DE102019128026A1 - Centering device, method for adapting a centering device and stacking and / or palletizing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a centering device (10) for a layer of piece goods (22) to be handled, a method for adapting a centering device (10) to a layer of piece goods (22) to be handled, and a stacking and / or palletizing device (2) for layers of piece goods ( 22). The centering device (10) comprises at least two centering or sliding bars (11) which can be adjusted in pairs and which are variable in length. At least one drive device (17) is assigned to the centering or sliding strips (11). A length (L11) of at least one centering or sliding bar (11) can be set by means of the at least one drive device (17).

Description

The present invention relates to a centering device, a method for adapting a centering device and a stacking and / or palletizing device according to the features of the independent claims.

State of the art

Similar or similarly shaped articles such as beverage containers in particular are often put together in a plurality for storage and / or transport or also for sale, and this plurality of articles is combined with an outer packaging to form a container. For example, a shrink film, a strapping made of plastic, paper, a composite material or the like, a cardboard outer packaging, etc. are used as the outer packaging. Several such containers can then be arranged as a palletizable layer and the palletizable layers formed in this way can be stacked on pallets on top of one another.

These palletizable layers must be centered before they are stacked on top of one another so that an exact arrangement and / or alignment takes place on the pallets and thus stable pallet stacks are produced.

Loading stations such as blind or so-called panel gripper heads or the like can be used for stacking or palletizing containers, piece goods or packages. Such a gripper head, which can serve as a loading station, goes, for example, from the DE 10 2010 048 524 A1 emerged. In this case, complete layers are usually picked up one after the other from a conveyor line or a defined transfer point with the loading device and then stacked on a designated storage area such as a pallet or the like. Since the laying down of the layers is associated with relative movements and tilting movements of the individual articles or piece goods due to the opening roller floors or slab floors, it can happen that the layers are not filed with the desired accuracy and / or gaps arise between the individual articles or piece goods of the layer can, which can interfere with the formation of higher layer stacks. In order to avoid this imprecise placement, the layers can be centered after placement on the pallet or on an already existing stack, for example by means of suitable centering devices that can be attached to the loading unit. Alternatively, centering devices can also be used that have their own lifting mechanism and can be adjusted to a lifting movement of the loading station. Such centering devices must be positioned vertically in such a way that, when the loading unit is in the delivery position, the centering acts centrally between the two uppermost layers and thus ensures the exact alignment and / or locking of the two layers into one another. These centering devices can also be used to realign layers again after they have been placed on the pallet.

The disclosure document DE 10 2013 108 231 A1 describes a method and a device for stacking and / or palletizing layers of bundles or piece goods, with complete layers being picked up one after the other by a conveyor line and / or a transfer station by means of a loading device and pre-centered by lateral infeed and / or sliding movements and then on a provided Storage space to be stacked. After the layers of bundles or piece goods have been deposited, they are re-centered by renewed lateral infeed and / or sliding movements of pusher elements arranged within the loading device, whereby the one or more complete layer (s) placed on top of each other into a defined position be pushed against one another and re-centered on the storage space and / or for positioning in relation to a previously stacked bundle or piece goods layer.

The size of the centering devices must be matched to the positions to be handled. In the event of a product change, it may therefore be necessary for the centering device, in particular the lateral feed and / or sliding elements of the centering devices, to be adapted to the respective new product, in particular to the layer arrangement formed from the new products. In particular, the lateral length of the lateral infeed and / or sliding elements must be adapted.

This setting is conventionally carried out manually by an operator who sets the new desired dimension accordingly. The machine is brought into an operating position that is accessible to the operator. The disadvantage here is that such a manual adjustment or setting is on the one hand time-consuming and on the other hand prone to errors. Alternatively, the lateral infeed and / or sliding elements are formed by format parts that have to be exchanged for other suitable format parts when a product is changed. Corresponding format parts must be kept available in different sizes and stored in the meantime.

description

One aim of the invention is to provide a quick and easy adaptation of the To enable layer centering when changing products, which overcomes the disadvantages of the known prior art.

These objects of the invention are achieved with the subject matter of the independent claims, i.e. with a centering device, a method for adapting a centering device and a stacking and / or palletizing device comprising the features of the independent claims. Features of advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the respective dependent claims.

The centering device described in detail below is in particular part of a stacking and / or palletizing device for piece goods layers. The stacking and / or palletizing device comprises a swiveling and / or vertically movable loading device for taking over, for transporting and for depositing complete layers of piece goods on the depository. The loading device is preferably arranged between a conveyor line via which the piece goods layers are fed and a storage location for the piece goods layers to be stacked and / or between a transfer station for the piece goods layers and a storage location for the piece goods layers to be stacked. The centering device is preferably assigned to the loading device of the stacking and / or palletizing device or is designed as part of the same.

