DE3413797A1 - Device for transporting boxes or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for transporting containers, receptacles, boxes or the like, especially boxes of bottles, in the form of a system of channels filled with a washing liquid, in which a system of channels filled with a liquid acting as a transport medium is U-shaped when seen in cross-section and has channel sections which are straight or bent left and/or right in a modular arrangement. A circulating pump for the liquid ensures that a closed liquid circuit is maintained. The channel sections of the modular system, with their liquid return pipes or channels, take the form of pieces curved to the left or the right, with an arc of 30 DEG , 45 DEG , 60 DEG or 90 DEG . Replaceable, adjustable and settable flow directing and guidance sheets are arranged in the U-shaped channel system to regulate the flow rate and to prevent or reduce formation of eddies. The flow directing and guidance sheets arranged in the U-shaped channel system take the form of venturi nozzles, in addition.

Description

, I,. SI 6303

Description:

The invention relates to a device for transporting containers, Vessels, boxes or the like, in particular bottle crates.

The beverage industry mainly sells its beverages in bottles and if reusable bottles are used for this purpose, they are transported in beverage crates made of plastic. The crates returned to the beverage company with empty bottles are emptied in the receiving station and pass through a longer one Path via a cleaning or washing station to the loading station into which the washed and, if necessary, re-labeled bottle crates be loaded with filled beverage bottles. Depending on the local conditions, the bottle crates go through from acceptance to Loading station a way that can be several 100m. The transport equipment used for this consists of conveyor chains and conveyor belts or similar. Considerable mechanical effort is required at curves, bends or junctions and on the transport route A large number of support and deflection rollers are necessary, each roller having its own high-quality bearing. During the Transporting the boxes not only collide with each other and cause considerable noise, but also the chain links or other moving elements generate intolerable noise during transport. Because of the sometimes great distances, which the transport devices must bridge, drives are used at the various points, whereby the systems also become considerably more expensive.

The transport facilities also require constant maintenance, especially lubrication of the bearings, replacement of worn chain or belt parts and the like.

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The invention is based on the first object of proposing a transport device which works practically without noise, a exhibits minimal wear and tear and practically hardly requires any maintenance, the energy required also being used to drive the conveying means is minimal and the conveyor can be used by units of a different type, which are already used in the beverage industry available.

For environmental reasons, endeavors are made to use flour-free bottles especially to promote.

The distribution of beverages of the most varied kinds takes place more and more through hypermarkets and in particular through beverage pick-up markets. In most cases, the bottle crates are labeled by the respective beverage manufacturer or brewery and the beverage bottles in the beverage crates are stacked on pallets,
from which the customer uses.

In order to continue to support this environmentally friendly development at the moment labels are being developed with which the bottle crates two or can be labeled on four sides, regardless of which labeling was present. So it is no longer necessary to use the To print or emboss company names on the boxes. the In contrast, labels can provide up-to-date information and effective advertising graphic designs in a wide variety of colors exhibit. This technology would also allow the use of standardized bottle crates without leading to confusion, because the labels would identify the product in the boxes in an up-to-date and sufficiently large manner.

The labels to be used are protected against condensation, sweat and rainwater destruction and are on the other hand in cold and completely soluble in hot water, but with different washing conditions due to the different materials used are available, which can be solved with the help of a washing machine that works in continuous operation. COPY

SI 6303

Should a large number of transport containers in a relatively short time are carefully washed, conventional methods require washing tunnels of a length that corresponds to the in Beverage filling stations exceed the space available. In addition, it takes a long time to transport the boxes to and from them Transport and conveying facilities are required, which make the space problem even more critical.

The invention is therefore also based on the object of a washing installation to propose for the continuous washing of a large number of transport containers, in particular bottle crates, which in addition to the Washing performance also at the same time transporting the crates from the entrance station carries out up to the filling station or use station of the bottles in the crates without the need for special means of transport are.

The solution to this problem is according to the invention that this The device is designed as a channel system filled with a liquid as a means of transport, which, viewed in cross section, Is U-shaped and has straight, left and / or right-curved channel sections in the modular system, with a circulation pump for the Liquid is provided, which is in a closed liquid circuit running around.

With this device, the transport boxes are not only used by from the delivery station to the filling station, but also soaked and washed as a beneficial side effect.

The modular system according to the invention enables the transport device to run in any desired trajectory.

In order to be able to connect the individual elements in a simple manner, the channel sections have flange elements with seals on their circumference along the circumference of the canal. .

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In a further development of the invention, the channel walls of a channel section are connected to a U-shaped frame, which on an underframe is arranged, and corresponding to the length of the channel section is a liquid return channel section provided with connecting elements arranged. The return channel can for example be accommodated directly in the channel system or can be attached as a reflux pipe under the channel. With this solution according to the invention, the space under the transport device in advantageously used for the reflux of the means of transport.

