WO2015028562A1

WO2015028562A1 - Transporting device

Info

Publication number: WO2015028562A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/068289
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manfred Waldstädt
Original assignee: Poly-Clip System Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2013-08-28
Filing date: 2014-08-28
Publication date: 2015-03-05
Also published as: DE112014003903B4; DE202013007680U1; DE112014003903A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a transporting device (1) for transporting sausage-shaped products (W) from a first end (10) to a second end (20) of the transporting device (1). The device contains, among other things, a transport unit (500), which can be moved reversibly from the first end (10) to the second end (20) and which is arranged in a return plane (RR), which is spaced from the transport plane (TR), and a first and second pair of rails (110, 210), the rails of each pair being oriented parallel to each other, which rail pairs are arranged at least approximately in the transport plane (TR) and in the return plane (RR), wherein the transport unit (500) can be guided along the first rail pair (110) and along the second rail pair (210). The transport unit (500) can be moved from the return plane (RR) to the transport plane (TR) in the region of the first end (10) and from the transport plane (TR) to the return plane (RR) in the region of the second end (20). At least one of the rail pairs (110, 120) has first and second end segments (112, 114), of which at least one of the first and/or second end segments (112, 114) can be moved in relation to the rail pair (110, 120).

Description

transport device

The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting sausage-shaped products, such as sausages, from a first end of the transport device to a second end of the transport device.

In particular, the present invention relates to a transport device for transporting sausage-shaped products, such as sausages, from a first end of the transport device to a second end of the transport device, comprising at least one transport unit in a transport plane from the first end to the second end in a transport direction is movable, and which is movable in a return plane, which is spaced from the transport plane, from the second end to the first end in a return direction.

In practice, it is known to convey one or more products, for example, during the production or packaging process from one processing station to another processing station. For this purpose, transport systems used can be based on the type of products and / or the processing be coordinated with the process. They usually comprise a transport device, such as a conveyor belt extending between the respective stations.

DE-Offenlegungsschrift 40 33 475 discloses a transport device for transferring piece goods, such as sliced sausage or whole sausages from a loading station to a packaging device. The transport device comprises a first horizontally oriented conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt arranged parallel below the first conveyor belt. On the conveyor belts are containers in which the cut sausage or sausages are handed over at the loading station. At the packaging device, the filled containers transported along the upper conveyor belt are emptied and transported back to the loading station on the lower conveyor belt. In order to lift the emptied containers in the region of the respective station from the lower to the upper conveyor belt or to convert it from the upper to the lower conveyor belt, height-adjustable conveyor belts are provided in the region of the ends of the conveyor belts.

DE-A-1 405 528 discloses a system for rail-bound cars. The moving on the system carriages have a rectangular frame, whose corners are arranged on a respective wheel with a perpendicular to the frame aligned wheel axle. The horizontally oriented wheels rest on the flange of a U- or L-shaped rail. A track system has a main track, from which several side rails can branch off. In the area of the branches, the rails have pivotable sections, which enable the carriages to be transferred from the main track to a side track and vice versa. For this purpose, as soon as the carriage is positioned in the region of the branch, the pivotable rail sections from the current direction of travel are pivoted into the desired changed direction of travel.

These known transport devices allow a continuous transport of containers or trolleys in at least one direction. A return transport of these containers or car is possible on another, separate transport device. Additional devices are required. dig to implement the containers or trolleys from one to the other transport means, which increases the design and the tax burden for such facilities.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the known devices and to provide a transport device, which is designed structurally simpler and allows efficient transport of products from a first to another station.

The above object is achieved by a transport device according to independent claim 1, further advantageous embodiments of this device can be found in claims 2 to 15.

