EP1868898B1 - Method and device for sorting caps - Google Patents

Method and device for sorting caps Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1868898B1
EP1868898B1 EP06725547A EP06725547A EP1868898B1 EP 1868898 B1 EP1868898 B1 EP 1868898B1 EP 06725547 A EP06725547 A EP 06725547A EP 06725547 A EP06725547 A EP 06725547A EP 1868898 B1 EP1868898 B1 EP 1868898B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
caps
cap
drinking straws
openings
drinking
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP06725547A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1868898A1 (en
Inventor
Dieter Schateikis
Markus Bohn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gruenenthal GmbH
Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
Original Assignee
Gruenenthal GmbH
Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Gruenenthal GmbH, Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH filed Critical Gruenenthal GmbH
Priority to PL06725547T priority Critical patent/PL1868898T3/en
Publication of EP1868898A1 publication Critical patent/EP1868898A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1868898B1 publication Critical patent/EP1868898B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2821—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers applying plugs or threadless stoppers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B19/00—Packaging rod-shaped or tubular articles susceptible to damage by abrasion or pressure, e.g. cigarettes, cigars, macaroni, spaghetti, drinking straws or welding electrodes
    • B65B19/34—Packaging other rod-shaped articles, e.g. sausages, macaroni, spaghetti, drinking straws, welding electrodes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/02—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sorting out incomplete sets of caps and / or sets of caps in which at least one cap is misaligned.
  • Drinking straws are now often used to administer substances such as drugs, drugs, vitamins, foods and / or nutritional supplements.
  • the substances are present in particular in the form of granules, pellets, microtablets or powder.
  • the substance is located in the drinking straw and is preferably sucked with a liquid from the drinking straw into the mouth, for example of a patient or consumer. In order to avoid that the substances escape from the drinking straw before their consumption, these are closed at at least one of their ends with a cap.
  • a set of drinking straws d. H. For example, while making several of them at the same time, it must be ensured, among other things, that there is always a complete set of caps available for closing, which are aligned so that they can be placed on the straws. Not properly oriented caps must therefore be sorted out
  • EP 0 544 089 shows a device for filling workpieces with workpieces are aligned prior to their filling.
  • the problem is solved by a method for sorting caps, which are attached to a set of drinking straws, in which all caps of a sentence are sorted out, if a cap is misaligned and / or the set of caps is not complete.
  • a set of drinking straws which consists of several drinking straws, which are preferably aligned parallel to each other and particularly preferably vertically aligned, very particularly preferably to be closed substantially simultaneously with caps.
  • the substance to be or to be consumed has already been filled into the drinking straws. Since machines on which the drinking straws are processed and filled, work intermittently and at a time always several, for example, 10 drinking straws processed or transported simultaneously, preferably also attaching a set of caps on a set of straws at the same time, d. H.
  • a corresponding number of caps must be available in a capping station, which must also be aligned so that the side of the cap that is placed on the straw becomes located in the direction of the drinking straw. If so many drinking straws are manufactured at the same time that not all drinking straws are capped at the same time, one set must in each case have as many caps as can be attached essentially simultaneously to a drinking straw.
  • a set of caps preferably once singulated, is checked for completeness and proper alignment of the caps. Furthermore, according to the invention, a set which is not complete or in which at least one cap is misoriented and / or damaged is sorted out overall and not just the misoriented cap.
  • the sorting of the caps is done by changing their position.
  • a set of caps that does not meet the desired requirements can be rotated in the direction of a junk container.
  • the caps in this reject bin are either disposed of or reused in the production process.