In particular, the centering device grips a piece of goods in a clamping and / or frictional manner. In particular, all piece goods that form a piece goods layer are pushed together and / or pressed against one another by the centering device, gaps that may be present between the piece goods of the layer arrangement being closed according to one embodiment. A piece goods layer fixed in this way can now be transferred to a pallet and arranged there. According to one embodiment, it can be provided that after the piece goods layer has been detected by the centering device to support the piece goods layer, a holding plate or support plate is pushed under the piece goods layer. Alternatively, the centered piece goods layer can be pushed onto a lifting plate of the loading device or of the stacking and / or palletizing device. In order to arrange the piece goods layer on the pallet or on at least one piece goods layer already arranged on the pallet, the centering device with the piece goods layer is brought to a corresponding height. Depending on the arrangement of the storage space relative to the stacking and palletizing device, an additional pivoting movement of the centering device may be necessary.

A centering device described in the context of this application can also be part of a depalletizing device, in which depalletizing device individually stacked piece goods layers on a pallet in order to subsequently be able to individually handle the piece goods of the separated piece goods layers.

The centering device comprises at least two centering bars or sliding bars which can be moved against one another in pairs and which are designed to be variable in length. As a result, the centering and push bars can be adapted quickly and easily to changes in the dimensions of the piece goods to be handled or the piece goods layer to be handled, for example when changing products.

The adjustment of the centering or sliding strips is particularly automated and is preferably driven by a motor. For this purpose, at least one drive device is assigned to the at least two centering and push bars. An electric motor is preferably used as the drive device, but the person skilled in the art can also use any other suitable drive device, for example pneumatic motors or hydraulic motors or the like, as an alternative.

It is advantageous that, in contrast to the prior art, no replacement of format parts is necessary, which is labor-intensive, time-consuming and / or error-prone on the one hand. On the other hand, the corresponding format parts have to be kept and temporarily stored, which takes up storage capacity and requires logistical coordination, since the storage locations of the format parts have to be documented accordingly.

It is preferably provided that each centering or sliding bar is formed from at least two sub-areas, the at least two sub-areas being designed to be movable with respect to one another. The at least two partial areas are preferably designed to be displaceable relative to one another. In order to realize the mobility of the at least two sub-areas, the at least one drive device is assigned to a first sub-area of the at least two sub-areas.

According to one embodiment, a first movement means is arranged between the drive device and the first sub-area, which converts the energy provided by the drive device into a linear movement of the first sub-area in a first direction of movement.

Furthermore, a second movement means can be assigned to the at least one second sub-area. The first movement means preferably brings about a linear movement of the first Sub-area in a first direction of movement and the second movement means brings about a linear movement of the second sub-area in a second direction of movement. In particular, it is provided that the second direction of movement is opposite to the first direction of movement.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the first movement means and the second movement means are electronically or mechanically coupled to one another in such a way that the movement of the first movement means and the movement of the second movement means take place in a coordinated and / or synchronized manner. For example, the movement of the first movement means causes a linear movement of the first sub-area in a first direction of movement and, in addition, the movement of the first movement means causes a movement of the second movement means, which in turn causes a linear movement of the second sub-area in a second direction of movement, in particular in a second direction of movement opposite to the first Direction of movement causes.

In this particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the drive of the first movement means is converted by the drive device into coordinated, oppositely directed coaxial movements of the partial areas of a respective centering or sliding bar. It is particularly preferably provided that the length of the centering or sliding bars is adjusted by a symmetrical, oppositely directed movement of the at least two partial areas.

If the centering and sliding bar comprises further sub-areas, one embodiment provides that a movement means is assigned to each of the sub-areas and that each of the movement means is electronically or mechanically coupled to the first movement means in a suitable manner. This also includes embodiments in which, for example, a third movement means is mechanically coupled to the second movement means and the second movement means is additionally mechanically coupled to the first movement means. Here, the third movement means is indirectly mechanically coupled to the first movement means via the second movement means.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the centering device comprises an adjusting device, the adjusting device being assigned to at least one of the subregions of the centering and sliding bar. In particular, the adjustment device can be designed in such a way that it is assigned to all sub-areas of a centering and sliding bar and, in particular, couples these with one another, so that the movements of the sub-areas are coordinated via the adjustment device, so that the movements, in particular, synchronously and / or simultaneously and preferably in each case take place in the opposite direction.

