for example, cleaned, filled, sealed, checked, labelled or printed. It is possible that in a transport section of the container treatment plant it is necessary to combine a disordered or multi-lane container mass flow into, for example, a single or two-lane container flow, because, for example, a subsequent machine can only be operated with a single or two-lane container flow.

The merging of several container rows or lanes into one container row or lane can be done in different ways. For example, with a so-called Glideliner, the containers can be accelerated successively to a final speed via a large number of conveyor belt lanes and guided along a diagonal railing. When empty cans are merged in high-performance lines, the cans can be forced into a sorting area and finally into a lane by constantly reducing the distance between the outer guide railings.

The WO 2017/032942 A1 discloses a conveyor device for conveying along a conveyor plane to convert a wide product stream into a downstream single-track stream, comprising an inlet conveyor for conveying the wide stream, an outlet conveyor for conveying the single-track stream, an acceleration conveyor positioned between the inlet conveyor and the outlet conveyor, and a plurality of conveyor units with a speed gradient. A guide for guiding the products transversely from the inlet conveyor to the outlet conveyor is arranged so that the products are moved against the successive conveyors under the action of these. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Further devices for merging containers are known, for example, from DE 34 45 543 A1 and the DE 86 31 246 U1 known.

A particular disadvantage of known devices is the considerable space required by the device. This can result from the arrangement of comparatively long conveyors that are arranged next to each other at right angles to the conveying direction. Another reason for the large space requirement can be the limited inclines of the guide railings, so that the pressure on the containers does not become too great when they are converted into a single-track container flow.

Another disadvantage may be that the known devices are comparatively expensive due to the size and number of components. In addition, problems can regularly arise due to jammed containers, especially in the high-performance sector.

The invention is based on the object of creating an improved device and an improved method for bringing containers together. The improvement should preferably enable a reduced space requirement, a simple structure and/or a particularly reliable process for bringing the containers together.

Summary of the Invention

The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device, preferably an inliner or twinliner, for merging containers (e.g. a container mass flow into a single or multiple lanes). The device has a conveyor for conveying the containers in a conveying direction. The device also has a guide device which delimits a conveyor lane tapering in the conveying direction for merging the containers conveyed by the conveyor and which has a plurality of guide elements. The plurality of guide elements are resiliently (elastically) movable, preferably resiliently (elastically) flexible, preferably for guiding the containers transversely to the conveying direction (e.g. caused by a resilient restoring force from the resilient mobility, preferably resilient flexibility, of a respective guide element upon contact with a respective container). The plurality of guide elements are arranged in a row one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction and on one lane side of the conveyor lane.

The device can advantageously be designed to be very compact, as the separation process or the merging in the conveyor lane can be significantly shortened by the multiple spring-loaded guide elements. It is also possible that for certain separation tasks, such as the merging of empty cans, the multiple spring-loaded guide elements elements can bring about improved process reliability. These advantages can be achieved in particular by the fact that the several spring-loaded guide elements enable a sporadic expansion of the container flow with simultaneous (transverse and longitudinal) guidance. The spring-loaded guide elements mean that, for example, a container that has not yet been integrated into a desired (first) track can travel in the second or third track on the conveyor. The spring-loaded guide elements can exert (e.g. constant) increasing (restoring) forces on this container, which can force it to assume a position in the desired (first) track. The spring-loaded mobility of the guide elements can significantly reduce or even eliminate the risk of containers becoming wedged. The spring-loaded guide elements can also be used particularly advantageously for containers with a high center of gravity that are prone to tipping, as they can give them additional stability when being guided, e.g. due to the long contact time with several of the spring-loaded guide elements.

In one embodiment, the multiple guide elements are aligned such that they are resiliently (elastically) movable in the conveying direction, preferably resiliently (elastically) flexible. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple guide elements can each be aligned at an angle to the conveying direction, preferably at an angle ≥ 30° and/or ≤ 60°, particularly preferably substantially 45°. Advantageously, such an alignment can achieve particularly good transverse guidance and container support.

In a further embodiment, the multiple guide elements are designed as lamellae, plate-shaped bodies, flat springs or brushes. These designs are particularly suitable for the intended mode of operation of the guide elements described above.

