DE102022128389A1 - Liquid drain device for a conveyor system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid drain device (600) for a conveyor system (1000), in particular for a circulating conveyor system and/or a conveyor belt and/or a production line. Contamination and/or degradation phenomena of a conveyor system (1000) are reduced in a simple and/or cost-effective manner or, for example, its maintenance effort and/or its service life and/or safety are increased in that the liquid drain device (600) has a liquid drain opening (611*), a pivotable closure body (620) and a switching body (630), wherein the liquid drain opening (611*) can be opened by a contact that can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630).

Description

The invention relates to a liquid drain device for a conveyor system, in particular for a circulating conveyor system and/or a conveyor belt and/or a conveyor belt. The invention further relates to such a conveyor system and a method for operating such a liquid drain device.

Conveyor systems can be designed, for example, for the transport and/or storage of goods and/or for the transport of people. Circulating conveyor systems can be designed, for example, similar to a paternoster. Circulating conveyor systems can, for example, have a plurality of platforms which can be conveyed in a circular manner by at least one chain, in particular by a first and second chain, for example endless chains.

In the US 2004/0156699 A1 and the CH 717 726 A2 Such circulating conveyor systems are described, which can also be used in particular for the transport and/or storage of vehicles and/or as a parking system.

However, the conveyor systems known in the prior art are not yet optimally designed. For example, in the conveyor systems known in the prior art, particularly when transporting wet and/or optionally wet goods, liquids, for example water, can collect on a loading area of the conveyor system. The liquids collecting on the loading areas can contaminate the loading areas and in particular their surroundings. For example, liquids collecting on the loading areas can get onto and/or onto the elements of the conveyor system surrounding the loading areas, for example onto and/or into a mechanism and/or onto or into a building structure of the conveyor system, or can splash and/or drip onto or into them, thereby at least contaminating these elements or components. If necessary, liquids accumulating on the loading surfaces can also damage the elements of the conveyor system surrounding the loading surfaces, for example the mechanism and/or the building structure of the conveyor system, in particular at least in the long term, for example through corrosion and/or other moisture-related degradation phenomena, and thus, for example, increase the cost of their maintenance and/or possibly reduce their service life and/or safety.

The invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the liquid drain device mentioned at the beginning or the conveyor system mentioned at the beginning or the method for operating the liquid drain device in such a way that the disadvantages mentioned above are avoided, in particular contamination and/or degradation phenomena of a conveyor system can be reduced, in particular minimized, in a simple and/or cost-effective manner and in particular the maintenance effort can be reduced and the service life of the corresponding elements and/or components and/or their safety can be increased.

The object underlying the invention is initially solved for the liquid drain device for a conveyor system with the features of patent claim 1, for the conveyor system with the features of patent claim 25 and for the method for operating a liquid drain device with the features of patent claim 30.

The liquid drain device can be designed, for example, for a circulating conveyor system and/or for a conveyor belt and/or for a conveyor belt. In particular, the liquid drain device can be designed for a circulating conveyor system.

The liquid drain device has in particular a liquid drain opening, a pivotable closure body and a switching body. The liquid drain opening can be opened in particular by a contact that can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body and the switching body. In other words: Due to a relative movement of the closure body and/or the switching body to one another, a contact is generated between the closure body and the switching body, whereby the liquid drain opening can be opened, in particular the closure body can then be pivoted accordingly.

The liquid draining device can be used to drain a liquid, such as water, that has accumulated on a loading surface of a conveyor system in a simple and/or cost-effective manner. The targeted draining of the liquid can advantageously reduce, in particular minimize, undesirable contamination and/or degradation phenomena, and in this way, for example, the maintenance effort for the conveyor system can be reduced and/or the service life and/or safety of the conveyor system or its elements and/or components can be increased. The fact that the opening of the liquid If the fluid drain opening of the fluid drain device and thus the draining of fluids can be triggered by a contact that can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body and the switching body and corresponding conveyor systems can at least cause such a relative movement between the closure body and the switching body, the fluid drain device can advantageously be triggered by a mechanism that is already provided in a conveyor system. The use of an additional actuator is then no longer necessary. In addition, a pivotable closure body can be manufactured and/or assembled in a particularly simple and/or cost-effective manner. In addition, pivotable closure bodies are comparatively robust and/or fail-safe.

In one embodiment of the liquid drain device, the liquid drain opening can be closed by breaking the contact caused by the relative movement between the closure body and the switching body. In this way, the draining of liquid can advantageously be stopped in a simple manner.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the liquid drain opening is closed by the closure body in a closed position of the closure body.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the liquid drain opening is at least partially, for example partially or completely, opened in at least one drain position of the closure body. In particular, the closure body can be pivoted out of the closed position in the at least one drain position.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body can be moved from the closure position into the at least one drain position by the relative movement between the closure body and the switching body or by the contact generated by the corresponding relative movement between the closure body and the switching body.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body can be pivoted by the switching body from the closure position into the at least one drain position.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body is held in at least one drain position by the switching body.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body can be moved, in particular pivoted, from the at least one drain position (again) into the closure position by means of a spring force, in particular by at least one return spring, for example by at least two return springs, optionally by two mutually acting return springs, and/or by means of gravity.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the liquid drain device has a liquid receiving body equipped with the liquid drain opening. In the liquid receiving body, for example, liquids can be collected and/or partially stored until they are specifically drained.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body is movable relative to the switching body, in particular by the corresponding relative movement. In particular, the closure body and the liquid drain opening and, for example, the liquid receiving body can be arranged to be movable relative to the switching body, in particular by the relative movement. In particular, the switching body can then be arranged stationary.

