DE102014113720A1 - Device for lateral guidance of containers and associated container treatment machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for lateral guidance of containers (5) along at least one container conveyor line (FS) in a conveying direction (FR) within a container treatment machine comprising at least a first container guide device (2.1, 3.1, 4.1) with at least one rail-like guide element (2.11, 2.12 , 3.11, 3.12, 4.11) and at least one of the first container guide device (2.1, 3.1, 4.1) opposite second container guide means (2.2, 3.2, 4.2), wherein the container conveyor line (BFS) at least in sections between the first and second container guide means (2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2). Advantageously, the at least one guide element (2.11, 2.12, 3.11, 3.12, 4.11) of the first container guide device (2.1, 3.1, 4.1) is formed by at least one brush element (6) comprising a plurality of bristle bundles (8) arranged on a carrier rail element (7) ,

Description

The present invention relates to a device for lateral guidance of containers according to the preamble of claim 1 and a container treatment machine according to the preamble of claim 10.

Devices for the lateral guidance of containers, in particular bottles, cans or kegs, which are made of glass, plastic or metal, for example, along at least one container conveyor line in a conveying direction within a container treatment machine are well known.

Such devices are preferably used in the inlet and / or outlet area of container treatment machines, in particular labeling machines or container printing machines, for example in the form of embodiments of an inlet and / or outlet star.

Container guiding devices known from the prior art are at least partially rail-like and have on their the guide surface forming end face, with which the container outer surfaces abut the container guides, wear strips made of plastic, which may be made for example of the so-called plastic material S green. Preferably, such wear strips are arranged interchangeably on the container guide means.

Two opposing container guide devices form, for example, a guide lane, in which the containers, in particular bottles, cans or kegs, are guided along a container conveyor line in a conveying direction. Here, the distance between the container guide means, between which the container conveyor line extends, to the dimensions of the containers to be guided, in particular to adapt their diameter, preferably taking into account predetermined tolerances. The disadvantage of a too narrow guide damage to the container outer surfaces in the guide area, in particular, these can be scratched. Furthermore, when using the plastic material S-green, it is disadvantageous to deposit glass particles in the plastic, which likewise can lead to a scratching of the container surface in the region of the guide surface.

However, too wide a layout of the guide lane can lead to inaccurate guidance of the containers along the container conveyor line, i. the containers are not held securely between the opposed container guide means and may, for example, fall over, causing production interruptions in the container treatment machine. In particular, when using such container treatment facilities as external guides for an inlet and / or outlet star highly accurate guidance of the container is required, since in case of failure to serious disturbances of Behälterzu- or -abfuhr may occur within the container treatment machine.

Furthermore, from the document DE 10 2010 028 814 A1 a method and an apparatus for treating containers, in which the contact surfaces of the container along the container conveyor section are acted upon by an active agent, which comes into direct contact with the container outer surface. According to one embodiment, the active means are formed by brushes, which are fixedly connected to a container conveyor. The brushes are arranged over a wide area and extend over the entire height of the container outer surface.

Proceeding from this, the present invention seeks to provide a device for lateral guidance of containers along a container conveyor line and an associated container handling machine, which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art described above, in particular a container-friendly, quiet and accurate promotion of the container within the by the Container guide devices predefined Fördergasse allows. The object is achieved on the basis of the preamble of claim 1 by its characterizing features. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a container treatment machine according to the preamble of claim 10 by its characterizing features. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The essential aspect of the device according to the invention is to be seen in that the guide element of the first container guide device is formed by at least one brush element comprising a plurality of bristle bundles arranged on a carrier rail element. The bristle bundles advantageously provide a flexible, soft surface which, for example, yields when the container is oversized and still provides adequate guidance when the container is undersized, so that reliable, adequate and stable container guidance is ensured. As a result, caused by the container dynamic impact forces can be mitigated and damage to the container surface can be effectively avoided. In particular, in container guide devices in the region of the inlet and outlet star of a container treatment machine and / or in Range of guide screws this is a particularly reliable and quiet leadership of the container possible.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that the support rail element is made of an elastic material and the free ends of the bristle bundles of the brush element form a flexible, rail-like guide surface. The brush element according to the invention is thus individually adaptable to the particular shape of the container treatment line and thus flexible.