To achieve the object, a transport device for transporting sausage-shaped products, such as sausages, proposed by a first end of the transport device to a second end of the transport device. The transport device has at least one transport unit, which is movable in a transport plane from the first end to the second end in a transport direction, and which is arranged in a return plane, which is spaced from the transport plane, from the second end to the first end into one Return direction is movable. The transport device further comprises a first pair of mutually parallel rails, which are arranged at least approximately in the transport plane, and a second pair of mutually parallel rails, which are arranged at least approximately in the return plane, wherein the transport unit along the first pair of rails in the transport direction and can be guided along the second pair of rails in the return direction. In this case, the transport unit in the region of the first end of the return plane in the transport plane is movable and movable in the region of the second end of the transport plane in the return plane.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the pairs of rails on first and second end portions, of which at least one of the first and / or second end portions is movable relative to the pair of rails. This embodiment makes it possible to remove the transport unit in a direction other than the transport direction of the corresponding pair of rails and this still pass in the rail pairs from the respective transport plane in the corresponding other transport plane, thereby shortening the overall length of the transport device.

As a result of the relative movement of the at least one rail end section, the orientation of this section changes relative to the corresponding rail pair, whereby it is possible to remove the transport unit from the corresponding plane in a direction other than the transport direction, for example in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction to pass in the corresponding other level.

The movement of the at least one rail end section can take place in different ways. The at least one movable relative to the pair of rails end portion may be provided parallel to the pair of rails pivotable or displaceable. For this purpose, known pivot or displacement drives can be used, for example, comprise pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or have electric drives, such as servomotors or the like.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that the at least one, movable relative to the pair of rails end portion has a pivot point about which this is pivotable.

In general, the pivoting or displacement of the at least one rail end section causes its orientation to the corresponding rail pair to be changed such that the transport unit can be removed in a direction away from the rail pair, which differs from the transport direction or the return direction. For example, the transport unit may be moved between the end portions of the rails or moved around the pivoted or displaced end portion. In order to improve the above-described effect can further be provided that both of the first and / or second end portions are movable relative to the pair of rails. Thereby, the movement mechanism can be made more efficient, for example, by shortening the movement paths of the movable end portions.

The direction in which the end portions of the rails can be moved, can be chosen arbitrarily and, for example, depend on the particular movement mechanism used. In a preferred embodiment, however, it is provided that the two first and / or second end portions are movable in opposite directions. Here is achieved by a smallest possible movement path of the two end portions of the rails a maximum distance change.

The at least one or both of the first and second movable end sections of the rails can, in order to realize their mobility, be separate sections, that is to say separate from the rail body. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the movable end sections are fixedly connected to the rail body, for example formed by their ends, are pivotable out of the longitudinal alignment of the rails due to the preferably elastic deformability of the rails.

In the transport device according to the invention, the transport plane and the return plane can be arranged in different orientations to each other and in space. In the simplest case, the transport plane and the return plane are aligned parallel to each other, and have a distance from each other, which is adapted to the transport unit and the product to be transported. But it is also possible that the transport plane and the return plane are not aligned parallel but at an angle to each other. The transport plane and the return plane can continue to be aligned horizontally, which simplifies an embodiment of the transport unit, since the product to be transported by gravity remains on this. With appropriate adjustment of the transport unit, the transport level and the return plane but also be arranged in any angle in the room.

As a transport unit, a carriage can be used, which can be moved on the rail pair of the transport plane and the return plane. This car can slide on the rails or roll along the rails using rollers. Advantageously, the transport unit has guide means to be guided safely on the rails. These can be realized by a corresponding design of the running surfaces of the wheels, according to the shape of the rails, or by lateral projections which prevent lateral slipping of the transport unit from the rails.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the transport device according to the invention is further provided that conveying devices are provided in the region of the first and second end of the transport device for moving the at least one transport unit between the transport plane and the return plane. The conveying devices are designed such that they move the transport unit past the at least one rail end section moved relative to the rail pair. In this case, the transport unit can be moved around at least one of the rail end sections or between both rail end sections. In the simplest case, the conveyors are realized by scissor lift, which move the transport unit perpendicular to the alignment of the rail pairs between the transport plane and the return plane on an at least approximately linear path. However, it can also be provided with at least one pivoting arm pivoting device which moves the transport unit on a curved path between the transport plane and the return plane.