In another embodiment of the liquid drain device, the switching body is movable relative to the closure body, in particular by the relative movement. In particular, the switching body can be movable relative to the closure body and the liquid drain opening or relative to the liquid receiving body, in particular by the relative movement. The closure body can be arranged stationary and/or pivotable about a stationary pivot axis.

In a further different embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body and the switching body are movable, in particular by relative movements with respect to one another, in particular in opposite directions. In particular, the closure body and the liquid drain opening on the one hand and, for example, the liquid receiving body and, on the other hand, the switching body can be movable, in particular by relative movements with respect to one another, in particular in opposite directions.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body is arranged below the liquid drain opening and/or the liquid drain opening is arranged on the bottom side of the liquid receiving body. This allows liquids to be drained downwards in a vertical direction. The liquid drain opening can be opened in particular by a relative movement between the closure body and the switching body, with this relative movement then running essentially in a horizontal direction. An essentially horizontal direction can be understood to mean in particular the horizontal and, for example, also a direction deviating from the horizontal by +/- 30 °, in particular by +/- 10 °.

The closure body can be movable from the at least one release position (back) into the closure position, for example by means of gravity and/or a spring force.

In another embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body is arranged to the side of the liquid drain opening and/or the liquid drain opening is formed on one side of the liquid receiving body. This advantageously allows liquids to be drained to the side. The liquid drain opening can be opened in particular by a relative movement between the closure body and the switching body, with this relative movement then running essentially in a vertical direction. An essentially vertical direction can be understood in particular to mean the vertical and, for example, also a direction deviating from the vertical by +/- 30°, in particular by +/- 10°.

Here too, the closure body can be moved from the at least one release position (back) into the closure position by means of gravity and/or a spring force. In the closure position, the closure body can be held by a stop.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the switching body has at least one ramp-shaped section. In particular, the switching body can have a ramp-shaped section with a positive slope and/or a ramp-shaped section with a negative slope and/or, for example, an elevated, in particular flat section. As a result of the ramp-shaped section with the positive slope, the liquid drain opening can advantageously be opened more and more during the relative movement, for example over a certain period of time, for example continuously. As a result of the ramp-shaped section with the negative slope, the liquid drain opening can advantageously be closed more and more during the relative movement, for example over a certain period of time, for example continuously. As a result of the raised section, the liquid drain opening can advantageously be held in a certain opening state, for example in a fully open state, for example over a certain period of time during the relative movement.

The raised portion may, for example, be a substantially horizontal portion or a substantially vertical portion. For example, the raised portion may be formed between the ramped portion having a positive slope and the ramped portion having a negative slope.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the switching body further comprises a liquid passage opening, in particular a continuous one. Liquid can advantageously be drained through the switching body through the liquid passage opening. The liquid passage opening of the switching body can, for example, be formed at least in the raised section.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, a drain shaft is formed in a building structure, for example in a building structure section, for example the conveyor system. Liquid can advantageously be drained through the drain shaft. For example, liquid can be drained through the liquid passage opening through the switching body and then through the drain shaft.

In the embodiment in which the closure body is arranged below the liquid drain opening and/or the liquid drain opening is formed on the underside of the liquid receiving body, for example the switching body can be formed below the liquid drain opening and/or the drain shaft below the switching body and/or the drain shaft below the liquid passage opening of the switching body.

In the embodiment in which the closure body is arranged to the side of the liquid drain opening and/or the liquid drain opening is formed on one side of the liquid receiving body, for example the switching body can be formed to the side of the liquid drain opening and/or the drain shaft to the side of the switching body and/or the drain shaft to the side of the liquid passage opening of the switching body.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the liquid drain device device for a circulating conveyor system with a plurality of platforms. For example, the platforms can be conveyed in a circulating manner by at least one chain, in particular by a first and a second chain. The relative movement between the closure body and the switching body can be triggered in a functionally effective manner, in particular by a movement of at least one chain, for example the first chain and/or the second chain. The liquid drain device can thus advantageously be actuated in a simple and/or cost-effective and/or reliable manner.

In a special embodiment of the liquid drain device, the relative movement generated or taking place between the closure body and the switching body can be triggered by a movement of at least one platform, in particular by a movement of at least one chain, for example the first chain and/or the second chain.

In a further special embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body can be moved in a functionally effective manner by at least one chain, for example by the first chain and/or by the second chain. For example, the closure body and the liquid drain opening and optionally the liquid receiving body can be moved in a functionally effective manner by at least one chain, in particular by the first chain and/or by the second chain. For example, the closure body, for example the closure body and the liquid drain opening and optionally the liquid receiving body, can follow the movement of at least one chain, for example the first chain and/or the second chain. The switching body can be stationary, for example.

