DE102017011293B4 - Track, conveyor and method of assembling a track - Google Patents

Abstract

Track (170) for a conveyor (100; 200), with
- A substantially horizontally arranged running surface (171) for supporting elements (30; 1; 150) of the conveyor device (100; 200) which are moved relative to the running track (170);
- A running track underside (172) facing away from the running surface (171) and
- A fastening device (173) arranged on the underside of the track (172), which is designed and configured to fasten the track (170) on a substantially vertically arranged track guide (91) of the conveyor device (100; 200); wherein the track (170) is designed to be flexibly deformable essentially perpendicular to a conveying direction of the conveyor device (100; 200), so that the track (170) can be flexibly adapted to curves of the conveyor device (100; 200) with different curve radii.

Description

The invention relates to a running track, a conveyor device and a method for assembling a running track.

Conveyor devices such as slat conveyors are used to transport goods to be conveyed on a transport surface, which is provided by a plurality of transport slats. The transport plates can be driven by a traction means such as a cable and/or a conveyor chain. When guiding the driven traction means, there are problems with the force dissipation of the forces that occur, especially when cornering. One of the forces occurring here is a constriction force, which can be described using the Euler-Eytelwein formula. Against this constriction force, the driven traction mechanism should be supported in the direction of the center of the curve with as little friction as possible.

In addition to supporting the constriction forces, the weight of the transport plates and/or the traction mechanism must also be supported, as well as the weight of the transported goods, if applicable. This requires a safe, static support, e.g. a conveyor track on which the traction device and/or transport attachments attached to it rest or rest.

The document DE 20 2004 017 986 U1 relates to a spiral conveyor for conveying goods by means of a helical conveyor belt from a gravity-direction lower infeed position to a gravity-direction overposition or vice versa. The individual slats forming the conveyor belt are positioned on chain links of an endlessly revolving, spirally guided conveyor chain. Means are provided to reduce the frictional forces directed into the center of the spiral. A support wall that accompanies the conveyor chain with the transport lamellae and is aligned perpendicularly to the rolling axes of the conveyor chain is formed by a support chain that runs synchronously with the conveyor chain. The individual slats are guided via sliding guides, which are arranged on supports.

The document EP 3 127 839 A1 relates to a curved track in which two cover profiles and are placed on a substantially horizontal base. In this case, the undersides of the two cover profiles lie flat on a substantially horizontal stepped surface of the base.

The document EP 2 907 774 A1 relates to a curved track in which two guides are placed on a substantially horizontal support structure. The undersides of the two guides rest fully on the essentially horizontal support structure.

The invention is therefore based on the object of enabling simple and/or reliable supporting of movable elements of a conveying device.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

One aspect relates to a track for a conveyor device with a substantially horizontally arranged running surface for supporting elements of the conveyor device that are moved relative to the track. The running track has a running track underside facing away from the running surface. A fastening device arranged on the underside of the running track is designed and configured to fasten the running track on a substantially vertically arranged track guide of the conveyor device.

The track is designed for use in a conveyor device, in particular for a slat conveyor of the type described above. The conveyor device has moving and static components and/or elements. The track is designed as a static component and element of the conveyor. A moving element of the conveying device can be, for example, a traction means which is driven along a conveying direction of the conveying device for the purpose of conveying conveyed goods. The driven traction module can be designed, for example, as a driven conveyor chain, the chain links of which also form moving elements of the conveyor device. In general, instead of the conveyor chain, another traction device can also be used, such as a steel cable, a rubber block chain, etc. Transport attachments can be attached to the traction device, on which the conveyed goods can be conveyed along the conveying direction.

A plurality of identical or similar transport attachments can be arranged on the traction means of the conveyor device. This plurality of transport attachments can be arranged one behind the other on the driven traction mechanism, in particular placed on it and/or connected to it, for example with a positive fit. In this case, transport surfaces of the transport attachments can be arranged in such a way that together they form an essentially continuous, moving transport surface on which the goods to be transported can be transported along the transport device.

The conveying device can have at least one (helical) curve along which conveyed goods can be transported. The conveying direction of the conveying device follows the (helical) curve.

The traction mechanism and/or the transport attachments attached thereto are moved along a conveyor path of the conveyor device and thus form moving elements of the conveyor device. In particular, these are also elements of the conveying device that are moved relative to the track. The conveyor track is designed to support the moving elements of the conveyor device. In addition, the conveyor track can be used to define the conveying direction along which the traction means is moved over the conveyor track.

The conveyor track is at least partially formed by the one track, which is designed and provided for direct and/or indirect support of the traction means, the transport attachments attached thereto and/or the conveyed goods. In particular, the conveyor track can also be formed by a plurality of essentially structurally identical tracks, which are arranged essentially parallel to one another and/or extend along the conveyor track.

The running track can be designed as a running rail on which, for example, (support) rollers of the transport attachments and/or the traction mechanism roll. Here, the (support) rollers are also designed as moving elements of the conveyor. In general, the running track can be designed and provided for rolling support and/or carrying off the weight forces of the moving elements of the conveyor track (including the conveyed goods). Since the conveyor track can also be formed from several tracks, which together support the weight forces occurring, a single track can also be designed to partially support the weight forces of the moving elements of the conveyor device (including any conveyed goods).

In this case, the running track has the running surface which is arranged essentially horizontally. The running surface is provided by a substantially vertically upwardly facing surface of the running track, which serves to support the moving elements of the conveyor. This means that a normal to the running surface is essentially vertical in the operating position. In this case, the running surface has a running surface length which essentially extends along the conveying path and/or the conveying direction and/or is formed parallel thereto. Furthermore, the running surface has a running surface width which is arranged parallel to the web width of the conveyor track and/or is formed transversely to the conveying direction. The tread length and the tread width provide the plane directions of the tread. Here, the running surface length is several times larger than the running surface width, e.g. at least 5 times as large, preferably at least 10 times as large, particularly preferably at least 100 times as large.

