WO2019048700A1 - DEVICE FOR BUFFERING SMALL PARTS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for buffering small parts, in particular container closures, for a container filling plant, comprising: - a turntable (1) which has a buffer surface (2) and can be rotated about a rotational axis (3) in a first direction of rotation; - a first feed device (6) for feeding the small parts to the buffer surface (2); - a limiting element (4) which has an upper guide surface (5); and - a first outlet channel (7) for dispensing the small parts, wherein the first outlet channel (7) adjoins the buffer surface (2) in the direction of a first tangential path (t1) which is defined by the rotation of the turntable (1) in the first direction of rotation. The aim of the invention is to make alternating buffering of small parts of different dimensions possible. According to the invention, the turntable (1) can be rotated about the rotational axis (3) in a second direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation; a second outlet channel (8) is provided for dispensing the small parts; and the height of the limiting element (4) can be adjusted in the direction of the rotational axis (3) with respect to the buffer surface (2) by means of an adjusting device (15), thereby making it possible to adjust the spacing between the upper guide surface (5) and the buffer surface (2).

Description

 DEVICE FOR BUFFERING SMALL PARTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for buffering

Small parts, in particular of container closures, for a container filling system comprising a buffer surface for the small parts, in particular the container closures, having turntable, which is rotatable about a rotation axis by means of a drive unit in a first direction of rotation; a first feeding device for the task of small parts,

in particular the container closures, on the buffer surface; an upper guide surface for the small parts, in particular the container closures, comprising the limiting element, wherein the upper guide surface is formed parallel to the buffer surface and spaced therefrom; a first

Outlet channel for the delivery of small parts, in particular the

Container closures, from the buffer surface to a

downstream closure unit, the first

Outlet channel in the direction of a first, defined by the rotation of the turntable in the first direction of rotation

 Tangent path extending adjacent to the buffer surface.

BACKGROUND ART In container filling operations, containers, for example

Beverage bottles, filled by means of filling machines, and the filled containers are closed by means of container closures in a capping unit. For example, the containers may be containers of thermoplastic material produced in the container filling operation by heating preforms by means of a furnace and forming them into containers by means of an inflator. The container closures in turn are made of a

Reservoir or a task unit by means of a

Removed removal and removed in a sorting and

Alignment unit preoriented. Depending on the material of the container, different materials are typically used in the container closures. So plastic Bottles (PET bottles) usually closed with container closures made of plastic or aluminum; glass bottles

typically with container closures made of plastic, aluminum or sheet steel, wherein it may be the case closures, for example, crown corks or screw caps. Therefore, it is necessary in a Behälterabfüllanlage small parts made of plastic or metal (aluminum) such. Bottle caps, can lids or cans, closure caps or caps, to the appropriate units, in particular the capping unit to supply.

Due to disturbances or fluctuations during operation of the container filling system buffer or storage system are generally used in which a certain amount of small parts, especially on container closures,

can be cached or buffered. If in the sequence of container closures is mentioned, so are in

In general, all other small parts also included, even if they are not separately mentioned.

Thus, for example, the closure unit can continue to be operated with container closures in the buffer if the sorting and aligning unit temporarily fails or differences in throughput between the closure unit and the sorting and aligning unit can be compensated.

Often, so-called turntable buffer as Pufferbzw. Used storage system, ie devices which have a rotatable, circular hub, which serves as a buffer surface. Here are of the sorting and

Aligning unit coming aligned container closures via a feeder, such as a

Gravity conveyors like a chute or gutter on top of

Buffer surface, preferably eccentrically to a rotational axis of the hub, applied. Due to the centrifugal forces caused by the rotation and the circumferential speeds of the turntable increasing in the radial outward direction, Be closer to the axis of rotation located container closures are pushed outwards to be cleared there.

Usually, for dispensing the container closures to the following units, for example the closure

Unit, an outlet channel provided, which runs tangentially to the turntable. Container closures in the

be promoted outermost circle portion of the hub, run through the rotation of the hub a

Following tangent trajectory into the outlet channel. In other words, the container closure leaves the buffer surface due to the instantaneous circumferential direction of a straight path and thereby passes into the corresponding

aligned, adjacent to the buffer surface outlet channel. For this purpose, the outlet channel, at least in the on the

 Buffer area adjacent area, basically in the plane of the buffer area.

Around a tip of relatively high

To prevent container closures or a ripping of relatively low container closures is a

Limiting element provided with an upper guide surface. The buffer surface forms the lower base surface and the upper guide surface forms the upper base of a buffer space.