In another special embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body is stationary. For example, the closure body and the liquid drain opening and, if applicable, the liquid receiving body can be stationary. In particular, the switching body can be functionally effectively moved by at least one chain, for example by the first chain and/or by the second chain. For example, the switching body can follow the movement of at least one chain, for example the first chain and/or the second chains.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, a liquid drain opening section of the liquid receiving body forming the liquid drain opening has a partially cylindrical outer contour. The closure body can thus advantageously pivot along the partially cylindrical outer contour of the liquid drain opening section. The partially cylindrical outer contour of the liquid drain opening section of the liquid receiving body can, for example, be based on a circular arc around the pivot axis of the closure body or can be at least partially designed accordingly.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body has a sealing surface with a partially hollow cylindrical outer contour. In this way, the seal can advantageously be improved in the closed state of the liquid drain opening and during the opening process of the liquid drain opening, in particular by pivoting or swiveling the closure body, for example along the partially cylindrical outer contour of the liquid drain opening section. The partially hollow cylindrical outer contour of the sealing surface of the closure body can in particular be designed to correspond to the partially cylindrical outer contour of the liquid drain opening section of the liquid receiving body. The partially hollow cylindrical outer contour of the sealing surface of the closure body can, for example, be based on a circular arc around the pivot axis of the closure body or at least partially be designed accordingly.

In a further embodiment of the liquid drain device, the closure body has an actuating section. In particular, a pivoting movement of the closure body about the pivot axis can be effected by a relative movement of the actuating section of the closure body with respect to the switching body. The liquid drain device can thus be actuated in a particularly simple and/or cost-effective and/or reliable manner.

In the embodiment in which the closure body is arranged below the liquid drain opening and/or the liquid drain opening is formed on the underside of the liquid receiving body, the pivot axis of the closure body can in particular be formed above the liquid drain opening.

In the embodiment in which the closure body is arranged laterally of the liquid drain opening and/or the liquid drain opening is formed on one side of the liquid receiving body, the pivot axis of the closure body can in particular be formed laterally of the liquid drain opening.

Furthermore, the liquid drain device, in particular the liquid receiving body, can have a liquid collecting section, for example a funnel-like section. The liquid collecting section can be connected in particular in a liquid-conducting manner to the liquid drain opening and/or the liquid drain opening section. In this way, liquid can advantageously be collected in particular directly or close to the area of the liquid drain opening. The liquid collecting section can be arranged and/or formed in particular above the liquid drain opening and/or the liquid drain opening section.

Furthermore, the liquid drain device, in particular the liquid receiving body, can have a fastening section, for example. The closure body and/or the liquid drain opening section and/or the liquid collecting section can be arranged, for example fastened, or formed on the fastening section. The closure body can be arranged, in particular fastened, to the fastening section in a rotatable manner, in particular. The liquid drain opening section and/or the liquid collecting section can be arranged, in particular fastened, or formed on the fastening section in a fixed or immovable manner, for example by means of a screw connection.

With regard to further technical features and advantages of the liquid discharge device according to the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the explanations in connection with the conveying system according to the invention and the method according to the invention as well as to the description of the figures.

The conveyor system according to the invention can be, for example, a circulating conveyor system and/or a conveyor belt and/or a conveyor belt. In particular, the conveyor system can have at least one liquid drain device. The liquid drain device can basically be advantageous in the conveyor system for transporting a large number of goods. This is because the ingress of water, for example in rainy weather, often cannot be completely ruled out. For example, transported goods containing liquid could also be leaky and/or liquids could then leak out, which - ultimately - can then be drained off via the liquid drain device.

In one embodiment of the conveyor system, however, the conveyor system is designed to transport wet and/or optionally wet goods. Optionally wet goods can be, for example, vehicles and/or other goods that may also be wet, for example in rainy weather.

In a further embodiment of the conveyor system, the conveyor system is designed as a circulating conveyor system. In particular, the conveyor system can be a circulating conveyor system with a plurality of platforms. The platforms can be conveyed in a circulating manner in particular by at least one chain, for example by a first chain and/or by a second chain. The platforms can be attached to the at least one chain, for example by carriers, and/or arranged accordingly.

For example, the platforms can be moved along a circulating conveyor path by a first chain and/or a second chain. The circulating conveyor path can have, for example, two straight sections and two semicircular deflection sections. The two semicircular deflection sections can be connected to one another via the two straight sections. The at least one chain, in particular the first chain and/or the second chain, can be deflected around a chain drive wheel or driven by it, for example, in one of the semicircular deflection sections.

In a further embodiment of the conveyor system, at least some of the platforms have at least one liquid drain device. For example, all platforms can each have at least one liquid drain device. The respective liquid drain device can be arranged and/or formed in particular in the floor area of the respective platform. The liquid drain device can be triggered in particular by a movement of the platform. For example, the liquid drain device can be opened by a contact which can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body and the switching body, which is then arranged in particular in a stationary manner and which can be generated by the movement of the platform.

In a further embodiment of the conveyor system, vehicles, in particular battery-powered, electric vehicles, for example electric vehicles and/or hybrid vehicles, can be parked and/or transported on the platforms, in particular parked and/or transported and in particular also electrically charged. For example, the platforms can be designed for the electrical charging of battery-powered, electric vehicles, for example electric vehicles and/or hybrid vehicles.

With regard to further technical features and advantages of the conveying system according to the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the explanations in connection with the liquid discharge device according to the invention and the method according to the invention as well as to the description of the figures.

The method according to the invention can be designed in particular for operating a liquid drain device according to the invention. The liquid drain opening can be opened in particular by a contact that can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body and the switching body.

In one embodiment of the method, the closure body is moved, in particular pivoted, from the closure position into the at least one discharge position by the relative movement between the closure body and the switching body.

