DE102014105927B4 - Transport module for a palletizer - Google Patents

Abstract

Transport module (500) for a palletizing device (100) for stacking filled sacks (200) to form a sack stack (240), comprising a pushing device (110) with a sliding surface (112) and a sliding table (114) arranged next to the sliding surface (112). and a slider (116) for pushing sacks (200) forming a layer (230) from the sliding surface (112) onto the sliding table (114), the sliding device (110) comprising a mechanically stable frame (118), characterized at least one supporting element (119) is fastened to the frame (118) at a first end (118a) by means of a hinge means (119a) for supporting the pushing device (110) at application height on a mounting floor (600), the hinge means (119a ) has a hinge axis (SA) with an orientation for a gravity-fed unfolding of the support member (119).

Description

The present invention relates to a transport module for a palletizing device for stacking filled bags to a bag stack and a method for the construction of a palletizer based on such a transport module.

It is known that palletizers are used to stack filled sacks into sack stacks. These palletizers must be transported. This happens, on the one hand, in a fully disassembled situation, so that the entire palletizing device has to be re-assembled from scratch at the respective assembly site with a high expenditure of time. It is also known that sub-modules are provided, which are supplied as a pre-assembly to the installation site. At the installation site, final assembly must be carried out on the basis of this partial pre-assembly. However, this also leads to high costs, since in particular a variety of technical facilities, such as cranes or forklifts, are necessary to bring the individual sub-modules of the palletizing to the appropriate level of use.

From the publication DE 44 04 017 A1 a device for palletizing piece goods is known. Further, the DE 202 01 969 U1 a folding prop.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve in a cost effective and simple way the mounting options at the installation site.

The above object is achieved by a transport module having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 9. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the transport module according to the invention apply, of course, in connection with the inventive method and in each case vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention is always reciprocal reference or can be.

An inventive transport module for a palletizing device for stacking filled sacks to form a sack stack has a pushing device. This sliding device is equipped with a sliding surface and a sliding table arranged next to the sliding surface and a slide for pushing a layer forming bags from the sliding surface on the sliding table. In this case, the pusher further on a mechanically stable frame. A transport module according to the invention is characterized in that at least one support element is fastened to the frame at a first end via a hinge means for supporting the pusher at the application level on a mounting floor. In this case, the hinge means has a hinge axis, with an orientation for gravity-assisted unfolding of the support element.

An inventive transport module is now not a simple submodule of the entire palletizing, but rather a fertigmontiertes transport module in terms of the most complex part of the device palletizer, namely the pusher. In addition to the actual constructional complexity of the pusher, in particular the deployment height is of high relevance for the assembly of this pusher. Thus, this sliding device must be placed at a height which is greater than the maximum stack of sacks to be achieved. These are usually installation heights above the assembly floor in the range of approximately six meters. Thus, according to the invention, no partial assembly of six meters more is now necessary. Rather, it is sufficient to raise the ready-assembled transport module to the appropriate mounting height.

The sliding device is suitable for the purposes of the present invention, on the one hand to form the position, which is provided by different rows of bags. Thus, the individual layers may have different positional images of two or more rows of filled sacks. To form this position in a defined orientation, the sliding surface is provided. On this sliding surface, the filled sacks, for example supplied by a separate feeding device, can form the layer. Once this is done, a slider is used to push the formed layer and thus the corresponding filled bags from the sliding surface on the adjacent sliding table. The sliding table is usually preferably formed in several parts, so that by lowering the different sliding table parts located there position can fall down or fall down. For this purpose, a lifting device is provided later, which can accommodate this position of the filled bags. The lifting device then moves down at least by the bag width, so that the sliding table can close again and record a new position of the filled bags. These individual process steps can be carried out both with a pallet and pallet-free. In a pallet-free implementation a corresponding layer is provided with so-called lifting recesses, which are designed for the introduction of tines of a forklift.