In a further development of the invention, the channel is provided with a cover which is designed as an openable cover so that For example, for cleaning purposes, a sufficient one at every point Access is given.

For easy guidance of the transport boxes and to prevent a The channel section has container running rails and container guide rails in its interior tilting or jamming of the boxes.

In order to be able to create all the necessary curved paths, the channel sections of the modular system with their liquid return pipe or channel as left and right curve pieces with an arc of 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° or 90 °.

The temperature of the means of transport is increased with simultaneous use preferably brought and maintained at 40 to 50 ° C as a soaking or washing line. In order to avoid thermal losses "as much as possible or to limit, the wall and pipe elements of the channel sections have thermal insulation on their outer sides.

In a further development of the invention, the container entry station has a to the bottom of the first channel section, equipped with openings chute, which on its lower part of the liquid can flow in the direction of transport.

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SI 6303

In this way, the transport containers are transported by the flow of the liquid, flowed around them and at the same time soaked and pre-washed or even washed.

The outlet part has a slide leading into a rinsing station -on, which is equipped with spatially distributed nozzles, with under the bottom or container guide surface is a dirt discharge belt with filter device, so that the detached labels Transport means, which is used in an advantageous manner at the same time as washing liquid, are continuously withdrawn.

In the U-shaped channel system are in development of Invention replaceable, steep and adjustable flow guide and -Guide plates arranged to regulate the flow rate and prevent or reduce vortex formation.

The flow guide arranged in the U-shaped channel system and guide plates are preferably designed in the shape of a venturi nozzle for this purpose.

In order to increase the washing effect or to achieve the necessary flow effects, the flow guide and guide plates arranged in the U-shaped channel system are designed as drop or drop steps.

At least one channel section in the channel walls has spray nozzles so that a washing effect can be achieved at any point.

In a further development of the invention, several combined devices can be arranged next to one another and with one another associate.

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The invention is based on the drawing, in which an embodiment is shown, described in more detail. Here show:

FIGURE 1 shows the device according to the invention in an interrupted manner
Longitudinal section;

FIG. 2 shows the device according to FIG. 1 in plan view;

FIGURE 3a with a cross section through a channel section

Underframe; ~~~

FIGURES 3b and 3c enlarged details from FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4 a-d curved channel sections in a reduced representation;

FIGURE 5 three interconnected and arranged side by side
Duct sections.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a path of the device.

Figure 1 shows the transport device in cross section and in a interrupted representation and Figure 2 shows this in plan view; the following part of the description therefore relates to both figures.

The transport device consists of a U-shaped channel I, which in certain sections of a channel 2 closed on all sides "can be formed and that of a liquid as a means of transport in the closed circuit is flowed through. The channel has an inlet, an outlet and a rinse station and is in the A modular system with straight and curved duct sections.

The inlet basin 3 of the entrance station 4 is provided with an inlet floor guide or an inlet chute 5 equipped. Above it is at a distance slightly greater than the height of one Transport container is, an inlet cover guide 6, which the task has to hold down any bottles still in the container if the crate is not completely emptied. COPY,

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The transport channel 7 can consist of straight system parts with the dimensions 1 to 3 m or in combination with curved pieces, as shown in Figures A a-d.

The adjoining outlet basin 8 is inclined towards the top running outlet floor guide or slide 9, which in in a manner similar to the way in which the entry station is provided with a discharge cover guide 10. The chute 9 leads to a rinse station 11, which will be described in more detail later, but which are also omitted can, if only the transport of the _goods to be transported it is asked for.

A liquid pump 12 is used to circulate the means of transport. as The means of transport can, for example, be the rinsing water from bottle washing machines can be used, which still contains sufficient heat to act as an active soaking agent and solvent at the same time to serve. Detergent can also be added to the transport means, so that cleaning of the box is advantageous in addition to transport Ancillary service is achieved. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the liquid is returned through the tubes 13. at According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in detail, a partition is located in the U-shaped channel which forms the return channel for the liquid.

The individual duct sections constructed in the modular system have flange elements 14 on their circumference with seals along the duct circumference, as can be seen from FIG. 3a. The device can therefore be built up in a simple manner and adapted to the local conditions, as will be described later with reference to FIG.
The channel walls 15 of a channel section are connected to a U-shaped frame 16 which is arranged on a sub-frame. A liquid reflux pipe section 13 provided with connecting elements is arranged under the bottom part 17 of a channel section corresponding to the length of the channel section.