In a further embodiment of the method, the closure body is held in the at least one discharge position by the switching body. For example, the closure body can be held in the at least one discharge position by the raised section of the switching body.

In a further embodiment of the method, the liquid drain opening is (re)closed by means of gravity and/or a spring force. For example, the closure body can be moved from the at least one drain position (again) into the closure position by means of gravity and/or a spring force.

• 1a in einer schematischen Querschnittsdarstellung eine Ausgestaltung einer Flüssigkeitsablassvorrichtung mit einem unterhalb einer Flüssigkeitsablassöffnung angeordneten Verschlusskörper in einer Verschlussstellung;
• 1b in einer schematischen Querschnittsdarstellung die in 1a gezeigte Ausgestaltung einer Flüssigkeitsablassvorrichtung in einer Ablassstellung;
• 2a bis c schematische Querschnittsdarstellungen der in 1a und 1b gezeigten Ausgestaltung einer Flüssigkeitsablassvorrichtung zur Veranschaulichung einer Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens;
• 3 in einer schematischen, perspektivischen Darstellung die in den 1a bis 2c gezeigte Ausgestaltung einer Flüssigkeitsablassvorrichtung;
• 4a in einer schematischen Querschnittsdarstellung eine andere Ausgestaltung einer Flüssigkeitsablassvorrichtung mit einem seitlich an einer Flüssigkeitsablassöffnung angeordnete Verschlusskörper in einer Verschlussstellung;
• 4b in einer schematischen Querschnittsdarstellung die in 4a gezeigte Ausgestaltung einer Flüssigkeitsablassvorrichtung in einer Ablassstellung;
• 5 in einer schematischen Querschnittsdarstellung eine Ausgestaltung einer Umlaufförderanlage mit Flüssigkeitsablassvorrichtungen; und
• 6 in einer schematischen, perspektivischen Darstellung die in 6 gezeigte Ausgestaltung einer Umlaufförderanlage.

There are now a number of possibilities for designing and developing the liquid drain device according to the invention, the conveyor system according to the invention and the method according to the invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, reference may first be made to claims 1, 25 and 30 and to their respective subordinate claims. A preferred design of the liquid drain device according to the invention, the conveyor system according to the invention and the method according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the associated description. The drawing shows:

• 1a in a schematic cross-sectional representation, an embodiment of a liquid drain device with a closure body arranged below a liquid drain opening in a closure position;
• 1b in a schematic cross-sectional view of the 1a shown embodiment of a liquid drain device in a drain position;
• 2a to c schematic cross-sectional representations of the 1a and 1b shown embodiment of a liquid drain device to illustrate an embodiment of the method;
• 3 in a schematic, perspective representation of the 1a to 2c shown embodiment of a liquid drain device;
• 4a in a schematic cross-sectional representation, another embodiment of a liquid drain device with a closure body arranged laterally at a liquid drain opening in a closed position;
• 4b in a schematic cross-sectional view of the 4a shown embodiment of a liquid drain device in a drain position;
• 5 in a schematic cross-sectional view, an embodiment of a circulating conveyor system with liquid discharge devices; and
• 6 in a schematic, perspective representation of the 6 shown design of a circulating conveyor system.

The 1a and 1b show a liquid drain device 600 for a conveyor system 1000, in particular for a circulating conveyor system and/or a conveyor belt and/or a conveyor belt. The liquid drain device 600 has in particular a liquid drain opening 611*, a pivotable closure body 620 and a switching body 630.

1a shows that in a closed position of the closure body 620, the liquid drain opening 611* is closed by the closure body 620, in particular is completely sealed.

1b shows that in a drain position of the closure body 620, the liquid drain opening 611* is at least partially, in particular completely, opened. In the drain position, in particular the closure body 620 is pivoted out of the closed position accordingly.

A summary of the 1a and 1b or the 2a to 2c illustrates that the liquid drain opening 611* can be opened by a contact that can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630. In particular, the closure body 620 is opened by the relative movement between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630 from the closed position to the discharge position. In particular, the closure body 620 can be pivoted by the switching body 630 from the closed position to the discharge position. In particular, the closure body 620 has an actuating section 622, wherein a pivoting movement of the closure body 620 about the pivot axis S can be effected by a relative movement or movement of the actuating section 622 of the closure body 620 with respect to the switching body 630. Thus, the 1a to 2c the overall connection or in particular the corresponding relative movement between the pivotable closure body 620 and the switching body 630. In this case, in the 1a to 2c In particular, the switching body 630 is arranged stationary, whereby - as will also be shown in the following explanations - the other components such as the closure body 620, the liquid receiving body 610 and/or the liquid collecting section 613 move, in particular here then according to the 2a to 2c possible directions of movement shown by the arrows, especially here in the 2a and 2c from left to right. Due to the corresponding movement from left to right, the actuating section 622 of the closure body 620 then comes into contact with the switching body 630, which is stationary here, and then, as can be seen in particular from 2 B It can be seen that the closure body 620 is pivoted into its discharge position or can be pivoted accordingly.