Often in container filling plants different

Container closures used alternately in the same filling line. For example, the same container type, such as a 500ml PET bottle, can be used with one

conventional container closure, a screw cap,

be closed and once with a quick-open closure, for example, a so-called

"Sport closure." The two container closures

differ greatly in their dimensions

from each other, so according to the prior art for each

 Container closure variety its own, adapted in its dimensions to the respective container closure,

Turntable buffer must be provided along with correspondingly sized inlets and outlets. EP 2733096 A1 relates to a device for buffering molded parts, preferably for buffering container closures, the device having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, between which a buffer surface rotatable in one direction and surrounded by an outer wall is arranged. Above the buffer surface is a to

Buffer surface parallel guide surface arranged so that the mold parts between the buffer surface and the guide surface are guided in the correct position, wherein the distance between

Buffer surface and guide surface is adjustable to the height of the molding.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device for buffering container closures for a container filling plant which provides alternating buffering of differently sized container closures

allows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This object is achieved in a device according to the invention in that the turntable in one of the first

Rotation direction opposite the second rotational direction is rotatable about the axis of rotation and that a second outlet channel for dispensing the container closures from the buffer surface is provided to a further downstream closure unit, the second outlet channel in the direction of a second, defined by the rotation of the hub in the second direction of rotation Tangent path extending adjacent to the buffer surface.

As long as in the operating state, the turntable in the first direction of rotation, for example, in a clockwise direction, is rotated, which are located on the buffer surface

Container closures in the first outlet channel, as the Rotation in the first direction only one leak in

Direction of the first tangent path allows. The second

Outlet channel is oriented in the opposite direction, so that the small parts, especially the

Container closures, be promoted due to their peripheral speed on the second outlet passage over. Now the direction of rotation is changed, so the turntable in the second

Turning, for example, rotated counterclockwise, so the situation is exactly the opposite: The

Small parts, in particular the container closures, enter into the second outlet channel due to their movement along the second tangent path, while they move on the second outlet channel

Outlet channel to be conveyed over. If the geometries of the deliver in the different directions of rotation

Small parts, especially the container closures, (strongly) differ from each other, so the respective

Outlet channels and the subsequent derivations in their dimensions to the respective to be processed

Small parts, especially container closures, be adapted.

Whenever container closures are mentioned below, all other small parts are generally included, even if they are not mentioned separately. The different orientation of the outlet channels should be clarified by the following mind game again: Imagine that both outlet channels on the same

Tangency point of the turntable would connect, so would the outlet channels each one half of the through the

Tangent point to form split tangent.

If the container closures to be dispensed in the respective directions of rotation have different dimensions, the buffer surface must change before the direction of rotation changes

be completely cleared to prevent

To get container closures in not designated outlet channels. Due to the structurally simple design of the buffer device can thus be achieved in a simple manner, the alternating buffering and delivery of different container closures in a single device. It goes without saying that the outlet ducts do not have to follow a mathematically exact tangent trajectory in order to enable the alternative feeding of the outlet ducts according to the invention, as determined by the direction of rotation. Thus, deviations of up to 20 °, in particular between 5 ° and 15 °, of the ideal

Tangent path tolerable. It can also be provided that the width of the outlet channel tapers away from an inlet region, in which the container closures in the operating state enter the outlet channel, until the width of the outlet channel substantially corresponds to the diameter of the outlet channel

Container closures corresponds.

In order to be able to adapt the height of the buffer space to different heights of container closures to be processed, the limiting element is by means of an adjusting device with respect to the buffer surface in the direction of the axis of rotation

height adjustable to the distance between upper

To adjust guide surface and buffer surface. Since the guide wall is also part of the delimiting element, both the lateral guide surface formed by the guide wall and the upper guide surface are simultaneously adjusted during a height adjustment of the delimiting element. In principle, a manually and / or motor-operated mechanism is conceivable as adjusting device,

For example, a lift linkage, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or a gear drive.

In order to simplify the tapping of the container closures, a gate valve projecting into the buffer area in a guiding position can be used for one or both outlet channels

be provided. It is particularly advantageous if the locking slide is aligned in the guide position parallel to the respective tangent trajectory. Preferably, the gate valve is movable, preferably pivotally connected to the outlet channel, so that the gate valve of the Guide position is movable into a blocking position, in which the locking slide the respective outlet channel

closes. As a result, in addition to the kinematically induced

Feeding the exhaust ports an additional mechanism exists because the gate valve in the locked position

prevents the container closures in the wrong way

Outlet channel arrive. It is therefore provided in an embodiment of the invention that at least one of

Outlet channels has a locking slide, which

Gate valve from a guiding position, in which

 Leading position of the gate valve in the buffer surface protrudes to assist the tapping of container closures from the buffer surface, is movable to a blocking position, in which blocking position, the gate valve closes the outlet channel.

