Abstract:
The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the transportation and synchronous distribution of packaging units, wherein the packaging units are continuously supplied on a transportation apparatus and distributed to two further transportation apparatuses ( 16, 16 ′). The packaging units are centered on the first transportation apparatus by means of two flaps ( 20   a   , 20   b ) wherein, according to the present invention, the movement of the flaps is mechanically coupled.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority of German Patent Application No. DE 10 2008 019 081.0 filed on Apr. 15, 2008 which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to an arrangement for synchronous distribution of packaging units arriving on a transportation apparatus. 
         [0003]    Additionally, the invention relates to a method for synchronous distribution of packaging units arriving on a transportation apparatus 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Distribution apparatuses are often used in bottle transportation and packaging technology. Before bottles are packaged to packing units, they are filled and subsequently fed to further packaging machines. Herein, the bottles are often fed to the subsequent machines via a transportation conveyor. Further processing is then often carried out in a parallel manner on a plurality of plants. This means that the incoming bottle flow has to be distributed to at least two further machines. 
         [0005]    The cylindrical bottles arrive on the first transportation conveyor in irregular distribution. In the area upstream of the separation into two transportation conveyors the bottle flow is centered on the conveyor. Centering is carried out by means of two pivotable flaps. The thus centered bottles can thus be distributed as statistically, i.e. uniformly as possible to the two subsequent transportation conveyors. 
         [0006]    The prior art centering flaps are biased by means of springs. This is how the flaps are moveable so that different container flow widths can be handled. Different container flow widths can arise, for example, due to a tailback where the incoming bottles accumulate. 
         [0007]    Problems can arise if more bottles impinge on one flap than on the other. The flap on which more bottles impinge opens wider so that the passage is decentrally arranged which leads to non-uniform displacement and therefore to non-uniform distribution of the container flow to the downstream conveyors. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    This has a direct negative effect on the subsequent machines which can no longer operate in a synchronous fashion. It is therefore the object of the present invention to create an arrangement enabling transportation and uniform distribution of packaging units from one transportation apparatus to two subsequent transportation apparatuses. 
         [0009]    This object of the invention is achieved by an arrangement for the transportation and synchronous distribution of packaging units, comprising: a first transportation apparatus branching out into two further transportation apparatuses in a transporting direction; at least two flaps being mechanically coupled with each other, wherein the at least two flaps are associated with the first transporting apparatus and being pivotable about a vertical axis for centering the packaging units on a transportation conveyor of the first transportation apparatus. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a method, wherein uniform distribution of packaging units is carried out from a first transportation apparatus to two subsequent ones. 
         [0011]    This object is achieved by a method for the transportation and synchronous distribution of packaging units comprising the steps of:
   supplying packaging units continuously on a transportation apparatus   distributing the packaging units to two further transportation apparatuses,   centering the packaging units on the first transportation apparatus by means of at least two flaps by carrying out a mechanically coupled movement of the at least two flaps.   
 
         [0015]    An arrangement according to the present invention for the transportation and synchronous distribution of packaging units, in particular liquid containers, such as bottles, cans etc., but also of other containers, such as cartons and the like, comprises a first transportation apparatus branching out into at least two transportation apparatuses in the transporting direction. The transportation apparatuses are preferably transportation or conveyor belts. Preferably, such an arrangement is used for the synchronous distribution of cylindrical bottles. 
         [0016]    On the first transportation apparatus, the packaging units are supplied in a steadily incoming flow and centered by the so-called centering flaps on the first transportation conveyor, so that they can be uniformly distributed to the subsequent transportation conveyors. 
         [0017]    According to the present invention, a mechanically coupled movement of the flaps is carried out so that the forces exerted by the incoming packaging units are distributed to the two centering flaps in a uniform manner ensuring that a perfectly central passage is created. The bottles are thus uniformly centered so that uniform distribution to the two subsequent conveyors is carried out and non-uniform flap displacement is avoided. 
         [0018]    In particular, the movement of the two flaps is in opposition. This means that the movement of the two centering flaps is coupled in such a way that they always have the same opening angle with respect to the center of the first transportation conveyor. 
         [0019]    According to a preferred embodiment, a mechanical coupling of flap movement is achieved with the aid of at least one pantograph arrangement. The pantograph arrangement consists of pantograph arms rotatably or pivotably moveable on the flaps by means of connecting and guiding elements and resulting in a coordinated movement of the two flaps via a connecting spring. 
         [0020]    Herein, the movement of one flap is transferred by means of the pantograph arms of the pantograph arrangement and by means of a tensile spring between the pantograph arms, directly onto the other flap which then carries out the same movement. The spring is in particular for resetting the movement of the pantograph arms into the rest position. 