The 1a and 1b show that the pivot axis S of the closure body 620 is formed above the liquid drain opening 611* and the closure body 620 is arranged below the liquid drain opening 611*. The liquid drain device 600 has in particular a liquid receiving body 610 equipped with the liquid drain opening 611*. The liquid drain opening 611* is formed on the underside of the liquid receiving body 610. The liquid drain opening 611* can be opened in particular by a relative movement between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630 in a substantially horizontal direction. In this case, the 1a the components shown above the stationary switching body 630 are arranged essentially horizontally from left to right, so that the contact of the actuating section 622 of the closure body 620 causes the closure body 620 to move to the left into the position shown in 1b shown position, i.e. is pivoted into its drain position and the liquid can be drained downwards from the liquid receiving body 610. In this case, the 1b shown flat surface of the switch body 630 to the in 1a shown starting slope of the switching body 630 (then in 1a top right), as can be seen in particular from the 2a to 2c is evident.

The 1a and 1b further illustrate that a liquid discharge opening section 611 of the liquid receiving body 610 forming the liquid discharge opening 611* has a partially cylindrical outer contour AZ. The partially cylindrical outer contour AZ of the liquid discharge opening section 611 of the liquid receiving body 610 is based in particular on a circular arc around the pivot axis S of the closure body 620.

The 1a and 1b further illustrate that the closure body 620 has a sealing surface 621 with a partially hollow cylindrical outer contour AHZ. The partially hollow cylindrical outer contour AHZ of the sealing surface 621 of the closure body 620 is designed to correspond to the partially cylindrical outer contour AZ of the liquid discharge opening section 611 of the liquid receiving body 610. The partially hollow cylindrical outer contour AHZ of the sealing surface 621 of the closure body 620 is also based in particular on a circular arc around the pivot axis S of the closure body 620. The closure body 620 can be made, for example, from a sealing, low-friction and wear-resistant material.

By defining the radii of the circular arc contours of the liquid drain opening section 611 and the closure body 620, in particular in a manner adapted to one another, a leakage rate of the liquid drain device 600 can be adjusted, for example minimized accordingly.

The 1a and 1b also show that the liquid receiving body 610 further comprises a, for example funnel-like, liquid collecting section 613, wherein the liquid collecting section 613 is connected in a liquid-conducting manner to the liquid drain opening section 611 and the liquid drain opening 611*. The liquid collecting section 613 is arranged above the liquid drain opening section 611 and the liquid drain opening 611*.

Furthermore, the 1a and 1b that the liquid receiving body 610 further comprises a fastening section 612, wherein the closure body 620 and/or the liquid discharge opening section 611 and/or the liquid collecting section 613 are arranged, in particular fastened, to the fastening section 612. The closure body 620 is rotatably mounted or arranged, in particular rotatably or pivotably attached. The liquid drain opening section 611 and/or the liquid collection section 613 are arranged, in particular attached, to the attachment section 612 in a fixed or immovable manner, in particular by means of a screw connection 614.

However, it is basically also possible to design the liquid receiving body 610 and/or the liquid drain opening section 611 and/or the liquid collecting section 613 and/or the fastening section 612 in one piece.

Furthermore, the 1a and 1b that the closure body 620 can be moved, in particular pivoted, from the discharge position (again) into the closure position by at least one return spring 640, for example by two return springs, for example by two mutually acting return springs. In this way, it can be ensured, for example, that the closure body 620 is always moved back into the closure position, in particular pivoted, and in this way the liquid discharge device 600 or the liquid drain opening 611* is closed.

The 2a to 2c show the 1a and 1b shown embodiment of a liquid drain device 600 and in particular also illustrate an embodiment of the method or operation.

The 2a to 2c show that the switching body 630 has a ramp-shaped section 631 with a positive gradient, a raised section 632 and a ramp-shaped section 633 with a negative gradient. A continuous liquid passage opening (not shown) is formed in the switching body 630, in particular in the raised section 632 of the switching body 630. A drain shaft 500** is formed in a building structure 500, for example in a building structure section, and in particular below the switching body 630 and below the liquid passage opening of the switching body 630. The liquid drain device 600 can thus advantageously be emptied by gravity, i.e. the corresponding liquid can be emptied into or via the drain shaft 500**.

A summary of the 2a to 2c also illustrates that the liquid discharge opening 611* can be opened by a contact that can be generated by a relative movement (here from left to right) between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630. Regarding the illustration in the 2a to 2c It should be pointed out again that here, in particular due to the schematically indicated arrows, a corresponding movement of the closure body 620, in particular a relative movement between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630 is or should be shown, in particular due to the relative movement a corresponding contact between the actuating section 622 of the closure body 620 and the switching body 6300 is made possible, so that in the end a corresponding pivoting of the closure body 620 is or will be realized.

2a illustrates that the actuating section 622 of the closure body 620 is guided over the ramp-shaped section 631 with the positive slope of the switching body 630, whereby a contact that can be generated by a relative movement of the actuating section 622 of the closure body 620 with respect to the ramp-shaped section 631 with the positive slope of the switching body 630 causes a pivoting movement of the closure body 620 about the pivot axis S and thereby the liquid drain opening 611* is opened more and more, for example continuously and/or over a path defined by the positive slope or over a certain period of movement. In this case, for example, a return spring 640 can be pre-tensioned. A second return spring opposite this, not shown here, can also be arranged additionally and, due to the geometry, can be force-free.

2 B illustrates that the actuating section 622 of the closure body 622 is then guided over the raised section 632 of the switching body 630, whereby the closure body 620 is held in the discharge position. In this case, the raised section 632 of the switching body 630 can in particular hold the closure body 620 in the discharge position and the liquid discharge opening 611* in a certain opening state, in particular in a completely open state, for example over a period of time determined by the extension of the raised section 632 during the movement. In other words: During the movement of the closure body 620 relative to the switching body 630 in 2 B from left to right over the raised, in particular horizontal section of the switching body 630, the actuating section 622 of the closure body 620 is indeed moved over the flat surface, but in particular remains in its release position. Only when the actuating section 622 is then moved from left to right over the ramp-shaped section 633 with a negative gradient does the closure body 620 then move again in the direction of its closure position.