In the operating position of the raceway, the raceway surface faces essentially upwards in the Earth's frame of reference. At a position of the conveyor where the conveyor track has no incline (positive or negative), the entire running surface is essentially arranged in a horizontal plane. On an incline, at least the tread length may step out of the horizontal plane, following the incline. In this case, deviations from the horizontal of a maximum of approximately 45° can occur, preferably by a maximum of approximately 25°, particularly preferably in the single-digit degree range at most. Here, however, at least the running surface width can be arranged in an approximately horizontal plane at any position along the running track.

In other words, the orientation of the tread in the horizontal relates to an operating position of the track, and further at least to the tread width along the track. In the operating position the track is arranged on the conveyor track as a static element and/or component and the upwardly facing track surface can be used to support the moving elements of the conveyor.

The raceway bottom is provided by the bottom of the raceway. The surface of the underside of the running track can be configured essentially parallel to the running surface. For this reason, the underside of the track can also be arranged essentially in a horizontal plane. The underside of the track can be designed to support the track on the track guide.

The fastening device is arranged on the underside of the running track. The fastening device can be designed in one piece with the track as part of the track. In an alternative embodiment, the fastening device is designed as a separate component of the track. The fastening device is designed and provided to fix the track in its operating position on the conveyor. By means of the fastening device, the running track can enter into a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-to-material connection with the track guide. Since the track rests on the track guide in the operating position, a of the types of connection mentioned enable sufficiently secure attachment.

By attaching the raceway to and on the track guide, the raceway is accurately located and aligned in its operating position. In the operating position, the track guide is arranged below the track, more precisely below the underside of the track, and gives the track static support. The track guide thus serves to support the track, which in turn supports the moving elements of the conveyor.

The web guide is arranged essentially vertically. This means that the track guide is at least partially flat, e.g. as an elongated flat bar and/or as a flat bar. The surface and/or the flat area of the web guide is arranged in a substantially vertical plane. In a first, approximately horizontal direction, the web guide is long. This first approximately horizontal direction is arranged parallel to the conveying direction. In a second horizontal direction, which is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the first horizontal direction (ie also approximately perpendicularly to the conveying direction), the web guide has its smallest extent, at least in sections. This smallest extent of the web guide can be, for example, at most 1/4 of the second smallest spatial extent of the web guide, preferably at most 1/10 of the second smallest spatial extent of the web guide. In other words, the extension of the web guide in this second horizontal direction is negligible compared to the other two directions of extension, which is why the web guide is referred to as flat.

The medium-sized extension direction of the web guide is aligned essentially vertically. At an upper end, e.g. an upper edge, of the track guide, the track rests on the track guide. The track and the track guide together give the conveyor track of the conveyor sufficient static support. In this case, the track provides a substantially horizontally oriented support surface for the moving elements of the conveyor device, while the track guide with its substantially vertically oriented surface provides additional static safety.

Each track of the conveyor can be mounted on its own track guide. Several tracks can be mounted one behind the other along one of the track guides, which together form a coherent overall track.

Reliable statics are thus provided by the interaction of the track guide with the track according to the invention. In addition, the at least one web guide can be adapted more easily to a curve and/or helical curve of the conveyor device than a large, essentially horizontal surface that extends over the entire web width. For example, a metal conveyor track that fills the entire track width of the conveyor device is complicated and difficult to manufacture and/or lay along a helical curve. This is due to the fact that the area of the conveyor track along a helical curve can hardly or only with great difficulty be transferred to two-dimensional space. For this reason, the surface of such a helical conveyor track cannot actually be cut out and/or provided from a flat sheet.

However, a vertically oriented, flat track guide can be aligned and installed comparatively easily along the conveying direction of a helical cam track (and also along a normal curve). The track can then be mounted on this track guide mounted in this way in such a way that the course of its running surface follows the track guide and thus also the conveying direction.

Thus, the track can also simplify the assembly of the conveyor.

According to one embodiment, the fastening device is designed to fasten the running track to a substantially vertically arranged flat bar as a track guide. Here, the web guide is designed as a flat bar, the two opposing flat sides and surfaces of which are arranged essentially vertically. The longest extent of the flat bar is arranged essentially parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying device. Flat bars are very strong, standard metal components that are simple and come in a variety of sizes and strengths. This provides stable support for the track.

According to one embodiment, the fastening device is designed to form a (e.g. exclusively) non-positive connection with the web guide. A form or material connection is not required here, since the track rests on the track guide and is supported by it.

According to one embodiment, the fastening device has two clamping extensions that are spaced apart from one another and are designed to receive the web guide between the two clamping extensions in a clamping fit. The two spaced-apart clamping projections are formed on the underside of the raceway and can protrude downwards from it. Of the The distance between the clamping extensions is dimensioned in such a way that it is matched to the thickness (i.e. the smallest extent) of the web guide. The clamping projections can hold the web guide in a press fit on opposite sides with respect to the thickness of the web guide. The two clamping extensions can extend along the entire track. This enables a very stable press fit. Alternatively, several pairs of such clamping extensions can be formed along the track. In this way, material and/or weight can be saved.

According to one embodiment, the track has exactly one fastening device, which is formed approximately centrally under the underside of the track in a cross section through the track. In this case, the cross section is approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction. Due to the central arrangement, the track can be supported and carried by the track guide in a particularly safe manner.

According to one embodiment, the running track is designed in one piece together with the running surface, the underside of the running track and the fastening device. The one-piece track can be manufactured and/or assembled in a particularly simple manner, since no additional components are required. During assembly, only the track is placed on the track guide.

According to one embodiment, the track is made of a plastic, in particular as a thermoplastic profile. The raceway can be designed as an extruded, thermoplastic profile, e.g. made of a standard plastic, an engineering plastic, or a high-performance plastic. From a price point of view, hard PVC or hard PE materials are particularly suitable. However, technical plastics with improved properties, e.g. in terms of tribology, impact strength, flammability, abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, etc., are also suitable. Plastics are available with many different properties, which is why suitable plastics can be selected accordingly. Plastic is also lighter than metal and deformable, so it can be easily adapted to the direction in which the web runs along the conveying direction.