  • a full set of caps are then pressed onto the straws such that, on the one hand, the caps do not come off the straws, but on the other hand, it is ensured that the pull-off force is not so high that they will , especially of elderly patients, is not applicable.
  • the complete cap sets, with all the caps oriented correctly, are buffered prior to attachment.
  • This embodiment of the method according to the invention has the advantage that the checking or sorting out of the caps does not have to be synchronized with the cycle of the machine which processes and fills the drinking straws.
  • Another advantage of this preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is that the production of drinking straws does not have to be interrupted, even if several sets of caps occur in succession, which are either incomplete or in which at least one cap is misaligned.
  • Another object of the present invention is a device for sorting out incomplete sets of caps which are placed on drinking straws having a rotating drum having a number of openings corresponding to a set of caps.
  • openings are dimensioned so that they can each receive a cap.
  • the completeness of a set of caps and their orientation is checked.
  • at least two bores are arranged in the region of each opening, through which signals of a sensor, for example light beams, can be sent, with which it is possible to check whether there is a cap in the respective opening and / or if this cap is aligned correctly is.
  • the roller is then rotated in a Aufsteck- or ejection position, wherein at an incomplete set of caps or at least one misaligned cap, the rotating roller is rotated in the ejection position. In this position, all caps that are in the rotating drum, for example, disposed of in an ejection container. In the case, that the result of the test has resulted in a complete set of caps, all of which are properly aligned, the roll is twisted into a slip-on position and the caps are attached to the drinking straws with a slip-on and / or buffered prior to attachment.
  • FIG. 1 a drinking straw 4 is shown, which is closed at its upper end 2 with a cap 12.
  • a control means 8 (controller), which on the one hand prevents the substance 10, which is located above the control means 8, rausriselt down from the drinking straw. Furthermore, it can be checked with the control agent whether the substance has been completely sucked out of the drinking straw.
  • the cap 12 arranged in the upper region 2 prevents the substance 10 from escaping from the drinking straw before it is consumed.
  • FIG. 2 a device is shown, with the incomplete cap sets or cap sets, in which at least one cap is misaligned, can be sorted out.
  • the roller 5 has openings 6, which corresponds to the number (in the present case 8) of the feed channels 13.
  • the number of openings further corresponds to a set of caps 12, which are attached at the same time each on a drinking straw.
  • the openings 6 of the roller 5 are dimensioned so that they can each receive a cap 12 so that the roller is rotatable, without damaging the caps.
  • two sensors in the present case light sensors (not shown), are checked to see if there is a cap in each opening and if the caps are properly aligned.
  • With the holes 17 can also be determined whether the position of the caps within the roller is correct.
  • the roller is rotated 45 ° counterclockwise so that the openings 6 are congruent with a corresponding number of openings located in the ejection position 7. In this position, all the caps that are in the rotating drum at this time are ejected from the roller through the ejection openings 7 into a container, not shown, for example, with compressed air or the like; ie sorted out. If the test reveals that there is a cap in each opening and that the caps are properly aligned, the roller is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise so that the openings 6 cover the openings in the plug-in position 8. In this position, the caps are then cached and later attached to the appropriate set of drinking straws. Once the sorting or the storage has taken place in the buffering, the roller is again rotated to the horizontal position, and a new set of caps can be inserted into the openings 6.
  • FIG. 3 shows roller according to FIG. 2 in another view, in which the holes 18 are visible through which the completeness and position control of the caps is done.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Combined Means For Separation Of Solids (AREA)
  • Acyclic And Carbocyclic Compounds In Medicinal Compositions (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

