DE102023135939A1 - Rejection device for the upright rejection of cans, container treatment plant with a corresponding rejection device, method for the upright rejection of cans and use of a rejection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a diverting device for the upright diverting of cans, in particular empty test cans, from a main stream transport device with cans arranged consecutively thereon in an upright position, wherein the diverting device comprises the following: a diverting device for diverting cans to be diverted perpendicularly or obliquely to a conveying direction of the main stream transport device; and a diverting transport device for transporting the cans diverted by means of the diverting device, wherein the diverting transport device is designed to divert the cans to be diverted from the main stream transport device onto the diverting transport device, wherein the diverting transport device has a first suction surface designed to hold cans in a position standing on the first suction surface.The invention further relates to a container treatment plant, a method for diverting cans and a use of a diverting device.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a diverting device for the upright diverting of cans from a main stream transport device with cans arranged consecutively thereon in an upright manner.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a container treatment plant with a corresponding rejection device, a method for the upright rejection of cans and a use of a corresponding rejection device.

State of the art

Rejection devices for rejecting containers, such as bottles, from a transport path formed by a main stream transport device are known in principle from the prior art.

For example, the EP 1 012 087 B1 A movable carriage arranged alongside a transport line. The carriage moves at the same speed as the containers to be diverted and comprises several diverter segments that extend transversely to the transport direction of the containers and can divert the containers.

Furthermore, the DE 10 2010 025 744 A1 Actuators arranged next to the transport path, which together form a conveyor curve that can successively transport a container from the main stream conveyor to a divert conveyor. For this purpose, the individual contact surfaces of the actuators form a curved divert curve that can influence the movement of an incoming container in such a way that it is redirected onto the divert track.

However, with the known devices, significant braking effects and forces are exerted on the containers when they come into contact with the rejection device, such as the carriage or actuators, and are transferred to the rejection transport device. This can cause the containers to tip over or become damaged.

This problem is exacerbated when empty cans are used, and particularly when empty test cans are used as test containers to monitor the functionality of inspection devices used in container handling plants, particularly beverage bottling plants. In beverage bottling plants and similar container handling plants, container streams at various product stages are inspected, particularly visually, using inspection devices. To monitor the functionality of these inspection devices, marked test containers are usually passed through the device, and a check is carried out to determine whether any test markings on the test containers are detected. For example, the test containers, particularly test cans, are marked using RFID chips or test signal strips; the inspection device can detect these markings, whereupon the test containers, particularly test cans, are removed from the transport stream.

Typically, such functional checks are performed during ongoing operation at high system speeds, so that both test containers and real containers are transported simultaneously in the system's transport stream. The test containers are then typically pushed into a bin together with the real containers to be sorted out. However, this has the disadvantage that the test containers are damaged and cannot be reused.

Description of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device that eliminates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide a container treatment system, a method for diverting, and a use of a diverting device that also eliminate the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art.

These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are specified in particular in the dependent claims.

The solution according to the invention consists in particular in specifying a rejection device for the upright rejection of cans, in particular empty test cans, from a particularly moving main stream transport device with cans arranged consecutively thereon in an upright position. The rejection device has a rejection device for rejecting cans to be rejected, in particular perpendicular or obliquely to a conveying direction of the main stream transport device. The rejection device is thus designed to reject cans to be rejected, in particular perpendicularly or obliquely. Furthermore, the rejection device has a particularly moving rejection transport device for transporting cans rejected by means of the rejection device. The rejection The transport device is therefore designed to transport the rejected cans away. The rejection transport device is designed to transfer or transfer the cans to be rejected from the main transport device to the rejection transport device. Thus, a change in the transport device transporting the cans takes place here.

According to the invention, it is now provided that the rejection transport device has a first suction surface which is designed to hold cans in a position standing on the first suction surface by means of suction, in particular during rejection or during transfer to the rejection transport device.

The main stream transport device is a transport device that transports the cans into a main stream, at least in sections, for example, through a container processing system. For this purpose, the main stream transport device moves. For example, the main stream transport device is designed as a conveyor belt.

Upright cans are defined as upright, i.e., vertically positioned cans that remain in an upright position. Accordingly, upright rejection means that the cans remain in an upright position during the rejection process. In the upright position, one mouth or opening of the can is at the top and the bottom or bottom of the can is at the bottom.

A rejection device is generally a technical device for rejecting cans. The rejection device directs the cans from the main transport device to the rejection transport device. This rejection usually occurs through contact with the corresponding can. The rejection device therefore usually has a contact surface for contacting the can.