As long as there are a certain number of container closures on the buffer surface created by the constantly entering the outlet channel container closures a propulsion, which usually prevents container closures in

 Outlet channel "remain lying", but if there are only a few container closures on the buffer surface,

For example, if the buffer surface is completely cleared for the purpose of changing the container closures, this propulsion decreases. To make sure that all container closures leave the outlet channel in another

Embodiment variant of the invention provided that at least one of the outlet channels, preferably both outlet channels, obliquely extending to the buffer surface, with a

Sterile air supply has connectable holes, through which bores sterile air is blown into the outlet channel. Once the air supply is activated, the promotion of the container closures located in the outlet channel is supported by the air flow. The holes can be, for example, by propulsion nozzles or by gill punches in

 Be formed sheet metal parts. By the injection of

Sterile air does not get any germs into the

Container closures, so a particularly hygienic

Processing is possible. As the air is beneficial only blowing in, when the buffer area is completely cleared, is usually nonexistent

provided sterile air supply necessary, but it can be used on an already existing in the plant.

In a further embodiment variant of the invention, it is provided that the delimiting element surrounds a frame surrounding the turntable with a radial surface in the buffer surface

Has direction limiting side guide wall and a parallel to the upper guide surface aligned top wall. The limiting element limits the above

Buffer area formed buffer space thus both upwards and laterally, whereby through the guide wall

Slipping down of the container closures is prevented from the buffer surface and the discharge into one of the outlet channels is supported. Since the frame is the hub in

Surrounds circumferential direction, a simple construction of the limiting element is achieved. The top surface of the frame extends opposite to the buffer surface

Side of the guide wall and can thus as a support surface for the upper guide surface forming part of the

Serve limiting element. A particularly even increase or decrease in the

Limiting element is in a further preferred

Achievement variant achieved in that the

Adjustment device at least two, preferably at least four, distributed in the circumferential direction, synchronously aktuierbare

Spindle elements comprises. By, preferably one

Trapezoidal thread having spindle elements is a

stepless adjustability of the distance between buffer surface and upper guide surface given. It is particularly advantageous if two, four, six, eight, ten or twelve

Spindle elements are provided which each other

arranged in pairs opposite one another. Due to the plurality of spindle elements, which are arranged at different points of the device, on the one hand a tilting of the limiting element during raising or lowering can be avoided on the other hand, that of a single person

Spindle element to be absorbed load correspondingly reduced. For the synchronous actuation of the spindle elements, an electric motor can be provided for each spindle element, wherein all electric motors are controlled by an electronic control device.

The synchronous actuation can be achieved in a particularly simple manner by the spindle elements being replaced by a

circulating belt, preferably a toothed belt, are connected and actuated. Particularly preferred is the

Version with a toothed belt, as this ensures a slip-free drive. The spindle elements point in the process

Timing pulleys, by the rotation of the spindles of the spindle elements are raised or lowered. The drive of the toothed belt can be done via a single motor or a single manually operated crank mechanism. Preferably, one of the toothed belt pulleys is connected to the drive, wherein the drive is formed below the buffer space.

Usually, the turntable is mounted in a supporting this housing, wherein the housing usually has a base formed by a bottom surface and a collar-like projecting housing wall.

In a further preferred embodiment of the

The invention provides that the adjusting device is arranged in the radial direction between the lateral guide wall of the limiting element and a housing carrying the rotary plate. Since the adjusting device is on the one hand radially outside the buffer surface and on the other hand radially inside the housing, in particular within the lateral housing wall of the housing, the projecting

Adjustment device radially not outward. On the other hand, the adjusting device through the guide wall of the

Container closures isolated.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the

Invention is provided, the adjusting device in the direction the axis of rotation seen between the top wall of the

 Limiting element and a rotary plate bearing housing is arranged. This design ensures that the adjusting device does not protrude beyond the frame of the limiting element in the direction of the axis of rotation.

Advantageously, the adjusting device, in particular the spindle elements, is supported on the one hand on the one hand

Bottom surface of the housing and on the other hand on the frame,

in particular on the underside of the top wall, from, so that the adjusting device moves the frame relative to the bottom surface to vary the distance between the upper guide surface and the buffer surface.

Both of the above arrangements allow a particularly advantageous design of the device in hygienic

Regards, since the outer skin of the device none of

Versteileinrichtung owed corners, wells or

Has shuffle, in which dirt or germs could accumulate, from the device to other areas of the

Container filling system could get.

It is particularly preferred if the two constructive conditions are met simultaneously, since the

 Adjustment device in this case completely between the frame and housing is added, so no element of the

 Adjustment device - with the possible exception of one

Drive the adjusting device - is arranged outside the housing or the frame. A further embodiment variant of the invention provides that the delimiting element has at least one cover element forming the upper guide surface at least in sections,

preferably two cover elements having. Due to the separation of the cover element and limiting element, the construction can be further simplified, in particular if the

Limiting element a frame and at least one,

preferably two, cover elements. In addition, the cover elements can be removed quickly and easily, to gain access to the buffer space, for example, to remedy a fault.