A method and a device relating to handling caps for drinking straws is provided. In particular, the method and device provide for examining caps and discarding incomplete sets of caps and/or sets of caps in which at least one cap is aligned incorrectly.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum Aussortieren von unvollständigen Sätzen von Kappen und/oder Sätzen von Kappen, bei denen mindestens eine Kappe falsch orientiert ist.The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sorting out incomplete sets of caps and / or sets of caps in which at least one cap is misaligned.

Trinkhalme werden heutzutage oftmals zur Darreichung von Substanzen wie beispielsweise Arzneimitteln, Wirkstoffen, Vitaminen, Nahrungsmitteln und/oder Nahrungsergänzungsstoffen verwendet. Die Substanzen liegen insbesondere in Form von Granulaten, Pellets, Mikrotabletten oder Pulver vor. Die Substanz befindet sich in dem Trinkhalm und wird vorzugsweise mit einer Flüssigkeit aus dem Trinkhalm in den Mund, beispielsweise eines Patienten bzw. Konsumenten gesaugt. Um zu vermeiden, dass die Substanzen vor ihrem Verbrauch aus dem Trinkhalm entweichen, werden diese an mindestens einem ihrer Enden mit einer Kappe verschlossen. Da in der Regel ein Satz von Trinkhalmen, d. h. mehrere gleichzeitig hergestellt werden, muss unter anderem sichergestellt werden, dass zum Verschließen immer ein vollständiger Satz an Kappen zur Verfügung steht, die so ausgerichtet sind, dass sie auf die Trinkhalme gesteckt werden können. Nicht richtig orientierte Kappen müssen deshalb aussortiert werden,Drinking straws are now often used to administer substances such as drugs, drugs, vitamins, foods and / or nutritional supplements. The substances are present in particular in the form of granules, pellets, microtablets or powder. The substance is located in the drinking straw and is preferably sucked with a liquid from the drinking straw into the mouth, for example of a patient or consumer. In order to avoid that the substances escape from the drinking straw before their consumption, these are closed at at least one of their ends with a cap. As a rule, a set of drinking straws, d. H. For example, while making several of them at the same time, it must be ensured, among other things, that there is always a complete set of caps available for closing, which are aligned so that they can be placed on the straws. Not properly oriented caps must therefore be sorted out

EP 0 544 089 zeigt eine Vorrichtung zur Befüllung von Werkstücken wobei Werkstücke vor ihrer Befüllung ausgerichtet werden. EP 0 544 089 shows a device for filling workpieces with workpieces are aligned prior to their filling.

Es war deshalb die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren zum Aussortieren von Kappen, die auf einen Satz Trinkhalme aufgesteckt werden, zur Verfügung zu stellen.It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method for sorting out caps which are attached to a set of drinking straws available.

Gelöst wird die Aufgabe mit einem Verfahren zum Aussortieren von Kappen, die auf einen Satz Trinkhalme aufgesteckt werden, bei dem alle Kappen eines Satzes aussortiert werden, wenn eine Kappe falsch orientiert ist und/oder der Satz Kappen nicht vollständig ist.The problem is solved by a method for sorting caps, which are attached to a set of drinking straws, in which all caps of a sentence are sorted out, if a cap is misaligned and / or the set of caps is not complete.

Es war für den Fachmann überaus erstaunlich und nicht zu erwarten, dass es mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren gelingt, Trinkhalme sicher, zuverlässig, einfach und kostengünstig mit Kappen zu verschließen.It was extremely surprising for the person skilled in the art and it was not to be expected that the process according to the invention would make it possible to seal drinking straws safely, reliably, simply and cost-effectively with caps.