According to one embodiment, the track is designed to be flexibly deformable essentially perpendicular to a conveying direction of the conveyor device, so that the track can be flexibly adapted to curves of the conveyor device with different curve radii. A direction of extension of the track can be arranged parallel to the conveying direction. For this purpose, the track can be designed to be elastically deformable, e.g. made of an elastically deformable plastic. For example, the raceway can be essentially straight as long as no forces act on it.

An essentially straight running track can be used for support along both a left-hand curve and a right-hand curve and is therefore versatile. In an alternative embodiment, the track can have a predetermined bend, which is adapted to either right-hand curves or left-hand curves of the conveyor.

Preferably, the running track is elongate in a substantially straight line. When mounting the track on and/or along a curve or helical curve of the conveyor, the track is flexibly deformed. Here, the track is primarily bent in a substantially horizontal direction.

The track can be deformed transversely to the conveying direction. In this context, “transverse to the conveying direction” means that the track can be deformed in a direction transverse to its longest extent, so that its longitudinal extent adapts to the conveying direction of the conveying device. The information relates to an operating position of the track, in which the track is designed and arranged along the conveying direction and thus along the conveying path of the conveying device.

The deformability of the track makes it possible to adjust the track to different curves along the conveyor. In this way, the track can be flexibly adapted to curves with different curve radii. Thus, the track can be used in a variety of ways with different curves of different conveyors.

The track also has the advantage that the track does not have to be laboriously manufactured with a predetermined bend. Rather, the track can be configured essentially in a straight line and only be bent and/or deformed when it is mounted on the conveyor device. The flexible deformability of the running track also enables the running surface to be precisely adapted to the curve and/or helical curve of the conveyor device without, for example, unwanted play occurring and/or a deviation of the curves of the running track from the bend of the (helical) curve of the conveyor device occurs. Thus, the track can be adjusted very precisely to the (helical) curve.

According to one embodiment, the track surface has a track width transverse to the conveying direction of the conveying device, which is at most about 20% of a conveyor track width of the conveyor, preferably at most about 10% of the conveyor track width. In particular when using (support) rollers to support the moving elements, these move along predetermined paths along the conveyor track. Because of this, it is not necessary to support the conveyor track along the entire track width, which corresponds to the conveyor track width. Rather, it is sufficient to arrange tracks according to the invention along each track of the support rollers of the conveyor. This enables material savings and simplified assembly of the raceways.

One aspect relates to a support system with a track according to the previous aspect, which is attached to a track guide. In this case, the track and the track guide are part of the support system and, in the operating position, are arranged essentially parallel to the conveying direction.

One aspect relates to a conveyor device, in particular a slat conveyor with a traction device, with at least one essentially vertically arranged track guide, on which a track according to the previous aspect is fastened such that the running surface of the track is arranged essentially horizontally. The track guide and the track are each aligned and arranged parallel to a conveying direction of the conveying device.

According to one embodiment, the conveyor device has at least two spaced-apart, vertically arranged track guides, on each of which a track according to the preceding aspect is attached in such a way that the respective running surface is arranged essentially horizontally, the track guides and the tracks being spaced apart from each other and parallel are arranged to the conveying direction of the conveyor. For example, a right track can be arranged to the right of the traction device of the conveyor, and a left track to the left of the traction device. Both the right-hand and the left-hand running track are arranged in such a way that the respective running surfaces are aligned and run essentially parallel to the conveying direction. The conveyor track can also have at least one right and at least one left track, e.g. a total of four or six tracks. The conveyor device preferably has an even number of tracks, namely exactly as many left-hand tracks as right-hand tracks.

According to one embodiment, the conveying device has a curve and/or helical curve. The at least one track is arranged along the curve and/or helical curve, along which the track supports elements of the conveyor device that move relative to the track, e.g. (support) rollers. The at least one track follows the conveyor track of the conveyor device, so to speak provides its surface for the moving elements of the conveyor device.

According to one embodiment, the conveyor device has traverses for supporting the at least one web guide, the traverses being arranged such that they project radially from a spiral column of the conveyor device. The traverses can, for example (like the web guides) be designed as essentially vertically arranged static components of the conveyor device. The traverses support the web guide statically along a helical curved path of the conveyor. In this case, each traverse provides at least one approximately horizontally arranged support upper edge, on which the web guide(s) rests and/or is (are) fastened.

One aspect relates to a method for assembling a track of a conveyor device, wherein a track is fastened to a substantially vertically arranged track guide of the conveyor device in such a way that a running surface of the track is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction for supporting elements of the conveyor device that are moved relative to the track and a track bottom of the track is placed below the running surface on the track guide.

The method can be carried out in particular for the assembly of a running track according to the aspect described at the outset. For this reason, all statements relating to the career path according to the aspect described at the outset also relate to the method and vice versa.

In the context of this invention, the terms “substantially” and/or “approximately” can be used in such a way that they include a deviation of up to 5% from a numerical value following the term, a deviation of up to 5° from one to the Direction following the term and/or from an angle following the term.

Unless otherwise specified, terms such as above, below, above, below, etc. refer to the reference system of the earth in an operating position of the subject invention.

The term "lateral" refers to a substantially horizontal direction transverse, i.e. substantially perpendicular, to the conveying direction.

The term "conveying direction" refers to the direction of travel and the drive direction of the drive flat traction means along the conveyor track through the conveyor.

