WO2007147189A1

WO2007147189A1 - Apparatus for conveying and transferring articles

Info

Publication number: WO2007147189A1
Application number: PCT/AT2007/000303
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johann Kritzinger
Original assignee: Stiwa-Fertigungstechnik Sticht Gesellschaft M.B.H.
Priority date: 2006-06-23
Filing date: 2007-06-21
Publication date: 2007-12-27
Also published as: AT503921A4; AT503921B1

Abstract

The invention describes an apparatus (1) for conveying articles (2), comprising a first conveyor (3) with a plurality of accommodating compartments (12), which have compartment bases (15) and are arranged at constant intervals (41) one behind the other, as seen in the conveying direction (11), on a first conveying means (13), and also comprising a second conveyor (4) which follows the first conveyor in the conveying direction (11) and has a plurality of accommodating compartments (19), which have compartment bases (21) and are arranged at constant intervals (42) one behind the other, as seen in the conveying direction (11), on a second conveying means (17), wherein interacting accommodating compartments (12, 19) are aligned opposite one another in each case in a transfer section (7) between the first conveyor (3) and the second conveyor (4). A path curve (23) of the bases (15) of the accommodating compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) and a path curve (25) of the bases (21) of the accommodating compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) are spaced apart from one another by a largely constant spacing (26) in the transfer section (7), and the transfer section (7) extends in the conveying direction (11) over a length of at least three times an opening width (36) of the accommodating compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3), this opening width being oriented in the conveying direction (11).

Description

Device for conveying and transferring objects

The invention relates to a device for conveying objects, as described in the preamble of claim 1.

Devices of this type are advantageously used where already isolated objects or a defined number of objects between two conveyors are handed over while maintaining the separation.

A reliable transfer of individual objects from a first conveyor to a second conveyor can be done for example by means of gripping elements, as used for example in US 3 330 400 A or AT 353 176 B. In this case, the objects to be transferred by the first conveyor are actively detected by gripper elements of the second conveyor. However, such transfer devices require a complicated mechanical structure, which is prone to failure and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the transfer from the first conveyor to the second conveyor must also be successful in the very short period of time in which the gripping elements of the second conveyor take effect.

For vertically oriented objects, for example in the form of bottles, a transfer device is known from EP 1 586 519 A1, in which the transfer from the first conveyor to the second conveyor is effected by means of a positive guide link, which moves the articles out of the compartments of the first conveyor between carriers on the second conveyor leads, which works well for objects with a round cross-section, but can cause blockages in angular objects.

A transfer method that is also well applicable for angular objects consists of transferring the objects contactlessly with the aid of an impressed force, for example gravity, from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, as is known from JP 09 240 834 A, for example. In this case, pieces of luggage are controlled by two drum-like conveyors with receiving compartments and transported while maintaining their isolation from a first conveying plane to an underlying second conveying plane.

The patent US 3,610,395 A discloses a device for conveying piece fruit. in which fruit is removed from a container by a first conveyor with receiving compartments fastened to an endlessly circulating conveyor chain, separated and transferred to a downstream second conveyor while the separation is maintained. In a transfer position while the Aufnahrnefächer of the first conveyor are open at the bottom and the fruit contained therein falls under the influence of gravity respectively in the upwardly open receiving compartments of the second conveyor, which promotes the piece fruit with a, rotating about a fixed axis movement. In order to prevent falling out of the piece fruit before the transfer position, a guide slot is arranged on the first conveyor, which holds the piece fruit to the transfer position in the receiving compartments. In the case of the second conveyor, falling out of the piece fruit from the inclined storage compartments is likewise prevented by a guide slot.

In Fig. 5 of German Patent DE 42 26 534 C2 discloses a similar-acting arrangement for the transfer of pen-shaped objects of receiving compartments of a first conveyor in receiving compartments of a second conveyor is disclosed. The pins lie in aligned transversely to the conveying direction groove-shaped receiving subjects and are transported following a horizontal portion of their trajectory along a semicircular trajectory down, with a guide slot prevents falling out of the pins from the receiving compartments. The transfer of the pins takes place as in the US-PS at about the lowest point of this semicircle movement, in which the trajectory of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor and the trajectory of the receiving compartments of the second conveyor to each other have a minimum distance. After the transfer of the pins in the receiving compartments of the second conveyor these are in turn held by a guide slot in the receiving compartments and secured against falling out.

In the aforementioned devices has in common that the transfer of the objects from the first conveyor to the second conveyor can be done only in a very short section of the trajectories of the receiving compartments of the first and second conveyor. The disadvantage of this is that a secure transfer between the conveyors is no longer guaranteed even by little influence of the falling out of the objects from the receiving compartments of the first conveyor, such as a short-term adherence of the objects in the storage compartments. Especially at higher conveying speeds, the transfer taking place on a very short path of movement of the objects is no longer reliable, although can also occur due to flow disturbances and possibly damage to the objects or the conveyors, which must be avoided at costly and expensive production facilities.

Based on this known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a generic device for conveying objects, in which the transfer of the objects of storage compartments of a first conveyor in receiving compartments of a second conveyor while maintaining the separation in a highly reliable manner and insensitive disturbing influences can take place.

This object is solved by the features in the characterizing part of the independent claim 1. The advantage of this embodiment is that the objects a longer section on the trajectory of the receiving compartments and thus a longer period of time for the transition from the receiving compartments of the first conveyor in the receiving compartments of the second conveyor is available by the aligned opposite receiving compartments on a longer distance to each other perform no significant relative movement. A short delay at the beginning of the transfer process, e.g. by brief adhesion or tilting of the objects when exiting from the receiving compartments of the first conveyor or when the objects enter the receiving compartments of the second conveyor, thereby remaining without a negative effect on the conveying process. The risk that an object does not assume its correct position in the receiving compartment of the second conveyor, is substantially lower, whereby the reliability of a generic conveyor is significantly improved.