In one embodiment, the plurality of guide elements are made of an elastically deformable material, preferably comprising a plastic, e.g. polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylether (PPE) or polyetherimide (PEI). The resilient mobility of the guide elements can thus advantageously be achieved in a simple manner.

In a further embodiment, the guide device further comprises a support, preferably in the form of a beam or plate, which supports the plurality of guide elements (e.g. directly) (e.g. clamped into the support on one side). In this way, a type of railing with the resiliently movable guide elements can advantageously be created.

In one embodiment, the support together with the multiple guide elements forms a preferably adjustable slatted, plate, flat spring or brush railing. Alternatively or additionally, the support together with the multiple guide elements can be adjustable (e.g. displaceable and/or pivotable) along the conveying direction and/or at an angle, preferably transversely, to the conveying direction. Alternatively or additionally, the support can have a length of between 1 m and 10 m, preferably between 2 m and 6 m.

In a further embodiment, the multiple guide elements are each only supported on one side. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple guide elements each have a free end that limits the lane side in a resiliently movable manner, with an imaginary connecting line connecting the free ends preferably running at an angle to the conveying direction (e.g. at an angle between > 0° and/or ≤ 20°).

In one embodiment, the number of the multiple guide elements is ≥ 5, ≥ 10, ≥ 20, ≥ 50, ≥ 100, ≥ 200 or ≥ 300. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple guide elements can extend together over a length of between 1 m and 10 m, preferably between 2 m and 6 m, measured with respect to the conveying direction. This advantageously enables the containers to be brought together in a particularly process-reliable manner on the one hand, and a particularly compact design on the other.

In a further embodiment, adjacent guide elements (e.g. adjacent two, three, four or more) of the multiple guide elements overlap, viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This also advantageously allows a particularly reliable merging of the containers and a particularly compact design to be achieved.

In one embodiment, the conveying device has a plurality of conveying sections which are arranged next to one another in a transverse direction transverse to the conveying direction and can be driven at different conveying speeds, preferably increasing in the transverse direction and/or in the direction of the plurality of guide elements.

Optionally, the device may comprise a drive system and/or a control device configured to control the plurality of conveyor belts cuts with different conveying speeds, preferably increasing in the transverse direction and/or in the direction of the several guide elements.

For example, the term "control device" can refer to electronics (e.g. designed as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) and/or a mechanical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic control system, which, depending on its design, can take on control tasks and/or regulation tasks and/or processing tasks. Even if the term "control" is used here, it can also appropriately include or mean "regulation" or "control with feedback" and/or "processing".

In a further embodiment, the guide device can further comprise an elongated (e.g. elongated straight or elongated curved or elongated bent) guide component (e.g. rigid, beam-shaped and/or rod-shaped), preferably a guide railing or a guide wall, wherein the elongated guide component is arranged on a side of the conveyor lane opposite the plurality of guide elements and is preferably aligned at an angle to the conveying direction.

In one embodiment, the guide device further comprises a plurality of further guide elements which are resiliently (elastically) movable, preferably resiliently (elastically) flexible, and which are arranged in series one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction and on a side of the conveying lane opposite the plurality of guide elements, preferably for forming a pressure convergence together with the plurality of guide elements.

In a further embodiment, the device further comprises a further guide device which delimits a further conveyor lane tapering in the conveying direction for bringing together further containers conveyed by the conveyor device and which comprises a plurality of additional guide elements. The plurality of additional guide elements are resiliently (elastically) movable, preferably resiliently (elastically) flexible, and are arranged in a row one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction and on one lane side of the further conveyor lane.

In one embodiment, the further guide device further comprises a further (e.g. rigid, beam-shaped and/or rod-shaped) elongated (e.g. elongated-straight or elongated curved or elongated bent) guide component, preferably a guide railing or a guide wall, wherein the further elongated guide component is arranged on a side of the further conveyor lane opposite the plurality of additional guide elements and is preferably aligned at an angle to the conveying direction.

