DE102021102769A1 - Device and method for transporting articles such as beverage containers or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for transporting articles (2) such as beverage containers (4) or the like is disclosed. The device (1) comprises a feed conveyor (20), a distribution device (30) and a discharge conveyor (40). The distribution device (30) can receive articles (2) from the feed conveyor (20) and shift the articles (2) received from the feed conveyor (20) in such a way that the articles (2) are thereby transferred to several different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor (40). reach. Furthermore, the distribution device (30) can be designed to carry out adjustment work when there is a change in the width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks of the removal conveyor (40).

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for transporting articles such as beverage containers or the like.

Devices are known from the prior art which can pack beverage containers in outer packaging or in beverage crates. Such a device is, for example, by the EP 0 251 032 A1 disclosed. The packing or unpacking machine disclosed in the EP patent application has a conveyor track on which bottle crates are transported. Bottles are transported on another conveyor track positioned parallel to this conveyor track. Furthermore, a raisable and lowerable gripping and carrier head is provided with a large number of gripping elements, via which bottles can be received from the further conveyor track, subsequently moved in the direction of a respectively assigned bottle crate and deposited in the bottle crate. In order to hit the bottle crate precisely, the gripping and carrier head has a guide frame. In the EP patent application, the bottles are held via the gripping elements.

In practice, according to the description of the EP patent application or another packaging machine, such a packaging machine is often preceded by a transport device with several partitions or guide components oriented parallel to one another, by means of which the bottles can be fed to the packaging machine in parallel rows. The bagging machine can then pick up at least one bottle from each of the parallel rows and set it down in an assigned crate.

In order to load the transport device with bottles in a defined or uniform manner, a distribution device can be arranged upstream of the transport device, which accepts bottles from a feed conveyor and then distributes them to several tracks, which are formed between the partition walls oriented parallel to one another or between the guide components.

If bottles with different geometries (e.g. diameters) or with different volumes are to be transferred to beverage crates in successive packing processes, it is necessary to adjust the relative spacing of the partitions or guide components beforehand. Such an adjustment may also be necessary if the number of lanes has to be changed for a given packaging of articles. Such adjustments are time-consuming and cumbersome in practice. In practice, such an adjustment is often still carried out manually or by a user who moves the corresponding guide elements or removes them from the transport device if they are not required to form the respective tracks.

Devices are also known which allow such an adaptation in a time-optimized and simplified manner. For example, such a device from the WO 2014/135352 A1 known. The device according to the WO document has a gearing arrangement with a first output and a second output, to which outputs control components are coupled in each case. An actuator can be selectively coupled to the outputs in order to effect an adjustment of the control components connected to the respective output. In the device described in the WO publication, additional devices or a gear arrangement and a coupling of the partitions or guide components to respective drives are required in order to be able to adjust the partitions or guide components relative to one another. It would be desirable to have options that allow the control components or partition walls to be adjusted in a simplified manner.

The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, which allow a corresponding conversion or adaptation of such a device easily and with little expenditure of time.

The above objects are solved by the subjects comprising the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous configurations are described by the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a device for transporting articles such as beverage containers or the like. The articles that can be transported by means of the device can be formed, for example, by beverage bottles or by beverage cans. It is also possible that the items are several items that have already been combined into one bundle.

The device comprises a feed conveyor, a distribution device and a discharge conveyor. The feed conveyor can, for example, be designed as a buffer for articles or possibly include a star wheel, which can feed a single-row article stream to the distribution device. Such a buffer can have consecutive conveyor belts which have a different transport speed. A section of the feed conveyor arranged first in the direction of transport can be a conveyor belt, possibly surrounded on the side by partitions or railings, which is connected directly to the Distribution device connects or which is arranged immediately upstream of the distribution device.

The distribution device is designed in such a way that the distribution device can receive articles from the feed conveyor and can shift the articles received from the feed conveyor in such a way that the articles are thereby distributed to a number of different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor.

The device can comprise a shrink packer, which receives articles transported in parallel lanes of the discharge conveyor, wraps recently formed article groups with film in its film wrapping module and shrinks them onto the article assembly in its shrink tunnel.

The device can include a packing machine, which removes articles or beverage containers from the discharge conveyor and inserts them into a beverage crate and/or further outer packaging, thus combining several articles into one container. Furthermore, the device can include a grouping station, which forms a layer that can be palletized from a plurality of bundles. A palletizer designed as part of the device can be arranged downstream of the grouping station, which deposits the palletizable layer formed by the grouping station on an associated pallet.

Provision can be made for the distribution device to be designed to carry out adjustment work when there is a change in the width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks of the removal conveyor.

Such a track of the discharge conveyor can be formed from a revolving conveyor belt and from two adjacent guide elements running parallel to one another. The distribution device can thus be designed in such a way that the distribution device can change a position of the respective conveyor belt of a respective track as part of the adjustment work and, if necessary, can move the respective conveyor belt with a movement component that runs obliquely and/or perpendicularly to the transport direction of the articles.

In particular, it can be the case here that the distribution device is temporarily brought into mechanical engagement with the respective conveyor belt in order to change a position of the respective conveyor belt and then changes a position of the respective conveyor belt by mechanically engaging with the respective conveyor belt and thereby causes the respective conveyor belt to move with a movement component, which runs obliquely and/or perpendicularly to the transport direction of the articles.

The movement component running perpendicularly and/or obliquely to the transport direction can preferably have a horizontal or essentially horizontal running orientation.

Alternatively or in addition to this, the distribution device can be designed in such a way that the distribution device changes a position of a respective guide element of the discharge conveyor as part of the adjustment work and, if necessary, moves the respective guide element with a movement component that runs obliquely and/or perpendicularly to the transport direction of the articles can.

In other words, it may be that the distribution device (or parts of it) can change or adjust the position of guide elements of the discharge conveyor and/or the position of conveyor belts of the discharge conveyor through respective physical contact.

A guide element can also be referred to as a railing or be designed as a railing. It can also be the case that at least one specific guide element is designed as a component of two adjacent tracks. Accordingly, it may be the case that two adjacent tracks share a common guide element or that a specific guide element contributes to the formation of a first track and a second track, which first track and which second track run next to each other or are directly adjacent.

The discharge conveyor can form at least two tracks. In various embodiments, the discharge conveyor forms more than two tracks or at least three tracks. The at least two tracks can be aligned with the aisles of the feed conveyor, which will be described below. A number of lanes of the feed conveyor can be increased or reduced compared to a number of lanes of the discharge conveyor.