The rejection transport device is, in general, a transport device for further transporting the rejected cans. The rejection transport device can also be designed, for example, as a conveyor belt. A conveying direction of the rejection transport device can at least substantially correspond to the conveying direction of the main stream transport device. Alternatively, the conveying direction of the rejection transport device can be aligned obliquely to the conveying direction of the main stream transport device.

Since the rejection transport device according to the invention has a first suction surface, the cans can be gently rejected in an upright position. The cans are therefore in an upright position throughout the entire rejection process and are not damaged during rejection. The rejection device can be used particularly advantageously with empty, i.e., unfilled cans, in particular test cans. Due to their low weight, empty cans cannot currently be rejected non-destructively or in an upright position using conventional rejection devices. This is a major disadvantage, especially for test cans, as these are expensive to manufacture and cannot be reused after a single use.

Preferably, the first suction surface is arranged only in certain areas on the rejection transport device and the cans are only sucked in until they have stabilized in their upright position.

According to an advantageous further development, the discharge transport device is designed as a vacuum belt.

The first suction surface is preferably a surface of the vacuum belt that is connected to a vacuum chamber of the vacuum belt via several openings, in particular holes. A negative pressure prevails in the vacuum chamber, so that air, and thus the cans, are sucked in through the openings.

As an alternative to a vacuum belt, a stationary suction surface on which the cans rest would of course also be conceivable. However, a removal system for the cans is preferred.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the main flow transport device has a second suction surface at least in some areas. Preferably, the main flow transport device is designed as a vacuum belt, at least in some areas, so that the second suction surface is part of the vacuum belt.

The main flow transport device may be a part of the discharge device, so that the discharge device comprises the main flow transport device or at least the part of the main flow transport device with the second suction surface.

The second suction surface is in turn designed to hold cans in a position standing on the second suction surface by means of suction, in particular during discharge.

If the main flow transport device also has a suction surface, this has the technical advantage that the cans are decelerated, i.e. when they come into contact with the rejection device, stabilized. This prevents the upright cans from falling over.

Preferably, the first suction surface is configured adjacent to the second suction surface. This allows for continuous suction of the cans as they are conveyed from the main stream transport device to the reject transport device. This allows the cans to be transferred from the main stream transport device to the reject transport device with particular reliability.

Irrespective of this, the first and/or second suction surface preferably extends at least along 50%, preferably at least along 75%, particularly preferably at least along 90% of the width of the main flow transport device and/or discharge transport device.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the first suction surface and/or the second suction surface has a plurality of openings by means of which the cans can be sucked in.

The numerous openings allow the cans to be held securely upright on the first and/or second suction surface. A vacuum created on the opposite side of the cans draws air through the openings. This sucks or pulls the cans toward the corresponding suction surface.

The openings or holes can, for example, have a size of 1-10 mm. For example, the opening can be formed by a chain of holes in the discharge conveyor or the main stream conveyor.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the plurality of openings are arranged distributed on the first and/or second suction surface in the conveying direction of the main flow transport device and in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the main flow transport device.

In particular, the distribution of the large number of openings perpendicular to the conveying direction ensures that the cans can be held securely along the width of the corresponding transport device during discharge.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the discharge transport device is connected or connectable to a first vacuum generating unit, in particular a vacuum pump, for generating a vacuum for the first suction surface.

In particular, the vacuum generation unit serves to generate a corresponding negative pressure below the suction surface, with the containers arranged above the suction surface. Generally speaking, the first vacuum generation unit is a technical device designed to remove air or gas from a space, the vacuum chamber, i.e., to extract it in order to create a vacuum. The vacuum generation units or vacuum pumps preferably have a power in the range between 1.8 kW and 7 kW.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the main flow transport device is connected or connectable to a second vacuum generating unit, in particular a vacuum pump, for generating a vacuum for the second suction surface.

The aspects already mentioned with regard to the first vacuum generation unit also apply to the second vacuum generation unit.

The first vacuum generation unit is preferably a separate unit from the second vacuum generation unit. Thus, the vacuum for the first suction surface is generated independently of the vacuum for the second suction surface. In other words, the vacuum is generated by two separately controllable and/or adjustable vacuum generation units, in particular vacuum pumps.

This allows the negative pressure for the first suction surface to be set differently than the negative pressure for the second suction surface.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the first vacuum generating unit is designed or controlled to generate a higher vacuum than the second vacuum generating unit.

