EP0954504B1 - Device for deviating rail-guided transport items from one rail track to another - Google Patents

Abstract

The deviating device (26, 26') for feeding transport items (12) occurring on the first rail track (14) to the second or third rail track (16, 18), which is arranged at an angle (alpha, alpha') with respect to the first rail track (14), are arranged lying radially on the inside with respect to the bend of the transitional region between the first rail track (14) and the second or third rail track (16, 18). They have a conveying disk (28), driven continuously in rotation, and a coupling means (56), designed as a lamellar wheel (42). The lamellae (42') of the lamellar wheel (42) can be transferred in a controlled manner into a clamping position, in order to firmly clamp a transport item (12) between them and the conveying disk (28) and lead it through the deviating region.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for Deflection of rail-guided, independent of each other Transport bodies from the guide area of a first rail track to the management area of one with respect to the first Rail track arranged second at an angle Rail track.

In EP-A-0 918 720, which is based on priority and is based on Swiss Patent Application No. 1996 1818/96 a device for feeding printed matter to processing stations. It has a rail system on the independent, with Carriages equipped with clamps for transporting the printed matter are led. A trunk conveyor line of the rail system is via controlled switches to the processing stations leading supply routes connected. On the feed lines connect return lines that again flow into the main conveyor via switches, to put the brackets back into this. In devices of this kind with independent carriages running along large parts of the rail system are freely movable, the distance between successive carriages can be strong vary. So it is possible that consecutive cars abut each other. This can be particularly the case with branches of the rail system and when merging two strands of the rail system in one strand to problems to lead. In particular, switching switch tongues only ensured after passing a car if the next one is made sure Car only follows after a certain time or distance.

Similar problems exist when two come together Strands of the rail system, if there are those on the two Strands arriving wagons do not have a particular temporal difference. Such devices require a considerable amount of sensor, control, Lock and clock facilities to ensure the smooth Ensure operation.

CH 382 768 A discloses a device for deflecting of rail-guided, independent from each other Transport bodies according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for deflecting rail-guided, from each other independent transport bodies from the management area of a first track to the guide area of a of the first rail track arranged at an angle to create second rail track with high processing capacity deflecting on the first rail track resulting transport bodies guaranteed, even if they are very close to each other follow or even lie against each other.

This object is achieved with a device that Features of claim 1. The inventive Solution allows omitting one in the radial direction seen external guide for the support body in the Transition area from the guide area of the first rail track to the guide area of the second rail track. When deflecting points, a switch tongue can be used be waived, all related to problems caused by switching switch blades. Next the transport body in the transition area actively promoted, so they have to redirect a precisely defined speed and run at this in the second track. This sets advantageous Requirements for the further downstream Processing of the transport body.

The coupling means for coupling the transport body the conveying element of the deflection device can Transport bodies themselves can be arranged. advantageously, are the coupling means as stated in claim 3, but assigned to the deflection device. this makes possible an extremely simple form of training the transport body.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Device is defined in claim 4. Form the deflection device and the coupling means a clamping device for the transport body, can be in the transition area the rail-side guidance of the transport bodies partially or even completely canceled.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Device is defined in claim 5. It enables an extremely simple design of the transport body and coupling agents.

A form of training that is particularly simple to set up and operate the device according to the invention is in the claim 6 specified.

Another particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive Device is defined in claim 7. A circular segment-like movement path of the transport body in the transition area a circular disc or wheel-shaped design of the support element.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention Apparatus according to claim 8 enables training the device with a rectilinear section. If drive links are provided, take the transport body a defined mutual in the area of the device Location one thing, especially when merging two strands to one strand brings advantages.

With a further preferred embodiment of the invention Device according to claim 9 can be from each other independent transport bodies at the desired time are processed. This allows in particular when merging two strands collisions of Prevent transport objects occurring on both strands.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Device for feeding on a strand Transport bodies to two strands is required 10 defined.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Device for transferring on two strands resulting transport bodies in a single strand specified in claim 11.

