DE102020205199A1 - Conveyor system for containers and method for conveying containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveyor system for containers, in particular for empty beverage crates in the back-line of an empty container machine, with: an inlet for containers, which is arranged on an inlet level; a shelf with a plurality of shelf levels, which are at least partially arranged on a different level than the feed level; a horizontal conveyor, which is arranged for conveying containers on a shelf level on a level different from the feed level, and a vertical conveyor, which is designed to transfer packs between the feed level and the horizontal conveyor. The present invention also relates to a conveyor system with a stable, self-standing sales shelf and a horizontal conveyor device for conveying bundles on its top and / or bottom shelf level. The invention also relates to a method for conveying packs.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a conveying system for containers, in particular for empty beverage crates in the back-up of an empties machine, and a corresponding method for conveying containers.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Although the present invention and the problem on which it is based is explained in more detail below using return machines for beverage containers, it is not limited to this, but can be transferred to a wide variety of container types such as mail / parcel shipments, outer packaging or empties of all kinds and, if necessary, corresponding container acceptance machines.

Return machines for one-way or returnable bottles, also known as empties machines, are particularly widespread in countries with a one-way and returnable deposit for beverage containers (e.g. Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Croatia, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland). The purpose of the reverse vending machine is to reduce the personnel costs for accepting empties. This is desirable because accepting empties entails significant effort and therefore costs for the operator, but no added value. In known reverse vending machines, however, a certain amount of personnel is always required, especially for sorting and handling the empties, and a certain amount of space is required for storing the empties.

For easier handling, several returnable bottles are often transported and sold together in empty crates. A deposit is required for each reusable bottle and each crate of drinks, which is paid out when the reusable bottles and empty crates are returned.

The returnable bottles and empties crates handed over to reverse vending machines are usually temporarily buffered in an empties room on collecting tables and roller conveyors until the fully stocked empties crates are usually stacked on pallets by the store staff, for example in order to be temporarily stored and / or transported away for reuse.

In addition, there are transport systems to transport empty boxes, preferably fully stocked empty boxes, from an empty container or directly from the automatic empty container to an interim storage facility. In the food retail sector in particular, roller conveyors for transporting empty crates are typically installed on building ceilings, for example hanging, or installed in valuable space on the floor of the shop floor, which consequently can no longer be used as a sales area.

Furthermore, so-called multi-level transport routes for empty container acceptance systems are known. For example, describes the EP 3 378 575 A2 a multi-level transport route, with a swiveling ramp for distributing containers to different transport levels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved conveying system for containers.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a conveyor system with the features of independent claim 1, a conveyor system with the features of independent claim 9 and / or by a method with the features of independent claim 15.

• - ein Fördersystem für Gebinde, insbesondere für Leergutkästen im Nachlauf eines Leergutrücknahmeautomaten, beispielsweise für Getränke-Leergut-Kästen, mit: zumindest einem Zulauf für Gebinde, der auf einer Zulaufebene angeordnet ist; einem Regal mit mehreren Regalebenen, welche zumindest teilweise auf einem zu der Zulaufebene unterschiedlichen Niveau angeordnet sind; einer Horizontalfördereinrichtung, die zur Förderung von Gebinden auf einer Regalebene auf einem zu der Zulaufebene unterschiedlichen Niveau angeordnet ist, und einem Vertikalförderer, der zur Übergabe von Gebinden zwischen der Zulaufebene und der Horizontalfördereinrichtung ausgebildet ist.
• - ein Fördersystem für Gebinde für den Lebensmitteleinzelhandel, mit einem stabil selbststehenden Verkaufsregal, welches eine Mehrzahl von auf unterschiedlichen Niveaus angeordneten Regalebenen aufweist, mit einer Horizontalfördereinrichtung zum Fördern von Gebinden, welche zur flächenverlustfreien Überbrückung einer Verkaufsfläche auf der obersten und/oder untersten der Regalebenen des Verkaufsregals angeordnet ist, wobei die übrigen Regalebenen als Verkaufsebenen ausgebildet sind.
• - ein Verfahren zum Fördern von Gebinden, insbesondere von Leergutkästen im Nachlauf eines Leergutrücknahmeautomaten, beispielsweiseinsbesondere für Getränke-Leergut-Kästen, mit den Schritten: Zuführen von Gebinden über zumindest einen Zulauf; Vertikales Transportieren und Übergeben der Gebinde zwischen einer Zulaufebene des Zulaufs und einer auf einem zu der Zulaufebene unterschiedlichen Niveau angeordneten Regalebene eines Regals; Horizontales Fördern der Gebinde auf der Regalebene, und Vertikales Transportieren und Übergeben der Gebinde von der Regalebene in einen Ablauf.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• - A conveyor system for containers, in particular for empty crates in the back-line of a reverse vending machine, for example for empty beverage crates, with: at least one inlet for containers, which is arranged on an inlet level; a shelf with a plurality of shelf levels, which are at least partially arranged on a different level than the inlet level; a horizontal conveyor, which is arranged for conveying containers on a shelf level at a level different from the inlet level, and a vertical conveyor which is designed to transfer containers between the inlet level and the horizontal conveyor.
• - A conveyor system for containers for the food retail trade, with a stable, self-standing sales shelf, which has a plurality of shelf levels arranged on different levels, with a horizontal conveyor for conveying containers that are used to bridge a sales area on the top and / or bottom of the shelf levels without loss of space Sales shelf is arranged, the other shelf levels are designed as sales levels.
• - A method for conveying containers, in particular empty crates in the back-line of an empty container return machine, for example, especially for empty beverage crates, with the steps: supplying containers over at least one inlet; Vertical transport and transfer of the packs between an inlet level of the inlet and a shelf level of a shelf that is arranged on a level different from the inlet level; Horizontal conveying of the containers on the shelf level, and vertical transport and transfer of the containers from the shelf level into a process.

One idea on which the invention is based is to combine a shelf, preferably a stable free-standing or self-standing shelf, with a horizontal conveyor for containers, for example container boxes, preferably empty beverage crates, on one shelf level and a vertical conveyor for transferring containers. In this way, on the one hand, extremely space-efficient intermediate storage facilities or buffers for containers of all kinds, for example empty beverage crates, and on the other hand, transport systems integrated in sales shelves for bridging shop areas without loss of sales space without any structural effort. In particular, there are no complex wall or ceiling installations and yet only a minimal space requirement is necessary. For this purpose, the shelf levels are designed as part of a self-standing shelf, preferably suspended or stored in a vertical rack rod. The shelf levels preferably run, at least substantially, horizontally.

The conveyor system according to the invention can have one or more inlets in one or more inlet levels. It can thus be flexibly combined with one or more container acceptance machines, in particular empty container return machines.

By means of the conveyor system according to the invention, containers can be buffered in a shelf designed as a buffer store on the smallest footprint and alternatively or additionally bridge a sales area without loss of space in a shelf designed as a sales shelf.

• Gemäß einem ersten Aspekt umfasst eine Logistikvorrichtung für Gebinde, insbesondere für Getränke- Leergut-Kästen, wenigstens eine Rollenbahn. Bei der Logistikvorrichtung kann es sich um eine Horizontalfördereinrichtung handeln. Die wenigstens eine Rollenbahn ist in einer Regalebene eines Regals angeordnet. Die wenigstens eine Rollenbahn erstreckt sich entlang der Regalebene des Regals. Die wenigstens eine Rollenbahn ist ausgebildet, die Gebinde an einem Eingang der wenigstens einen Rollenbahn aufzunehmen und zusätzlich oder alternativ auszugeben. Zusätzlich oder alternativ ist die wenigstens eine Rollenbahn ausgebildet, die Gebinde an einem Ausgang der wenigstens einen Rollenbahn auszugeben und zusätzlich oder alternativ aufzunehmen. Die wenigstens eine Rollenbahn ist ausgebildet, die aufgenommenen Gebinde entlang der wenigstens einen Rollenbahn zu befördern.