• 1A in einer Seitenansicht einen ersten Plattenförderer zum Fördern von Fördergut entlang einer Wendelkurvenbahn;
• 1B in einer perspektivischen Ansicht den ersten Plattenförderer zum Fördern von Fördergut entlang einer Wendelkurvenbahn;
• 1C in einer Ansicht von oben den ersten Plattenförderer zum Fördern von Fördergut entlang einer Wendelkurvenbahn;
• 1D in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein unteres Bahnende des ersten Plattenförderers zum Fördern von Fördergut entlang einer Wendelkurvenbahn;
• 2A in einer Ansicht von oben einen zweiten Plattenförderer mit einer Förderoberfläche, die entlang einer Kurve geführt ist;
• 2B in einer Ansicht von unten den zweiten Plattenförderer mit einer Förderoberfläche, die entlang einer Kurve geführt ist;
• 2C in einer Ansicht von unten einen Ausschnitt aus 2B, nämlich einen Ausschnitt der Unterseite des zweiten Plattenförderers in Kurvenführung;
• 3 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht den zweiten Plattenförderer mit einer Förderoberfläche, die entlang einer Kurve geführt ist;
• 4 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein vergrößertes Detail eines Plattenförderers ohne Förderkette;
• 5 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht Elemente einer Förderbahn, die aus Laufbahnen zusammengesetzt ist; und
• 6 einen Ausschnitt der in 5 gezeigten perspektivischen Ansicht.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in figures. In this case, the same or similar reference symbols can identify the same or similar features of the embodiments. Individual features shown in the figures can be implemented in other exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1A in a side view, a first plate conveyor for conveying conveyed goods along a helical cam track;
• 1B in a perspective view, the first plate conveyor for conveying conveyed goods along a helical cam track;
• 1C in a view from above, the first plate conveyor for conveying conveyed goods along a helical cam track;
• 1D in a perspective view, a lower end of the track of the first slab conveyor for conveying conveyed goods along a helical cam track;
• 2A in a view from above, a second slat conveyor with a conveying surface guided along a curve;
• 2 B in a bottom view, the second slat conveyor with a conveyor surface guided along a curve;
• 2C a detail in a view from below 2 B , namely a section of the underside of the second slat conveyor in curve guidance;
• 3 in a perspective view, the second slat conveyor with a conveying surface guided along a curve;
• 4 in a perspective view an enlarged detail of a slat conveyor without a conveyor chain;
• 5 in a perspective view elements of a conveyor track, which is composed of tracks; and
• 6 a section of the in 5 shown perspective view.

1A shows a side view of a first slat conveyor 100 as a conveying device for conveying goods to be conveyed along a helical cam track 103. The first slat conveyor 100 is shown in FIGS 1A , 1B , 1C and 1D not complete, but only partially shown. In particular, a traction device and transport plates of the first plate conveyor 100 are only partially shown. Rather, a large part of the helical cam track 103 is shown without transport plates, without a conveyor chain and also without lateral support rollers.

The first slat conveyor 100 has a base 110 which is designed to be supported on an underside of the slat conveyor 100 .

1B shows the first slat conveyor 100 in a perspective view. In 1B some transport attachments 1 are shown only schematically, each of which has a transport plate 50 . The transport attachments 1 can be designed as a carriage and attached to a (not in 1 shown) conveyor chain attached as a means of traction of the slat conveyor 100, for example placed on the conveyor chain.

The slat conveyor 100 has a lower track end 105 and an upper track end 107 . The lower end of the track 105 is connected to the upper end of the track 107 via the helical curved track 103 . The helical curved track 103 leads helically from the lower track end 105 around a spiral column 101 along a helical conveying path and/or conveying track to the upper track end 107.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the slat conveyor 100, the helical cam track 103 encircles the helical column 101 a total of five times. In other embodiments, the helical cam trajectory 103 may include more or fewer than five revolutions of the helical column 101 . In one embodiment, the helical cam track 103 can also partially encircle the helical column 101, for example halfway around it. At the upper end of the track 107 there is a return surface 112 that drops essentially vertically back to the lower end of the track 105 .

The plate conveyor 100 can, for example, be designed as a spiral lift, on which conveyed goods can be conveyed from the lower end of the track 105 along the helical cam track 103 to the upper end of the track 107 . The plate conveyor 100 can also be operated in the opposite direction, ie for conveying along the helical cam track 103 from top to bottom.

Not in the 1A and 1B a driven conveyor chain of the slat conveyor 100 is shown, on and to which the transport attachments 1 are fastened. The conveyor chain is provided as a circulating traction mechanism and is guided and driven from the lower end of the track 105 along the helical cam track 103 to the upper end of the track 107 . The self-contained conveyor chain is returned from the upper track end 105 along the return surface 112 steeply downwards and from a lower end of the return surface 112 along an underside of the slat conveyor 100 back to the lower track end 105. A drive of the conveyor chain can advantageously be formed on a lower or upper area of the slat conveyor 100 . For example, an upper and/or lower deflection roller of the slat conveyor 100 can be designed to be driven, eg as a driven roller. These pulleys are in the 1A and 1B covered by the transport plates and therefore not shown. A lower deflection roller 160 is, for example, in 1D shown, which can be designed as a driven roller. The drive can be designed at least partially as a drive arranged outside of a deflection roller, such as a geared motor, as at least one deflection roller with internal motors, which can be designed as a drum motor, for example.

On the plate conveyor 100 shown, conveyed goods can be conveyed along the helical cam track 103 in a vertical upward direction and/or also in a vertical downward direction.

Along the helical cam track 103 encircles the helical conveyor track and / or track surface of the plate conveyor 100 in the 1A and 1B marked spiral axis W of the plate conveyor 100, which coincides approximately with a cylinder axis of the spiral column 101. In a view from above, the helix axis W represents a curve center point around which the conveyor chain and thus also the transport attachments 1 are guided.

1C shows the slat conveyor 100 in a view from above 1C only a few of the transport attachments 1 are shown with the transport plates, namely those at the upper track end 107 and the lower track end 105. Along the helical cam track 103, the transport attachments 1 together with the transport plates are not shown but omitted from the illustration. Screw holes for attaching static, lateral support rollers are formed along the helical cam track 103 .