Alternatively, the further guide device can, for example, further comprise a plurality of further additional guide elements which are resiliently (elastically) movable, preferably resiliently (elastically) flexible, and which are arranged in series one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction and on a side of the further conveying lane opposite the plurality of additional guide elements, preferably for forming a pressure convergence together with the plurality of additional guide elements.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container treatment plant. The container treatment plant comprises a container treatment device for treating (e.g. for producing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing and/or packaging) containers (e.g. for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foodstuffs). The container treatment plant further comprises the device as disclosed herein. The device can be arranged (e.g. directly) downstream of the container or (e.g. directly) upstream of the container treatment device.

For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, flacons, tubes, etc.

• Fördern der Behälter mittels einer Fördereinrichtung in einer Förderrichtung (z. B. mit ansteigender Fördergeschwindigkeit hin zu einem Auslass der Fördereinrichtung); und
• Zusammenführen der Behälter während des Förderns in einer sich in der Förderrichtung verjüngende Fördergasse, die von einer Führungseinrichtung begrenzt ist, die mehrere Führungselemente, die bezüglich der Förderrichtung in Reihe hintereinander und an einer Gassenseite der Fördergasse angeordnet sind, aufweist. Die mehreren Führungselemente führen die Behälter zumindest teilweise quer zu der Förderrichtung, bewirkt durch eine federnde Rückstellkraft aus einer federnden (elastischen) Beweglichkeit, vorzugsweise federnden (elastischen) Biegsamkeit, eines jeweiligen Führungselements bei Kontakt mit einem jeweiligen Behälter. Vorzugsweise lassen sich mit dem Verfahren die gleichen Vorteile erzielen, die bereits unter Bezugnahme auf die Vorrichtung beschrieben wurden.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for merging containers (e.g. a container mass flow into a single or multiple lanes), preferably by means of a device as disclosed herein. The method comprises:

• conveying the containers by means of a conveyor in a conveying direction (e.g. with increasing conveying speed towards an outlet of the conveyor); and
• Bringing the containers together during conveying in a conveyor lane that tapers in the conveying direction and is delimited by a guide device that has several guide elements that are arranged in series one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction and on one side of the conveyor lane. The several guide elements guide the containers at least partially transversely to the conveying direction, caused by a resilient restoring force from a resilient (elastic) movable flexibility, preferably resilient (elastic) flexibility, of a respective guide element upon contact with a respective container. Preferably, the method can achieve the same advantages as have already been described with reference to the device.

The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired.

Short description of the characters

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung; und
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 a plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 2 a plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 3 a plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4 a plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
• 5 a plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols or reference symbols that are based on one another (n and n', n.1, n.2, n.1', n.2') and for their explanation reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

The 1 shows a device 10 for merging containers 12. In detail, the device 10 can preferably convert an ordered or disordered container mass flow into a single-lane or multi-lane (e.g. two-lane) container flow.

The device 10 can preferably be included in a container treatment plant for treating containers 12. The device 10 can preferably be used in a container treatment plant wherever an ordered or disordered container mass flow is to be converted into a single-lane or multi-lane (e.g. two-lane) container flow. For example, the container treatment plant can have a container treatment device for treating containers 12, e.g. a pasteurizing device for pasteurizing containers 12 or their filling product, and the device 10 can be arranged, preferably directly, downstream (of the container). In other words, the device 10 can receive the containers 12 from a container treatment device, e.g. a pasteurizing device.

As in 1 As shown, the device 10 can be designed as a so-called inliner, for example. The device 10 or the inliner is preferably designed to bring the containers 12 together on a track or a lane, based on a container mass flow, by means of container guidance and container acceleration. Alternatively, the device 10 can be designed as a so-called twinliner, for example (see e.g. 4 ).

The device 10 has a conveyor device 14 and a guide device 22.

The conveying device 14 serves to convey the containers 12 in a conveying direction F. Preferably, the conveying direction F of the conveying device 14 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conveying device 14.

Preferably, the conveyor device 14 can support the containers 12 on the bottom side during conveying. For example, the conveyor device 14 can be a belt or mat chain conveyor device.

The conveyor device 14 can, for example, have an inlet 16, an outlet 18 and several conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc.

The inlet 16 can serve to receive the containers 12 of a container mass flow. The inlet 16 can be connected to a container mass conveyor or container mass flow conveyor (not shown in 1 ) for receiving the containers 12 from the container mass conveyor. The container mass conveyor can be arranged upstream of the inlet 16. The container mass conveyor can transport a disordered container mass flow to the inlet 16.

