DE102014224550A1 - Apparatus and method for aligning grouped articles and / or piece goods - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) and a method for aligning articles grouped into groups (3) are disclosed. The apparatus (1) comprises a horizontal conveying device (5) for transporting the articles and / or piece goods combined into groups (3), which horizontal conveying device (5) is separated by at least two spatially separated and along a transport direction (TR) of the horizontal conveying device (5). positioned work stations (20, 20 ', 30, 30') extends. At least one first workstation (20, 20 ') has two or more gripping devices (9), which can be moved and / or moved in the transport direction (TR) of the horizontal conveyor device (5), via which at least one group conveyed via the horizontal conveyor device (5) (FIG. 3) on summarized articles (4) and / or piece goods is rotatable about a vertical axis. At least one second (30, 30 ') of the at least two workstations (20, 20', 30, 30 ') has at least one horizontally moveable and / or movable sliding unit (5), via which the articles (3) are combined ( 4) and / or piece goods obliquely to the transport direction (TR) of the horizontal conveyor (5) are displaceable.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for aligning grouped articles and / or piece goods.

In the field of palletizing technology, articles that may be formed, for example, by beverage containers are grouped together and finally placed on an associated pallet. Between the group formation and the palletization is a classification with orientation of the respective groups in order to park them as possible space and targeted on the respective range can.

The alignment and division can take place during a continuous transport or conveying process of the grouped into articles. In devices known from the prior art, the groups can in this case stand up on a horizontal conveyor which moves the groups in the direction of a downstream palletizing station. Furthermore, systems are known which effect a combined rotation and displacement of the groups during transport in order to achieve the desired alignment with subsequent further transport of the groups.

Since the articles stand up on a horizontal conveyor during such alignment, frictional resistance acts between the groups as well as the horizontal conveyor during their rotation and translation. Practice has shown that the frictional resistance can affect the exact alignment of the groups, so that the groups often can not be transported in the desired position after their alignment and then placed on the pallet. This may cause problems with the placement of the groups on palettes, as they have an unpredictable orientation. In addition, if the groups are placed inaccurately on the pallet, the pallet may tend to be unstable.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an apparatus and a method by means of which an accurate alignment of grouped together articles and / or piece goods for a subsequent palletizing can be done.

The above object is achieved by a device comprising the features in claim 1. Further by a method having the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The device according to the invention is intended for the alignment of grouped articles and / or piece goods. The articles and / or piece goods can be formed for example by beverage containers. The groups can thus be configured as bundle assemblies or form such.

The device comprises a horizontal conveying device for transporting the articles and / or piece goods combined into groups, which horizontal conveying device extends through at least two workstations which are spatially separated from one another and positioned along a transport direction of the horizontal conveying device. At least one first workstation has two or more gripping devices that can each be moved in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor device, via which at least one group of combined articles and / or piece goods moved via the horizontal conveyor is rotatable about a vertical axis.

The gripping devices are in this case such that by means of the gripping means rotation of the groups is effected, wherein an offset of the grouped together articles and / or cargo obliquely to its conveying direction or obliquely to the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor fails. In particular, it may be that the grouped together into articles and / or cargo during their rotation without delay or acceleration by means of the horizontal conveyor to be moved. Accordingly, the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups can be continuously guided during their rotation with the transport speed of the horizontal conveying device prevailing in this region. It makes sense for the grouped together articles and / or cargo during their rotation continuously on the horizontal conveyor on.

Since the gripping devices are movable in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor, the two or more gripping devices can be moved together with the respective group during a respective rotation of the grouped together articles and / or piece goods.

In particular, it may be that the two or more gripping devices of the first workstation are coupled to a control device. An algorithm can be stored on the control device, by means of which a movement of the gripping devices at the transport speed of the groups of articles and / or piece goods during their respective rotation is predetermined.

Furthermore, it may be that the device comprises one or more sensors, whose detection range extends over one of the first workstation and the section of the horizontal conveyor upstream of the second workstation to be described in detail below. The one or more sensors may be formed for example by optical sensors. Taking into account a collection of grouped together articles and / or piece goods via the one or more sensors, the two or more gripping devices can be operated or moved via the control device. It is also conceivable that via the one or more sensors, a position of the grouped together articles and / or cargo can be detected or detected perpendicular to their transport direction. Considering the position, the two or more gripping devices can then be selectively driven. For example, at least one of the two or more gripping devices may be associated with a first web of grouped articles and / or piece goods. Furthermore, at least one further of the two or more gripping devices of a further web can be assigned to articles and / or piece goods combined into groups, which further web runs parallel to the first web. Such embodiments have proven particularly useful for effecting effective and time-optimized turning of the grouped articles and / or piece goods.

It is also conceivable that several gripping devices are provided in succession along the horizontal conveyor or in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor, wherein at least two in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor successively arranged gripping means associated with one of several parallel paths of articles and / or cargo. The at least two gripping devices arranged one behind the other can then alternately rotate the articles and / or piece goods of their respective associated web. Such devices are characterized by a high throughput.

It can also be the case that the two or more gripping devices can be positioned perpendicular to the conveying direction or transport direction of the articles and / or piece goods grouped together to selectively grasp or grasp the articles and / or piece goods combined into groups. The positioning of the two or more gripping devices perpendicular to the transport direction of the grouped articles and / or piece goods can continue via the control device and taking into account the detected via the one or more sensors position of the grouped together articles and / or piece goods. In preferred embodiments, however, it is conceivable that the positioning takes place manually before the device is put into operation or before the start of the method and is subsequently maintained unchanged. If, for example, groups are to be rotated which have a new dimensioning compared to previously rotated groups, a relative spacing of the gripping devices perpendicular to the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor device can be defined or set before the start of the method or before the device is put into operation.