In a device designed according to claim 12 a collision of transport bodies on extremely simple Way prevented.

A particularly economical form of training the device according to the invention is defined in claim 13. It requires a small number of different ones Parts.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Device is specified in claim 14. internal rotor can be made particularly small. A leadership element ensures an optimal enema of the Transport body in the guide area of the downstream located rail track.

The particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Device according to claim 15 enables the individual Processing of flat products, in particular Printed products. There can be different Sources of products for further processing merged and stranded products be split up for further processing.

Another particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive Device according to claim 16 allows Preparation of products to meet the needs of the following Processing stations.

The particularly preferred form of training of the transport body according to claim 17 allows simple training of single-shot units and an optimal interaction between this and the transport bodies.

Fig. 1

in Draufsicht eine erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung mit vergabelungsartig angeordneten Schienensträngen;

Fig. 2

die in der Fig. 1 gezeigte Vorrichtung in einem Schnitt entlang der Linie II-II der Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

einen in einer Schiene geführten Transportkörper im Schnitt entlang der Linie III-III der Fig. 5;

Fig. 4

den Transportkörper gemäss Fig. 3 in Draufsicht;

Fig. 5

den in den Fig. 3 und 4 gezeigten Transportkörper in Seitenansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles V der Fig. 3;

Fig. 6

einen Teil der in den Fig. 1 und 2 gezeigten Vorrichtung in einem Schnitt entlang der Linie VI der Fig. 1;

Fig. 7

in einer der Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung einen Teil der in den Fig. 1 und 2 gezeigten Ausbildungsform der Vorrichtung mit einem Zusatz zum Drehen von an den Transportkörpern angeordneten Tragelementen;

Fig. 8

in Draufsicht den in Fig. 7 gezeigten Teil der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 9

in Draufsicht eine Ausbildungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung beim Zusammenführen von zwei Strängen zu einem Strang;

Fig. 10

die in der Fig. 9 gezeigte Vorrichtung in einem Schnitt entlang der Linie X-X der Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

in einem Schnitt entlang der Linie XI-XI der Fig. 9 die dort gezeigte Vorrichtung mit einer Eintakteinheit;

Fig. 12

in Draufsicht die in den Fig. 9 und 11 gezeigte Eintakteinheit in Zurückhaltestellung für Transportelemente;

Fig. 13

in einem Schnitt entlang der Linie XIII-XIII der Fig. 12 die Eintakteinheit in Zurückhaltestellung;

Fig. 14

in Draufsicht die in der Fig. 12 gezeigte Eintakteinheit in Freigabe- und Antriebsstellung; und

Fig. 15

in einem Schnitt entlang der Linie XV-XV der Fig. 14 die Eintakteinheit in Freigabe- und Antriebsstellung.

The invention is described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. It shows purely schematically:

Fig. 1

in plan view a device according to the invention with rail strands arranged in the manner of a fork;

Fig. 2

the device shown in Figure 1 in a section along the line II-II of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3

a guided in a rail transport body in section along the line III-III of Fig. 5;

Fig. 4

the transport body according to Figure 3 in plan view.

Fig. 5

the transport body shown in Figures 3 and 4 in side view in the direction of arrow V of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6

a part of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a section along the line VI of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7

in a representation corresponding to FIG. 2, part of the embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with an addition for rotating support elements arranged on the transport bodies;

Fig. 8

in plan view the part of the device shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9

a top view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention when merging two strands into one strand;

Fig. 10

the device shown in Figure 9 in a section along the line XX of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11

in a section along the line XI-XI of Figure 9, the device shown there with a single-stroke unit;

Fig. 12

In plan view, the single-stroke unit shown in Figures 9 and 11 in the retention position for transport elements.

Fig. 13

in a section along the line XIII-XIII of Figure 12, the single-stroke unit in the retention position.