2c illustrates that the actuating portion 622 of the closure body 622 is then guided over the ramp-shaped section 633 with the negative slope of the switching body 630, wherein the liquid drain opening 611* is closed more and more again by the relative movement of the actuating section 622 of the closure body 620 with respect to the ramp-shaped section 633 with the negative slope of the switching body 630, for example continuously and/or over a path or a certain period of time defined by the negative slope during this movement. The pivoting of the closure body 620 from the drain position to the closed position and/or the closing of the liquid drain opening 611* can take place, for example, by means of a spring force and/or by means of gravity, in particular by means of a spring force. This can take place, for example, by the spring force of the previously pre-tensioned return spring 640. The liquid drain device 600 can then be refilled, for example, and emptied again, for example when the switching body 630 or another switching body is passed again.

The 4a and 4b show another embodiment of a liquid drain device 600, which differs from that shown in 1a to 2c shown embodiment essentially in that the liquid drain opening 611* is formed on one side of the liquid receiving body 610 and that the closure body 620 is arranged laterally of the liquid drain opening 611* and the pivot axis S of the closure body 620 is arranged laterally of the liquid drain opening 611*.

4a shows that the closure body 620 rests with its underside on a stop 611a. The closure body 620 can thus be held in the closed position by the stop 611a, in particular against gravity.

A summary of the 4a and 4b illustrates that in this embodiment the liquid drain opening 611* can be opened by a relative movement between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630 in a substantially vertical direction. The 4a and 4b partly by the arrow in 4a The relative movement shown between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630 therefore runs essentially in a vertical direction, as shown here from top to bottom to move the closure body 620 into its release position.

In the in the 4a and 4b In the embodiment shown, a drain shaft can be formed, for example, laterally of the switching body 630 and/or laterally of a liquid passage opening of the switching body 600 in a building structure (not shown).

The two in 1a to 4a In the embodiments shown, either the closure body 620 can be movable relative to the switching body 630 and the switching body 630 can be stationary, or the switching body 630 can be relative to the closure body 620 and the closure body 620 can be stationary, in particular pivotable about a stationary pivot axis S, or the closure body 620 and also the switching body 630 can be movable relative to one another, in particular in opposite directions.

The 5 and 6 show embodiments of a conveyor system 1000 according to the invention, which has at least one liquid drain device 600 according to the invention. The liquid drain device 600 can in particular be as in connection with the 1a to 2c trained or, if necessary, as described in the 4a and 4b explained.

The 5 and 6 show in particular a circulating conveyor system 1000 with a plurality of platforms 100. The platforms 100 are connected by at least one chain 201, for example by a first chain 201 and by a second, in 5 and 6 concealed chain of a chain system 200. The platforms 100 are attached to the at least one chain, for example to the first chain and/or the second chain, by means of carriers 210 or arranged accordingly. The first chain 201 can be functionally driven by a first chain drive wheel and the second chain by a second chain drive wheel. For example, vehicles, in particular battery-powered, electric vehicles, for example electric vehicles and/or hybrid vehicles, can be parked and/or transported on the platforms 100, in particular parked and/or transported and also electrically charged. As the 5 and 6 show that the respective platforms 100 have in particular corresponding loading areas 100* on which vehicles not shown in detail here can be parked. The circulating conveyor system 1000 is therefore designed in particular to be "paternoster-like" and/or "tower-like" and in particular has a corresponding building structure and/or a tower structure. The vehicles parked on the loading areas 100* of the platforms 100, in particular the motor vehicles parked there, can then be parked and/or accommodated in a type of parking system in a very small space.

The 5 and 6 illustrate that the platforms 100 can be conveyed along a circulating conveyor path which has two straight sections X1,X2 and two semicircular deflection sections Y1,Y2. The two semicircular deflection sections Y1,Y2 are connected to one another via the two straight sections X1,X2. The chains 201 are deflected around the chain drive wheel in one of the semicircular deflection sections Y1. The diameter of the chain drive wheel is advantageously dimensioned such that an inspection frame (not shown) can be arranged between the straight sections X1,X2.

The 5 and 6 show that the platforms 100 can be positioned in a loading position, which can also be referred to as the rest zero position, in particular below the lower semicircular deflection section Y1, and can be loaded and/or unloaded in the loading position. The loading position is formed in an area of a building structure 500. The platform 100 positioned in the loading position is essentially flush with the surface or flush with the floor with the surrounding sections of the building structure 500.