This ensures that the negative pressure of the second suction surface is sufficient to both securely hold the container or can and allow for transfer. The negative pressure of the first suction surface is higher and can thus capture the can during transfer, thus safely sucking it in.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the discharge device is designed in particular for gently guiding the discharge of the cans.

The diversion device thus creates a continuous diversion, whereby at least in the Contact with the rejection device or a contact surface thereof is maintained substantially throughout the entire rejection process. For example, this is a multi-segment rejection device, in which several segments, in particular fingers, extend one after the other, thus forming a straight rejection line or curve for the cans. Alternatively, it can also be a rejection switch, which also forms a straight rejection line or, preferably, a curve as a curved surface for rejecting the cans.

It is precisely the combination of gently guided discharge and the suction of the suction surface that ensures reliable and non-destructive discharge of the cans.

The movement of the main stream transport device moves the cans toward the reject device and into contact with the reject device. The reject device then has a contact surface such that the cans can be moved in a direction perpendicular or oblique to the transport direction.

Typically, the contact surface of the diverting device is movable, in particular movable into the main stream of the transport device, so that the cans can be selectively diverted. By way of example only, the contact surface of the diverting device is generally movable between a retracted and an extended position for contact with the cans. In the retracted position, the contact surface is arranged outside the transport stream of the main stream transport device, and in the extended position, it is arranged within the transport stream of the main stream transport device, so that cans can be manipulated accordingly in the transport stream of the main stream transport device.

Furthermore, the task is solved by means of a container treatment system with one of the previously described rejection devices. Since the rejection devices are the ones described above, all aspects and advantages can also be applied to the container treatment system.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the container treatment system comprises an inspection device for inspecting cans, in particular test cans. The rejection device is designed to reject cans in an upright position based on an inspection result of the inspection device.

The rejection device allows the sensitive test cans used to check the functionality of the inspection device to be rejected without causing any damage. Test cans thus rejected can then be reused.

For example, the inspection device can be designed to visually inspect the cans. The inspection device is also designed to identify the marking, such as the RFID chip or the test signal strip, on the test cans. The inspection device then determines, for example, that the can should be rejected. If it is determined that the can should be rejected, a corresponding rejection command is sent to the rejection device.

The inspection device and the rejection device can be connected to a corresponding controller which is designed to evaluate an inspection result of the inspection device and/or to generate a rejection command for the rejection device.

Irrespective of this, the rejection device can, for example, be arranged upstream of a closer of the container treatment plant, so that the cans, in particular test cans, are rejected from the main stream before the cans are closed.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by means of a method for the upright discharge of cans, in particular empty test cans, from a main stream transport device with cans arranged consecutively thereon in an upright position. To carry out the method, one of the aforementioned discharge devices can preferably be used, so that all individual aspects and advantages can be transferred to the method. The method comprises the following step: discharging the cans to be discharged from the main stream transport device onto a discharge transport device, wherein the cans are sucked onto the discharge transport device during discharge, in particular from the underside, i.e. from below.

By suctioning the cans or the bottom of the cans, the cans can be transferred or guided upright from the main stream conveyor to the reject conveyor. One of the aforementioned reject devices can be used for rejecting.

In an advantageous further development of this embodiment, the cans are sucked onto the main stream transport device, in particular from the underside, during discharge.

The cans are therefore not only stored on the reject conveyor, but also on the Main flow transport device is sucked downwards so that they are continuously sucked in during the discharge process and can be transferred from the main flow transport device to the discharge transport device.

The aforementioned suction surfaces and vacuum generation units are preferably used for suction.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the cans are, in particular, empty test cans. The cans are preferably used during ongoing operation to check an inspection device of a container processing system and are removed without damage. Thus, during ongoing operation, real cans and test cans are transported through the container processing system in parallel under normal operating conditions, for example, at normal conveyor speed. This allows the function of the inspection device to be checked during ongoing operation and under real conditions.

The vacuum generation units or vacuum pumps are switched off during normal production operations. If a test program is started to check the functionality of the inspection device, the vacuum pumps are automatically switched on, for example. The test containers are then preferably only inserted into the main flow after the vacuum has been established. This can be signaled, for example, by a signal light. Once the test program has been successfully completed, the vacuum generation units or vacuum pumps can be automatically switched off again.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by using one of the aforementioned diversion devices for checking one or more inspection devices, in particular by means of empty test cans, preferably during ongoing operation.

Here, too, the advantages and aspects of the individual rejection devices can be transferred accordingly. Using the rejection device ensures that the test cans are not damaged and are reusable.

