DE102013108175B4 - Stacking device and stacking process - Google Patents

Abstract

Stacking module for stacking of containers (1-7) along a transport path (9), wherein the stacking module (8) comprises a stacking unit (10) and a transport unit (11), wherein at least the stacking unit (10) with a linear conveyor (17) a closed movement path (18) on which movement elements (19) rotate in a common direction, wherein on the respective movement element (19) at least one lifting element (20) is arranged, wherein the linear transporter (17) is designed as an electromagnetic direct output,
characterized in that
- The at least one of the movement elements (19) arranged lifting element (20) relative to the linear transporter (17) but also with respect to the moving element (19) is freely movable, wherein
- At the respective movement element (19) a plurality of lifting elements (20) are arranged, which are independently controllable, and wherein
- The movement elements (19) along the movement path (18) are individually controllable.

Description

The invention relates to a stacking module for stacking containers along a transport path, wherein the stacking module comprises a stacking unit and a transport unit, according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for stacking containers according to the preamble of claim 5.

The containers have containers. Containers according to the invention are for example bottles, cans, tubes, pouches, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, so for example PET bottles, but also other packaging, especially those that are bare for filling liquid or viscous products are also suitable for receiving food, but also already to groups (multiple pack, container) combined containers. Container treatment plants are, for example, rinsers, fillers, cappers but also labeling machines. These can be circumferential design or linear design. Continuous-design container treatment systems have a transport star on which the containers are guided past a circular path, for example past labeling devices. Prior to labeling, the containers can be aligned with recognition features, so that each label can be applied to the container in the same orientation.

After the containers have been treated in the container treatment plant, they can be fed to a packaging machine. In detail, the production of the container z. B. in a so-called packaging machine in such a way that the container on a transport plane of a carrier up and oriented with its container axis in the vertical direction or substantially vertical direction are fed in a mass transport or in a wide container stream, in which the container distinctive container and / or equipment features may have an arbitrary orientation, since the former orientation, so alignment is lost. This wide container stream is then converted by lane division into several single-lane container streams. In further process steps, the compartments of the later containers or their container groups forming the single-track container streams, the merging of the necessary number of containers in each case to a compacted container group, in which the container with multiple shell or peripheral surfaces, ie with the contact Or contact surfaces abut against each other, and that connecting the container of each group of containers to the compact and solid or stable container.

It is possible to connect the individual containers of the container with each other, wherein z. B. a wrap z. B. with a tether or other comprehensive element is conceivable. Such a comprehensive element may be, for example, a carton blank or a foil section, which is placed around the relevant container and fastened accordingly. The cardboard ends can be glued together. The initially applied films can be shrunk in a shrink tunnel. It is also conceivable that the containers get a stabilizing base, which z. B. is designed as a carton blank on which the containers stand up. Such a document is useful if the future container z. B. should be formed of several layers of sub-packages, with several containers are stacked. It can be attacked on the base, so that one sub-package is set to the other. Subsequently, a comprehensive element can be provided to include the stacked containers. As such, the carton blanks are preferably removed from a magazine in the unfolded state and can be folded before or after being fed to the subsequent bundle, with a correspondingly executed folding station being used. To form the film sections, a film roll is unrolled to form a film web, the relevant film sections being cut off from the film web. For this purpose, a film cutting station is useful, so that the respective film section has the required dimensions of each pack to be packaged. In a further embodiment, between the containers of the subsequent container, a spacer element which z. B. is designed as a web or, for example, as compartments. This compartment is usually formed from a cardboard or cardboard, and is unfolded before insertion into the subsequent container, wherein an insertion station, which can be exemplified as a bridge inserter or compartment inserter, is used. But it is also possible to use a plurality of containers in receiving boxes, wherein the separating elements, so the webs or compartments quasi form honeycomb within the carton, in which the containers are arranged.