1D shows a perspective view of the lower track end 105 of the slat conveyor 100 without a conveyor chain and without transport attachments 1. In the section of the conveyor track shown, two rails are arranged and formed on a track surface 125 of the slat conveyor 100. The rail located closer to the helix axis W is formed as an inside chain guide 122 . The other rail, which is spaced farther from the helix axis W, is formed as an outside chain guide 121 .

The conveyor chain is guided between the two chain guides 121 and 122 designed as rails along the shown straight section of the conveyor track. In curved sections, in particular along the helical cam track 103, the conveyor chain is not guided in such rails in order to reduce friction and to absorb the constriction forces, but rather on lateral support rollers 130 arranged on the inside of the curve of the conveyor chain.

In 1D only one of the lateral support rollers 130 is shown as an extension of the inside chain guide 122 . The axis of rotation of the lateral support rollers 130 is essentially perpendicular to the track surface 125 . The axes of rotation of the lateral support rollers are thus arranged essentially parallel to a vertical direction, more precisely offset to the vertical direction by the slope of the track surface 125 .

The lateral support surfaces of the transport attachments 1 attached to the conveyor chain bear against the lateral support rollers 130 and are guided past them on the outside of the curve. The statically fixed lateral support rollers 130 can roll on lateral support surfaces of the transport attachments 1 in order to absorb the cornering forces.

The lateral support rollers 130 can be designed as horizontal ball bearings, which absorb the constriction forces and remove them by rolling. As a result, negative influences of the forces that arise and are to be removed on the components of the slat conveyor 100 and 200 are reduced.

On a lateral side wall (eg on the outside of the curve) of the track surface 125, an elongate side guide 120 is formed, for example as a rail, under which the transport attachments 1 are guided. This lateral guide 120 can prevent and/or reduce lifting of the transport attachments 1 . On a (curve inside) opposite side, in the 1D perspective shown is covered, such a side guide 120 can also be arranged. The side guides 120 can be designed along the entire web surface 125 as protection against access between the lateral side wall and the transport attachments 1 and/or as protection against lifting. The side guides 120 can be designed as a hollow profile, for example. At the side guides 120 the lateral width of the conveyor track above the track surface 125 is reduced to such an extent that the lateral, ie for example the inside and outside, plate ends of the transport attachments 1 are arranged below the side guides 120 .

2A shows a view from above of a second slat conveyor 200 as a conveying device with a conveying surface 140 which is formed and/or guided along a right-hand curve. Of the second slat conveyor 200 is not shown in full, but only partially. In 2A a plurality of transport attachments 1 are shown, which are attached to a driven conveyor chain 150 as traction means. Each transport attachment 1 has a transport plate with a transport surface 10 . The transport surfaces 10 of all transport attachments 1 together form the conveying surface 140. Here, the transport surfaces 10 of the transport attachments 1 driven in the forward direction are arranged essentially in the same plane, whereby successive transport surfaces 10 can partially overlap. The transport surfaces 10 of those transport attachments 1 that are being returned and can therefore be arranged overhead (not in 2A shown) may be located other than in the plane of conveying surface 140.

in the in 2A In the exemplary embodiment shown, the conveyor chain 150 is first driven along a straight section of the conveyor path, whereupon the conveyor chain 150 is guided along a curve, which is designed as a right-hand curve in the exemplary embodiment and over the course of which the conveying direction changes by approximately 180°. In the exemplary embodiment of the plate conveyor 200 shown, the conveying of conveyed goods takes place essentially in the same plane, namely an essentially horizontal plane which is spanned by the transport surfaces 10 oriented in the forward direction for conveying. The promotion in a horizontal plane takes place in a similar manner as the promotion along the helical cam track 103 in the 1A until 1D shown first slat conveyor 100.

Each transport attachment 1 provides a transport surface 10 which is larger in a direction essentially transverse (ie lateral) to the conveying direction than in the conveying direction. The conveying direction of a slat conveyor corresponds to the course and the drive direction of the driven conveyor chain 150. The conveyor chain 150 and the transport attachments 1 are movable and/or moving components of the slat conveyor 200, i.e. they are driven and/or moved relative to statically fixed components of the slat conveyor 200 . The statically fixed components of the slat conveyor 200 include the lateral support rollers 130 which are arranged along the curve and around which the conveyor chain 150 is guided. The lateral support rollers 130 are arranged such that their axis of rotation is arranged substantially in the vertical direction. The lateral support rollers 130, together with lateral support surfaces of the transport attachments 1, serve to absorb and/or roll off the cornering forces that have to be absorbed when the driven conveyor chain 150 is guided around corners.

Laterally to the conveying direction, the transport surfaces 10 protrude over the conveyor chain 150 to such an extent that the lateral width of the transport surfaces 10 defines a track width B of the transport surface. The web width B depends on the lateral extension of the transport plates 50 of the transport attachments 1. Along the plate conveyors 100 and 200, all the transport attachments 1 used have the same lateral extension, which corresponds to the respective web width B.

2 B shows the second slat conveyor 200 in a view from below. The lateral support rollers 130, which are mounted on an in 2 B Track surface 125, not shown, are fastened only along the curved guide, but not along the straight stretches of the conveyor track of the slat conveyor 200. As a result, the number of support rollers required can be reduced compared to conventional slat conveyors.

In the embodiment of the second slat conveyor 200 shown, the lateral support rollers 130 are arranged along a semicircular circumference, resulting in a curved guide with a change in direction of the conveying direction of approximately 180°. The transport plates 50 of the transport attachments 1 have an underside 20 which 2 B is shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a total of six laterally spaced support locations 31 are formed on the underside 20 of each transport attachment 1, on which support rollers 30 can be arranged. In the exemplary embodiment shown, exactly two support rollers 30 are arranged on each underside 20 of each transport attachment 1, namely one support roller 30 on each wing. This means that one support roller 30 is arranged on each wing on the inside of the curve and one on each wing on the outside of the curve Support roller 30. Each wing has a narrow track width support space 31 adjacent a central region of the transport plate 50 and/or the conveyor chain 150, a wide track width support space 31 at a lateral plate end, and a medium track width support space 31 therebetween. A support roller 30 can be and/or will be arranged at each of these support points 31 .