Short description of the drawings

The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, provided this is technically reasonable and suitable. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Behälterbehandlungsanlage mit einer Ausleitvorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der in 1 gezeigten Behälterbehandlungsanlage, wobei eine Ausleiteinrichtung der Ausleitvorrichtung in einer Position zum Ausleiten von Dosen angeordnet ist; und
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Vakuumbands, das bei der in 1 und 2 gezeigten Ausleitvorrichtung verwendet werden kann.

The figures used to explain the embodiments show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a container treatment plant with a discharge device according to the present invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of the 1 shown container treatment plant, wherein a rejection device of the rejection device is arranged in a position for rejecting cans; and
• 3 a schematic representation of a vacuum belt used in 1 and 2 shown diversion device can be used.

Ways to implement the invention

1 shows a container treatment plant 200. The container treatment plant 200 has an inspection device 210, a bin 220 and a discharge device 100.

When normal cans 10 are transported in the container treatment plant 200, they are inspected as they pass by using the inspection device 210 and, if a defect is detected, are transported to the bin 220.

If the same procedure were followed with test cans 10, these test cans 10 would become unusable for further use due to damage when sorted into bin 220.

For the sake of simplicity, no consistent distinction is made below between test cans 10 and cans 10. Even though the rejection device 100 is described in connection with cans 10, it would also be particularly suitable for non-destructively rejecting, in particular, empty test cans 10. Therefore, the following primarily refers to cans 10, which should also be understood to include test cans 10.

The container treatment plant 200 according to the invention has the discharge device 100 behind the inspection device 210.

The diverting device 100 is designed to divert cans 10 from a main stream transport device 110 feeding the cans 10 to a diverting transport device 130. The main stream transport device 110 conveys the cans 10 successively in a standing position in the conveying direction x.

A diversion device 120 is designed for transferring, i.e., diverting, the cans 10 from the main stream transport device 110 to the diversion transport device 130. The diversion device For this purpose, the conveying direction 120 can be moved perpendicular to the conveying direction x of the main flow transport device 110.

1 shows the diverting device 120 in a retracted position and 2 shows the discharge device 120 in an extended position. As in a comparison between 1 and 2 As can be seen, when the diverting device 120 is moved in the y direction, a contact surface 121 is moved into the transport stream of the main stream transport device 110. When the cans 10 come into contact with the contact surface 121, the cans 10 are diverted and moved in the direction of the diverting transport device 130.

As in 1 and 2 As can be seen, the contact surface 121 is curved, so that a particularly smooth discharge of the cans 10 can be achieved. As a result, the cans 10 move obliquely rather than perpendicular to the direction x of the main flow transport device 110. If a discharge were to be carried out without further precautions solely with the discharge device 120, there is a great risk that the cans 10 or test cans 10, in particular empty ones, will fall over or be damaged during discharge. This problem is particularly exacerbated if a functional check of the inspection device 210 is to be carried out under operating conditions, i.e., at high speed.

Therefore, the diverting device 100 has suction surfaces 131 and 111. Specifically, the diverting transport device 130 has a first suction surface 131, and the main flow transport device 110 has a second suction surface 111. However, it may also be sufficient for only the diverting transport device 130 to have the first suction surface 131, and for the main flow transport device 110 to have no suction surface.

The functioning of the suction surfaces 131, 111 is well illustrated by 3 to understand. 3 shows, by way of example, a schematic sectional view of a vacuum belt 140. A vacuum chamber 142 is formed within the vacuum belt 140. The vacuum chamber 142 is connected to a vacuum generation unit 132, 112. In detail, the vacuum chamber 142 is connected to a first vacuum generation unit 132 if it is the first suction surface 131 of the discharge transport device 130. Accordingly, the vacuum chamber 142 is connected to a second vacuum generation unit 112 for the second suction surface 111 if it is the main flow transport device 110.

Independently of this, a negative pressure can be generated in the vacuum chamber 142 by means of the negative pressure generation unit 112, 132. The vacuum chamber 142 is connected to an upper side of the suction surface 131, 111 via openings 141. If a negative pressure is now generated in the vacuum chamber 142, air is sucked in through the openings 141 to compensate. As a result, a bottom 11 of the can 10 standing on the suction surface 131, 111 is also sucked in. Thus, the upright position of the can 10 can be stabilized by the downward force applied to the bottom 11. This helps prevent the cans 10 from tipping over.