Erfindungsgemäß muss ein Satz Trinkhalme, der aus mehreren Trinkhalmen besteht, die vorzugsweise parallel zueinander und besonders bevorzugt vertikal ausgerichtet sind, ganz besonders bevorzugt im wesentlichen gleichzeitig mit Kappen verschlossen werden. In die Trinkhalme ist zu diesem Zeitpunkt bereits die darzureichende oder zu konsumierende Substanz eingefüllt worden. Da Maschinen, auf denen die Trinkhalme bearbeitet und befüllt werden, taktweise arbeiten und bei einem Takt immer mehrere, beispielsweise 10 Trinkhalme gleichzeitig bearbeitet bzw. transportiert werden, erfolgt vorzugsweise auch das Aufstecken eines Satzes Kappen auf einen Satz Trinkhalme gleichzeitig, d. h. für einen Satz Trinkhalme, die im wesentlichen gleichzeitig mit einer Kappe versehen werden, muss in einer Kappenaufsteckstation eine entsprechende Anzahl an Kappen zur Verfügung stehen, die auch noch so ausgerichtet sein müssen, dass die Seite der Kappe, die auf den Halm gesteckt wird, sich in Richtung des Trinkhalmes befindet. Sollten bei einem der Takt der Maschine so viele Trinkhalme gleichzeitig gefertigt werden, dass nicht alle Trinkhalme gleichzeitig mit einer Kappe versehen werden, muss ein Satz in jedem Fall so viele Kappen aufweisen wie im wesentlichen gleichzeitig auf einen Trinkhalm aufgesteckt werden.According to the invention, a set of drinking straws, which consists of several drinking straws, which are preferably aligned parallel to each other and particularly preferably vertically aligned, very particularly preferably to be closed substantially simultaneously with caps. At this time, the substance to be or to be consumed has already been filled into the drinking straws. Since machines on which the drinking straws are processed and filled, work intermittently and at a time always several, for example, 10 drinking straws processed or transported simultaneously, preferably also attaching a set of caps on a set of straws at the same time, d. H. For a set of drinking straws that are capped substantially simultaneously, a corresponding number of caps must be available in a capping station, which must also be aligned so that the side of the cap that is placed on the straw becomes located in the direction of the drinking straw. If so many drinking straws are manufactured at the same time that not all drinking straws are capped at the same time, one set must in each case have as many caps as can be attached essentially simultaneously to a drinking straw.

Da die Kappen nicht von Hand in die Kappenaufsteckstation eingefüllt werden, muss sichergestellt werden, dass jeder Kappensatz vor dem Aufstecken der Kappen auf die Trinkhalme vollständig ist und dass alle Kappen eines Satzes richtig ausgerichtet sind. Erfindungsgemäß wird deshalb ein Satz Kappen, vorzugsweise, sobald er vereinzelt ist, auf Vollständigkeit und die richtige Ausrichtung der Kappen überprüft. Weiterhin erfindungsgemäß wird ein Satz, der nicht vollständig ist bzw. in dem mindestens eine Kappe falsch orientiert und/oder beschädigt ist, insgesamt und nicht nur die falsch orientierte Kappe aussortiert.Since the caps are not manually filled into the cap attachment station, it must be ensured that each cap set is complete before attaching the caps to the drinking straws and that all caps of a set are properly aligned. Therefore, according to the invention, a set of caps, preferably once singulated, is checked for completeness and proper alignment of the caps. Furthermore, according to the invention, a set which is not complete or in which at least one cap is misoriented and / or damaged is sorted out overall and not just the misoriented cap.

Vorzugsweise erfolgt das Aussortieren der Kappen durch eine Veränderung ihrer Lage. Beispielsweise kann ein Satz Kappen, der nicht den gewünschten Anforderungen entspricht, in Richtung eines Ausschussbehälters verdreht werden. Die Kappen in diesem Ausschussbehälter werden entweder entsorgt oder in dem Produktionsprozess wiederverwendet.Preferably, the sorting of the caps is done by changing their position. For example, a set of caps that does not meet the desired requirements, can be rotated in the direction of a junk container. The caps in this reject bin are either disposed of or reused in the production process.

Vorzugsweise wird ein vollständiger Satz Kappen, die zusätzlich alle richtig ausgerichtet sind, anschließend so auf die Trinkhalme gedrückt, dass sich die Kappen zum einen nicht von den Trinkhalmen lösen, zum anderen aber auch sichergestellt ist, dass die Abzugskraft nicht so hoch ist, dass sie, insbesondere von älteren Patienten, nicht aufbringbar ist.Preferably, a full set of caps, all of which are properly aligned, are then pressed onto the straws such that, on the one hand, the caps do not come off the straws, but on the other hand, it is ensured that the pull-off force is not so high that they will , especially of elderly patients, is not applicable.

