CA2080205A1 - Arrangement for converting a multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers - Google Patents
Arrangement for converting a multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containersInfo
- Publication number
- CA2080205A1 CA2080205A1 CA 2080205 CA2080205A CA2080205A1 CA 2080205 A1 CA2080205 A1 CA 2080205A1 CA 2080205 CA2080205 CA 2080205 CA 2080205 A CA2080205 A CA 2080205A CA 2080205 A1 CA2080205 A1 CA 2080205A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- conveying
- conveyor belts
- arrangement according
- conveyor
- containers
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
- B65G47/52—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices
- B65G47/68—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor
- B65G47/682—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor from a single conveyor lane consisting of one conveyor or several adjacent conveyors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
- B65G47/52—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices
- B65G47/68—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor
- B65G2047/685—Devices for preventing jamming in converging flows
- B65G2047/687—Lane boundaries which comprise rotatable elements, e.g. discs, cylinders, endless belts
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
- Control Of Conveyors (AREA)
- Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)
Abstract
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
ARRANGEMENT FOR CONVERTING A MULTI-ROW STREAM OF
CONTAINERS INTO A SINGLE-ROW STREAM OF CONTAINERS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
An arrangement for converting a multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers where there is provided between a feed mechanism for the multi-row stream and a withdrawal mechanism for the single-row stream an intermediate conveyor mechanism that comprises a plurality of conveyor belts that are operated at progressive speeds (speed staging). To convert the multi-row stream of containers, the intermediate conveyor mechanism forms a lane that in the conveying direction narrows symmetrically relative to the central axis of the intermediate conveyor mechanism in a funnel-like manner until it achieves a conveying width that corresponds to the single-row stream of containers that is to be withdrawn.
Adjoining the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism is the withdrawal mechanism, which at least at this outlet region is symmetrical to the central axis and furthermore has a conveying width that corresponds to the single-row stream of containers. The intermediate conveyor mechanism has more than two speed stages in the conveying direction.
ARRANGEMENT FOR CONVERTING A MULTI-ROW STREAM OF
CONTAINERS INTO A SINGLE-ROW STREAM OF CONTAINERS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
An arrangement for converting a multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers where there is provided between a feed mechanism for the multi-row stream and a withdrawal mechanism for the single-row stream an intermediate conveyor mechanism that comprises a plurality of conveyor belts that are operated at progressive speeds (speed staging). To convert the multi-row stream of containers, the intermediate conveyor mechanism forms a lane that in the conveying direction narrows symmetrically relative to the central axis of the intermediate conveyor mechanism in a funnel-like manner until it achieves a conveying width that corresponds to the single-row stream of containers that is to be withdrawn.
Adjoining the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism is the withdrawal mechanism, which at least at this outlet region is symmetrical to the central axis and furthermore has a conveying width that corresponds to the single-row stream of containers. The intermediate conveyor mechanism has more than two speed stages in the conveying direction.
Description
2 ~ ~ ~?,~ 5 Background of the Invention The present invention relates to an arrangement for convertin~ a called-for multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers that is to be withdrawn. The present invention also relates to an arrangement in the form of a conveying line for conveying containers, especially bottles, for use in container-processing lines that include unpackers and/or cleaning machines and/or filing machines and/or capping machines and/or labeling machines and/or packers or similar container-processing machines.
An arrangement of this general type is known from European patent application 0 252 461. With this known arrangement, a called-for multi-row stream of bottles is converted in two stages on the intermediate conveyor mechanism as well as on the withdrawal mechanism into the single-row stream of bottles that is to be withdrawn. In particular, this is effected in such a way that at the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism a two-row stream of bottles is still present that is then finally converted in the withdrawal mechanism into the single-row stream of bottles. Formed in a conversion zone of the intermediate conveyor mechanism is a lane means that is laterally 2~ f~5 delimited by guide means, i.e. by guide railings that are disposed there. The track or conveying width of the lane means, when viewed in a conveying direction, decreases in a funnel-like manner and symmetrically relative to a horizontal central axiæ
that extends in the conveying direction. The conversion zone of the intermediate conveyor mechanism is furthermore embodied as an acceleration stretch for the bottles, i.e. at this location it comprises a plurality of conveyor belts that in part are also narrow conveyor belts and form groups or conveying sections having conveyor belts that follow one another in the conveying direction. The conveyor belts can be driven in a staged or progressive manner with varying speeds in such a way that a conveying speed results that increases in the conveying direction.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement that makes it possible to convey the containers with little pressure or force, or, as an alternative to the state of the art, makes it possible, at a high efficiency or output, to convert in a single stage, with little pressure or force, a called-for multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers that is to be withdrawn.
z~ s Brief Description of the Drawings This ob;ect, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, will appear more clearly from the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a simplified plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive arrangement for converting a called-for multi-row stream of bottles into a single-row stream bottles that is to be withdrawn;
Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of a f u r t h e r e x e m p l a r y embodiment; and Fig. ~ is a simplified plan view of a portion of a conveying line, and in particular together with a further exemplary embodiment of the inventive arrangement.
Summary of the Invention Pursuant to the present invention, the arrangement for converting a multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers comprises a plurality of continuously rotating ~~
conveyor belts having upper runs that form support surfaces for the containers, including first conveyor belts that form a multi.-row feed mechanism having first side guide railings, and, following the feed mechanism in the conveying direction, second conveyor belts, some of which form an intermediate conveyor mechanism having a conversion zone that forms a first lane means for the containers, with the first lane means being delimited by side guide means and narrowing in width in the direction of the conveying direction and symmetrically relative to a central axis that extends in the conveying direction, the first lane means narrowing to a conveying width that corresponds to a width of the single-row stream of containers, with a withdrawal mechanism adjoining an outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism, the withdrawal mechanism including at least one of the second conveyor belts -to form a second lane means for the containers, with the second lane means being delimited by second side guide railings and having a conveying width that corresponds to the width of the single-row stream of containers, the second lane means adjoining the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism symmetrically relative to the central Z~ 5 axis, whereby the second conveyor belts, at least in the conversion zone, are disposed symmetrically relative to the central axis and form a plurality of conveying sections that are symmetxical relative to the central axis and in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction are adjacent one another, with each conveying section, in the direction of the conveying direction, comprising ones of the second conveyor belts that follow one another at first transition means, whereby in the direction of the conveying direction, the second conveyor belts have a progressive varying speed with at least three speed stages such that in a given one of the conveying sections, with respect to successive second conveyor belts thereof as viewed in the conveying direction, that second conveyor belt that is closer to the withdrawal mechanism has a higher speed than does the preceding second conveyor belt.
In addition, pursuant to the present invention the arrangement in the form of a conveying line for conveying containers for use in container-processing lines comprises a plurality of sections that form the conveying line and follow one another in a conveying direction, with the sections having conveyor belts that can be driven in a continuously Z~`~ ~?~ S
rotating manner and that have respective upper runs that form support surfaces for bases of the containers, with each of the conveyor belts having a width that is less than a diameter of the bases of the containers, whereby in the direction of the conveying direction, two successive ones of the conveyor belts follow one another at transition means, with the transition means, in the direction of the conveying direction, being offset in a comb-like manner such that when viewed in a directionperpendicular to the conveying direction, disposed adjacent to and bridging each transition means is the upper run of an adjacent one of the conveyor belts.