It is also conceivable that two or more gripping devices synchronously effect a rotation of separate groups of articles and / or piece goods. It may also be that a plurality of gripping devices, with a time shift or one after the other, effect a turning of articles and / or piece goods combined into groups.

The two or more gripping means may be suspended above the horizontal conveyor. For example, a frame construction may be provided which extends across the horizontal conveyor, which stands up on a floor surface by means of legs and which holds the two or more gripping means. The legs of the frame structure may be positioned on opposite sides of the horizontal conveyor.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises at least one second work station with at least one horizontally movable and / or movable sliding unit, via which the grouped together articles and / or cargo can be displaced obliquely to the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor without rotation. The sliding unit may have at least one and preferably two stops, each of which provide a flat and parallel to the conveying direction or transport direction oriented system for grouped together articles and / or piece goods. In embodiments with two stops, the stops can be oriented parallel to one another. If the respective group is offset by means of the sliding unit, then, in embodiments with two stops per sliding unit, the two stops can be brought into contact on opposite sides with the respective group of articles and / or piece goods to be displaced.

It is also conceivable that the device comprises a control device, with which the two or more gripping devices and the at least one sliding unit are in communication, wherein via the control device a turning grouped together articles only for the two or more gripping means and an oblique offset of the grouped together articles is specifiable only for the at least one sliding unit.

It is also conceivable, for example, that several groups of articles and / or piece goods are offset at the same time by means of only one sliding unit. In particularly preferred embodiments, at least two sliding units may be present, which are positioned one after the other in the transport direction or conveying direction of the grouped articles and / or piece goods or in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor in the region of the second workstation. In embodiments with more than one sliding unit, the plurality of sliding units can be combined into groups of articles and / or piece goods synchronously or successively obliquely to the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor. In the context of the present invention, the term "obliquely" is to be understood broadly and includes, for example, embodiments in which the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups are offset perpendicular to the transport direction of the horizontal conveying device by means of the at least one sliding unit. In preferred embodiments, however, the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups are offset by means of the at least one sliding unit such that at least one component of movement of the respective group is oriented parallel to the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor during assembly of the group of combined articles and / or piece goods. As a result, the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups can be acted upon by the at least one sliding unit with a transport speed of the horizontal conveyor, wherein the respective at least one sliding unit leaves the respective group of articles and / or piece goods without their delay or acceleration with respect to the horizontal conveyor after offsetting ,

If the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups have been offset by means of a slide unit, it is conceivable that the slide unit is subsequently lifted vertically and moved in the direction of another group of articles and / or piece goods to be shifted. It may also be that the grouped together into articles and / or cargo by means of at least one sliding unit from its horizontal movement resulting displaced on a conveyor belt and transported after offsetting via the conveyor belt. After further transport, the at least one sliding unit can then be moved back horizontally and contact at least one further group of articles and / or piece goods on the conveyor belt with the further at least one further group of articles and / or piece goods, so that the two stops of respective at least one sliding unit are positioned on opposite sides of the at least one further group of articles and / or piece goods to be displaced.

Also, the at least one second workstation can have a frame construction with legs, which legs are positioned on opposite sides of the horizontal conveyor. On the frame construction, the at least one horizontally movable sliding unit can be attached hanging.

Since turning grouped articles and / or piece goods and an oblique offset to their transport direction in the present invention independently or successively done, the respective frictional resistance between the horizontal conveyor and the grouped together articles and / or piece goods is reduced at the individual steps , A more precise alignment of the groups of articles and / or piece goods for the purpose of a subsequent palletizing is ensured here.

According to a first embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one first workstation and the at least one second workstation do not follow one another directly in the transport direction of the grouped articles and / or piece goods. It may be the case that the at least one first workstation and the at least one second workstation a transport section of the horizontal conveyor is interposed, on which grouped together articles and / or cargo from the at least one first workstation in the direction of at least one second workstation or of the at least one second workstation can be continued in the direction of the at least one first workstation. The transport section may extend by a certain amount along the horizontal conveyor. It is conceivable that the determined amount corresponds at least to the extent of a first and / or a second workstation in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor.

According to an alternative embodiment variant, however, provision may also be made for the at least one first workstation and the at least one second workstation to follow one another directly in the transport direction of the grouped articles and / or piece goods without the interposition of a transport section, for example being interlocked with one another. Thus, it can be provided that the at least one first workstation and the at least one second workstation in Block construction are connected to each other and thus directly adjacent to each other, whereby a very compact design can be realized.

Furthermore, it may be that the at least one first workstation is arranged upstream of the at least one second workstation in the flow direction of the grouped articles and / or piece goods. However, the invention is not limited to such arrangements, so that in addition embodiments are conceivable, in which the at least one first workstation in the flow direction of the grouped together articles and / or cargo follows the at least one second workstation.

It is also conceivable that in the region of the optionally to be understood transport section at least two mechanically separate lanes for parallel promotion of grouped together into articles and / or cargo are formed. For mechanical separation at least one parallel to the transport direction or conveying direction of the grouped together into articles and / or cargo oriented lane sheet or the like may be provided. If more than two lanes are to be formed, two or more lanes may be provided for this purpose, which are oriented parallel to one another.