Further advantageously, the rail-like guide member is interchangeably connected to the first container guide means, preferably by means of a tongue and groove connection. For exchangeable connection, the rail-like guide element on the surface opposite the bristle bundles may have a spring-like connecting section extending at least in sections along the longitudinal axis of the rail-like guide element, which is designed to engage in a groove-shaped recess of the first container guide device. Alternatively, for exchangeable connection, the rail-like guide element on the surface opposite the bristle bundles may have a groove-shaped recess extending at least in sections along the longitudinal axis of the rail-like guide element, which is designed to receive at least one spring-like connecting section of the first container guide device. Preferably, the spring-like connection portion and the groove-shaped recess are T-shaped.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second container guide device is formed by at least one inlet roller arrangement, preferably a double inlet roller arrangement or an inlet and / or outlet star.

Further advantageously, the first container guide device has at least one upper and / or one lower rail-like guide element. The containers are advantageously guided only in narrow areas, namely in the area of the container top side and the container bottom side.

The invention likewise relates to a container treatment machine, in particular a labeling machine or a container printing machine with at least one container guide device designed according to the invention.

The invention will be described in more detail below, for example, with reference to the schematic drawing. In this show:

1 a perspective view of the inlet region of an inventively designed container guide device having container treatment machine,

2 a schematic plan view of the inlet region according to 1 .

3 a perspective view of an inventively designed brush element,

4 a schematic view of the end face of the invention designed according to brush element 3 .

5 an end view of the inlet region in the conveying direction,

1 shows an example of a perspective view of the inlet region 1 a container treatment machine. However, the invention is by no means limited thereto, but can be used at any point within a container treatment machine, where a precise container guide along a predetermined container conveyor line BFS is required. The container treatment machine may be, for example, a labeling machine or a container printing machine.

In the present embodiment, this inlet region 1 the container treatment machine exemplifies a plurality of devices 2 . 3 . 4 for lateral guidance of containers 5 on, which hereinafter also referred to as container guide devices 2 . 3 . 4 be designated. Each of the container guide devices 2 . 3 . 4 each has a first container guide device 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 and an associated second container guide device 2.2 . 3.2 . 4.2 on, which have opposing and mutually facing guide and treatment surfaces over which the containers are guided along a linear or curved container conveyor line BFS, preferably in a conveying direction FR.

In the present embodiment, a first container guide devices 2 with a first container guide device 2.1 and a second container guide device 2.2 provided, to which a second and third container guide device 3 and 4 each with a first and second container guide means 3.2 . 3.3 . 4.2 . 4.3 connect.

The first container guide device 2.1 the first container guide device 2 has at least one rail-like guide element 2.11 . 2.12 on, extending along at least a portion of the container conveyor line BFS in the conveying direction FR extend. In the present embodiment, by way of example, an upper and lower rail-like guide element 2.11 . 2.12 provided, which run parallel to each other and preferably have the same length and width.

The second container guide device 2.2 the first container guide device 2 is realized in the form of at least one inlet screw arrangement, preferably a double inlet screw arrangement, for example, a first and second inlet screw 2.21 . 2.22 for driving the container 5 are set up in the FR funding area. These form together with the upper and lower rail-like guide element 2.11 . 2.12 a container guide alley.

To the first container guide device 2 preferably closes immediately the second container guide device 3 which is bent, preferably has a semicircular bend. The first container guide device 3.1 has at least one curved rail-like guide element 3.11 . 3.12 on, which extends along a corresponding curved portion of the container conveyor line BFS. In the present embodiment, by way of example, an upper and lower curved rail-like guide element 3.11 . 3.12 provided, which run parallel to each other and preferably have the same length and width.