Pursuant to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the conversion zone, which is exclusively in the intermediate conveyor mechanism, forms a lana means that narrows symmetrically relative to the central axis all the way to the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism, i.e. to a conveying or track width that corresponds to the single-row stream of containers;
at the same time, the axis of the withdrawal mechanism, at least at this outlet region, is coaxial with the central axis. The entire conversion zone of the intermediate conveyor 2~
mechanism, the connection or transition thereof to the withdrawal mechanism, as well as lane means of the withdrawal mechanism provided immediately following the intermediate conveyor mechanism and having a track or conveying width that corresponds to the single-row stream of containers, are thus symmetrical to the central axis with respect to their shape and arrangement as well as the grouping of the second conveyor belts, i.e. the conveying sections formed therefrom, and the progressive speeds thereof. Thus, an optimum acceleration or loosening and combining of the containers of the multi-row stream of containers into the single-row stream of containers is achieved in the conversion zone.
Pursuant to another specific embodiment, the inventive arrangement forms a conveying line such as is conventionally used in container or bottle handling lines to link the machines that are used there (unpackers, washing and cleaning machines, filling machines, capping machines, labeling machines and/or packers, etc.). The unique feature is that the entire conveying line is formed exclusively from narrow conveyor belts. Within the context of the present invention, such "narrow conveyor belts" are conveyor belts having a width 2 ~ ~ ~7~ 5 that is less than the diameter of the bases of the containers or bottles that are to be processed; in particular, the width of the conveyor belts is such that each container respectfully rests upon at least two conveyor belts that are adjacent one another when viewed in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Due to the fact that all of the transition zones that are present are respectively offset in a comb-like manner, there is ensured that each container, even at such a transition zone, rests partially upon the conveyor belt that bridges this transition zone, so that the containers can also be conveyed without force or pressure in the region of the transition zones.
This makes it possible to also reliably and satisfactorily convey bottles that are unstable with respect to standing upright, as is the case, for example, with plastic bottles or PET
(polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. A further consequence is that the conveying line can also be operated entirely empty. In this connection, it is then not necessary to manually or otherwise shift containers over the transition zones, such as would be necessary, for example, for transition zones that are not offset in a comb-like manner and that have a transfer plate that extends over the entire 2~
conveying width.
By providing transition zones that are offset in a comb-like manner, it is furthermore possible for the containers to pass over these transition zones essentially without any change in direction.
In particular, where the containers are conveyed without force or pressure, it is also possible to operate conveying sections that follow one another in the conveying direction with different speeds;
i.e. the conveying speed of the containers can, for example, be increased in a progressive or staged manner. In this manner, in the region of a unitary screw conveyor in the inlet region of a processing machine, a conveyance through the screw conveyor with little pressure or force can be achieved.
Further specific features of the present invention will be described in detail subse~uently.
Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring now to the drawings in detail, Fig.
1 illustrates an arrangement for converting a called-for multi-row stream of bottles into a single-row stream of bottles that is to be withdrawn; in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of bottles 1 are initially in an eight-row stream of bottles. The arrangement essentially comprises a feed mechanism 2, an intermediate _ g conveyor mechanism 3, and a withdrawal mechanism 4.
The feed mechanism 2, which serves for supplying the multi-row stream of bottles and in the illustrated embodiment at the same time functions as a dosing band or conveyor, is essentially formed from a plurality of continuous or closed conveyor belts 5, which are driven in an endlessly rotating manner by a non-illustrated regulatable drive means, with the feed mechanism 2 also being formed from two guide railings 6 that delimit the track or conveying width of the feed mechanism 2. In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A of the feed mechanism 2, which is also the conveying direction of -the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, and the withdrawal mechanism 4, a total of 8 conveyor belts 5 are provided side by side next to one another.
The intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, which forms the conversion zone for converting the multi-row stream of bottles into the single-row strea~ of bottles, essentially comprises a plurality of conveyor belts 7, which are driven in an endlessly rotating manner via non-illustrated drive means.
In part, the conveyor belts 7 follow one another in the conveying direction A, and in part the conveyor ~. ~5 belts 7 are also disposed next to one another as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A. The intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 is also comprised of two side guide railings 8, each of which follows one of the guide railings 6 when viewed in the conveying direction A. In the inlet region 3' of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, the guide railings 8 initially extend parallel to one another and also parallel to a horizontal central axis M that extends in the conveying direction A. Thereafter, in a region 3", although the guide railings 8 continue to extend symmetrically relative to the central axis M, they also extend at an angle to the central axis, i.e. to the conveying direction A, and in particular in such a way that the width of the lane formed between the two guide railings 8 for the bottles 1 continuously decreases. In this way, a wedge-shaped, narrow conversion zone is obtained in which ultimately the track or conveying width of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, at its outlet region remote from the feed mechanism 2, corresponds to the single-row stream of bottles.
The inlet` region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, which faces the feed mechanism 2, adjoins the latter via transition means 9, formed 2~
from at least one slide plate, in such a way that the tracks or rows of the feed mechanism 2 and the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 correspond with one another.
The narrow conveyor belts 7, which are narrower than the conveyor belts 5, form a number of conveying sections, and in particular:
a central conveying section F1, the lengthwise dimension of which is coaxial with the central axis M and is formed by a plurality of conv0yor belts 7 that follow one another in the direction of the central axis M, i.e. in the conveying direction A; and lateral conveying sections F2-F10, which are respectively provided in pairs and symmetrically relative to the central axis M, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A are disposed adjacent to either the central conveying section Fl or to one another.
Thus, provided on both sides of the central conveying section F1 is a respective conveying section F2, provided to the side of each conveying section F2 is a respective conveying section F3, etc. With the exception of the two outermost conveying sections F10, in the illustrated Z~ 5 embodiment all of the conveying sections F1 F9 comprise a plurality of conveyor belts 7 that follow one another in the conv0ying direction A~
In con~ormity with the track or conveying width of the region 3", which tapers in a wedge-shaped manner in the conveying direction A, in the illustrated embodiment the number of conveyor belts 7 that form a given conveying section F1-F9 and follow one another in the conveying direction A is greatest for the central conveying section F1 and, proceeding from this cen-tral conveying section Fl, decreases in the direction of the more outwardly disposed conveying sections F2-F9. In the regions where the conveyor belts 7 of the conveying sections F1-F9 are disposed ad;acent to one another, transition means 10 that are respectively formed by plates are provided. These transition means or zones 10, i.e. where the directions of the conveyor belts 7 are reversed, are respectively offset in a comb-like manner in the conveying direction A with re~pect to adjacent conveying sections Fl-F10. In other words, each transition zone 10 or direction reversal of a conveyor belt 7 of a conveying section is, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A, disposed adjacent to the upper run of a conveyor z~ s belt 7 of an adjacent conveying section and is bridged or overlapped by this adiacent conveyor belt 7. In conformity with the wedge shape of the region 3", only the central conveying section F1 extends to the outlet region of the intermediat~
conveyor mechanism 3, which faces the withdrawal mechanism 4, while the remaining conveying sections F2-F10 respectively end at a distance upstream of this outlet region, with this distance increasing in a direction toward the outermost conveying section F10, so that at the outlet region only the conveying section Fl and two conveying sections F2 are present, whereas at the transition zone 9, i.e.
at the transfer edge 9' thereof, all of the conveying sections F1-F10 are present.
The respective downstream ends of the conveyor belts 7, as viewed in the conveying direction A, are driven. The corresponding axes are designated by the reference numeral 11 in Fig. 1.