However, the provided in the region of the first and second end of the transport device conveyors are not only the movement of the transport unit between the transport plane and the return plane, but support the transport unit during the movement of at least one relative to the rail pair movable rail end, since the transport unit is not of these is held. Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that at least one drive is provided for moving the at least one transport unit in the transport direction and in the return direction. This can be realized in that the transport unit has its own drive, for example an electric motor, which can be controlled according to the desired movement profile of the transport unit.

Alternatively, it can be provided that in each case a separately controllable drive is provided for moving the at least one transport unit in the transport direction and in the return direction. The separate drives can be identical or can be realized with different means, for example, to generate very different motion profiles. Thus, the drive provided for the transport direction, since in addition to the weight of the transport unit additionally has to move the weight of the product or products to be transported, must be stronger than the drive provided for the return transport of the empty transport unit. Separate drives for moving the transport unit in the transport direction and in the return direction also allow a more accurate positioning of the transport unit, for example for loading and unloading.

If the return plane is inclined in the return direction, gravity can also be sufficient for the return transport of the empty transport unit. Of course, the transport plane may be inclined in the transport direction, so that the transport unit is moved in the transport direction due to gravity. As a result, however, in order to control a loading or unloading process for the transport unit, additional drives in the region of the first and the second end of the transport device may be necessary.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive has a movable along the movement path of the transport unit engagement element which engages in a receiving element on the at least one transport unit. Such an external drive reduces the weight to be moved and the forces involved, thus saving energy and allowing more efficient control of the transport unit. A movable along the movement path of the transport unit engaging element can of course be provided for the movement paths in the transport direction and in the return direction. Preferably, these are then separately controllable. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the receiving element is designed so that the respective engagement element can freely engage during movement of the carriage between the transport plane and the return plane in the receiving element or is moved out of this. As a possible embodiment, the receiving element can have, for example, a continuous groove in which a peg-shaped engagement element engages or out of which the engagement element can slide in the longitudinal direction of the groove.

Of course, more than one transport unit can be provided according to the invention. Thus, at the same time a transport unit can be filled or transported in the transport plane, while another, for example emptied, transport unit is moved back in the return plane for redeployment. In addition, a third or further transport units can be used simultaneously on the transport device according to the invention.

In order to be able to move more than one transport unit in the transport plane under control, more than one separately controllable drive is provided according to the invention for moving the transport unit at least in the transport direction. In order to move more than one transport unit in the transport plane, for example when a transport unit is being filled while another, already filled transport unit is to be moved in the transport direction to the other end of the transport device, it is advantageous if, according to the number of simultaneously moving in the transport plane Transport units each provided a separate drive, in the case of two transport units, ie two separately controllable drives. These can be realized by two engagement elements which can be moved separately along the transport path in the transport plane and which are arranged one above the other at a small distance. A corresponding embodiment of the receiving elements of the transport units allows that the transport units can each be moved by both drives.

Of course, it is possible to provide more than one drive for the return transport of the transport units in the return plane.

The transport device according to the invention is intended for the transport of sausage-shaped products, such as sausages. In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one transport unit has receptacles which are adapted to the size of the sausage product to be transported. For this purpose, the transport unit may have one or more dish-shaped or channel-shaped receptacles into which the sausage products are inserted in order to secure them against slippage during transport and to hold them in a predetermined position. As a recording but each depression in the transport unit is suitable, which secures the sausage product in the desired position, without damaging them.

The transport unit may have corresponding integrated recesses or grooves. However, it is also advantageous if the recordings are interchangeable. As a result, an adaptation of the images to the size, such as length and / or diameter of the sausage product is possible.