To access the buffer space on the at least one

Cover element in a particularly simple manner too

ensure is in another preferred

Embodiment variant of the invention provided that the

at least one cover element is pivotally connected to the limiting element. Thus, the lid member can be easily opened to get access to the buffer space. To good

 Intervention in operation, care, cleaning and

To enable maintenance, it is particularly advantageous if the limiting element is divided by two cover elements and the cover elements are hinged door hinged on two sides. Preferably, the limiting element comprises a

 Carrier element to which the cover elements are connected.

So that a visual check of the buffer space is possible during operation, is in another

Embodiment variant of the invention provided that the

at least one cover element at least in sections

is transparent and preferably made of impact-resistant polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate [PMMA]. While in principle a viewing window is conceivable, it is advantageous if the entire lid member is transparent or at least semitransparent. It is therefore particularly advantageous if the at least one

Cover element made of polycarbonate or PMMA, in particular

Acrylic glass or Plexiglas®.

For easy adjustment of the position of the upper

Guide surface in relation to the remaining parts of the

Limiting element is in a further preferred

Embodiment variant of the invention provided that the

at least one cover element at least partially rests on the top wall of the frame of the limiting element. This is particularly advantageous if a

Adjustment device is provided which moves the frame relative to the buffer surface, since the position of the top wall Immediately the location of the at least one

Cover element formed upper guide surface defined.

In order to prevent any forming in the company

Condensation or water used for cleaning, which could lead to a potential nucleation, is in a further embodiment of the invention

provided that the upper guide surface opposite surfaces of the limiting element are curved and / or formed inclined relative to the guide surface. Because the

 Turntable in the operating state is preferably aligned horizontally, it is the surfaces of the

Delimiting element around the upwardly directed surfaces.

The nonplanar parallel formation of the surfaces causes the water to drain or drain instead of collecting.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one second feed device is provided and the feed devices in the radial

 Open the direction in the buffer area. Thus, the

Feeding each on the dimensions of

be matched to different container closures. The feed devices can open on the one hand in the center region of the turntable, but eccentrically to the axis of rotation, from above, for example in the form of a double trough.

Likewise, it is conceivable that the feeders open into the guide wall, wherein the distance of the

Feeding devices can be selected as needed. But it is also conceivable that both variants are combined and opens a feeder in the center area and opens a feeder in the guide wall. Basically, the feeder can either allow a feed from a higher level, for example by a chute, or lie in the same plane as the

Buffer area. In the second case, the

Feeding the previously described holes for

Injection of sterile air to ensure the promotion. It is also advantageous if the entire device is covered to prevent ingress of dirt or a

Contamination of the container closures inside the

Prevent device. Preferably, this is achieved by appropriate construction of the housing and the

Limiting element, in particular of frame and

Cover elements reached. Moreover, it is advantageous if all in operation with the container closures in contact or the buffer space and the outlet channels forming surfaces are smooth and structureless, in order to avoid formation of germs as far as possible.

For easy transport or easy mounting tabs with attachment points for crane hooks or

Crane loops be provided. For example, the

Mounting points by projecting from the housing, with

Opened tabs be realized.

In order to give the device the necessary stability and to allow a connection to a substructure, the device may have at least two, preferably at least three feet, in particular stub feet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to set forth the inventive idea, but under no circumstances

narrow down or even finish playing.

Showing:

Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional representation of

 buffer device according to the invention with closed lid elements;

Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional representation of

Buffer device with opened cover element; Fig. 3 is a three-dimensional representation of

 Buffer device without cover elements;

 Fig. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 3;

Fig. 5 is a three-dimensional representation of

 Buffer device without limiting element;

 Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the buffer device;

Fig. 7 is a three-dimensional representation of

 Buffer device from below;

 Fig. 8 is a three-dimensional representation of another

 Embodiment of the buffer device without

Cover elements.

WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 show an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention for buffering small parts, referred to below as the buffer device, for a device

Container filling plant. In the presently discussed

Embodiment is in the

 Container filling plant to a plant for filling bottles, especially bottles of drinks, and in the small parts to container closures more precisely to bottle caps. It goes without saying that according to the same principle, other small parts made of plastic or metal (aluminum) such. Bottle caps, can lids or cans,

Closure caps or capping, can be buffered. For example, even flat cans or their lids can be buffered in a buffer device according to the invention. In this case, the buffer device in Fig. 1 entirely by two

Cover elements 14 closed, in Fig. 2 is one of

Cover elements 14 unfolded and in Fig. 3 are the

Lid members 14 are not shown to show the interior of the buffer device. The buffer device comprises a turntable 1 which is rotatably mounted in a housing 16 about a rotation axis 3 and which has a buffer surface 2. The

Supply of container closures, which are stored on the buffer surface 2, via a first feed device 6, which in the present case, a supply from above

allows. One of the first feeding device 6 upstream, not shown inlet connects the first feeder 6 in this case usually with a

Sorting and alignment unit, in which the

 Container closures are placed in a predefined position (for example, closure thread up or down).

