Buffer systems for block formation

A newly developed Krones line concept with mechanical Bloc synchronisation of individual machines by dynamic buffer systems opens up to the operator all advantages of a block. A bottling line becomes a system equipped with dynamic storage modules that compensate for the fault behaviour of individual machines. Thus, a continuous line efficiency can be achieved and the standstill costs can be reduced to a minimum.

The buffer systems:

• The Accuflow is designed as multi-lane conveyor. It allows the line to "breathe". During normal operation, the container flow only passes the buffer section on the middle conveyor chains. Upon interruptions of the donwstream machine, the outer conveyors move slower, the containers move outward, and the accumulation table fills up. If the buffer section empties, the outer container rows are pulled into the main stream again.
• The Accutable works as a dynamic buffer system. This way, the accumulation area can automatically adjust to the respective demand, and the containers always take the shortest path between the connected machines. Inside the buffer, the containers only have very slight contact with each other and are therefore processed gently. 
• The dynamic buffer system also includes the Accutower. The main advantage is that it requires significantly less space than other buffer systems, as in the Accutower the containers are transported with a conveyor that is designed in the shape of a vertical spiral. A transfer carriage in the spiral controls the buffer distance, depending on the speed difference between the incoming and the outgoing container flow.