The conveyor system according to the invention is to be understood as an embodiment of a logistics system for containers, for example for the beverage industry, in particular for empty beverage crates, or also for other logistics areas, for example for mail / parcels, outer packaging or empties of all kinds. A logistics system can also contain various aspects of logistics devices:

• According to a first aspect, a logistics device for containers, in particular for empty beverage crates, comprises at least one roller conveyor. The logistics device can be a horizontal conveyor device. The at least one roller conveyor is arranged in a shelf level of a shelf. The at least one roller conveyor extends along the shelf level of the shelf. The at least one roller conveyor is designed to receive the containers at an inlet of the at least one roller conveyor and to output them additionally or alternatively. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one roller conveyor is designed to output the containers at an exit of the at least one roller conveyor and to additionally or alternatively receive them. The at least one roller conveyor is designed to convey the received containers along the at least one roller conveyor.

Thus, a device for the transport of containers or container boxes, in particular of (fully stocked) empty beverage crates, of empty container acceptance machines to an interim storage area and additionally or alternatively from an interim storage area to a removal area (e.g. loading ramp) is provided, which on the one hand quickly and is easy to install on a shop floor and, on the other hand, does not take up any shop floor space that can be used as retail space.

According to a second aspect, a shelf comprises a logistics device according to the first aspect and at least one shelf level. The at least one shelf level extends along the shelf. The at least one roller conveyor of the logistics device is arranged in the at least one shelf level of the shelf. The at least one roller conveyor extends along the at least one shelf level of the shelf.

One finding or idea on which the present invention is based consists in integrating a conveyor device, in particular a horizontal conveyor device, into a shelf. This can be designed as a sales shelf, so that no sales area is lost due to the conveyor device, since the other shelf levels of the shelf can be used to display goods. Furthermore, the shelf with the conveyor can be installed quickly and easily on the shop floor.

A further finding or idea on which the present invention is based consists in integrating a conveyor device, in particular a horizontal conveyor device, for the intermediate storage of containers in a shelf, such a conveyor device being provided in several or all shelf levels of the shelf, so that the space is optimal can be used for the intermediate storage of containers or empty crates.

In both configurations, the shelf can be combined with a vertical conveyor that transports the containers vertically on a minimal footprint, so that a respective implementation of a conveyor system with the highest spatial efficiency is possible.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the space required by intermediate storage facilities or deposit rooms is kept as low as possible and yet as much buffer as possible is kept available for empty crates in order to reduce the frequency of time-consuming clearing by staff.

In connection with the invention, the term mechanically connected or attached or fixed is understood to mean that the elements mechanically connected / attached / fixed to one another are connected / attached / fixed to one another / to one another by form-fitting and / or frictional connection and / or material connection . Furthermore, the term mechanically connected / attached / fixed is understood to mean that the elements are either detachably or permanently connected to one another.

Furthermore, the term firmly (mechanically) connected or attached or fixed is understood to mean that the permanently connected / attached / fixed elements cannot move relative to one another. All three translational and all three rotational degrees of freedom are accordingly blocked.

In particular, firmly (mechanically) connected / fixed / attached can also comprise a one-piece or integral design.

The acceptance of empties boxes at empties acceptance machines takes place through input of a customer, for example at a height of about 30 cm to 40 cm [centimeters] above the shop floor of the shop area. This thus represents a usual level of the inlet or an inlet level of a conveyor device for container crates, in particular empty beverage crates. In the background, the accepted empty crates are raised to a different level by means of one or more suitable vertical conveyors.

The horizontal conveying device can be a roller conveyor, preferably a motor-driven roller conveyor.

The roller conveyor comprises several roles. The rollers can be rotatably mounted in a roller conveyor frame of the roller conveyor, for example via roller bearings. The rollers can furthermore each have the same roller diameter in cross section. The rollers can also be arranged in a horizontal plane parallel to one another with their axial direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the roller conveyor. In addition, the rollers can each have the same roller spacing from their neighboring rollers.

The roller conveyor frame of the roller conveyor with the rollers stored therein can be firmly mechanically fixed in a shelf level of the shelf. In particular, the roller conveyor with its roller conveyor frame and the rollers rotatably mounted therein can be firmly mechanically fixed in the top shelf level. The roller conveyor extends essentially over the entire length of the shelf or the shelf level.

As a transport device, the logistics device can take over containers such as empty boxes accepted at the entrance of the roller conveyor, for example from a vertical conveyor that is connected downstream of an automatic empty container acceptance machine. The containers / empty boxes are conveyed from the entrance along the roller conveyor to the output of the roller conveyor (active or passive).

As an intermediate storage device, the logistics device can take over containers such as accepted empty boxes at the entrance of the roller conveyor, for example from a vertical conveyor which is connected downstream of an automatic empty container or a logistics device functioning as a transport device. The containers / empty boxes are conveyed from the entrance along the roller conveyor to the output of the roller conveyor (active or passive). The containers / empty boxes are taken one after the other into the respective roller conveyor and are moved so much further along the roller conveyor that a new container / empty container can be added to the roller conveyor. This means that several containers / empty boxes can be picked up and temporarily stored over the entire length of each roller conveyor. For emptying the intermediate storage device, the containers / empty boxes are delivered one after the other from the respective roller conveyor either at the exit in the same direction or at the entrance in the opposite direction.

The roller conveyor can be used to convey the containers / empty boxes along the roller conveyor, from its entrance to its exit and additionally or alternatively in the opposite direction, for this purpose a slight slope, in particular a slope in the range of 1 ° to 10 ° from its entrance show their outcome. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics device can comprise active conveying devices such as driven elements (rollers or rollers with or without a belt or belt driven by them) or slides which are designed to move the containers / empty boxes along the roller conveyor. If provided is that the containers / empty crates can be conveyed back to the entrance in the opposite direction, for example the slope of the roller conveyor (e.g. via a lifting mechanism) or the direction of movement of the active conveying devices can be reversed.

The shelf, in at least one of whose shelf levels at least one logistics device is arranged, can comprise a shelf frame in which the individual shelf levels of the shelf can be arranged in a supported manner. For example, the shelf frame can comprise four vertical supports arranged in a rectangle and additionally or alternatively a load-bearing rear wall which can be mechanically fixed or leaned against a building wall. The shelf frame can have connecting struts or connecting beams which are arranged in parallel horizontal planes and which mechanically connect the vertical supports to one another. In addition, the shelf frame can comprise cross struts or crossbars which are arranged in horizontal planes and / or in vertical planes and to give the vertical beams or the load-bearing rear wall additional mechanical stability and rigidity.

The at least one roller conveyor of the logistics device is arranged in at least one of the shelf levels, preferably at least in the top shelf level of the shelf. For this purpose, the roller conveyor frame of the roller conveyor can be fixed or supported mechanically on the shelf frame in the corresponding shelf level, the rollers of course being rotatable.

The shelf can be designed in one embodiment as a transport shelf, preferably only in the top shelf level of the transport shelf a horizontal conveyor, for. B. a roller conveyor is arranged. The other shelf levels of the transport shelf are designed in such a way that goods or containers can be presented or exhibited therein, for example with shelves, insert baskets, chutes, rods or the like.

In a further embodiment, the shelf can be designed as an intermediate storage shelf, with a horizontal conveyor device, eg. B. a roller conveyor is arranged.

A shelf is to be understood in particular as a stable, self-standing shelf that does not require wall mounting.

The logistics device and the shelf, especially if the logistics device is designed as a transport device or if the shelf is designed as a transport shelf, enables an operator (e.g., shop owner) to use significantly more sales area by placing the roller conveyor in the top shelf level of the shelf , invisible out of the sales area, and the other shelf levels of the shelf can be used to display or display goods. Alternatively or additionally, the roller conveyor can also be relocated to the lowest shelf level that is most unattractive for sales, so that the other, more attractive shelf levels can be used to display or display goods. It would also be conceivable to provide the lowest and the uppermost level with a roller conveyor. In this way, the throughput can be increased in one direction or a simultaneous bidirectional transport can be made possible.

In addition, the logistics device and the shelf, especially if the logistics device is designed as an intermediate storage device or if the shelf is designed as an intermediate storage shelf, allows the store operator to have significantly more buffers for containers, such as returned empty beverage crates). This even leads to an increase in the sales area, as the containers are temporarily stored on several shelf levels one above the other, for example in the roller conveyors.

According to the invention, an expensive installation of logistics components on the building fabric is advantageously avoided, taking into account the building statics. The building statics play no role in the solution according to the invention, since the logistics device does not have to be attached to building structures, such as a ceiling or walls of a building. Rather, the shelf can stand independently and stable.