For a transport module according to the invention, it is now crucial in which way the pusher and thus the entire transport module can be raised to the mounting height. This is according to the invention now particularly cost-effective, simple and above all quickly possible. This is based on the fact that at least one support element is arranged at a first end of the mechanically stable frame, which is provided for supporting the sliding device in the mounting height or in the insertion height on the mounting floor. However, this support member is not fixed firmly, but rather is pivotally attached to the frame via a hinge means. In the transport configuration, the support element is in a folded position, so that the transport module has the smallest possible geometric extension. Arrived at the place of work, the entire transport module can now be lifted to the desired operating height, for example, about six meters above the assembly floor, by means of a crane or forklift trucks. Subsequently, after reaching the mounting height, the support element can be folded out via the hinge means. The unfolding is done automatically, so to speak, since a gravity feed for this unfolding by the alignment of the hinge axis is possible. In this case, securing devices may be provided which first secure the support element in the retracted position. However, it is also conceivable that such a securing device is released before lifting or such a securing device is not present. Thus, when lifting the transport module automatically via the gravity feed slowly expand the support element and move to the support position. Once this is done, the entire transport module can be placed on the now already unfolded at least one support element at this first end of the frame and is here provided with an at least monovalent storage. The monovalent storage is, as explained later, in particular designed to be stable against tilting, so that at this point now a crane hook can be released or a corresponding forklift truck can leave. While at another end, a crane or a forklift holds the still free second end further raised, now with the help of the free crane hook or with the help of the free forklift, a plurality of further separate support elements can be brought, which now piece by piece at other positions and other ends the mechanically stable frame to ensure a trivalent and therefore completely certain storage for the transport module at the application level.

As is clear from the above description of a possible installation method, now a significant reduction of effort and complexity in the overall assembly can be achieved. So are on the one hand less technical facilities, for example, only two cranes or only two forklifts, necessary to build the transport module in the desired operating height. Furthermore, assembly at the operating height is no longer necessary since the transport module already has the entire sliding device in a functional manner. Of course, the sliding device and / or the transport module may have corresponding interfaces in order to communicate in mechanical, hydraulic and / or energetic form with further transport modules of a palletizing device. In particular, these are interfaces which can be formed automatically and which bring about latching when the corresponding further module has been brought into a contact position.

For the purposes of the present invention, a hinge means is a device which allows a pivotable movement and thus a folding out of the support element relative to the frame. For example, hinges with a defined hinge axis can be formed here, which then form a monovalent or multi-valued bearing by means of the support element on the frame via corresponding support surfaces.

The transport module is also provided with geometric dimensions that a pack size is met, which fits into the interior of an ISO container. In particular, this is a pack size based on a 20-foot ISO container or a 40-foot ISO container. In particular, this pack size refers to the dimensions in the width and height of the transport module. The packing size here is to be understood as the enveloping cuboid of the transport module, which encloses the entire transport module, without components of the transport module protruding beyond this imaginary cuboid.

It may be advantageous if, in a transport module according to the invention, the hinge axis is aligned parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of the sliding table. This means that, so to speak, with parallel alignment of the sliding table later to the mounting base, the hinge axis is also aligned substantially parallel to the mounting base. In particular with regard to the desire to promote gravity when folding out the hinge element brings such a parallel arrangement great advantages. Further, it is advantageous if this hinge axis is aligned in such a way that the support element can be folded inwards, so to speak. Thus, in the defined pack size, the support element is not or only slightly beyond the enveloping cuboid of the pack size, so that a compact or folded construction of the transport module is possible. Due to the parallel orientation, an ideal orientation for unfolding directly downwards is possible. Also, in this way preferably a fuse which avoids unwanted folding in the raised position. Preferably, the unfolding will be done by more than 90 °, so that the buckling stability is further improved. In particular, the unfolding on the gravity equilibrium situation, ie the neutral position, also take place, so that after settling in the mounting position in the unfolded manner of the support element unwanted folding without safety devices is additionally avoided.

It may also be advantageous if, in a transport module according to the invention, the at least one support element is designed to be tilt-stable in the unfolded position, in particular at least two support elements are provided. A tilt-stable design is to be understood in particular as a lateral tilt stability. Thus, after removing a crane hook or the second forklift in this way it can be ensured that this first end of the mechanically stable frame remains stable in this position. Lateral tilting is avoided by the tipping stability. For this purpose, the support element may have corresponding anti-tip elements, which extend laterally away from the support element at the support position on the mounting base. Also, a swing-out when unfolding can be provided via the neutral position of the gravity feed, which makes it possible that a further settling takes place, so that a collapse would only be possible by lifting the transport module again. This unfolding on the neutral position with respect to the gravity feed also brings with it a further Kippstabilitätssicherung with it. If two or more support elements are provided, then the hinge axes of these two hinge means are preferably parallel, in particular even coaxial.

