Method and device for distributing and/or grouping containers

US11787641B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KRONES AG · DE

Inventors

• Stefan Elsperger · Stucksdorf, DE
• Michael Hartl · Unterhaching, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 2020
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2023
• Expiry date: Jun 1, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2201/0244
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus (10) and method for distributing and/or grouping containers in a container treatment system. The device (10) includes a supply conveyor (12), a discharge conveyor (16) and a transfer conveyor (14). The transfer conveyor (14) uses a guide path (28) and several movement devices (30) that can be driven individually, preferably by a long stator linear motor (32) and which are guided along the guide path (28). The several movement devices (30) include a conveyor device (34) that is designed to transfer several containers from the supply conveyor (12) to the discharge conveyor (16). The device (10) can preferably be used to reduce the risk of the containers tipping over when being transferred, to reduce the number of movement devices (30) and/or to enable the containers to be pre-grouped.