The receiving compartments have a shape suitable for the objects to be picked up and, for example, are advantageously groove-shaped in the case of elongated objects with a pronounced longitudinal axis. The openings through which the objects to be conveyed are received in the receiving compartments, have an opening width which is oriented transversely to the conveying direction and an opening width which is oriented in the conveying direction. The opening width is generally greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the objects, but may also be smaller, for example when the objects are edgewise. Since the length of the transfer section corresponds to at least three times the opening width of the receiving compartments on the first conveyor, this length is in most cases a multiple of - A -

maximum cross-sectional dimension of the objects, whereby they are reliably transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

Depending on the design, the storage compartments can support the objects over the entire surface or only in sections or at points. In the case of groove-shaped, elongated storage compartments, these are expediently oriented transversely to the conveying direction. Furthermore, it is in most cases advantageous if the receiving compartments of the first conveyor are arranged in the transfer section above the receiving compartments of the second conveyor, whereby a transfer from the downwardly open receiving compartments of the first conveyor in the upwardly open receiving compartment of the second conveyor alone under the Influence of

Gravity can be done. In principle, however, other mechanisms for transferring the objects between the conveyors are possible, such. B. mechanically by ejector or forced guidance blocks, magnetically or electromagnetically acting arrangements in ferromagnetic parts or pneumatically acting devices by compressed air surges or suction elements in the second conveyor.

A largely constant distance of the shelves can be taken as given if in the transfer section, the ratio between the maximum distance and minimum distance between Nutgründen the receptacle of the first conveyor and Nutgründen opposite lying Aufhahmefächer the second conveyor is a maximum of 1.1. An absolutely constant distance can not be maintained due to manufacturing and / or assembly inaccuracies, minor deviations to about the above limits remain without effect on the effect of the invention.

According to a further claim, it is advantageous to form the first conveying means and / or the second conveying means in each case by means of at least one endlessly circulating traction means. Due to the arrangement of deflecting members and guide means for the traction means, the trajectories of the arranged on the traction means receiving compartments can be performed in a variety of forms, further is by the endless rotating receiving tray both an unsteady conveying process, such as in reciprocating Ausnahmefachern and a continuous delivery possible. The traction means can be designed as a belt or belt, wherein the receiving tray are formed by the belt, or also formed by one or more conveyor chains, where the receiving compartments are attached. An advantageous development according to another claim is that the trajectories of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor and the receiving compartments of the second conveyor in the transfer section curved in the same direction, in particular circular arc-shaped run. While in the transfer section linear trajectories of the receiving compartments both the first conveyor and the second conveyor require a straight guide the receiving compartments in the transfer section, in a concave curved, in particular arcuate trajectory of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor or second conveyor, the respective other cooperating conveyor be formed with a corrugated in the same direction and therefore convex, in particular circular arc-shaped trajectory of the receiving compartments, which allows a simple construction of the conveying means of the first and second conveyor.

An advantageous embodiment of the method is according to another claim therein, when the first conveyor or the second conveyor is formed by at least one transport wheel or a drum. As a result, the receiving compartments of the first conveyor or the second conveyor are guided on a circular path around the axis of rotation of the transport wheel or the drum, according to the receiving compartment and the receiving compartments of the second conveyor or the first conveyor at least approximately on a to the transport or the Drum of the other conveyor coaxial circular path are performed. The execution of the first conveying means or the second conveying means as a transport wheel or drum is in many cases economically advantageous to produce over a conveyor, which is formed by a traction means.

According to a further claim, it is advantageous if the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor each have a deflection means acting on the traction means, which changes a direction of movement of the receiving compartments in the transfer section. By this change in angle when passing through the transfer section of the discharge of optionally adhering in the receiving subjects objects is facilitated. In this case, an angle change has proven to be advantageous, which is in a range with a lower limit of 20 °, in particular 30 °, preferably 35 ° and an upper limit of 90 °, in particular 80 °, preferably 75 °. The deflection device may be, for example, a rotating element, such as a deflection wheel, but also a fixed element, such as a slotted guide. It is expedient, according to two further claims, to provide guide slots in front of the transfer section on the first conveyor and after the transfer section on the second conveyor. These act together with the recording makers and prevent inadvertent leakage of the items from the receiving compartments outside the Übergabeab- section. Since the transfer of the objects from the first conveyor to the second conveyor in the most common cases by gravity, the application of such guide slots is advantageous because complex other holding mechanisms, such as clamping devices or vacuum suction, the objects before and after the transfer section in the Record slots can be omitted. The use of guide frames thus achieves great design freedom for the shape of the trajectories of the receiving compartments of the conveyors.

According to another claim, a variant is characterized in that an envelope surface of the outermost points of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor and an envelope surface of the outermost points of the receiving compartments of the second conveyor are at a distance from one another. Since the receiving compartments of the first conveyor and the receiving compartments of the second conveyor in the transfer section are each pairwise aligned and moved in the same direction, it would also be possible that the envelope surfaces of the receiving compartments of the first and second conveyor intersect - as in Fig. 5 DE-42 26th 534 shown - by a distance between the envelope surfaces, however, the receiving compartments can be formed by transversely to the direction of transport entrainment. The advantage of this is that there are no additional edges on the storage compartments where the items can get caught. Furthermore, this training facilitates positioning of the objects transversely to the conveying direction in the receiving compartments. Another advantage of this design is that the second conveyor can be driven empty even when the first conveyor is stationary, when the objects contained in the receiving compartments of the second conveyor do not protrude into the envelope surface of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor.

