Unit and method for storing and distributing containers, and filling plant

US11174144B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KRONES AG · DE

Inventors

• Markus Zoelfl · Deggendorf, DE
• Rudolf Fiegler · Regensberg, DE
• Stefan Raith · Passau, DE
• Peter Lindner · Langquaid, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2018
• Grant date: Nov 16, 2021
• Expiry date: May 2, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67B3/261
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a storage and distribution unit for a container filling plant and a method for storing and distributing the containers. A store is provided, which comprises storage areas for containers, the storage areas being distributed in a grid pattern, a container feed for connection to a discharge line section of a filling line, and a container outlet for connection to inspection units. The storage and distribution unit comprises a robot for putting filled containers into storage by transferring them from the container feed to the storage areas as well as for taking the containers out of storage by transferring them from the storage areas to the container outlet. Making use of a programmable control unit, the robot can be controlled for selectively taking the containers out of storage independently of the moment in time at which and/or the sequence in which they have been put into storage.