It is known to combine or formulate several articles into one article group each and to remove them from the article groups using shrink films (eg. US 7,726,464 B2 ) to produce fixed or transportable storage and transport units or containers. The disadvantage here is, inter alia, that the films used in this case and in particular the shrinking of the films caused by heat or energy input not inconsiderable costs.

It has also been proposed to produce transportable containers in that the containers formed in each case into a container group by a strapping around the container group ( DE 10 2009 025 824 A1 . DE 10 2009 044 271 A1 . DE 41 26 212 A1 ), ie connected to each other to form a container, which is a particularly cost-effective and easy way to produce containers or transport and storage units. The strapping can also be glued to the containers. A disadvantage of the strapping is, however, that the first removal of a container from such a container remaining in the container containers are no longer held together by the strapping. This applies not only when the strapping is separated or cut, but also when it is possible to remove a container from the container without severing the strapping.

Furthermore, when transporting such containers on a belt conveyor there is always the danger that cylindrical or largely cylindrical articles, such as cans, bottles or containers, will assume a nesting position due to vibration, impacts etc., ie slip into the gap of the neighboring row. In order to prevent this, a very high tension must be applied to the strapping in known containers.

The DE 10 2006 037 105 A1 on the other hand deals with a method for assembling bottle packs, in which on both sides of a web a rotary star is provided which pushes bottle necks in brackets on flat carriers. The bottle package is still covered with a tape or wrapping (foil).

According to the DE 23 31 193 A1 An adhesive is applied to containers in narrow areas or rows, each adjacent surfaces, which are not provided with adhesive, to allow gripping the package for the purpose of carrying. At the splice the containers stick together. The EP 2 096 039 A1 also discloses to provide container with an adhesive, but in addition also a shrink film is placed around the bottle package.

From the EP 2 500 296 A1 is an apparatus and method for grouping piece goods along a conveyor line. By means of one-piece elements engaging in the flow, gaps between successive piece goods are formed. The one-piece elements are individually controllable in their feed movement and / or speed because of the gearless direct drives used along the movement path. The one-piece elements emerge from below the movement path, divert a number of containers from the container flow, initially hold the container flow, thus creating a gap to the separated containers: the divider elements then accelerate and submerge again below the level of the movement path. In that sense, the combined EP 2 500 296 A1 actually only the before their registration or priority date known Einteiltechnik with Einteilfingern, which are arranged on rotating beams, with a drive system which is formed by gearless direct drives.

The DE 10 2011 081 705 A1 also deals with a method and apparatus for grouping containers. In this case, the device has two conveyors at different speeds. The second conveyor is faster than the first conveyor. Thus, the containers reaching the second conveyor are moved faster than the containers on the second conveyor. This creates a gap between the containers on the second conveyor. By means of a sliding or retaining device, the containers are accelerated on the second conveyor, delayed and / or shifted from each other, so that the original gap is changed. This z. B. the trailing container pushed onto the leading container. The corresponding acceleration is achieved by means of linear motor drives, with the individual elements of the sliding or retaining device being individually controllable.

DE 38 27 063 A1 discloses a stacking unit, are raised in the packaging units by an oblique carrier tape and conveyed to a height-adjustable stop and placed on a local sub-stack. In the DE 35 29 071 A1 and the US 5,101,956 A are continuously operating stacking devices for tray packaging describe in which by means of a transport path arranged above the lifting devices, a filled tray can be raised and placed on a trailing or incoming tray below. These stacks of two trays are continuously conveyed downstream.

In the US 2007/0 098 541 A1 a stacking device is disclosed in which the packages can be routed in a plurality of levels below the main transport path in a buffer. Finally reveal US 2009/0 139 839 A1 and US 4,238,026 A suitable transport devices.