Upstream of the inlet 16, a container treatment device (not shown in 1 ). The container treatment device can treat the containers 12 preferably in a mass flow. For example, the container treatment device is designed as a pasteurization device. However, it is also possible for the container treatment device to treat the containers 12 individually and/or to dispense them individually and for the containers 12 to be transported downstream of the container treatment device in a container mass flow by means of a container mass conveyor.

The outlet 18 can be used to discharge a single-lane or multi-lane, e.g. two-lane, container stream. The outlet 18 can be connected, for example, to a single-lane or multi-lane, e.g. two-lane, container conveyor (not shown in 1 ) for transferring the containers 12 to the container conveyor. The container conveyor can be arranged downstream of the outlet 18. The container conveyor can be used to transport a single-lane or multi-lane, e.g. two-lane, container stream from the outlet 18.

A conveying speed of the container conveyor downstream of the outlet 18 may be higher than a conveying speed of the container mass conveyor upstream of the inlet 16.

The inlet 16 and the outlet 18 can be arranged on opposite sides of the device 10 or the conveyor 14. Preferably, the inlet 16 and the outlet 18 are arranged in a straight line, which is preferably arranged parallel to the conveying direction F of the conveyor 14, or a line angled to the conveying direction F or the longitudinal axis of the conveyor 14.

The conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be arranged between the inlet 16 and the outlet 18. Preferably, the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. each extend longitudinally along a portion of the conveyor device 14 between the inlet 16 and the outlet 18.

The conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can each extend longitudinally, preferably substantially rectilinearly, along the conveyor direction F. A longitudinal axis of the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can run parallel to the conveyor direction F. The longitudinal axes of the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can run parallel to one another.

A number of conveyor sections 20A, 20B etc. can be, for example, ≥ 3, ≥ 4, ≥ 5, ≥ 6, ≥ 7, ≥ 8, ≥ 9 or ≥ 10. In 1 In the embodiment shown, the conveyor device 14 has, for example, four conveyor sections 20A to 20D.

The plurality of conveying sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be arranged side by side and consecutively in a (horizontal) transverse direction which is oriented transversely to the conveying direction F.

The conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can each have two longitudinal sides opposite one another. The longitudinal sides can be aligned parallel to the conveying direction F. Directly adjacent conveyor sections, e.g. conveyor sections 20A and 20B, can have longitudinal sides directly opposite one another. For example, a second longitudinal side of the conveyor section 20A can be opposite a first longitudinal side of the conveyor section 20B. A second longitudinal side of the conveyor section 20B can be aligned opposite to the first longitudinal side of the conveyor section 20B. The second longitudinal side of the conveyor section 20B can be opposite a first longitudinal side of the conveyor section 20C, etc.

A container transfer from one conveyor section (e.g. 20A) to the subsequent conveyor section (e.g. 20B) of the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can take place transversely to the conveying direction F, guided by the guide device 22, e.g. by a guide component 30 and/or guide elements 24 of the guide device 22.

It is possible that the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. are substantially the same width or have the same conveyor section width transverse to the conveying direction F. Alternatively, the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be of different widths.

The conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be operated or driven at different conveyor speeds. Preferably, the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be operated at a conveyor speed that increases relative to one another in the transverse direction. For example, a conveyor speed of the second conveyor section 20B can be greater than a conveyor speed of the first conveyor section 20A. A conveyor speed of the third conveyor section 20C can be greater than a conveyor speed of the second conveyor section 20B, etc. A conveyor speed of the last conveyor section, e.g. 20D, can be the greatest or can be greater than a conveyor speed of the penultimate conveyor section, e.g. 20C.

The control of the conveying speeds of the conveying sections 20A, 20B etc. can be carried out, for example, by means of a drive system of the device 10. The drive system can, for example, be a control device and/or at least one drive unit The control system can be organized centrally or decentrally.

Depending on the design and/or number of conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc., the increase in conveyor speeds can occur approximately continuously or successively from one conveyor section to the subsequent conveyor section.

The increase in conveying speed to the subsequent conveying section 20A, 20B, etc. can be substantially the same or uniform across all conveying sections 20A, 20B, etc.