An embodiment of an adjusting device is described below which is assigned to both the first sub-area and the second sub-area of a centering and sliding bar. In particular, such an adjusting device comprises a first coupling element to which the first sub-area of the centering and sliding bar is attached and a second coupling element to which the second sub-area of the centering and sliding bar is attached. In this embodiment it can be provided in particular that a first movement means is arranged between the drive device and the adjustment device, which converts the energy provided by the drive into a linear movement of the first coupling element, which leads directly to a linear movement of the first partial area.

Furthermore, the adjustment device is assigned a second movement means which converts the energy provided by the drive into a linear movement of the second coupling element, which leads directly to a linear movement of the second sub-area. The second movement means can be coupled directly to the at least one drive device. Alternatively, the second movement means can be coupled to the first movement means and thus indirectly to the at least one drive device.

For example, it can be provided that the at least two coupling elements at least partially intermesh, so that when the two coupling elements are displaced relative to one another, an overlap area is formed at all times. The overlap area represents a forced guidance in the relative movement of the two coupling elements and ensures the linear movement of the coupling elements and thus the linear movement of the subareas of the respective centering and sliding bar assigned to the coupling elements.

The above-described movement means are preferably designed as pulling and pushing means in order to convert the drive energy of the at least one drive device into the desired linear movement. According to a preferred embodiment, the movement means are each formed by a rigid back conveyor chain. In the context of this application, a rigid back conveyor chain is to be understood as a conveyor chain which is only flexible in one direction of rotation or looping and which, in particular, cannot be rotated in a further opposite direction of rotation beyond a horizontal orientation of the individual links. Ie, respectively Adjacent links can move freely in a defined direction of rotation, while the mobility in the other direction of rotation is limited, usually to a pivot angle of zero, at which the adjacent links are each aligned in a straight line with one another. Since this can be defined as the back of the chain, a conveyor chain constructed in this way can accordingly be viewed as a rigid back conveyor chain.

This so-called back stiffness of the respective conveyor chain limits turning of the conveyor chain in one direction of rotation for a certain section of the conveyor chain which has a horizontal orientation. In the area of this section with horizontal orientation, the conveyor chain is designed to be rigid in one direction of rotation or in a direction of rotation oriented around a horizontal axis. This prevents the links of the conveyor chain, which are connected, for example, to the coupling elements of the adjustment device or directly to one of the sub-areas of the respective centering and push bar, from unintentionally setting up, which would prevent the desired linear movement of the sub-areas of the centering and push bar . Other means of movement known to the person skilled in the art can also be used and are also covered by the application.

According to one embodiment it is provided that at least one drive device is assigned to each centering or push bar. According to an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the centering or pushing bars, which can be moved against each other in pairs, are each assigned a drive device, so that the setting of the two centering and pushing bars of a centering and pushing bar pair takes place at the same time and / or synchronously and in particular to the same extent. In particular, the two centering and sliding bars of a centering and sliding bar pair are set to the same length at the same time and / or synchronously in the event of a changeover due to a product change or the like.

According to a further embodiment, each of the sub-areas of the centering and sliding bars is assigned its own drive device, so that the sub-areas can be controlled independently of one another and can be moved independently of one another within the possibly specified limits. For example, the drive devices can be electronically coupled so that a coordinated adjustment of the partial areas of a centering and sliding bar can also take place with such an arrangement. The coordination takes place via a control device, which is described below.

A further alternative embodiment can provide that a common drive device is assigned to each sub-area of a centering or sliding bar or to each sub-area of a pair of centering and sliding bars. In this case, the common drive device effects the simultaneous, synchronized movement of all sub-areas. The respective direction of movement of the individual subregions results from the arrangement and / or design of the mechanical coupling of the movement means arranged between the subregions and the drive device with the drive device and with the respective subregion.

It is preferably provided that the centering device comprises a control device, the control device being electronically coupled to the at least one drive device. The adjustment of the length of the centering or sliding bars is preferably controlled and / or regulated by the control device, in particular the control device controls the at least one drive device. When adjusting the length, a coordinated movement of the at least two partial areas in opposite directions of movement, i.e. in particular mirror-symmetrically, is particularly preferred. Thus, when the centering device is set, a bilateral symmetrical lengthening or shortening of the centering or sliding strips takes place.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a small positioning motor drives a first movement means in the form of a first rigid back chain. A first format part is connected to the free end of the first rigid-backed chain in such a way that a linear displacement can take place in the direction of the first rigid-backed chain. The first format part is in particular a first sub-area of a centering or sliding bar, or the first format part is a first coupling element of an adjusting device assigned to the first sub-area.