In the illustrated embodiment, the last conveyor belt 7 of the central conveying section F1, which forms the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, is at the same time also the conveyor belt of the withdrawal mechanism 4 and, at the downstream end, as viewed in the conveying direction A, is driven by a zr~ 5 controlled drive means. The corresponding axis is designated by the reference numeral 11'.
To join the multi-row stream of bottles together into a single-row stream of bottles without pressure or force, the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 is operated as a multi-stage acceleration section; in other words, the drive means for the individual conveyor belts 7 are such that in each conveying section F1-F9 each successive conveyor belt 7 has a greater conveying speed than does the preceding conveyor belt 7 when viewed in the conveying direction A.
The upper lengths or runs of the conveyor belts 5, and also of the conveyor belts 7, respectively form a horizontal support or transport surface for the bottles 1.
In the illustrated embodiment, the guide railings 8 in the two regions 3' and 3" of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 are respectively linear and in the region 3' form an angle of about 15 to 20 with the central axis M, thereby ~orming the relatively narrow, wedge-shaped conversion zone.
The intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 is entirely symmetrical relative to the central axis M
with respect to the arrangement and grouping of the 2~`~
conveyor belts 7 and the conveying sections formed thereby, as well as with respect to the staged and varying conveying speed of the conveyor belts 7.
It is to be understood that the conveying speed of the withdrawal mechanism 4 is greater than the conveying speed of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, and in particular by a factor that corresponds to the number of rows of the multi-track stream of bottles.
The withdrawal mechanism 4 is disposed symmetrically relative to the central axis M and already at the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 forms a single lane for the bottles 1 with a track or conveying width that corresponds to the single-row stream of bottles.
The withdrawal mechanism 4 is essentially formed from the aforementioned conveyor belt 7, the lengthwise dimension of which is coaxial with the central axis M, as well as from two guide railings 12, each of which adjoins one of the guide railings 8 and which extend parallel to one another as well as to the central axis, from which they are respectively equally spaced. The distance between the two guide railings 12 naturally corresponds to the track or conveying width of the single-row stream of bottles. Disposed at the side of the Z~ 5 outlet of the withdrawal mechanism 4, which is disposed remote from the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, is a conveyor means 13 that is formed from guide railings 14 and a conveyor belt 15 that corresponds to the conveyor belts 5. By appropriate configuration of the guide railings 14, the bottles 1 of the single-row stream of bottles are shunted or transferred sideways onto thP
conveyor means 13.
Provided at the withdrawal mechanism 4 are sensors 16 that cooperate with a non-illustrated control means. The sensors 16 serve to recognize gaps in the stream of bottles that is to be withdrawn and to control the drive means for the conveyor belt 7 that forms the withdrawal mechanism 4, for the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, and for the feed mechanism 2, all as a function of the build-up of bottles in the withdrawal mechanism 4.
The feed mechanism 2 is embodied as a dosing conveyor or band and, in the conveying direction A, follows a conveyor means or portion thereof that is embodied as a storage device. The feed mechanism 2 is controlled as a function of the capacity of a preceding machine in such a way that it optimally doses the number of bottles that are supplied to the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 per unit of 2~ s time, and in particular in such a way that even at a high output rate of the arrangement (number of bottles that pass through per unit of time), after the multi-row stream of bottles has been combined, the desired single-row stream of bottlss is formed with no gaps between successive bottles 1.
No transition zone formed by a transfer plate is required where the withdrawal mechanism 4 follows the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 or in the region of the withdrawal mechanism 4.
The arrangement of Fig. 2 for converting a called-for multi-row stream of bottles into a single-row stream of bottles that is to be withdrawn differs from the arrangement of Fig. 1 essentially only in that in Fig. 2, instead of the guide railings 8, the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3a as guide means 18 formed by a plurality of closed belts 17. It is to be understood that in place of closed belts, other endless elements such as a closed chain or any other closed element could also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, each belt 17 is guided over two belt pulleys 19, which are mounted on the machine frame of the arrangement in such a way that each of the pulleys is rotatable about a vertical axis such that for each belt 17 that is guided 2~ ~5 about the pulleys 19 an inner length or run 17' of the belt, which inner run is disposed closer to the central a~is M and extends in a horizontal direction, forms a portion of the pertaining guide means 18, i.e. forms a guide section for the bottles 1 at the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3a. As shown in Fig. 2, in conjunction with each guide means 18, the belt pulleys 19, with the exception of those provided at the inlet and at the outlet of the intermediate conveyor means 3a, are respectively provided in pairs *hat are coaxial and offset relative to one another in the vertical direction in such a way that for each guide means 18 the guide sections formed by the runs 17' follow one another in an overlapping manner in the conveying direction A.
It is to be understood that the belts 17 are driven in such a way that the inner runs 17' move in the conveying direction A, whereby specifically in the illustrated embodiment a staged drive for the individual belts 17 is provided such that each successive belt 17 of a given guide means 18 as viewed in the conveying direction A has a higher speed than does the preceding belt 17. The speed of the individual belts 17 is furthermore set or regulated in such a way that this speed is the same Z~ 5 or at least approximately the same as the conveying speed of that conveyor belt 7 that is ad;acent to the run 17' of the pertaining belt 17.
By means of the guide means 18 formed by the rotating belts 17, in addition to avoiding a rubbing of the bottles 1 against guide railings, a joining together of a multi-row stream of bottles without force or pressure at high outputs is even further improved.
As was the case with the guide railings 8, the guide means 18, and in particular the guide sections formed by the runs 17', also extend symmetrically relative to the central axis M, so that there reæults for the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3a a wedge-shaped conversion zone that is symmetrical to this central axis M; with the embodiment of Fig. 2, this conversion zone already begins at the transition zone 9.
It is to ba understood that with the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3a it is also possible, in addition to the guide means 18, to provide side guide railings that, however, become effective only when disruptions occur, for example to retain bottles 1 that have fallen over, etc.
To adapt the arrangement to bottles l that have different diameters, and/or to optimize the 2~: &~5 shape of the conversion zon0, the guide means 18 of the intermediate convey~r mechanism 3a, and also the guide railings 8 of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, can be adjustable horizontally and perpendicular to the conveying direction A, as indicated by the double arrow B in Fig. 2.
The conveyor belts S of the feed mechanism 2 can also be narrow conveyor belts that at the feed mechanism are again disposed next to one another in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A, and that have a width that is equal to the width of the conveyor belts 7. In this case, instead of the transition means or zone 9, a plurality of transition means that correspond to the transition means lO are preferably provided that are then offset in a comb-like manner such that each one of such transition means is disposed next to the upper run of a conveyor belt 5 or 7 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A.
As a further exemplary embodiment, Fig. 3 illustrates a conveying zone that is designated by the reference numeral 20. Via a section 20', this conveying zone 20 forms an arrangement for converting a called-for multi-row stream of containers or bottles into a single-row stream of 2~ 5 bottles that is to be withdrawn. The conveying zone or line 20, which is illustrated only partially in Fig. 3, connects various processing machines, which are also not illustrated, in a conventional manner, such as bottle cleaning machines, filling machines (possibly in combination with capping machines), labeling machines, packing apparatus, etc.