An embodiment of the device according to another claim, according to which a compartment depth of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor and / or a compartment depth of the receiving compartments of the second conveyor is greater than the largest cross-sectional dimension of the objects, provides a high degree of certainty that the objects when lying in the Storage compartments do not protrude beyond the receiving compartments and can collide with other parts of the conveyor. According to another claim, it is advantageous if an opening width of the receiving compartments of the second conveyor oriented in the conveying direction is greater than the opening width of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor oriented in the conveying direction. The transition of the objects from the first to the second conveyor is thereby more reliable, since a hanging remain the objects when entering the receiving compartments of the second conveyor is largely avoided.

It is advantageous if, according to a further claim, the receiving compartments of the first conveyor and / or the receiving compartments of the second conveyor are delimited at least along a partial section of their trajectories by a wall element oriented parallel to the conveying direction transversely to the conveying direction. The wall element can be arranged fixed on the conveyor, or even be formed on the individual receiving pockets themselves. These wall elements allow positioning of the articles in the direction of their longitudinal axis, which for the transfer between the first conveyor and the second conveyor or the delivery to downstream conveyors, forms a defined reference line and can be used as a stop for the positioning.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is when the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor has a positioning device for moving the objects in the receiving compartments transversely to the conveying direction. Thereby, the objects can be positioned in the receiving compartments, for example along a reference line formed by a wall element or for example by a component of the positioning device itself. This can for example have a transversely movable to the conveying direction sliding rule whose end position forms the reference line. Another way to perform the positioning is to move the objects on a projecting beyond the envelope surface of the receiving part with the help of a fixed guide ruler. In this case, the reference line can be formed by wall elements, against which the objects are displaced by means of a spring-mounted, obliquely oriented to the conveying direction guide ruler, or by the last point considered in the conveying direction of a fixed, inclined guide ruler. The positioning device can also be formed by a blowing device, which shifts the objects by an air flow against one or more wall elements forming the reference line. By positioning on a reference line, all objects can be in substantially the same position on the second conveyor or be transferred to subsequent conveyors. This can be incorporated into the structural design of the subsequent conveyor and allow simpler constructions.

According to a further claim, the first conveying means and / or the second conveying means may each comprise at least two synchronously circulating traction means or synchronously driven transport wheels spaced apart from each other transversely to the conveying direction of the objects. In this case, the traction means or transport wheels themselves can form the receiving compartments, whereby the objects are supported along at least two points along their longitudinal axis, or the receiving compartments extend at least between the traction means or the transport wheels, whereby a circulation of the objects over their entire length or at least portions of Length is possible. The synchronous drive can take place in that the traction means or transport wheels are arranged on a common shaft, or else be realized in the form of an electric shaft by the drive control.

It is also advantageous according to another claim, the receiving compartments of the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor by the first conveyor and / or on the second conveyor attached or integrally formed driver, in particular in the form of support strips, webs, pins, bolts, pins or the like are formed. Compared to an embodiment in which each receptacle forms a self-contained unit, as far as it allows the geometry or shape of the objects, more economical to separate the receiving compartments in the conveying direction by attached to the funding carriers from each other. Examples of possible advantageous embodiments are support strips which extend between two mutually spaced-apart link chains, webs which are located substantially at right angles to the peripheral surface of an endlessly circulating conveyor belt, pins, bolts or pins which extend at the circumference of one or more Transport wheels are arranged. There are also all possible

Combinations of funding and drivers conceivable that delimit the receiving compartments from each other. The shelves of the receiving compartments may be formed by the drivers, for example in support bars or by the funding, for example in transport wheels or traction means with radially arranged pins or by fixed floor elements on the conveyors, similar to a scraper floor.

Compared with a design with drivers, the receiving compartments of the first conveyor and / or of the second conveyor according to another claim can be economically advantageous. haft also be formed by groove-like recesses in the or the funding. Depending on the width of the conveying means transversely to the conveying direction, this results, for example in the case of narrow transport wheels, in a point support for the objects or, in the case of a drum-shaped conveying means, an elongated bearing surface for the objects.

A further advantageous embodiment according to another claim is that the individual receiving compartments of the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor each have a related to the conveying direction front, extending from the region of the shelf outwardly boundary surface which is substantially flat and based on a trajectory of the receptacles is inclined perpendicular plane at an angle between 5 ° and 20 ° opposite or in the direction of movement of the receiving compartments. By this structural design, the position on the trajectory of the receiving compartments, on which the objects leave the receiving compartments under the influence of gravity, can be influenced, whereby a greater freedom of design for the arrangement of the transfer section is achieved. By way of example, in the case of a transport wheel with a horizontal axis of rotation, the articles can thus be held below the horizontal axis through the axis of rotation in the receiving compartments, while in the case of a transport wheel with an exactly radially oriented front boundary surface a cross-section of e.g. circular cylindrical object would leave the receiving tray immediately after passing a horizontal plane through the axis of rotation.

An advantage is also an embodiment of the device with a transfer section, viewed in the conveying direction, extending at least at its beginning in relation to a horizontal plane rising. The angle relative to the horizontal is preferably between 10 ° and 20 ° see. This causes the objects to be conveyed to be located at the beginning of the transfer section respectively at the backs of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor, e.g. be pushed by drivers and thus their location in the receiving compartments in the transfer point is the same and the reliability of the transfer is further increased.

The alignment and synchronous movement of the opposite receiving compartments of the first conveyor and the second conveyor required in the transfer section is advantageously ensured according to another claim by the conveyor of the second Conveyor is coupled via a drive member with the funding of the first conveyor, in particular form-fitting manner. This also makes it possible that only one of the two conveyors must be provided with a drive, whereby the production costs can be reduced.