It can also be the case that the distribution device is designed to carry out adjustment work when there is a change in the width and/or number of several different and parallel aisles, which several different and parallel aisles of the feed conveyor provide for guiding articles in several parallel rows.

Alternatively or in addition to this, it may be that the distribution device is designed to carry out adjustment work, in the context of which adjustment work the distribution device is provided at least one for pushing the article and as a Part of the distribution device trained contact element adjusted independently.

1. a) eine Breite und/oder Anzahl der mehreren unterschiedlichen und parallel verlaufenden Spuren des Abförderers einstellen kann und/oder bei welchen die Verteileinrichtung unter Zuhilfenahme dieses Motors
2. b) eine Breite und/oder Anzahl der mehreren unteschiedlichen und parallel verlaufenden Gassen des Zuförderers ändern kann und/oder bei welchen die Verteileinrichtung unter Zuhilfenahme dieses Motors
3. c) mindesten ein zum Schieben der Artikel vorgesehenes und als Bestandteil der Verteileinrichtung ausgebildetes Kontaktelement insbesondere mittels eines zum Verschieben der Artikel ausgebildeten Antriebs selbständig justieren kann.

The distribution device can comprise a motor, via which motor the distribution device for shifting and distributing the articles to the several different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor has at least one contact element obliquely to a direction of movement (with a component oriented perpendicularly and/or obliquely to the direction of movement) of the articles shifted. Embodiments have proven themselves in which the distribution device with the aid of this engine

1. a) can set a width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor and/or in which the distribution device with the help of this motor
2. b) a width and/or number of the several different and parallel lanes of the feed conveyor can change and/or in which the distribution device can be operated with the aid of this motor
3. c) can independently adjust at least one contact element provided for pushing the articles and designed as a component of the distribution device, in particular by means of a drive designed for shifting the articles.

In other words, it has proven useful if both articles are moved and the position of aisle plates or conveyor belts is adjusted or changed with one and the same drive or motor. In addition, if necessary, the contact element of the distribution device itself can be adjusted with the same motor.

Embodiments have proven successful in which the distribution device comprises at least one contact element provided for pushing the articles, on which at least one contact element provided for pushing articles at least one projection is arranged. The distribution device can be designed in such a way that the at least one projection can be brought into contact with a respective contact beam of a respective guide element designed as part of the discharge conveyor by means of the distribution device to change a width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks.

A contact beam can be a conventional component of the respective guide element (e.g. the separating plate or guide element itself) or alternatively, for example, a type of fork with two prongs pointing upwards, between which prongs the contact element can enter. Alternatively or additionally, the protrusion may comprise a fork.

In various embodiments, the projection could also be dispensed with if it is formed, for example, by an end of the contact element itself.

Alternatively or in addition to this, it can be provided that the at least one projection or one further projection, by means of the distribution device for changing a width and/or number of the several different and parallel aisles, is connected to a contact bar of a respective aisle plate provided via the feed conveyor or a contact bar of the Lane plate can be brought into the system. Embodiments have proven successful in which the distribution device adjusts all guide elements of the discharge conveyor and/or all lane plates of the feed conveyor one after the other. In further embodiments it can be provided that the distribution device adjusts several guide elements of the feed conveyor and/or several lane plates of the discharge conveyor at the same time.

When changing from an odd number of tracks to another odd number of tracks, it is possible that a middle track of the infeed or discharge conveyor is not adjusted, but all other tracks (removal of a track are counted as well).

When changing from an odd number of lanes to a different width per lane, it may be that the conveyor belt of the middle lane of the infeed or discharge conveyor is not adjusted, but all other conveyor belts are.

When changing from an even number of tracks to another even number of tracks or to a different width (per track), it is possible that the central guide element of the infeed or discharge conveyor is not adjusted, but all other guide elements (removal of a track counted).

According to the last three paragraphs, the mirror-symmetrical adjustment ensures that the packer or the next machine can be driven through the middle. The device in this case would comprise a "stationary center". Alternatively, it is possible, for example, for the subsequent shrink packer to be operated in such a way that two packs are always produced in parallel. In this case, one could define two "stationary centres", i.e. two parallel surfaces, to which the belts or guide elements adjust mirror-symmetrically.

It can also be the case that the at least one projection can be moved by means of the distribution device to abut (and possibly adjust it) on a respective abutment beam of a respective aisle plate counter to a transport direction intended for the articles.

It is also conceivable that the at least one projection can be moved by means of the distribution device to rest on a respective contact beam of a respective guide element along a transport direction intended for the articles.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor system can be arranged in the area of at least one free end of the at least one contact element provided for pushing articles. The at least one sensor system can, if necessary, detect a relative position between the at least one projection and the respective guide element, oriented in the transport direction, for the at least one projection to rest on the contact bar of the respective guide element.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the at least one sensor system can be designed in such a way that the at least one sensor system for contacting the at least one projection or the additional projection on the respective contact beam of the respective aisle plate detects a relative position oriented opposite to the transport direction between the respective at least one projection or the further projection and the respective aisle plate can be seen.

Furthermore, the distribution device can be designed to receive a single-row article flow from the feed conveyor. It may be that the distribution device is also designed in such a way that the distribution device can distribute the single-row stream of articles received from the feed conveyor to the several different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor.

Furthermore, a locking device can be arranged on the device, which fixes the guide elements and/or conveyor belts of the infeed and/or outfeed conveyor in their position, in particular after an adjustment process and before the start of production. The locking mechanism can be, for example, a latching mechanism that fixes the guide elements to their suspension or to their frame.

In one embodiment, the locking device can be actuated (deactivated or released and/or activated or clamped) by the distribution device, in particular by the projection.

At the moment when the distribution device carries out adjustment work, during which adjustment work the distribution device independently adjusts at least one contact element provided for pushing the articles and designed as part of the distribution device, it is possible that the locking device is activated or tensioned and, for example, the the projection connected to the contact element is brought into contact with a contact beam of the guide elements of the discharge conveyor in order to adjust the contact element. For this it may be that a further locking device is activated between the contact element and the motor of the distribution device. This can be configured like the lock described above.