A conveying speed difference between any two adjacent conveying sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be substantially the same across all conveying sections 20A, 20B, etc. A conveying speed difference between the first and second conveying sections 20A, 20B can, for example, correspond to a conveying speed difference between the second and third conveying sections 20B, 20C, etc.

By increasing the conveying speed, the containers 12 can be accelerated along the conveying sections 20A, 20B, etc. towards the outlet 18 in the conveying direction F.

The conveying speed of the first conveyor section 20A can be substantially equal to or slightly increased from a conveying speed of the container mass conveyor upstream of the inlet 16. The conveying speed of the last conveyor section, e.g. 20D, can be substantially equal to or slightly reduced or increased from a conveying speed of the single-lane or multi-lane container conveyor downstream of the outlet 18.

The conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be driven independently of one another. For example, each conveyor section 20A, 20B, etc. can have its own drive unit. For example, the drive unit can be a direct drive or can drive the respective conveyor section 20A, 20B, etc. by means of a drive connection, e.g. chain drive, belt drive or gear drive.

Alternatively, the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be jointly driven and/or coupled in such a way that the increase in the conveyor speeds of the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. is ensured. For example, a common drive unit can drive the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. together. A respective, preferably mechanical, coupling between the common drive unit and the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can enable the increasing conveyor speed, e.g. by an adapted transmission ratio between the common drive unit and the respective conveyor section 20A, 20B, etc. It is possible for the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. to be coupled to one another, preferably mechanically, in such a way that the increasing conveyor speed is enabled, e.g. by an adapted transmission ratio between adjacent conveyor sections. The mechanical coupling with the drive unit and/or between the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be achieved, for example, by means of a drive connection, such as a chain drive, belt drive or gear drive.

It is also possible for the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. to be partially driven independently of one another and partially driven and/or coupled together in such a way that the increase in the conveyor speed of the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. is ensured. For example, groups of preferably two, three or four conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be formed. Each group can have its own drive unit.

The conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be designed in any suitable manner for conveying the containers B. Preferably, the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. are at least partially substantially identical in construction or have the same design.

Preferably, the conveying sections 20A, 20B, etc. can support the containers 12 on the bottom side during conveying.

For example, the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can each be designed as a belt conveyor or a mat chain conveyor. For example, each conveyor section 20A, 20B, etc. can include a circulating belt of a belt conveyor or a circulating mat chain of a mat conveyor for supporting the containers 12 on the bottom.

The guide device 22 delimits or forms a conveyor lane G that tapers in the conveying direction F. In detail, the guide device 22 can delimit the conveyor lane G on opposite longitudinal sides or lane sides of the conveyor lane G.

The conveyor lane G can, for example, taper in sections or continuously. The containers 12 conveyed by the conveyor device 14 or the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. can be brought together in the tapered conveyor lane G.

The guide device 22 has several guide elements 24 and, for example, a carrier 26.

The guide elements 24 are arranged in a row one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction F. The guide elements 24 are arranged on one (the same) side of the conveying lane G.

The number of guide elements can preferably be ≥ 5, ≥ 10, ≥ 20, ≥ 50, ≥ 100, ≥ 200 or ≥ 300. For example, the guide elements 24 can extend together over a length of between 1 m and 10 m, preferably between 2 m and 6 m, measured with respect to the conveying direction F. Preferably, all guide elements 24 are of the same dimension.

Adjacent guide elements 24 may overlap one another, viewed in a horizontal viewing direction perpendicular to the conveying direction F. For example, two, three, four or more adjacent guide elements 24 may overlap one another, viewed in the horizontal viewing direction perpendicular to the conveying direction F.

The guide elements 24 can be arranged upright or vertically aligned.

Preferably, the guide elements 24 can each be aligned at an angle to the conveying direction F. For example, the guide elements 24 can be aligned at an angle ≥ 30° and/or ≤ 60°, particularly preferably substantially 45°, to the conveying direction F. Alternatively or additionally, the guide elements 24 can each be angled to the conveying direction F such that their respective free end is directed towards the conveying direction F or the outlet 18.

The guide elements 24 are resiliently (elastically) movable. Preferably, the guide elements 24 can be resiliently (elastically) flexible.