A particularly favorable embodiment of this drive coupling is achieved when the drive member is wheel-shaped and is arranged coaxially with a rotation axis of the transport wheel or a Umlenkorgans the traction means on the first conveyor or on the second conveyor. The drive member can be designed, for example, as a sprocket that engages in a conveyor chain of the first conveyor and is arranged on a common shaft with a transport wheel of the second conveyor.

A structurally advantageous solution consists according to a further claim in that the drive member, for example sprocket, the deflection device for the conveying means of the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor, for example, forms a conveyor chain. By this design, on the one hand for the second conveyor no separate drive required and on the other hand, the necessary in the transfer section aligned and synchronous movement of the receiving compartments of the first and second conveyor ensured.

An adjustability of the conveyor to different lengths of the objects is achieved according to another claim, when the traction means or transport wheels of the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor are adjustable relative to each other by an adjusting transversely to the conveying direction. The adjusting device comprises a filling device which is formed, for example, by a common shaft on which the deflecting members for the traction means or the transport wheels of the first conveyor or the second conveyor are arranged, and an adjusting drive.

According to a further claim, it is favorable for conveying elongated articles when the receiving compartments for receiving elongated objects with pronounced longitudinal axes are aligned substantially horizontally and transversely to the conveying direction on the conveying means and likewise have horizontal and transverse to the conveying direction aligned longitudinal axes. By aligning transversely to the conveying direction and small radii of curvature of the trajectories of the receiving compartments can be realized, at the same time are the elongated Objects in a stable position in the storage compartments, which measures must be taken against unintentional leakage of the items only in sections with downwardly open storage compartments.

It is further advantageous according to another claim, when the trajectory of the receiving compartments of the first conveyor in front of the transfer section through a scooping area with objects in a disordered position, which are absorbed by the receiving compartments of the first conveyor objects from the scooping area. As a result, in addition to the conveying, the device can simultaneously effect the separation of the objects, whereby costs for an additional separating device can be avoided.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a section through the device according to the invention for conveying objects in a simplified, schematic representation;

2 shows a section through the transfer section between the first and second conveyor in a simplified, schematic representation.

3 shows the device for conveying objects cut along the line III-

III of Figure 1 in a simplified, schematic representation.

4 shows a possible variant of the formation of the trajectories of the receiving compartments of the first and second conveyors in a simplified, schematic cross-sectional representation;

5 shows a further possible variant of the shaping of the trajectories of the receiving faults of the first and second conveyors in a simplified, schematic cross-sectional representation;

6 shows another possible variant of the formation of the trajectories of the receiving of the first and second conveyor in a simplified, schematic cross-sectional representation;

7 shows a further possible variant of the formation of the trajectories of the receiving compartments of the first and second conveyor in a simplified, schematic cross-sectional representation;

8 shows a further possible variant of the formation of the trajectories of the receiving compartments of the first and second conveyors in a simplified, schematic cross-sectional view;

9 shows a possible variant of the device for conveying objects in a plan view in the direction VIII according to FIG. 1 in a simplified, schematic representation;

10 shows a further possible variant of the device for conveying objects in a plan view in the direction VIII according to FIG. 1 in a simplified, schematic representation;

11 shows a further possible variant of the device for conveying objects in plan view in the direction VIII according to FIG. 1 in a simplified, schematic representation;

12 shows a further possible variant of the device for conveying articles in plan view in the direction VIII according to FIG. 1 in a simplified, schematic representation;

13 shows a section through a further embodiment of the device, suitable for separating and conveying objects in a simplified, schematic representation.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, the disclosures contained in the entire description being analogously applied to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. you can. Also, the position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to a new position analogous to the new situation. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

All statements of value ranges in the present description should be understood to include any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the indication 1 to 10 should be understood to include all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i. all subregions begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

In Fig. 1, a device 1 for conveying objects 2 is shown, which has a first

Conveyor 3 and a second conveyor 4 comprises. The articles 2 are taken over at a feed position 5 on the first conveyor 3 by a dashed line indicated, upstream conveyor 6, passed from the first conveyor 3 in a lying between the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4 transfer section 7 to the second conveyor 4, of the the objects 2 are transferred at a delivery position 8 to a downstream conveyor 9 or a manufacturing facility.

The objects 2 can have any shape, but in particular they have a pronounced longitudinal axis 10, which runs perpendicular to the sectional plane in FIG. 1 and is oriented horizontally and at right angles to a conveying direction 11 during the conveying process. The articles 2 are received during the conveying process on the first conveyor 3 in receiving compartments 12, which are connected to a first conveyor 13 and are moved by this in the conveying direction 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the first conveyor 13 is formed by an endlessly circulating traction means 14, on which the receiving compartments 12 are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction 11.

The receiving compartments 12 are bounded inwardly by shelves 15 and in the conveying direction 11 by drivers 16. The subsequent to the first conveyor 3 second conveyor 4 comprises a second conveyor 17, which is formed in this embodiment as a transport wheel 18. On the second conveyor 17 receiving compartments 19 are formed in the form of groove-like recesses 20 on the circumference of the transport wheel 18, in which the objects 2 are conveyed. The receiving compartments 19 of the second conveyor 4 are limited as in the first conveyor 3 by shelves 21 inwardly and driver 22 in the conveying direction 11.

During operation, the shelves 15 of the first conveyor 3 pass through a first trajectory 23, the shape of which is determined by deflecting means 24 in the case of a first conveying means 13 designed as an endless circulating traction means 14, but is largely free to design. The deflection means 24 are e.g. inner deflection rollers for viewed from the outside convex portions or guide rails or guide slots or outer pulleys for viewed from the outside concave, or straight portions of the trajectory 23rd

The shelves 21 of the receiving compartments 19 of the second conveyor 4 go through in operation a second trajectory 25, which corresponds to a circle when forming the second conveyor 17 as a transport wheel 18.