It is also conceivable that the two or more gripping devices of the at least one first workstation are suspended for movement in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor on a linear guide positioned above the horizontal conveyor. The two or more gripping devices can also be designed to be raised and lowered independently of one another in order to be placed on the articles and / or piece goods combined into groups if necessary. Also, the two or more gripping devices may each have a hood formed corresponding to the geometry of the grouped articles and / or piece goods. The hood can engage around the respective group in an upper area after placing the respective gripping device on the respective grouped together articles and / or piece goods. The gripping devices can each be designed as a 2-axis system. In particular, the freedom of movement of the gripping devices can be limited to two spatial directions. A first of the two spatial directions may in this case point in the transport direction of the articles and / or piece goods combined into groups, while a second spatial direction is oriented vertically.

Further, it may be that the horizontal conveyor comprises at least a first and at least a second endless conveyor belt, wherein the at least one second endless conveyor belt directly adjoins the at least one first endless conveyor belt, the at least one first endless conveyor belt upstream of the at least one first workstation and the at least one second Workstation is located and has a transport speed for the grouped together articles and / or general cargo, which is formed reduced compared to the transport speed of the at least one second endless conveyor belt. It is conceivable here that the articles grouped into groups are guided in parallel lanes in the region of the first endless conveyor belt. The lanes may be formed, for example via gutter plates or the like. Further, the lane plates of the first endless conveyor belt can be aligned with the lanes of the previously described transport section. When passing from at least one first endless conveyor belt to the at least one second endless conveyor belt, the lane plates can end. The at least one second endless conveyor belt can pass through the at least one first workstation completely.

Such embodiments have proven to be very effective in order to achieve a spacing of successive groups in a simple and uncomplicated manner before supplying the grouped articles to the at least one first or the at least one second workstation in the uninterrupted flow.

In preferred embodiments, it may also be that the horizontal conveyor in the region of the second workstation has at least two juxtaposed conveyor belts with parallel oriented transport directions or conveying directions, said means of the sliding unit groups of aggregated articles and / or cargo of at least a first of the at least two Conveyor belts on at least a second of the at least two conveyor belts are displaceable. The at least one first conveyor belt may be formed as part of the previously described transport section, which is arranged between the at least one first workstation and the at least one second workstation. Also, the at least one first conveyor belt can connect directly to the previously described transport section and / or be aligned with a section of the horizontal conveyor device which extends through the at least one first workstation and / or the at least one second workstation.

It is conceivable that the grouped together articles and / or cargo on the at least one first conveyor belt in a variable number of n parallel rows be guided. It can further be provided that the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups are continued on the at least one second conveyor belt in a variable number of m parallel rows. The following applies for the number n of parallel rows of the at least one first conveyor belt and the number m of parallel rows of the at least one second conveyor belt: n <m or n> m. The number m of rows of the at least one second conveyor belt can be selected taking into account a subsequent palletization of the grouped together articles and / or piece goods. The at least one shift unit can be brought into operative connection with the control unit previously described for offsetting the grouped articles and / or piece goods and a resulting division into rows of number m on the at least one second conveyor belt.

In order to produce an uninterrupted flow and, if necessary, to maintain the relative spacing of grouped articles on the at least one second conveyor, the transport speed of the at least one first conveyor may be different than the transport speed of the at least one second conveyor and taking into account a ratio of the number n Rows of the at least one first conveyor belt to the number m of rows of the at least one second conveyor belt to be selected. The transport speed can furthermore be predetermined via a control device, by means of which a drive of the at least one first conveyor belt and a further drive of the at least one second conveyor belt are connected.

It is also conceivable that the control device is in communication with the two or more gripping devices of the at least one first workstation. In this case, it may be that the two or more gripping devices can be moved via the control device with the transport speed of the horizontal conveyor prevailing in this region when the articles and / or piece goods are grouped into groups. The method of the two or more gripping devices takes place in each case in or parallel to the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor. For example, the method may be effected via a linear guide with which the two or more gripping devices communicate. In particularly preferred embodiments, the two or more gripping devices each have a plurality of movable arms, which are brought together with each other for the purpose of a linear movement or a linear process in operative connection. A head of the respective gripping devices can thus be installed statically or stationary in the at least one first work station, whereas the operative connection of the plurality of movable arms can effect a method or a linear movement in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor. The term "method" of the two or more gripping devices is thus to be understood in the context of the present invention comprehensively.

The present invention also relates to a method for aligning grouped articles and / or piece goods. Features mentioned above for various embodiments of the device according to the invention may also be used in various embodiments of the method described below. In addition, features which are described below to embodiments of the method according to the invention, be provided in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention.

As part of the process groups of articles and / or cargo with a common direction of transport or conveying direction are moved horizontally and at least partially rotated for the purpose of their orientation in uninterrupted movement travel. In this case, a rotation of the respective grouped together articles and / or piece goods can be made by an angle which is 90 ° or a multiple of 90 °.

The horizontal movement can take place by means of a previously described horizontal conveyor, the rotation in the region of at least one first workstation and by means of two or more than two gripping means are effected.

The two or more than two gripping devices, at least during rotation of the grouped together articles and / or piece goods at a speed which is at least approximately identical to the transport speed of the respective group to be rotated on articles and / or cargo during its rotation, together with the respective group of articles and / or piece goods are kept. It is thus conceivable that the grouped together articles and / or cargo during its rotation on an endless conveyor belt, wherein the gripping means are driven during the rotation at a movement speed, which movement speed corresponds to a transport speed of the endless conveyor on which the respective group to be rotated Stands up for articles and / or piece goods. The gripping devices can also be part of the process according to the invention be a previously described at least one first workstation. If a plurality of first workstations are present, then a common endless conveyor belt can extend completely through the first plurality of workstations.

It is further provided that the turning and the oblique offset takes place in all groups of articles and / or piece goods in each time completely separate process steps. As a result, a more precise alignment of the grouped together into articles and / or piece goods is possible, so that after aligning the grouped together into articles and / or piece goods can be done easily palletizing. In particular, it may be that the rotation of the respective group of articles and / or piece goods and their oblique offset temporally not directly to each other.