For example, the guide elements 24 can be made of an elastically deformable, preferably flexible, material. Preferably, the material can be or comprise polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylether (PPE) or polyetherimide (PEI).

The guide elements 24 can preferably be designed as lamellae, plate-shaped bodies, flat springs or brushes. The guide elements 24 are preferably identical parts.

The guide elements 24 can be resiliently movable or flexible in order to guide containers 12 contacting them transversely to the conveying direction F. In detail, the guide elements 24 can at least partially guide the containers 12, i.e. the containers 12 contacting them, transversely to the conveying direction F. This guiding can be effected by a resilient restoring force from the resilient mobility, preferably resilient flexibility, of a respective guide element 24 upon contact with a respective container 12.

Preferably, the guide elements 24 can be aligned such that they are resiliently movable in the conveying direction F, preferably resiliently flexible.

Preferably, the guide elements 24 can each have a free end which resiliently delimits one side of the conveying lane G. Preferably, an imaginary connecting line connecting the free ends of the guide elements 24 can run at an angle to the conveying direction F, e.g. at an angle between > 0° and/or ≤ 20°.

Preferably, the guide elements 24 are each only supported on one side, e.g. on the carrier 26. For example, the guide elements 24 can be supported at the ends opposite to their free ends. The support can be such that the resilient mobility of the guide elements 24 is enabled.

The carrier 26 can carry the guide elements 24. For example, the guide elements 24 can each be clamped on one side in the carrier 26. The guide elements 24 can be rigidly or pivotably connected to the carrier 26. It is possible for the guide elements 24 to be connected to the carrier 26 in a force-fitting, form-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. The carrier 26 is preferably beam-shaped or plate-shaped.

Starting from the carrier 26, the guide elements 24 can preferably each have a length between 0.05 m and 0.5 m.

The carrier 26 is preferably elongated. The carrier 26 can, for example, have a length between 1 m and 10 m, preferably between 2 m and 6 m. Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the carrier 26 can be angled to the conveying direction F, e.g. at an angle between > 0° and/or ≤ 20°.

The carrier 26 can, for example, be one-piece or multi-piece, e.g. composed of several carrier longitudinal segments.

Preferably, the carrier 26 together with the supported guide elements 24 can be adjustable along the conveying direction F and/or at an angle, preferably transversely, to the conveying direction F, preferably in a horizontal plane.

For example, the conveyor device 14 can have an adjustment device 28. The adjustment device 28 can connect the carrier 26 and thus the guide elements 24 together in an adjustable manner to a rack or frame of the conveyor device 14. For example, the adjustment device 28 can have several support arms that are rigidly or articulatedly attached to the carrier 26. It is possible for the adjustment device 28 to carry the carrier 26 on the rack or frame of the conveyor device 14.

The adjustment device 28 can, for example, enable an adjustment of the carrier 26 in the conveying direction F and against the conveying direction F. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment device 28 can enable an adjustment of the carrier 26 at an angle, preferably transversely, to the conveying direction F in a horizontal plane. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment device 28 can be designed to adjust an angle of attack between the carrier 26 and the conveying direction F.

Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment device 28 can enable a height adjustment of the carrier 26.

For example, the support 26 together with the supported guide elements 24 can form a preferably adjustable slatted, plate, flat spring or brush railing.

The guide device 22 may further comprise an elongated guide component 30, as shown by way of example in 1 The guide component 30 can be, for example, a guide railing or a guide wall. Preferably, the guide component 30 can be rigid.

The guide component 30 can be arranged on a lane side/longitudinal side of the conveyor lane G opposite the guide elements 24. The guide component 30 can preferably delimit a lane side of the conveyor lane G opposite the guide elements 24.

A longitudinal axis of the guide component 30 can preferably be aligned at an angle to the conveying direction F, e.g. at an angle between > 0° and/or ≤ 20°.

As an alternative to the guide component 30, for example, further guide elements, which are designed like the guide elements 24, could be arranged opposite the plurality of guide elements 24 (not shown in 1 shown).

The guide device 22 can be arranged above the conveyor device 14 or the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc. In detail, the guide elements 24 and possibly the guide component 30 can be arranged above the conveyor device 14 or the conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc.