Further, it may be possible for several containers to be stacked on top of each other, for which purpose the stacking module is provided. The stacking module has the aforementioned stacking unit, which is designed as a scaffold. On the frame lifting devices are arranged, which lift a run in along the transport unit container. While one container is being lifted, another container enters the framework. The raised container is then placed on below containers. In this case, the transport unit stops, so that further transport is interrupted during placement. Once the container has been mounted, the transport unit is put back into operation and the stacked containers are challenged from the stand. Obvious here is the disadvantage that the transport unit must stop to put the raised container to the lower. This stopping requires a significant interruption, the actual capacity is significantly reduced. A disadvantage may also be that only a predetermined number of containers can be stacked. If more than two containers are to be stacked on top of one another, fitting work must be carried out, which in turn stops production and is costly and time-consuming.

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for stacking containers of the type mentioned, which is improved by simple means.

The solution of this object is achieved with a device having the features of patent claim 1 and a method having the features of patent claim 5.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments. In this case, all the features described in principle or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

According to the invention, it is provided that at least the stacking unit has a linear conveyor with a closed trajectory on which moving elements rotate in a common direction, wherein a lifting element is arranged on the respective moving element. It makes sense if the lifting element lift and lower at least along a portion of a Hintrums the trajectory relative to the moving element. It is ideal if the lifting elements can be controlled separately from the moving element.

The fact that the movement elements essentially revolve in a common direction means in the sense of the invention that the movement elements may be occasionally moved and briefly moved in a direction other than the common, actually predetermined direction of rotation, if, for example, to change a distance according to the given circumstances makes sense to the following or previous movement element. But here is another advantage of the invention by the movement elements are independently controllable in the movement path in their respective movement.

The linear transporter ideally has a closed trajectory on which the individual movement elements are arranged, which rotate. The movement elements can also be referred to as movers. The movement path has linearly oriented movement path sections and deflection regions arranged therebetween, so that a closed movement path is formed. The linearly oriented trajectory sections, which are also referred to as the rear and as a return strand, may have curved or obliquely oriented sections to z. B. to compensate for a height difference, or to form, for example, a change in direction in the horizontal direction. In the simplest embodiment, however, the rear and the rear run inclined relative to the conveniently arranged transport unit, which will be discussed later.

The movement elements are individually controllable, so that each movement element can have a respective speed. Thus, the movement elements are independently controllable so that the respective movement element at the respective movement path portion in its speed is equal to other located on the respective trajectory portion movement elements, but this relevant movement element relative to other on the same trajectory respectively on the same trajectory section moving elements but also accelerated , delayed or even reversed in its direction of movement can be reversed. This is advantageous since a very small number of movement elements can be provided, since the movement elements moving along the return strand can overtake the movement elements moving along the rear. The trajectory can of course have a lock for discharging unneeded or verifiable motion elements. Of course, the lock can also be used for sluicing. The respective movement elements can, for. B. are driven so that they are moved at a takeover of the container to be lifted with the transport unit adapted speed, or even slowed down and subsequently experience a speed build, so that virtually a gentle takeover of the container takes place, which along z. B. an acceleration section of the trajectory to the subsequent spaced.

The linear transporter is designed in the manner of an electromagnetic path, wherein the movement elements rotate gearless at this directly controllable. For this purpose, an interface of the movement path can be connected to a control unit. The linear transporter can therefore be an electromagnetic direct drive. The actual drive is effected by a dynamically controllable electromagnetic field along the rail or track, whereby the on the moving element, which can also be referred to as a mover arranged permanent magnet / -packung is moved by the magnetic force or the magnetic field controlled.

Another advantage of the invention is the fact that the movement elements can be controlled so that they are accelerated, and catch up the container standing on the transport unit container. This ensures that all containers can be transported at the maximum possible transport speed. Of course, this has an advantageous effect on increased output, since significantly more containers can be stacked in less time than before.

The arranged on the moving elements lifting elements can relative to the linear transporter but also with respect to the moving element itself perform any movement, preferably a lifting and lowering. An activation takes place in an ideal embodiment via a central unit, which can also cause the control of the movement elements.

By means of the movement elements, which run around the path of movement, which as already mentioned above is designed as a rail, the containers can now be lifted on the lifting elements and transported safely until they are placed on the lower container.