It is also advantageous if, in a transport module according to the invention, the hinge means of the at least one support element has a securing device for securing the support element in the folded-in position and / or in the unfolded position. Such a securing device thus makes it possible in a mechanical manner, for example by means of a securing pin, to mechanically fix the folded-in and / or the unfolded position. In the folded position, this leads to easier handling of the entire transport module. In the unfolded position, the securing device can also provide the desired tilting stability through the securing pin in the case of potentially cantilevered formations of the hinge means and of the support element. It is preferred if, in particular for the securing of the unfolded position, an automatic securing, for example in the form of a latch when unfolding, is provided. A manual solution of the fuse is particularly desirable in the Einklappposition to unsecure after lifting or even during or before lifting the transport module the folded state.

It is also advantageous if, in a transport module according to the invention, the support element has a support surface, which is supported in the folded over the hinge means position against a counter surface of the frame to accommodate the weight of the pusher. This means that the hinge means in the raised position will be relieved of weight or even completely relieved. The support surface may preferably be a flat support surface, which is supported against a flat counter surface. However, even more complex geometries, in particular in positive correlation between support surface and mating surface, are possible in order to be able to ensure improved securing functionality in the unfolded position of the support element. For example, inclined or curved surfaces are conceivable in order to provide an improved application and, above all, an improved force transmission surface between support surface and mating surface available. In the folded-in position, corresponding surfaces are likewise possible as abutment surfaces, in order to be able to ensure protection against the hinges overfolding and an associated mechanical damage.

It is furthermore advantageous if, in the case of a transport module according to the invention, the frame has at least one lifting surface for introducing a lifting force by means of a forklift truck. Of course, such a lifting surface can also form an interface, for example for tying a crane hook. The lifting surface is preferably equipped with a flat surface, which in particular is aligned substantially horizontally. Preferably, at least two lifting surfaces are provided to accommodate two tines of a forklift can accordingly. Also, this lifting surface may have lateral guides to keep the tines of the forklift in a defined position. Also, the lifting surfaces are preferably provided on opposite aligned ends of the transport module to perform in accordance with the invention, the later explained setting-up.

It is also advantageous if, in a transport module according to the invention Frame has at least one attachment interface for the attachment of another module, in particular comprising a supply device comprises. The mounting interface thus serves the mechanical attachment in the application height. Thus, this attachment interface may preferably be equipped with an automatic attachment functionality, for example by an automatic engagement in the respective position. Of course, the attachment interface or a separate interface can also be provided for an electrical contact, for example in the form of a plug contact. The interface is intended to be availed when the pusher and thus the transport module is already set up. Subsequently, the additional additional module, for example in the form of a feed device, can be moved to the insert height in order to correlate therewith in the desired manner with the interface.

It is likewise advantageous if, in the case of a transport module according to the invention, the frame and / or the fastening interface has a positioning aid for the relative positioning of the further module to the sliding device. Such a positioning aid can also be understood as a guide or centering. Thus, corresponding centering means or guide means may be provided in order to be able to bring about automatic geometrically correct and defined correlation when the feeding device or the further module is brought onto the transport module. For example, such a positioning aid can have inclined surfaces for an insertion guide into the fastening interface. In particular, even with such a correlation snap-catch solutions can be provided for automatic attachment.

• – Anheben eines Transportmoduls, insbesondere gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung, gleichzeitig an einem ersten Ende und an einem zweiten Ende eines Rahmens,
• – schwerkraftgefördertes Ausklappen von wenigstens einem Stützelement über ein Scharniermittel in eine auf einem Montageboden abstützende Position,
• – Anordnen wenigstens eines separaten Stützelements zur Ausbildung einer mechanisch bestimmten Lagerung der Palettiervorrichtung auf dem Montageboden.

Likewise provided by the present invention is a method for constructing a palletizing device for stacking filled sacks into a sack stack, comprising the following steps:

• Lifting a transport module, in particular according to the present invention, simultaneously at a first end and at a second end of a frame,
• Gravity-assisted unfolding of at least one support element via a hinge means into a position supported on a mounting floor,
• - Arranging at least one separate support member for forming a mechanically determined storage of the palletizer on the mounting floor.