Fig. 14

In plan view, the single-stroke unit shown in Figure 12 in the release and drive position. and

Fig. 15

in a section along the line XV-XV of FIG. 14, the single-stroke unit in the release and drive position.

The device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has one Rail system with rails 10 which are C-shaped in cross section on in which are independent of each other, as internal runners trained transport body 12 guided freely movable are. Connect to a first rail track 14, in Transport direction T seen the transport body 12, a second rail track 16 and a third rail track 18 on. The second and third rail tracks 16, 18 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first rail track 14 and each make an angle α with it or α 'of 135 °. This angle can also be larger or be smaller. From the guide area 14 'of the first Rail track 14 extends to the guide area 16 ' of the second rail track 16 a first transition area 20 with an arcuate bend 22. The guide areas 14 ', 16' of the two rail tracks concerned 14, 16 close the bend in the tangential direction 22 on. A corresponding second transition region 20 'with an opposite bend 22 extends from the first Rail line 14 to the third rail line 18. Die with respect to the bend 22 of the first transition region 20 outer side edge 24 of the second rail track assigned rail, ends at the third rail track 18. The outer side flank also ends 24 of the rail 10 of the third rail track 18 in the second track 16. In the two transition areas 20, 20 'thus take over the second and third Rail track 16, 18 radially outside on the transport body 12 no management function.

The radially inner with respect to the respective bend 22 Side edges 24 of the second and third rail track 16, 18, sit in the transition area 20, 20 ', forming a guide member 24 ', and go into the Side flanks of the rail 10 of the first rail track 14 about.

With regard to the bend 22 of the first transition region 20 is on the inner side of a first deflection device 26 with a drive that rotates in the transport direction T, conveyor element designed as a conveyor disk 28 30 arranged. Regarding a center plane of the first Rail section 14 is a mirror image of the first deflection device 26 there is a second deflection device 26 ′, which is assigned to the second transition region 20 '. The two deflection devices 26, 26 'are mirror images educated.

The conveyor disc 28 is at the lower end of one a frame 32 mounted shaft 34 attached. The axis 34 'of the shaft 34 coincides with the center of the circular Bend 22 of the relevant transition region 20 together. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the Transport body 12 with a transport body part 36 over the rail 10 in front and have on the transport body part 36 in Transport direction T seen on both sides tongue-like projections 38 on. The one below, facing away from the rail 10 The surface of these projections 38 form a shoulder 40, which is designed to adhere to the overhead surface create the conveyor disc 28; this therefore constitutes Support element 28 'for the transport body 12.

Above the conveyor disc 28 is a lamellar wheel on the shaft 34 42 attached. The size of the lamellar wheel 42 is selected such that it is in a recess 44 of the Rail system in the transition area 20 and adjoining this End or start sections 46, 46 'of engages first and second rail track 14, 16 in order with shoulders 40 'on top of the transport body 12 co. The disks 42 ′ of the disk wheel 42 are characterized by cuts in the radial direction in an umbrella-like curved, forming the lamellar wheel 42 Disc made of a resilient, ferromagnetic Material formed.

Seen in the direction of transport T, at the beginning is everyone Transition areas 20, 20 'on the frame 32 an electromagnet 48 attached, which in the excited state is intended the slats 42 'moving past it from a rest position, towards the conveyor disk 28, in a Spend clamp position. Immediately on the electromagnet 48 closes a clamping link 50 downstream on, which is also attached to the frame 32 and intended is in the clamping position by means of the electromagnet 48 slats 42 'continued to be in the clamping position hold until this is the beginning of the leadership area 16 ', 18' of the second or third rail track 16, 18 have reached. The clamping link 50 also spends the remaining slats 42 'in the clamping position, but can this to one in the other transition area 20 or 20 'located transport body 12 do not act, since this is outside the effective range of the Clamping scenes 50 influenced slats 42 '. The Lamellar wheel 42 with the associated electromagnet 48 thus forms a controlled, cooperating with the support member 28 ' Clamping element 51 for those to be deflected Transport body 12.