In addition, necessary service work can advantageously be carried out on the roller conveyors at an easily accessible height by service personnel. There is also no need for a service access that takes up additional space.

Advantageous refinements and developments result from the respective dependent subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures.

According to one embodiment, the vertical conveyor is designed for the vertical translational displacement of containers. The vertical conveyor is preferably designed to convey containers vertically and essentially without components in the horizontal direction and to feed them to the horizontal conveyor device. In particular, it is designed for exclusively vertical conveyance. For example, it is an elevator, lift or the like that has a transfer mechanism, for example a slide, converter or the like.

According to one embodiment, the vertical conveyor is designed to receive containers from the inlet and to transfer them to the horizontal conveyor device. As an alternative or in addition, the vertical conveyor is designed to receive containers from the horizontal conveyor device and to transfer them to a drain downstream of the shelf. In particular, the vertical conveyor together with the horizontal conveyor can thus form a last-in-first-out or as a first-in-first-out system. For this purpose, the flow can be, for example, at the level of the inflow or also at a different level. Furthermore, several processes operated by the vertical conveyor would also be conceivable, for example processes aligned in different directions or parallel and alternatively or additionally vertically offset in the same direction.

According to one embodiment, the horizontal conveyor device has a belt conveyor with a plurality of rollers and a belt. In a further development, the belt can extend along an upper side and an underside of the rollers and wrap around them at a first end of the shelf level. Alternatively or additionally, the belt can loop around the rollers at a second end of the shelf level. In particular, at least one roller of the belt conveyor is designed to be driven by a motor for the horizontal transport of the containers by moving the belt. In this way, only a single drive is advantageously required in order to operate the entire horizontal conveyor device of a shelf level.

According to a further embodiment, the horizontal conveyor device can have a roller conveyor driven by a traction drive. Accordingly, a drive motor is coupled in a force-transmitting manner to the rollers of the roller conveyor via a traction device, for example a belt or a chain. For example, the rollers can all be coupled together with a belt and one of the rollers can also be coupled to the drive motor via a drive belt. In a further development, several drive motors, for example distributed at regular intervals, can also be provided along the shelf level. The advantages of a roller conveyor, which is particularly insensitive to soiling, are thus advantageously achieved with the advantages of a belt drive which is particularly low-maintenance. Of course, it would also be equally conceivable to use a chain drive or a gear drive for power transmission.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the shelf is designed as a sales shelf for the food retail trade, with only the top shelf level with the horizontal conveyor device being provided for conveying containers. As an alternative or in addition, the lowest shelf level with the horizontal conveying device can also be provided for conveying containers. The other shelf levels are designed as sales levels. Thus, the top or bottom shelf level, which is unattractive for sales, forms part of a transport route for containers, for example for bridging a sales area without loss of space, while the sales shelf or its sales levels can be used for the presentation of goods at the entire sales-relevant or preferred height. For example, for this purpose the top shelf level with the horizontal conveyor device is arranged at a height of at least 2 meters, preferably at a height of 2 m to 3 m. The horizontal conveying device thus advantageously runs at a height that is not relevant to sales and does not require any additional area. Alternatively or additionally, the lowest shelf level is only a few centimeters above or directly on the floor. The horizontal conveying device thus advantageously runs at a height that is least relevant or unattractive for the sale and does not block any area that is attractive for the sale. Nevertheless, no building installation of the horizontal conveying device is necessary, in particular no ceiling installation. Furthermore, in the case of the combination of a horizontal conveyor device on the top and bottom levels, either an increased unidirectional throughput or bidirectional transport is made possible without affecting the preferred sales areas of the sales shelf.

According to an advantageous development, the sales shelf has at least one panel for facing the top shelf level, which covers the horizontal conveyor device at least towards a front side of the shelf. Alternatively or additionally, the sales shelf has at least one panel for facing the lowest shelf level, which covers the horizontal conveying device at least on a front side of the shelf. In this way, the horizontal conveying device is advantageously concealed invisibly by the panel from the outside, in particular from a sales area. The panel can also be used advantageously as an advertising area, as an information area or as a decoration area.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the screen is designed to be sound-absorbing, so that sound emanating from the horizontal conveying device is attenuated at least towards the blinded front side. Advantageously, the horizontal conveying device cannot be perceived acoustically from the outside, or is only barely perceptible.

According to a further embodiment, the shelf is designed as an intermediate store for containers, a horizontal conveyor device being provided in at least a second shelf level of the shelf. A horizontal conveyor device is preferably provided in each of the shelf levels. In this way, a very space-saving buffer for containers is provided.

According to a further development, at least one additional inlet level with an additional inlet is provided and the vertical conveyor is designed for the transfer of containers between the additional inlet level and the horizontal conveyor devices. In this way, in particular, further reverse vending machines can be connected. For example, several reverse vending machines can be coupled in parallel to the buffer store.

According to a further development, the horizontal conveying devices each have a sensor system which is designed to detect a fill level of the respective shelf level. In particular, the fill level can be determined by detecting a number of containers temporarily stored on the respective shelf level. Furthermore, a control device is provided which is communicatively connected to the sensor systems and is designed to recognize, based on the fill levels detected by the sensor systems, that a predefined limit fill level of the entire intermediate store has been reached. In this way, when the fill level is reached, an output, for example an acoustic and / or visual alarm, a control display, a message for calling personnel at an operator input station of the empties machine, or the like, can advantageously be made.

According to one embodiment, at least one further identical shelf is provided in a common shelf level. A plurality of further identical shelves is preferably provided in the common shelf level. In particular, the shelves are arranged directly adjacent to one another. In this way, the conveying device is advantageously provided so that it can be expanded in a modular manner.

According to one embodiment, a second vertical conveyor arranged opposite the vertical conveyor is arranged on the shelf or on another shelf. In particular, the second vertical conveyor is arranged on a last of the plurality of shelves. In this way, a first-in-first-out interim storage facility is advantageously provided, with one conveying direction of the horizontal conveying device always being maintained.

In a further embodiment, only a single vertical conveyor can be provided. In this way, a last-in-first-out interim storage facility is provided, with a conveying direction of the horizontal conveying device changing in each case for the introduction and discharge of containers. The vertical conveyor is then also provided, in particular, for transferring containers to a drain.

Returning to the aspects of a logistics device, according to one embodiment, a beginning of the logistics device or the shelf coincides with the input of the at least one horizontal conveyor device, for example a roller conveyor, and an end of the logistics device or of the shelf coincides with the output of the at least one horizontal conveyor device, for example a roller conveyor. The logistics device is designed to be arranged in series at its beginning on a vertical conveyor or at one end of a further logistics device. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics device is designed to be arranged in a row at its end on a further vertical conveyor or at the beginning of a further logistics device.

The vertical conveyors, which are arranged at the beginning and additionally or alternatively at the end of the logistics devices or the shelves, are used to raise or lower the containers or empty boxes. The containers or empty boxes can be conveyed through the vertical conveyor from the level of a lower height, for example 0 cm to 60 cm, at the same height, or to another level with a higher height, for example 100 cm to 300 cm. In addition, the containers or empty boxes can be conveyed down by the vertical conveyor from the higher level to the lower level.

For example, empties boxes accepted by an empties acceptance machine can be taken from the lower height (here approx. 30 cm to 40 cm) by means of one of the vertical conveyors described above, which is arranged downstream of the empties acceptance machine and is arranged at the beginning of the logistics device or the shelf, to the entrance the at least one roller conveyor of the logistics device or of the shelf to the higher height (here for example 250 cm) are conveyed / lifted. The empty boxes accepted are then conveyed from the entrance of the at least one roller conveyor in the direction of the exit of the at least one roller conveyor.

Furthermore, for example, empty boxes can be moved from the higher level to the lower level by means of one of the vertical conveyors described above, which is arranged at the end or at the beginning of the logistics device or the shelf Height, for example to a loading ramp, be conveyed / lowered.

The vertical conveyors can have several entrances at different heights, at which containers or empty boxes can be introduced into the vertical conveyor, and several outlets at different heights, at which containers or empty boxes can be removed from the vertical conveyors. The vertical conveyors preferably each comprise an entrance and an exit, which can receive and release containers or empty crates at any desired or freely selectable or freely adjustable height. For example, a vertical conveyor comprises an entrance in an inlet level on the lower level and an exit on another level of the higher level. Furthermore, for example, a vertical conveyor comprises an entrance at the higher level and an exit at the lower level. Furthermore, for example, a vertical conveyor comprises an entrance / exit at the lower level and several exits / entrances at several different higher levels and optionally also one at the same level.

The vertical conveyors can include a lifting mechanism driven by actuators (e.g. electric motors, hydraulic / pneumatic actuators, etc.), which convey (raise and / or lower) the containers or empty boxes from the level of the entrance to the level of the exit. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to design vertical conveyors only for conveying down as (spiral) sliding devices, with containers or empty boxes being guided at one or more entrances to a (spiral) chute, via which they are conveyed down to an outlet.

If the beginning of a second logistics device or a second shelf is arranged at one end of a first logistics device or a first shelf, containers / empty boxes can be fed from the output of the at least one roller conveyor of the first logistics device or the first shelf directly into the input of the at least a roller conveyor of the second logistics device or the second shelf can be promoted. The at least one roller conveyor of the first logistics device or of the first shelf and the at least one roller conveyor of the second logistics device or of the second shelf are arranged at the same height or in shelf levels that are at the same height.

Through the beginning and the end, which coincide with the entrance or exit of the at least one horizontal conveyor, for example roller conveyor, the logistics devices or shelves can be flexibly arranged on further logistics devices or shelves or vertical conveyors and connected to form a conveyor system or logistics system. Thus, depending on the shop area, a logistics system can be put together individually from logistic devices or shelves and vertical conveyors and arranged and assembled or installed particularly easily on the shop area.

According to a further development of the present invention, the at least one roller conveyor comprises a belt conveyor with a plurality of rollers and a belt. The belt extends along an upper side and a lower side of the plurality of rollers along the roller conveyor and wraps around them at the entrance and at the output of the at least one roller conveyor. The belt conveyor is designed to convey the containers on the belt along the at least one roller conveyor.

The belt conveyor is designed as a conveyor device for the at least one roller conveyor. The belt rolls along the top and bottom of the rollers on the rollers (static friction). The belt is driven by a belt drive. The belt drive can be designed as one or more rollers that are driven (e.g. via electric motors). The belt is deflected from the top to the bottom of the rolls on the roll that is closest to the entrance (entry roll) and on the roll that is closest to the exit (exit roll). In particular, the input roller and additionally or alternatively the output roller can be part of the belt drive and thus driven rollers. The belt can have a width perpendicular to a conveying direction from the entrance to the exit of the roller conveyor, which essentially corresponds to the length of the rollers in the axial direction.

The containers / empty crates are conveyed on the belt along the roller conveyor from the entrance to the exit or in the opposite direction. The belt is preferably designed in such a way that the containers / empty boxes form a sufficiently high static friction with a surface of the belt so that when the containers / empty boxes are transported, they cannot slide back and forth on the belt.

The belt conveyor is a particularly robust and reliable conveying device for the at least one roller conveyor of the logistics device or of the shelf. The containers / empty boxes are conveyed on the belt in a particularly simple and reliable way along the roller conveyor.

According to a further development, at least one roller of the belt conveyor of the at least one roller conveyor is driven by a motor, in particular an electric motor. The at least one roller is designed to move the belt in such a way that the Bundles are conveyed on the belt along the at least one roller conveyor.

The at least one roller driven by the (electric) motor forms the belt drive and is preferably at the same time the input roller or the output roller. A plurality of rollers driven by (electric) motors are particularly preferred, two of the driven rollers being the input roller and the output roller.

The motor or the electric motor and the roller driven by it represent a particularly efficient and robust belt drive for the belt conveyor.

According to a further development, the logistics device is designed as a transport device. A roller conveyor is arranged in a top shelf level of the shelf (in particular a goods shelf) and extends along the top shelf level of the shelf. The roller conveyor, which is arranged in the top shelf level, is designed to receive the containers at the entrance of the roller conveyor, to convey them along the roller conveyor and to deliver them at the exit of the roller conveyor.

According to a further development, the shelf is designed as a transport shelf. The transport shelf comprises a transport device and a top shelf level. A roller conveyor of the transport device is arranged in the top shelf level of the transport shelf and extends along the top shelf level of the transport shelf. The roller conveyor, which is arranged in the uppermost shelf level, is designed to receive the containers at the entrance of said roller conveyor, to convey them along said roller conveyor and to deliver them at the output of said roller conveyor.

The transport device or the transport shelf with the roller conveyor in the top shelf level enables the transport of containers or container boxes, in particular empty beverage crates, and at the same time the use of the other shelf levels of the shelf or the transport shelf for other purposes, in particular for display of goods.

A first vertical conveyor can, as described above, convey containers (empty boxes) up to the level of the top shelf level. B. on a lifting mechanism. At the level of the top shelf level, the containers (empty boxes) are handed over at the entrance of the roller conveyor and transported with an active or passive horizontal conveyor (e.g. belt conveyor, traction drive or a slight incline of the roller conveyor) along the sales area of a supermarket, for example, while the other shelf levels or shelf areas below the roller conveyor in the top shelf level can be used to display goods. When they arrive at a suitable point, for example in a storage room, the containers (empty boxes) are guided downwards from the exit of the roller conveyor by means of a second vertical conveyor (e.g. lifting mechanism or gravity). Several transport devices or transport racks can be arranged next to one another as described above in order to bridge larger distances between the first vertical conveyor (e.g. on an automatic empty container acceptance device) and the second vertical conveyor (e.g. in a storage room).

The transport device or the transport rack enables optimal use of the available shop space by transporting containers above sales levels / shelves. At the same time, the installation and arrangement of the transport device or the transport shelf is particularly simple, since the integration into a (goods) shelf means that no complex attachment to building structures is necessary.

According to a further development, the roller conveyor, which is arranged in the top shelf level of the (transport) shelf, is arranged at a height H of at least 2 m [meters], preferably at a height H of 2 m to 3 m. At a height H of 2 m to 3 m below the top shelf level in which the roller conveyor is arranged, there is sufficient space available for displaying goods, while at the same time the roller conveyor is still easily accessible (for example via a ladder).

According to a further development, the transport device further comprises at least one panel or cover. The at least one facing is arranged in such a way that it covers the at least one roller conveyor at least towards a front side of the (transport) shelf. The at least one facing can be detachably mechanically attached to the roller conveyor frame of the roller conveyor or to the shelf frame of the (transport) shelf. For example, the at least one facing can be screwed on or mechanically fastened by means of a locking mechanism or by means of a snap mechanism. The at least one facing is arranged on a front side (front side) of the (transport) shelf at the level of the roller conveyor. The at least one veneer can be designed in the form of a plate and comprise a metal, a plastic, a wood, a composite material or a combination of the aforementioned materials as the material. The at least one facing ensures, on the one hand, a visually more appealing design of the (transport) shelf towards the outside, in that the roller conveyor and the transported containers (empty boxes) are covered. On the other hand, the roller conveyor is protected from dirt and External damage is protected by the facing. At the same time, the at least one cover also enables easy access to the roller conveyor, for example during service / maintenance of the transport device or the transport shelf, which can easily be removed from the at least one cover (e.g. snap mechanism).

According to a further development, the at least one facing is designed in such a way that it attenuates sound from the at least one roller conveyor at least towards a front side of the shelf. The facing can include, for example, one or more sound-absorbing elements made of a sound-absorbing material that dampen the noises from the roller belt that occur when the containers (empty boxes) are transported to the outside or to the front of the (transport) shelf. The at least one facing thus ensures effective noise suppression towards the shop area.

According to a further development, the (transport) shelf is a sales or goods shelf. Below the top shelf level in which the roller conveyor is arranged, the goods shelf can have one or more shelf surfaces or shelves which are designed for laying out or otherwise presenting goods. The goods shelf thus enables the transport of containers (empty boxes) and at the same time the display of goods along or on a sales area of a shop.

According to a further development, the logistics device is designed as an intermediate storage device. The intermediate storage device comprises at least two roller tracks. The at least two roller conveyors are each designed to temporarily store the containers along the roller conveyors.

According to a further development, the shelf is designed as an intermediate storage shelf. The intermediate storage shelf comprises an intermediate storage device and at least two shelf levels. The at least two roller tracks of the intermediate storage device are each designed to temporarily store the bundles along the roller tracks in the corresponding shelf levels of the intermediate storage rack. The containers (empty boxes) are temporarily stored one after the other along the at least two roller conveyors. For this purpose, the containers (empty boxes) are received at the entrance of the respective roller conveyor and are moved essentially just far enough along the roller conveyor towards its exit that they are completely received on the roller conveyor. For example, a first container (empty container) is received at an input of one of the at least two roller conveyors and is moved just far enough along the roller conveyor in the direction of its exit that it is completely received on the roller conveyor. A second container (empty crate) is then received at the entrance directly after the first container (empty container), with the first and second container (the first and second empty container) being moved together along the roller conveyor in the direction of its exit until the second Container (empties box) is completely taken up on the roller conveyor. Intermediate storage takes place in the same way for other containers (empty crates) and in the other roller conveyors. For output from the intermediate storage device or the intermediate storage shelf, the containers (empty boxes) are moved out one after the other either at the exit or (in the opposite direction) at the entrance of the respective roller conveyor. A predefined container spacing can be provided between the individual containers (empty crates). The container spacing can be 1 mm or more, preferably 1 cm to 10 cm and particularly preferably 4 cm to 7 cm. The intermediate storage device or the intermediate storage shelf enables particularly efficient intermediate storage of containers (empty boxes) one after the other in the shelf levels of the (intermediate storage) shelf, whereby no complex installation of storage devices on building structures is necessary, since the roller conveyors are integrated directly in the (intermediate storage) shelf .

According to a further development, the at least two roller conveyors each include a sensor system. The sensor system is designed to determine a number of temporarily stored containers that are temporarily stored in the respective roller conveyor. The sensor systems of the roller conveyors can include, for example, sensors such as light barriers, cameras and the like. The sensors are assigned to the respective roller conveyors. In particular, the sensors can be arranged at the entrance and additionally or alternatively at the exit of the at least two roller conveyors. The sensors detect containers that are picked up on the roller conveyors and then dispensed from them. The stock level of each roller conveyor of the intermediate storage device can be determined with the sensors.

According to one development, the intermediate storage device also includes a controller. The control is communicatively and optionally also electrically connected to the sensors. The controller is designed to display a level of temporarily stored containers based on the number of temporarily stored containers determined by the sensors and to additionally or alternatively output an alarm when a predefined level of temporarily stored containers is reached. The control thus enables the shopkeeper to take suitable measures to empty the in good time To meet the intermediate storage device or the intermediate storage shelf (e.g. organize removal of the empty boxes).

According to a third aspect, a logistics system for containers, in particular for empty crates, comprises at least one logistics device according to the first aspect or at least one shelf according to the second aspect. The logistics system further comprises at least one further logistics device according to the first aspect or at least one further shelf according to the second aspect and additionally or alternatively an empties acceptance machine with a vertical conveyor, which is arranged at the beginning of the at least one logistics device or the at least one shelf and additionally or alternatively a further vertical conveyor which is arranged at the end of the at least one logistics device or the at least one shelf and optionally at the beginning of the at least one further logistics device or the at least one further shelf.

According to a further development, the logistics system comprises one or more transport devices or one or more transport racks, one or more intermediate storage devices or one or more intermediate storage racks, an automatic empties acceptance machine with a first vertical conveyor and a second vertical conveyor and optionally a third vertical conveyor. The plurality of transport devices or the plurality of transport racks are arranged in series. The plurality of temporary storage devices or the plurality of temporary storage shelves are arranged in series. The first vertical conveyor is arranged at the beginning of a first transport device or a first transport rack or at the beginning of a first intermediate storage device or a first intermediate storage rack. The second vertical conveyor is arranged between the beginning of the first intermediate storage device or the first intermediate storage shelf and the end of a last transport device or a last transport shelf or between the beginning of the first transport device or the first transport shelf and the end of a last intermediate storage device or a last intermediate storage shelf. The optional third vertical conveyor is arranged at the end of the last intermediate storage device or the last intermediate storage shelf or the end of the last transport device or the last transport shelf. The empties acceptance machine is designed to accept the containers from a user and to feed them to the first transport device or the first transport rack or the first intermediate storage device or the first intermediate storage rack by means of the first vertical conveyor. The second vertical conveyor is designed to remove the bundles from the last transport device or the last transport shelf and to feed them to the first intermediate storage device or the first intermediate storage shelf or to remove containers from the last intermediate storage device or the last intermediate storage shelf and to feed them to the first transport device or the first transport shelf. The optional third vertical conveyor is designed to remove and output the packs from the last intermediate storage device or the last intermediate storage rack or to remove and output packs from the last transport device or the last transport rack.

The logistics system enables the transport of containers (empty crates) from the automatic empty container or the last intermediate storage device or the last intermediate storage shelf along the transport device (s) or transport shelf (s) through the shop area, whereby the entire shop area can still be used to display goods . In addition, there is no need for complex installation of transport and storage facilities on building structures, since the roller conveyors of the transport and intermediate storage devices are integrated directly into the shelves.

The above configurations and developments can be combined with one another as desired, provided that it makes sense. In particular, all the features of a conveying system for containers can be transferred to a method for conveying containers.

Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention that are not explicitly mentioned above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

Figure list

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Fördersystems für Gebinde;
• 2 ein Ablaufdiagram eines Verfahrens zum Fördern von Gebinden;
• 3 eine Transportvorrichtung in einem Transportregal;
• 4 die Transportvorrichtung in dem Transportregal mit einer Verblendung;
• 5 Fördersystem mit zwei in Reihe angeordneten Transportvorrichtungen in zwei Transportregalen;
• 6 eine Zwischenspeichervorrichtung in einem Zwischenspeicherregal;
• 7 die Zwischenspeichervorrichtung in dem Zwischenspeicherregal mit einem an dessen Anfang angeordnetem Vertikalförderer;
• 8 zwei in Reihe angeordnete Zwischenspeichervorrichtungen in zwei Zwischenspeicherregalen; und
• 9 ein Fördersystem gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments specified in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a conveyor system for containers;
• 2 a flow chart of a method for conveying containers;
• 3 a transport device in a transport shelf;
• 4th the transport device in the transport shelf with a cover;
• 5 Conveyor system with two transport devices arranged in a row on two transport shelves;
• 6th a staging device on a staging shelf;
• 7th the intermediate storage device in the intermediate storage shelf with a vertical conveyor arranged at the beginning thereof;
• 8th two intermediate storage devices arranged in series in two intermediate storage shelves; and
• 9 a conveyor system according to a further embodiment.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned emerge with a view to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with one another.

In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and identically acting elements, features and components - unless stated otherwise - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a schematic representation of a conveyor system for containers.

The funding system 1 is for containers, here as an example for empty beverage crates 5 in the wake of an empties machine 100, and has an inlet, here for example starting from the empties machine 2 for containers on one feed level 3 is arranged. This is, for example, a level at the height of which the G empty beverage crates 5 can usually be entered by a user of an empties machine 100 into a container opening 101 of the empties machine 100. In further embodiments, at least one additional inlet, preferably on an additional inlet level, can also be provided.

The funding system 1 also has a shelf 4th with several shelf levels 5 on. The shelving levels 5 are at least partially on one to the feed level 3 different level, that is, with a height difference to the inlet level, arranged. On one of the to the infeed level 3 Shelf levels arranged on different levels 5 is a horizontal conveyor 6th provided, which is designed for the promotion of containers on the shelf level.

There is a vertical conveyor between the inlet and the shelf 7th provided for the transfer of containers between the feed level 3 and the horizontal conveyor 6th is trained. The vertical conveyor 7th is designed for the vertical translational displacement of containers.

The vertical conveyor 7th is for receiving containers from the inlet 2 and for transfer to the horizontal conveyor 6th educated. Optionally, the vertical conveyor 7th in addition to receiving containers from the horizontal conveyor 6th and be designed for transfer to a sequence not shown here for the sake of clarity.

2 shows a flow chart of a method for conveying containers.

The method is particularly useful for conveying empty crates 50 provided in the after-run of a reverse vending machine. It can thus be based on a conveyor system 1 use.

In a first step of the method, a supply S1 of containers is carried out via an inlet 2 performed. A second step comprises vertical transport and transfer S2 of the containers between an infeed level 3 of the inflow 2 and one on one to the feed level 3 shelving level arranged at different levels 5 of a shelf 4th . In a third step, the containers are conveyed horizontally S3 on the shelf level 5 intended. A fourth step includes the vertical transport and transfer S4 of the containers from the shelf level 5 in a sequence.

In the embodiment according to 1 the sequence can, for example, start from the vertical conveyor 7th be provided aligned transversely to the inlet, so that it is here by the vertical conveyor 7th runs concealed into the plane of the drawing and is not shown for the sake of clarity.

In the 3 until 5 is a logistics device with a horizontal conveyor 6th as a transport device 10 is designed on a shelf 4th that is used as a sales shelf and transport shelf 20th is designed, shown schematically. In the 6th until 8th is a logistics device with a horizontal conveyor 6th that act as a caching device 30th is designed on a shelf 4th that is used as a temporary storage shelf 40 is designed, shown schematically. Below are the elements of the logistic fixtures and shelves described, both in the case of the transport device 10 or the transport rack 20th as well as in the intermediate storage device 30th or the temporary storage shelf 40 are the same.

The horizontal conveyor 10 , 30th has at least one roller conveyor 11 , 31 on. The roller conveyor 11 , 31 has an entrance 12th , 32 and an exit 13th , 33 and includes multiple roles 14th , 34 which are parallel to each other along the roller conveyor 11 .31 from their entrance 12th , 32 to their exit 13th , 33 are arranged. The roles 14th , 34 can be in a roller conveyor frame (e.g. frame structure, not shown) of the roller conveyor 11 , 31 can be rotatably mounted (e.g. by means of suitable roller bearings, not shown). The roles 14th , 24 are arranged in a roller plane that extends essentially horizontally from the entrance 12th , 32 to the exit 13th , 33 the roller conveyor 11 , 32 extends. Alternatively, the roller level can also have a slope relative to the horizontal from the entrance 12th , 32 to the exit 13th , 33 the roller conveyor 11 , 31 have. The roles 14th , 34 are each at the same roller distance to their two adjacent rollers 14th , 34 arranged.

The roller conveyor 11 , 31 is driven by a traction drive in the illustrated embodiment. A drive motor 16 is about a traction device 17th , which is provided here as an example as a belt or chain, with at least some of the rollers 14th the roller conveyor 11 , preferably any of the roles 14th , power-transmitting coupled.

The roller conveyor 11 , 31 comprises in further embodiments a belt conveyor (not shown) with a belt (not shown). The belt then extends along a top and a bottom of the rollers 14th , 34 along the roller conveyor 11 , 31. The belt also wraps around the roll 14.1 , 34.1 that at the entrance 12th , 32 the roller conveyor 11 , 31 is arranged (input roller), and the roller 14.2 , 34.2 that at the exit 13th , 33 the roller conveyor 11 , 31 is arranged (output roll). The belt conveyor also has a belt drive. The belt drive includes the input roller 14.1 , 34.1 and the starting role 14.2 , 34.2 each driven by an electric motor (not shown). The entrance role 14.1 , 34.1 and the starting role 14.2 , 34.2 move the belt along the roller conveyor 11 , 31 optionally in the direction of the entrance 12th , 32 to the exit 13th , 33 the roller conveyor 11 , 31 or in the opposite direction. On the rolls 14th , 34 or the belt of the roller conveyor 11 , 31 are containers in the form of empty beverage crates 50 , hereinafter referred to as empty boxes for short 50 , (please refer 5 , 7th and 8th ) along the roller conveyor 11 , 31 promoted. The empty boxes 50 form static friction with the belt when they stand on the belt. The belt, which is moved by the belt drive, conveys the empty boxes 50 individually, one behind the other along the roller conveyor 11 , 31.

The shelve 4th , 20th , 40 has a shelf length 1 and a shelf height h. The shelf length 1 can be 1 m to 10 m, for example. The shelf height h can for example be 1.5 m to 4 m. Along the length of the shelf 1 Several shelf levels extend one above the other and parallel to one another 21 , 41 at a shelf level distance d from one another. The shelf level spacing d can be, for example, 30 cm to 60 cm. The shelving levels 21 , 41 are essentially horizontal.

The at least one roller conveyor 11 , 31 is on one of the shelf levels 21 ; 41 of the shelf 20th , 40 arranged. For example, the roller conveyor frame of the roller conveyor 11 , 31 with a shelf frame (not shown) of the shelf 20th , 40 be mechanically connected so firmly that the roller conveyor 11 , 31 along one of the shelf levels 21 , 41 runs.

The entrance 12th , 32 the roller conveyor 11 .31 falls with a beginning of the shelf 20th , 40 in the direction of the shelf length 1 together.

The exit 13th , 33 the roller conveyor 11 , 31 falls to one end of the shelf 20th , 40 in the direction of the shelf length 1 together. The roller conveyor 11 , 31 runs along the shelf level 21 , 41 in the horizontal direction from the beginning to the end of the shelf 20th , 40 or alternatively with a slope to the horizontal from the beginning to the end of the shelf 20th , 40 .

That the horizontal conveyor 10 , 30th and the shelf 20th , 40 are designed so that at the beginning of the shelf 20th , 40 and additionally or alternatively at the end of the shelf 20th , 40 a vertical conveyor 61 , 62 , 63 (please refer 5 , 7th , 8th , 9 ) can be arranged. It can be at the beginning of the shelf 20th , 40 also alternatively the end of another shelf 20th , 40 be arranged in series. It can also be at the end of the shelf 20th , 40 also the beginning of another shelf 20th , 40 be arranged in series. The roller conveyor lies here 11 , 31 of the front shelf 20th , 40 essentially at the same height as the roller conveyor 11 , 31 of the with its beginning at the end of the front shelf 20th , 40 arranged rear shelf 20th , 40 .

Thus, several shelves 20th , 40 be arranged one after the other in series. The empty boxes 50 can run along the roller conveyors, which are essentially at the same height 11 , 31 of the shelves arranged in a row 20th , 40 from the beginning of the first shelf 20th , 40 or the entrance 12th , 32 its roller conveyor 11 , 31 to the end of the last shelf 20th , 40 or the exit 13th , 33 its roller conveyor 11 , 31 are promoted.

The transport device 10 from the 3 , 4th , 5 includes a roller conveyor 11 that are on a top shelf level 21.1 of the transport rack 20th is arranged. The top shelf level 21.1 runs, for example, at a height H of 2 m to 3 m.

In further embodiments, however, the roller conveyor can alternatively also be provided in the lowest shelf level, or roller conveyors can be provided both in the uppermost and in the lowest shelf level.

The transport shelf 20th is designed as a sales shelf and comprises several (here four) additional shelf levels 21-21.5 below the top shelf level 21.1 that are arranged and designed as sales levels with shelves for displaying goods. Along the roller conveyor 11 can thus empty boxes 50 along the transport shelf 20th are conveyed from the beginning to the end or in the opposite direction, while goods are laid out on the shelves along the other shelf levels 21-21.5. In addition, the transport device 10 cannot be installed on building structures, as they are installed directly in the transport rack 20th is integrated, which is designed to stand independently and stably.

As in 4th shown schematically, a cover or facing 15th on the front (front) of the transport rack 20th the roller conveyor 11 cover. The delusion 15th extends from the beginning to the end of the transport rack 20th over the length of the shelf 1 and covers the roller conveyor 11 from their entrance 12th until their exit 13th . The delusion 15th can be releasably mechanically connected to the roller conveyor frame and / or the shelf frame. Thus, the roller conveyor 11 and empties crates transported on it 50 Covered by the veneer so that they are not covered by customers standing in front of the shelf 20th stand, are visible.

The delusion 15th comprises sound-absorbing elements (not shown) which are designed in such a way that they remove noise from the roller conveyor 11 to the front of the shelf 20th dampen down. Thus, customers who are in front of the shelf 20th standing, no noise from the roller conveyor 11 or empty crates transported on it 50 hear.

In 5 is a funding system 70 shown schematically.

It is a funding system 70 for containers, here as an example for empty beverage crates for the food retail trade, with a stable, self-standing sales shelf 20th , which has a plurality of shelf levels arranged on different levels 21.1 , 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, with a horizontal conveyor 10 For conveying containers, which are used for bridging a sales area on the top of the shelf levels without loss of space 21.1 of the shelf 20th is arranged, the remaining shelf levels 21, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5 being designed as sales levels.

In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system comprises 70 two transport racks arranged in a row 20th according to 2 each with one as a transport device 10 trained horizontal conveyor. The funding system also includes 70 a first vertical conveyor 61 and a second vertical conveyor 62 .

The end of the first transport shelf 20th or the exit 13th the first roller conveyor 11 the first transport device 10 is at the beginning of the second transport shelf 20th or at the entrance 12th the second roller conveyor 11 the second transport device 10 arranged. Empties boxes 50 can from the entrance 12th the first roller conveyor 11 to their exit 13th transported and there directly in the entrance 12th the second roller conveyor 11 entered and then continue to their output 13th to get promoted.

The beginning of the first transport shelf 20th is on the first vertical conveyor 61 arranged. The end of the second transport shelf 20th is on the second vertical conveyor 62 arranged. The first vertical conveyor 61 can empty boxes 50 from the inlet level at a lower level 3 (e.g. 30 cm to 40 cm) to the entrance 12th the first roller conveyor 11 to the height H at which the roller conveyors 11 run, lift. In further embodiments, an additional inlet level can also be used 3 be provided at a further height, for example to feed empty boxes from another automatic empty container. Furthermore, several additional inlet levels would also be conceivable.

The second vertical conveyor 62 can empty boxes 50 from the exit 13th the second roller conveyor 11 at the height H at which the roller conveyors 11 run to a lower, equal or higher height of a drainage level 9 of the process 8th lower, convey or raise. This way one becomes in the shelves area 20th Lying sales area bridged without loss of space.

With the conveyor system 70 can thus empty boxes 50 transported along a shop area (e.g. from an empties acceptance machine to a warehouse) and at the same time goods in the shelf areas along the other shelf levels 21-21.5 under the roller conveyors 11 on the top shelf levels 21.1 be interpreted. The transport devices must 10 not laborious Building structures can be installed as they are directly in the transport racks 20th are integrated.

The intermediate storage device 30th from the 6th , 7th and 8th comprises several (here four as an example) roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 in several (here four) shelf levels 41.1 - 41.2 of the temporary storage shelf 40 are arranged. Accordingly, no sales levels are provided here. Otherwise the intermediate storage device corresponds 30th or the temporary storage shelf 40 essentially the transport device 10 or the transport rack 20th .

Along the roller tracks 31.1 - 31.4 can each individually, one behind the other, empty crates 50 be cached by each empties crate 50 at the entrance 33 the corresponding roller conveyor 31 and is just moved further on the corresponding roller conveyor 31 that it is completely on it. The empty boxes 50 can also be moved so far that there is a predefined container spacing (e.g. 1 cm to 10 cm) between the individual empty crates. Thus, for the intermediate storage of empty boxes 50 the roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 from their respective entrance 32 to their respective exit 33 empties crate for empties crate filled up.

Every roller conveyor 31.1 - 31.4 the intermediate storage device 30th also includes a sensor system (e.g. light barrier (s), camera (s), etc., not shown) at their input 32 and optionally also at their output 33 . Each of the sensor systems is connected to a controller (for example a computer, not shown) of the intermediate storage device 40 communicatively (data transmission) and electrically (energy supply) connected. With the help of the sensors, every empty crate can 50 who is at the entrance 32 into one of the roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 occurs, to be recognized. Any empties crate can also be used as an option 50 who is at the exit 33 from one of the roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 emerges, can be recognized. By recognizing the entering and optionally exiting empty crates 50 can be their number on the respective roller conveyor 31.1 - 31.4 be determined. By the number of empty boxes in each of the roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 are temporarily stored, a fill level of the intermediate storage device 30th can be determined by the control. The level can for example on an output device such. B. a control monitor are displayed. Upon reaching a predefined level, in particular a limit level, the z. B. can correspond to a level of the intermediate storage device of 80% [percent] to 90%, an alarm or warning signal or a screen message or the like can be output.

Along the roller tracks 31.1 - 31.4 can thus empty boxes 50 along the temporary storage shelf 40 are cached from the beginning to the end, which is a particularly space-saving implementation of a buffer for empty crates 50 represents. In addition, the intermediate storage device 30th can not be installed on building structures, as they are installed directly in the intermediate storage shelf 40 is integrated.

As in 7th shown schematically, a vertical conveyor can 61 at the beginning or at the end of the temporary storage shelf 40 to be ordered. The vertical conveyor 61 can empty boxes 50 from a lower height (e.g. 30 cm to 40 cm) to each entrance 32 or exit 33 the roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 lift where they are in the appropriate roller conveyor 31.1 - 31.4 recorded and cached. Optionally, the vertical conveyor 61 also empty boxes 50 coming off the roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 output from each input 32 or exit 33 the roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 Lower it to the lower level.

In 8th is a funding system 80 shown schematically.

The funding system 80 comprises, for example, two intermediate storage shelves arranged in a row 40 each with an intermediate storage device 30th . The funding system also includes 80 a first vertical conveyor 61 and a second vertical conveyor 62 .

The two temporary storage shelves 40 with the intermediate storage devices 30th correspond to the temporary storage shelf 40 with intermediate storage device 30th the end 5 . The end of the first temporary storage shelf 40 or the outputs 33 of the first roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 of the first intermediate storage device 30th is / are at the beginning of the second temporary storage shelf 40 or at the entrances 32 the corresponding second roller conveyor 31.1 - 31.4 of the second intermediate storage device 30th arranged. Empties boxes 50 can be sent individually one after the other (optionally with the container spacing in between) from the respective input 32 of the first roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 to their respective output 33 transported and there directly in the corresponding entrance 32 entered the second roller conveyors 31, each arranged at the same height, and then on to their respective output 33 to get promoted. This moves the empty boxes along the several (here four) first and second roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 cached.

The beginning of the first temporary storage shelf 40 is on the first vertical conveyor 61 arranged. The end of the second temporary storage shelf 20th is on the second vertical conveyor 62 arranged. The first vertical conveyor 61 can empty boxes 50 from a lower height of the inlet level 3 (e.g. 30 cm to 40 cm) to each entrance 32 of the first roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 to the corresponding height at which the respective first and second roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 run, lift. In further embodiments, several inlets can also be provided on several inlet levels. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment can be supplemented with at least one additional inlet or an additional inlet level, in particular in order to also connect further automatic reverse vending machines to the intermediate storage rack.

The second vertical conveyor 62 can empty boxes 50 from every exit 33 the second roller conveyor 31.1 - 31.4 at the corresponding height at which the respective first and second roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 run to a lower, equal or higher height of the drainage level 9 lower, convey or raise.

With the conveyor system 80 can thus empty boxes 50 be cached in several levels (shelf levels) one above the other to save space. The intermediate storage devices 30th can not be installed on building structures, as they are installed directly in the intermediate storage shelves 40 are integrated.

In 9 is a funding system 90 shown schematically. The funding system 90 comprises two intermediate storage shelves arranged in a row 40 each with an intermediate storage device 30th and two transport racks arranged in a row 20th each with a transport device 10 . The funding system also includes 90 a first vertical conveyor 61 , a second vertical conveyor 62 and a third vertical conveyor 63 . The first vertical conveyor 61 is arranged here after an empties acceptance machine (not shown) or part of said empties acceptance machine.

The beginning of the first temporary storage shelf 40 is on the first vertical conveyor 61 arranged. The end of the second temporary storage shelf 20th is on the second vertical conveyor 62 arranged. The beginning of the first transport shelf 20th is on the second vertical conveyor 62 after the second intermediate storage shelf 40 arranged. The end of the second transport shelf 20th is on the third vertical conveyor 63 arranged.