COPY

SI 6303

As can also be seen from FIG. 3a, the channel section 18 has a channel cover 19, which is designed as an openable cover. The channel section is used for transporting the bottle crate 18 inside and on - "its bottom with container rails 19 and provided with container guide rails 20 on its upper part. However, in most practical cases it is sufficient To provide running rails 19. The liquid receives one under the bottom of the box to be transported and between the running rails corresponding speed, so that the box is carried away and flushed in the floor area. ~~ -

Figures 3b and 3c show details of the design of the channel walls, at their upper end (Figure 3b) and ah Connecting pieces (Figure 3c).

As can be seen from FIGS. 4a, Ab, 4c and 4d, there are duct sections of the modular system provided, which together with their liquid reflux pipe, or in a form not shown as Backflow channel, as left and right curve pieces! with an arc of a circle of 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° and 90 ° are formed.

In order to prevent too rapid cooling when using heated service water, the wall and / or pipe elements of the Channel sections on their outer sides a not shown in detail have thermal insulation.

The entrance station 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 in this regard) has one facing the floor of the first channel section leading, equipped with openings chute 9, which on its underside from the transport liquid is flown against in the transport direction. Appropriately trained Flow baffles ensure a calming of the flow and through The fluid receives a venturi-nozzle-shaped sheet metal sufficient acceleration and speed to effect the transport of the boxes.

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- SI 6303

The container output station 21 also has a rinsing station 22 leading chute 23, which is equipped with spatially distributed nozzles, with a bottom or container guide surface known dirt discharge belt with filter device can be present if the 'device' is not only used as a transport device but also to be used as a washing or soaking system.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which several channels are next to one another are switched. With such a combination it is also possible to use the middle channel or any other combination as a return flow channel to use. -

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a transport device in all possible curve pieces are used. A box turner is also switched on in the closed circuit.

In the U-shaped channel system are also exchangeable, adjustable and adjustable flow baffles and guide plates arranged, to regulate the flow rate and prevent or reduce the formation of eddies.

The flow guide arranged in the U-shaped channel system and guide plates are, as already stated above, designed in the form of venturi nozzles.

The flow guide arranged in the U-shaped channel system and guide plates are also designed as a drop step or steps, so that further flow effects are achieved ._ can, if this should be necessary due to certain local conditions. So it may be necessary to adjust the flow rate to slow down the means of transport or to increase the rinsing effect and turbulence to achieve an increased washing effect.

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For this it can also be useful to provide at least one channel section in the channel walls with spray nozzles.

The object set by the invention is thus complete solved and in addition to achieving improved transport performance in ~ Combination with an almost maintenance-free system and low-noise transport is an advantageous additional service Soaking or washing process achieved for the washing systems of a length would be required, for which there is insufficient space in most companies.

Claims (1)

-y- - ■ ""'- ■ - ~ SI 6303 1. Device for transporting containers, vessels, boxes or the like, in particular bottle crates, in the form of a channel system filled with a washing liquid, characterized by a channel system filled with a liquid as a means of transport, --- which, viewed in cross section, is U-shaped and in Modular system straight, "left- and / or right-curved duct sections and by a circulating pump for the liquid and by a closed liquid circuit. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel sections have flange elements with seals along the channel circumference on their circumference. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the channel walls of a channel section are connected to a U-shaped frame which is arranged on an underframe, and that a liquid return channel section provided with connecting elements in the U according to the channel section length -shaped channel or is arranged below the same. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the liquid return flow channel is designed as a pipeline and is arranged below the U-shaped channel. 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the U-shaped channel has a cover which is designed as an openable cover. 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each channel section has container slide rails and container guide rails in its interior. 7. Apparatus according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that channel sections of the modular system with their liquid return pipe or channel as left or right curve pieces with an arc of 30 °, COPY 45 °, 60 ° or 90 ° are trained. ^{SI 63} ° 3 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall and pipe elements of the channel sections have thermal insulation on their outer sides. 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container input station has a chute which leads to the bottom of the first channel section and is equipped with openings, which can be flown against on its underside by the liquid in the transport direction. _ 10. The device according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container output station has a slide leading into a washing and / or rinsing station, which is equipped with spatially distributed nozzles, with a bottom or container guide surface Dirt discharge belt with filter device is available. 11. The device according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several combined devices are arranged side by side and connected to one another. 12. The device according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exchangeable, adjustable and adjustable flow guide and guide plates are arranged in the U-shaped channel system in order to regulate the flow rate and to prevent or to prevent the formation of eddies Reduce. 13. The device according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow guide and guide plates arranged in the U-shaped channel system are designed in the form of venturi nozzles. _3 - ^{SI 6303} .14. Device according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow guide and guide plates arranged in the U-shaped channel system are designed as drop or drop steps. 15. The device according to claim I or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one channel section has spray nozzles in the channel walls. COPY