Furthermore, a second format part is provided, which is in particular a second sub-area of the centering or sliding bar or a second coupling element of the adjustment device, which second coupling element is assigned to the second sub-area of the centering and sliding bar. The second format part is operated via a second rigid back chain, which is coupled to the first rigid back chain in a connecting or coupling area. In particular, the second rigid back chain is connected to the first rigid back chain in the connection and coupling area in such a way that a movement of the first rigid back chain causes a movement of the first format part in a first direction of movement and a movement of the second back-stiff chain causes. The movement of the second rigid-backed chain in turn leads to a movement of the second format part, preferably in turn to a movement of the second format part in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction of movement.

According to one embodiment, the two back-stiff chains are arranged in parallel in areas, in particular in the connecting or coupling area. Furthermore, both back-stiff chains each have a deflection area in which the two chains are deflected into a largely horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the two chains are each deflected into an orientation in a common plane or into an orientation in parallel planes. So that the format parts move in opposite directions of movement, it is provided that the two rigid-backed chains are deflected in opposite directions, so that the free ends of the rigid-backed chains, which are each attached to the format parts, are maximally spaced from one another, starting from the deflection areas.

The adjustment of the two format parts is preferably carried out symmetrically. Due to the automation, a complete, error-free format change is possible.

In particular, it can be provided that information on the particular item position to be handled is input into the control device assigned to the centering device or into the control device of the stacking and palletizing device. From the information, the control device determines the necessary settings of the centering device and controls the adjustment of the partial areas, in particular by checking and / or regulating the at least one drive device accordingly. The automation results in particular time advantages during the changeover, in particular the stacking and palletizing device is ready for use again more quickly in the event of a product change. Since there is no manual format change, the operator does not have to carry out any work directly on the device when changing products, so that special protective measures and / or protective devices can be dispensed with. For example, a protection or operator area can be omitted, so that the stacking and palletizing device can be set up in a space-saving manner.

Figure list

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Verpackungsvorrichtung mit Stapel- und/oder Palettiervorrichtung für Stückgutlagen.
• 2 und 3 zeigen unterschiedliche perspektivische Darstellungen einer Stapel- und/oder Palettiervorrichtung für Stückgutlagen.
• 4 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Teilbereichs einer Stapel- und/oder Palettiervorrichtung für Stückgutlagen gemäß 1.
• 5 zeigt eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung eines Teilbereichs einer Stapel- und/oder Palettiervorrichtung für Stückgutlagen gemäß 1.
• 6 bis 8 zeigen unterschiedliche Darstellungen einer Verstelleinrichtung der Zentriereinrichtung einer Stapel- und/oder Palettiervorrichtung für Stückgutlagen gemäß 1.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows a schematic representation of a packaging device with a stacking and / or palletizing device for piece goods layers.
• 2 and 3 show different perspective representations of a stacking and / or palletizing device for piece goods layers.
• 4th FIG. 11 shows a perspective illustration of a partial area of a stacking and / or palletizing device for piece goods layers according to FIG 1 .
• 5 shows a further perspective illustration of a partial area of a stacking and / or palletizing device for piece goods layers according to FIG 1 .
• 6th to 8th show different representations of an adjusting device of the centering device of a stacking and / or palletizing device for piece goods layers according to FIG 1 .

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

The 1 shows a schematic side view of a packaging device 1 with stacking and / or palletizing device 2 for piece goods 22nd . First are general cargo 21 put together to a palletizable layer. For example, containers, each comprising a plurality of beverage containers, which are held together by an outer packaging in the form of shrink film, strapping, adhesive connections, arrangement in a basket or tray or the like, are fed via a feed device 3 , for example a suitable conveyor device in the form of an endless conveyor belt, a mat chain conveyor, a roller chain or the like, in one transport direction TR a layer preparation and preparation module 4 is supplied.

The layer preparation and preparation module 4 can, for example, be a grouping module 5 include in which the piece goods 21 be put together in a palletizable layer arrangement by suitable manipulators or grouping devices according to a desired and / or predetermined layer scheme. You can choose between the piece goods 21 that are palletizable Form position, gaps can still be formed before the palletizing of the piece goods layer 22nd still need to be removed. For this purpose, the layer preparation and supply module 4 can be a feed module 6th include. The feed module 6th includes in particular a transverse to the transport direction TR adjustable stop element against which the piece goods arranged in a layer arrangement that can be palletized 21 start up.

Furthermore, a transverse to the transport direction TR can be arranged thrust element. The feed module preferably comprises 6th Laterally adjustable push elements, in particular parallel to the transport direction TR are arranged. By the general cargo 21 run against the stop element or are pushed against it and / or by moving the lateral infeed elements against one another, the gaps between the piece goods forming a layer arrangement that can be palletized become 21 removed and accordingly the piece goods layer to be palletized 22nd educated.

The piece goods layer to be palletized thus finished 22nd is in the thrust direction ÜR to a transfer station of the stacking and / or palletizing device 2 pushed over and then arranged on a storage space. In particular, the general cargo position 22nd on a pallet 20th or on at least one top side of one on a pallet 20th arranged, already palletized piece goods 22nd arranged. The transfer station is, for example, a loading unit 7th assigned. The loading unit 7th is preferably designed to be pivotable and / or vertically movable.

In particular, the loading unit 7th comprising one in the loading unit 7th arranged piece goods layer to be palletized 22nd for the palletizing process to an appropriate height. In particular, the loading unit 7th with the general cargo position 22nd brought from a height at which the basic level of the piece goods to be palletized 22nd at the same or slightly higher level as the top of the pallet 20th or like the top of the top one on the pallet 20th arranged, already palletized piece goods 22nd .

The stacking and / or palletizing device 2 has in particular a centering device (not visible) for a particular piece of cargo layer to be handled 22nd as you can see below in connection with the 2 to 7th is described in more detail. The centering device centers the item level 22nd before placing them on the pallet 20th or before depositing the same on an already on the pallet 20th arranged piece goods layer 22nd , so that an exact storage of the piece goods layer 22nd on the pallet 20th or on the one already on the pallet 20th arranged piece goods layer 22nd is possible and the one on the pallet 20th stacked piece goods layers 22nd are always arranged exactly one above the other.

Furthermore, the packaging device 1 an interlayer module 8th including magazine 50 for intermediate layers 23 , Interlayer centering unit 51 for centered alignment of the intermediate layer 23 to the respective piece goods layer to be palletized 22nd and interlayer inserts 52 include. It can therefore be provided that between the piece goods layers to be stacked on top of one another 22nd one intermediate layer each 23 , for example a flat blank from a cardboard box or another suitable material, to protect the respective lower piece goods layer 22nd is arranged.

Optionally, two piece goods layers can also be used 22nd are stacked on top of each other before another piece of goods layer to be placed thereon 22nd with such a liner 23 from the top of the second piece goods layer 22nd is separated. In this case, for example, stacks of layers are formed in pairs, in each of which piece goods layers follow one another in pairs 22nd through intermediate layers 23 separated from each other. Also other separation systems using such intermediate layers 23 are conceivable, but should not be explained in more detail here.

The 2 to 4th each show different perspective representations of a stacking and / or palletizing device 2 or a part of a stacking and / or palletizing device 2 for piece goods 22nd (compare 1 ). This includes a centering device 10 for a particular item to be handled, which is preferably the height-adjustable loading unit 7th the stacking and / or palletizing device 2 assigned. The centering device 10 comprises at least two centering or sliding strips that can be moved against each other in pairs 11 , which are designed to be variable in length. The centering or sliding bars 11 is assigned at least one drive device (not visible) over which a length L11 the centering or sliding bars 11 can be adjusted.

The centering device 10 can handle all piece goods at the same time 21 a general cargo layer 22nd (compare 1 ) gripping and / or frictional locking. In particular, the piece goods layer to be palletized 22nd between two centering or sliding strips arranged in pairs 11 clamped. The piece goods layer fixed in this way 22nd can now be placed on a pallet 20th be convicted. In addition, after the item position has been recorded 22nd to support a holding plate or support plate can be pushed under the piece goods layer or the centered piece goods layer 22nd can be pushed onto a lifting plate. The holding plate or support plate or lifting plate is then brought to a corresponding height, in particular to the level of the top the pallet 20th or at the level of the top of one on top of the pallet 20th arranged piece goods layer 22nd .

Corresponding centering devices 10 can also be used in conjunction with a depalletizing device on a pallet 20th stacked piece goods layers 22nd are separated to subsequently the piece goods 21 to be able to handle individually.

The 5 shows a perspective illustration of a partial area of a stacking and / or palletizing device 2 for piece goods 22nd according to 1 to 4th . 6th to 8th show different representations of an adjustment device 16 the centering device 10 . The centering or sliding bar 11 the centering device 10 is made up of at least two sub-areas 12th , 13th formed, in particular a first sub-area 12th and a second sub-area 13th . These at least two sub-areas 12th , 13th are arranged essentially in alignment and designed to be movable with respect to one another. It can also be provided that the at least two partial areas 12th , 13th are arranged at least partially overlapping.

It is preferably provided that the at least two partial areas 12th , 13th are designed to be displaceable relative to one another, so that a length L11 extending from a free end area 14th of the first sub-area 12th from up to a free end area 15th of the second sub-area 13th extends towards, can be set variably (cf. 4th ). In particular, the length extends L11 between the free end area 14th of the first sub-area 12th which is furthest away from the second sub-area 13th and the free end area 15th of the second sub-area 13th which is furthest away from the first sub-area 12th is located.

The length adjustment of the centering or sliding bar 11 could be done by manually moving the two sub-areas 12th , 13th be made against each other. However, the length adjustment is preferably carried out in a motorized and / or automated manner. To this end, the centering device includes 10 according to the embodiment shown, an adjusting device 16 . The adjustment device 16 comprises at least one drive device 17th , wherein the drive device 17th at least one of the sub-areas 12th , 13th assigned.

According to the embodiment shown, the adjusting device comprises 16 a first coupling element 18th , the one with the first sub-area 12th is in operative connection and a second coupling element 19th , which with the second sub-area 13th is in operative connection. The first coupling element 18th and the second coupling element 19th have an identical mean height H on (compare 6th ). The first coupling element 18th has a tapered extension area 30th on and the second coupling element 19th has a corresponding recording area 31 on. The first coupling element 18th and the second coupling element 19th are arranged so that the extension area 30th of the first coupling element 18th at least partially in the receiving area 31 of the second coupling element 19th is recorded. Is the extension area 30th of the first coupling element 18th completely in the recording area 31 of the second coupling element 19th added, then the adjusting device 16 a minimum length L16min on. A minimum length results accordingly L11min the one from the two sub-areas 12th , 13th formed centering or sliding bar 11 .

By moving at least one of the coupling elements 18th , 19th relative to the other coupling element 19th , 18th , for example by the extension area 30th of the first coupling element 18th telescope-like or telescope-like, at least in some areas from the receiving area 31 of the second coupling element 19th pulled out, the length may L16 the adjustment device 16 can be set variably. With the adjustment of the length L16 the adjustment device 16 , especially with the adjustment of the arrangement of the coupling elements 18th , 19th relative to one another, the arrangement of the assigned sub-areas changes 12th , 13th and thus the length L11 the centering or sliding bar 11 (compare also 4th ). It is preferably provided that in every possible setting there is always at least a slight overlap of the extension area 30th and recording area 31 is provided. This results in a forced guidance that ensures that the movement of the coupling elements 18th , 19th always takes place linearly.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the adjusting device 16 comprises at least one movement means, which is located between the drive device 17th and at least one of the coupling elements 18th , 19th is arranged. In particular, is between the drive device 17th and the first coupling element 18th a first means of movement 32 arranged, in particular a first pulling and pushing means 33 that the first coupling element 18th with the drive device 17th connects. There is also a second means of movement 34 , in particular a second pulling and pushing means 35 , with the second coupling element 19th connected. The second means of movement 34 continues to stand with the first means of movement 32 via a connection point 37 in operative connection, so that a movement of the first movement means 32 on the second means of movement 34 is transmitted. In particular, it causes the first movement means to move 32 a movement of the first moving means 32 arranged first coupling element 18th . This movement will on the one on the first coupling element 18th attach first section 12th transfer. It also causes the first movement means to move 32 a movement of the second moving means 34 , which on the second coupling element 19th and from this to the second sub-area 13th is transmitted.

It is preferably provided that the first movement means 32 a linear movement of the first coupling element 18th and the first sub-area 12th in a first direction of movement BR1 or in a direction opposite to the first direction of movement BR1 causes. When moving in the first direction of movement BR1 becomes especially the extension area 30th of the first coupling element 18th from the recording area 31 of the second coupling element 19th pulled out. When moving in the opposite direction to the first direction of movement BR1 however, becomes the extension area 30th of the first coupling element 18th further into the recording area 31 of the second coupling element 19th pushed in.

The movement against the first direction of movement BR1 is correspondingly through the recording area 31 limited. The movement in the first direction of movement BR1 is made by the controlled movement of the first moving means 32 and7or the length of the first moving means 32 limited. As an alternative or in addition, mechanical stop devices can be provided that stop the movement in the first direction of movement BR1 limit and in particular prevent the extension area 30th completely out of the recording area 31 is pulled out.

In the embodiment shown, this results from the mechanical coupling of the first movement means 32 with the second means of movement 34 when moving the first sub-area 12th in the first direction of movement BR1 a linear movement of the second sub-area 13th in one of the first direction of movement BR1 opposite second direction of movement BR2 . This results in an extension of the length L11 the centering and sliding bar 11 . By reversing the direction of the first means of movement 32 becomes a linear movement of the first sub-area 12th in the second direction of movement BR2 and a linear movement of the second sub-area 13th in the first direction of movement BR1 causes a shortening of the length L11 the centering and sliding bar 11 leads. In particular, it is provided that a synchronous opposite movement of the two sub-areas 12th , 13th takes place so that the centering and sliding bar 11 symmetrically at both free end areas 14th , 15th is extended or shortened to the same extent. The two partial areas are preferably moved 12th , 13th mirror-symmetrically, in particular in mirror-symmetrically aligned directions of movement BR1 , BR2 .

The moving means can preferably 32 , 34 each by a rigid back conveyor chain 36 are formed. A rigid back conveyor chain 36 is flexible in only one direction of rotation and cannot be rotated in a further opposite direction of rotation beyond a horizontal orientation of the individual links. The back stiffness of the respective back stiff conveyor chain 36 thus limits turning of the rigid back conveyor chain 36 in one direction of rotation for a specific section of the rigid back conveyor chain 36 which has a horizontal orientation. In the area of this section in which the at least one rigid back conveyor chain 36 has a horizontal orientation, is the back-stiff conveyor chain 36 designed to be rigid in one direction of rotation or in a direction of rotation oriented around a horizontal axis. This prevents the links of the back-stiff conveyor chain from moving 36 , which with the coupling elements 18th , 19th the adjustment device 16 are connected, set up unintentionally, creating the desired linear movement of the sub-areas 12th , 13th the centering and sliding bar 11 would not be achievable.

It is preferably provided that the centering device 10 and / or the stacking and / or palletizing device 2 a control device 40 includes (compare 5 ). The control device 40 is with the at least one drive device 17th and / or with the adjustment device 16 electronically coupled. Adjusting the length L11 the centering or sliding bars 11 is by means of the control device 40 activated and / or regulated and / or controlled.

According to an alternative, not shown embodiment, each coupling element 18th , 19th the adjustment device 19th and thus every sub-area 12th , 13th the centering or sliding bar 11 assigned its own drive device. In this case, the first movement means arranged between a first drive device and the first coupling element and the second movement means arranged between a second drive device and the second coupling element are not mechanically coupled to one another. In this case, however, it can be provided that the first movement means and the second movement means are electronically coupled to one another, in particular via the control device 40 the centering device 10 and / or the stacking and / or palletizing device 2 .

According to a further embodiment, not shown, only one of the two coupling elements is, for example, the first coupling element 18th the adjustment device 16 designed to be movable with respect to the other coupling element, in particular movable to the second coupling element 19th . In this case there is only one drive device 17th intended, the one via a first means of movement 32 with the first coupling element 18th is connected and a linear movement of the first coupling element 18th and the assigned first sub-area 12th causes. In this case, the length of the centering or sliding bar is adjusted 11 by corresponding one-sided extension or shortening. It can be provided here that the centering device 10 inside the stacking and / or palletizing device 2 is also designed to be horizontally adjustable, around the one-sided lengthened or shortened centering or sliding bar 11 inside the stacking and / or palletizing device 2 to center.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features that are described in connection with an embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that the features are not incompatible.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description should be of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite able to derive enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles. The understanding of the container and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements would be impaired in any way. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive ideas formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description of general and / or more abstractly formulated ideas based on the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the claims below.

List of reference symbols

1

Packaging device

2

Stacking and / or palletizing device

3

Feeding device

4th

Layer preparation and provision module

5

Grouping module

6th

Feed module

7th

Loading unit

8th

Interlayer module

10

Centering device

11

Centering or push bars

12th

first part

13th

second sub-area

14th

first free end area of the first sub-area

15th

first free end area of the second sub-area

16

Adjusting device

17th

Drive device

18th

first coupling element

19th

second coupling element

20th

palette

21

General cargo

22nd

General cargo location

23

Liner

30th

Extension area

31

Recording area

32

first means of exercise

33

first pulling and pushing means

34

second means of movement

35

second pulling and pushing means

37

Junction

36

Back-stiff conveyor chain

40

Control device

50

Magazine for intermediate layers

51

Interlayer centering unit

52

Interlayer insert

BR1

first direction of movement

BR2

second direction of movement

H

height

L11

Length of the centering or sliding strips

L11 min

Minimum length of the centering or sliding strips

L16

Length of the adjustment device

L16min

Minimum length of the adjustment device

TR

Transport direction

ÜR

Direction of thrust

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102010048524 A1 [0004]
• DE 102013108231 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Centering device (10) for a piece goods layer (22) to be handled, the centering device (10) comprising at least two centering or pushing bars (11) which can be moved towards one another in pairs, wherein the centering or sliding strips (11) are variable in length, wherein at least one drive device (17) is assigned to the centering or sliding bars (11) and a length (L11) of at least one centering or sliding bar (11) being adjustable by means of the at least one drive device (17). Centering device (10) Claim 1 , wherein a centering or sliding bar (11) is formed from at least two sub-areas (12, 13), wherein the at least two sub-areas (12, 13) are designed to be movable relative to one another, in particular wherein the at least two sub-areas (12, 13) can be displaced relative to one another are trained. Centering device (10) Claim 2 wherein the at least one drive device (17) is assigned to a first sub-area (12) of the at least two sub-areas (12, 13). Centering device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , wherein a first movement means (32) is arranged between the drive device (17) and the first sub-area (12), or wherein a first movement means (32) is arranged between the drive device (17) and an adjusting device (16) assigned to the first sub-area (12) is arranged, in particular wherein the first movement means (32) is a first pulling and pushing means (33). Centering device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th wherein the at least one second sub-area (13) or an adjusting device (16) assigned to the second sub-area (13) is assigned a second movement means (34), in particular a second pulling and pushing means (35). Centering device (10) Claim 4 or 5 , wherein the first movement means (32) can bring about a linear movement of the first sub-area (12) in a first direction of movement (BR1) and / or wherein the second movement means (34) cause a linear movement of the at least one second sub-area (13) in a second Movement direction (BR2) can be brought about, in particular wherein the second movement direction (BR2) is formed opposite to the first movement direction (BR1) and / or wherein the second movement means (BR2) is electronically or mechanically coupled to the first movement means (BR1). Centering device (10) Claim 3 wherein a drive device (17) is assigned to each sub-area (12, 13) or a common drive device is provided, all sub-areas of a centering or sliding bar being coupled to the common drive device. Centering device (10) Claim 7 wherein a movement means, in particular a pulling and pushing means, is arranged between the drive device (17) and the respective sub-area (12, 13). Centering device (10) according to one of the Claims 4 to 8th , wherein the movement means, in particular the pulling and pushing means, is formed by a rigid back conveyor chain. Centering device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering device (10) comprises a control device (40), wherein the control device (40) is electronically coupled to the at least one drive device (17), the adjustment of the length (L11) of the at least one centering or sliding bar (11) can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the control device (40). A method for adapting a centering device (10) to a piece goods layer (22) to be handled, the centering device (10) comprising at least two centering or pushing bars (11) which can be advanced in pairs against one another, a length of at least one centering or pushing bar (11) being provided by means of the at least one drive device (17) is set automatically, in particular a method for adapting a centering device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 . Procedure according to Claim 11 , the length adjustment being carried out by lengthening or shortening the centering or sliding strips (11) symmetrically on both sides. Procedure according to Claim 11 or 12th , the centering or sliding bars (11) each consisting of at least two mutually movable sub-areas (12, 13), the length (L11) of the centering or sliding bar (11) being caused by an oppositely directed movement of the at least two sub-areas (12 , 13) is set. Procedure according to Claim 11 wherein the movement of the at least two sub-areas (12, 13) is mechanically and / or electronically coupled and / or wherein the movement of the at least two sub-areas (12, 13) is mirror-symmetrical. Stacking and / or palletizing device (2) for piece goods layers (22), comprising one between a conveyor line and / or a transfer station and a storage location for the items to be stacked Piece goods layers (22) pivotable and / or vertically movable loading device (7) for taking over, transporting and depositing complete piece goods layers (22) on the storage area, the stacking and / or palletizing device (2) comprising a centering device (10) for a Each piece goods layer (22) to be handled has at least two centering or pushing bars (11) that can be moved against each other in pairs, the centering or pushing bars (11) being variable in length, the centering or pushing bars (11) being assigned at least one drive device (17) and wherein a length (L11) of at least one centering or sliding bar (11) can be adjusted by means of the at least one drive device (17), in particular comprising a centering device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 .

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