If the sausage-shaped products to be transported have suspension elements, such as suspension loops, it is furthermore advantageous for a guide for the suspension elements to be provided at least along the path of movement of the transport unit. This prevents on the one hand slipping of the sausage-shaped products in their longitudinal direction and further allows the transfer of the suspension elements of the sausage-shaped products on a storage rod, such as a smoke wand, and thus simplifies the further treatment of the sausage-shaped products.

In a preferred embodiment of the transport device is at the second end of the transport device, a rod-shaped element, such as a smoke rod, provided for receiving the suspension elements, to which the suspension elements of sausage-shaped products are automatically threaded during transport in the transport direction.

Further advantageous embodiments and an embodiment of the invention will be explained below in connection with the description of an embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. The terms "top", "bottom", "left" and "right" used in the description of the embodiment refer to the drawing figures in an orientation with normally readable reference numerals and figure names. Showing:

1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a transport device according to the invention from the front and in the direction of the second end, with a transport unit in the loading position;

2 shows a plan view of the first end of the transport device, with a transport unit held on the conveying device;

3 shows a perspective view of the second end of the transport device from behind, with a transport unit in a lowered position;

4 shows a perspective view of the first end of the transport device with a conveying device in the raised position;

5 shows a perspective view of the transport device from FIG. 1 with the transport unit in the unloading position;

6 shows a perspective view of the transport device from FIG. 1 with the transport unit in the lowered position;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the transport device from FIG. 1 with the transport unit in the preloaded position; FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the transport device from FIG. 1 with the transport unit in the raised position;

9 shows a perspective view of the transport device from FIG. 1 from behind with the transport unit in the unloading position according to FIG. 5; and

10 is a perspective view of the first end of the transport device from the front according to the embodiment of FIG .. 9

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a transport device 1 according to the invention from the front and in the direction of the second end 20, with a transport unit 500 in the loading position.

1, the transport device 1 according to the invention has a first end 10 and a second end 20, a first transport device 100, a second transport device 200, in the region of the first and second ends 10, 20 of the transport device 1 arranged conveying devices 300, 400 and at least one transport unit 500.

The first transport device 100 serves to transport the transport unit 500 loaded with sausage products W in a transport direction T, ie from the first end 10 in the direction of the second end 20 of the transport device 1. The transport device 100 comprises a first pair of mutually parallel and at least approximately linearly extending Rails 1 10 with first end portions 1 12 and second end portions 1 14 and between the end portions 1 12, 1 14 arranged central portions 1 16. The first pair of rails 1 10 extends between the first and second ends 10, 20 of the transport device 1 and a defined by the pair of rails 1 10 first plane or transport plane TE. The first pair of rails 1 10, and thus the transport plane TE, is at least approximately aligned horizontally. The sections 1 12, 1 14, 1 16 of the pair of rails 1 10 have an approximate round cross-section and are supported on their underside by means of appropriate brackets.

The second transport means 200 serves to return the unloaded transport unit 500 in a return direction R (see Figs. from the second end 20 to the first end 10 of the transport device 1. The transport device 200 comprises a second pair of mutually parallel rails 210, of which the front rail 210a in FIG. 1 comprises, for design reasons, a first section 212, a second section 214 and a third section 216, but may also consist of a continuous rail , The second, in Fig. 1 rear rail 210b of the second transport unit 200 includes a over the entire length of the rail 210 extending conveyor belt 222, which is part of a drive unit 220, by means of which the transport unit 500 is carried in the return direction R. The second pair of mutually parallel rails 210 extend between the first and second ends 10, 20 of the transport device 1 and in a second plane or return plane RE defined by the second pair of rails 210. The second pair of rails 210, and thus the return plane RE, is aligned at least approximately horizontally. The return plane RE thus extends substantially parallel to the transport plane TE.