Vorzugsweise werden die vollständigen Kappensätze, bei denen alle Kappen richtig orientiert sind, vor dem Aufstecken zwischengepuffert. Diese Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens hat den Vorteil, dass die Überprüfung bzw. Aussortierung der Kappen nicht mit dem Takt der Maschine, die die Trinkhalme bearbeitet und befüllt, synchronisiert sein muss. Ein weiterer Vorteil dieser bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist, dass die Produktion der Trinkhalme nicht unterbrochen werden muss, auch wenn hintereinander mehrere Sätze von Kappen auftreten, die entweder nicht vollständig sind, oder bei denen mindestens eine Kappe falsch ausgerichtet ist.Preferably, the complete cap sets, with all the caps oriented correctly, are buffered prior to attachment. This embodiment of the method according to the invention has the advantage that the checking or sorting out of the caps does not have to be synchronized with the cycle of the machine which processes and fills the drinking straws. Another advantage of this preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is that the production of drinking straws does not have to be interrupted, even if several sets of caps occur in succession, which are either incomplete or in which at least one cap is misaligned.

Ein weiterer Gegenstand der vorliegenden Erfindung ist eine Vorrichtung zum Aussortieren von unvollständigen Sätzen von Kappen, die auf Trinkhalme gesteckt werden, die eine Drehwalze aufweist, die über eine einem Satz Kappen entsprechende Anzahl an Öffnungen verfügt.Another object of the present invention is a device for sorting out incomplete sets of caps which are placed on drinking straws having a rotating drum having a number of openings corresponding to a set of caps.

Diese Öffnungen sind so dimensioniert, dass sie jeweils eine Kappe aufnehmen können. In den Öffnungen wird dann zum einen die Vollständigkeit eines Satzes Kappen und jeweils deren Ausrichtung überprüft. Vorzugsweise sind deshalb im Bereich jeder Öffnung mindestens zwei Bohrungen angeordnet, durch die Signale eines Sensors, beispielsweise Lichtstrahlen, gesandt werden können, mit denen überprüfbar ist, ob sich zum einen eine Kappe in der jeweiligen Öffnung befindet, und/oder ob diese Kappe richtig ausgerichtet ist.These openings are dimensioned so that they can each receive a cap. In the openings then on the one hand the completeness of a set of caps and their orientation is checked. Preferably, therefore, at least two bores are arranged in the region of each opening, through which signals of a sensor, for example light beams, can be sent, with which it is possible to check whether there is a cap in the respective opening and / or if this cap is aligned correctly is.

In Abhängigkeit des Ergebnisses dieser Überprüfung wird die Walze danach in eine Aufsteck- bzw. Auswurfstellung verdreht, wobei bei einem unvollständigen Satz Kappen bzw. mindestens einer falsch ausgerichteten Kappe die Drehwalze in die Auswurfstellung verdreht wird. In dieser Stellung werden alle Kappen, die sich in der Drehwalze befinden, beispielsweise in einen Auswurfbehälter entsorgt. Für den Fall, dass das Ergebnis der Prüfung einen vollständigen Satz Kappen ergeben hat, die auch alle richtig ausgerichtet sind, wird die Walze in eine Aufsteckstellung verdreht und die Kappen mit einem Aufsteckmittel auf die Trinkhalme aufgesteckt und/oder vor dem Aufstecken zwischengepuffert.Depending on the result of this check, the roller is then rotated in a Aufsteck- or ejection position, wherein at an incomplete set of caps or at least one misaligned cap, the rotating roller is rotated in the ejection position. In this position, all caps that are in the rotating drum, for example, disposed of in an ejection container. In the case, that the result of the test has resulted in a complete set of caps, all of which are properly aligned, the roll is twisted into a slip-on position and the caps are attached to the drinking straws with a slip-on and / or buffered prior to attachment.

Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand der Figuren 1 bis 3 erläutert. Diese Erläuterungen sind lediglich beispielhaft und schränken den allgemeinen Erfindungsgedanken nicht ein. Die Erläuterungen gelten für die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung und das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren gleichermaßen.