As already mentioned above, articles can be shifted with the distribution device, in particular with a movement component which is perpendicular and/or oblique to the transport direction. For example, articles can be conveyed within the distribution device on a conveyor belt. During this conveyance they come into contact with a surface of the contact element which is arranged obliquely and/or perpendicularly to the transport direction and thus shifts the articles laterally, to the left or to the right (seen in the transport direction) relative to the transport belt.

In relation to a fixed frame of the distribution device, the article then moves obliquely during displacement (component of the moving conveyor belt + component perpendicular to it due to the displacement) to the transport direction or direction of movement (which it had when it reached the distribution device or at the beginning of it).

During operation, the contact element of the distribution device can be controlled in such a way that it guides an incoming flow of articles into different lanes of the discharge conveyor one after the other. In particular, the contact element can be rotatable or pivotable for this purpose.

In particular, the distribution device can have two mutually adjustable contact elements, which can easily deflect a flow of articles to the left or right, depending on the direction in which the contact elements are set.

• - mittels der Verteileinrichtung in eine zum Ausführen von Einstellarbeiten bei einer Änderung einer Breite und/oder Anzahl der mehreren unterschiedlichen und parallel verlaufenden Spuren des Abförderers vorgesehene Position überführbar ist, welche Position sich von den für das Schieben der Artikel schräg und/oder senkrecht zu ihrer Bewegungsrichtung vorgesehenen unterscheidet und/oder welches mindestens eine Kontaktelement
• - mittels der Verteileinrichtung in eine zum Ausführen von Einstellarbeiten bei einer Änderung einer Breite und/oder Anzahl der mehreren unterschiedlichen und parallel verlaufenden Gassen des Zuförderers vorgesehene Position überführbar ist, welche Position sich von den für das Schieben der Artikel schräg und/oder senkrecht zu ihrer Bewegungsrichtung vorgesehenen Positionen unterscheidet.

It may be that the distribution device comprises at least one contact element provided for pushing the articles obliquely and/or perpendicularly to their direction of movement

• - By means of the distribution device in a for carrying out adjustment work when changing a width and / or number of several different and parallel Tracks of the removal conveyor provided position is transferable, which position differs from that provided for pushing the article obliquely and / or perpendicular to their direction of movement and / or which at least one contact element
• - can be transferred by means of the distribution device into a position provided for carrying out adjustment work when there is a change in width and/or number of the several different and parallel aisles of the feed conveyor, which position differs from the position used for pushing the articles obliquely and/or perpendicularly to their Direction of movement provided positions differs.

The invention also relates to a method for transporting articles such as beverage containers or the like. Features that have already been described for various embodiments of the device according to the invention can also be provided in the embodiments of the method according to the invention described below and are not mentioned several times. In addition, features described below for the various embodiments of the method according to the invention can be provided in the previously described embodiments of the device according to the invention. It is conceivable that the device is designed to implement the embodiments of the method according to the invention described below.

A feed conveyor, a distribution device and a discharge conveyor are provided for carrying out the method. The feed conveyor moves articles in the direction of the distribution device and the distribution device accepts the articles moved via the feed conveyor from the feed conveyor, shifts the articles at least partially and thereby distributes the articles to several different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor.

• - Durchführen von Einstellarbeiten im Hinblick auf eine Breite und/oder Anzahl der mehreren unterschiedlichen und parallel verlaufenden Spuren des Abförderers;
• - Durchführen von Einstellarbeiten im Hinblick auf eine Breite und/oder Anzahl mehrerer unterschiedlicher und parallel verlaufender Gassen, welche mehreren unterschiedlichen und parallel verlaufenden Gassen der Zuförderer zur Führung von Artikeln in mehreren parallelen Reihen ausbildet;
• - Durchführen von Einstellarbeiten, bei welchen die Verteileinrichtung mindestens ein zum Schieben der Artikel vorgesehenes und als Bestandteil der Verteileinrichtung ausgebildetes Kontaktelement insbesondere mittels eines zum Verschieben der Artikel ausgebildeten Antriebs selbständig justiert.

It is provided that the distribution device carries out at least one of the following steps before receiving the articles moved via the feed conveyor and before distributing received articles to the several different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor:

• - Carrying out adjustment work with regard to a width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor;
• - carrying out adjustment work with regard to a width and/or number of several different and parallel lanes, which form several different and parallel lanes of the infeed conveyors for guiding articles in several parallel rows;
• - Carrying out adjustment work in which the distribution device independently adjusts at least one contact element provided for pushing the articles and designed as part of the distribution device, in particular by means of a drive designed for shifting the articles.

Embodiments have proven successful in which the distribution device comprises at least one contact element provided for pushing the articles, on which at least one contact element provided for pushing the articles at least one projection is arranged. In the method, it can then be provided that the discharge conveyor comprises a plurality of guide elements to form the plurality of different and parallel tracks, with the distribution device for carrying out the adjustment work bringing the at least one projection into contact with a respective contact bar, preferably over an area, which respective contact bar is connected to a respective guide element and then moves the at least one projection with a movement component oriented perpendicularly to the transport direction of the article, resulting in the respective guide element being displaced with a movement component oriented obliquely to the transport direction of the article.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it may be that the feed conveyor comprises at least one aisle plate to form the several different and parallel aisles, with the distribution device for carrying out the adjustment work bringing the at least one projection into contact over a large area with a contact bar of a respective aisle plate and the at least one Projection then moves with a movement component oriented perpendicularly to the transport direction of the article, as a result of which the respective aisle plate is displaced with a movement component oriented obliquely and/or perpendicularly to the transport direction of the article.

It may also be the case that the at least one projection in front of the surface contact on the respective contact beam of the respective guide element is moved by means of the distribution device along a transport direction provided for the articles in the direction of the respective guide element and/or that the at least one projection in front of the surface contact on the Contact bar of the respective aisle plate is moved counter to a transport direction provided for the articles in the direction of the respective aisle plate by means of the distribution device.

It is possible that in the area of at least one free end of the at least one contact element provided for pushing articles, at least one sensor system is arranged, which at least one sensor system for contacting the at least one projection on the contact beam of the respective aisle plate has a relative position oriented opposite to the transport direction between the at least recognizes a projection and the contact bar of the respective aisle plate.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it may be that the at least one sensor system for contacting the at least one projection on the respective contact bar of the respective guide element recognizes a relative position between the respective at least one projection and the respective contact bar of the respective guide element oriented in the transport direction.

It is also conceivable that the distribution device receives a single-row article flow from the feed conveyor and that the distribution device distributes the single-row article flow received from the feed conveyor to the several different and parallel tracks of the discharge conveyor.