A seat sits on the shaft 34 of each deflection device 26, 26 ' Gear 52. These equal-sized gears 52 mesh with one another, around the two deflection devices 26, 26 'synchronously and drive in the opposite direction. Sits on the shaft 34 of the first deflection device 26 further a sprocket 54 connected to a drive motor Chain drive 54 'for driving the deflection device 26, 26 '.

The lamellar wheel 42 and the controlled electromagnet 48 thus form a coupling means 56 to the concerned Rail section 16 or 18 to be supplied transport body 12 to the conveyor element 30 of the rail track in question 16, 18 associated deflection device 26 or 26 ' to couple.

Seen in the direction of transport T, is the deflection 26, 26 'upstream of a sensor 58. This is one of them determined to recognize an incoming transport body 12 and, if necessary, a coding attached to it read. The output signals from sensor 58 become one Not shown control device supplied, which Electromagnets 48 controls the transport body 12 to supply the desired second or third rail track 16, 18.

At the point where the radially outer side flanks 24 of the second and third rail tracks 16, 18 abut one another, a swivel castor 60 is freely rotatable, around the transport bodies deflected in one of the two directions 12 when entering the relevant rail track 16, 18 to lead radially outside.

The transport body 12 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 has one in a running channel 62 formed by the rail 10 arranged transport body part 36 'in which the balls 64 of two seen in the transport direction T one behind the other arranged ball triplets 64 'freely rotatable are. To accommodate the three balls 64 each Triplet 64 ', the transport body part 36' has a Y-like trained cage 66, with those in the arms this cage arranged balls 64 touch each other and can roll on each other. Each ball 64 of a triplet 64 'is on its, projecting beyond the transport body 12 Part, arranged on a on the rail 10 Ball race pair 68 performed. A pair of balls is 68 in each case at the end region of each side flank 24 of the rail 10 and the third on the two side flanks 24 connecting Rail web 10 'arranged. The structure of the rail 10 and of the transport body part 36 'arranged in the running channel 62 with the ball triplets 64 'and their interaction with the rail 10 is described in detail in EP-A-0 387 318.

The one protruding from the running channel 62 with the transport body part 36 'integrally formed transport body part 36 laterally has the projections described above 38 with the shoulders 40 on. On the rail 10 and the side of the projections facing the transport body part 36 ' 38 are on the transport body part 36 lateral, convex Drive surfaces 70 formed, their purpose and mode of operation is described below.

On the end face facing away from the transport body part 36 ' of the transport body part 36 is a support element thereon 72 attached, for example, a bracket for the Transport of printed matter may be appropriate.

Fig. 6 partially shows that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 second deflection device 26 'when deflecting a transport body 12 in the second transition region 20 ', the Transport body 12 in the guide area 18 'of the third Rail track 18 is introduced. The transport body 12 lies with its shoulder 40 on the conveyor disc 28 and on the shoulder 40 'by means of the clamping link 50 Lamels 42 'of the lamellar wheel held in the clamping position 42 on. In the transition area 20 'are the web 10' Rail 10 and that of the radially inner, the guide element 24 'forming side flank 24 facing Balls 64 guided on corresponding ball race pairs 68, whereas the radially outer balls 64 are free and only after entering the management area 18 'of the third rail track 18 are guided again. The steering roller acting on the transport body part 36 ' 60 supports the entry of these balls 64 onto this one assigned pair of balls 68. Like this also the Fig. 6 can be seen, the slats 42 'give the transport body 12 free and run off the clamping link 50, as soon as the transport body 12 is guided in the guide area 18 ' is.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 the support elements 72 on the transport bodies 12 about the axis 34 'rotatably mounted and have the in Figs. 1 and 2 shown and described above deflection 26, 26 'control means 74 for rotating the support element 72 on. On the side of the conveyor disk facing away from the lamellar wheel 42 28 is on the end face of the shaft 34 Steering wheel 76 freely rotatable, the one on his Shell surface 76 'acting, connected to a drive Drive wheel 78 in the direction of arrow D and thus in the direction of transport T is driven rotating. The steering wheel 76 is determined with its outer surface 76 'with a circular cylindrical To interact surface surface 72 'of the support member 72. Corresponds to the speed of the steering wheel 76 the speed of the conveyor disk 28 and the lamellar wheel 42, the support member 72 maintains its rotational position with respect to the Transport body 12 in the transition region 20 or 20 '.