In particular, it may be that the grouped together into articles and / or piece goods are moved without interruption during the entire process without interruption or without a standstill. Such embodiments have proven to be able to perform the method with the highest possible throughput.

It can further be provided that the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups are moved parallel to one another between the process steps that are completely separated from each other in time. In particular, the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups can be guided in several parallel rows.

It may also be the case that the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups are spaced apart via an acceleration of their movement travel into groups of combined articles and / or piece goods following in the transport direction or conveying direction before their respective turning and before their oblique offset. For acceleration, the grouped together articles and / or piece goods can be continued by at least one first endless conveyor belt to at least one second endless conveyor belt, wherein the transport speed of the at least one second endless conveyor belt is formed enlarged relative to the transport speed of the at least one first endless conveyor belt. The at least one first endless conveyor belt may optionally be arranged upstream of the at least one first workstation already described above and the at least one second workstation already described above. Furthermore, the at least one first endless conveyor belt and the at least one second endless conveyor belt can be oriented in alignment with one another. In addition, the at least one second endless conveyor belt may extend completely through the at least one first workstation.

It is also conceivable that the grouped together articles and / or cargo before and during their rotation and after their oblique offset with common transport direction or conveying direction are performed in at least two parallel rows. In this case, the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups can be guided in n parallel rows during their rotation and, after their displacement, can be guided in m parallel rows, where n <m or n> m. The oblique offset can take place at least approximately vertically or perpendicular to the transport direction or conveying direction of the articles and / or piece goods combined into groups. In particularly preferred embodiments, however, the oblique offset takes place with a movement component which is oriented parallel to a transport direction or conveying direction, in which the articles and / or piece goods combined into groups are continued after offsetting. By means of the offset, the articles and / or piece goods grouped into groups can be pushed onto a previously described second conveyor belt or outlet conveyor.

It may also be that the movement speed of the respective group of combined articles and / or piece goods is kept at least approximately constant during their rotation. Such embodiments have proven useful, since a frictional resistance at a constant speed can be kept low and turning the grouped together articles and / or cargo can be done very accurately. Furthermore, at constant speed and without delay, the grouped together articles and / or piece goods during turning, the method with increased throughput can be implemented.

Furthermore, it may be that the grouped together articles and / or general cargo prior to their rotation and before their offset in parallel rows. The row number may be formed after offset, as previously described, different from the row number before offsetting. The displacement can be effected by means of a previously described at least one sliding unit, which is moved horizontally for transferring the grouped together articles and / or cargo of at least one first conveyor belt on at least one second conveyor belt. Here, the at least one sliding unit with the one or more to be offset groups of articles and / or cargo via two attacks that encompass one or more groups to be relocated on opposite sides.

In particular, it may be that the grouped together into articles and / or cargo by means of at least one horizontally movable slide unit are transferred at offset from at least one first conveyor belt to at least a second conveyor belt and the respective groups of articles and / or cargo Be offset via the at least one sliding unit with the transport speed of the at least one second conveyor belt acted upon. Such embodiments have proven particularly useful in order to minimize the frictional resistance between the at least one second conveyor belt and the grouped together articles and / or cargo during offsetting and thus to effect a precise positioning of grouped together articles and / or general cargo.

In addition, it may be that the at least one second conveyor belt compared to the at least one first conveyor belt leads the grouped together into articles and / or cargo with greater or decreased transport speed.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

2 and 3 show two temporally successive steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention and an embodiment of two workstations, as they can be used for a device according to the invention;

4 shows a schematic perspective view of a first workstation, as may be provided for various embodiments of a device according to the invention;

5 shows a schematic front view of the first workstation 4 ;

6 shows a schematic plan view of the first workstation from the 4 and 5 ;

7 shows individual steps, as they may be in an embodiment of a method according to the invention;
For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , The device 1 is intended for grouping 3 (see. 1 ) summarized articles 4 (see. 2 ). The groups 3 which by means of the device 1 according to 1 are aligned, are formed as a container composition or through multiple beverage containers.

A horizontal conveyor 5 is part of the device 1 , which horizontal conveyor 5 the respective groups 3 summarized article 4 or beverage containers in the transport direction TR promotes. The to groups 3 summarized article 4 stand here continuously on the horizontal conveyor 5 on.

Furthermore, the device comprises 1 two immediately consecutive first workstations 20 and 20 ' through which the horizontal conveyor 5 completely extends. Part of the first workstations 20 and 20 ' each are multiple gripping devices 9 independently of each other in the transport direction TR of the horizontal conveyor 5 are movable. About the gripping devices 9 become groups 3 of articles 4 rotated about a vertical axis, but not offset obliquely to the transport direction TR. The process is carried out over several mutually operatively connected arms of the gripping devices 9 causes which arms a hood 35 (see. 4 ) to the respective group to be rotated 3 on articles 4 lower the hood 35 then in the transport direction TR or parallel to the transport direction TR of the horizontal conveyor 5 together with the group 3 on articles 4 while turning the respective group 3 on articles 4 cause. The rotation is controlled by the control device S and by means of a servo motor, each part of a gripping device 9 is.

The first workstations 20 and 20 ' each also have a frame construction 11 and 11 ' (please refer 1 ) with both sides of the horizontal conveyor 5 positioned legs. At the frame construction 11 and 11 ' become the gripping devices 9 kept hanging.