The transport device 1 further comprises approximately identically constructed conveying devices 300, 400. The conveying device 300 is arranged in the region of the first end 10 of the transport device 1, and serves for lifting the transport unit 500 from the return plane RE into the transport plane TE. The conveyor device 400 is arranged in the region of the second end 20 of the transport device 1, and serves to lower the transport unit 500 from the transport plane TE in the return plane RE. When lifting and lowering the transport unit 500, it is moved between the ends 1 12, 1 14 of the first pair of rails 1 10. For this purpose, the distance between the ends 1 12, 1 14 is increased accordingly, as will be explained in more detail in connection with FIG. The conveying device 300 is positioned in the return plane RE in such a way that, in the lowered position shown in FIG. 1, it extends at least approximately exclusively in the return plane RE and between the second pair of rails 210. The conveying device 400 is positioned in the return plane RE in such a way that, in the lowered position shown in FIG. 1, it extends at least approximately exclusively in the return plane RE and between the second pair of rails 210.

The transport unit 500 is executed as shown in FIG. 1 as an approximately rectangular tray car. The transport unit 500 comprises a horizontally oriented tray 510 having a first troughed portion 512 and a second, nearly flat portion 514, and four roller units 520 disposed at the corners of the tray 512 and below. The troughs of the portion 512 are diameterwise adapted to be transported sausage products W, ie their diameter corresponds approximately to the diameter of the sausage products W. The portion 512 is interchangeably arranged on the transport unit 500 for adaptation to the sausage products W to be transported. The roller units 520 are mounted on the underside of the tray 510 and have a frame 522 and two mutually spaced and horizontally to each other and in the transport direction T in the frame 522 arranged rollers 524, by means of which the transport unit 500 on the rail pairs 1 10, 210 stands up and on this is led. For this purpose, the rollers 524 have on their outer peripheral surfaces a profile which corresponds to the profile of the rail pairs 1 10, 210. Furthermore, a receiving element 530 is arranged approximately centrally of the parallel to the rails 1 10 extending front side of the conveyor 500, which has a vertically extending groove 532, and which serves to transport the transport unit 500.

In order to move the transport unit 500 in the transport plane TE from the first end 10 to the second end 20 of the transport device 1, at least one transport drive 600 (see FIG. 9) is provided which has at least one engagement element 630. The engaging member 630 is configured to engage with the receiving member 530 when the transport unit 500 is lifted from the return plane RE to the transporting plane TE, and that it is out of engagement with the receiving member 530 Engagement with the receiving element 530 comes when the transport unit 500 is lowered from the transport plane TE in the return plane RE. The engagement element 630 is reversible and transportable in the transport direction T for transporting the transport units along the transport plane TE. An embodiment of the transport drive 600 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

As explained above, the transport plane TE is defined by the first pair of rails 1 10 and the return plane RE by the second pair of rails 210. If a transport unit is located in the transport plane TE or the return plane RE, this means that the transport unit 500 is positioned on the first or second rail pair 1 10, 210 so that it can be moved in the transport direction T or correspondingly in the return direction R, ie the rails of the pairs of rails 1 10, 210 stands up.

The transport unit 500 shown in Fig. 1 is in the loading position, between the first and second ends 10, 20 of the transport device 1, more precisely, between the first and second end portions 1 12, 1 14 of the first pair of rails 1 10 and 10 on this is located.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the first end 10 of the transport device 1, with a transport unit 500 held on the conveying device 300.

In Fig. 2 of the first pair of rails 1 10 only the first end portions 1 12 and the middle portions 1 16 visible. The end portions 1 12 are in a spread position, i. they are moved parallel to each other with respect to the middle sections 16, so that their spacing relative to the spacing of the middle sections 16 has increased to an extent such that a transport unit 500 can be moved freely between the end sections 1 12.