  • Figur 1 zeigt einen Halm mit Kappe.
  • Figur 2 zeigt eine Ansicht einer Drehwalze.
  • Figur 3 zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Drehwalze gemäß Figur 2.
In the following the invention is based on the FIGS. 1 to 3 explained. These explanations are merely exemplary and do not limit the general inventive concept. The explanations apply equally to the device according to the invention and to the method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a stalk with a cap.
  • FIG. 2 shows a view of a rotary roller.
  • FIG. 3 shows a further view of the rotary roller according to FIG. 2 ,

In Figur 1 ist ein Trinkhalm 4 dargestellt, der an seinem oberen Ende 2 mit einer Kappe 12 verschlossen ist. Im Inneren des Trinkhalms befindet sich ein Kontrollmittel 8 (Controller), was zum einen verhindert, dass die Substanz 10, die sich oberhalb des Kontrollmittels 8 befindet, unten aus dem Trinkhalm rausriselt. Des weiteren kann mit dem Kontrollmittel kontrolliert werden, ob die Substanz vollständig aus dem Trinkhalm rausgesaugt worden ist. Die in dem oberen Bereich 2 angeordnete Kappe 12 verhindert, dass die Substanz 10 vor deren Konsum aus dem Trinkhalm entweicht.In FIG. 1 a drinking straw 4 is shown, which is closed at its upper end 2 with a cap 12. Inside the straw is a control means 8 (controller), which on the one hand prevents the substance 10, which is located above the control means 8, rausriselt down from the drinking straw. Furthermore, it can be checked with the control agent whether the substance has been completely sucked out of the drinking straw. The cap 12 arranged in the upper region 2 prevents the substance 10 from escaping from the drinking straw before it is consumed.