All gripping devices 9 the first workstations 20 and 20 ' are in communication with the controller S. Be the groups 3 on articles 4 about the gripping devices 9 rotated, they learn in the course of their rotational movement no delay and no acceleration relative to the transport speed of the horizontal conveyor 5 , To accomplish this, the gripping devices become 9 , on the rotating groups 3 put on and during their respective rotation with in the area of the first workstations 20 and 20 ' trained transport speed of the horizontal conveyor 5 synchronous to the respective groups to be rotated 3 on articles 4 guided. After turning the respective groups 3 can the respective gripping device 9 lifted and in the direction of another group to be rotated 3 on articles 4 or opposite to the transport direction TR are moved.

Lowering to the respective group to be rotated 3 on articles 4 , the subsequent turning with synchronous guidance of the gripping devices 9 to the respective group 3 and lifting and returning towards the next group to be rotated 3 is specified or initiated via the control device S.

Part of the horizontal conveyor 5 is a first endless conveyor belt 13 , which is the first workstation 20 and 20 ' or a detection range of the gripping devices 9 is upstream. The first endless conveyor belt 13 are several gutters 8th assigned, by means of which gutter sheets 8th the groups 3 on articles 4 on the first endless conveyor belt 13 be guided in several parallel rows. There is also a second endless conveyor belt 15 Part of the horizontal conveyor 5 , The second endless conveyor belt 15 Closes directly to the first endless conveyor belt 13 at. The alleyways 8th end after the first endless conveyor belt 13 , The second endless conveyor belt 15 extends completely through the first two workstations 20 and 20 ' ,

Both the first endless conveyor belt 13 as well as the second endless conveyor belt 15 are in communication with the control device S. About the controller S is a transport speed for the second endless conveyor belt 15 predetermined, compared to the transport speed of the first endless conveyor belt 13 is formed continuously enlarged. Both the transport speed of the first endless conveyor belt 13 as well as the transport speed of the second endless conveyor belt 15 are kept constant over time and not changed. Also, both the first endless conveyor belt 13 as well as the second endless conveyor belt 15 driven continuously by the control device S, so that the groups 3 on articles 4 in an uninterrupted flow from the first endless conveyor belt 13 and through the first workstations 20 and 20 ' are transportable.

Because the second endless conveyor belt 15 opposite the first endless conveyor belt 13 via the control device S is operated at a higher transport speed, are leading groups 3 on articles 4 when crossing to the second endless conveyor belt 15 to lagging groups 3 on articles 4 spaced in the transport direction TR. Such a spacing is expedient to reach by means of the gripping means 9 the first workstations 20 and 20 ' a turning of groups 3 on articles 4 to be able to effect without having neighboring groups 3 on articles 4 the turning of a respective group 3 on articles 4 hinder this. Embodiments with endless conveyor belts 13 and 15 , which have a different transport speed, have been proven to achieve a spacing in the continuous flow in a simple and straightforward manner.

By means of the lane sheets 8th of the first endless conveyor belt 13 become the groups 3 on articles 4 with a certain number of parallel rows - in this case three rows - out. Each of the rows can have at least one own gripping device 9 a first workstation 20 respectively. 20 ' be assigned. Are two first workstations 20 and 20 ' , as in 1 shown provided, so each row two successive gripping devices in the transport direction TR 9 be assigned. The gripping devices associated with a respective row 9 can hereby alternately groups 3 on articles 4 Turn the respective row. In particular, in embodiments with a high throughput required, a plurality of first workstations succeeding each other in the transport direction TR have 20 respectively. 20 ' proven, which first workstations 20 respectively. 20 ' one gripping device each 9 for each of the parallel rows to groups 3 summarized articles 4 exhibit.

In device 1 out 1 is also an in 1 not shown optical detection device is provided, which is in communication with the control device S. About the optical detection device is a position of the respective via the first endless conveyor belt 13 funded groups 3 on articles 4 detected in the transport direction TR and the gripping devices 9 the first workstations 20 and 20 ' controlled in consideration of the detected via the optical detection device position. The optical detection device can preferably in the region of the first endless conveyor belt 13 be positioned.

The first workstations 20 and 20 ' downstream in the transport direction TR are present two second workstations 30 and 30 ' , The first workstations 20 and 20 ' and the second workstations 30 and 30 ' is in the embodiment shown the 1 an optional transport section 40 the horizontal conveyor 5 interposed. The transport section 40 are gutters 8th assigned by means of which to groups 3 summarized article 4 over the transport section 40 be guided in parallel rows. As by means of gripping devices 9 the first workstations 20 and 20 ' no offset to groups 3 summarized article 4 is effected obliquely to the transport direction TR, which are the first endless conveyor belt 13 associated gutter sheets 8th in alignment with the alley sheets 8th of the transport section 40 aligned. The to groups 3 summarized article 4 can thus without further deflection and after passing the first workstations 20 and 20 ' in the alleyways 8th of the transport section 40 enter formed tracks. The number of lane sheets 8th and the number of parallel rows of groups 3 of the first endless conveyor belt 13 and the transport section 40 are therefore identical.

About the transport section 40 become the groups 3 on articles 4 directly to the second workstations 30 respectively. 30 ' continued. Also the second workstations 30 and 30 ' each have a frame construction 11 and 11 ' with legs on opposite sides of the horizontal conveyor 5 are positioned. Next, each of the second workstations has 30 respectively. 30 ' via its own sliding unit 25 by means of which to groups 3 summarized articles 4 can be offset horizontally to the transport direction TR. The sliding units 25 each have two stops oriented parallel to each other, each one oriented parallel to the transport direction TR area plant for the groups 3 on articles 4 and maintain this parallel orientation during offsetting.