The movement path is, as already mentioned above, arranged inclined to the transport unit. The movement path has a transfer section, at which a container to be stacked is taken over by the transport unit. For this purpose, the lifting elements can grip the container in a suitable manner. The fact that the lifting elements can be lowered and raised relative to the moving element, this is possible in a simple manner. As already mentioned, the movement elements can be controlled with an adapted speed. Along the rear, the movement elements can now be accelerated to catch up the remaining on the transport unit drums. In this case, the container along the movement path of the stacking unit is raised relative to the container remaining along the transport unit, since the movement path is inclined. Here is another advantage of the invention: For the movement elements can be accelerated as desired, so that the container along the inclined trajectory, although a longer way must cover, but may be faster than the container which is transported on the transport unit. If the container reaches the position to be placed on the lower container along the movement path of the stacking unit, the lower container does not have to be braked or even stopped. Rather, the lifting elements simply lower, and put the upper container on the lower container, both containers have the same speed to each other.

In order to stack the containers on top of each other, a container is first transported along the transport unit. Only the following container is taken over by the stacking unit if two containers are to be stacked on top of each other. If three containers are to be stacked on top of each other, this is easily possible without alteration and adaptation work, since then the second container is simply taken over by the stacking unit and placed on the two lower containers. The container in question will of course travel a longer distance along the way Traverse the inclined trajectory, as the along the trajectory of the stack unit leading pack.

In order to achieve that the containers are stacked on top of each other with as few circumstances as possible, the inclination amount of the stacking unit, that is to say the inclination amount of the movement path, can be selected accordingly. If two containers are to be stacked on top of each other, the amount of inclination can be correspondingly low in order to transport the container in question after a certain distance above an attachment surface of the lower container. If three or more containers are stacked on top of each other, the inclination could be greater, whereby the trajectory could be extended.

The transport unit may have transport elements which hold the containers to be transported along the transport unit and / or increase ideal manners in relation to a transport plane of the transport unit. Thus, the transport unit could be arranged with its actual transport plane below a transport plane of an upstream conveyor. This is advantageous since the transfer from the conveyor to the transport unit is thus simplified.

The transport unit extends in an ideal embodiment seen in the transport direction along a horizontal. The transport unit thus has the transport elements which rotate along a movement path of the transport unit. through the conveyor, the containers of the transport unit are supplied. By means of the transport elements, the containers are taken over by the transport unit. For this purpose, the transport unit is arranged with its transport plane below the transport plane of the conveyor. At the transport elements holding elements are arranged, which can cause a height compensation. Thus, the containers are transported to the holding elements above the actual transport plane of the transport unit. However, this makes sense in the sense of the invention, since the lifting elements of the movement elements arranged on the stacking unit can thus act on a lower region of the packs to be stacked up. Thus, a secure position transport along the trajectory of the stacking unit is ensured, with the settling on the lower container can be carried out in a stable position.

In a meaningful embodiment can be provided that the transport unit is designed as a linear conveyor with closed trajectory, wherein the transport elements rotate on the path of movement. The transport elements are designed as the movement elements of the stacking unit, and can also be referred to as a movers. The operation is described as in the linear transporter to the stacking unit. The holding elements are movable relative to the transport elements. If the transport unit is also designed as an electromagnetic direct drive, the transport elements along the return run can overtake the transport elements along the rear, so that a reduced number of transport elements is sufficient.

In particular, the movement elements and / or the transport elements can already be accelerated along the rear.

From the transport unit, the stacked containers can be placed on a subsequent conveyor which takes over the further transport.

The goal is that the container of the individual containers on documents, eg. B. on a cardboard box, the stack formed in a following module z. B. is wrapped with a foil. It is expedient if the lifting elements and / or the retaining elements engage edge regions of the base, that is to say on a folded-up edge. The device according to the invention may be part of a packaging machine, which may still have the wrapping module and also a shrink tunnel in order to shrink the film onto the containers. A component of the packaging machine upstream of the device according to the invention could be a stacking unit which places the containers one above the other.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. It shows the only one:

1 to 4 a device for stacking containers in a basic view in a sequence for stacking.