The second container guide device 3.2 the second container guide device 3 is realized in the form of an inlet star, which spaced apart part-circular recesses for drivingly guiding the container 5 together with the opposite upper and lower curved rail-like guide element 3.11 . 3.12 are provided. The first container guide device 3.1 the second container guide device 3 thus forms the outer guide of the inlet star 3.2 out.

By way of example, the second container guide device follows 3 a third container guide device 4 only mirrored to the second container guide device 3 educated. The first container guide device 4.1 the third container guide device 4 in turn forms the outer guide of the second container guide device designed as a further inlet star 4.2 the third container guide device 4 and for this purpose preferably has an upper and lower curved rail-like guide element 4.11 . 4.12 on.

In 2 is a schematic plan view of the inlet area 1 according to 1 shown, based on the leadership of the container in the inlet area 1 by means of the first to third container guide device 2 . 3 . 4 is described by way of example. The first container guide device 2 takes the containers 5 along the conveying direction FR, the containers separated 5 and accelerates them to a predetermined conveying speed, which corresponds to the rotational speeds of the following inlet star 3.2 is adapted or approximately corresponds to this. In a transfer area, the means of the first container guide device 2 isolated container 5 to the second container guide device 3 pass this in turn to the third container guide device 4 passes.

The along the first to third container conveyor 2 . 3 . 4 extending container conveyor line BFS thus runs in the first container conveyor device 2 linear and in the subsequent second and third container conveyor 3 . 4 each concentric about a rotation axis of the respective inlet star 3.2 . 4.2 ,

According to the invention, the respective guide element 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 . 4.12 the first container guide device 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 by at least one brush element 6 formed, wherein the brush element 6 a variety of on a DIN rail element 7 arranged bristle bundles 8th includes. In the present embodiment, therefore, the brush element 6 a DIN rail element 7 and a plurality of bristle bundles 8th on, as exemplified in the 3 and 4 indicated by a perspective and frontal view. Here is the brush element 6 at the respective first container guide device 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 , preferably arranged interchangeable.

In a preferred embodiment, there is a tongue and groove connection between the rail-like brush element 6 and at least one end portion of the first container guide means 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 , The bristle bundles 8th are here over the entire surface of the DIN rail element 7 distributed, preferably at a gap to each other along the longitudinal axis LA of the DIN rail element 7 , On the bristle bundle 8th opposite side of the DIN rail element 7 is in a first embodiment, at least partially along the longitudinal axis LA extending spring-like connecting portion 9 provided for engaging in a groove-shaped recess of the first container guide means 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 is trained. Here, the spring-like connection section 9 preferably T-shape.

Alternatively, instead of the spring-like connecting portion 9 an also along the longitudinal axis LA extending groove-shaped recess in the correspondingly wide formed mounting rail element 7 be provided, which to Receiving at least one spring-like connection portion of the first container guide device 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 is trained. Preferably, the groove-shaped recess is also T-shaped.

Further preferred is the DIN rail element 7 made of an elastic material, so that a flexibly bendable rail-like brush element 6 arises, which also without problems in the area of the curved outer guides 3.1 . 4.1 the inlet stars 3.2 . 4.2 can be used.

Further preferably, the bristle bundles form 8th of the brush element 6 a flexible, rail-like guide surface, which preferably extends rectangular in the conveying direction FR, and whose width is many times smaller than that of the longitudinal extent in the conveying direction FR.