If the speed of the steering wheel 76 is greater than the speed the conveyor disc 28 and the lamellar wheel 42 the support member 72 against the bend 22 with respect to the Transport body 12 rotated. One regarding speed the conveyor disc 28 and the lamellar wheel 42 smaller Speed of the control wheel 76 has the consequence that the support element 72 is rotated in the direction of the bend 22. in the shown example, the speeds are so on each other matched that the support member 72 in the bend 22 the Maintains orientation that it is in the first rail track 14 when entering the transition area 20 '.

The deflection devices 26 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, 26 'are constructed essentially the same as those in FIGS 1 and 2 deflection devices shown. Parts of the in 9 and 10 deflection devices 26, 26 ', who have the same training and perform the same function as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are provided with the same reference numerals; it will continue to the appropriate description points referenced above.

Instead of the conveyor disk 28 sits on the shaft 34 rotatably a sprocket 80 around which the conveying element 30 forming conveyor chain 82, which on the other hand a deflection wheel 84 is guided with respect to the direction of transport T of the first and third rail tracks 14, 18 arranged upstream of the relevant sprocket 80 and is freely rotatably mounted on the frame 32.

Successive links in the conveyor chain 82 are alternate arranged below or above, where the lower links each form a support link 86, which is intended as a support element 28 'with the Shoulders 40 of the transport body 12 cooperate. The to a support member 86 adjacent links form driving links 86 ', the projections 38 between them Pick up the transport body 12 so that it can be carried along.

In the present case, 14 and third rail track 18 occurring in the transport direction T. Transport body 12 by means of the deflection devices 26, 26 'fed to the second rail track 16. Around to prevent that with synchronously driven conveyor chains 82 corresponding support members 86 of the two Conveyor chains 82 are occupied by transport bodies 12, is seen the two deflection wheels 84 in the transport direction T. one single-ended unit 88 upstream. Because the single unit 88 are driven in opposite directions, can simple way a collision of two transport bodies 12 avoided in the transition areas 20, 20 ' become. The first and third rail track 14, 18 is one each upstream of the relevant single-ended unit 88 Associated with sensor 58, the incoming transport body 12 recognizes and corresponding signals to a not shown Control unit for controlling the single-stroke units 88 and of the slats 42 'of the slat wheels 42 in the clamping position spending magnet 48 emits.

The clamping links 50 are direct to the electromagnet 48 upstream. They spend every move past her Slat 42 'in the clamping position. When the electromagnet is de-energized 48, however, the slats 42 'move in the rest position before moving onto a transport body 12 can act by means of the other deflection device 26 or 26 'is deflected.

The structure and mode of operation of the single-ended units 88 can be seen from FIGS. 11 to 14. Each of the single-shot units 88 points on both sides of the rail track in question 14 or 18 forming rail 10 a truncated cone Drive wheel 90 with a polygonal circumference. The drive wheels 90 sit on another frame 92 mounted shafts 94, which in turn over each other intermeshing gear wheels 96 of the same diameter are connected to the drive. Sits on one of these shafts 94 further rotatably a sprocket 98 around which a chain 99th is guided, on the other hand, to a on a coupling element 100 seated further sprocket 98 'runs. The Coupling element 100 is part of a coupling 102 that is on a shaft 104 is arranged on which the relevant deflection wheel 84 is attached. The clutch 102 gets from the Control device commands, on the one hand, around the shaft 94 Driving the single-ended unit 88 to the shaft 104 couple and on the other hand to release this clutch and the Single-ended unit 88 by coupling the coupling element 100 to stop and hold a non-rotatable element 100 '.