The lifting can preferably be done with a crane and / or each with a forklift. An inventive method brings by using a transport module according to the invention the same advantages, as they have been explained in detail with respect to a transport module according to the invention. Under separate support elements are to be understood as separate feet, which are just designed to be free of hinges. These support elements may be part of the transport module, where they are attached to this completely detachable in a transport position. However, the separate support elements can also be transported and stored elsewhere, and only be used in a method according to the invention. If forklift trucks are used, two forklifts may suffice here, the second forklift being able to be used at the first end after unfolding in a gravity-assisted manner of the at least one support element in order to retrieve and set up the further separate support elements. Here it is once again clear that significant savings in the transport costs, as well as in the installation costs, can be achieved by means of an inventive transport module and a corresponding method according to the invention.

It is also advantageous if, in a method according to the invention, the at least one unfolded support element is secured in the unfolded position. For this purpose, the already described securing device of a transport module according to the invention can be used. So reversible fuses, in the form of pins or snap-lock solutions are conceivable. Of course, an irreversible fuse, for example in the form of a welded connection or an adhesive connection, can be used. In particular, a conscious contacting of support surfaces and mating surfaces between the unfolded support member and the mechanically stable frame is brought about. Of course, the backup can also be accompanied by the fact that in the unfolded position, the support element on the opposite side of the neutral position relative to the direction of gravity, in comparison to the folded position. This means that collapsing would only be possible again by lifting the entire palletizing device.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the invention are described in detail. The features mentioned in the claims or in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. They show schematically:

1 an embodiment of a sack stack stacked with a palletizer according to the invention,

2 an embodiment of a palletizer with a transport module according to the invention,

3 the embodiment of the 2 in another operational situation,

4 a first step in setting up a transport module according to the invention,

5 a step following the step according to 4 .

6 a ready-made transport module after the steps 4 and 5.

1 schematically shows in side view, as a palletizing with a palletizer 100 can be done. This is in a sliding device 100 a sliding table 114 provided, which each one location 230 filled sacks 200 can record. Now opens the sliding table 114 along the arrows to the left and right, so move the individual filled sacks 200 the situation 230 gravity-fed downwards. They land on already stacked layers 230 , About a lifting device 140 can now have a pallet provided for stacking as an aid 300 the entire sack stack 240 to be moved down, so that now the sliding table 114 can close again.

In 2 is shown as the location in the pusher 100 is trained. Starting from a manufacturing device 400 , which, for example, as so-called form-fill-and-seal machine filled bags 200 are the filled sacks 200 via a turnout into a turning device 130 been introduced. There can be the Drehausrichtung the filled sacks 200 be changed to different situation images of the layers 230 in the pusher 110 to create. Here is a feeder 10 with two separate feed belts 20 provided, the different widths and separate drive devices 30 exhibit. Starting from the feeder 10 a supply of sacks 200 on the sliding surface 112 , As soon as the complete situation 230 on the sliding surface 112 , here with two rows 210 the filled sacks 200 , has trained, can with the help of a slider 116 this location 230 on the adjacent sliding table 114 be moved, like this 3 shows. From here via an opening of the sliding table 114 the procedure, as it relates to 1 has been explained.

Like from the 1 to 3 As can be seen, the entire pusher must be arranged at a height which, including enough space for the maximum stack height and the other technical facilities for stacking the sack stack 240 pretends. This is usually up to six meters high.

Based on 4 to 6 Now, a method according to the invention will be explained, in which a transport module according to the invention 500 is used. An inventive transport module 500 here is a pusher 110 with a mechanically stable frame 118 , Schematically here are the sliding surface 112 and the sliding table 114 shown. The mechanically stable frame 118 has a first end 118a and a second end 118e on. At these two ends are each lifting surfaces 118c intended for lifting with the tines of a forklift shown here. The two arrows on the left and right show how the forklift truck's tines now lift the entire transport module, for example to a height of six meters, ie at the level of use. As soon as the transport module 500 located in this position or already during lifting, a support element 119 via a hinge means 119a Unfold. This unfolding is gravity-fed, and in particular after the release of a corresponding securing device 119b for the folded position. The unfolding takes place up to a striking or contacting a support surface 119c to a corresponding counter surface 118b , Also in this position, as she now the 5 shows can with the help of another security device 119b a fuse can be achieved. As can be seen, in 5 by the formation of an at least monovalent and above all tilt-stable storage at the first end 18c the corresponding forklift to refrain from lifting and stands for other assembly tasks, such as the bringing of separate support elements 120 , to disposal. This is done so that the separate support elements 120 can now also be used for support. When this is done, the transport module sees 500 like this 6 shows, and provides a statically determined storage of the transport module 500 over the assembly floor 600 in use height dar.