The following are with reference to the 2 to 5 exemplary devices 10A to 10D are described. The individual features described with reference to the devices 10 and 10A to 10D can be combined with one another as desired and are interchangeable.

The 2 shows the device 10A for merging containers 12. The device 10A is similar to the device 10, wherein the device 10A has more conveyor sections 20A, 20B, etc.

The 3 shows the device 10B for merging containers 12.

The guide device 22 of the device 10B can comprise the guide elements 24.1 and the further guide elements 24.2 which are opposite one another. In other words, the device 10B can comprise the guide elements 24.1 like the guide elements 24 of the device 10B described with reference to the 1 and 2 described devices 10, 10A and the guide elements 24.2 instead of the guide component 30 of the 1 and 2 described devices 10, 10A.

The further guide elements 24.2 can be resiliently movable, preferably resiliently flexible. In addition, the further guide elements 24.2 can be arranged in a row one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction F and on a side of the conveying lane G opposite the several guide elements 24.1.

Preferably, the further guide elements 24.2 can each have a free end which resiliently delimits a side of the conveyor lane G opposite the guide elements 24.1.

Preferably, the opposing guide elements 24.1 and 24.2 together can form a so-called pressure junction for the containers 12.

The 4 shows the device 10C for merging containers 12.

The device 10C can have a further guide device 22' in addition to the guide device 22.

The further guide device 22' can delimit a further conveying lane G' tapering in the conveying direction F for merging (further) containers conveyed by the conveying device 14.

The further guide device 22' can have several additional guide elements 24'.

The additional guide elements 24' can be resiliently movable, preferably resiliently flexible, and can be arranged in series one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction F and on one side of the further conveying lane G'.

The guide devices 22 and 22' or the conveyor lanes G and G' can run next to each other, e.g. essentially parallel to each other.

An elongated guide component 30' can be arranged on a side of the further conveyor lane G' opposite the additional guide elements 24' and can limit this opposite side of the further conveyor lane G'.

The 5 shows the device 10D for merging containers 12.

The device 10D can have a further guide device 22' in addition to the guide device 22. The further guide device 22' can delimit a further conveyor lane G' tapering in the conveying direction F for merging (further) containers conveyed by the conveyor device 14.

The guide device 22 of the device 10D can have the guide elements 24.1 and the further guide elements 24.2. The guide elements 24.1 and 24.2 can be opposite one another and can each delimit one side of the conveyor lane G in a resiliently movable manner. Preferably, the opposing guide elements 24.1 and 24.2 can together form a pressure junction for the containers 12.

The further guide device 22' of the device 10D can have the additional guide elements 24.1' and the further additional guide elements 24.2'. The guide elements 24.1' and 24.2' can be opposite one another and can each delimit one side of the further conveyor lane G' in a resiliently movable manner. Preferably, the opposing guide elements 24.1' and 24.2' can together form a (further) pressure convergence for the containers 12.

The guide devices 22 and 22' or the conveyor lanes G and G' can run next to each other, e.g. with longitudinal axes angled to each other.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the subclaims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and/or configuration of the conveyor device, the guide device and/or the multiple guide elements of independent claim 1. All range information herein is to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g. also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range.

list of reference symbols

10

Device for merging containers

12

container

14

conveyor system

16

inlet

18

outlet

20A, 20B...