The bristles of the bristle bundles 8th of the brush element 6 Here, for example, have a length between 1 cm and 5 cm, wherein the elasticity properties of the brush element 6 Depending on the application, both by the length of the bristles and by their bristle diameter and / or hardness can be adjusted. This results in a substantially container-friendly, quieter and also the leadership behavior damping leadership of the container 4 ,

The 5 shows a side view of the inlet area 1 the container treatment machine along the conveying direction to the first container guide device 2 , From this it becomes clear that the first inlet screw 2.21 a through a brush element 6 formed upper rail-like guide element 2.11 and the second inlet screw 2.22 a through a brush element 6 formed lower rail-like guide element 2.12 lie opposite, which the container 5 , in the case shown lead a bottle in the upper and lower outdoor area.

The first container guide devices 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 In this case, for example, are formed by at least two guide plates arranged parallel to one another, the rail-like guide elements being at their front sides oriented towards the container conveyor line BFS 2.11 . 3.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 . 4.12 preferably arranged interchangeable.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Inlet area of a container treatment machine

2

 first container guide device

2.1

 first container guide device

2.11

 Upper rail-like guide element

2.12

 lower rail-like guide element

2.2

 second container guide device

2.21

 first inlet screw

2.22

 second inlet screw

3

 second container guide device

3.1

 first container guide device

3.11

 Upper curved rail-like guide element

3.12

 Lower curved rail-like guide element

3.2

 second container guide device / inlet star

4

 third container guide device

4.1

 first container guide device

4.11

 Upper curved rail-like guide element

4.12

 Lower curved rail-like guide element

4.2

 second container guide device / inlet star

5

 container

6

 brush element

7

 support element

8th

 bristle bundles

9

 spring-like connection section

BFS

 Container conveying line

FR

 conveying direction

LA

 longitudinal axis

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010028814 A1 [0007]

Claims (13)

Device for lateral guidance of containers ( 5 ) along at least one container conveyor line (BFS) in a conveying direction (FR) within a container treatment machine comprising at least one first container guiding device ( 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 ) with at least one rail-like guide element ( 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 ) and at least one of the first container guide device ( 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 ) opposite the second container guide device ( 2.2 . 3.2 . 4.2 ), wherein the container conveyor line (BFS) at least in sections between the first and second container guide device ( 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 . 2.2 . 3.2 . 4.2 ), characterized in that the at least one guide element ( 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 ) of the first container guide device ( 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 ) by at least one brush element ( 6 ) comprising a plurality on a DIN rail element ( 7 ) arranged bristle bundles ( 8th ) is formed. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the DIN rail element ( 7 ) is made of an elastic material. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the free ends of the bristle bundles ( 8th ) of the brush element ( 6 ) form a flexible, rail-like guide surface. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that rail-like guide element ( 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 ) exchangeable with the first container guide device ( 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 ), preferably by means of a tongue and groove connection. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that for exchangeable connection, the rail-like guide element ( 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 ) at the bristle bundles ( 8th ) opposite surface at least partially along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the rail-like guide element ( 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 ) extending spring-like connecting portion ( 9 ) which engages in a groove-shaped recess of the first container guide device ( 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that for exchangeable connection, the rail-like guide element ( 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 ) at the bristle bundles ( 8th ) opposite surface at least partially along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the rail-like guide element ( 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 ) has extending groove-shaped recess, which for receiving at least one spring-like connection portion of the first container guide device ( 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 ) is trained. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 or 6, that the spring-like connecting portion ( 9 ) and the groove-shaped recess are T-shaped. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second container guiding device ( 2.2 . 3.2 . 4.2 ) is formed by at least one inlet roller arrangement, preferably a double inlet roller arrangement or an inlet and / or outlet star. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first container guide device ( 2.1 . 3.1 . 4.1 ) at least one upper and lower rail-like guide element ( 2.11 . 2.12 . 3.11 . 3.12 . 4.11 ) having. Container treatment machine comprising at least one device according to one of the preceding claims. Container treatment machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the container treatment machine is a labeling machine or container printing machine. Container treatment machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the device is provided according to the claims 1 to 9 in the inlet or outlet region of the container treatment machine. Container treatment machine according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that container treatment machine for treating containers ( 5 ) in the form of bottles, cans or kegs.

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