The support roller 30 can be formed, for example, on the middle support point 31 of the respective wing, or on one of the laterally outer support points 31 of the respective wing. The arrangement of the support rollers 30 under the wings can, for example, be the same for the entire slat conveyor 200, vary from transport slab to transport slab 50, or at least partially vary. In the embodiment shown, different support positions 31 are occupied by a support roller 30 .

In other embodiments, for example, two support rollers 30 can be provided per wing or three support rollers 30 per wing, so that, for example, plate conveyors can also be implemented in which each transport attachment 1 is provided with a total of six support rollers 30 . This can be useful if a high conveying load is expected. The attachment of several support rollers 30 can also make it possible for a relatively wide web width B to be realized.

A section on the underside of the slat conveyor 200 marked with an "A" is shown enlarged below.

2C shows the detail A on the underside of the slat conveyor 200 in an enlarged view. A section with several consecutive chain links of the conveyor chain 150 is shown, which is introduced into connecting devices 40 and fastened thereto. The connecting devices 40 are formed and attached to the underside of the transport attachments 1 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, each transport attachment 1 has precisely one such connecting device 40 which is attached to at least one chain link of the conveyor chain 150 . In this case, the connecting devices 40 have a greater lateral extension than the chain links of the conveyor chain 150.

In the context of the invention, lateral expansion always refers to the expansion transverse and/or perpendicular to the conveying direction, ie a direction perpendicular to the driven guide direction of driven conveyor chain 150. At the same time, the lateral direction is a substantially horizontal direction.

Each of the connecting devices 40 has a lateral support surface 41 at least on the inside of the curve. The lateral support surfaces 41 of the transport attachments 1 together provide a rolling surface for the statically fixed lateral support rollers 130 . As in 2C shown, the static lateral support rollers 130 do not roll directly on the conveyor chain 150 and therefore do not wear out the conveyor chain 150 directly. Rather, the lateral support surfaces 41, which are easier to replace than the conveyor chain 150, wear out, e.g. by removing and/or replacing the Transport attachment 1. Replacing the transport attachment 1 is also easier than replacing one or more chain links of the conveyor chain 150, since when replacing one of the transport attachments 1, the conveyor chain 150 does not have to be opened.

Guided by a curve, the lateral support surfaces 41 provide a continuous rolling surface which is arranged under the transport plate 50 and is directed towards the end of the plate on the inside of the curve. Projections and/or recesses can be formed on the lateral support surfaces 41, in particular on the ends of the support surface 41 in and counter to the conveying direction, which lead to a partial overlapping of adjacent lateral support surfaces 41. This is below in particular in connection with the 6A until 6E described in more detail.

The lateral support surfaces 41 of adjacent connecting devices 40 can be arranged so closely one behind the other along the conveyor chain 150 that they touch and/or overlap at least in curve guidance on the inside of the curve. This provides a coherent rolling surface for the statically fixed lateral support rollers 130, which faces the center point of the curve or the helix axis W, at least in the course of the curve, and is designed to be essentially gap-free.

This rolling surface, which is provided by the lateral support surfaces 41 of the individual transport attachments 1, is formed essentially along the conveying direction—however slightly offset toward the center of the curve—and along a vertical direction.

also in 2C some of the free support positions 31 and an occupied support position 31 on which a support roller 30 is arranged are shown.

3 shows parts of the second slat conveyor 200 in a perspective view 3 shows a similar excerpt as for example 2A , only in a perspective view. At one end of the rectilinear course of the slat conveyor 200 it is shown how the transport attachments 1 are folded down to return the conveyor chain 150 below the conveying surface 140. As in FIGS 2A and 2 B are also in 3 Web boundaries, side guides and/or web surfaces etc. are not shown. These elements of the second slat conveyor 200 may be similar or identical to those in FIGS 1A until 1D shown first slat conveyor 100 may be formed.

4 shows a perspective view of a section of the second slat conveyor 200 without a driven conveyor chain 150, but with some elements of the track surface 125, above which the driven conveyor chain 150 is guided. In particular, a portion of the web surface 125 is shown, which is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. The web surface 125 is arranged essentially parallel to the conveying surface 140 below it and is approximately the same size. The track surface 125 defines the Conveyor track of the slat conveyor 100 or 200 and can be used for rolling and for supporting the support rollers 30, which are arranged on the underside 20 of the transport attachments 1 and carry the weight of the transport attachments 1, the floating conveyor chain 150 and/or the conveyed goods.

The connecting device 40, which has the lateral support surface 41 as a rolling surface for the lateral support rollers 130, is shown approximately in the middle under a transport plate 50 of the transport attachment 1. The lateral support rollers 130 can be attached to and/or on the track surface 125, e.g. by means of a screw - and/or welded joint.

The conveyor chain 150 is in 4 not shown, which allows a view of an internal cavity in the connecting device 40. This cavity can be designed as a traction means receptacle for the conveyor chain 150 . At least one fastener 42 is provided in the interior of the connecting device 40, which can be embodied, for example, as a clip for clipping to the conveyor chain 150, in particular to a chain link of the conveyor chain 150. A clip connection enables a positive connection of the transport attachment that is easy to produce and easy to detach 1 with the conveyor chain 150.

Instead of a conveyor chain 150, another traction medium such as a steel cable and/or a rubber block chain can be used.

In the operating position, the central axis of the conveyor chain 150 can be arranged lower than the center point of the statically fixed lateral support rollers 130. This can generate a tilting moment and thus a contact pressure of the transport attachments 1 together with the traction means in the direction of the track surface 125 and thus prevent the transport attachments 1 from being lifted up unintentionally will.