Where conveying lines 20 are used, the conveyor belts 7 as well as the corresponding narrow conveyor belts 21 are used exclusively not only in the section 20', i.e. the region of the feed mechanism 2b, the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3b and the withdrawal mechanism 4b that form the arrangement for converting the stream of bottles, but rather the entire conveying line is also comprised in all of the other regions or sections 20" and 20"' exclusively of the narrow conveyor belts 21, the width of which is equal to the width of the conveyor belts 7 and in a direction transverse to the conveying direction is less than the diameter of the base of the smallest bottles l that are to be processed with the apparatus (bottles 1 having the smallest base diameter). All of the transition zones 9b, 10 and 22 between conveyor belts 21 that follow one 2~ 5 anothe.r in the conveying direction A, even beyond the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3b, are respectively provided in a comb-like offset manner, as was previously described in conjunction with the transition means or zones 10 in Figs. 1 and 2.
In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the withdrawal mechanism ~ comprises three conveyor belts 7 that are disposed next to one another when viewed perpendicular to the conveying direction A.
When viewed in the conveying direction A, the upstream ends of the two outer conveyor belts 7 extend into the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3b, while the upstream end of the central conveyor belt 7 starts approximately at the transition between the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3b and the withdrawal mechanism 4b.
One advantage, among others, of the conveying line illustrated in Fig. 3 is that along the entire conveying line each bottle 1 always rests upon at least two conveyGr belts 7 or 21, and at each transition zone 9b, 10 and 22 rests upon at least one conveyor belt 7 or 21, so that to the greatest extent possible the bottles 1 move without force or pressure over the transition means 9b, 10 and 22, and in particular it is not necessary in order to pass these transition means 9b, 10 and 22 that the 2~ ~?,`~5 bottles 1 be respectively pushed ahead by following bottles. In this way, it is possible with the conveying line to also reliably and safely convey bottles 1 that are unstable with respect to being able to stand up, such as is the case with plastic or PET ~polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.
A further advantage is that no bottles stop at the transition zones 9b, 10 or 22 if there are no successive bottles 1 as viewed in the conveying direction. Thus, the conveying line of Fig. 3 can be operated empty without manual intervention.
A further advantage, among others, is that the section 20" of the conveying line 20 that follows the withdrawal mechanism 4b can adjoin the latter in such a way that the track or direction of the two correspond with one another, so that the bottles 1 can pass from the withdrawal mechanism 4b to the section 20" without the need for parallel transitions or a change in direction.
The conveyor belts 7 and 21 have, for example, a width of about 32 mm, so that with the aforementioned advantages, bottles 1 can be used that have a base diameter of more than 40 mm, and preferably greater than 45 mm.
The present invention has been described with the aid of specific embodiments. However, it is to Z~3~S
be understood that changes and modifications are possible without thereby deviating from the basic concept of the invention. Thus, it is clear that the use of the arrangement is not limited to the conversion of a multi-row stream of bottles into a single-row stream of bottles; rather, the inventive arrangement can be used for any multi-row stream of containers, which can be formed from bottles, cans, or other containers, which is then converted into a single-row stream of containers.
The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the specific disclosure of the speciication and drawings, but also encompasses any modifications within the ~cope of the appended claims.
An arrangement of this general type is known from European patent application 0 252 461. With this known arrangement, a called-for multi-row stream of bottles is converted in two stages on the intermediate conveyor mechanism as well as on the withdrawal mechanism into the single-row stream of bottles that is to be withdrawn. In particular, this is effected in such a way that at the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism a two-row stream of bottles is still present that is then finally converted in the withdrawal mechanism into the single-row stream of bottles. Formed in a conversion zone of the intermediate conveyor mechanism is a lane means that is laterally 2~ f~5 delimited by guide means, i.e. by guide railings that are disposed there. The track or conveying width of the lane means, when viewed in a conveying direction, decreases in a funnel-like manner and symmetrically relative to a horizontal central axiæ
that extends in the conveying direction. The conversion zone of the intermediate conveyor mechanism is furthermore embodied as an acceleration stretch for the bottles, i.e. at this location it comprises a plurality of conveyor belts that in part are also narrow conveyor belts and form groups or conveying sections having conveyor belts that follow one another in the conveying direction. The conveyor belts can be driven in a staged or progressive manner with varying speeds in such a way that a conveying speed results that increases in the conveying direction.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement that makes it possible to convey the containers with little pressure or force, or, as an alternative to the state of the art, makes it possible, at a high efficiency or output, to convert in a single stage, with little pressure or force, a called-for multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers that is to be withdrawn.
z~ s Brief Description of the Drawings This ob;ect, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, will appear more clearly from the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a simplified plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive arrangement for converting a called-for multi-row stream of bottles into a single-row stream bottles that is to be withdrawn;
Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of a f u r t h e r e x e m p l a r y embodiment; and Fig. ~ is a simplified plan view of a portion of a conveying line, and in particular together with a further exemplary embodiment of the inventive arrangement.
Summary of the Invention Pursuant to the present invention, the arrangement for converting a multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers comprises a plurality of continuously rotating ~~
conveyor belts having upper runs that form support surfaces for the containers, including first conveyor belts that form a multi.-row feed mechanism having first side guide railings, and, following the feed mechanism in the conveying direction, second conveyor belts, some of which form an intermediate conveyor mechanism having a conversion zone that forms a first lane means for the containers, with the first lane means being delimited by side guide means and narrowing in width in the direction of the conveying direction and symmetrically relative to a central axis that extends in the conveying direction, the first lane means narrowing to a conveying width that corresponds to a width of the single-row stream of containers, with a withdrawal mechanism adjoining an outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism, the withdrawal mechanism including at least one of the second conveyor belts -to form a second lane means for the containers, with the second lane means being delimited by second side guide railings and having a conveying width that corresponds to the width of the single-row stream of containers, the second lane means adjoining the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism symmetrically relative to the central Z~ 5 axis, whereby the second conveyor belts, at least in the conversion zone, are disposed symmetrically relative to the central axis and form a plurality of conveying sections that are symmetxical relative to the central axis and in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction are adjacent one another, with each conveying section, in the direction of the conveying direction, comprising ones of the second conveyor belts that follow one another at first transition means, whereby in the direction of the conveying direction, the second conveyor belts have a progressive varying speed with at least three speed stages such that in a given one of the conveying sections, with respect to successive second conveyor belts thereof as viewed in the conveying direction, that second conveyor belt that is closer to the withdrawal mechanism has a higher speed than does the preceding second conveyor belt.
In addition, pursuant to the present invention the arrangement in the form of a conveying line for conveying containers for use in container-processing lines comprises a plurality of sections that form the conveying line and follow one another in a conveying direction, with the sections having conveyor belts that can be driven in a continuously Z~`~ ~?~ S
rotating manner and that have respective upper runs that form support surfaces for bases of the containers, with each of the conveyor belts having a width that is less than a diameter of the bases of the containers, whereby in the direction of the conveying direction, two successive ones of the conveyor belts follow one another at transition means, with the transition means, in the direction of the conveying direction, being offset in a comb-like manner such that when viewed in a directionperpendicular to the conveying direction, disposed adjacent to and bridging each transition means is the upper run of an adjacent one of the conveyor belts.