Empties crates are accepted by the empties acceptance machine and by the feeder 2 starting from the inlet level 3 via the first vertical conveyor 61 the two intermediate storage devices connected in series 30th or temporary storage shelves 40 fed. To do this, the first vertical conveyor lifts 61 the accepted empty boxes 50 at the level of the entrances 32 of the first roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 of the first intermediate storage device 30th and carries the accepted empties boxes 50 the corresponding roller conveyor 31.1 -31.4 to. The empty boxes are placed along the first roller conveyor 31.1 - 31.4 the first intermediate storage device and further along the second roller tracks 31.1 - 31.4 of the second intermediate storage device 30th individually, cached one after the other.

When the staging devices 30th or temporary storage shelves 40 are emptied, lifts the second vertical conveyor 62 those from the second roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 the second intermediate storage device emptied empty boxes to the height H, in which the first and second roller conveyor 11 the first and second transport device 10 extend to and lead them over the entrance 12th the first roller conveyor 11 this too. The empties boxes issued 50 are along the first roller conveyor 11 and along the second roller conveyor 11 to the third vertical conveyor 63 promoted.

The third vertical conveyor 63 lowers the boxes 50 from the exit 13th the second roller conveyor 11 from height H to a lower height of the drainage level 9 (Removal height) for delivery into the drain 9 away.

Alternatively, the two transport racks 20th with the transport devices 10 between the first vertical conveyor 61 and the second vertical conveyor 62 and correspondingly the two intermediate storage shelves 40 with the intermediate storage devices 30th between the second vertical conveyor 62 and the third vertical conveyor 63 be arranged.

The accepted empty boxes 50 are in this configuration of the conveyor system 90 initially through the first vertical conveyor 61 raised to height H and above the entrance 12th the first roller conveyor 11 of the first transport system 10 this fed. The accepted empty boxes 50 are then along the first and second roller conveyor 11 the first and second transport device 10 to the second vertical conveyor 62 promoted. The second vertical conveyor 62 lowers the boxes 50 corresponding to the entrances 32 of the first roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 of the first intermediate storage device 40 from or promotes them and guides them to the first roller conveyors 31.1 - 31.4 of the first intermediate storage device 30th for intermediate storage along this and then along the second roller conveyor 31.1 -31.4 of the second intermediate storage device 30th to. When the two intermediate storage devices 30th or temporary storage shelves 40 are emptied, the cached empty crates 50 at the exits 33 the second roller conveyor 31.1 - 31.4 lowered to the removal height or conveyed through on this.

With the conveyor system 90 can empty boxes 50 are accepted and stored temporarily on top of each other to save space. In addition, the empty boxes 50 be transported along a shop floor without losing sales space to display goods. In addition, no complex installations need to be made on building structures, as the transport devices 10 and the intermediate storage devices 30th directly on the transport shelves 20th or the intermediate storage shelves 40 are integrated.

Although the present invention has been fully described above on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but rather can be modified in a wide variety of ways. In particular, it is designed for empty crates 50 to be understood as an example. The conveyor system can also be used for different types of containers, such as packages, outer packaging or the like and / or automatic acceptance or return machines designed for such containers, such as automatic parcel acceptance machines or the like.

List of reference symbols

1

Conveyor system

2

Intake

3

Inlet level

4th

shelf

5

Shelf level

6th

Horizontal conveyor

7th

Vertical conveyor

8th

sequence

9

Process level

10

Transport device

11

Roller conveyor

12th

entry

13th

exit

14th

roll

14.1

Entrance role

14.2

Starting role

15th

Cover / facing

16

Drive motor

17th

Traction means

20th

Sales shelf / transport shelf

21

Shelf level

21.1

top shelf level

30th

Intermediate storage device

31.1 - 31.4

Roller conveyors

32

entry

33

exit

34

roll

34.1

Entrance role

34.2

Starting role

40

Temporary storage / temporary storage shelf

41.1 - 41.4

Shelving levels

50

Container / empties crate

61

first vertical conveyor

62

second vertical conveyor

63

third vertical conveyor

70

Conveyor system

80

Conveyor system

90

Conveyor system

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Patent literature cited

• EP 3378575 A2 [0007]

Claims (15)

Conveyor system (1; 70; 80; 90) for containers, in particular for empty beverage crates (5; 50), with: an inlet (2) for containers, which is arranged on an inlet level (3); a shelf (4; 20, 40) with a plurality of shelf levels (5; 21; 41) which are at least partially arranged on a level different from the feed level; a horizontal conveying device (6; 10; 30) which is arranged for conveying containers on a shelf level (5; 21; 41) on a level different from the feed level (3), and a vertical conveyor (7; 61) which is designed to transfer packs between the feed level (3) and the horizontal conveyor (6; 10; 30). Conveyor system according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the vertical conveyor (7; 61) is designed for the vertical translational displacement of containers. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vertical conveyor (7; 61) for receiving containers from the inlet (2) and for transferring them to the horizontal conveyor (6; 10; 30) and / or for receiving containers from the Horizontal conveyor device (6; 10; 30) and is designed for transfer into a process. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal conveyor device (6; 10; 30) has a belt conveyor with several rollers (14, 34) and a belt, the belt extending in particular along an upper side and an underside of the rollers (14 , 34) and wraps around it in particular at a first end (12, 32) of the shelf level (5; 21; 41) and / or at a second end (13, 33) of the shelf level (5; 21; 41). Conveyor system according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the horizontal conveying device (6; 10; 30) has a roller conveyor (11) driven by a traction mechanism drive, a drive motor (16) with the rollers (14) via a traction mechanism (17), in particular a belt or a chain ) the roller conveyor (11) is coupled in a force-transmitting manner. Conveyor system according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the shelf (40) is designed as an intermediate store (80) for containers, with one in at least one second shelf level (41), preferably in each of the shelf levels (41.1; 41.2; 41.3; 41.4) of the shelf (40) Horizontal conveyor device (30) is provided and / or wherein at least one additional inlet level is provided with an additional inlet and the vertical conveyor (7; 61) is designed for the transfer of containers between the additional inlet level and the horizontal conveyor device (6; 10; 30). Conveyor system (80) Claim 6 , characterized in that the horizontal conveying devices (30) each have a sensor system which is designed to detect a fill level of the respective shelf level (41), in particular by detecting a number of containers (50) temporarily stored on the respective shelf level (41), wherein one Control device is provided, which is communicatively connected to the sensor systems and is designed to recognize, based on the fill levels detected by the sensor systems, when a predefined limit fill level of the entire intermediate store (80) has been reached. Conveyor system according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the shelf (4; 20) is designed as a sales shelf for the food retail trade, with only the top shelf level (21.1) and / or the bottom shelf level with the horizontal conveyor (10) for conveying containers, in particular for bridging a Sales area, is provided and the other shelf levels (21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5) are designed as sales levels. Conveyor system (70) for containers for food retailing, in particular for empty beverage crates (5; 50), with a stable, self-standing sales shelf (20) which has a plurality of shelf levels (21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21. 21.4, 21.5) are designed as sales levels. Conveyor system (70) according to Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the top shelf level (21.1) with the horizontal conveyor (10) is arranged at a height (H) of at least 2 m [meters], preferably at a height (H) of 2 m to 3 m. Conveyor system (70) according to Claim 8 , 9 or 10 , characterized in that the sales shelf (20) has at least one panel (15) for facing the top shelf level (21.1) and / or the lowest shelf level, which covers the horizontal conveyor (10) at least towards a front side of the shelf (20). Conveyor system (70) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the screen (15) is designed to be sound-absorbing, so that sound emanating from the horizontal conveying device (10) is attenuated at least towards the blinded front side. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further identical shelf (4; 20, 40), preferably a plurality of further identical shelves (4; 20, 40), are arranged in a common shelf level, in particular in a direct connection, is provided. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second vertical conveyor (62) arranged opposite the vertical conveyor (7; 61) on the shelf (20, 40) or another shelf, in particular on a last of the plurality of shelves (4; 20 , 40). Method for conveying containers, in particular empty crates (50), with the steps: Feeding (S1) of containers via an inlet (2); Vertical transport and transfer (S2) of the containers between an inlet level (3) of the inlet (2) and a shelf level (5; 21; 41) of a shelf (4; 20; 40) arranged on a level different from the inlet level (3) ; Horizontal conveying (S3) of the containers on the shelf level (5; 21; 41), and Vertical transport and transfer (S4) of the containers from the shelf level (5; 21; 41) into an outlet.

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