In the operating position, the transport surfaces 10 are arranged below the side guides 120, which prevent and/or reduce lifting of the transport attachments 1 from the track surface 125 under the action of a one-sided external force, for example caused by conveyed goods or foreign bodies positioned on one side of the transport surface 10. In the operating position, the transport surfaces 10 are arranged below the side guides 120 and/or spaced apart from them in such a way that, without the action of a unilateral external force on the transport surface 10, the side guides 120 are essentially not touched in order to keep friction, wear and noise generation as low as possible. They thus contribute to the floating guidance of the conveyor chain 150 . The track surface 125, the side guides 120 and the lateral support rollers 130 represent statically fixed elements of the slat conveyor 100 or 200.

5 shows a perspective view of elements of a (static) conveyor track of the conveyor device.

The in the 5 and 6 shown conveyor can, for example, as in the 1 until 4 shown plate conveyor 100 or the plate conveyor 200 may be formed. In the 5 and 6 some static, i.e. immovable, elements of the conveyor track are shown. As a support for the conveyor track, the slat conveyor 100 or 200 has a number of traverses 90, which can be attached to a spiral column 101 (cf. 1A and 1B ).

In contrast to those in the 1 , 2 and 4 In the exemplary embodiments shown, this conveying device does not have a helical helical cam track 103 with a continuous track surface 125 . This distinguishes those in the 5 and 6 conveyor shown from the conveyors described above.

The conveying device shown has web guides 91 arranged on the statically fixed traverses 90 . The traverses 90 are designed as essentially horizontally arranged carriers, which protrude from the helical column 101 and the helical axis W essentially perpendicularly and radially outwards. The traverses 90 are fastened to the spiral column 101 and/or serve to stabilize and/or to support the spiral cam track 103 (without a continuous track surface 125). While the helical cam 103 in the 1A and 1B shown embodiment is formed as a continuous surface over the entire web width, is in the 5 and 6 The helical cam track 103 shown is not continuous, but is interrupted transversely and/or laterally to the conveying direction.

As a result, a large part of the (track) area along the helical cam track 103 remains free. In the in the 5 and 6 A plurality of support rollers 130 in the form of ball bearings is arranged essentially centrally along the helical cam track 103 , a plurality of which are combined to form a ball bearing module 80 . The support rollers 130 can each be fastened to the ball bearing module 80 via a bearing pin 81 . The support rollers 130 of the ball bearing modules 80 are used for the rolling removal of the shearing forces that occur when guiding along a curve and/or along the helical cam track 103 .

The ball bearing modules 80 are arranged approximately centrally along the helical cam track 103, to be more precise, slightly offset from the center of the spiral cam track 103 towards the center of the curve and/or towards the spiral axis W. A plurality of raceways 170 are arranged on both lateral sides of the ball bearing module 80 .

The conveying device preferably has its own assigned track 170 for each support roller 30 of the transport attachments 1 . Since three support rollers 30 can be provided for each wing of the transport attachment 1 in the exemplary embodiment shown, three raceways 170 are provided and arranged both laterally on the left and laterally on the right of the ball bearing module 80 . The helical cam track 103 thus has a total of six tracks 170 , each of which is designed and arranged to support a carrying roller 30 of the transport attachment 1 .

Both the raceways 170 and the ball bearing module 80 are each attached to at least one track guide 91 . The web guides 91 can be designed as flat bars. The web guides 91 are attached to the traverses 90 and as a static component of the conveyor 100; 200 trained. Both the traverse 90 and the web guide 91 can be made of metal, in particular steel. The traverses 90 and/or the web guides 91 can be designed as essentially flat structural components. In this case, the surface of said structural components is arranged in a vertical plane. The surfaces of the web guides 91 are essentially perpendicular to the surfaces of the traverses 90, in each case in an essentially vertical plane.

The raceways 170 and/or the ball bearing modules 80 can each be made of a plastic and/or have a plastic component. Here, the plastic is designed in such a way that it can be flexibly deformed. Thus, both the raceways 170 and/or the ball bearing modules 80, which are designed to be essentially rectilinear, can be installed before they are installed in their respective operating position. Only when the raceways 170 (and e.g. also the ball bearing modules 80) are assembled is the raceway 170 deformed in such a way that it adapts to the bending of the raceway guide 91.

The path guides 91 embodied, for example, as flat bars are curved in such a way that they adapt to the conveying direction of the conveying device running along the trajectory or helical curved path 103 . The web guides 91 can essentially be designed as elongate metal strips, the longitudinal direction of which is oriented in the direction of greatest extent. The longitudinal direction extends along and/or parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying device. The width of the web guides 91 extends essentially in a vertical direction and is essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying device. The thickness of the web guides 91 is their smallest dimension. The thickness of the web guides 91 is arranged in a radial direction toward the center of the curve and/or the helical axis W. FIG. The web guides 91, formed as elongated strips, are bent in such a way that they are bent around the center of the curve and/or the spiral axis W, essentially parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor 100; 200

6 shows an enlarged section of the in 5 shown elements of the conveyor. In particular, one end of the helical path curve is shown, at which both the path guides 91, the raceways 170 and the ball bearing modules 80 can end.

The raceways 170 are essentially T-shaped in cross section. A running rail 177 forms the upper T-beam, while a downward-pointing fastening device 173 forms the supporting leg of the 'T'.

The top of the running rails 177 form a running surface 171 (of which in 6 only one is marked) from which the support rollers 30 of the transport attachments 1 can roll (cf. eg 4 ). The underside of the running rails 177 form a running track underside 172, of which 6 only one is marked.

Two clamping extensions protrude approximately centrally from the underside of the track 172, namely a first clamping extension 174 and a second clamping extension 175. The two clamping extensions 174 and 175 are spaced apart from one another and are formed on the underside of the track 172 as continuous components of the track 170 that are uninterrupted along the conveying direction The two clamping extensions 174 and 175 together form the fastening device 173.