The further frame 92 is further on both sides of the rail 10 a two-armed retaining lever 106 is rotatably supported. The two are arranged approximately parallel to the rail 10 Retaining levers 106 point at their T in the transport direction seen downstream lever end a retaining lug 108 and a freely rotatably mounted control roller 110, from below into a recess 112 in the drive wheels 90 intervention; forms the lateral surface of the recess 112 a control link 114 for the control rollers 110. Am der Control roller 110 and the retaining lug 108 facing away from the end the retaining levers 106 are each attached to a spring 116, the other attached to the other frame 92 to bias the retainer levers 106 in the retainer position.

As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 14, the Control link 114 is a substantially square-round Form, with the control rollers 110 in the retention position each in a rounded "corner area" of the control link 114 are arranged, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 demonstrate. Are the two drive wheels 90 in the opposite Sense and in the transport direction T by one Driven by a quarter turn, the control links 114 control the retaining lever 106 initially against the force of the springs 116 in a release position and towards the end of this Rotational movement back to the restraint position. The Release position of the retaining lever 106 and the corresponding The rotational position of the drive wheels 84 is in FIG. 14 and 15 are shown.

The outer polygonal, cylindrical outer surface 90 'of Drive wheels 90 are shaped such that their distance from the Axis of rotation of shaft 94 at the "corners" of the control link 114 lowest and in the middle of the control link 114 is largest between two "corners". Are located the retention lever 106 is in the retention position and lies a transport body 112 with its projection 38 to the Retaining lugs 108, the drive wheels 90 are also located with its outer surface 90 'on the drive surfaces 70 of the Transport body part 36. The shape of the convex drive surfaces 70 and the shape of the convex surface 90 'of the drive wheels 90 are on top of each other matched that when turning the drive wheels 90 whose Shell surfaces 90 'roll on the drive surfaces 70 in such a way that the transport body 12 in the transport direction T is accelerated. The increase in distance serves this purpose of the outer surface 90 'to the shaft 94.

For the time being, the mode of operation will be that of FIGS. 1 and 2 and subsequently the device shown in FIGS. 9 to 15 described.

An arriving in the first rail track 14 in the transport direction T. Transport body 12 is recognized by sensor 58. This transport body 12 is the third rail track 18 feed, is seen in the transport direction T of second deflection device 26 'arranged on the left Electromagnet 48 excited. This will make each slats 42 'moved past it in the clamping position, which means that the one with its in the direction of transport T seen left shoulder 40 on the continuously driven conveyor disc 28 for support coming transport body 12, between that and the lamellar wheel 42 is pinched. Since the electromagnets 48 the deflection devices 26, 26 'are driven in opposite directions the second deflection device 26 ' held transport body 12 unhindered on the first Move deflection device 26 past. The one from the second Deflection device 26 'held transport body 12 promoted by the second transition region 20 'and in the guide area 18 ′ of the third rail track 18 introduced. This is based on a look at the swivel castor 60 further transport body 12 shown. As soon as the transport body 12 is in the guide area 18 ' the respective slats 42 'release it, since they are no longer in the clamping position from the clamping link are held and ultimately run off from this.

An incoming transport body 12 is the second rail track 16 to be fed in the direction of transport T seen on the right-hand deflection device 26 Electromagnet 48 excited and at the same time that of the second Deflection device 26 'associated electromagnet 48 de-energized, which has the consequence that the transport body 12th between the conveyor disc 28 and the lamellar wheel 42 of the first deflection device 26 clamped and by the first transition area 20 through the guide area 16 'of the second rail rod is fed.