Even if the functionality in 3 Although described with reference to a vacuum belt 140, this embodiment is not restrictive. Rather, a corresponding vacuum chamber 142 and corresponding openings 142 can also be formed in another embodiment, for example, in a vacuum plate or the like.

The openings 141 of the first and/or second suction surfaces 131, 111 are distributed in the conveying direction x and in a direction y perpendicular to the conveying direction x. This allows for continuous suction of the cans 10.

Returning to 2 The first vacuum generating unit 132, which is designed to generate the vacuum at the first suction surface 131, is designed or controlled to generate a higher vacuum than the second vacuum generating unit 112, which is designed at the second suction surface 111. This is because the vacuum at the second suction surface 111 must be large enough to securely hold the can 10 and small enough to allow transfer of the can 10. On the other hand, the vacuum at the first suction surface 131 must be large enough to take over the can 10 from the second suction surface 111. The two suction surfaces 111 and 131 are as in 2 can be seen, in particular arranged adjacent to one another, so that a continuous suction of the cans 10 can take place.

Reference symbol

10

test doses, doses

11

bottom

100

Diversion device

110

Main stream transport facility

111

second intake surface

112

second vacuum generation unit

120

Diversion device

121

Contact surface

130

Rejection transport device

131

first intake surface

132

first vacuum generation unit

140

vacuum belt

141

Openings

142

vacuum chamber

200

Container treatment plant

210

Inspection device

220

tonne

x

Conveying direction

y

Direction perpendicular to the conveying direction x

QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This 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

• EP 1 012 087 B1 [0004]
• DE 10 2010 025 744 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

A diverting device (100) for the upright diverting of cans (10), in particular empty test cans (10), from a main stream transport device (110) with cans (10) arranged consecutively thereon in an upright position, the diverting device (100) comprising: a diverting device (120) for diverting cans (10) to be diverted perpendicularly or obliquely to a conveying direction (x) of the main stream transport device (110); and a diverting transport device (130) for transporting the cans (10) diverted by means of the diverting device (120), wherein the diverting transport device (130) is designed to divert the cans (10) to be diverted from the main stream transport device (110) to the diverting transport device (130), characterized in that the diverting transport device (130) has a first suction surface (131) which is designed to hold cans (10) by means of suction in a position standing on the first suction surface (131). Discharge device (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the discharge transport device (130) is designed as a vacuum belt (140). Discharge device (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the main flow transport device (110) has a second suction surface (111) and is preferably designed as a vacuum belt (140). Discharge device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first suction surface (131) and/or the second suction surface (111) has a plurality of openings (141) by means of which the cans (10) can be sucked in. Discharge device (100) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the plurality of openings (141) are arranged distributed in the conveying direction (x) and perpendicular to the conveying direction (x) on the first suction surface (131) and/or the second suction surface (111). Discharge device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge transport device (130) is connected or connectable to a first negative pressure generating unit (142), in particular a vacuum pump, for generating a negative pressure for the first suction surface (131). Discharge device (100) according to at least Claim 3 and 6 , characterized in that the main flow transport device (110) is connected or connectable to a second negative pressure generating unit (112), in particular a vacuum pump, for generating a negative pressure for the second suction surface (111). Discharge device (100) according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the first vacuum generating unit (132) is designed or controlled to generate a higher vacuum than the second vacuum generating unit (112). Rejection device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rejection device (120) is designed for the guided rejection of the cans (10). Container treatment plant (200) with a discharge device (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Container treatment plant (200) according to Claim 10 with an inspection device (210) for inspecting cans (10), in particular empty test cans (10), wherein the rejection device (100) is designed to reject cans (10) in an upright position based on an inspection result of the inspection device (210). Method for the upright discharge of cans (10), in particular empty test cans (10), from a main stream transport device (110) with cans (10) arranged consecutively thereon, in particular by means of one of the discharge devices (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , wherein the method comprises the following step: discharging the cans (10) to be discharged from the main stream transport device (110) onto a discharge transport device (130), wherein the cans (10) are sucked onto the discharge transport device (130) during discharge. Method for the standing discharge of cans (10) according to Claim 12 , wherein the cans (10) are sucked in during discharge on the main stream transport device (110). Method for the standing discharge of cans (10) according to one of the Claims 12 until 13 , wherein the cans (10) are in particular empty test cans (10) and wherein the cans (10) are used during operation to check an inspection device (210) of a container treatment plant (200) and are discharged without destruction. Use of a diversion device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 for control an inspection device (210), in particular by means of empty test cans (10).

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