The turntable 1 is aligned horizontally, the

Buffer surface 2 faces up. During operation, the turntable 1 is either in a first direction of rotation or in a second direction opposite to the first direction of rotation

 Rotational direction rotatable. By the rotation of the turntable 1 located on the buffer surface 2 container closures due to the centrifugal force and the radially outward

increasing peripheral speed pushed outwards.

For dispensing the container closures to downstream units of the container filling installation, for example a closure unit which connects the container closures to the containers, a first outlet channel 7 and a second outlet channel 8 are provided. On the functioning of the

selective delivery of container closures to one of the two outlet channels 7, 8 will be described in detail below

received. Each of the outlet channels 7, 8 is followed by an inclined outlet 9 for the gravity-based further transport of the container closures. The outlet channels 7, 8 themselves lie in one plane with the buffer surface 2.

The buffer surface 2 forms the lower base of a

Buffer space, which is provided for receiving the container closures. In the radial direction relative to the

 Rotary axis 3 and upwards the buffer space is limited by a limiting element 4. In this case, the delimiting element 4 has an upper guide surface 5 parallel to the buffer surface 2, which delimits the buffer space at the top and is spaced from the buffer surface 2. The upper guide surface 5 ensures that located in the buffer space

Do not overturn or close container closures. In the present case, the upper guide surface 5 of two hinged lid members 14 and one between the Cover elements 14 arranged carrier element 28 is formed, wherein the cover elements 14 are pivotally connected to the support member 28. In Fig. 2 is for example, too

recognize that the upper guide surface 5 is formed on the underside of the unfolded lid member 14. in the

In the region of the outlet channels 7, 8, the cover elements 14 have recesses which cover the outlet channels 7, 8 in sections. The lateral boundary of the buffer space is effected by a rotary disk 1 in the circumferential direction surrounding lateral guide wall 12 of a frame 11 of the

 The frame 11 further has a cover surface 13 parallel to the buffer surface 2 or the upper guide surface 5, on which the cover elements 14 and the support element 28 rest, wherein the support element 28 is attached to the frame 11 via fastening means. On the

Function and the exact structure of the frame 11 is

detailed below.

Based on Fig. 4, the operation of the invention of the two outlet channels 7,8 is explained. The buffer surface 2 of the turntable 1 is circular and is around the

Rotary axis 3 in the first direction of rotation (against the

Clockwise) and in the second direction (in

Clockwise) rotatable. The task of container closures via the first feeder 6 in the center region of the buffer surface 2, wherein the first feeder 6 opens in the radial direction in the buffer surface 2 and the outlet of the first feeder 6 eccentric to

Rotary axis 3 is arranged.

If now in the operating state, the turntable 1 is rotated in the first direction of rotation, the container closures due to the centrifugal force and in the radial direction linearly increasing peripheral speed on the

Buffer surface 2 in the broadest sense conveyed spirally outward. It goes without saying that also a possible friction between abutting container closures and the delivery pressure of container closures following from the first feeder 6 onto the buffer surface 2 will make the web the container closures on the rotating hub 1 influence. Since the buffer space is limited in the radial direction by the lateral guide wall 12, the slide

Container closures in a radial end position along the lateral guide wall 12 along. Depending on how high the rotational speed of the rotary disk 1 is and how high the degree of filling of the buffer surface 2, the greater or smaller is the time required for a container closure to be conveyed radially outward.

By the rotation of the turntable 1 in the first

Direction of rotation enter the container closures in the first outlet channel 7. For this purpose, the first outlet channel 7 is arranged substantially tangentially to the buffer surface 2 in such a way that a container closure one through the

Rotation of the turntable 1 resulting first

Tangents ti (as a dash-dotted arrow line

characterized) following the buffer surface 2 leaves and passes through the first outlet channel 7 in the first outlet channel 7 associated with drain 9. The first tangent line ti corresponds to the path followed by the container closure when it first moves on an approximately circular path extending substantially parallel to the lateral guide surface 12, which merges in the region of the inlet of the first outlet channel 7 into a straight line, wherein the Especially at the transition between lateral

Guide wall 12 and first inlet channel 7 tangential to

Turntable 1 aligned or formed as a tangential extension of the lateral guide wall 12. In other words, the first outlet channel 7 extends in the direction of the first tangent line ti extending to the buffer surface 2.