Pursuant to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the conversion zone, which is exclusively in the intermediate conveyor mechanism, forms a lana means that narrows symmetrically relative to the central axis all the way to the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism, i.e. to a conveying or track width that corresponds to the single-row stream of containers;
at the same time, the axis of the withdrawal mechanism, at least at this outlet region, is coaxial with the central axis. The entire conversion zone of the intermediate conveyor 2~
mechanism, the connection or transition thereof to the withdrawal mechanism, as well as lane means of the withdrawal mechanism provided immediately following the intermediate conveyor mechanism and having a track or conveying width that corresponds to the single-row stream of containers, are thus symmetrical to the central axis with respect to their shape and arrangement as well as the grouping of the second conveyor belts, i.e. the conveying sections formed therefrom, and the progressive speeds thereof. Thus, an optimum acceleration or loosening and combining of the containers of the multi-row stream of containers into the single-row stream of containers is achieved in the conversion zone.
Pursuant to another specific embodiment, the inventive arrangement forms a conveying line such as is conventionally used in container or bottle handling lines to link the machines that are used there (unpackers, washing and cleaning machines, filling machines, capping machines, labeling machines and/or packers, etc.). The unique feature is that the entire conveying line is formed exclusively from narrow conveyor belts. Within the context of the present invention, such "narrow conveyor belts" are conveyor belts having a width 2 ~ ~ ~7~ 5 that is less than the diameter of the bases of the containers or bottles that are to be processed; in particular, the width of the conveyor belts is such that each container respectfully rests upon at least two conveyor belts that are adjacent one another when viewed in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Due to the fact that all of the transition zones that are present are respectively offset in a comb-like manner, there is ensured that each container, even at such a transition zone, rests partially upon the conveyor belt that bridges this transition zone, so that the containers can also be conveyed without force or pressure in the region of the transition zones.
This makes it possible to also reliably and satisfactorily convey bottles that are unstable with respect to standing upright, as is the case, for example, with plastic bottles or PET
(polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. A further consequence is that the conveying line can also be operated entirely empty. In this connection, it is then not necessary to manually or otherwise shift containers over the transition zones, such as would be necessary, for example, for transition zones that are not offset in a comb-like manner and that have a transfer plate that extends over the entire 2~
conveying width.
By providing transition zones that are offset in a comb-like manner, it is furthermore possible for the containers to pass over these transition zones essentially without any change in direction.
In particular, where the containers are conveyed without force or pressure, it is also possible to operate conveying sections that follow one another in the conveying direction with different speeds;
i.e. the conveying speed of the containers can, for example, be increased in a progressive or staged manner. In this manner, in the region of a unitary screw conveyor in the inlet region of a processing machine, a conveyance through the screw conveyor with little pressure or force can be achieved.
Further specific features of the present invention will be described in detail subse~uently.
Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring now to the drawings in detail, Fig.
1 illustrates an arrangement for converting a called-for multi-row stream of bottles into a single-row stream of bottles that is to be withdrawn; in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of bottles 1 are initially in an eight-row stream of bottles. The arrangement essentially comprises a feed mechanism 2, an intermediate _ g conveyor mechanism 3, and a withdrawal mechanism 4.
The feed mechanism 2, which serves for supplying the multi-row stream of bottles and in the illustrated embodiment at the same time functions as a dosing band or conveyor, is essentially formed from a plurality of continuous or closed conveyor belts 5, which are driven in an endlessly rotating manner by a non-illustrated regulatable drive means, with the feed mechanism 2 also being formed from two guide railings 6 that delimit the track or conveying width of the feed mechanism 2. In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A of the feed mechanism 2, which is also the conveying direction of -the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, and the withdrawal mechanism 4, a total of 8 conveyor belts 5 are provided side by side next to one another.
The intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, which forms the conversion zone for converting the multi-row stream of bottles into the single-row strea~ of bottles, essentially comprises a plurality of conveyor belts 7, which are driven in an endlessly rotating manner via non-illustrated drive means.
In part, the conveyor belts 7 follow one another in the conveying direction A, and in part the conveyor ~. ~5 belts 7 are also disposed next to one another as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A. The intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 is also comprised of two side guide railings 8, each of which follows one of the guide railings 6 when viewed in the conveying direction A. In the inlet region 3' of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, the guide railings 8 initially extend parallel to one another and also parallel to a horizontal central axis M that extends in the conveying direction A. Thereafter, in a region 3", although the guide railings 8 continue to extend symmetrically relative to the central axis M, they also extend at an angle to the central axis, i.e. to the conveying direction A, and in particular in such a way that the width of the lane formed between the two guide railings 8 for the bottles 1 continuously decreases. In this way, a wedge-shaped, narrow conversion zone is obtained in which ultimately the track or conveying width of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, at its outlet region remote from the feed mechanism 2, corresponds to the single-row stream of bottles.
The inlet` region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, which faces the feed mechanism 2, adjoins the latter via transition means 9, formed 2~
from at least one slide plate, in such a way that the tracks or rows of the feed mechanism 2 and the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 correspond with one another.
The narrow conveyor belts 7, which are narrower than the conveyor belts 5, form a number of conveying sections, and in particular:
a central conveying section F1, the lengthwise dimension of which is coaxial with the central axis M and is formed by a plurality of conv0yor belts 7 that follow one another in the direction of the central axis M, i.e. in the conveying direction A; and lateral conveying sections F2-F10, which are respectively provided in pairs and symmetrically relative to the central axis M, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A are disposed adjacent to either the central conveying section Fl or to one another.
Thus, provided on both sides of the central conveying section F1 is a respective conveying section F2, provided to the side of each conveying section F2 is a respective conveying section F3, etc. With the exception of the two outermost conveying sections F10, in the illustrated Z~ 5 embodiment all of the conveying sections F1 F9 comprise a plurality of conveyor belts 7 that follow one another in the conv0ying direction A~
In con~ormity with the track or conveying width of the region 3", which tapers in a wedge-shaped manner in the conveying direction A, in the illustrated embodiment the number of conveyor belts 7 that form a given conveying section F1-F9 and follow one another in the conveying direction A is greatest for the central conveying section F1 and, proceeding from this cen-tral conveying section Fl, decreases in the direction of the more outwardly disposed conveying sections F2-F9. In the regions where the conveyor belts 7 of the conveying sections F1-F9 are disposed ad;acent to one another, transition means 10 that are respectively formed by plates are provided. These transition means or zones 10, i.e. where the directions of the conveyor belts 7 are reversed, are respectively offset in a comb-like manner in the conveying direction A with re~pect to adjacent conveying sections Fl-F10. In other words, each transition zone 10 or direction reversal of a conveyor belt 7 of a conveying section is, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A, disposed adjacent to the upper run of a conveyor z~ s belt 7 of an adjacent conveying section and is bridged or overlapped by this adiacent conveyor belt 7. In conformity with the wedge shape of the region 3", only the central conveying section F1 extends to the outlet region of the intermediat~
conveyor mechanism 3, which faces the withdrawal mechanism 4, while the remaining conveying sections F2-F10 respectively end at a distance upstream of this outlet region, with this distance increasing in a direction toward the outermost conveying section F10, so that at the outlet region only the conveying section Fl and two conveying sections F2 are present, whereas at the transition zone 9, i.e.
at the transfer edge 9' thereof, all of the conveying sections F1-F10 are present.
The respective downstream ends of the conveyor belts 7, as viewed in the conveying direction A, are driven. The corresponding axes are designated by the reference numeral 11 in Fig. 1.
In the illustrated embodiment, the last conveyor belt 7 of the central conveying section F1, which forms the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, is at the same time also the conveyor belt of the withdrawal mechanism 4 and, at the downstream end, as viewed in the conveying direction A, is driven by a zr~ 5 controlled drive means. The corresponding axis is designated by the reference numeral 11'.