In the area of the second workstations 30 and 30 ' has the horizontal conveyor 5 a first conveyor belt 27 and a second conveyor belt 29 , The second conveyor belt 29 is adjacent to the first conveyor belt 27 or in the transport direction TR at the same height of the first conveyor belt 25 arranged. Both the first conveyor belt 27 as well as the second conveyor belt 29 extend completely through the second workstations 30 and 30 ' ,

From the transport section 40 become the groups 3 summarized article 4 in several parallel rows directly to the first conveyor belt 27 continue and enter this in the second workstation 30 one. Through the movement of the groups 3 on articles 4 over the first conveyor belt 27 become the groups 3 on articles 4 between two parallel stops 22 (see. 2 and 3 ) of a sliding unit 25 guided. Are the respective groups 3 on articles 4 in the transport direction TR at the level of two opposing stops 22 , the respective sliding unit 25 horizontally in the direction of the second conveyor belt 29 emotional. Reach the groups 3 summarized article 4 the second conveyor belt 29 , they become groups 3 summarized article 4 through the second conveyor belt 29 towards an in 1 not conveyed with palletizer shown.

After horizontal offset or after horizontal movement of the sliding unit 25 in the direction of the second conveyor belt 29 can the respective sliding unit 25 in the area of the second conveyor belt 29 remain until the respective groups 3 summarized article 4 through the second conveyor belt 29 in the transport direction TR the attacks 22 the respective sliding unit 25 have completely left. Following this, the respective sliding unit can move horizontally in the direction of the first conveyor belt 27 be moved back and from there starting one or more other groups 3 on articles 4 by means of just described horizontal movement on the second conveyor belt 29 convict.

It should also be mentioned that further embodiments are conceivable in which the sliding units 25 can also be raised. Became a respective group 3 on articles 4 by means of the sliding unit 25 to the second conveyor belt 29 transferred, so here, immediately after transfer the respective sliding unit 25 be lifted and in the direction of the first conveyor belt 27 be moved back. It does not need to be maintained in this embodiment until the second conveyor belt 29 convicted group 3 on articles 4 the attacks 22 the respective sliding unit 25 has completely left TR in the transport direction.

When device off 1 Thus, a turn of the groups 3 summarized articles 4 in the first workstations 20 and 20 ' regardless of the oblique offset to the transport direction TR to groups 3 summarized article 4 in the second workstations 30 respectively. 30 ' , A frictional resistance between the horizontal conveyor 5 and to groups 3 summarized articles 4 is thus reduced at the individual steps. The actual nominal position of the groups 3 on the second conveyor belt 29 which the groups 3 on articles 4 in the direction of palletizing is thus more accurately predictable.

Next it may be that to groups 3 summarized article 4 on the at least one first conveyor belt 27 be performed in n parallel rows and on the one second conveyor belt 29 be continued in m parallel rows. For the number n of parallel rows of the conveyor belt 27 and the number m of parallel rows of the second conveyor belt is valid here: n <m. The transfer of the groups 3 in rows m to the second conveyor belt 29 is, as previously described, by means of the sliding units 25 causes. Since the number n of rows of the second conveyor belt 29 relative to the number m of rows of the first conveyor belt 27 is formed less and a continuous flow of the groups 3 is to maintain the second conveyor belt 29 opposite the first conveyor belt 27 driven with increased transport speed via the control device S.

It should be mentioned again that in various embodiments, more than two first and / or second workstations 20 and 20 ' respectively. 30 and 30 ' can be provided. Also embodiments are conceivable in which the device 1 only a first workstation 20 respectively. 20 ' and only a second workstation 30 respectively. 30 ' includes.

It can be seen in 1 Also, that the horizontal conveyor 5 completely through the two in the transport direction TR successively positioned first workstations 20 and 20 ' and by the two in the transport direction TR successively positioned second workstations 30 and 30 ' extends.

It should be mentioned at this point, that between the first workstations 20 and 20 ' and the second workstations 30 and 30 ' by no means the in 1 recognizable transport sections 40 but that are the second workstations 30 and 30 ' directly to the first workstations 20 and 20 ' can connect. Optionally, the first and second workstations 20 . 20 ' and 30 . 30 ' be blocked together or summarized in block construction.

In this variant, the groups can 3 summarized article 4 thus directly and without further deflection after passing the first workstations 20 and 20 ' into the lanes of the second workstations 30 respectively. 30 ' enter, where to groups 3 summarized article 4 by means of the sliding units 25 can be offset horizontally to the transport direction TR. Reach there to the groups 3 summarized article 4 the second conveyor belt 29 , they become groups 3 summarized article 4 through the second conveyor belt 29 towards an in 1 conveyed palletizer, not shown.

The 2 and 3 show two temporally successive steps, as they may be present in one embodiment of a method according to the invention or by means of two second workstations 30 and 30 ' can be implemented. The workstations 30 and 30 ' from the 2 and 3 can for the device 1 according to 1 be provided.

So are in the 2 and 3 the already in 1 shown sliding units 25 the second workstations 30 and 30 ' to recognize. Both sliding units 25 each have two stops 22 whose longitudinal axis is continuous parallel to the transport direction TR of the horizontal conveyor 5 (see. 1 ) or of the first and the second conveyor belt 27 and 29 is oriented. To move to groups 3 summarized article 4 from the first conveyor belt 27 on the second conveyor belt 29 kick the sliding units 25 about their attacks 22 on opposite side with the respective group 3 on articles 4 in contact.