In the transfer section 7 between the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4, the trajectory 23 of the shelves 15 of the first conveyor 3 is substantially equidistant from the trajectory 25 of the shelves 21 on the second conveyor 4, a shelf distance 26 is therefore largely constant in the transfer section 7. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the trajectories 23, 25 run on mutually concentric circular arcs whose common center of curvature 27 coincides with an axis of rotation 28 about which the transport wheel 18 rotates.

In the exemplary embodiment, the axis of rotation 28 of the transport wheel 18, like the longitudinal axes 10, of the objects 2 accommodated in the receiving compartments 12, 19 are largely horizontally aligned, and the delivery position 5 is higher than the delivery position 8. Other than that, it is also possible that the axis of rotation 28 and the longitudinal axes 10 are also aligned vertically or generally obliquely in space, that is, that the objects 2, for example, standing supported in the receiving compartments 12 and 19. In order to prevent inadvertent leakage of the articles 2 from the receiving compartments 12, a guide slot 29 is arranged on the first conveyor 3 before the transfer section 7, which limits the receiving tray 12 to the outside and the second conveyor 4 acting in the same way, the receiving compartments 19 after outside limiting guide slot 30, then arranged in the conveying direction 11 to the transfer section 7. In this embodiment, the transfer section 7 can thus extend in the conveying direction 11 at most from an outlet edge 31 on the guide slot 29 of the first conveyor 3 to an inlet edge 32 on the guide slot 30 of the second conveyor 4.

The receiving compartments 12 and / or the outermost points of these limiting drivers 16 of the first conveyor 3 describe, as they move in the conveying direction 11, an enveloping surface 33 which is a parallel surface to the movement curve 23 of the shelves 15. In the case of the second conveyor 4, the outermost points of the drivers 22 on the transport wheel 18 describe an envelope surface 34 which forms a parallel surface to the path curve 25 of the shelves 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the envelope surface 33 does not intersect the envelope surface 34, i. that the receiving compartments 12 and / or the carriers of the first conveyor 3 and the receiving compartments 19 or the carriers of the second conveyor 4 do not mesh with one another and are at a distance from each other. Deviating from this, however, an embodiment is also possible in which the envelope surfaces 33 and 34 can intersect, e.g. when the drivers 16 of the first conveyor 3 and the drivers 22 of the second conveyor 4 are offset from each other transversely to the conveying direction 11, or e.g. the driver 16 recesses for receiving end portions of the driver 22 have. In this case, since the drivers 16 and 22 mesh with each other similar to a chain transmission, an independent movement of the receiving tray 12 of the first conveyor 3 with respect to the receiving compartments 19 of the second conveyor 4 is not possible.

With reference to FIG. 2, further details and possible embodiments of the device 1 will be explained. This shows an area around the transfer section 7 between the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4. The articles 2 are prevented up to the outlet edge 31 of the link element 29 by this on exiting the receiving compartments 12 of the first conveyor 3 and can only after the Passing the outlet edge 31 fall in the transfer section 7 in a respective underlying receiving compartment 19 of the second conveyor 4. The transfer section 7 extends in the conveying direction 11 from the region of the outlet edge 31 to the inlet edge 32 on the link element 30 of the second conveyor 4. 7 is the shelf distance 26, so the distance between the trajectory 23 of the shelves 15 of the first conveyor 3 and the trajectory 25 of the shelves 21 of the second conveyor 4 is largely constant. Likewise, a distance 35 between the enveloping surfaces 33 and 34 of the drivers 16 and 22 in the transfer section 7 by the guidance of the receptacle rather 12 or 19 is substantially constant.

For the reliable transfer of the articles 2 from the first conveyor 3 to the second conveyor 4 is of particular importance that the transfer section 7 extends over a sufficient length along the trajectories 23, 25 of the shelves 15, 21. According to the invention, this length is at least a threefold one oriented in the conveying direction 11

Opening width 36 of the receiving compartments 12 on the first conveyor 3. In the example, the length of the transition section 7 in the conveying direction 11 is about ten times the opening width 36 of the receiving compartments 12. This length or the time required for passing through the transfer section 7 for the passage of the objects. 2 from the receiving compartments 12 in the receiving compartments 19 is accordingly longer than between storage compartments on two oppositely curved funding eg when passing between two drums.

Thus, the objects 2 are reliably absorbed by the receiving compartments 19, an opening width 37 of the receiving compartments 19 of the second conveyor 4 is made larger than the opening width 36 of the receiving compartments 12 of the first conveyor 3. This achieves a high level of security against a possible tilting of the objects In addition, the opening width 37 is greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension 38 of the articles 2, whereby a twisting when passing the objects cause no wedging in the receiving compartments 19 kami. Furthermore, a compartment depth 39 from the shelf 15 to the outermost point of the driver 16 may be greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension 28, whereby an object 2 lying in a receiving compartment 12 does not protrude beyond the drivers 16 and with possible obstacles in the area of the first conveyor 3 collided. For the same reasoning, a compartment depth 40 on the second conveyor 4 greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension 28 of the articles 2 may be selected.