1 shows containers 1 to 7 which is a stacking module 8th for stacking containers 1 to 7 along a transport route 9 be supplied, wherein the stacking module 8th a stacking unit 10 as well as a transport unit 11 having. The containers 1 to 7 become the stack module 8th on a conveyor 12 fed.

The conveyor 12 has a transport plane 13 on. The transport unit 11 is with their transport level 14 below the transport level 13 of the conveyor 12 arranged. At the transport unit 11 run transport elements 15 around which holding elements 16 have, with which z. B. the container 1 at the transport level 13 of the conveyor 12 being held. The holding element 16 can move in the vertical direction on the transport elements 15 be arranged. It is possible that the retaining elements 16 due to a positive guidance along a correspondingly executed slide track, so control cam from the transport elements 15 extend, and are otherwise arranged in their retracted position. It is conceivable to cause the extension against a spring force, which causes the return to the retracted position.

The stacking unit 10 has a linear transporter 17 with a closed trajectory 18 on, on which movement elements 19 rotate in a common direction, wherein at the respective movement element 19 a lifting element 20 is arranged. It makes sense if the lifting elements 20 at least along a section of a rear 21 the trajectory 18 relative to the moving element 19 raise and lower. Ideal is when the lifting elements 20 separately to the movement element 19 are controllable.

In the embodiment shown in the figures also includes the transport unit 11 a linear transporter 22 on or is designed as such, on which transport elements 15 circulate. It is in the Einwirkbereich the stacking unit 10 at least on a section in the transport route 9 this second linear transporter 11 Also classified as an electromagnetic direct drive or in a subsection of the transport route 9 is designed as a second linear, direct electromagnetic drive. Thus, containers can 1 - 7 by means of the second linear conveyor steplessly and in response to the engagement of the stacking unit 10 can be positively or negatively accelerated to a maximum dense occupancy of the entire transport route 9 to ensure.

Both the stacking unit 10 as well as the transport unit 11 can therefore be designed as an electromagnetic direct drive. The stacking unit 10 is related to the transport unit 11 arranged inclined so that the trajectory 18 along the back 21 rises and along one to the rear 21 opposite Rücktrums 23 is returned accordingly. The direction of movement of the movement elements 19 is recognizable due to the registered sense of motion.

In the figures represent the containers 1 to 7 successive container, which the stacking module 8th be supplied. Again 1 can be removed, the container is 1 from the holding elements 16 the transport elements 15 at the level of the transport level 13 of the conveyor 12 held. The following container 2 is from the lifting element 20 of the movement element 19 accepted.

In 2 it is recognizable that the container 2 along the back 21 is raised. At the same time the container 2 , so the corresponding movement element 19 accelerated. The leading container 1 is along the transport unit 11 transported. That on the container 2 trailing containers 3 arrives from the conveyor 12 on the transport unit 11 ,

At the in 3 The condition shown is the container 2 along the back 21 accelerated further, wherein its speed is greater than the speed of the container 1 along the transport unit 11 , The container 3 is in the meantime of one of the transport elements 15 the transport unit 11 taken over, and becomes like the container 1 conveyed along the transport route of the transport unit. The container 4 enters the area of the stacking unit 10 ,

In 4 it is recognizable that the container 2 so above the container 1 arranged is that the container 2 on the container 1 set, so can be stacked. Here are the two containers 1 and 2 to each other the matching relative speed. To put down the lifting elements lower 20 of the movement element 19 , Both containers 1 and 2 are transported on, not stopped. The container 4 will - as before the container 2 in 2 - along the back 21 raised. At the same time the container 4 , so the corresponding movement element 19 accelerated. The leading container 3 is along the transport unit 11 transported. That on the container 4 trailing containers 5 arrives from the conveyor 12 on the transport unit 11 ,

Thus, can be formed bundle stack, which have two superimposed containers. This is an example 4 shown. It is also possible to stack more than two containers on top of each other. So z. B. also three containers are stacked on top of each other, as well as the 4 shown. The reference numerals indicated in the stacking examples agree with the containers 1 to 6 match. That in the 1 to 4 illustrated container 7 may exemplify the position of the container shown in the stacking examples 1 taking.