Upon rotation of the turntable 1 in the first

However, due to the orientation of the first outlet channel 7, the container closures do not enter into the second direction of rotation in the opposite direction of rotation, because the

Tangent direction of the container closures in the area of the first outlet channel 7 not with the first tangent line ti, after which the first outlet channel 7 is aligned coincides.

Also visible is a locking slide 10, which is arranged in the region of the first outlet channel 7 and is in a guiding position. In this guide position, the locking slide 10 protrudes into the buffer surface 2 and is aligned substantially tangentially to the turntable 1. In the guide position, the gate valve 10 assists in tapping the container seals from the buffer surface 2 by aligning the container seals with the gate valve 10 in the direction of the first tangent line ti. It goes without saying, however, that such

Locking slide 10 has only supporting character and does not necessarily have to be provided for the function of the buffer device, as from the rotation of the

Turntable 1 resulting forces already sufficient so that the container closures of the first tangent trajectory ti slide from the rotating buffer surface 2 in the first outlet channel 7.

The locking slide 10 is also in a second (not

shown) blocking position movable, in particular

pivotable, in which the locking slide 10 closes the first outlet channel 7, so that it is additionally ensured that no container closures in the first

Outlet channel 7 can enter, but be promoted on this past. In general, the locking slide 10 is moved to the blocking position before the direction of rotation of the turntable 1 is changed. Also here is on the only

supporting or safeguarding character of the

Shut-off valve 10 should be noted, since the rotation reversal and the orientation of the first outlet channel 7 already prevents an introduction of the container closures in the wrong outlet channel 7,8 as far as possible.

An essential aspect of the invention is that the hub 1 is rotatable in the second direction of rotation and that the second outlet channel 8 is arranged so that at no rotation in the first direction of rotation

Container closures enter the second outlet channel 8. At the same time, the first outlet channel 7 is arranged so that upon rotation of the hub 1 in the second

Direction of rotation - as previously described - none

 Container closures reach the first outlet channel 7.

This is achieved in that the second outlet channel 8 connects to the buffer surface 2 in the direction of a second tangent line t ₂ . The definition of the second

Tangent trajectory t ₂ corresponds to the definition of the first tangent trajectory ti, however, during rotation of the turntable 1 in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. Depending on the direction in which the turntable 1 rotates, the pass over the first feeder 6 on the

 Buffer surface 2 discontinued and by means of the buffer surface 2 radially outwardly funded container closures in one of the two outlet channels 7,8 so that a single, simple

constructed buffer device for the alternating buffering and processing of different container closures is suitable. Also for the second outlet 8, a gate valve 10 is provided, which is analogous to the previously

described locking slide 10 is formed. On the one hand, the outlet channels 7, 8 comprise a guide track for the container closures, which lies in a plane with the buffer surface 2. In addition, the outlet ducts 7, 8 at the transition to the drains 9 have a box-shaped enclosure through which the guideway runs. It is also conceivable that the guideway after the transition to

 Buffer surface 2 is inclined or curved. Also, bores may be provided for injection of sterile air to assist movement of the container closures. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further aspect of the invention

Invention, namely an adjusting device 15, which allows a height adjustment of the buffer space (along the direction indicated in Fig. 7 as a double arrow, parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation 3 height direction). In other words, can be displaced by means of the adjusting device 15, the limiting element 4 in the height direction relative to the buffer surface 2, so that the distance between the upper guide surface 5 and

Buffer surface 2 is variable. This may be necessary, for example, if the two alternate too

processing container closures different

Have height dimensions when they are applied in front of the buffer surface 2. For example, this may be necessary if, on the one hand, conventional, flat

Turn-locks and alternately higher sports closures, which have a hinged lid member and a drinking spout to be processed.

Although a variety of possible designs for the

Adjustment device 15 is conceivable, for example by means of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a preferred embodiment is described in the following, in which a plurality of circumferentially distributed spindle elements 15a is provided. In this case, the individual spindle elements 15a are synchronously aktuierbar to a uniform

To allow height adjustment.

The housing 16, in which the turntable 1 is mounted, comprises a horizontally oriented bottom element 16a and a vertically projecting from the bottom element 16a

 Gehäuseumwandung 16b, which in the present case a

has octagonal shape, with basically any shape is conceivable. In the present case, ten spindle elements 15a are provided, which are arranged in pairs opposite one another. The spindle elements 15a are radially inside of the

Gehäuseumwandung 16b but radially outside of the

Turntable 11 and the axis of rotation 3 spanned cylinder arranged. In order to be able to actuate the spindle elements 15a jointly and synchronously, they are actuated by means of a circumferential belt 15b, more precisely by means of a toothed belt 15b,

connected with each other. Six of the ten spindle elements 15a are individually arranged in the corners of the octagon, wherein in the remaining two, opposite corners in each case two spindle elements 15 a with a between the

Spindle elements 15a arranged clamping element 15c are arranged. The clamping elements 15c serve to keep the toothed belt 15b taut.