         [0021]    If more packaging units arrive on one flap, this will directly lead to increased pressure on this flap. The flap opens which leads to a displacement of the pantograph arm. This movement is directly transmitted to the other pantograph arm and due to the spring coupling directly onto the other flap which also opens in a corresponding manner. The result is a precisely centered through passage, and an exact distribution of the packaging units to the subsequent transportation conveyors is possible. 
         [0022]    According to a further preferred embodiment, the controlled synchronous movement of the pantograph arms, and therefore the flaps, is caused by a linear drive or a rotary drive such as an electric motor, a pneumatic cylinder or the like coupled to the pantograph arms. At least one sensor arranged on the transportation conveyor senses the incoming container flow or container throughput, i.e. in particular the volume of packaging units arriving per time unit, the distribution of the same on the conveyor and further parameters, as the case may be. The values obtained by sensor detection are passed on to an evaluating unit which determines the required width of passage from the parameters and drives the motor on the basis of the calculated result. 
         [0023]    According to a further embodiment, the pantograph structure can be coupled to a lifting or thrusting element. The lifting or thrusting element is moved by a motor according to the container flow determined by sensor detection. The movement is transferred to the flaps via the pantograph arms so that they can be synchronously opened or closed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    Further features, objects and advantages of the present invention can be derived from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serving as a non-limiting example and referring to the accompanying drawings. The same components have the same reference numerals throughout and are not always repeatedly explained. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  shows the prior art for synchronous distribution with spring-biased centering flaps; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2   a  is a top view of an apparatus for synchronous distribution, wherein the centering flaps are coupled by means of a pantograph arrangement; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2   b  is a front view of an apparatus for synchronous distribution with coupling of the flaps by means of a pantograph arrangement; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an apparatus for synchronous distribution, wherein displacement of the centering flaps is carried out by means of a motor or a pneumatic cylinder; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an apparatus for synchronous distribution with a pantograph arrangement driven by a pneumatic cylinder for coupling the flaps; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an apparatus for synchronous distribution with a thrusting element and a pantograph arrangement for coupling the flaps; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  shows an apparatus for synchronous distribution with a partial pantograph arrangement, and coupling of the flaps by means of a vertically moveable thrusting or lifting element. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    An apparatus for synchronous control or centering arrangement  10  is shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
         [0033]    The prior art is shown in  FIG. 1 . Cylindrical bottles  18  individually arrive on a first transportation conveyor  14  in transportation direction TR in irregular intervals and in irregular distribution. In the area upstream of the distribution to two transportation conveyors  16 ,  16 ′, the bottle flow is centered on the conveyor. Centering is achieved by means of two flaps  20   a ,  20   b  stationary and pivotably moveable on the side of transportation conveyor  14  and which can be preadjusted as a function of the size of the liquid containers. The bottles and the bottle flow are thus centered on the conveyor and can be distributed as statistically or uniformly as possible to the two subsequent transportation belts or conveyors  16 ,  16 ′. 
         [0034]    Centering flaps  20   a ,  20   b  are biased by means of springs  21  according to the state of the art. This is necessary since flaps  20   a ,  20   b  must be moveable to be able to respond to different container flow widths. These different container flow widths can arise due to a tailback, for example, where the incoming bottles accumulate. 
         [0035]    Resetting of flaps  20   a ,  20   b  in the preset rest position is effected by a tensile spring  21 . If more bottles arrive at flaps  20   a ,  20   b  within the same time, the pressure on flaps  20   a ,  20   b  is increased and they are opened to enable more packaging units to pass through the opening and be distributed to the two subsequent conveyors  16 ,  16 ′. 
         [0036]    This can lead to a problem that due to the side rail arrangement in transportation conveyor  14  preferably more bottles arrive on flap  20   a , for example, i.e. the arrival of bottles is preferably on this side. This has the effect that higher pressure is exerted on this flap  20   a . The pressure on flap  20   b  is lower, however, due to the lower number of bottles so that it is opened to a lesser extent or not at all. There is thus a risk that the opening preset by flaps  20   a ,  20   b  is moved off center which changes the distribution to the two subsequent conveyors  16 ,  16 ′ and there is no longer a statistical 50:50 distribution. 
         [0037]    Further interfering factors which can cause uneven opening of the flaps can be, for example, different degrees of bearing friction and a different spring force of the tensile springs on flaps  20   a  and  20   b . These and other interfering factors have an immediate effect on subsequent machines since they are no longer able to operate in a synchronous fashion. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show a so-called pantograph arrangement  30  for synchronous control of the two flaps  20   a ,  20   b . Centering flaps  20   a ,  20   b  are pivotably mounted on a frame construction  15  serving as a base frame for mounting all further elements of arrangement  10 . The two flaps  20   a ,  20   b  are each supported on guide  24   a ,  24   b  arranged above the transportation conveyor by means of respective connecting elements  22   a ,  22   b . A pantograph arrangement  30  is further mounted on guide  24   a ,  24   b , in such a way, that a movement of one of flaps  20   a ,  20   b  is directly transferred to pantograph arrangement  30 . 