In the 4 to 6 It can be further seen that separate attachment interfaces 118d are provided, which here with the supply device 10 can correlate. Now then the supply device 10 on the side of the transport module 500 moved up, so these attachment interfaces 118d preferably automatically perform the appropriate mechanical attachment. Also shows for example the 3 now a hinge axis SA, which here in a parallel manner below the sliding surface 112 is arranged.

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of example. Of course, individual features of the embodiments, if technically feasible, can be combined freely with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

feeding apparatus

20

feed belt

30

driving device

100

palletizing

110

Pusher

112

sliding surface

114

sliding table

116

pusher

118

frame

118a

first end

118b

counter surface

118c

lift surface

118d

Mounting interface

118e

second end

119

support element

119a

hinge means

119b

safety device

119c

supporting

120

separate support element

130

rotator

140

lifting device

200

bag

210

line

230

location

240

bag stack

300

palette

400

Fabrication

500

transport module

510

another module

600

assembly floor

SA

hinge axis

Claims (10)

Transport module ( 500 ) for a palletizer ( 100 ) for stacking filled sacks ( 200 ) to a sack stack ( 240 ), comprising a sliding device ( 110 ) with a sliding surface ( 112 ) and one next to the sliding surface ( 112 ) arranged sliding table ( 114 ) as well as a slider ( 116 ) for pushing a layer ( 230 ) forming sacks ( 200 ) from the sliding surface ( 112 ) on the sliding table ( 114 ), wherein the sliding device ( 110 ) a mechanically stable frame ( 118 ), characterized in that on the frame ( 118 ) at a first end ( 118a ) at least one support element ( 119 ) via a hinge means ( 119a ) is mounted for supporting the sliding device ( 110 ) at operating height on a mounting floor ( 600 ), wherein the hinge means ( 119a ) has a hinge axis (SA), with an orientation for a gravity-assisted unfolding of the support element ( 119 ). Transport module ( 500 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge axis (SA) parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of the sliding table ( 112 ) is aligned. Transport module ( 500 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support element ( 119 ) is designed to be tilt-stable in the unfolded position, in particular at least two support elements ( 119 ) are provided. Transport module ( 500 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge means ( 119a ) of the at least one support element ( 119 ) a security device ( 119b ) for securing the support element ( 119 ) in the folded position and / or in the unfolded position. Transport module ( 500 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting element ( 119 ) a support surface ( 119c ), which in the over the hinge means ( 119a ) unfolded position against a counter surface ( 118b ) of the frame ( 118 ) to reduce the weight of the pusher ( 110 ). Transport module ( 500 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame ( 118 ) at least one lifting surface ( 118c ) for introducing a lifting force by means of a forklift. Transport module ( 500 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame ( 118 ) at least one attachment interface ( 118d ) for the attachment of another module ( 510 ), in particular comprising a supply device ( 10 ), having. Transport module ( 500 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the frame ( 118 ) and / or the attachment interface ( 118d ) a positioning aid for the relative positioning of the further module ( 510 ) to the sliding device ( 110 ) having. Method for constructing a palletizing device ( 100 ) for stacking filled sacks ( 200 ) to a sack stack ( 240 ), comprising the following steps: - Lifting a transport module ( 500 ), in particular with the features of one of claims 1 to 8, simultaneously at a first end ( 118a ) and at a second end ( 118e ) of a frame ( 118 ), - gravity-fed unfolding of at least one support element ( 119 ) via a hinge means ( 119a ) in one on a mounting floor ( 600 ) supporting position, - arranging at least one separate support element ( 120 ) for forming a mechanically determined storage of the palletizing device ( 100 ) on the assembly floor ( 600 ). A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one unfolded support element ( 119 ) is secured in the unfolded position.

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