As previously mentioned, the sliding units are 25 hanging on the frame construction 11 and or 11 ' the respective second workstation 30 respectively. 30 ' arranged. To recognize is under synopsis of 2 and 3 that the sliding units 25 be performed at offset with a movement component, which parallel to the transport direction TR of the horizontal conveyor 5 or the second conveyor belt 29 is oriented. This movement allows the sliding units 25 the respective group 3 on articles 4 at its oblique offset with the transport speed of the second conveyor belt 29 act on in transport direction TR. Leaves the respective sliding unit 25 then on the second conveyor belt 29 staggered group 3 so the respective group can 3 without delay or acceleration relative to the second conveyor belt 29 on the second conveyor belt 29 get up. This allows the actual position of the groups 3 summarized article 4 after transfer to the conveyor belt 29 continue to predict with high accuracy.

Also let the 2 and 3 recognize that groups 3 on articles 4 in the area of the transport section 40 be transported in three parallel rows and the three-row current to groups 3 by means of the sliding units 25 aligned as a double row current and through the second conveyor belt 29 is forwarded. The number of parallel rows of groups 3 on articles 4 of the transport section 40 or the first conveyor belt 27 can thus be different from the number of parallel rows of groups 3 on articles of the second conveyor belt 29 be educated. To move the groups 3 on articles 4 from the first conveyor belt 27 on the second conveyor belt 29 stand the sliding units 25 in operative connection with the control device S, which movement of the sliding units 25 and or 33 defines pretended.

4 shows a schematic perspective view of a first workstation 20 as used for various embodiments of a device according to the invention 1 can be provided.

The first workstation 20 owns several already in 1 shown and in each case in the transport direction TR of the horizontal conveyor 5 or the first endless conveyor belt 15 movable gripping devices 9 , About the gripping devices 9 can each turn from to groups 3 summarized articles 4 be effected, being to groups 3 summarized article 4 by means of the gripping devices 9 not be offset obliquely to the transport direction TR. The gripping devices 9 become hanging from a frame construction 11 the first workstation 20 carried.

To turn the respective group 3 own the gripping devices 9 one hood each 35 which the gripping devices 9 to the respective group to be rotated 3 on articles 4 put on. The hood 35 this is above the group 3 positioned and on the group 3 lowered. Already during the lowering and in the course of the respective rotary movement is the hood 35 with identical speed of the respective group to be rotated 3 on articles 4 moved in the transport direction TR. The hood 35 thus remains in the course of a rotary motion constantly with the group to be rotated 3 on articles 4 in contact.

4 also reveals that each of the gripping devices 9 has arms that are used both to lower the hood 35 to the respective group to be rotated as well as a guide or a method of the hood 35 are brought into operative connection with each other in the transport direction TR. Next, each gripper has 9 a head 37 who is leading the hood 35 immovable via the frame construction 11 is held, but perpendicular to the transport direction TR before putting the device 1 is positionable.

The particular shape of the hoods 35 is corresponding to the geometry of the group 3 trained so that the hoods 35 positively to the respective group 3 can be set and subsequently cause a turn.

Also, the previously described second endless conveyor belt 15 to recognize which is completely through the first workstation 20 extends. The transport speed of the second endless conveyor belt 15 is increased relative to a transport speed of the second endless conveyor belt 15 in the transport direction TR upstream first endless conveyor belt 13 educated. The respective groups 3 on articles 4 reach the gripping devices 9 , being leading groups 3 to lagging groups 3 due to the different transport speeds of the endless conveyor belts 13 and 15 spaced in the transport direction TR.

As already mentioned, sensors can be provided which have a position of the groups 3 summarized article 4 detect in the transport direction TR and transfer information to the control device S. The controller S is thus capable of gripping devices 9 or the hoods 35 exactly above the groups 3 on articles 4 to position on the groups 3 lower and the gripping devices 9 or the hoods 35 during a group's turn 3 synchronous with the respective groups 3 to move.

The first workstation 20 includes several gripping devices 9 in which each of the plurality of rows transported in parallel in the transporting direction TR is grouped 3 summarized articles 4 one gripping device each 9 assigned. If previously, for example via Gassenbleche 8th , a classification of groups 3 takes place in the parallel rows, the position of the gripping devices 9 be maintained continuously oblique to the transport direction TR.

5 shows a schematic front view of the first workstation 20 out 4 , The transport direction TR of the horizontal conveyor 5 or the second endless conveyor belt 15 is oriented in the direction of the image plane. Very good are again the three gripping devices 9 to recognize, to turn groups 3 on articles 4 are formed. The two outer gripping devices 9 own to the intermediate gripping device 9 an at least approximately identical spacing, which during operation of a device according to the invention 1 (see. 1 ) or can be maintained throughout when implementing a method according to the invention. An offset is inclined to the direction of the image plane oriented transport direction TR occurs when turning groups 3 on articles 4 about the gripping devices 9 Not.

6 shows a schematic plan view of the first workstation 20 from the 4 and 5 , Each of the gripping devices 9 has a head 37 when turning to groups 3 summarized articles 4 immovable in the first workstation 20 are arranged.

Shown is also a linear guide 50 which is oriented perpendicular to the transport direction TR and to which the gripping means 9 with their heads 37 are coupled. About the linear guide 50 can the gripping devices 9 before commissioning of the device, taking into account the respective dimension of the groups to be rotated 3 on articles 4 perpendicular to the transport direction TR of the horizontal conveyor 5 be aligned and this position during the further operation of the device 1 maintained throughout.

7 shows individual steps, as they may be present in one embodiment of a method according to the invention. Thus, as part of a first process step, groups 3 on articles 4 and / or cargo with common transport direction TR moves. Meanwhile, the groups rotate 3 on articles 4 and / or piece goods around a vertical axis. The motor trip to groups 3 summarized article 4 and / or general cargo continues uninterrupted. In addition, they become groups 3 summarized article offset obliquely to its transport direction TR.