To join the multi-row stream of bottles together into a single-row stream of bottles without pressure or force, the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 is operated as a multi-stage acceleration section; in other words, the drive means for the individual conveyor belts 7 are such that in each conveying section F1-F9 each successive conveyor belt 7 has a greater conveying speed than does the preceding conveyor belt 7 when viewed in the conveying direction A.
The upper lengths or runs of the conveyor belts 5, and also of the conveyor belts 7, respectively form a horizontal support or transport surface for the bottles 1.
In the illustrated embodiment, the guide railings 8 in the two regions 3' and 3" of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 are respectively linear and in the region 3' form an angle of about 15 to 20 with the central axis M, thereby ~orming the relatively narrow, wedge-shaped conversion zone.
The intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 is entirely symmetrical relative to the central axis M
with respect to the arrangement and grouping of the 2~`~
conveyor belts 7 and the conveying sections formed thereby, as well as with respect to the staged and varying conveying speed of the conveyor belts 7.
It is to be understood that the conveying speed of the withdrawal mechanism 4 is greater than the conveying speed of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, and in particular by a factor that corresponds to the number of rows of the multi-track stream of bottles.
The withdrawal mechanism 4 is disposed symmetrically relative to the central axis M and already at the outlet region of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 forms a single lane for the bottles 1 with a track or conveying width that corresponds to the single-row stream of bottles.
The withdrawal mechanism 4 is essentially formed from the aforementioned conveyor belt 7, the lengthwise dimension of which is coaxial with the central axis M, as well as from two guide railings 12, each of which adjoins one of the guide railings 8 and which extend parallel to one another as well as to the central axis, from which they are respectively equally spaced. The distance between the two guide railings 12 naturally corresponds to the track or conveying width of the single-row stream of bottles. Disposed at the side of the Z~ 5 outlet of the withdrawal mechanism 4, which is disposed remote from the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, is a conveyor means 13 that is formed from guide railings 14 and a conveyor belt 15 that corresponds to the conveyor belts 5. By appropriate configuration of the guide railings 14, the bottles 1 of the single-row stream of bottles are shunted or transferred sideways onto thP
conveyor means 13.
Provided at the withdrawal mechanism 4 are sensors 16 that cooperate with a non-illustrated control means. The sensors 16 serve to recognize gaps in the stream of bottles that is to be withdrawn and to control the drive means for the conveyor belt 7 that forms the withdrawal mechanism 4, for the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, and for the feed mechanism 2, all as a function of the build-up of bottles in the withdrawal mechanism 4.
The feed mechanism 2 is embodied as a dosing conveyor or band and, in the conveying direction A, follows a conveyor means or portion thereof that is embodied as a storage device. The feed mechanism 2 is controlled as a function of the capacity of a preceding machine in such a way that it optimally doses the number of bottles that are supplied to the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 per unit of 2~ s time, and in particular in such a way that even at a high output rate of the arrangement (number of bottles that pass through per unit of time), after the multi-row stream of bottles has been combined, the desired single-row stream of bottlss is formed with no gaps between successive bottles 1.
No transition zone formed by a transfer plate is required where the withdrawal mechanism 4 follows the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3 or in the region of the withdrawal mechanism 4.
The arrangement of Fig. 2 for converting a called-for multi-row stream of bottles into a single-row stream of bottles that is to be withdrawn differs from the arrangement of Fig. 1 essentially only in that in Fig. 2, instead of the guide railings 8, the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3a as guide means 18 formed by a plurality of closed belts 17. It is to be understood that in place of closed belts, other endless elements such as a closed chain or any other closed element could also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, each belt 17 is guided over two belt pulleys 19, which are mounted on the machine frame of the arrangement in such a way that each of the pulleys is rotatable about a vertical axis such that for each belt 17 that is guided 2~ ~5 about the pulleys 19 an inner length or run 17' of the belt, which inner run is disposed closer to the central a~is M and extends in a horizontal direction, forms a portion of the pertaining guide means 18, i.e. forms a guide section for the bottles 1 at the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3a. As shown in Fig. 2, in conjunction with each guide means 18, the belt pulleys 19, with the exception of those provided at the inlet and at the outlet of the intermediate conveyor means 3a, are respectively provided in pairs *hat are coaxial and offset relative to one another in the vertical direction in such a way that for each guide means 18 the guide sections formed by the runs 17' follow one another in an overlapping manner in the conveying direction A.
It is to be understood that the belts 17 are driven in such a way that the inner runs 17' move in the conveying direction A, whereby specifically in the illustrated embodiment a staged drive for the individual belts 17 is provided such that each successive belt 17 of a given guide means 18 as viewed in the conveying direction A has a higher speed than does the preceding belt 17. The speed of the individual belts 17 is furthermore set or regulated in such a way that this speed is the same Z~ 5 or at least approximately the same as the conveying speed of that conveyor belt 7 that is ad;acent to the run 17' of the pertaining belt 17.
By means of the guide means 18 formed by the rotating belts 17, in addition to avoiding a rubbing of the bottles 1 against guide railings, a joining together of a multi-row stream of bottles without force or pressure at high outputs is even further improved.
As was the case with the guide railings 8, the guide means 18, and in particular the guide sections formed by the runs 17', also extend symmetrically relative to the central axis M, so that there reæults for the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3a a wedge-shaped conversion zone that is symmetrical to this central axis M; with the embodiment of Fig. 2, this conversion zone already begins at the transition zone 9.
It is to ba understood that with the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3a it is also possible, in addition to the guide means 18, to provide side guide railings that, however, become effective only when disruptions occur, for example to retain bottles 1 that have fallen over, etc.
To adapt the arrangement to bottles l that have different diameters, and/or to optimize the 2~: &~5 shape of the conversion zon0, the guide means 18 of the intermediate convey~r mechanism 3a, and also the guide railings 8 of the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3, can be adjustable horizontally and perpendicular to the conveying direction A, as indicated by the double arrow B in Fig. 2.
The conveyor belts S of the feed mechanism 2 can also be narrow conveyor belts that at the feed mechanism are again disposed next to one another in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A, and that have a width that is equal to the width of the conveyor belts 7. In this case, instead of the transition means or zone 9, a plurality of transition means that correspond to the transition means lO are preferably provided that are then offset in a comb-like manner such that each one of such transition means is disposed next to the upper run of a conveyor belt 5 or 7 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A.
As a further exemplary embodiment, Fig. 3 illustrates a conveying zone that is designated by the reference numeral 20. Via a section 20', this conveying zone 20 forms an arrangement for converting a called-for multi-row stream of containers or bottles into a single-row stream of 2~ 5 bottles that is to be withdrawn. The conveying zone or line 20, which is illustrated only partially in Fig. 3, connects various processing machines, which are also not illustrated, in a conventional manner, such as bottle cleaning machines, filling machines (possibly in combination with capping machines), labeling machines, packing apparatus, etc.
Where conveying lines 20 are used, the conveyor belts 7 as well as the corresponding narrow conveyor belts 21 are used exclusively not only in the section 20', i.e. the region of the feed mechanism 2b, the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3b and the withdrawal mechanism 4b that form the arrangement for converting the stream of bottles, but rather the entire conveying line is also comprised in all of the other regions or sections 20" and 20"' exclusively of the narrow conveyor belts 21, the width of which is equal to the width of the conveyor belts 7 and in a direction transverse to the conveying direction is less than the diameter of the base of the smallest bottles l that are to be processed with the apparatus (bottles 1 having the smallest base diameter). All of the transition zones 9b, 10 and 22 between conveyor belts 21 that follow one 2~ 5 anothe.r in the conveying direction A, even beyond the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3b, are respectively provided in a comb-like offset manner, as was previously described in conjunction with the transition means or zones 10 in Figs. 1 and 2.