The individual receiving compartments 12 of the first conveyor 3 are arranged in the conveying direction 11 evenly one behind the other with a division 41 on the conveyor 13. The individual take-up compartments 19 of the second conveyor 4 are arranged with a uniform division 42 in the conveying direction 11 on the conveyor 17 in a row. However, the two divisions 41 and 42 need not necessarily be identical, as long as it is ensured that in the transfer section 7 a receiving compartment 12 of the first conveyor 3, a receiving compartment 19 of the second conveyor 4 is aligned, in the same direction and with matching speed. In this case, for example, the conveying speeds of the first conveyor 3 and second conveyor 4 may be different, as long as no transfer between receiving compartments 12, 19 in the transfer section 7 should take place. This may be the case, for example, if the distance between the receiving compartments lying one behind the other, ie the graduation 41, is greater than the length of the transfer section 7.

The Aufhahmefacher 19 have in the exemplary embodiment each related to the conveying direction 11, front boundary surface 43 which extends from the region of the shelf 21 to the outside. This boundary surface 43 is substantially planar and inclined with respect to a radial plane through the axis of rotation 27 of the transport wheel by an angle 44 of approximately 15 ° counter to the conveying direction 11. During the downward movement of the receiving compartment 19, the boundary surface 43 accordingly tilts later under the horizontal direction, whereby the objects 2, the receiving compartments 19 would emerge only well below the axis of rotation 28 from the receiving compartments 19.

3 shows a section through a conveying device according to the invention according to the line III-III in FIG. 1. The objects 2 are conveyed horizontally and transversely to the conveying direction 11 aligned longitudinal axis 10 and thereby transferred from the first conveyor 3 to the second conveyor 4 arranged thereunder ,

The conveyor 13, on which the receiving compartments 12 of the first conveyor 3 are arranged, is formed by a plurality of support strips 45, which extend between two laterally extending traction means 14 which are formed by link chains 46. The support strips 45, the cross-section of FIG. 2 may be executed, are attached to both ends of a tab of the link chain 46, for example screwed and carry the receptacle 12 or form this, as in the embodiment by its cross section itself. The deflection means 24 for the link chains 46 are formed by arranged on a common shaft 47 sprockets 48. The shaft 47 is covered by a drive device 49, comprising send a drive motor 50 and a transmission 51, driven. The objects 2 contained in the receiving compartments 12 are thereby supplied to the transfer section 7 located between the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4 and transferred therein to the receiving compartments 19 of the second conveyor 4.

The conveying means 17 of the second conveyor 4 is formed in the embodiment by two spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis 10 transport wheels 18, which, as shown in Fig. 1, with recesses 20, the receiving compartments 19 form. In order to be able to adapt the distance 52 between the transport wheels 18 to the length of the objects 2, these are arranged on a common splined shaft 53, the one shown on the left in FIG

Transport wheel 18 is fixed with a fixed hub 54 on the spline 53, however, the right in Fig. 3 transport wheel 18 by means of a Verschiebenabe 55 on the spline 53 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 10 is adjustable. The adjustment of the distance 52 between the two transport wheels 18 can be done manually, but also via an adjusting device, not shown. The shaft 11 and the splined shaft 53 are rotatably supported in a machine frame 56.

The drive of the second conveyor 4 via drive members 57 which are rotatably disposed on both sides of the transport wheels 18 on the spline 53. The drive members 57 are designed in this embodiment as sprockets 58, which engage in the link chains 46 and thereby driven by these. However, they also simultaneously form deflection means 24 for the link chains 46, whereby the receiving compartments 12 of the first conveyor 3 are moved concentrically to the transport wheels 18 and the receiving compartments 19 arranged thereon. As a result of this structural design, the inventive equidistant movement of the receiving compartments 12 or 19 facing one another is accomplished on the one hand, and on the other hand, a separate drive for the second conveyor 4 can be dispensed with. The drive motor 50 is electrically powered, but may be powered by other on-site power sources, such as power sources. Compressed air, hydraulic fluid or the like to be driven.

Fig. 3 also shows guide slots 29, which are arranged in the conveying direction 11 before and after the transfer section 7, and prevent an overhanging position of the receiving compartments 12, an unplanned falling out of the objects 2. The lateral guidance of the objects 2 in the direction of their longitudinal axis 10 is effected by wall elements 59, which are connected to the machine frame 56 and form a lateral stop plane 60 for the objects 2. Notwithstanding this embodiment, it is also possible that the stop plane 60 formed by wall elements, which are formed on the support strips 45 and moved with them. The wall elements 59 are used to limit the receiving compartments 12 laterally, but can also be used as a reference plane for a transfer of the objects 2 to a downstream conveyor.

For positioning the objects 2 in the direction of their longitudinal axes 10, a positioning device 61 is arranged on the second conveyor 4 which in the exemplary embodiment has a guide surface 62 whose distance to the opposite wall element 59 continuously decreases in the conveying direction 11 and the articles 2 thereby in the direction of the wall elements 59 moves. The lateral play of the objects 2 in the receiving compartments 19 is continuously reduced by this measure. As alternative possibilities for positioning, e.g. a blower with compressed air, a pneumatic slide or similar means can be used. It is of course possible that the receiving compartments 12, 19 are bounded on both sides by wall elements 59, wherein in particular a wall element 59 is coupled to a laterally adjustable transport wheel 18 and the distance between the transport wheels 18 is adjusted simultaneously with the distance between the lateral wall elements 59 becomes.