The rotation and the oblique offset occur in all groups 3 on articles 4 and / or piece goods in each time completely separate process steps.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 contraption

3

 group

4

 Articles, general cargo

5

 Horizontal conveyor

8th

 streets sheet

9

 gripper

11

 frame construction

11 '

 frame construction

13

 first endless conveyor belt

15

 second endless conveyor belt

20

 first workstation

20 '

 first workstation

22

 attack

25

 shifter

27

 first transport conveyor, first conveyor, first conveyor

29

 second transport conveyor, second conveyor, second conveyor

30

 Second workstation

30 '

 Second workstation

32

 poor

33

 shifter

35

 Hood

37

 head

40

 transport section

50

 linear guide

S

 control device

TR

 transport direction

Claims (16)

Contraption ( 1 ) for aligning to groups ( 3 ) summarized articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods, comprising a horizontal conveyor ( 5 ) for transporting to groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods, which horizontal conveyor ( 5 ) are separated by at least two locally separated and along a transport direction (TR) of the horizontal conveyor ( 5 ) positioned workstations ( 20 . 20 ' . 30 . 30 ' ), wherein at least one first workstation ( 20 . 20 ' ) two or more in each case in the transport direction (TR) of the horizontal conveyor ( 5 ) movable and / or movable gripping devices ( 9 ), via which in each case at least one via the horizontal conveyor ( 5 ) funded group ( 3 ) on summarized articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods is rotatable about a vertical axis and wherein at least one second ( 30 . 30 ' ) of at least two workstations ( 20 . 20 ' . 30 . 30 ' ) at least one horizontally movable sliding unit ( 25 ) over which the groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods obliquely to the transport direction (TR) of the horizontal conveyor ( 5 ) are displaceable without rotation. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first workstation ( 20 . 20 ' ) the at least one second workstation ( 30 . 30 ' ) is spatially immediately downstream. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first workstation ( 20 . 20 ' ) and the at least one second workstation ( 30 . 30 ' ) a transport section ( 40 ) of the horizontal conveyor ( 5 ), on which groups ( 3 ) summarized articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods from the at least one first workstation ( 20 . 20 ' ) towards the at least one second workstation ( 30 . 30 ' ) or at least one second workstation ( 30 . 30 ' ) in the direction of the at least one first workstation ( 20 . 20 ' ) can be continued. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which in the region of the transport section ( 40 ) At least two mechanically separate lanes for the parallel promotion of groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods are formed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the horizontal conveying device ( 5 ) at least a first and at least one second endless conveyor belt ( 13 . 15 ), wherein the at least one second endless conveyor belt ( 15 ) directly to the at least one first endless conveyor belt ( 13 ), the at least one first endless conveyor belt ( 13 ) upstream of the at least one first workstation ( 20 . 20 ' ) and the at least second workstation ( 30 . 30 ' ) and a transport speed for the groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods, compared to the transport speed of the at least one second endless conveyor belt ( 29 ) is formed reduced. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the horizontal conveying device ( 5 ) in the region of the at least one second workstation ( 30 . 30 ' ) at least two juxtaposed conveyor belts ( 27 . 29 ) with parallel oriented conveying directions, wherein by means of the at least one sliding unit ( 25 ) the groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or general cargo of at least one first ( 27 ) of the at least two conveyor belts ( 27 . 29 ) to at least a second ( 29 ) of the at least two conveyor belts ( 27 . 29 ) are displaceable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a control device (S), with which the two or more gripping devices ( 9 ), the gripping devices ( 9 ) when turning to groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods via the control device (S) with the transport speed of the horizontal conveying device prevailing in this region ( 5 ) are movable and / or movable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the two or more gripping devices ( 9 ) on a linear guide ( 50 ) are suspended, which is an independent and perpendicular to the transport direction (TR) of the horizontal conveyor ( 5 ) oriented positioning of the gripping devices ( 9 ) allowed. Method of aligning to groups ( 3 ) summarized articles ( 4 ) and / or general cargo where the groups ( 3 ) of articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods with a common transport direction (TR) are moved horizontally and rotated at least proportionally for the purpose of their alignment during continuous movement travel and offset obliquely to their transport direction (TR), wherein the turning and the oblique offset in all groups ( 3 ) of articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods in each time completely separate process steps takes place. Method according to Claim 9, in which groups ( 3 ) summarized articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods between the time completely separate process steps are moved parallel to each other. Method according to claim 9 or 10, in which groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods by means of an acceleration of their movement travel to groups following in the transport direction (TR) ( 3 ) on summarized articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods are spaced before their respective rotation and before their oblique offset. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 11, in which the groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods are guided before and during their rotation and after their oblique offset with common conveying direction in at least two parallel rows. Method according to claim 12, wherein the groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods are guided before and during their rotation in at least two parallel rows with row number n and are guided after their offset in at least two parallel rows with row number m, where: n <m or n> m Method according to one of Claims 9 to 13, in which the speed of movement of the respective group ( 3 ) on summarized articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods during their rotation is kept at least approximately constant. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 14, in which the groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods by means of at least one horizontally movable sliding unit ( 25 ) when displacing at least one first conveyor belt ( 27 ) on at least one second conveyor belt ( 29 ) and the respective groups ( 3 ) of articles ( 4 ) and / or piece goods when moving via the at least one sliding unit ( 25 ) with the transport speed of the at least one second conveyor belt ( 29 ). Method according to Claim 15, in which the at least one second conveyor belt ( 29 ) relative to the at least one first conveyor belt ( 27 ) to groups ( 3 ) summarized article ( 4 ) and / or piece goods with greater or reduced transport speed leads.

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