In Fig. 6, on the one hand, the structure of a spindle member 15 a and on the other hand, the structure of the frame 11 and the

Cover elements 14 having limiting element. 4

shown. The turntable 1 is mounted centrally in the housing 16, wherein the bottom element 16a has a main bearing 23 for a drive shaft 24 of the turntable 1. The

Drive shaft 24 is connected to an electric drive unit 18 (see Fig. 7), which can rotate the turntable 1 in both directions of rotation.

A spindle 26 of the spindle element 15a is rotatably connected to the bottom element 16b by means of a spindle bearing 25, the spindle 26 being aligned parallel to the axis of rotation 3. For non-positive or positive power transmission from

 Toothed belt 15b to the spindle 26, the spindle 26 has a toothed belt pulley 27. Through the movement of the

Toothed belt 15b, the toothed belt pulley 27 is rotated and the spindle 26, which preferably has a trapezoidal thread, either turned up or down.

The spindle element 15a is hinged to the frame 11 of the limiting element 4 at its end opposite the bottom element 16a. In detail, the spindle member 15a with the

Top wall 13 of the frame 11 is connected and located in

Direction of the rotation axis 3 seen between the top wall 13 and a bottom surface of the bottom member 16 a.

The frame 11 itself is in the illustrated section in

Essentially U-shaped, wherein the top wall 13, the central portion and the lateral guide wall 12 and a Rahmenumwandung 29 form the lateral portions of the U-shape. The lateral guide wall 12 of the frame 11 forms the inner boundary with respect to the buffer space and the Rahmenumwandung 29 forms the outer boundary to the environment. On the one hand, the buffer space does not come into direct contact with the adjusting device 15 and

on the other hand, the lateral guide function of the lateral guide wall 12 is not by the height adjustment

is impaired, the extension of the guide wall 12 in the direction of the axis of rotation 3 is chosen so that at a maximum adjustment height of the frame 11 of the buffer space in the radial direction completely through the side

Guide wall 12 is limited. To make sure that no

Dirt particles from the adjusting device 15 can get into the environment or vice versa, overlaps the

Rahmenumwandung 29 the Gehäuseumwandung 16b in the direction of the axis of rotation 3 and is arranged radially outside. Thus, all movable elements of the adjusting device 15 are arranged between the housing 16 and the frame 11.

The top wall 13 forms on the bottom element 16a

opposite side a support surface for the

Cover elements 14 and for the support member 28 from. Thus, by the actuation of the spindle elements 15a of

Frame 11 are moved upwards or downwards, whereby the entire limiting element 4 its position relative to

Buffer area 2 changed.

The pivotable connection of the cover elements 4 to the

Carrier element 28 is realized via a plurality of hinges 22. In order to enable optical control of the container closures on the buffer surface 2, the cover elements 4 are made of transparent material, in particular impact-resistant

 Polycarbonate or PMMA. The top one

Guide surface 5 opposite, outwardly facing surfaces of the cover elements 14 and the support member 28 are formed inclined relative to the buffer surface 2, so that under certain circumstances forming condensate does not accumulate, but can run off.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the buffer device, in which in particular the drive unit 18 can be seen, which is attached to the underside of the bottom member 16a of the housing 16. Furthermore, there are three as stubby feet

formed feet 21 of the buffer device, which the footprint for the buffer device in a

Train operating position. Also marked, in the present case three pieces, attachment points 20, over which the buffer device can be easily moved by means of a crane. For the drive of the adjusting device 15, a plurality of different variants is also conceivable,

For example, an electric drive may be provided within the housing 16. In the present

Embodiment, however, is an external drive

provided, wherein a drive point 19 of the

 Adjustment device 15 protrudes through the bottom element 16a. For example, the drive point 19 may be a part connected to a spindle 26 or a portion of the spindle 26. The drive point 19 can either be connected to an electric drive for automatic height adjustment or it can be a control element,

For example, a lever or a crank to which

Drive point 19 can be connected to a manual

To allow height adjustment.