In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the withdrawal mechanism ~ comprises three conveyor belts 7 that are disposed next to one another when viewed perpendicular to the conveying direction A.
When viewed in the conveying direction A, the upstream ends of the two outer conveyor belts 7 extend into the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3b, while the upstream end of the central conveyor belt 7 starts approximately at the transition between the intermediate conveyor mechanism 3b and the withdrawal mechanism 4b.
One advantage, among others, of the conveying line illustrated in Fig. 3 is that along the entire conveying line each bottle 1 always rests upon at least two conveyGr belts 7 or 21, and at each transition zone 9b, 10 and 22 rests upon at least one conveyor belt 7 or 21, so that to the greatest extent possible the bottles 1 move without force or pressure over the transition means 9b, 10 and 22, and in particular it is not necessary in order to pass these transition means 9b, 10 and 22 that the 2~ ~?,`~5 bottles 1 be respectively pushed ahead by following bottles. In this way, it is possible with the conveying line to also reliably and safely convey bottles 1 that are unstable with respect to being able to stand up, such as is the case with plastic or PET ~polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.
A further advantage is that no bottles stop at the transition zones 9b, 10 or 22 if there are no successive bottles 1 as viewed in the conveying direction. Thus, the conveying line of Fig. 3 can be operated empty without manual intervention.
A further advantage, among others, is that the section 20" of the conveying line 20 that follows the withdrawal mechanism 4b can adjoin the latter in such a way that the track or direction of the two correspond with one another, so that the bottles 1 can pass from the withdrawal mechanism 4b to the section 20" without the need for parallel transitions or a change in direction.
The conveyor belts 7 and 21 have, for example, a width of about 32 mm, so that with the aforementioned advantages, bottles 1 can be used that have a base diameter of more than 40 mm, and preferably greater than 45 mm.
The present invention has been described with the aid of specific embodiments. However, it is to Z~3~S
be understood that changes and modifications are possible without thereby deviating from the basic concept of the invention. Thus, it is clear that the use of the arrangement is not limited to the conversion of a multi-row stream of bottles into a single-row stream of bottles; rather, the inventive arrangement can be used for any multi-row stream of containers, which can be formed from bottles, cans, or other containers, which is then converted into a single-row stream of containers.
The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the specific disclosure of the speciication and drawings, but also encompasses any modifications within the ~cope of the appended claims.
Claims (31)
1. An arrangement for converting a multi-row stream of containers that is moved in a conveying direction into a single-row stream of containers, said arrangement comprising:
a plurality of continuously rotating conveyor belts having upper runs that form support surfaces for said containers, including first conveyor belts that form a multi-row feed mechanism having first guide railings, and, following said feed mechanism in said conveying direction, second conveyor belts, some of which form an intermediate conveyor mechanism having a conversion zone that forms a first lane means for said containers, with said first lane means being delimited by side guide means and narrowing in width in the direction of said conveying direction and symmetrically relative to a central axis that extends in said conveying direction, said first lane means narrowing to a conveying width that corresponds to a width of said single-row stream of containers, with a withdrawal mechanism adjoining an outlet region of said intermediate conveyor mechanism on a downstream side thereof, said withdrawal mechanism including at least one of said second conveyor belts to form a second lane means for said containers, with said second lane means being delimited by second side guide railings and having a conveying width that corresponds to said width of said single-row stream of containers, said second lane means adjoining said outlet region of said intermediate conveyor mechanism symmetrically relative to said central axis, whereby said second conveyor belts, at least in said conversion zone, are disposed symmetrically relative to said central axis and form a plurality of conveying sections that are symmetrical relative to said central axis and in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction are adjacent one another, with each of said conveying sections, in the direction of said conveying direction, comprising ones of said second conveyor belts that follow one another at respective first transition means, whereby in the direction of said conveying direction, said second conveyor belts have a progressive varying speed with at least three speed stages such that in a given one of said conveying sections, with respect to successive second conveyor belts thereof as viewed in said conveying direction, that second conveyor belt that is closer to said withdrawal mechanism has a higher speed than does the preceding second conveyor belt.
a plurality of continuously rotating conveyor belts having upper runs that form support surfaces for said containers, including first conveyor belts that form a multi-row feed mechanism having first guide railings, and, following said feed mechanism in said conveying direction, second conveyor belts, some of which form an intermediate conveyor mechanism having a conversion zone that forms a first lane means for said containers, with said first lane means being delimited by side guide means and narrowing in width in the direction of said conveying direction and symmetrically relative to a central axis that extends in said conveying direction, said first lane means narrowing to a conveying width that corresponds to a width of said single-row stream of containers, with a withdrawal mechanism adjoining an outlet region of said intermediate conveyor mechanism on a downstream side thereof, said withdrawal mechanism including at least one of said second conveyor belts to form a second lane means for said containers, with said second lane means being delimited by second side guide railings and having a conveying width that corresponds to said width of said single-row stream of containers, said second lane means adjoining said outlet region of said intermediate conveyor mechanism symmetrically relative to said central axis, whereby said second conveyor belts, at least in said conversion zone, are disposed symmetrically relative to said central axis and form a plurality of conveying sections that are symmetrical relative to said central axis and in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction are adjacent one another, with each of said conveying sections, in the direction of said conveying direction, comprising ones of said second conveyor belts that follow one another at respective first transition means, whereby in the direction of said conveying direction, said second conveyor belts have a progressive varying speed with at least three speed stages such that in a given one of said conveying sections, with respect to successive second conveyor belts thereof as viewed in said conveying direction, that second conveyor belt that is closer to said withdrawal mechanism has a higher speed than does the preceding second conveyor belt.
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said side guide means of said intermediate conveyor mechanism are in the form of third guide railings.
3. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, at least in said conversion zone, said side guide means of said intermediate conveyor mechanism are respectively formed by at least one inner run of a closed endless element, with said inner run facing said central axis; and which includes drive means for driving said endless element in a rotating manner such that said inner run thereof moves in said conveying direction.
4. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein each of said guide means comprises a plurality of said endless elements, the inner runs of which follow one another in said conveying direction.
5. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said endless elements are operated with progressively varying speeds such that the speed of successive ones of said inner runs increases in said conveying direction.
6. An arrangement according to claim 5, wherein for each of said guide means a respective one of said endless elements is provided for each speed stage.
7. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said inner runs of said at least one endless element are driven at speeds that conform to conveying speeds of adjacent ones of said second conveyor belts.
8. An arrangement according to claim 1, which includes means for adjusting said guide means in a horizontal direction and in a direction transverse to said central axis.
9. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein between said feed mechanism and said conversion zone of said intermediate conveyor mechanism that forms said first lane means, said intermediate conveyor mechanism is provided with an inlet region that adjoins said feed mechanism and has an essentially constant conveying width.
10. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said first lane means extends over essentially the entire length of said intermediate conveyor mechanism.
11. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said first lane means of said intermediate conveyor mechanism narrows in the manner of a slender cone.
12. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said guide means that delimit said first lane means of said intermediate conveyor mechanism extend essentially linearly.
13. An arrangement according to claim 12, wherein said guide means form an angle of an order of magnitude of from about 15 to 20° with said central axis.
14. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least a second-conveyor belt of at least a central one of said conveying sections that is directly contiguous to said central axis at the same time forms said at least one second conveyor belt of said withdrawal mechanism.
15. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said first transition means of adjacent ones of said conveying sections where said second conveyor belts change direction are offset in a comb-like manner in said conveying direction such that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction, disposed adjacent to and bridging a given first transition means is one of said upper runs of said second conveyor belts.
16. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said feed mechanism is a dosing band means.
17. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said withdrawal mechanism is provided with at least one sensor for recognizing gaps in said single-row stream of containers.
18. An arrangement according to claim 17, wherein said at least one sensor is a sensor that delivers a signal that regulates a conveying speed of said withdrawal mechanism.
19. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein second transition means is provided where said intermediate conveyor means adjoins said feed mechanism, with said second transition means being formed by at least one glide plate and having a transfer edge that extends in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction.
20. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said second conveyor belts have a width that is less than a width of said first conveyor belts.
21. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said first conveyor belts of said feed mechanism have the same width as said second conveyor belts of said intermediate conveyor mechanism; wherein a second transition means is provided between each of said first conveyor belts and a second conveyor belt that follows in said conveying direction; and wherein said second transition means are offset in a comb-like manner in said conveying direction such that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction, disposed adjacent to and bridging a given transition means is one of said upper runs of one of said first or second conveyor belts.
22. An arrangement according to claim 21, wherein said first and second conveyor belts are narrow conveyor belts,
23. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said withdrawal mechanism is formed by three of said second conveyor belts which are disposed adjacent to one another when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction, with said second conveyor belts of said withdrawal mechanism having the same width as do said second conveyor belts of said intermediate conveyor mechanism; and wherein third transition means similar to said first transition means are provided where, when viewed in said conveying direction, an upstream end of one of said second conveyor belts of said withdrawal mechanism adjoins a leading end of one of said second conveyor belts of said intermediate conveyor mechanism, with said third transition means being offset in a comb-like manner such that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction, disposed adjacent to and bridging a given third transition means is one of said upper runs of said second conveyor belts.
24. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said second conveyor belts have a width that is less than a diameter of a base of said container that rests on said first and second conveyor belts.
25. An arrangement according to claim 1, which is intended for use in a conveying line, all of the sections of which are formed by conveyor belts having the same width as do said second conveyor belts of said intermediate conveyor mechanism; and wherein where said conveyor belts adjoin one another in said conveying direction, transition means are provided that are respectively offset in a comb-like manner such that each of said transition means is bridged by an adjacent conveyor belt.
26. An arrangement according to claim 25, wherein sections of said conveying line having the least width are formed from at least two and preferably three conveyor belts.
27. An arrangement in the form of a conveying line for conveying containers for use in container-processing lines, comprising:
a plurality of sections that form said conveying line and follow one another in a conveying direction, with said sections having conveyor belts that can be driven in a continuously rotating manner and that have respective upper runs that form support surfaces for bases of said containers, with each of said conveyor belts having a width that is less than a diameter of said bases of said containers, whereby in the direction of said conveying direction, two successive ones of said conveyor belts follow one another at transition means, with said transition means, in the direction of said conveying direction, being offset in a comb-like manner such that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction, disposed adjacent to and bridging each of said transition means is said upper run of an adjacent one of said conveyor belts.
a plurality of sections that form said conveying line and follow one another in a conveying direction, with said sections having conveyor belts that can be driven in a continuously rotating manner and that have respective upper runs that form support surfaces for bases of said containers, with each of said conveyor belts having a width that is less than a diameter of said bases of said containers, whereby in the direction of said conveying direction, two successive ones of said conveyor belts follow one another at transition means, with said transition means, in the direction of said conveying direction, being offset in a comb-like manner such that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said conveying direction, disposed adjacent to and bridging each of said transition means is said upper run of an adjacent one of said conveyor belts.
28. An arrangement according to claim 27, wherein at least one of said sections of said conveying line forms a lane means that in said conveying direction changes conveying width in a wedge-like manner.
29. An arrangement according to claim 27, wherein at least one of said sections of said conveying line has a minimum conveying width formed from at least two and preferably three of said conveyor belts.
30. An arrangement according to claim 27, wherein said conveyor belts have a width of 32 mm.
31. An arrangement according to claim 30, wherein said containers have a base with a diameter of greater than 40 mm.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE4133587 | 1991-10-10 | ||
| DEP4133587.2 | 1991-10-10 | ||
| DEP4205476.1 | 1992-02-22 | ||
| DE19924205476 DE4205476A1 (en) | 1991-10-10 | 1992-02-22 | ARRANGEMENT FOR FORMING A REQUIRED MULTI-TRACK CONTAINER CURRENT INTO A SINGLE-LINE CONTAINER CURRENT TO BE RECOVERED |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2080205A1 true CA2080205A1 (en) | 1993-04-11 |
Family
ID=25908108
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2080205 Abandoned CA2080205A1 (en) | 1991-10-10 | 1992-10-08 | Arrangement for converting a multi-row stream of containers into a single-row stream of containers |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0536703A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH05310315A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9203948A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2080205A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4205476A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9205811A (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10145543A1 (en) * | 2001-09-14 | 2003-06-05 | Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag | Container turning station |
| CN111634481B (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2024-04-19 | 红云红河烟草(集团)有限责任公司 | Tobacco bale turning device and system |
| DE102021130439A1 (en) * | 2021-11-22 | 2023-05-25 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Converting a container mass flow into a single-track container flow |
| CN117775721A (en) * | 2024-01-24 | 2024-03-29 | 泸州老窖股份有限公司 | Cap removal production line and cap removal method |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3129389A1 (en) * | 1981-07-25 | 1983-02-10 | Holstein Und Kappert Gmbh, 4600 Dortmund | Method and apparatus for dividing and isolating vessels arriving on a plurality of tracks onto a single-row track |
| DD252809A1 (en) * | 1986-09-19 | 1987-12-30 | Nagema Veb K | EQUIPMENT FOR CONNECTING PACKAGES, PREFERABLY WITH CIRCULAR FOAM BASIC SURFACES |
| DE8711886U1 (en) * | 1987-09-02 | 1988-09-29 | Krones Ag Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik, 93073 Neutraubling | Transport device for the continuous conveying and merging of upright vessels |
| DE3823228A1 (en) * | 1988-07-08 | 1990-01-11 | Seitz Enzinger Noll Masch | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR FORMING A REQUIRED SINGLE-TRACK CONTAINER CURRENT IN A MULTIPLE-TRACK CONTAINER CURRENT TO BE DELIVERED |
| NL9000313A (en) * | 1990-02-09 | 1991-09-02 | Speciaalmachinefabriek J H Van | IN-LINE DEVICE WITH OVERFLOW PLATE. |
-
1992
- 1992-02-22 DE DE19924205476 patent/DE4205476A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1992-10-06 EP EP92117053A patent/EP0536703A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1992-10-08 CA CA 2080205 patent/CA2080205A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-10-09 BR BR929203948A patent/BR9203948A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1992-10-09 JP JP27204292A patent/JPH05310315A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1992-10-09 MX MX9205811A patent/MX9205811A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH05310315A (en) | 1993-11-22 |
| BR9203948A (en) | 1993-04-27 |
| MX9205811A (en) | 1993-05-01 |
| DE4205476A1 (en) | 1993-04-15 |
| EP0536703A1 (en) | 1993-04-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |