DE102020125269A1 - Device for moving objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for moving objects, in particular portions, each comprising at least one slice cut off from a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device, in particular a high-speed slicer, or a plurality of ingredients, with a plurality of individually movable transport movers for transporting the objects , with a track system for the transport movers, in which the transport movers can be moved along at least one predetermined track in a transport direction, and with a control device for controlling the movements of the transport movers in the track system, with the transport movers each having at least one runner interacting with the track system and at least include a carrier attached to the runner, with the runner of a transport mover and a stator formed by the track system acting together as an electric linear motor for driving this transport mover, w where the track system has at least one multi-track section which comprises a number of individual tracks, with each individual track including a stator with which the runners of the transport movers moved in this individual track interact as an electric linear motor, and with the stators of the individual tracks being accommodated in a common stator housing of the multi-track section .

Description

The invention relates to a device for moving objects, in particular portions, each comprising at least one slice cut off from a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device, in particular a high-speed slicer, or a plurality of ingredients, with a plurality of individually movable transport movers for transporting the objects , with a track system for the transport movers, in which the transport movers can be moved along at least one predetermined track in a transport direction, and with a control device for controlling the movements of the transport movers in the track system, with the transport movers each having at least one runner interacting with the track system and at least comprise a carrier attached to the runner, and wherein the runner of a transport mover and a stator formed by the track system act together as an electric linear motor for driving this transport mover n.

The device according to the invention can be used in many ways. As explained elsewhere in connection with a specific exemplary embodiment, the invention can be used in general, ie independently of this specific exemplary embodiment, for example for assembling portions, namely portions from a plurality of individual products such as individual food products in which it generally individual ingredients such as different meat and sausage products, different cheese products, different types of vegetables and different sauces and spices. These ingredients can be made available at different stations that are distributed along the track system or in a specific ingredient output area of the track system. If portions are to be formed from a specified quantity of certain ingredients in a particular application, the relevant stations at which these ingredients are dispensed, i.e. made available, can be approached one after the other by means of the transport movers, so that at least one desired ingredient can be successively supplied with a respective transport mover , to form the portion comprising several predetermined ingredients. This concept can be used, for example, for the formation of ready meals, ie a portion according to the invention is then a ready meal made from a plurality of ingredients in this exemplary embodiment, and the objects moved by means of the transport mover are not only the completely put together ready meals, but also the ingredients picked up at the individual stations, which only together form the finished portion - in this example the ready meal - at the last station and only represent a "partial portion" at the preceding stations.

The invention also relates to a track section for such a device.

A device of the type mentioned is for example DE 10 2014 106 400 A1 famous. With a transport system of this type, which has a plurality of transport movers that can be moved individually for the objects, a wide range of transport solutions can be implemented. In certain cases, however, the space required for such a system can prove problematic. This can be the case, for example, when a protective grid is attached to tracks running freely in a production facility, which is intended to prevent people or objects from entering the movement area of the transport mover or the carrier attached to it. Even if this does not lead to a critical dangerous situation in practice, such unintentional interventions would significantly disrupt railway operations. Routes where several tracks have to run parallel over a certain distance can prove problematic in several respects.

Even if the distance between the tracks can be kept comparatively small because either the carriers are comparatively small or the transport movers are provided with laterally projecting carriers, it is difficult for an operator, for example, to reach an inner track from his point of view, since its reach is limited. In practice, it has been shown that in certain configurations with comparatively large carriers and tracks with correspondingly wide protective grilles, the reach of the operator is almost exhausted even with a single free-running track.

Another problem is that robots frequently used in connection with such transport systems, with which objects are placed on the carriers of the transport movers or removed from the carriers, require a comparatively large range if they are assigned to several parallel tracks.

The object of the invention is therefore to reduce the space required for a device of the type mentioned at the outset.

This task is solved in each case by the features of the independent claims.

A device according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that the track system has at least one multi-track section has a plurality of individual tracks, each individual track including a stator with which the runners of the transport movers moved in this individual track interact as an electric linear motor, and the stators of the individual tracks are accommodated in a common stator housing of the multi-track section.

So far, the prejudice has been held that each stator must have its own housing, particularly given the fact that railway systems used in practice have a modular structure, i. H. are composed of a plurality of individual track sections, each of which, as a whole and independently of one another, form modules that can be mechanically handled and controlled by means of the control device. So far, the idea has always been followed of producing individual track sections each from a stator and the surrounding housing and of assembling the track system corresponding to the respective requirements and representing a respective transport solution from these individual track sections. For track sections with parallel tracks, the individual track sections were simply arranged next to each other. The disadvantages described above were accepted.

According to the invention, it has now been recognized that it is not necessary to provide a separate housing for each stator. Rather, it has been found that it is easily possible, both mechanically and electrotechnically, to accommodate a plurality of stators in a common stator housing. The individual stators of a multi-track section according to the invention can be controlled independently of one another by means of the control device, just like the individual track sections of a track system known from the prior art, in which the individual track sections each have only a single stator with its own surrounding housing.

The concept according to the invention not only results in numerous new possible applications, which will be discussed in more detail elsewhere, but the stators of a track section according to the invention can be spaced more closely than the individual track sections of the track systems known from the prior art. This means that multi-track sections of a track system according to the invention, in which the transport movers are to be moved parallel to one another, can be realized with a significantly smaller width than before. With the same functionality, devices according to the invention therefore require less space than systems without multi-track sections according to the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are also specified in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawing.

As explained in more detail elsewhere, the operating principle of the electric linear motors formed by the stator of the track section and the runner of a transport mover is preferably based on the fact that magnetic fields are generated by means of the stators through appropriate activation via the control device, which sets one or more permanent magnets of the runner in motion offset. Consequently, the stators contain various electrical and electronic components, in particular those for generating variable magnetic fields. In addition to the stators, electrical and/or electronic components are preferably arranged within the common stator housing, which are used to control the stators by means of the control device. This can in particular include supply lines to the stators or the devices forming the stators.

In some embodiments, all of the stators can have the same length within the common stator housing. The number of different components can be reduced as a result, which leads to more cost-effective production. In particular, the multi-track sections according to the invention can thus be produced from a relatively small number of standard components, which allow cost-effective mass production.

As an alternative or in addition, at least one stator can be divided into at least two directly consecutive sections that can be controlled independently of one another by the control device. Such a subdivision of a stator is not necessary for a pure movement of the transport mover in the transport direction. However, such a subdivision of a stator into sections that can be controlled independently of one another results in interesting possible uses, particularly with regard to the one or more other stators housed in the common stator housing. For example, this makes it possible in a simple manner to transfer the transport movers from a single lane of the multi-lane section to another single lane of the same multi-lane section.

The multi-track sections according to the invention are characterized in particular by the fact that the stators within the common stator housing are arranged together in an interior space formed by the common stator housing, i.e. the stators are not separated from one another by a housing part which is an outer wall or part of an outer wall of the common stator housing forms. In particular are no other components are arranged between each two stators. The common stator housing of the multi-track section according to the invention is therefore not only formed by individual housings, in each of which a single stator is accommodated, which are simply connected to one another in one piece in whatever manner. However, this does not necessarily rule out the possibility that there are one or more other interior spaces in the stator housing or that there are other components of the multi-track section between the stators, for example the electrical or electronic components mentioned above, which can be used in particular to connect the stators by means of the to control the control device.

In a multi-track section according to the invention, common outer surfaces or common terminations of the common stator housing can serve as common functional surfaces of the at least two stators accommodated in the common stator housing.

In some possible embodiments of the invention it can be provided that the distance between two stators is smaller than twice the distance of one of the stators from an inside of an outer wall of the stator housing. Assuming a certain standard or minimum distance to be maintained between a stator and the inside of an outer wall of the housing, it follows that the width of a common stator housing according to the invention and thus the width of a multi-track section according to the invention is less than the minimum width of two directly juxtaposed, independently manageable individual track sections of the prior art, in which the stator is housed in its own stator housing.

In principle, according to the invention, the relative arrangement of the stators within the common stator housing is arbitrary.

In some embodiments, the stators can be arranged to run in a common plane of movement within the common stator housing. In this context, the term “common plane of movement” is to be understood in general terms. The stators can be arranged side by side and the common plane of movement can be horizontal or inclined to the horizontal. It can be provided in particular that the active sides of the stators, which face the runners of the transport movers during operation, point in the same direction. The "active side" of a stator is to be understood as meaning that side of the stator which must face the runners of the transport mover during operation so that the stator and runner can each work together as intended as an electric linear motor.

In other embodiments, the stators may be stacked. The common plane of movement, in which the stators are arranged inside the common stator housing, is then a vertical plane or a plane inclined to the vertical, which plane runs through the stators arranged one on top of the other. It can be provided in particular that the active sides of the stators, which face the runners of the transport movers during operation, point in opposite directions, i. H. the upper stator runners move along the top of the multi-track section and the lower stator runners move along the bottom of the multi-track section.

Such an arrangement according to the invention is in the 17 and 18 shown, which will be discussed in more detail in the description of the figures. With one or more such multi-track sections according to the invention, an “endless track” or an “endless track section” of the track system can be implemented in a comparatively simple manner, in which the transport movers on the lower stator of two stators located one above the other are returned. It is possible that either only a single multi-track section of the required length is provided, which has a deflection or transition section at both ends, or several such multi-track sections can be arranged one behind the other, of which only the first and the last have a transition section. The transition sections each serve to transfer the transport movers at the end of the upper stator to the lower stator. It may be sufficient if the transition sections only ensure mechanical guidance, with the inertial movement of the transport movers at the end of the upper stator and gravity being sufficient to transfer the transport movers into the electromagnetic effective range of the lower stator. A return of transport movers that are standing on their heads, so to speak, via a lower track is known in principle, for example from 38 the one mentioned at the beginning
DE 10 2014 106 400 A1 . However, accommodating several stators in a common stator housing according to the invention can minimize the overall height required, since the upper stator and the lower stator can lie directly one above the other, since the distance between the upper stator and the lower stator can be minimized within the common stator housing. Regardless of the inventive arrangement of the stators in a common stator Simplify the manufacture, installation and use of such an "endless track section".

In some embodiments it can be provided that the stators are arranged to run in a common plane of movement within the common stator housing and all the stators are arranged to run parallel to one another in this common plane of movement. In principle, any number of individual tracks running parallel to one another can be realized with such a multi-track section, which overall take up a comparatively small width.

The directions of movement of the transport movers, also referred to as the transport direction, in the individual lanes can all point in the same direction for a multi-lane section according to the invention. Such a multi-track section consequently enables parallel operation in a single transport direction. In other embodiments, it can be provided that a direction of movement for the transport movers is specified for each individual lane of the multi-lane section, the direction of movement in at least one individual lane being opposite to the direction of movement in the other individual lane or in the other individual lanes. As a result, relatively complicated transport solutions can be mapped with the multi-lane sections according to the invention, in which, for example, one or more individual lanes are used to return empty transport movers.

In some exemplary embodiments, the device can be designed for a time-wise and section-wise operation of an individual track with a direction of movement opposite to the direction of movement in another, preferably adjacent, individual track. Aligning, sorting and/or transfer processes, for example, can be supported by moving a transport mover backwards in an adjacent lane. Active support can be provided, for example, by mechanically influencing one transport mover, e.g. its carrier, by another, e.g. to perform a rotary movement, to swivel back and forth or to shake. This can also be done for an object resting on two carriers. Passive support can be provided, for example, by making it easier for an external agent to carry out a specific measure. For example, a carrier may be oriented to allow a scraper forming such an external means to transfer an article resting on the carrier.

In some embodiments it can be provided that the stators are arranged within the common stator housing in a common plane of movement and in this common plane of movement at least two stators are arranged parallel to one another and at least one stator is arranged perpendicularly to the parallel stators. With such a multi-lane section distribution and / or collection concepts can be implemented in which z. B. via a single lane incoming transport mover can be distributed in a fixed manner or optionally on several parallel individual lanes, or in which, conversely, incoming transport movers via several parallel individual lanes can be collected and transported away on a transverse single lane.

Furthermore, in some embodiments it can be provided that the stators are arranged running in different planes of movement within the common stator housing and the active sides of the stators, which face the runners of the transport movers during operation, point in different directions. The movement planes can, for example, run perpendicular to one another, so that the active sides of two stators running parallel to one another enclose a right angle. With such a multi-track section according to the invention, movement sequences for the transport movers can be implemented which were previously not possible with the prior art stators accommodated in individual housings. For example, it has been shown that due to the small distance between the two stators made possible by the common stator housing, transfers of the transport movers from one stator to the other stator during operation, i.e. with moving transport movers, can be realized solely with the aid of the magnetic fields of the stators .

In some embodiments, it can be provided that at least two stators running parallel to one another are offset relative to one another at at least one end within the common stator housing. As a result, areas can be created within the common stator housing or outside of the common stator housing on which other devices can be arranged or active, for example to transfer transport movers coming from one individual track to the other individual track. It is also possible in such areas, for example, to buffer transport movers and/or rearrange them with regard to their sequence in the railway system.

According to further embodiments, at least one transport mover can have a number of runners on which one or more carriers mount this Transport movers are attached, with the runners being distributed over different individual lanes. At least two stators simultaneously ensure the movement of a respective transport mover. As a result, a greater transport force can consequently be generated for the transport mover, in other words, a stronger drive, so to speak, can be provided.

In some exemplary embodiments it can be provided that at least one transport mover has a plurality of runners which—in particular exclusively—are located one behind the other on the same individual track. A carrier can thus be moved by several runners. Consequently, the length of the carrier in the transport direction can be increased. In these embodiments, according to some developments, it can be provided that the runners are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The articulated connection can take place, for example, by means of at least one common carrier. The articulated connection between the runners allows tighter curves and deflections of the transport mover. It has even been shown that the transport movers can turn on a multi-lane section according to the invention, i. H. the transport movers can be moved in one transport direction on one individual track and in the opposite direction on an adjacent individual track of the same multi-track section.

According to some exemplary embodiments of the invention, at least one individual track can have a delivery section for delivering transport movers and/or at least one individual track can have a receiving section for receiving transport movers. It can be provided in particular that transport movers can be transferred from a delivering individual track to a receiving individual track, in particular automatically in the case of moving transport movers, namely either (i) directly without an additional stator, (ii) indirectly via at least one additional stator of the same multi-track section, ( iii) indirectly via a transport means not acting as a stator of the same multi-track section, or (iv) indirectly via at least one further stator outside the common stator housing.

In some embodiments it can be provided that a releasing individual track and/or a receiving individual track comprises a mechanical deflection for the transport movers, which automatically guides moving transport movers out of the releasing individual track and/or automatically into the receiving individual track. In particular, it can be provided that the mechanical deflection can be adjusted between an active position and a passive position. This can be done in particular by means of the control device. Transport movers can be released and/or picked up in a comparatively simple and cost-effective manner, namely by mechanical deflection means. An active position of the mechanical deflection means that the mechanical deflection has been moved into the respective individual track in order to be able to actively influence the transport mover in this way. Accordingly, a passive position is to be understood as meaning that the mechanical deflection has been moved out of the individual track and thus does not affect the transport mover. The deflection can be designed, for example, as a link guide.

If a releasing individual track and a receiving individual track interact, i.e. transport movers are transferred from the releasing individual track to the receiving individual track, then it is preferred, but not mandatory, that the releasing individual track and the receiving individual track belong to the same multi-track section according to the invention. In principle, however, it is also possible for transport movers to be transferred from a delivering individual lane of one multi-lane section to a receiving individual lane of another multi-lane section, in which case the receiving individual lane is not just an individual lane directly adjoining the delivering individual lane in the transport direction, i . H. a mere stringing together of multi-track sections is not to be understood under this variant.

Furthermore, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that a delivering individual track and/or a receiving individual track is assigned a transfer device which is designed to transfer at least one runner from transport movers coming from a delivering individual track to a receiving individual track. Provision can be made for the transfer device to transfer either only one runner, preferably the foremost runner in the direction of movement, or several runners, preferably all runners, at the same time. Here, too, it is preferred, but not mandatory, for the dispensing individual web and the receiving individual web to belong to the same multi-web section according to the invention.

If the two stators of the individual tracks have opposite directions of movement, the “direction of travel” of the transport movers remains the same if they each have several runners and only the foremost runner is transferred to the receiving individual track, ie the transport movers turn. If all runners are transferred at the same time, the direction of travel of the Transportmo reverses ver um - insofar as a train in a terminal station.

The transfer device can operate at an offset area where the two stators of a dispensing track and a receiving track are offset from each other at one end. It can be provided that either the transfer device transfers the at least one rotor only after it has left the stator of the delivering individual track and/or the stator of the receiving individual track in the offset area comprises a stator section that can be controlled separately by the control device.

As already mentioned elsewhere, it can be provided in some embodiments of the invention that the multi-track section comprises at least one distribution section, at which transport movers coming from a distributor of the multi-track section, namely from a stator or from a transport means not acting as a stator, are sent to several stators are transferrable. It can be provided that transport movers to be distributed can be transferred from a stator of the same multi-track section to the distributor.

To a certain extent in the sense of a reversal of the concept mentioned above, it can be provided according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention that the multi-track section comprises at least one collecting section, at which transport movers coming from several stators are connected to a collector, namely to a stator or to a means of transport that does not act as a stator. are transferrable. It can be provided here in particular that collected transport movers can be transferred from the collector to a stator or to a plurality of stators of the same multi-track section.

According to some exemplary embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that each individual track has a mechanical guide for the transport movers, these mechanical guides for the individual tracks being formed by the common stator housing or being attached to the common stator housing.

This mechanical guide can be, for example, guide rails along which the transport movers slide or on which the transport movers roll. The guide rails can be formed, for example, from bent or angled metal sheets that are attached to the stator housing.

A common mechanical guide, which is assigned to the two individual tracks, can be provided between two adjacent individual tracks. In this way, fixing means of a guide, e.g. a guide rail, used for attachment to the stator housing can be saved. In addition, a closed area can be created in this way between the individual tracks.

In particular, the mechanical guide is located outside that area of the common stator housing in which the stators are accommodated. The mechanical guide can be designed in one piece with the common stator housing. Alternatively, the mechanical guide can be connected directly or indirectly to the common stator housing.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the track system comprises a multiplicity of track sections arranged one after the other. Either only multi-track sections or both at least one multi-track section and at least one track section with exactly one individual track can be provided. It is consequently possible, but not mandatory, for a track system according to the invention to have only multi-track sections according to the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the track system is constructed in a modular manner, with the track sections each being modules of the track system that can be handled mechanically and controlled by the control device as a whole and independently of one another.

The invention also relates to a system for processing food products, with at least one device for slicing food products, in particular high-speed slicers, and/or with a packaging machine for packaging the objects, and with at least one device for moving objects as described herein.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a multi-lane section for a device according to the invention as described herein, which comprises several individual lanes, each individual lane comprising a stator with which the runners of transport movers movable in this individual lane can each interact as an electric linear motor, and which comprises a common stator housing , in which the stators of the individual tracks are housed.

As far as the track system of the device according to the invention is concerned, this is preferably based on a drive principle for the transport movers using linear synchronous motors (LSM drive), as will be described in more detail below. Any number of transport movers in any complex railway systems can be controlled by the control device individually, ie independently of one another, moved in the railway system and localized and identified by means of the control device. The transport movers can be moved and positioned in the railway system with extremely high accuracy. The movement speeds as well as accelerations and decelerations for the movers can also be selected and implemented arbitrarily and individually.

The total number of transport movers provided in the railway system depends on the respective application. It can be provided that the railway system includes several dozen to several hundred transport movers, i. H. To a certain extent, there can be a veritable "swarm" of transport movers in the railway system in order to transport a large number of objects and, if necessary, to carry out additional functions, such as returning objects or buffering objects.

For the actual movement of the transport mover, the railway system does not require any moving parts and is therefore comparatively insensitive to dirt and easy to clean. In particular, the web system can be protected or encapsulated in such a way that high hygiene standards can be met and strict standards can be observed even under extremely demanding conditions from a hygiene point of view, such as those prevailing in the processing of food products and the associated cleaning requirements. In particular, it is possible to implement an IP69K-capable transport system with reasonable effort.

As far as the transport mover is concerned, the carrier attached to the runner can be designed for directly receiving at least one object and in particular can comprise an at least essentially flat support surface for the object. Furthermore, in the case of a respective transport mover, the carrier can be designed to remain on the transport mover during operation or to be separated from the transport mover only temporarily and for subsequent further use or recycling on the or another transport mover. The carriers, by which the objects are picked up, are a part of the transport system even if they are temporarily separated from the respective transport mover and are therefore not external components such as parts of packaging. However, this represents only one possible exemplary embodiment. In addition to a carrier of whatever type attached to the runner, packaging or a part of packaging, for example a so-called tray, can be provided for directly receiving an object to be transported, for example a portion that rests on the carrier of the respective transport mover.

Furthermore, it is possible according to the invention, but not mandatory, for the transport movers in the track system to be movable exclusively in one dimension, such as individual carriages on a roller coaster. A path within the meaning of the invention is also to be understood as a section on which the transport movers can also be moved transversely to the actual transport direction.

In contrast, as far as the multi-track section according to the invention is concerned, which comprises a number of individual tracks, it is provided in preferred embodiments of the invention that the transport movers can only be moved in one dimension in a respective individual track. As already mentioned above, it is preferably provided that each individual track has a mechanical guide for the transport mover. This mechanical guide can in particular be designed in such a way that the transport movers are positively guided in the respective individual track. The guide for the transport mover can, for example, comprise a rail system, for example a pair of rails, which comprises rails running parallel to one another, by or between which the respective transport mover is guided. The transport movers can, for example, slide or roll on the guide.

The transport movers can be guided via their runners. For this purpose, the runner can have slots or grooves, for example, which engage with one or more rails of the guide. However, it is not mandatory that such guide means of the transport movers are provided on their runners. The transport mover can be guided completely independently of the runner. In particular, the runner can only be used to drive the transport mover.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, it is provided that the transport movers are arranged in the railway system so that they cannot fall out. This can be done in particular by reaching behind, under and/or around a guide for the transport mover, in particular by means of the runner. Such a fall-out-proof arrangement is particularly advantageous when the track system includes track sections in which the transport movers or their runners are arranged on the side or below.

As far as the drive of the transport movers in a multi-track section according to the invention is concerned, it is provided according to the invention that the runners move in a respective individual track th transport mover interact with the stator of this single track as an electric linear motor, for example as a linear synchronous motor or as a linear induction motor. A transport system which can be used for the invention and which is hereby expressly referred to in view of the need for the invention to be able to be carried out is offered by MagneMotion Inc., located in Devens, Massachusetts, USA. This system is based on a so-called LSM drive, i.e. a drive by linear synchronous motors, which is to be distinguished from a so-called linear induction motor (LIM drive). In contrast to a LIM drive, a magnetic field is not induced in an LSM drive by means of the so-called traveling electromagnetic field, but the magnetic field is provided by permanent magnets. If the rotor of the linear motor carries the permanent magnets and the stator of the linear motor generates the traveling electromagnetic field, then the drive principle of an LSM drive can be visualized in such a way that the transporter equipped with the permanent magnet is driven by the magnetic field moving along the stator over the transport route is pulled. Such a transport system or drive principle is, for example, in WO 2003/029651 A2 and WO 2010/085670 A1 described. Express reference is hereby made to these documents with regard to the disclosure of a possible drive or functional principle for the invention.

The track system or the individual tracks of such a transport system can be subdivided into a large number of consecutive track sections—including at least one multi-track section according to the invention—which to a certain extent each form a single linear motor and can be controlled individually by a control device. If, at the same time, the transport movers located in the rail system can be identified by means of the control device, any number of transport movers can in principle be operated simultaneously in a rail system of any complexity and can be moved individually in the process.

For the identification or localization of the individual transporters in the railway system, the above-mentioned company MagneMotion Inc. uses a technique in which each transporter is provided with a transducer which induces a signal in a stator formed by the railway system, making it possible for the control device to determine the exact position of the transporter with an accuracy of fractions of a millimeter or fractions of a centimeter, depending on the size of the overall system. Consequently, this system does not require any external sensors. In the control system from MagneMotion Inc., it is also ensured by subdividing the tracks into a large number of track elements—each representing an individual linear motor—that no collisions occur between successive transport movers. A transport mover can only drive into the next track section if this is permitted by the control device, which is not the case in particular when another transporter is located in the track section.

Against the background of this fundamentally known transport system, it is therefore provided according to the invention that each stator of the multi-track section is a component of a linear motor, with a further component of the linear motor being formed by the rotor of a respective transport mover. It is provided in particular that the rotor comprises at least one permanent magnet.

In preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, the multi-track section is designed in such a way that although the common stator housing is used to accommodate the stators of the individual tracks, the stators and any other electrical and/or electronic components accommodated within the stator housing are independent of the configuration of the stator housing , As the mechanical configuration of the stator housing can be changed without impairing or influencing the function of the stators and the additional electrical and/or electronic components that may be provided. If the common stator housing is simply referred to as "the mechanics" of the multi-track section and the stators and any additional electronic and/or electronic components provided within the stator housing are simply referred to as "the electrical engineering" of the multi-track section, then the drive of the transport mover is guaranteed to be accommodated of electrical engineering in the mechanical system, regardless of the specific design of the mechanical system, which is consequently configured as desired and independently of the electrical engineering for mechanical adaptation to the respective transport mover and to the functionality with regard to guidance and/or other handling of the transport mover with regard to certain functions of a respective multi-lane section can be.

• 1 schematisch einen Querschnitt durch einen Bahnabschnitt gemäß dem Stand der Technik,
• 2 schematisch einen Querschnitt durch einen erfindungsgemä-ßen Mehrbahnabschnitt,
• 3 bis 6 Beispiele für aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Bahnsysteme,
• 7 schematisch zwei in einem erfindungsgemäßen Mehrbahnabschnitt angeordnete Transportmover gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 8 zwei in einem erfindungsgemäßen Mehrbahnabschnitt angeordnete Transportmover gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, und
• 9 bis 18 schematisch verschiedene Ausführungsbeispiele eines erfindungsgemäßen Mehrbahnabschnitts.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawing. Show it:

• 1 schematically a cross section through a track section according to the prior art,
• 2 schematically a cross section through a multi-web section according to the invention,
• 3 until 6 Examples of railway systems known from the prior art,
• 7 schematically two transport movers arranged in a multi-lane section according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 8th two transport movers arranged in a multi-lane section according to the invention according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, and
• 9 until 18 schematically different embodiments of a multi-track section according to the invention.

According to the track section known from the prior art 1 is in the housing 60 - so in the "mechanics" - only a single stator 43 - so the "electrical engineering" - housed, ie the single stator 43 has its own housing 60, which here has three outer walls 62 and is open at the bottom.

In a multi-track section 41 according to the invention 2 on the other hand, several—here two—stators 43 are accommodated in a common stator housing 61, which also has a left side wall 62, a right side wall 62 and an upper cover 62 as outer walls. This housing 61 can, for example, be made in one piece from a suitably bent sheet steel. The active sides 44 of the stators 43 face the top cover 62, respectively.

In addition to the two stators 43, further electrical and/or electronic components 58 are arranged in the housing 61, which are used to control the stators 43 via a control device that is not shown here. In general, cavities within the housing 61 can be used for system parts or components that are not directly related to the function of the railway system according to the invention.

The depictions in the 1 and 2 are selected such that the lateral distance between the stators 43 and a respective inner side 62a of a side wall 62 is the same in each case and the side walls 62 also have the same thickness. The comparison of 1 and 2 thus shows that in a multi-track section 41 according to the invention in the common stator housing 61, the lateral distance between the two stators 43 can be smaller than in the case of two individual track sections arranged next to one another according to FIG 1 it is possible.

With otherwise the same conditions, a more compact arrangement of a plurality of stators 43 can be achieved by means of a multi-track section 41 according to the invention, each of which defines an individual track 63 .

Except in 2 the stators 43 are each shown schematically as rectangles in the figures. In 2 is also shown schematically that the stators 43 each have electrical and/or electronic components 57 in order to be able to generate variable magnetic fields that are effective on the active side 44 when actuated accordingly.

2 shows - as well as those explained in more detail below 7 and 8th - a cross section, ie a section perpendicular to the transport direction, through a multi-web section 41 according to the invention. In preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, the multi-web sections 41 have a longitudinal extent in the transport direction which is greater than the width. This is based on the 9 until 17 explained embodiments can be found.

The device according to the invention for moving objects comprises a track system which has a large number of track sections with at least one multi-track section according to the invention. As already mentioned elsewhere, due to this modular design, the railway system can have any structure, and in particular any complex structure. To illustrate this, in the 3 until 6 different railway systems shown, which are basically known from the prior art, namely from the above-mentioned DE 10 2014 106 400 A1 . These track systems 21 each include a plurality of tracks 23, details of which are not shown. Such track systems 21 can be formed at least in sections from multiple track sections 41 according to the invention. For example, in each of the 3 until 6 shown track systems 21 at least one section available in which several tracks 23 run parallel to each other. In the prior art, such areas had to be formed by arranging track sections next to one another, as shown in 1 are shown. The associated disadvantages were discussed at the outset. Such parallel routes can be implemented in a more compact manner with the multi-lane sections according to the invention, ie in the parallel routes each of the 3 until 6 tracks 23 shown are formed by an individual track 63 of a multi-track section 41 according to the invention, ie defined by one of the stators 43 housed in the common stator housing 61 .

In order to illustrate the possibilities of the railway systems in question here, the according to the invention can have one or more multi-web sections 41, is referred to below in the 3 until 6 illustrated railway systems 21 discussed in more detail.

An overall system according to the invention, ie a system according to the invention, in which the movement device according to the invention or the transport system according to the invention, including the railway system, is only one part, albeit an essential part 3 until 6 shown in different possible configurations, the representation being schematic and simplified in each case to illustrate the possibilities according to the invention.

The systems each include a slicer 15 designed for multi-lane operation, with which several food products such as sausage or cheese loaves can be sliced simultaneously at high speed using a planetary and/or rotating circular or sickle blade. Depending on the specific configuration of the slicer 15, the cutting speed is between several hundred and several thousand slices per minute.

Portions are usually formed from the cut slices, which comprise several cut slices (cf. also 7 and 8th ).

The systems shown each include a packaging machine 55, not explained in detail here, on which the portions formed from the cut slices are packaged. For this purpose, it is often necessary to combine the formed portions on their way from the slicer 15 to the packaging machine 55 in predetermined formats 49 or format sets, i.e. in matrix-like arrangements in which one or more portions are arranged one after the other in several adjacent tracks. Within each format 49, the portions must generally have a specific relative orientation to one another and be arranged at specified distances from one another both in the transverse direction and in the transport direction T, so that the portions can be delivered in format sets to the respective downstream packaging machine 55.

However, such format set-by-format packaging is not absolutely necessary. It is also possible, for example, to remove portions from the transport system with the aid of robots and place them in packaging.

Nevertheless, in practice one task of a transport system for food portions arranged between a slicer 15 and a packaging machine 55 is to act on these portions in a variety of ways. It is not just a matter of creating a format set that may be required, but also, for example, of weighing portions and sorting out portions that are unsuitable for packaging.

A large number of movers 19, indicated here only schematically as squares, move in the track systems 21, of which at least some and in particular most are designed as transport movers for transporting food portions, as described above in connection with 1 are explained.

The operation of the overall system is monitored and controlled in each case by a control device 25 which, in particular, controls the individual movements of the movers 19 in the individual tracks 23 of the track system 21 .

Instead of a packaging machine 55, only part of such a machine or one or more packs or parts thereof can be provided, in which the portions transported by means of the movers 19 are deposited.

In the embodiment of 3 and 4 the transport system according to the invention is designed for four-lane operation. Between the slicer 15 and the packaging machine 55 there extend four parallel webs 23 which can be formed by a plurality of multi-web sections 41 according to the invention arranged one after the other. Each track 23 is then formed from a single track 63 of the multi-track sections 43 .

Among other things, the transport system according to the invention ensures that in front of the packaging machine 55 the movers 19 carrying the portions to be packaged are present in a format 49 which comprises a line of four portions arranged next to one another, corresponding to the number of tracks in this overall system.

Following the packaging machine, the four webs 23 are brought together to form a single web, which forms a return path 45 in which the now empty transport movers 19 are returned to the slicer 15 in a return direction R opposite to the transport direction T. In the area of the slicer 15, the return section 45 branches again into a four-lane area.

These transitions in the track system 21 are taken over by special functional areas, which are also referred to as branches 47 here.

In the embodiment of 3 the branches 47 include curved path sections, ie curved sections in which the movers 19 are each moved along a curved path.

the end 4 shows that the railway system according to the invention can also be implemented without such curved sections. Changes of direction or branches 47 here each comprise one or more track sections on which the movers 19 each complete a change of direction of 90°, ie are moved at right angles.

So while the 3 and 4 in addition to the normal routes between the slicer 15 and the packaging machine 55, which essentially serve to transport the portions, show a special functional route or a special functional area in the track system 21, which is used to return the movers 19 5 in addition to two normal transport routes, two buffer routes 51, which, like the return routes according to FIG 3 and 4 lie in a common horizontal plane with the transport routes. 5 thus shows an application example of the invention with a so-called horizontal buffer. The movers 19 can get into and out of this buffer via branches 47 , which can each include a plurality of individual switch sections 53 .

As is generally known from conventional conveyor belt systems between slicers and packaging machines, buffers of this type can be used to create a balance between a comparatively high operating speed in connection with short loading pauses of a slicer 15 on the one hand and a relatively slow processing speed of a comparatively evenly clocked packaging machine 55.

The transport principle according to the invention using a track system also makes it possible to achieve a high functionality density. A purely exemplary example of this is based on 5 mentioned that at least one of the buffer sections 51 can also be used as a return section if an additional section is created between at least one of the buffer sections 51 and the slicer 15.

Due to the individual movement principle according to the invention, at least with regard to some functions, it is not a question of a specific configuration of the movers or of the tracks, but of the use of a respective track realized by means of the control device. For example, for a mover 19 in a track, this can serve as a buffer section, while a mover immediately following is returned to the slicer by means of the same track. It is therefore not the concrete design of the track or the mover that decides on the function, but the control device and thus the user.

Since the railway system according to the invention can be designed in a simple manner in the manner of a modular system, existing routes can be easily reconfigured and new routes can be designed easily and quickly. The track system according to the invention is consequently much more flexible and versatile than conventional conveyor belt systems.

In the system according to 5 the transport of portions between the slicer 15 and the packaging machine 55 takes place on two lanes. The switch sections 53 of the branches 47 make it possible for movers 19 to get into the buffer sections 51 from both tracks and to be able to get into both tracks from the buffer sections 51 .

In the 5 The third stretch from the left can also be used, for example, to overtake movers 19 located in the two stretches on the left.

In general, according to the invention, individual routes or route sections can have different functions individually for the individual movers 19, i.e. a route can simultaneously be a buffer route for one mover, serve as an overtaking route for another mover and be used by another mover as a normal transport route.

6 shows that it is easily possible with the transport system according to the invention to change the number of lanes on the way between the slicer 15 and the packaging machine 55. In the example shown here, a transition from an n-track operation with n = 3 to an m-track operation with m = 5 is achieved with the aid of switch sections 53 arranged one behind the other, which together form a branch 47 which has a certain length of the Railway system 21 in the transport direction T requires.

Further illustrated 6 the formation of formats 49, each comprising two rows and five rows, ie each format 49 is a 2 x 5 array of a total of ten portions, the relative arrangement of which is achieved by the arrangement of the ten movers in the five lanes in front of the packaging machine 55.

7 shows a multi-track section 41 according to the invention 2 , in which two structurally identical stators 43 are arranged next to one another in a common stator housing 61 . The two stators 43 run parallel to one another in a common plane of movement E.

Unlike in 2 a mechanical guide for the transport mover 19 is attached to the top of the housing 61 - i.e. on the side which the active sides 44 of the stators 43 face - which has a left guide rail 33 for one transport mover 19, a right guide rail 33 for the another transport mover and a central common guide rail 33 for both transport movers 19 includes. The guide rails 33 are, for example, bent metal sheets that run in slots that are formed in the runners 27 of the movers 19 .

This guide 33 for the movers 19 ensures a defined relative position of the runners 27 with respect to the respective stator 43. In particular, this ensures that a permanent magnet arrangement 59 formed by the runners 27 or arranged on or in the runner 27 has a precisely defined distance from the respective Stator 43 complies.

As already mentioned, according to the linear drive provided according to the invention, a rotor 27 provided with the permanent magnet arrangement 59 can be moved in a transport direction along the stator 43 and thus in the individual path 63 defined by this stator 43 by corresponding activation of the respective stator 43 by means of the control device, not shown here movable. During this movement, the runners 27 are guided by the guide rails 33 of the multi-track section 41 .

Each runner 27 is provided with a carrier 29 which provides a flat support surface 39 in the example shown here, for transporting objects, each shown here in the form of a portion 11 comprising a plurality of slices previously cut by means of a high-speed slicer (see. 3 until 6 ) have been separated from a food product.

The carriers 29 can each be firmly connected to the runner 27 . In an alternative embodiment, the respective carrier 29 is attached to the rotor 27 in a detachable manner.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a holder 31 of basically any configuration is provided between the carrier 29 and the rotor 27 . The holder 31 can be fixedly connected to the carrier 29, but it can also be fixedly connected to the runner 27, and it can also be a separate component in the holder 31, which can be detachably connected to both the carrier 29 and the Runner 27 is connected. In particular, the holder 31 can belong to the carrier 29 . If the carrier 29 is detachably attached to the rotor 27 , the holder 31 can be designed as a component of a coupling or form a coupling section which interacts with a corresponding coupling section of the carrier 29 . The interaction between the rotor 27 and the holder 31 or between the holder 31 and the carrier 29 can in principle take place in any desired manner. A purely mechanical connection can be provided. It is also possible for the carrier 29 to be held magnetically on the holder 31 or the holder 31 on the rotor 27 . The holder 31 can also be designed to permit relative movements of the carrier 29 relative to the runner, for example rotation about a vertical axis, in order in this way to be able to rotate or align the objects 11 to be transported.

It can also be provided that the carrier 29 is connected directly to the runner 27 . The holder 31 between carrier 29 and runner 27 is then formed by the interacting areas or coupling sections of carrier 29 and runner 27 .

A detachable attachment of the carrier 29 to the holder 31 allows the runner 27 to be used with different carriers 29, for example of different sizes or arranged differently relative to the runner 27.

The embodiment of 8th differs from that of 7 by the design of the transport mover 19 and the guide rails 33. However, the basic structure corresponds to that in 7 . The two stators 43 within the common housing 61 are in turn in a common movement plane E, and the guide formed by the rails 33 for the two movers 19 is in turn attached to the top of the housing 61 .

The runners 27 are narrower and higher here than in the exemplary embodiment 7 . Two guide rails 33 for the runners 27 of the movers 19 are provided for each individual track 63 of the multi-track section 41, ie unlike in the exemplary embodiment of FIG 7 there is no common middle guidance.

Furthermore, in the case of the movers 19, the carriers 29 are not as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG 7 arranged centrally with respect to the runner 27, but cantilever laterally, with the overhanging End of the carrier 29 each projecting beyond the side wall of the housing 61 also.

the 7 and 8th consequently illustrate, purely by way of example, that a multi-track section 41 according to the invention with differently configured guides 33 and differently configured transport movers 19 can be used.

The multi-track section 41 according to FIG 9 includes two parallel stators 43 of the same length within a common stator housing 61, which form two parallel individual tracks 63 for transport movers 19. The supports of the transport movers 19 and the guides for the transport movers 19 attached to the housing 61 are not shown here for the sake of clarity. Only the holders 31 of the carriers are shown. This also applies to the exemplary embodiments explained in more detail below 10 until 17 .

In this exemplary embodiment, each transport mover 19 comprises two runners 27 which are spaced apart from one another along the respective individual track 63 and thus in the longitudinal direction of the respective stator 43 and are shown here as circular. The two runners 27 are each connected to one another by a holder 31, which serves to support the carrier (not shown here) for receiving the objects to be transported.

The connection between the holders 31 and the runners 27 can be articulated or fixed. An articulated connection enables the mover 19 to change direction, such as cornering or turning, which will be discussed in more detail below. Mover 19 with a fixed connection between holder 31 and runners 27 can be handled in other ways, for example by relocating or moving, which will also be discussed in more detail elsewhere.

By appropriately controlling the stators 43 , a transport direction T, also referred to below as the direction of movement, is specified for each stator 43 for the movers 19 moving along the respective stator 43 and thus on the respective individual track 63 . In this embodiment, the transport directions T1 and T2 are opposite to each other. This is also indicated by the wide arrows, each of which designates one of the individual tracks 63 . The movers 19 in the two individual tracks 63 running parallel to one another consequently move in opposite directions on this multi-track section 41 .

Depending on the size of the objects to be transported and the corresponding size of the carriers, which are not shown here, they can be centered (as in 7 ) on the respective stator 43 or projecting laterally (as in 8th ) be arranged.

In general, it should be noted with regard to this exemplary embodiment and also to the exemplary embodiments described below that in alternative configurations the housing 61 can also have a greater width with the same width of the stators 43 . For example, the housing 61 could extend below the movement range of laterally cantilevered carriers of the movers 19 . In this way, the housing 61 could serve as a spacer in order to provide access protection for operators, and it could at the same time serve as a collecting surface for falling dirt, in order in this way to prevent the hall floor from becoming dirty.

As far as the embodiments described below 10 and 17 evident and recognizable in particular by the use of the same reference numbers as the exemplary embodiment of FIG 9 correspond, will not be discussed in more detail on these matches and insofar on the above statements on the embodiment of 9 referred.

In the embodiment of 10 the same transport direction T2 is assigned to both stators 43 . Separate movers 19 - as in 9 provided - could consequently be moved parallel to each other and in the same direction T2. 10 illustrates another application of such rectified parallel individual tracks 63: The mover 19 shown here comprises four runners 27, two runners 27 being assigned to one stator 43 and the other two runners 27 to the other stator 43. In this track section 41 according to the invention, the movers 19 are consequently driven simultaneously by two linear motors, namely by one of the two stators 43 and the two associated runners 27. The runners 27 are connected to one another by a square holder 31 as a support for the holder (not shown here). Carrier.

Comparatively large and/or heavy objects can thus be transported on such a track section 41, for example.

Depending on the design of the movers 19, the distance between the parallel individual tracks 63 can in principle be chosen to be as large as desired in order to create a correspondingly large offset. A functional and/or working area between the individual tracks 63 can be designed with this principle. Here, the common stator housing 61 in the area between the individual tracks at least parts of a Form a workstation or take over functions. For example, a treatment device, a drainage function, a suction device or a sensor system for measuring or checking the transported objects from below can be integrated in this central area of the housing 61 .

A transport of objects using two or more parallel individual lanes 63 as in 10 is basically also with separate movers 19 as in 9 possible. By controlling the stators 43 accordingly, these two separate movers 19 would be moved, for example, in such a way that they are always located next to one another and can thus jointly transport a single carrier that is supported on both movers 19 .

Irrespective of whether two separate movers 19, each connected to one another by a holder on a single track 63, as in 9 or whether - as in 10 - a mover 19 with runners 27 distributed on different individual tracks 63 is provided, such a multi-track section with parallel drive for the movers 19 can be used, for example, where higher transport forces are required. This can be necessary, for example, in the area of a processing or treatment station for transported objects, where such a parallel drive is only required for comparatively short sections in the railway system. A single multi-track module according to the invention, which connects to conventional track sections on the input side and output side, could suffice for this.

By a multi-track section 41 according to the invention 11 a distribution function can be implemented which, when the movements of the movers 19 explained below are reversed, can enable a collection function.

Here four parallel stators 43 are provided in the common housing 61 and in the region of one end of the housing 61 there is a stator 43 running transversely to these parallel stators 43 .

Incoming movers 19 can be distributed via this transverse distributor 75 to the first three individual tracks 63, seen from the left and having the same transport direction T1. The movers 19 reach the distributor 75 from the right-hand individual track 63, in which the movers 19 move in the opposite direction T2. The deflection of this mover 19 coming in from the right-hand individual track 63 can be effected, for example, by a connecting link, as is shown below with reference to FIG 12 is described. As soon as the movers 19 are on this distributor 75, they reach that outgoing individual web 63 for which a deflection 65 is inserted in the movement path of the movers 19 on the distributor 75. In 11 this is shown using the example of the leftmost individual web 63. It goes without saying that the guide for the movers 19, which is not shown here, is designed in such a way that the movers 19 can leave the distributor 75 in the desired manner. This also applies to the other exemplary embodiments.

In particular, when no particularly high positioning accuracy is required for the movers 19 on the distributor 75, a controllable stator 43, as for the other individual tracks 63 in the distributor 75, can be dispensed with. The distributor 75 can include chains or belts with integrated magnetic materials, for example, in order to move the movers 19 via their runners, which are provided with permanent magnets. Alternatively, for example, mechanical or pneumatic slides can also be provided, which move the movers 19 entering via the right-hand individual track 63 in the transport direction T2 in 11 move to the left into the effective range of a respective deflection 65 and in this way into one of the outgoing individual tracks 63.

Irrespective of how the orthogonal distributor 75 is actually implemented, such a distributor arrangement can be used, for example, to produce portions from severed food slices directly on the carriers of transport movers 19: a multi-lane slicing device, for example a multi-lane high-speed slicer, which can cut several food products simultaneously , can be arranged above the distributor 75 in such a way that the product slices of the individual slicer lanes fall onto movers 19 positioned in the distributor 75 at the height of one of the outgoing individual lanes 63. The movers 19 to be loaded can be fed via the right-hand individual track in the transport direction T2. The movers 19 waiting below a respective track of the slicer on the distributor 75 can then be transported away in multiple tracks via the three individual tracks 63 in the transport direction T1 after a portion has been completed.

With a reversal of the in 11 In the transport directions T1 and T2 shown, a collecting function can be realized with the orthogonal stator 43 or - as mentioned above - a differently designed transport device: The distributor 75 is then a collector. Movers 19 arriving via the three left-hand individual tracks 63 reach the then only outgoing individual track 63 on the far right via the orthogonal transport device forming the collector 75, for example a stator 43 11 . Movers 19 arriving via several individual lanes 63 can thus be Collector 75 are collected on a single outgoing single track 63. This comparatively complex functionality is possible by means of a single multi-track section 41 according to the invention, which accommodates the stators 43 required for this and optionally further transport devices in a single common housing 61 .

In the embodiment of 12 is illustrated, as in an arrangement according to FIG 9 with two opposite transport directions T1, T2 having stators 43, the movers 19 can be turned automatically. A deflection 65 in the form of a mechanical link is assigned to a delivery section 71 of one stator 43 and to a receiving section 73 of the other stator 43 arranged adjacent to this delivery section 71 . Lateral guides 71a and 73a ensure that the movers 19 enter the delivery section 71 or leave the receiving section 73 in a predetermined orientation, as shown in the sequence of illustrations 1 to 6 in 12 illustrated.

In the embodiment of 13 a circular stator 43 which defines a circular path 67 is assigned to a multi-path section 41 according to the invention, which comprises two parallel stators 43 with opposite transport directions T1 and T2.

Movers 19 arriving via the left-hand individual track 63 reach the circular track 67, are moved along the circular track 67 and, after passing through an angular range of almost 360°, return to the multi-track section 41 according to the invention, specifically to the right-hand individual track 63, via which the Mover 19 are transported away.

The circular path 67 can be used for various applications. For example, several slicers (not shown here) can be positioned along the circular path 67, each of which slices at least one specific product and produces portions or partial portions from cut slices of this food product on the carriers of the movers 19. When passing through the circular path 67 and picking up portions or partial portions at the individual slicers, mixed portions or mixed packs can be produced in this way on the carriers of the movers 19 . It is also possible, for example, to add different components of sandwiches, ready meals or other products one after the other at individual stations which are distributed along the circular path 67 and which do not have to be slicers or not exclusively. This can be done at one station, at some stations or at all stations, either mechanically or manually. In addition, one or more individual paths 63 can be provided, which branch off from the circular path 67 , in particular at points distributed along the circular path 67 .

As related to 11 already explained with reference to the orthogonal distributor 75, it is not absolutely necessary to provide a circular stator 43 for the circular path 67 as part of an electric linear motor. The circular path can also be realized in other ways, for example by a link chain or by one or more belts with integrated magnetic material for interaction with the permanent magnets of the runners 27 of the movers 19. Mechanical drive means such as slides can also be provided. The mechanical drive can be designed, for example, in the manner of a carousel, in which sliding elements rotate about an axis running through the center point of the circular path 67 .

The embodiment of 14 shows an alternative to the automatic redirection of movers according to 12 .

In order to give an incoming mover 19 or its runners 27 the required transverse impulse, a stator 43 is provided as a transfer device 69, which acts as a short linear motor in the transverse direction in cooperation with a runner 27 and thus also forms a single track 63. As soon as a runner 27 moved in the transverse direction in this way is caught by the stator 43 of the other individual track 63, the relevant mover 19 is moved in the removal direction. This transfer of the movers 19 to the outgoing individual track 63 is supported by a transverse displacement of the rear runner 27 of the mover by means of the stator 43 oriented in the transverse direction. In addition, guides can be provided in order to guide the movers 19 in a suitable manner during this deflection.

The two stators 43 running parallel to one another and acting in opposite directions are offset from one another in the longitudinal direction within the housing 61, but have the same length. Identical parts can thus be used. The end area of the stator 43 upstream of the stator 43 acting in the transverse direction serves as a delivery section 71 for the movers 19 , whereas the starting area of the following stator 43 serves as a receiving section 73 for the movers 19 .

The dashed line indicates that the stator 43 for the accommodated movers 19 has a separately controllable stator section 73a which forms the receiving section 73 of this individual path 63, in order to be temporarily controlled in this way during the transfer of a rotor 27 of a mover 19 to be deflected in such a way that no driving effect is achieved, for example by this stator section 43a being temporarily not energized.

In this exemplary embodiment, too, instead of a stator 43 acting in the transverse direction, a transfer device which is effective in a different way can be used, for example mechanical or pneumatic means such as e.g. B. includes a slide.

While in the embodiment of 14 the mover 19 is always oriented in the same direction with respect to the respective direction of movement, so the "direction of travel" does not change, ie one runner 27 is always in the front in the direction of movement and the other runner 27 is in the back in the direction of movement 15 the mover 19 is offset as a whole in the transverse direction, so that the orientation of the mover 19 with respect to the direction of movement is reversed, ie the runner 27 initially located at the front forms the rear runner 27 after the transfer, in the same way as in a terminus station.

By means of a transfer device 69 designed as a lateral, for example mechanical or pneumatic slide, the movers 19 are each shifted in parallel after they have come from the delivery section 71 of one stator 73 into the effective range of the transfer device 69 and are shifted onto the receiving section 73 of the other stator 43 (cf .the sequence of representations 1. to 4.). According to the basis of 14 As the alternative explained above, here too - as indicated by the dashed line - an initial section of the stator 43 can be formed by a separately controllable stator section 43a, which represents the receiving section 73 and which, for example, is temporarily not energized when a mover 19 is pushed on by means of the transfer device 69.

Instead of such a different controllability of a stator 43, two separate stators could also be arranged one behind the other. This also applies correspondingly to the exemplary embodiment of FIG 14 .

Alternatively, it is also possible to design the receiving section 73 to be transversely displaceable. A slider or other external aid can then be dispensed with. A mover 19 , coming from one individual track 63 , then drives onto the receiving section 73 . The current is switched off and switched on again after the end of the transverse displacement in order to move the mover 19 down the receiving section 73 on the other individual track 63 in the opposite direction. The advantage of this design lies in the fact that the stators 43 are of the same length and are not offset in the longitudinal direction.

16 shows a multi-track section 41 according to the invention from left to right in three different phases of a transition of transport movers 19 from one stator 43 to another stator 43, specifically in cross section at the top and in a plan view at the bottom.

In this exemplary embodiment, two elongated stators 43 are again arranged in the common stator housing 61, which, however, do not lie in a common plane of movement. Instead, here the plane of movement E1 of one stator 43 runs perpendicular to the plane of movement E2 of the other stator 43. The active sides 44 of the stators 43 therefore point in different directions, namely that of the left stator 43 upwards and that of the right stator 43 to the left. The common housing 61 consequently has a correspondingly rectangular profile.

A mover 19 can be placed on its side or erected by means of such a multi-track section 41 in order to trigger a process through this change in orientation. This process can consist, for example, of allowing a transported object to slide off in a targeted manner, closing or opening the lid of a container, allowing unwanted components to drip off or run off, removing dirt such as crumbs using gravity, or using carriers for the purpose of regeneration or Ausschleusen cleaning, that is, for example, to throw off or deliver.

A pulse in the transverse direction, which ensures that a mover 19 driven by one stator 43 reaches the effective range of the other stator 43 and thus changes the individual web 63 during operation, i.e. with continuous movement in transport direction T, can be triggered by non-illustrated Aids such as a slider or a backdrop are issued. Alternatively, it is possible to force a mover 19 to change paths simply by appropriate activation and thus generation of a sufficiently strong magnetic field of the stator 43 of the receiving individual path 63 .

In the embodiment of 17 and 18 , which has already been explained above in the introductory part and to which reference is hereby made, two stators 43 are again arranged in a common stator housing 61, which run parallel to each other and in turn lie in a common plane of movement E. However, the two stators 43 are not arranged next to one another as, for example, in the exemplary embodiments of FIG 7 and 8th , but on top of each other, ie the common plane of movement E runs vertically. 17 shows a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the stators 43, and 18 shows a side view.

The two stators 43 are oriented in such a way that the active side 44 of the upper stator 43 points upwards and the active side 44 of the lower stator 43 points downwards. Movers 19 moving along this path section 41 on the upper side can consequently be returned on the lower side (cf. 18 ). As already explained above, an in 18 shown deflection section 79 is provided. This one is in 18 shown only schematically and can, for example, comprise a stator for the movers 19 that forms a deflection stator and provides a curved path, along which the movers 19 are moved on a circular path until they reach the lower stator 43 . As in 18 shown, the carriers 31 of the movers 19 can be articulated in order to be able to traverse this curved path. The deflection stator can also be arranged in the common stator housing 61 . Alternatively, the deflection section 79 can have its own housing for the deflection stator.

Depending on the space available, the common stator housing 61 can have a greater height in order to allow a greater distance between the stators 43 and thus possibly facilitate the deflection, in particular with regard to a larger radius of movement for the movers 19 .

The individual track 63 formed by the underside of the housing 61 can be provided with different functionalities, such as points and curves, just like the individual tracks 63 provided on the upper side of track sections 41 according to the invention. In particular, for example, a trajectory present on the upper side can be provided mirrored on the underside.

If the individual track 63 on the underside is used, for example, as a return path for empty movers 19, a simpler stator structure, in particular with a lower positioning accuracy, can optionally also be selected.

Unlike in 18 shown, the deflection - in other words, the turning - the mover 19 from the upper stator 43 to the lower stator 43 - or vice versa - can be done, for example, by a link. A wheel provided with a plurality of receiving chambers provided in the circumferential direction can also be provided, which has magnetic material, for example, in order to receive and hold movers 19 entering from one side until the movers 19 are in the opposite orientation after this turning wheel has been rotated - i.e eg overhead - are transferred to the respective other stator 43 . Instead of a permanent magnetic material, such a turning wheel can also be provided with switchable electromagnets. Alternatively, the movers 19 can also be turned around for the transition from the upper stator 43 to the lower stator 43 solely by utilizing the force of gravity.

Diverse applications can be realized by means of such a multi-track section 41 according to the invention. The carriers 31 of the movers 19 or transported objects can be dropped as soon as a respective mover 19 has reached the underside of the housing 61 . Holding means that hold the carrier 31 or a transported object during the deflection process can be actuated or acted upon after reaching the underside in order to release the respective carrier 31 or object and drop it.

Undesirable components can fall off or drip off from movers 19 that are upside down on the underside of the housing 61 . Sticky discs or crumbs can be removed in this way.

The return section formed by the underside of the housing 61 can be used, for example, as a regeneration or cleaning path. For this purpose, this lower individual web 63 can comprise one or more additional elongated metal sheets or a complete housing.

In general, the advantages of the invention and in particular of the multi-track section 41 according to the invention lie in a particularly simple structure which requires few individual parts and in particular enables the use of a small number of standard parts. The cleaning effort for external surfaces is minimal. The structure of the common stator case 61 can be standardized even in the case of a variation of the internal components formed in particular by the stators, i. H. of electrical engineering. At the same time, the invention ensures a high level of flexibility in the design of the railway system and in particular the routing.

The diverse design options of the common stator housing 61 while maintaining the housed therein electrical engineering means in particular that for the respective external environment desired design of the railway system with regard to the requirements of conventional lines for processing food products, especially with regard to hygienic requirements, can be decoupled in an advantageous manner from the electrical engineering to be designed with regard to the electric drive for the transport mover 19 inside the stator housing 61.

Reference List

11

item, portion

15

Slicing device, slicer

19

transport mover

21

railway system

23

train

25

control device

27

runner

29

carrier

31

holder

33

guide rail

39

bearing surface

41

railway section

43

stator

43a

stator section

44

active side of the stator

45

return line

47

branch

49

format

51

buffer line

53

switch section

55

packaging machine

57

electronic and/or electrical components

58

electronic and/or electrical components

59

permanent magnet assembly

60

housing

61

common stator housing

62

outer wall

62a

inside

63

single track

65

mechanical deflection

67

circular path

69

transfer facility

71

delivery section

73

recording section

75

distributor

77

inner space

79

deflection section

T

transport direction

R

return direction

E

common plane of movement

E1

plane of movement

E2

plane of movement

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited 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 102014106400 A1 [0004, 0023, 0069]
• WO 2003/029651 A2 [0056]
• WO 2010/085670 A1 [0056]

Claims (26)

Device for moving objects (11), in particular portions, each of which comprises at least one slice cut off from a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device (15), in particular a high-speed slicer, or a plurality of ingredients, with a plurality of individually movable transport movers (19) for transporting the objects (11), with a track system (21) for the transport movers (19), in which the transport movers (19) can be moved along at least one predetermined track (23) in a transport direction (T), and with a control device (25) for controlling the movements of the transport movers (19) in the railway system (21), wherein the transport movers (19) each comprise at least one runner (27) interacting with the track system (21) and at least one carrier (29) attached to the runner (27), in each case the rotor (27) of a transport mover (19) and a stator (43) formed by the track system (21) interact as an electric linear motor for driving this transport mover (19), wherein the track system (21) has at least one multi-track section (41) which comprises a number of individual tracks (63), each individual track (63) including a stator (43) with which the runners (27) move in this individual track (63). Transportmover (19) each work together as an electric linear motor, and the stators (43) of the individual tracks (63) being accommodated in a common stator housing (61) of the multi-track section (41). device after claim 1 , within the common stator housing (61) in addition to the stators (43) electrical and / or electronic components (58) are arranged, which serve to control the stators (43) by means of the control device (25). device after claim 1 or 2 , wherein all stators (43) have the same length within the common stator housing (61), and/or wherein at least one stator (43) is divided into at least two sections that follow one another directly and which can be controlled independently of one another by means of the control device (25). . Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stators (43) are arranged in a common interior space (77) of the common stator housing (61). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between two stators (43) is smaller than twice the distance of one of the stators (43) from an inside (62a) of an outer wall (62) of the stator housing (61). Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the stators (43) are arranged to run in a common plane of movement (E) within the common stator housing (61). device after claim 6 , wherein the stators (43) are arranged side by side, in particular wherein the active sides (44) of the stators (43), which face the runners (27) of the transport movers (19) during operation, point in the same direction. device after claim 6 , wherein the stators (43) are arranged one above the other, in particular wherein the active sides (44) of the stators (43), which face the runners (27) of the transport movers (19) during operation, point in opposite directions, in particular wherein two stators (43) are arranged one above the other and a transition section is provided at least at one end, at which transport movers (19) can be transferred from one stator (43) to the other stator (43). Device according to one of Claims 6 until 8th , wherein in the common plane of movement (E) all the stators (43) are arranged parallel to one another. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a direction of movement for the transport mover is specified for each individual track (63) of the multi-track section (41), and wherein in at least one individual track (63) the direction of movement (T1) is opposite to the direction of movement (T2) in the other individual track (63) or in the remaining individual tracks (63). Device according to one of Claims 6 until 10 , wherein in the common plane of movement (E) at least two stators (43) are arranged parallel to one another and at least one stator (43) is arranged perpendicularly to the parallel stators (43). Device according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , The stators (43) within the common stator housing (61) in different planes of movement (E1, E2) are arranged to run and the active sides (44) of the stators (43) during operation the runners (27) of Transportmover (19) facing, pointing in different directions. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two stators (43) running parallel to one another are offset relative to one another at at least one end within the common stator housing (61). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one transport mover (19) has a plurality of runners (27) on which one or more carriers (29) of this transport mover (19) are attached, the runners (27) being on different individual tracks (63) are distributed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one transport mover (19) has a plurality of runners (27) which are located, in particular exclusively, one behind the other on the same individual track (63), in particular wherein the runners (27) are articulated to one another, in particular by at least one common carrier (29). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one individual track (63) has a delivery section (71) for delivering transport movers (19), and/or wherein at least one individual track (63) has a receiving section (73) for receiving transport movers (19) in particular wherein transport movers (19) can be transferred from a delivering individual track (63) to a receiving individual track (63), in particular automatically when the transport movers (19) are moving, specifically either (i) directly without an additional stator (43), ( ii) indirectly via at least one further stator (43) of the same multi-track section (41), (iii) indirectly via a transport means not acting as a stator (43) of the same multi-track section (41), or (iv) indirectly via at least one further stator (43) outside of the common stator housing (61). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a delivering individual track (63) and/or a receiving individual track (63) comprises a mechanical deflection (65) for the transport mover (19), which automatically separates the moving transport mover (19) from the delivering individual track ( 63) out and/or automatically into the receiving individual web (63), in particular the mechanical deflection (65) being adjustable between an active position and a passive position, in particular by means of the control device (25). Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a transfer device (69) is assigned to a delivering individual track (63) and/or a receiving individual track (63), which is designed to transfer at least one runner (27) from a delivering individual track (63 ) incoming transport movers (19) to a receiving individual track (63), in particular wherein the transfer device (69) has either only one runner (27), preferably the one in front in the direction of movement, or several runners (27), preferably all runners (27 ), transferred at the same time. device after Claim 18 , wherein the transfer device (69) is effective in an offset area where the two stators (43) of a delivering individual track (63) and a receiving individual track (63) are offset from one another at one end, in particular wherein the transfer device (69) transfers the at least one The runner (27) is only transferred to the delivering individual track (63) after it has left the stator (43) and/or the stator (43) of the receiving individual track (63) in the offset area comprises a stator section (43a) that can be controlled separately by the control device (25). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-track section (41) comprises at least one distribution section, at which transport movers (19) coming from a distributor (75) of the multi-track section, namely from a stator or from a transport means not acting as a stator, to several stators (43) can be transferred, in particular with transport movers (19) to be distributed being able to be transferred from a stator (43) of the same multi-track section to the distributor (75). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-track section comprises at least one collecting section, at which transport movers coming from several stators can be transferred to a collector, namely to a stator or to a means of transport that does not act as a stator, in particular with collected transport movers starting from the collector can be transferred to a stator or to several stators of the same multi-track section. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each individual track (63) has a mechanical guide (33) for the transport mover (19), these mechanical guides (33) of the individual tracks (63) being formed by the common stator housing (61) or on the common stator housing (61) are attached. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the track system (21) comprises a plurality of sequentially arranged track sections, and wherein either excludes Lich multi-track sections (41) or both at least one multi-track section (41) and at least one track section with exactly one individual track are provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the track system (21) is constructed in a modular manner and the track sections (41) are modules of the track system (21) that can be handled mechanically and controlled by the control device (25) as a whole and independently of one another. system for processing food products, with at least one device (15) for slicing food products, in particular high-speed slicers, and/or with a packaging machine (55), and with at least one device according to one of the preceding claims. Multi-track section (41) for a device according to one of Claims 1 until 24 which comprises a plurality of individual tracks (63), each individual track (63) including a stator (43) with which the runners (27) of transport movers (19) movable in this individual track (63) can each interact as an electric linear motor, and the a common stator housing (61) in which the stators (43) of the individual tracks (63) are housed.

Images