At least some of the platforms 100, in particular all platforms 100, can be equipped with at least one liquid drain device 600. The liquid drain device 600 can be arranged and/or designed in particular in the floor area of the platform 100, in particular below the respective loading areas 100*. For example, the liquid drain device 600 can be arranged on the floor of a platform 100. In particular, a corresponding liquid drain device 600 is arranged and/or designed in the area of the loading area 100* or in the floor area of the platform 100 such that in particular the liquid receiving body 610 is arranged and/or designed in the floor area and/or in the area of the loading area 100* of the respective platform 100. In particular, the floor area of the platform 100 can also have corresponding liquid collection sections 613, in particular funnel-shaped liquid collection sections 613, in which corresponding liquids, in particular water, which drips from the vehicles parked on the platforms 100 can collect. The switching body 630, in particular the one in the 2a to 2c The switching body 630 shown is then arranged in particular in the floor space 500* of the circulating conveyor system 1000. In particular, the discharge shaft 500** is then formed in the building structure 500, in particular in the foundation of the building structure 500. While the platform 100 is then deflected accordingly along the semicircular deflection section Y1 in the lower area of the circulating conveyor system 1000, the closure body 620 is then relative to the switching body 630 which is then arranged stationary, for example according to the 2a to 2c possible movement shown from left to right. The liquid drain opening 611* of the liquid drain device 600 is then opened in the respective lower position of the platform 100, in particular in the rest and loading position of a platform 100, so that a liquid accumulated on the loading surface 100* can then be drained accordingly, as previously described.

The liquid drain device 600 can be triggered in particular by a movement of the platform 100. For example, the liquid drain device 600 can be opened by a contact which can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630 which can be generated by the movement of the platform 100. The relative movement between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630 can be functionally triggered by a movement of the at least one chain 201, for example the first chain 201 and/or the second chain. In particular, the relative movement between the closure body 620 and the switching body 630 can be triggered by a movement of at least one platform 100 which can be brought about in particular by a movement of the at least one chain 201. In this context, with regard to the subsequent movement sequences and functioning of the liquid drain device 600, reference should be made in particular to the explanations regarding the 2a and 2c to get expelled.

The switching body 630 and the drain shaft 500** of the liquid drain device 600 can be arranged and/or formed, for example, in a floor clearance 500* of the building structure 500. The liquid drain device 600 can thus be opened and emptied at cyclical intervals, for example when the motor vehicles pass in the loading position/rest zero position. The 5 and 6 show here in particular in a purely schematic representation by the corresponding reference numerals recognizable here, at least partially schematically, the arrangement and/or functioning of a liquid drain device 600 arranged in a circulating conveyor system 1000, as previously described above.

The 5 and 6 show that the circulating conveyor system 1000 can further comprise a drive system 300, floor pivot flaps 400,400' and a frame 700.

The ones here in the 5 and 6 The circulating conveyor system 1000 shown here is designed like a paternoster or tower, and therefore has a building structure 500 in particular. The 5 and 6 The building structure 500 shown also includes a foundation of the circulating conveyor system 1000, whereby in the case of the 5 and 6 illustrated embodiment, the floor clearance 500* is designed accordingly, in particular in the foundation of the circulating conveyor system 1000, as can be seen or previously described.

List of reference symbols

100

Platform, especially a gondola-like platform, for example a cargo gondola

100*

Platform loading area

200

Chain system

201

first or second chain, especially endless chain

X1,X2

straight sections

Y1,Y2

semicircular deflection sections

U1, U2

Rotation axes of the first and/or second chain

210

Carrier, in particular boom, for example boom arm, of the first or second chain

211

Driving axle, especially for platform suspension

300

Drive system

400

Floor flap, especially first floor flap

400'

Floor flap, especially second floor flap

500

Building structure

500*

Ground clearance of the building structure

500**

Drain shaft

600

Fluid drain device

610

Fluid absorption body

611*

Fluid drain opening

611

Fluid drain port section

611 a

Liquid drain port section stop

AZ

partially cylindrical outer contour of the liquid drain opening section

612

Mounting section

613

Liquid collection section

614

Screw connection

620

pivoting locking body

621

Sealing surface of the closure body

AHZ

partially hollow cylindrical outer contour of the sealing surface

622

Operating section

S

Pivoting axis of the pivoting locking body

630

Switch body

631

ramp-shaped section with positive gradients of the switching body

632

raised, especially horizontal, section of the switch body

633

ramp-shaped section with negative gradient of the switching body

640

Return spring

700

framework

1000

Conveyor system, especially circulating conveyor system

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 20040156699 A1 [0003]
• CH 717726 A2 [0003]

Claims (33)