Since the transport body 12 on the radially inner Side to the relevant deflection device 26 or 26 'are coupled, the transport body 12 with any distance can be processed consecutively. This even if they are in the area of the first rail track 14 lie against each other.

By means of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 15 the device according to the invention are on two rail tracks 14 and 18 resulting transport body 12 a single, the second rail track 16 fed. One on the first or third rail track 14, 18 arriving Transport body 12 is by means of the relevant sensor 58 recognized. Decides based on the signals from the sensors 58 the control device, which single-ended unit 88 for Releasing and accelerating a transport body 12 is released. At the time shown in Fig. 9 is the single-ended unit assigned to the third rail track 88 stopped, causing the person concerned Transport body 12 to those in the retention position Retaining levers 106 abuts and not in the effective range the continuously rotating conveyor chain 82 can reach.

The single-stroke unit assigned to the first rail track 14 88 is temporarily driving the idler wheel 84 and thus the relevant, also continuously driven Conveyor chain 82 and first deflection device 26 coupled. Your restraint levers 106 were due to the rotation the drive wheels 90 pivoted in the release position and that located between the drive wheels 90 Transport body 12 is accelerated in the transport direction T. The release of the single-ended unit 88 is with the movement the conveyor chain 82 synchronized so that the released and accelerated transport body 12 between two drive links 86 'on a support member 86 for Facility is coming. In the example shown there are four consecutive ones Support members 86 each with a transport body 12 occupied, whereas the corresponding support members 86 of the conveyor chain 82 associated with third rail track 18 are free. In this way, on the one hand, it prevents that two transport body 12 when the Rail tracks 14, 18 run onto each other and on the other hand the order of feeding the transport body 12 controlled to the second rail track 16.

That by means of the chain wheels 80 in the effective range of the lamellar wheels 42 funded transport body 12 will be there between the relevant support member 86 and the means of the clamping scenes 58 slats brought into the clamping position 42 'and clamped by the corresponding bend 22 conveyed through the transition region 20 or 20 '.

In the transition area following the clamping link 50 downstream, the slats 42 'concerned are excited by means of the corresponding electromagnet 48 in the clamping position held until the respective transport body 12 in Guide area 16 'of the second rail track 16 is located. The electromagnet, which is not energized, leaves the the associated clamping link 50 previously in the clamping position move the held slats 42 'back into their rest position, before moving one from the other deflector influence held transport body 12 can.

Since the transport body 12 on the conveyor element in the transition region 30 of the deflection device in question are, it is also possible to complete the transport body 12 without a guided tour through the transition area to transport what is also diverting from Rail-guided outer runners.

The described principle of deflecting transport objects 12 from a first rail track 14 or 18 a second rail track 16 or 18 can also be used, if two rail tracks, e.g. the rail tracks 14 and 16, aligned with each other, i.e. if the angle α between these rail tracks is 180 °. It can only one deflection device 26 may be provided, either as shown in the figures on the inside of the transition area having a bend or but with a straight transition area on the outer side of the two aligned rail tracks is arranged. In the latter case it is Conveying element 30 is formed as shown in Fig. 9, wherein the coupling means along a closed orbit, which correspond to the course of the conveying element 30, has an elongated section.

Claims (17)