funding section

22

guidance system

24

guide elements

26

carrier

28

adjustment device

30

leadership component

F

conveying direction

G

Fördergasse

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2017/032942 A1 [0004]
• DE 34 45 543 A1 [0005]
• DE 86 31 246 U1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Device (10), preferably an inliner or twinliner, for bringing containers (12) together, the device (10) comprising: a conveyor device (14) for conveying the containers (12) in a conveying direction (F); and a guide device (22) which delimits a conveying lane (G) tapering in the conveying direction (F) for bringing together the containers (12) conveyed by the conveyor device (14) and has a plurality of guide elements (24) which: - are resiliently movable, preferably resiliently flexible, preferably for guiding the containers (12) transversely to the conveying direction (F); and - are arranged in a row one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction (F) and on one lane side of the conveying lane (G). Device (10) according to claim 1 , wherein: the plurality of guide elements (24) are aligned such that they are resiliently movable, preferably resiliently flexible, in the conveying direction (F); and/or the plurality of guide elements (24) are each aligned at an angle to the conveying direction (F), preferably at an angle ≥ 30° and/or ≤ 60°, particularly preferably substantially 45°. Device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein: the plurality of guide elements (24) are designed as lamellae, plate-shaped bodies, flat springs or brushes. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of guide elements (24) are made of an elastically deformable material, preferably comprising polyetheretherketone, polyphenylether or polyetherimide. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the guide device (22) further comprises a, preferably bar-shaped or plate-shaped, support (26) which carries the plurality of guide elements (24). Device (10) according to claim 5 , wherein: the carrier (26) together with the plurality of guide elements (24) forms a preferably adjustable slatted, plate, flat spring or brush railing; and/or the carrier (26) together with the plurality of guide elements (24) is adjustable along the conveying direction (F) and/or at an angle to the conveying direction (F); and/or the carrier (26) has a length between 1 m and 10 m, preferably between 2 m and 6 m. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of guide elements (24) are each mounted on only one side; and/or the plurality of guide elements (24) each have a free end which limits the lane side in a resiliently movable manner, wherein preferably an imaginary connecting line connecting the free ends runs at an angle to the conveying direction (F). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: a number of the plurality of guide elements (24) is ≥ 5, ≥ 10, ≥ 20, ≥ 50, ≥ 100, ≥ 200 or ≥ 300; and/or the plurality of guide elements (24) extend together over a length of between 1 m and 10 m, preferably between 2 m and 6 m, measured with respect to the conveying direction (F). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: adjacent, preferably adjacent two, three, four or more, guide elements (24) of the plurality of guide elements (24) overlap one another, viewed in a horizontal viewing direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (F). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the conveying device (14) has a plurality of conveying sections (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) which are arranged next to one another in a transverse direction transverse to the conveying direction (F) and can be driven at different conveying speeds, preferably increasing in the transverse direction and/or in the direction of the plurality of guide elements (24). Device (10; 10A; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the guide device (22) further comprises an elongate guide component (30), preferably a guide railing or a guide wall, wherein the elongate guide component (30) is arranged on a side of the conveying lane (G) opposite the plurality of guide elements (24) and is preferably aligned at an angle to the conveying direction (F). Device (10B; 10D) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , wherein: the guide device (22) further comprises a plurality of further guide elements (24.2) which: - are resiliently movable, preferably resiliently flexible; and - are arranged in series one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction (F) and on a side of the conveying lane (G) opposite the plurality of guide elements (24.1), preferably for forming a pressure junction together with the plurality of guide elements (24.1). Device (10C; 10D) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a further guide device (22') which delimits a further conveyor lane (G') tapering in the conveying direction (F) for bringing together further containers (12) conveyed by the conveyor device (14) and which has a plurality of additional guide elements (24', 24.1') which: - are resiliently movable, preferably resiliently flexible; and - are arranged in series one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction (F) and on one lane side of the further conveyor lane (G'). Device (10C; 10D) according to claim 13 , wherein: the further guide device (22') further comprises a further elongated guide component (30'), preferably a guide railing or a guide wall, wherein the further elongated guide component (30') is arranged on a side of the further conveying lane (G') opposite the plurality of additional guide elements (24') and is preferably aligned at an angle to the conveying direction (F); or the further guide device (22') further comprises a plurality of further additional guide elements (24.2') which: - are resiliently movable, preferably resiliently flexible; and - are arranged in series one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction (F) and on a side of the further conveying lane (G') opposite the plurality of additional guide elements (24.1'), preferably for forming a pressure merger together with the plurality of additional guide elements (24.1'). Method for bringing containers (12) together, preferably by means of a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: conveying the containers (12) by means of a conveyor device (14) in a conveying direction (F); and bringing the containers (12) together during conveying in a conveying lane (G) that tapers in the conveying direction (F) and is delimited by a guide device (22) that has a plurality of guide elements (24) that are arranged in series one behind the other with respect to the conveying direction (F) and on a lane side of the conveying lane (G), wherein the plurality of guide elements (24) guide the containers (12) at least partially transversely to the conveying direction (F), caused by a resilient restoring force from a resilient mobility, preferably resilient flexibility, of a respective guide element (24) upon contact with a respective container (12).

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