         [0039]    Pantograph arrangement  30  consists of two pantograph arms  32   a ,  32   b  rotatably coupled with each other at an intersection point or support  34 . Pantograph arms  32   a ,  32   b  are intersected at support  34  in such a way that each section has exactly the same length between guiding point  24   a  and support point  34  or between guiding point  24   b  and support point  34 . The same is true for the sections between support point  34  and end points  36   a  and  36   b . Pantograph arms  32   a ,  32   b  are coupled to a further pantograph structure  40  at their ends  36   a ,  36   b  facing away from guides  24   a ,  24   b . Additional coupling is by means of a spring  50 . 
         [0040]    This arrangement has the effect that increased pressure on one of the two flaps  20   a ,  20   b  has a direct effect on the other flap  20   a ,  20   b  due to mechanical coupling. 
         [0041]    If, for example, flap  20   a  is urged to the edge of the conveyor belt by increased bottle pressure, this will cause pantograph arm  32   a  to be displaced via guide  24   a . This movement will be directly transmitted due to the rotational support at support point  34  and the connection with a further pantograph structure  40  and spring  50  via pantograph arm  32   b  to flap  20   b , which will open toward the edge in a corresponding manner. 
         [0042]    In this way, there will always be an absolutely central alignment of the passageway which in turn leads to a precise distribution of the packaging units to the downstream transportation conveyors. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows an apparatus for synchronous distribution wherein the incoming packaging units are sensed by sensor detection. This can be at least a single sensor S in a single place. According to a further embodiment, the use of a series of sensors is provided arranged transverse to the transporting direction. Sensors S determine, for example, the volume, position etc. of the incoming packaging units and transmit this to a computing unit or the like, which directly evaluates these results and transmits them to a control, which, in turn, drives a motor M. Motor M can be, for example, a motor with interior threaded hollow shaft  60 , wherein motor M is coupled to pantograph structures  30 ,  40  by means of a hollow shaft  60 . On the basis of pantograph structure arrangements  30 ,  40  described with reference to  FIG. 2 , a synchronous adjustment of coupled flaps  20   a ,  20   b  is carried out by means of the motor. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a further alternative embodiment substantially corresponding to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , wherein, instead of motor M, a pneumatic cylinder Y can be used for adjusting flaps  20   a ,  20   b . In this exemplary embodiment, two sensors arranged on opposite sides of the transportation conveyor are shown for detecting the throughput of packaging units. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows the use of a thrusting element  62 . The latter is arranged on end points  26   a ,  26   b  of pantograph arms  32   a ,  32   b , instead of second pantograph arrangement  40  and spring  50 , motor M or pneumatic cylinder Y. Thrusting element  62  has an elongate through-hole, for example, in which end sections  36   a ,  36   b  of pantograph arms  32   a ,  32   b  are guided in a moveable manner. Thrusting element  62  is additionally securely guided in lateral guides  64 , arranged at an angle of 90° to the above mentioned elongate through-hole. In this manner, jamming is avoided and synchronous opening of flaps  20   a ,  20   b  is enabled. Thrusting element  62  is connected with a motor M or a pneumatic cylinder Y or the like via a further connecting element  65 . Again, the arrangement has at least one sensor S for determining the bottle flow, on the basis of which motor M or pneumatic cylinder Y are correspondingly adjusted and opening of the flaps is correspondingly regulated. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows an upright symmetrical arrangement for synchronized, coupled movement of centering flaps  20   a ,  20   b  by means of a lifting apparatus  64 . Centering flaps  20   a ,  20   b  are equipped with connecting elements  22  extending upwardly, away from the transportation conveyor, supported on guides  24   a ,  24   b . To these guides  24   a ,  24   b , two further connecting elements  66  of the same length are attached, which are centrally connected to each other in a rotary fashion above the two flaps and are connected via a shaft, for example, with a motor M or a pneumatic cylinder Y in their connecting point  67 , and can be moved thereby. Motor M or pneumatic cylinder Y, in turn, will be driven on the basis of a signal established by sensor detection in response to the volume of bottles. By pressing to the bottom, centering flaps  20   a ,  20   b  are opened, while by pulling up and thereby closing the centering flaps  20   a ,  20   b  the passageway is reduced.