1. Apparatus for diverting rail-mounted, independent transporter bodies (12) from the ambit (14') of a first rail track (14) to the ambit (16') of a second rail track (16) arranged at an angle (α) with respect to the first rail track (14), with a diverter device (26) arranged in a transition zone (20) extending from the ambit (14') of the first, to the ambit (16') of the second, rail track (14, 16), characterized in that the diverter device (26) has a conveying element (30) driven in rotation in the transport direction (T) of the transporter bodies (12) and bridging the transition zone (20), and with controlled coupling means (56) whereby a transporter body (12) arriving on the first rail track (14) and destined for transfer to the second rail track (16) can be coupled to the feeder element (30) within the ambit (14') of the first rail track (14), held on the conveying element (30) during transit through the transition zone (20), and released from the feeder element (30) within the ambit (16') of the second rail track (16).
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transition zone (20) has a bend in it, and the diverter device (26) is arranged on the inside of the bend in the transition zone (20).
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling means (56) are an adjunct of the diverter device (26).
4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the conveying element (30) has a support element (28') continuously driven in rotation and the coupling means (56) have a controlled gripping element (51) rotating in synchronization with the support element (28'), to grip between the support element (28') and the gripping element (51) a transporter body (12) destined for transfer to the second rail track (16).
5. Apparatus according to Claim 4, characterized in that the transporter bodies (12) have shoulders (40, 40') intended to work in conjunction with with the support element (28') and gripping element (51).
6. Apparatus according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the gripping element (51) has a daisy wheel (42) with petals (42') parting radially outwards from each other which can be brought into a gripping position, i.e. moved towards the support element (28'), preferably by means of an electromagnet (48).
7. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the support element (28') is in the form of a disk, and is mounted rotatably about its axis (34').
8. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the support element (28') is formed by links (86) of a chain (82) led around deflection wheels (80, 84) wherein preferably, every nth link of the chain (where n is more than 1) is a support link (86) and the chain links adjacent to the support links (86) are traction links (86').
9. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the conveying element (30) is preceded by a controlled timing unit (88) which is intended to supply transporter bodies (12) singly to the conveying element (30) at specific times.
10. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 9, characterized by a third rail track (18) likewise arranged at an angle (α') with respect to the first rail track (14) and opposite the second rail track (16), and an additional conveying element (30) arranged on the inside of the bend (22) in the corresponding transition zone (20') and driven in the direction from the first to the third rail track (14, 18) and controlled additional coupling means (56) whereby a transporter body (12) arriving on the first rail track (14) and destined for transfer to the third rail track (18) can be coupled to the additional feeder element (30) and held on the additional conveying element (30) during transit through the transition zone (20').
11. Apparatus according to Claims 2 and 8, characterized by a third rail track (18) likewise arranged at an angle (α') with respect to the second rail track (16) and opposite the first rail track (14), an additional conveying element (30) arranged on the inside of the bend (22) in the corresponding transition zone (20') and driven in the direction from the third to the second rail track (18, 16), controlled additional coupling means (56) whereby a transporter body (12) arriving on the third rail track (18) and destined for transfer to the second rail track (16) can be coupled to the additional conveying element (30) and held on the additional conveying element (30) during transit through the transition zone (20'), and a controlled additional timing unit (88) preceding the additional conveying element (30) and intended to supply transporter bodies (12) singly to the additional conveying element (30) at specific times.
12. Apparatus according to Claim 11, characterized in that the timing units (88) are driven in alternation.
13. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the additional conveying element (30) and the additional coupling means (42) are constructed symmetrically with respect to the conveying element (30) and the coupling means (42).
14. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the rail tracks (14, 16, 18) are formed as channels and the transporter bodies (12) as inside runners, and the lateral flanks (24) of the rail tracks (14, 16, 18) facing towards the inside of the bend (22) are connected by a guide element (24') extending between the conveying element (30) and the coupling means (56).
15. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that carrier elements (72) preferably fitted with individually controllable clamps, for transporting piece goods, in particular flat products such as printed products, are arranged on the transporter bodies (12).
16. Apparatus according to Claim 15, characterized in that the carrier elements (72) are mounted pivotably on the transporter bodies (12), and control means (76) are provided in the transition zone to turn the carrier elements (72) with respect to the transporter bodies (12).
17. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the transporter bodies (12), viewed in the transport direction (T), have lateral, preferably convex, driving faces (70) which are intended to work in conjunction with intermittently driven drive wheels (90) of timing units (88).

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