In the embodiment shown, the first clamping extension 174 is designed as a clamping extension on the inside of the curve, while the second clamping extension 175 is designed as a clamping extension on the outside of the curve. Between the two clamping projections 174 and 175 there is a recess which is designed as a receptacle for the web guide 91 . The essentially vertically arranged track guide 91 is arranged below the track underside 172 and carries the track 170. Each track 170 is carried by exactly one track guide 91 assigned to it. However, several tracks 170 can follow one another in the conveying direction on a track guide 91 be arranged, which together form an overall track.

The clamping extensions 174 and 175 are attached at least to the track guide 91 with a non-positive fit, but can also be attached to the track guide 91 with a positive fit. The form fit can be produced, for example, by at least one of the clamping projections 174 and/or 175 having a latching element and/or a projection which grips around the track guide 91, in particular on the side facing away from the underside of the track 172. The and/or the latching element(s) or projection(s) can e.g. encompass the lower edge of the web guide 91.

The running surfaces 171 of all running tracks 170, i.e. the six running tracks 170 in the exemplary embodiment shown, together form the track surface (interrupted in the lateral direction) of the conveyor track, which, in contrast, is 4 is shown as continuous web surface 125 over the entire web width B.

When assembling the conveyor device, the web guides 91 are first fastened parallel to one another on the traverses 90 . After that, the tracks 170 (e.g. individually) can each be attached to a track guide 91. This enables a very simple and quick installation.

The tracks 170 enable light, stable and easy-to-assemble conveyor tracks for rolling to carry off the weight forces of the moving elements of a conveyor device.

Reference List

1

transport attachment

10

transport surface

20

bottom

30

support roller

31

outrigger

40

connecting device

41

lateral support surface

42

fasteners

50

transport plate

80

ball bearing module

81

bearing journal

90

traverse

91

Web guide (flat bar)

100

plate conveyors; conveyor

101

spiral column

103

spiral cam track

105

lower end of the track

107

upper end of the track

110

stand

112

feedback surface

120

lateral guidance

121

outside chain guide

122

inside chain guide

125

web surface

130

support roller

140

conveying surface

150

conveyor chain; traction means

160

pulley

170

career

171

running surface

172

career bottom

173

fastening device

174

first clamping process

175

second clamping process

177

running rail

200

plate conveyors; conveyor

B

web width

W

spiral axis

Claims (14)

Track (170) for a conveyor (100; 200), with - A substantially horizontally arranged running surface (171) for supporting elements (30; 1; 150) of the conveyor device (100; 200) which are moved relative to the running track (170); - A running track underside (172) facing away from the running surface (171) and - A fastening device (173) arranged on the underside of the track (172), which is designed and configured to fasten the track (170) on a substantially vertically arranged track guide (91) of the conveyor device (100; 200); wherein the track (170) is designed to be flexibly deformable essentially perpendicular to a conveying direction of the conveyor device (100; 200), so that the track (170) can be flexibly adapted to curves of the conveyor device (100; 200) with different curve radii. career (170) after claim 1 , wherein the fastening device (173) is designed to to attach the track (170) to a substantially vertically arranged flat bar as a track guide (91). career (170) after claim 1 or 2 , wherein the fastening device (173) is designed to form a non-positive connection with the web guide (91). Running track (170) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening device (173) has two spaced apart clamping projections (174, 175) which are designed to receive the track guide (91) between the two clamping projections (174, 175) in a clamping fit . Track (170) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the track (170) has exactly one fastening device (173) which is formed approximately centrally under the underside (172) of the track in a cross section through the track (170). Running track (170) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the running track (170) together with the running surface (171), the running track underside (172) and the fastening device (173) is designed in one piece. Running track (170) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the running track (170) is made of a plastic, in particular as a thermoplastic profile. Track (170) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the track surface (171) has a track width transverse to the conveying direction of the conveyor device (100; 200) which is at most 20% of a conveyor track width of the conveyor device (100; 200). A support system comprising a track (170) according to any one of the preceding claims mounted on a track guide (91). Conveyor device (100; 200), in particular slat conveyor (100; 200) with a traction means (150) and with at least one essentially vertically arranged track guide (91), on which a track (170) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th fixed so that the running surface (171) of the running track (170) is substantially horizontal; wherein the track guide (91) and the track (170) are each aligned and arranged parallel to a conveying direction of the conveying device (100; 200). Conveyor (100; 200) after claim 10 , With at least two spaced apart, vertically arranged track guides (91), on each of which a track (170) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th is fixed in such a way that the respective running surface (171) is arranged essentially horizontally, the track guides (91) and the running tracks (170) being spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor device (100; 200). Conveyor (100; 200) after claim 10 or 11 , wherein the conveyor device (100; 200) has a curve and/or helical curve, and the at least one track (170) is arranged along the curve and/or helical curve, along which the track (170) has rollers (30) relative to the track moving elements (1; 150) of the conveyor (100; 200) is supported. Conveying device (100; 200) according to one of Claims 10 until 12 , with traverses (90) for supporting the at least one web guide (91), wherein the traverses (90) are arranged projecting radially from a spiral column (101) of the conveyor device (100; 200). Method for assembling a track (170) of a conveyor device (100; 200), wherein a track (170) is attached to a substantially vertically arranged track guide (91) of the conveyor device (100; 200) in such a way that - a running surface (171) of the running track (170) for supporting elements (30; 1; 150) of the conveyor device (100; 200) that are moved relative to the running track is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, - a running track underside (172) of the running track (170) is arranged below the running surface (171) on the track guide (91), and - The track (170) is flexibly deformed essentially perpendicular to a conveying direction of the conveyor (100; 200), so that the track (170) is flexibly adapted to curves of the conveyor (100; 200) with different curve radii.

Images