Finally, Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the buffer device, in which, in addition to the first

Feeding device 6, a second feeding device 17th

is provided. In contrast to the embodiment described above, the feed devices 6, 17 do not open radially in a center region of the turntable 1, but in an edge region, in particular in the

lateral guide wall 12. It goes without saying that also in the previously described embodiment, a second feeder 17 may be provided in the central region or that one of the feeders 6, 17 radially inward and the other feed means 6, 17 is provided radially outward. When the lateral feed and no height offset must be provided, but the Feeding devices 6, 17 can run parallel to the buffer surface 2. It may be advantageous if holes are also provided in the feed devices 6, 17 for injecting sterile air to support the container closure conveyance.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 turntable

 2 buffer area

 3 rotation axis

 4 limiting element

 5 upper guide surface

 6 first feeder

 7 first outlet channel

 8 second outlet channel

 9 process

 10 locking slide

 11 frames

 12 lateral guide wall

13 top wall

 14 cover element

 15 adjusting device

 15a spindle element

 15b belt

 15c clamping element

 16 housing

 16a floor element

 16b housing wall

 17 second feeder

18 drive unit

 19 drive point

 20 attachment point

 21 feet

 22 hinge

23 main bearings

 24 drive shaft

 25 spindle bearings

 26 spindle

 27 Timing pulley

28 carrier element 29 Rahmenumwandung tl first tangent path t2 second tangent path

Claims

1. Device for buffering small parts, in particular of container closures, for a container filling plant comprising  a hub (1) having a buffer surface (2) for the small parts, in particular container closures, which by means of a  Drive unit (18) in a first direction of rotation about a rotational axis (3) is rotatable;  a first feeding device (6) for discharging the  Small parts, in particular the container closures, on the buffer surface (2);  a upper guide surface (5) for the small parts, in particular the container closures, comprising the limiting element (4), wherein the upper  Guide surface (5) is formed parallel to the buffer surface (2) and spaced therefrom;  a first outlet channel (7) for discharging the  Small parts, in particular the container closures, from the buffer surface (2) to a downstream  Lock unit  wherein the first outlet channel (7) adjoins the buffer surface (2) in the direction of a first tangent line (ti) defined by the rotation of the turntable (1) in the first direction of rotation, characterized in that  the turntable (1) in one of the first rotational direction opposite the second direction of rotation about the  Rotary axis (3) is rotatable,  a second outlet channel (8) for dispensing the  Small parts, in particular the container closures, from the buffer surface (2) to a further downstream  Closure unit is provided wherein the second outlet channel (8) in the direction of second, by the rotation of the turntable (1) defined in the second direction of rotation tangent path (t ₂ ) extending adjacent to the buffer surface (2),  and that the limiting element (4) by means of a  Adjusting device (15) relative to the buffer surface (2) in the direction of the axis of rotation (3) is height adjustable to the distance between the upper guide surface (5) and  Buffer surface (2) to adjust.  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the outlet channels (7,8) a  Locking slide (10), which locking slide (10) from a guide position, in which guide position of the locking slide (10) in the buffer surface (2) projects to the tapping of small parts, in particular of  Container closures, from the buffer surface (2) to  support, in a blocking position is movable, in which blocking position of the locking slide (10) the  Outlet channel (7,8) closes.  3. Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized  characterized in that at least one of  Outlet channels (7, 8) at an angle to the buffer surface (2)  extending, connectable to a sterile air supply bores, via which bores sterile air in the outlet channel (7,8) is inflatable.  4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized  in that the limiting element (4) has a frame (11) surrounding the turntable (1) with a lateral guide wall (12) delimiting the buffer surface (2) in the radial direction and a cover wall (13) aligned parallel to the upper guide surface (5) , 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting device (15) at least two, preferably comprises at least four circumferentially distributed, synchronously actuatable spindle elements (15a).  6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the spindle elements (15 a) by a circumferential  Belt (15b), preferably a toothed belt, are connected and actuated. 7. Device according to claim 4 and one of claims 1, 5 or 6, characterized in that the  Adjusting device (15) in the radial direction between the lateral guide wall (12) of the  Limiting element (4) and a rotary plate (1) carrying the housing (16) is arranged.  8. The device according to claim 4 and one of claims 1, 5 or 7, characterized in that the  Adjusting device (15) in the direction of the axis of rotation (3) seen between the top wall (13) of the  Limiting element (4) and a rotary plate (1) carrying the housing (16) is arranged.  9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized  characterized in that the limiting element (4) at least one of the upper guide surface (5) at least  Sectionally forming cover element (14),  preferably two cover elements (14).  0. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one cover element (14) pivotally on  Limiting element (4) is connected.  1. Device according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the at least one  Cover element (14) is at least partially transparent and preferably made of impact resistant Polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate [PMMA] consists. Device according to claim 4 and one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the at least one Cover element (14) at least in sections on the Top wall (13) of the frame (11) of Limiting element (4) rests.  Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the upper guide surface (5) curved opposite surfaces of the limiting element (4) and / or are formed inclined relative to the upper guide surface (5).  Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least a second Feeding device (17) is provided and the Feeding devices (6,17) open in the radial direction in the buffer surface (2).