In Figur 2 ist eine Vorrichtung dargestellt, mit der unvollständige Kappensätze oder Kappensätze, bei denen mindestens eine Kappe falsch orientiert ist, aussortiert werden können. Über Zulaufrinnen 13 werden die Kappen (nicht dargestellt) hintereinander liegend, beispielsweise durch ein Rüttelband in Richtung der Walze 5 transportiert. Die Walze 5 weist Öffnungen 6 auf, die der Anzahl (in dem vorliegenden Fall 8) der Zuführkanäle 13 entspricht. Die Anzahl der Öffnungen entspricht des weiteren einem Satz Kappen 12, die gleichzeitig jeweils auf einen Trinkhalm aufgesteckt werden. Die Öffnungen 6 der Walze 5 sind so dimensioniert, dass sie jeweils eine Kappe 12 so aufnehmen können, dass die Walze drehbar ist, ohne dass die Kappen beschädigt werden. Sobald die Kappen in die acht Öffnungen 6 transportiert worden sind, wird mit zwei Sensoren, in dem vorliegenden Fall Lichtsensoren (nicht dargestellt) überprüft, ob sich in jeder Öffnung eine Kappe befindet und ob die Kappen richtig ausgerichtet sind. Dafür weist der Block 14, in dem die Walze 5 angeordnet ist, mindestens eine Bohrung pro Öffnung 6 auf, die in dem vorliegenden Fall an der Rückseite 16 angeordnet ist, durch die ein Lichtstrahl in die Öffnung 6 leitbar ist, mit dem zum einen überprüfbar ist, ob eine Kappe in der jeweiligen Öffnung vorhanden ist und ob diese richtig ausgerichtet ist. Mit den Bohrungen 17 kann zusätzlich festgestellt werden, ob die Lage der Kappen innerhalb der Walze korrekt ist. Nach der Überprüfung wird die Walze 5 mit dem Antrieb 11, wie durch den Doppelpfeil 9 dargestellt ist, verdreht. Für den Fall, dass der Kappensatz nicht vollständig oder mindestens eine Kappe falsch ausgerichtet ist, wird die Walze 45° gegen den Uhrzeigersinn verdreht, so dass die Öffnungen 6 deckungsgleich mit einer entsprechenden Zahl Öffnungen, die sich in der Auswurfstellung 7 befinden, sind. In dieser Stellung werden alle Kappen, die sich zu diesem Zeitpunkt in der Drehwalze befinden, durch die Auswurföffnungen 7 in einen nicht dargestellten Behälter, beispielsweise mit Druckluft oder dergleichen, aus der Walze ausgestoßen; d.h. aussortiert. Falls die Prüfung ergibt, dass sich in jeder Öffnung eine Kappe befindet und dass die Kappen richtig ausgerichtet sind, wird die Walze um 90° gegen den Uhrzeigersinn verdreht, so dass die Öffnungen 6 die Öffnungen in der Aufsteckstellung 8 überdecken. In dieser Stellung werden die Kappen dann zwischengespeichert und später auf den entsprechenden Satz an Trinkhalmen aufgesteckt. Sobald die Aussortierung bzw. das die Ablage in der Pufferung erfolgt ist, wird die Walze wieder in die horizontale Stellung verdreht, und ein neuer Satz Kappen kann in die Öffnungen 6 eingeführt werden.In FIG. 2 a device is shown, with the incomplete cap sets or cap sets, in which at least one cap is misaligned, can be sorted out. About inlet channels 13, the caps (not shown) lying behind each other, for example, transported by a Rüttelband in the direction of the roller 5. The roller 5 has openings 6, which corresponds to the number (in the present case 8) of the feed channels 13. The number of openings further corresponds to a set of caps 12, which are attached at the same time each on a drinking straw. The openings 6 of the roller 5 are dimensioned so that they can each receive a cap 12 so that the roller is rotatable, without damaging the caps. Once the caps have been transported into the eight openings 6, two sensors, in the present case light sensors (not shown), are checked to see if there is a cap in each opening and if the caps are properly aligned. For this, the block 14, in which the roller 5 is arranged, at least one bore per opening 6, which is arranged in the present case on the back 16, through which a light beam can be conducted into the opening 6, with the one verifiable is whether a cap is present in the respective opening and whether it is aligned correctly. With the holes 17 can also be determined whether the position of the caps within the roller is correct. After the inspection, the roller 5 with the drive 11, as shown by the double arrow 9, twisted. In the event that the cap set is not complete or at least one cap is misaligned, the roller is rotated 45 ° counterclockwise so that the openings 6 are congruent with a corresponding number of openings located in the ejection position 7. In this position, all the caps that are in the rotating drum at this time are ejected from the roller through the ejection openings 7 into a container, not shown, for example, with compressed air or the like; ie sorted out. If the test reveals that there is a cap in each opening and that the caps are properly aligned, the roller is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise so that the openings 6 cover the openings in the plug-in position 8. In this position, the caps are then cached and later attached to the appropriate set of drinking straws. Once the sorting or the storage has taken place in the buffering, the roller is again rotated to the horizontal position, and a new set of caps can be inserted into the openings 6.

Figur 3 zeigt Walze gemäß Figur 2 in einer anderen Ansicht, in der die Bohrungen 18 sichtbar sind, durch die die Vollständigkeits- und Lagekontrolle der Kappen erfolgt. FIG. 3 shows roller according to FIG. 2 in another view, in which the holes 18 are visible through which the completeness and position control of the caps is done.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Trinkhalmdrinking straw
22
oberes Endetop end
33
unteres Endelower end
44
Wandungwall
55
Walzeroller
66
Öffnungopening
77
Auswurfstellung, AuswurföffnungEjection position, ejection opening
88th
Aufsteckstellung, PufferbehälterClip-on position, buffer tank
99
Doppelpfeildouble arrow
1010
Substanzsubstance
1111
Antriebdrive
1212
Kappecap
1313
Zuführkanälesupply channels
1414
Blockblock
1515
Stößel, DruckluftPlunger, compressed air
16, 17, 1816, 17, 18
Öffnungenopenings

Claims (9)