4 to 8 each show in a simplified schematic cross-sectional representation of further possible variants of the formation of the trajectories 23, 25 of the receiving compartments 12 and 19 on the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor. 4

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the conveying device, in which the trajectories 23 and 25 of the receiving compartments 12 and 19 in the transfer section 7 are rectilinear. This embodiment can not be realized with transport wheels 18, but requires the formation of the conveyor 13, 17 as an endless traction means. Furthermore, it can be seen that the transfer section 7 is limited by the upstream guide slot 29 and the downstream guide slot 30 in its maximum length in the conveying direction 11.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the trajectories 23, 25 similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 is, wherein the second conveyor 4 is formed by a circulating traction means 14 and not by a transport wheel 18. The center of curvature of the transfer section 7 is also located on the side of the second conveyor 4 in this embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a conveying device in which the trajectory 23 of the receiving compartments 12 of the first conveyor 3 is circular, e.g. by using a transport wheel. The second conveyor 4 is formed by an endlessly circulating traction means, which runs in the transfer section 7 equidistant to the trajectory 23. The center of curvature of the transfer section 7 lies on the side of the first conveyor 3 in this embodiment.

Fig. 7 shows, similarly as in Fig. 5, a conveying device in which the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4 are formed by an endlessly circulating traction means, but the center of curvature of the transfer section 7 is located on the side of the first conveyor.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the device 1 which essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 1, wherein, however, the transfer section 7, viewed in the conveying direction 11, is formed rising at its beginning relative to a horizontal plane. The difference from the embodiment according to FIG. 1 is achieved in that the deflecting means 24 located upstream of the transfer section 7 is arranged deeper, whereby the transfer section 7 is extended forwards by a larger wrap angle of the first conveyor 3 about the second conveyor 4 and its initial section opposite to one horizontal level rising. The outlet edge 31 of the guide slot 29 is also offset from the embodiment of FIG. 1 against the conveying direction 11.

Common to all these embodiments is that the center of curvature of the cooperating trajectories 23, 25 in the transfer section 7 lie respectively on one side of the transfer section 7, i. the two trajectories 23, 25 are curved in the same direction in the transfer section 7, whereby the shelf distance 26 is largely constant. The embodiment according to FIG. 4 with straight-line trajectories 23, 25 in the transfer section can be regarded as an extreme case in which the centers of curvature are infinite.

9 to 12 show possible variants of the device 1 for conveying articles 2 in plan view in the direction VIII according to FIG. 1 in a simplified, schematic representation. development. The individual receiving compartments, these limiting drivers and deflection means for the circulating funding are shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 for the sake of simplicity only partially.

FIG. 9 shows a device 1 for conveying articles 3, in which both the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4 have a flat conveyor 13 or 17. These flat conveying means 13, 17 are designed as traction means 14 in the form of a belt, a belt, a conveyor belt, close to each other receiving compartments or similar conveying means on a conveyor chain.

10 shows a further embodiment of the conveying device, in which the first conveyor 3 is formed by a conveying means 13 in the form of a flat traction mechanism 14 and the second adjoining conveyor 4 comprises two transport wheels 18 spaced apart from each other as conveying means 17. This structure essentially corresponds to the device 1 according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of the device 1, in which both the first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4 are each formed by two conveying means 13 and 17, which are spaced transversely to the conveying direction. The first conveying means 13 is provided by two endlessly circulating traction means 14, e.g. Belt formed with pin-shaped drivers. The conveying means 17 of the second conveyor 4 are formed by two transport wheels 18, which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the conveying direction and likewise provided with drivers.

This embodiment is advantageously used when the articles 2 have sufficient rigidity and undergo no unacceptable deformations when only occasionally supported by the two conveyor means 13 and 17, which are spaced apart from one another.

Fig. 12 shows a further possible embodiment of the device 1 for conveying articles 2. The first conveyor 3 is here as in Fig. 10 by two mutually transverse to the conveying direction 11 endlessly circulating traction means 14, for. Belt formed with driver pins. The second conveyor 4 is in this embodiment by a flat conveyor 17, e.g. in the form of a conveyor belt of a belt or the like.

Fig. 13 shows a further embodiment of the device 1, suitable for separating and Conveying objects 2, in a simplified, schematic representation. In this embodiment, the trajectory 23 of the shelves 15 of the first conveyor 3 through a scooping 63, in which objects 2 are in disorderly position as a bunch. In this upwardly open, concave portion of the trajectory 23, the objects 2 are circulated by the movement of the receiving compartments 12 and objects 2, which happen to enter a receiving compartment 12, are removed in an isolated form from the creator region 63, in succession to the second conveyor 4 and optionally transferred to downstream conveyors 9. The further construction features of this embodiment essentially correspond to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, and reference is therefore made at this point to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 for the sake of simplicity.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the device 1 for conveying objects 2, wherein it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but also various combinations of the individual embodiments are mutually possible and this variation possibility due to Teaching for technical action by objective invention in the skill of those working in this technical field is the expert. There are therefore also all possible embodiments, which are possible by combinations of individual details of the illustrated and described embodiment, the scope of protection.

FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of the device 1 for conveying objects 2, which may be independent of itself, and in which again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 12. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1 to 12 or reference.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that in order to better understand the structure of the device 1, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description. Above all, the individual in Figs. 1, 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8th; 9; 10; 11; FIGS. 12 and 13 form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant objects and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

S u b e c o m e n c e m e n t i o n s

1 device 36 opening width

2 Item 37 Opening width

3 conveyors 38 cross-sectional dimension

4 conveyors 39 compartment depth

5 Feed position 40 Compartment depth

6 conveyor 41 division

7 Transfer section 42 Division

8 delivery position 43 boundary surface

9 conveyor 44 angle

10 longitudinal axis 45 support bar

11 conveying direction 46 tab chain

12 Shelf 47 Shaft

13 conveyor 48 sprocket

14 traction means 49 drive device

15 shelf 50 drive motor

16 drivers 51 transmission gear

17 conveyor 52 distance

18 Transport wheel 53 Splined shaft

19 Storage compartment 54 Fixed hub

20 recess 55 displacement hub

21 shelf 56 machine frame

22 driver 57 drive member

23 trajectory 58 sprocket

24 deflection means 59 wall element

25 trajectory 60 stop plane

26 Distance 61 positioning device

27 center of curvature 62 guide surface

28 Rotary axis 63 Scooping area

29 guiding scenery

30 guidance course

31 outlet edge

32 leading edge

33 envelope surface

34 envelope surface

35 distance

Claims

Patent claims

1. Device (1) for conveying objects (2), comprising a first conveyor (3) with a plurality of first conveyor means (13) in the conveying direction (11) with a constant division (41) arranged one behind the other, shelves (15) having receiving compartments (12) and a subsequent thereto in the conveying direction (11) second conveyor (4) having a plurality of second conveyor means (17) in the conveying direction (11) with a constant pitch (42) arranged one behind the other, shelves (21), receiving compartments (19), wherein in a transfer section (7) between the first conveyor (3) and the second conveyor (4) cooperating receiving compartments (12, 19) facing each other in alignment, characterized in that a trajectory (23) of the shelves (15) the storage compartments

(12) of the first conveyor (3) and a trajectory (25) of the shelves (21) of the receiving compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) in the transfer section (7) to each other have a substantially constant shelf spacing (26) and the transfer section ( 7) in the conveying direction (11) over a length of at least three times in the conveying direction (11) oriented opening width (36) of the receiving compartment (12) of the first conveyor (3).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conveying means

(13) and / or the second conveying means (17) is formed in each case by at least one endlessly circulating traction means (14).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the trajectory (23) of the shelves (15) of the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) and the trajectory (25) of the shelves (21) of the receiving compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) in the transfer section (7) curved in the same direction, in particular circular arc-shaped.

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first conveying means (13) or the second conveying means (17) by at least one transport wheel (18) or a drum is formed.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first conveyor (3) and / or the second conveyor (4) each have a on the traction means (14) acting deflection means (24) having a Direction of movement of the receiving compartments (12) of first conveyor (3) or second conveyor (4) when exiting the transfer section (7) with respect to a direction of movement when entering the transfer section (7) by an angle with a value selected from a range with a lower limit of 20 °, in particular 30 °, preferably 35 ° and an upper limit of 90 °, in particular 80 °, preferably 75 ° changed.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the conveying direction (11) viewed in front of the transfer section (7) with the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) cooperating guide slot (29) is arranged ,

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that viewed in the conveying direction (11) after the transfer section (7) with the receiving compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) cooperating guide slot (30) is arranged ,

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an envelope surface (33) of the outermost points of the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) and an envelope surface (34) of the outermost points of the receiving compartments (19 ) of the second conveyor (4) to each other at a distance (35).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a compartment depth (39) of the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) and / or a compartment depth (40) of the receiving tray (19) of the second conveyor (4 ) is larger than a largest cross-sectional dimension (38) of the articles (2).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in the conveying direction (11) oriented opening width (37) of the receiving compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) is greater than that in the conveying direction (11). oriented opening width (36) of the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3).

11. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) and / or the receiving compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) at least along a portion of their trajectory at least one parallel to the conveying direction (11) aligned wall element (59) transversely to the conveying direction (11) are limited.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first conveyor (3) and / or the second conveyor (4) has a positioning device (61) for displacing the objects (2) in the receiving compartments (12 , 19) transversely to the conveying direction (11).

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first conveying means (13) and / or the second conveying means (17) each at least two, transversely to the conveying direction (11) of the objects (2) spaced from each other , synchronously circulating traction means (14) or transport wheels (18).

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) and / or the receiving compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) by on the one or more funding ( 13) and (17) fixed drivers (16, 22), in particular in the form of support strips (45), webs, pins, bolts, pins or the like Chen are formed.

15. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) and / or the receiving compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) by groove-like recesses (20) in the one or more funding (13) or (17) are formed.

16. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the individual receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) and / or the receiving compartments (19) of the second conveyor (4) each one on the conveying direction ( 11) relative to the front, from the region of the shelf (15, 21) outwardly extending boundary surface (43) which is substantially planar and with respect to a trajectory (23, 25) of the receiving compartments (12, 19) perpendicular plane around a Angle between 5 ° and 20 ° opposite or in the direction of the conveying direction (11) of the receiving tray (12, 19) is inclined.

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the transfer section 7, viewed in the conveying direction 11, at its beginning relative to a horizontal plane rising, in particular at an angle between 10 ° and 20 ° relative to the horizontal ,

18. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the second conveying means (17) via at least one drive member (57) with the first conveying means (13), in particular form-fitting, is coupled.

19. Device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the drive member (57) is wheel-shaped and coaxial with a rotation axis (28) of the transport wheel (18) or a center of curvature (27) of a deflection member (24) of the traction means (14). of the first conveyor (3) or the second conveyor (4) is arranged.

20. Device (1) according to claim 5 and 19, characterized in that the drive member (57) the deflection means (24) for the one or more traction means (14) of the first conveyor (3) or the second conveyor (4) in the transfer section ( 7) forms.

21. Device (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the traction means (14) or transport wheels (18) of the first conveyor (3) and / or the second

Conveyor (4) in each case by an adjusting device, transversely to the conveying direction (11) are adjustable relative to each other.

22. Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the receiving compartments (12, 19) for receiving elongate objects (2) with pronounced longitudinal axes (10) largely horizontally and transversely to the conveying direction (11) aligned on Conveying means (13, 17) are arranged.

23. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the trajectory (23) of the shelves (15) and the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) before the transfer section (7) by a scooping (63) extends with objects (2) in a disordered position, whereby of the receiving compartments (12) of the first conveyor (3) objects (2) are taken from the scooping area (63) and removed therefrom.