Liquid drain device (600) for a conveyor system (1000), in particular for a circulating conveyor system and/or a conveyor belt and/or a conveyor belt, characterized in that the liquid drain device (600) has a liquid drain opening (611*), a pivotable closure body (620) and a switching body (630), wherein the liquid drain opening (611*) can be opened by a contact that can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630). Fluid drain device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the liquid drain opening (611*) can be closed by a cancellation of the contact which can be effected by the relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630). Liquid drain device (600) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that in a closed position of the closure body (620) the liquid drain opening (611*) is closed by the closure body (620). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that in at least one drain position of the closure body (620) the liquid drain opening (611*) is at least partially opened, in particular wherein the closure body (620) is pivoted out of the closure position in the at least one drain position. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the closure body (620) can be moved from the closure position into the at least one discharge position by the relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the closure body (620) can be pivoted by the switching body (630) from the closure position into the at least one discharge position. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the closure body (620) is held in the at least one discharge position by the switching body (630). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the closure body (620) can be moved by means of a spring force, in particular by at least one return spring (640), and/or by means of gravity from the at least one discharge position into the closure position, in particular can be pivoted back into the closure position. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the liquid drain device (600) has a liquid receiving body (610) equipped with the liquid drain opening (611*). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the closure body (620) is movable with respect to the switching body (630), in particular by the relative movement, in particular wherein the switching body (630) is arranged stationary. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the switching body is movable with respect to the closure body, in particular by the relative movement, in particular wherein the closure body is arranged stationary and/or pivotable about a stationary pivot axis. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the closure body (620) and the switching body (630) are movable, in particular by relative movements with respect to one another, in particular in opposite directions. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that the closure body (620) is arranged below the liquid drain opening (611*) and/or the liquid drain opening (611*) is formed on the underside of the liquid receiving body (610), in particular wherein the liquid drain opening (611*) can be opened by a relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630) in a substantially horizontal direction. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that the closure body (620) is arranged laterally of the liquid discharge opening (611*) and/or the liquid discharge opening (611*) is formed on one side of the liquid receiving body (610), in particular wherein the closure body (620) is held in the closed position by a stop (61 1 a), in particular wherein the liquid discharge opening (611*) is formed by a Relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630) can be opened in a substantially vertical direction. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 14 , characterized in that the switching body (630) has at least one ramp-shaped section (631,633), in particular wherein the switching body (630) has a ramp-shaped section (631) with a positive slope and/or a raised section (632) and/or a ramp-shaped section (633) with a negative slope. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 15 , characterized in that the switching body (630) further has a liquid passage opening. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 16 , characterized in that a drain shaft (500**) is formed in a building structure (500), in particular wherein the drain shaft (500**) is formed below the switching body (630) and/or below the liquid passage opening of the switching body (630), or wherein the drain shaft (500**) is formed laterally of the switching body (630) and/or laterally of the liquid passage opening of the switching body (630). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 17 , characterized in that the liquid drain device (600) is designed for a circulating conveyor system (1000) with a plurality of platforms (100), wherein the platforms (100) can be conveyed in a circulating manner by at least one chain (201), wherein the relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630) can be triggered in a functionally effective manner by the one movement of the at least one chain (201). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 18 , characterized in that the relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630) can be triggered by a movement of at least one platform (100), in particular by a movement of the at least one chain. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 19 , characterized in that the closure body (620) is functionally movable by at least one chain (201) and the switching body (630) is stationary; or that the closure body is stationary and the switching body is functionally movable. Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 20 , characterized in that a liquid drain opening section (611) of the liquid receiving body (610) forming the liquid drain opening (611*) has a partially cylindrical outer contour (AZ), in particular wherein the partially cylindrical outer contour (AZ) of the liquid drain opening section (611) of the liquid receiving body (610) is based on a circular arc around the pivot axis (S) of the closure body (620). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 21 , characterized in that the closure body (620) has a sealing surface (621) with a partially hollow-cylindrical outer contour (AHZ), in particular wherein the partially hollow-cylindrical outer contour (AHZ) of the sealing surface (621) of the closure body (620) is based on a circular arc around the pivot axis (S) of the closure body (620) and in particular is designed to correspond to the partially cylindrical outer contour (AZ) of the liquid discharge opening section (611) of the liquid receiving body (610). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 22 , characterized in that the closure body (620) has an actuating portion (622), wherein a pivoting movement of the closure body (620) about the pivot axis (S) can be brought about by a relative movement of the actuating portion (622) of the closure body (620) with respect to the switching body (630). Liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 23 , characterized in that the pivot axis (S) of the closure body (620) is formed above the liquid drain opening (611*), or the pivot axis (S) of the closure body (620) is formed laterally of the liquid drain opening (611*). Conveyor system (1000), in particular circulating conveyor system and/or conveyor belt and/or assembly line, characterized in that the conveyor system (1000) has at least one liquid discharge device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 24 having. Conveyor system (1000) to Claim 25 , characterized in that the conveyor system (1000) is designed for the transport of wet and/or optionally wet goods. Conveyor system (1000) to Claim 25 or 26 , characterized in that the conveyor system (1000) is designed as a circulating conveyor system (1000) with a plurality of platforms (100), wherein the platforms (100) can be conveyed in a circulating manner by at least one chain (201), in particular by a first and a second chain. Conveyor system (1000) to Claim 27 , characterized in that at least some of the platforms (100) have at least one liquid drain device (600), wherein the liquid drain device (600) is arranged and/or formed in the floor area and/or in the area of the loading surface (100*) of the platform (100) and wherein the liquid drain device (600) can be triggered by a movement of the platform (100), in particular wherein the liquid drain device (600) can be opened by a contact which can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630) which can be generated by the movement of the platform (100). Conveyor system (1000) according to one of the Claims 27 or 28 , characterized in that vehicles, in particular battery-powered, electric vehicles, for example electric vehicles and/or hybrid vehicles, can be parked and/or transported, in particular parked and/or transported and electrically charged, on the platforms (100). Method for operating a liquid drain device (600) according to one of the Claims 1 until 24 , characterized in that the liquid drain opening (611*) is opened by a contact that can be generated by a relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630). Procedure according to Claim 30 , characterized in that the closure body (620) is moved, in particular pivoted, from the closure position into the at least one discharge position by the relative movement between the closure body (620) and the switching body (630). Procedure according to Claim 30 or 31 , characterized in that the closure body (620) is held in the at least one discharge position by the switching body (630). Method according to one of the Claims 30 until 32 , characterized in that the liquid drain opening (611*) is closed by means of gravity and/or a spring force, in particular wherein the closure body (620) is moved from the at least one drain position into the closure position by means of gravity and/or a spring force.

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