A particularly advantageous method for stacking and horizontal compacting of containers is that along a transport path 9 two or more containers ( 1 - 7 ) are stacked on top of each other and in parallel, the stacks of several containers ( 1 - 7 ) or partial stacks of containers are compressed horizontally to each other.

• – mit einer Geschwindigkeitskomponente angehoben und
• – mit einer Geschwindigkeitskomponente in Transportrichtung bewegt werden, insb. beschleunig werden und weiterhin
• – der für die Ablage vorgesehen Teilstapel aus einem oder mehreren Gebinden dynamisch in seiner horizontalen Bewegung angepasst, d. h. insbesondere verlangsamt wird.

For this purpose, it is advantageous if synchronously the containers to be stacked ( 1 - 7 )

• - with a speed component raised and
• - be moved with a speed component in the transport direction, esp. Are accelerated and continue
• - Provided for the filing partial stack of one or more containers dynamically adjusted in its horizontal movement, ie in particular is slowed down.

Ideally, a variant of the devices described above with two tuned or synchronously operating electromagnetic linear actuators is used for this purpose.

Claims (5)

Stacking module for stacking containers (one above the other) 1 - 7 ) along a transport route ( 9 ), wherein the stacking module ( 8th ) a stacking unit ( 10 ) and a transport unit ( 11 ), wherein at least the stacking unit ( 10 ) a linear transporter ( 17 ) with a closed trajectory ( 18 ), on which movement elements ( 19 ) in a common direction, wherein at the respective movement element ( 19 ) at least one lifting element ( 20 ), wherein the linear transporter ( 17 ) is designed as an electromagnetic direct drive, characterized in that - the at least one of the movement elements ( 19 ) arranged lifting element ( 20 ) relative to the linear transporter ( 17 ) but also with reference to the movement element ( 19 ) is freely movable, wherein - at the respective movement element ( 19 ) several lifting elements ( 20 ) are arranged, which are independently controllable, and wherein - the movement elements ( 19 ) along the trajectory ( 18 ) are individually controllable. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that linear transporter ( 17 ) a closed trajectory ( 18 ), which has a back ( 21 ) and a return ( 23 ), between which deflection regions are arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement path ( 18 ) of the linear transporter ( 17 ) inclined to the transport unit ( 11 ), the trajectory ( 18 ) is performed increasing. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport unit ( 11 ) a linear transporter ( 22 ) with closed trajectory or is formed as such, on which transport elements ( 15 ) on which at least one holding element ( 16 ), wherein the linear transporter ( 22 ) is designed as an electromagnetic direct drive. Method for stacking and horizontal compacting of containers along a transport path ( 9 ), whereby two or more containers ( 1 - 7 ) are stacked on top of each other and parallel stacks of several containers ( 1 - 7 ) or partial stacks of containers are compressed horizontally to each other, with synchronously stacked container ( 1 - 7 ) - With a speed component raised and - be moved with a speed component in the transport direction, esp. Be accelerated and - provided for the storage part stack of one or more containers dynamically adjusted in its horizontal movement, in particular slowed down, characterized by the use of a Batch module according to one of Claims 1 to 4, which is used as a transport unit ( 11 ) a linear transporter ( 22 ) with closed trajectory or is formed as such, on which transport elements ( 15 ), on which at least one holding element ( 16 ), wherein the linear transporter ( 22 ) is designed as an electromagnetic direct drive.

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