  1. A method for discarding caps (12) which are to be mounted on a set of drinking straws (4), characterized in that all of said caps (12) of a set are discarded if one cap is incorrectly aligned and/or if said set of caps (12) is incomplete.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said caps are discarded by changing the position thereof.
  3. A method according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that caps (12) to be discarded are ejected.
  4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the caps of a complete set of caps (12) are pressed onto the corresponding drinking straws, preferably individually.
  5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of complete sets of caps (12) are temporarily stored.
  6. A device for discarding incomplete sets of caps (12) to be mounted onto drinking straws (4), characterized in that it comprises a rotary drum (5) exhibiting openings (6), the number of which is equal to that of a set of caps (12).
  7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that said caps are inserted into said openings, where they can be examined for completeness of the set of caps (12) and for alignment.
  8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that said examination is effected with sensors.
  9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said drum (5) is rotated to an ejection position (7) or to a mounting position (8) depending on the result of said examination of said caps.
EP06725547A 2005-04-07 2006-04-04 Method and device for sorting caps Not-in-force EP1868898B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL06725547T PL1868898T3 (en) 2005-04-07 2006-04-04 Method and device for sorting caps

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102005016169A DE102005016169A1 (en) 2005-04-07 2005-04-07 Method and device for sorting caps
PCT/EP2006/061311 WO2006106105A1 (en) 2005-04-07 2006-04-04 Method and device for sorting caps

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1868898A1 EP1868898A1 (en) 2007-12-26
EP1868898B1 true EP1868898B1 (en) 2009-06-03

Family

ID=36590210

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06725547A Not-in-force EP1868898B1 (en) 2005-04-07 2006-04-04 Method and device for sorting caps

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US8373080B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1868898B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE432877T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102005016169A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2328277T3 (en)
PL (1) PL1868898T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2006106105A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3110400A (en) * 1960-12-30 1963-11-12 Owens Illinois Glass Co Multiple station article inspecting apparatus
US3395573A (en) * 1965-01-27 1968-08-06 Owens Illinois Inc Bottle inspection method and apparatus
US3717248A (en) * 1971-12-10 1973-02-20 H Scribner Differential pressure bottle crown inspector employing fluidic control system
US4266674A (en) * 1979-02-07 1981-05-12 Richard Equipment Company, Inc. Optoelectronic device for automatically inspecting a group of cigarettes or the like
DE3740991C2 (en) * 1987-12-03 1996-02-08 Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag Method and device for monitoring the supply of closure elements in sealing machines
JPH03293069A (en) 1990-04-10 1991-12-24 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Sieve for sorting pellet
US5097653A (en) * 1990-12-27 1992-03-24 Pfizer Inc. Verification system for detecting the presence and absence of an object
US5474092A (en) 1991-10-29 1995-12-12 R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Machine and method for sorting, filling and closing hollow containers
JP2000226016A (en) * 1999-02-03 2000-08-15 Shionogi Qualicaps Kk Defective capsule removing mechanism
DE10003625C1 (en) * 2000-01-28 2001-09-13 Ralf Weidenmueller Sorting device for cup-shaped objects
US6739111B2 (en) * 2001-09-06 2004-05-25 The Boeing Company Automated filling machine and associated method
DE10308175A1 (en) 2003-02-25 2004-09-02 Grünenthal GmbH Dosage form and kit for oral administration of active ingredients, vitamins and / or nutrients
DE102005004256A1 (en) * 2005-01-28 2006-08-10 Grünenthal GmbH Drinking straw with a stiffener
DE102005029289A1 (en) * 2005-06-22 2006-12-28 Grünenthal GmbH Cap for drinking straw comprising cylindrical inner spike with one cylindrical and one conical part relative to axis of rotation used to store liquid which can be sucked out
AU2010244987A1 (en) * 2009-05-05 2011-11-24 Christiaan Mattheus Cap for a drinking straw

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2328277T3 (en) 2009-11-11
US20080245708A1 (en) 2008-10-09
ATE432877T1 (en) 2009-06-15
PL1868898T3 (en) 2009-11-30
DE502006003888D1 (en) 2009-07-16
WO2006106105A1 (en) 2006-10-12
EP1868898A1 (en) 2007-12-26
DE102005016169A1 (en) 2006-10-12
US8373080B2 (en) 2013-02-12

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