The device can be connected to a controller that controls all movements of the distribution device, possibly also the speed of conveyor belts of the infeed conveyor, the distribution device and the discharge conveyor, as well as the locking device mentioned (if available).

In particular, it can be the case that the distribution device can be operated in a production mode in which articles are conveyed and distributed.

In particular, the distribution device can be operated in a changeover mode in which no articles are conveyed and no articles are distributed (at least not by the distributor and by/via the conveyor to be changed over).

In particular, the controller can switch between the two modes.

Recipes that can be selected (e.g. via a touchscreen) can be stored in the controller for the different articles to be conveyed, how the conveyor belts and/or aisle plates and/or the contact element itself must be adjusted or adjusted.

The recipe can have width, position and/or distance values for the aisle walls and/or travel profiles for the contact element or the motors with which it is/are moved.

In particular, the contact element or a projection is moved into a position in the changeover mode into which it is not moved in the production mode.

In particular, the distribution device may not have a drive that is only provided for adjusting the distance between two contact elements.

In particular, it may be that the distribution device comprises three drives, in particular motors, preferably electric motors, one of which causes a movement of the contact element in and against the transport direction, another causes a movement of the contact element with a horizontal movement perpendicular to the transport direction, and another another drives the conveyor, which is arranged below the contact element.

The transport direction is preferably horizontal.

"Below" means closer to the center of the earth.

• - Durchführen eines Produktionsmodus mit den folgenden Schritten
  • - Transportieren einer Vielzahl an Artikeln in mindestens einer Reihe in einer Transportrichtung, optional in mehreren benachbarten Reihen zwischen mehreren benachbarten Trennwänden,
  • - Verändern der Anzahl der Reihen, in denen die Artikel transportiert werden, durch Verteilen der Artikel auf mindestens zwei benachbarte Spuren, indem ein erstes Kontaktelement über mindestens einen Antrieb die Artikel kontaktiert und die Artikel mit einer senkrechten Komponente zu der Transportrichtung bewegt, insbesondere verschiebt,
  • - Führen der verteilten Artikeln in mehreren benachbarten Spuren zwischen mehreren benachbarten Trennwänden,
• - Beenden des Produktionsmodus und Einleiten eines Umstellmodus mit folgendem Schritt:
  • - Verstellen der Position mindestens einer Trennwand durch Kontakt mit einem zweiten Kontaktelement, welches durch denselben Antrieb bewegt wird wie das erste Kontaktelement.
• - Beenden des Umstellmodus und Einleiten eines nächsten Produktionsmodus', wobei im nächsten Produktionsmodus Artikel anderer Dimensionen (z.B. Breite oder Durchmesser) gehandhabt werden.

A method for handling articles such as beverage containers or the like could also be implemented with the following steps, which could be an invention in its own right:

• - Run a production mode with the following steps
  • - transporting a large number of articles in at least one row in one transport direction, optionally in several adjacent rows between several adjacent partitions,
  • - Changing the number of rows in which the articles are transported by distributing the articles to at least two adjacent tracks, in that a first contact element contacts the articles via at least one drive and moves the articles with a component perpendicular to the transport direction, in particular shifts them,
  • - guiding the distributed articles in several adjacent lanes between several adjacent partitions,
• - Ending the production mode and initiating a changeover mode with the following step:
  • - Adjusting the position of at least one partition by contact with a second contact element, which is moved by the same drive as the first contact element.
• - Termination of the changeover mode and initiation of a next production mode, with articles of other dimensions (eg width or diameter) being handled in the next production mode.

The second contact element can in particular be said projection.

The partition walls can be the above-mentioned guide elements or aisle plates.

The drive can be said motor.

The step of adjusting the position may include the same two motors that moved the first contact element in the production mode moving the second contact element in the changeover mode. The two motors are preferably arranged in a stationary manner on a machine frame.

The first contact element is preferably connected to the second contact element (e.g. via a screw connection), they can even be designed in one piece.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and/or connections and/or effects are mentioned at one point in the description or also in the definition of claims for the device according to the invention, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and/or connections and/or effects are mentioned at one point in the description or also in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

• 1 bis 5 zeigen schematische Ansichten einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und verdeutlichen einzelne Schritte, wie sie bei diversen Ausführungsformen eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen sein können.
• 6 zeigt eine schematische Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und verdeutlicht einzelne Schritte, wie sie bei diversen Ausführungsformen eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen sein können.
• 7 und 8 zeigen eine Möglichkeit einer Änderung der Anzahl von parallelen Spuren eines Abförderers.
• 9 zeigt eine Ausführungsform einer Anlagenaufstellung, in welcher eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung Verwendung findet.
• 10 zeigt im Flussdiagramm einzelne Schritte, wie sie einzeln oder in der nach 10 gezeigten Kombination bei diversen Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen sein können.

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

• 1 until 5 show schematic views of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention and illustrate individual steps as can be provided in various embodiments of a method according to the invention.
• 6 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention and illustrates individual steps as can be provided in various embodiments of a method according to the invention.
• 7 and 8th show a possibility of changing the number of parallel lanes of an outfeed conveyor.
• 9 shows an embodiment of a plant installation in which an embodiment of a device according to the invention is used.
• 10 shows individual steps in the flow chart, how to do them individually or in the following 10 combination shown can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

Identical reference symbols are used for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments only represent examples of how the invention can be configured and do not represent any final limitation.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless the features are incompatible.

Even if in the context of the following description of the figures "schematic" representations and views are generally spoken of, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description are to be of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite capable of extracting enough information from the schematic and abstract drawings to make it easier for him to understand the invention, without measuring from the drawings and possibly not exactly staff-appropriate proportions would be impaired in any way in his understanding. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated more generally and/or more abstractly in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

the 1 until 5 show schematic views of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention and illustrate individual steps as can be provided in various embodiments of a method 100 according to the invention.

Part of the device 1 after 1 are a distribution device 30 and a discharge conveyor 40, which discharge conveyor 40 is arranged behind the distribution device 30 in the direction of the plane of the drawing. A feed conveyor 20 is arranged upstream of the distribution device 30 in the opposite direction of the plane of the drawing 1 is not shown for reasons of clarity, but as an example in 6 will be shown. Such a feed conveyor 20 can comprise a star wheel, for example, which feeds a single-row stream of articles consisting of a large number of articles 2 to the distribution device 30 . Such a feed conveyor 20 can also include a buffer, which feeds a single-row stream of articles consisting of a large number of articles 2 to the distribution device 30 .

The items 2 are in the embodiment according to 1 designed as a beverage container 4 or as beverage bottles. However, the articles 2 can optionally also be formed by other container shapes, e.g. beverage cans or cardboard packaging or the like.

The distribution device 30 has a carrying and supporting structure 36 on which a linear guide 33 is arranged above a transport plane provided for the articles 2 . The two contact elements 31 of the distribution device 30 are fastened along the linear guide 33 . The two contact elements 31 are spaced apart from one another in such a way that a single-row article stream fed to the distribution device 30 by means of the feed conveyor 20 can be guided between the two contact elements 31 .

For the movement of the single-row stream of articles 2 or beverage containers 4, the distribution device 30 can include a horizontal conveyor 34, on which the articles 2 stand up during the movement over the distribution device 30 and which can be designed as a circulating driven conveyor belt.

In the present case, the contact elements 31 can be moved together by means of the motor 32 with a movement component which is perpendicular to the transport direction TR (cf. 3 ) the article 2 is oriented, along the linear guide 33 are moved. As a result, the single-row stream of articles can be brought into a selected track 43 of the discharge conveyor 40 by means of the distribution device 30, with the contact elements 31 maintaining a parallel orientation during the displacement.

It is precisely via this motor 32 that adjustment work on the feed conveyor 20 (cf. 6 ) and/or at the discharge conveyor 40.

In addition, in the 1 until 6 a second motor 32' is shown in each case. The second motor 32' interacts with the contact element 31 in such a way that the contact element 31 is moved or can be moved in the transport direction TR by the second motor 32'.

A respective track 43 of the discharge conveyor 40 is guided by two adjacent and parallel guide elements 42 and a conveyor belt 45 (cf. 3 ) formed, which conveyor belt 45 moves a single-row stream of articles along the respective adjacent guide elements 42. In the present case, the movement takes place in the transport direction TR (cf. 3 ), what a 1 and 2 each runs in the direction of the image plane. The motor 32 can be designed, for example, as a normal (rotating) electric motor (synchronous motor, asynchronous motor, servo motor or the like) or as an electromagnetic direct drive or as a long-stator or planar motor.

In the case of an infeed (or feed conveyor 20), from which the articles 2 always come in the same position perpendicular to the transport direction during a production run, the contact elements 31 can be in a starting area (seen in the transport direction) of the distribution device 30 during operation (=production mode). have a fixed position. In the middle or at the end of the distribution device 30, the (rear parts of) the contact elements 31 can be temporarily curved or rotated about a hinge (not shown) in order to keep the flow of articles continuous over a longer period of time (at least twice as long as an article for one passage through the distribution device required) in a specific track 43 to lead.

With an inlet (or feed conveyor 20) that delivers the items 2 to different positions, the contact elements 31 can be in the front Be designed area, as in the rear area. In this case, there can be two adjustments that can move the contact elements 31 independently of one another.

The functioning of the device 1 during operation is from a synopsis of 1 and 2 clear. This synopsis shows that by means of the distribution device 30 an in 1 single-row article stream fed to a first track 43 in 2 is already fed to a further track 43, for which purpose the contact elements 31 were moved together along the linear guide 33.

So that the distribution device 30 can change the lanes 43 for the supply of the single-row stream of articles, the articles 2 or the beverage containers 4 are displaced with a movement component which is perpendicular to their transport direction TR (cf. 3 ) runs.

The items 2 or the beverage containers 4 can then be removed from the discharge conveyor 40 or from the tracks 43 of the discharge conveyor 40 by means of a manipulator (not shown) and possibly placed in beverage crates or in other outer packaging. Alternatively, they can be conveyed into a shrink packer, not shown.

If the contact elements 31 are adjusted in such a way that an article stream previously fed to a first track 43 is then fed to a second or further track 43, the motors 32 and 32' are actuated, which then move the contact elements 31 simultaneously. The motor 32 moves the contact elements 31 perpendicularly to the transport direction TR (cf. 3 ).

The second motor 32' moves the contact elements 31 simultaneously in the transport direction TR, the contact elements 31 thereby approaching the discharge conveyor 40. As a result of this temporally superimposed movement, the contact elements follow a circular path during an adjustment, as a result of which it is possible to prevent articles 2 from tipping over unintentionally during a lane change.

3 FIG. 12 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment according to FIG 1 until 2 . The feed conveyor 20 (cf. 6 ) is not shown for reasons of clarity. During operation, the articles 2 or the beverage containers 4 are moved as a single-row article stream between adjacent contact elements 31 of the distribution device 30, with articles 2 following one another in the transport direction TR. In 3 For reasons of clarity, only individual articles 2 of the article stream that is moved in a single row between the contact elements 31 during operation are shown.

From a synopsis of 1 and 2 3 and 4, it is clear that the distribution device 30 moves the contact elements 31 when changing from a first track 43 to a further track 43 along the linear guide 33 ( 1 and 2 ) and also performs a stroke along a further linear guide 33' for the contact elements 31 (only one in the case of only one contact element 31), which stroke is oriented in the transport direction TR.

In the representation of 3 the contact elements 31 have already performed this stroke and have been accordingly 4 returned to the position shown there by means of a return stroke. If the distribution device 30 wants to forward a single-row article stream that has been fed to a first track 43 to a further track 43, the contact elements 31 perform a non-linear and curved or curved movement for this purpose.

Alternatively, this movement can be at least oblique (angle between 1° and 45°, preferably between 5° and 30°) to the transport direction. This can prevent individual articles 2 from tipping over unintentionally during distribution or when “changing lane 43” or possibly not hitting the respective lane 43 exactly. A movement speed of the movement component of the contact elements 31 in the transport direction TR essentially corresponds to the transport speed of the horizontal conveyor device 34 in the transport direction TR, which can be designed as part of the distribution device 30 .

the 3 shows two supports 47 on which the lane plates 42 of the discharge conveyor 40 are hung displaceably. The lane plates 42 of the discharge conveyor 40 can be displaced along the linear guides 46 .

A conveyor belt 45 can be displaced along the linear guide 48 .

In particular, when the articles 2 are transferred to a shrink packer, a large number of mutually adjustable conveyor belts 45 can be arranged on the discharge conveyor (along a direction into the plane of the figure).

When the articles 2 are transferred to an insert packer (as described in the prior art) it may be that at the position where in 3 the conveyor belt 45 is located, only a large conveyor belt or many small non-adjustable belts are arranged, since none Classification into pack groups has to be done more compared to the shrink packer. In this case, with a different article format, only the aisle plates of the discharge conveyor 40 have to be adjusted. Here and elsewhere, the term conveyor belt should also include conveyor chains or the like.

the 5 FIG. 12 again shows the device 1 of the exemplary embodiment 1 until 4 in the changeover mode that the controller S has initiated. When viewed from the side 5 no articles 2 are distributed onto the tracks 43 of the discharge conveyor 40 by means of the distribution device 30 . The distribution device 30 is located at 5 thus in an operating state in which the distribution device 30 can carry out adjustment work on the discharge conveyor 40 .

Such adjustment work can be carried out if there is a change from a first type of beverage container 4 to another type of beverage container 4, with the dimensions of the beverage container of the second type differing from the dimensions of the beverage container of the first type.

To this end, it may be necessary for the relative spacing of the guide elements 42 to be adapted to the changed dimensions before transporting the second type of beverage containers 4 in order to prevent these beverage containers from jamming or tipping during a movement between the guide elements 42 .

In addition or as an alternative, it may be that for a subsequent operation of the device 1 in the next production run, a number of tracks 43 of the discharge conveyor 40 is required, which differs from the previous number. In this case, too, the distribution device 30 can adjust the corresponding number of tracks 43 of the discharge conveyor 40, for which purpose the distribution device 30 moves guide elements 42 of the discharge conveyor 40, if necessary, into a respective waiting position at the very end of the discharge conveyor 40, in which the guide elements 42 up to their re-use remain.

In order to carry out such adjustment work, a projection 17 is arranged on a contact element 31 of the distribution device 30, which projection 17 protrudes beyond the contact element 31 in the transport direction TR. In addition, a contact beam 19 protrudes upwards from the guide elements 42 in each case.

As previously mentioned, the contact element 31 can already carry out a lifting movement in the transport direction TR in order to change a track 43 . So that the projection 17 can come into contact with the contact bar 19, the stroke is increased until the projection 17 and the contact bar 19 accordingly 5 aligned perpendicularly to the transport direction TR. This position is recognized with the aid of the sensor system 37 which is arranged on the contact element 31 . In a position like she's in 5 is shown, the projection 17 does not arrive if 30 articles 2 are forwarded to the discharge conveyor 40 by means of the distribution device.

The projection 17 then comes into surface contact with the contact bar 19 and pushes the contact bar 19 together with the guide element 42 on which the contact bar 19 is arranged, along a direction of movement which is oriented perpendicularly to the transport direction TR. As a result, the distance between the pushed guide element 42 and an adjacent guide element 42 increases or decreases, as a result of which the width of a respective track 43 of the discharge conveyor 40 can be adjusted by means of the distribution device 30 .

Additional devices for adjusting a track width, as can be provided in devices known from the prior art, are therefore not necessary. The adjustment work can be carried out exclusively by means of the distribution device 30 .

As already mentioned, the projection 17 can also be replaced or formed by the end of the contact element 31 .

The distribution device 30 can effect such a setting for all guide elements 42 of the discharge conveyor 40 . As already to the 1 and 2 described, the displacement of the contact elements 31 along the linear guide 33 or perpendicular to the transport direction TR is effected by means of the motor 32 . The motor 32 can thus advantageously be used both for distributing the articles 2 onto the tracks 43 and for adjustment work on the guide elements 42 . As a result, adjustment work on the discharge conveyor 40 is possible in a simple manner without the need for additional and possibly complex adjustment mechanisms.

Said stroke can be carried out in the transport direction TR by a second motor 32'. The adjustment thus takes place through the interaction of the two motors 32 and 32'.

the 6 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention and illustrates individual steps as they are carried out in various embodiments of a Ver driving 100 can be provided. In 6 an exemplary embodiment of a feed conveyor 20 designed as part of the device 1 is now also shown.

The feed conveyor 20 comprises a plurality of aisle plates 22, with two aisle plates 22 together with a respective conveyor belt 21 forming a respective aisle for moving a single-row article stream. In this case, a single-row article stream is guided between adjacent lane plates 22 . If the dimensioning of beverage containers 4, which are to be distributed on the tracks 43, is changed, it is appropriate for embodiments of a feed conveyor 20 6 necessary that this previously the relative spacing of the alley plates 22 of the feed conveyor 20 is adjusted.

In the embodiment according to 6 For this purpose, a projection 17' is arranged on the contact element 31 of the distribution device 30, which projection 17' protrudes beyond the longitudinal extent of the contact element 31 counter to the transport direction TR. A contact beam 19 ′ is arranged on each of the lane plates 22 and points away from the respective lane plate 22 in the upward direction. The projection 17' can be moved in the direction of a respective contact bar 19' until the projection 17' and the contact bar 19' are aligned with one another perpendicular to the transport direction TR. The contact element 31 can then be moved perpendicularly to the transport direction TR, with the respective contact beam 19' being displaced perpendicularly to the transport direction TR together with the respective aisle plate 22 in order to adapt the respective width of an aisle to the respective dimensioning of the beverage containers 4 to adjust.

The projection 17, which protrudes beyond the contact element 31 in the transport direction TR and over which projection 17 the guide elements 42 can be adjusted, is also in the embodiment according to FIG 6 provided or arranged on the contact element 31. The adjustment of the guide elements 42 by means of the projection 17 continues to take place in accordance with the description 5 .

the 6 also shows another motor 32" for adjusting the front section of the contact element 31 1 until 6 the articles are preferably transported on all conveyors 20, 30, 40 continuously.

the 7 and 8th show a further embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention and illustrate the extent to which the number and width of tracks 43 of a discharge conveyor 43 can be changed within the scope of various embodiments.

The feed conveyor 20 moves in 7 Article 2 in a single row in the direction of the distribution device 30. The distribution device 30 comprises an articulated-arm robot 39, which accepts moving articles 2 via the inlet 20, deflects them by 90° and distributes them to two parallel tracks 43 of the discharge conveyor 40.

the 7 also shows that to form the two parallel tracks 43 in 7 exactly one aisle plate 22 is positioned approximately centrally along the discharge conveyor 40. Two other aisle plates 22 are in a waiting position and are 7 illustrated transport of articles 2 in two parallel lanes 43 initially not required.

Depending on a corresponding number of items 2 of the respective container to be formed from the items 2 moved by means of the device 1, it may be necessary in practice for the device 1 to 7 to the state after 8th must be brought, in which the discharge conveyor 40 forms four lanes 43 for moving articles 2 in four parallel rows. For this it is necessary that the in 7 aisle plates 22 still arranged in a waiting position in the direction towards a center of the discharge conveyor 40 and along the transport path of the articles 2 accordingly 8th be positioned. Such shifting occurs in the embodiment shown in FIG 7 and 8th by means of the articulated-arm robot 39, which is designed as part of the distribution device 30. A suspension and adjustment of the alley plates 22 can be analogous to 5 and 6 be designed.

For this purpose, the articulated-arm robot 39 accepts a respective aisle plate 22, moves the respective aisle plate 22 towards the center of the discharge conveyor 40, whereupon the respective aisle plate 22 is fixed in the respective position provided for forming a track 43. In practice, for example, a tooth system is suitable for this purpose, which holds the respective lane plate 22 offset towards the center in its position in a form-fitting manner. This can also be the case with the previously mentioned embodiments.

A locking mechanism can also be provided which, if necessary, ensures that the respective channel plate 22 does not come loose from its position unintentionally. Such a locking mechanism can optionally be released by means of the articulated robot 39 if the respective aisle plate 22 from the position 8th to the waiting position 7 should be returned. This can also be done with the previously described embodiments may be the case.

the 9 shows an embodiment of a system installation 200, in which an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is used. The system installation according to the embodiment 9 comprises a temperature control device for preforms 205, from which the heated preforms are fed to a blow molding machine 210 and stretch-blown there to form PET bottles.

The blow molding machine 210 is followed by a device 215 which includes a rinser, a filler and a capper. The stretch-blown, filled and sealed PET bottles are then fed to a labeller 220, which applies a respective label to the outer lateral surfaces of the PET bottles. The labeled bottles are then transported via conveyor belts to a buffer 230, which can temporarily store PET bottles.

The buffer 230 is then followed by an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention, which can be designed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the previous figures. The device 1 comprises a feed conveyor 20, a distribution device 30 and a discharge conveyor 40. The discharge conveyor 40 is followed by a packer 240, which can optionally apply blanks made of thermoplastic packaging material to assemblies of articles 2.

The articles 2, with their respective blanks of thermoplastic packaging material, then enter a shrink tunnel 250, in which a respective blank of thermoplastic packaging material is shrunk onto a respective assembly of articles. A carrying handle is applied to the pack thus produced via the handle applicator 260, whereupon a palletizable layer is formed from a plurality of packs via the grouping station 270 and the palletizable layer is then placed on a pallet by means of the palletizer 280.

the 10 shows individual steps in the flow chart, as they are carried out individually or in the following 10 shown combination can be provided in various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention. The method 100 can be implemented using the previously described embodiments of a device 1 according to the invention.

In step 110, via a distribution device 30 (cf. 1 ) Adjustment work is carried out on a feed conveyor 20, for which purpose the distribution device 30 adjusts a relative spacing of a plurality of aisle plates 22 designed as part of the feed conveyor 20 to one another and for this purpose moves the aisle plates 22 relative to one another. The spacing is adjusted here in such a way that the spacing of immediately adjacent lane plates 22 corresponds to slightly more than the maximum cross-sectional diameter of articles 2 which are to be transported between the lane plates 22 by means of the feed conveyor 20 .

In step 120, which follows step 110, adjustment work on a discharge conveyor 40 (cf. 1 ) is carried out, for which purpose the distribution device 30 adapts a relative spacing of a plurality of guide elements 42 designed as part of the discharge conveyor 40 to one another and, for this purpose, moves the guide elements 42 relative to one another. Here, too, the spacing is adjusted in such a way that the spacing of immediately adjacent guide elements 42 corresponds to slightly more than the maximum cross-sectional diameter of articles 2 which are to be transported between the guide elements 42 of the discharge conveyor 40 . Within the scope of steps 110 and 120, adjustment work is thus carried out by means of a distribution device 30.

After the adjustment work has been completed, step 120 is followed by step 130. In step 130, the feed conveyor 20 moves article 2 in the direction of the distribution device 30. The distribution device 30 then receives the article 2 from the feed conveyor 20 and shifts the received article 2 at least partially and thereby distributes the received articles 2 to a plurality of different and parallel tracks 43 of the discharge conveyor 40, which a plurality of different and parallel tracks 43 are formed with the aid of the guide elements 42.

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

Reference List

1

contraption

2

article

4

beverage container

17

head Start

17`

head Start

19

investment bar

19'

investment bar

20

feeder

21

conveyor belt

22

alley sheet

30

distribution facility

31

contact element

32

engine

32'

second engine

32"

Another engine

33

linear guide

33'

More linear guide

34

horizontal conveyor

36

Carrying and supporting structure

37

sensors

40

conveyor

42

guide element

43

track

46

linear guide

47

support

48

linear guide

100

procedure

110

First step of the process

120

Second step

130

Fourth step

200

installation

205

Temperature control device for preforms

210

blow molding machine

215

rinsers, fillers and cappers

220

capper

225

conveyor belts

230

buffer

240

packer

250

shrink tunnel

260

handle applicator

270

grouping station

280

palletizer

TR

transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of 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

• EP 0251032 A1 [0002]
• WO 2014/135352 A1 [0006]

Claims (11)

Device (1) for transporting articles (2) such as beverage containers (4) or the like, comprising - a feed conveyor (20), a distribution device (30) and a discharge conveyor (40), - the distribution device (30) carrying articles (2) from the feed conveyor (20) and can shift the articles (2) received from the feed conveyor (20) in such a way that the articles (2) are thereby distributed to a number of different and parallel tracks (43) of the discharge conveyor (40), the device ( 1) characterized in that - the distribution device (30) is designed to carry out adjustment work when there is a change in width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks (43) of the discharge conveyor (40), and/or in that - the distribution device (30) is designed to carry out adjustment work when changing a width and / or number of several different and parallel streets, which several under different and parallel aisles of the feed conveyor (20) for guiding articles (2) in several parallel rows, and/or in that - the distribution device (30) is designed to carry out adjustment work, during which adjustment work the distribution device (30 ) at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing the articles (2) and designed as part of the distribution device (30) is independently adjusted, in particular by means of a drive (32) designed for pushing the articles (2). device after claim 1 , in which the distribution device (30) comprises at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing the articles (2) at an angle to their direction of movement, on which at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing articles (2) has at least one projection (17, 17') is arranged, wherein the distribution device (30) is designed such that - the at least one projection (17, 17') by means of the distribution device (30) for changing a width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks ( 43) can be brought into contact with a respective contact bar (19) of a respective guide element (42) designed as part of the discharge conveyor (40), and/or it being provided that - the at least one projection (17, 17') by means of the Distribution device (30) for changing a width and/or number of the several different and parallel aisles with a contact beam (19') of a respective over the feeder rer (20) provided aisle plate can be brought into contact. device after claim 2 , in which - the at least one projection (17') can be moved by means of the distribution device (30) to bear against a respective contact beam (19') of a respective aisle plate counter to a transport direction (TR) provided for the articles (2), and/or - the at least one projection (17) can be moved by means of the distribution device (30) to rest on a respective contact beam (19) of a respective guide element (42) along a transport direction (TR) provided for the articles (2). device after claim 3 , in which at least one sensor system (37) is arranged in the area of at least one free end of the at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing articles (2), which at least one sensor system (37) - for contacting the at least one projection (17) on the contact bar (19) of the respective guide element (42) can detect a relative position between the at least one projection (17) and the respective guide element (42) oriented in the transport direction (TR), and/or which at least one sensor system (37) - for contact of the at least one projection (17') on the respective contact bar (19') of the respective aisle plate (22) can detect a relative position between the respective at least one projection (17') and the respective aisle plate (22) oriented counter to the transport direction (TR). Device according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , in which the distribution device (30) is designed to receive a single-row stream of articles from the feed conveyor (20) and in which the distribution device (30) is designed in such a way that the distribution device (30) distributes the single-row stream of articles received from the feed conveyor (20) to the plurality of different and parallel tracks (43) of the discharge conveyor (40). Device according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , in which the distribution device (30) comprises at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing the articles (2) at an angle and/or perpendicular to their direction of movement, which - by means of the distribution device (30) into a Width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks (43) of the discharge conveyor (40) can be transferred, which position differs from the positions provided for pushing the articles (2) obliquely and/or perpendicularly to their direction of movement and/or which at least one contact element (31) - can be transferred by means of the distribution device (30) into a position intended for carrying out adjustment work when there is a change in the width and/or number of the several different and parallel aisles of the feed conveyor (20). which position differs from the positions provided for pushing the articles (2) obliquely and/or perpendicularly to their direction of movement. Method (100) for transporting articles (2) such as beverage containers (4) or the like, in which method (100) a feed conveyor (20), a distribution device (30) and a discharge conveyor (40) are provided, it being provided that the feed conveyor (20) moves articles (2) in the direction of the distribution device (30) and the distribution device (30) receives the articles (2) moved via the feed conveyor (20) from the feed conveyor (20), then shifts them at least partially and thereby to several different and parallel tracks (43) of the discharge conveyor (40), the method (100) characterized in that the distribution device (30) before receiving the items (2) moved via the feed conveyor (20) and before distributing received Articles (2) on the several different parallel tracks (43) of the discharge conveyor (40) carries out at least one of the following steps: - Carrying out adjustment work with regard to a Br width and/or number of the several different and parallel tracks (43) of the discharge conveyor (40); - Carrying out adjustment work with regard to a width and/or number of several different and parallel lanes, which form several different and parallel lanes of the feed conveyor (20) for guiding articles (2) in several parallel rows; - Carrying out adjustment work in which the distribution device (30) has at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing the articles (2) and designed as a component of the distribution device (30), in particular by means of a drive (32) designed for pushing the articles (2) adjusted independently. procedure after claim 7 , in which it is provided that the distribution device (30) comprises at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing the articles (2), on which at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing the articles (2) has at least one projection (17, 17') and in which method it is provided that - the discharge conveyor (40) comprises a plurality of guide elements (42) to form the plurality of different tracks (43) running parallel, the distribution device (30) for carrying out the adjustment work having the at least brings a projection (17) into flat contact with a respective contact bar (19), which respective contact bar (19) is connected to a respective guide element (42) and the at least one projection (17) following this with a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (TR) of the Article (2) oriented movement component moves, resulting in the respective guide element (42) with an oblique to the transport direction (TR) the movement component oriented towards the article (2) is displaced, and/or in which the method provides that - the feed conveyor (20) comprises at least one aisle plate (22) to form the several different and parallel aisles, with the distribution device (30) for Carrying out the adjustment work brings the at least one projection (17') into contact with a contact beam (19') of a respective lane plate (22) and then the at least one projection (17') with a perpendicular to the transport direction (TR) of the articles ( 2) oriented movement component moves, as a result of which the respective aisle plate (22) is displaced with a movement component oriented obliquely to the transport direction (TR) of the article (2). procedure after claim 8 , in which - the at least one projection (17) in front of the surface contact with the respective contact bar (19) of the respective guide element (42) along a transport direction (TR) provided for the articles (2) in the direction of the respective guide element (42) by means of the distribution device (30) is moved, and/or in which method - the at least one projection (17') in front of the surface contact with the contact beam (19') of the respective aisle plate (22) counter to a transport direction (TR ) is moved in the direction of the respective alley plate (22) by means of the distribution device (30). procedure after claim 9 in which at least one sensor system (37) is arranged in the region of at least one free end of the at least one contact element (31) provided for pushing articles (2), which at least one sensor system (37) - for contacting the at least one projection (17' ) on the contact bar (19') of the respective aisle plate (22) recognizes a relative position between the at least one projection (17') and the contact bar (19') of the respective aisle plate (22) oriented counter to the transport direction (TR) and/or the at least a sensor system (37) - for contacting the at least one projection (17) on the contact beam (19) of the respective guide element (42) in the transport direction (TR) orien oriented relative position between the respective at least one projection (17) and the respective contact beam (19) of the respective guide element (42) recognizes. Procedure according to one of Claims 7 until 10 , in which the distribution device (30) receives a single-row article flow from the feed conveyor (20) and in which the distribution device (30) transfers the single-row article flow received from the feed conveyor (20) to the several different and parallel tracks (43) of the discharge conveyor (40) distributed.

Images