The rail pair 1 10 is attached to frame members 130 of the first transport device 100. The frame elements 130 run parallel to the rails 110 and are spaced apart from them in the transport plane TE. assigns. The frame members 130 have from the rails 1 10 to the front and the back of the transport device 1, so that the rails 1 10 are arranged between the frame members 130. The middle portions 1 16 are firmly connected to the frame members 130. The first sections 1 12 are pivotally connected to the frame members 130 via two straight levers 132 and an angled lever 134 in the transport plane TE. The straight levers 132 have hinges at their end points about which they are pivotable relative to the frame members 130 and the first rail end portions 12. The angled lever 134 has two lever portions arranged at an angle to each other. A free end of the lever 134 is pivotally connected to the end portion 1 12. With a second pivot point arranged approximately centrally on the lever 134, the lever 134 is connected to the frame element 130. The second free end of the angled lever 134 is connected to a non-descript drive, which causes a pivoting of the lever 134 about the center pivotally mounted on the pivot 134. By the pivoting of the left lever 134 in Fig. 2 clockwise of the left in Fig. 2 end portion 1 12 opposite to the transport direction T of the central portion 1 16 away and parallel to the outside, ie in Fig. 2 moves to the left. The right in Fig. 2 end portion 1 12 is identical but mirror-inverted to the left end portion 1 12 by means of corresponding levers 132, 134 arranged on the right frame member 130. Accordingly, the right in Fig. 2 lever 134 is pivoted counterclockwise, whereby the right end portion 1 12 is moved counter to the transport direction T and to the right, as shown in Fig. 2. By the pivoting of the end portions 1 12 from a transport position, as can be seen in Fig. 1, and in which the end portions 1 12 are aligned linearly with the central portions 1 16, in the spread position, as shown in Fig. 2 is, the distance between the end portions 1 12 increases to a degree, so that the transport unit 500 between the end portions 1 12 can be moved therethrough.

Fig. 3 shows the second end 20 of the transport device 1 from a rear perspective, with a transport unit 500 in a lowered position, ie the empty transport unit 500 is in the return plane RE to be transported in the return direction R.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, as the first end portions 1 12, and the second end portions 1 14 of the first pair of rails 1 10 10 connected by means of straight lever 132 and angled lever 134 pivotally connected to the frame members 130 of the first conveyor 100, as has already been explained in connection with the first end portions 1 12 with reference to FIG. 2. In this way, a corresponding pivoting of the second end portions 1 14 from the transport position into the spread position is possible in order to move the transport unit 500 through the located in the spread position second end portions 1 14 can.

As explained in connection with FIG. 1, the transport unit 500, when located in the transport plane TE, rests with the rollers 524 of the roller units 520 on the first rail pair 110. However, the second pair of rails 210 has only one front rail 210 a, which is designed identically to the rails of the first pair of rails 1 10. The rear rail 210b, on the other hand, is formed by the conveyor belt 222, which is part of the drive unit 220. The conveyor belt 222 is configured and arranged such that the transport unit 500, when it is in the return plane RE, rests on the conveyor belt 222 with the frames 522 of the rear roller units 520 on the left in FIG. 3. The conveyor belt 222 is designed as an endless belt around two pulleys 224, of which only one can be seen in FIG. 3, and is driven by a drive 226, such as an electric motor, whereby the transport unit 500 in the return plane RE in the return direction R are moved can.

Fig. 4 shows the first end 10 of the transport device 1 with the Schienenend- sections 1 12 in the spread position and the conveyor 300 in the raised position. For better visibility of the conveyor 300, the transport unit 500 held by the conveyor 300 in this position has been omitted. The conveying device 300 arranged at the first end 10 of the transport device 1 and the conveying device 300 at the second end 20 of the transport device 1 Device 1 arranged second conveyor 400 are constructed identically, for which reason only the conveyor 300 will be described in more detail below.

As can be seen from Fig. 4, the conveyor device 300 is designed as a so-called scissor lift. It has a horizontally oriented, approximately rectangular lower frame 310 and an upper horizontally oriented, also approximately rectangular frame 320, which can be moved vertically linearly relative to the lower frame 310. For this purpose, two pairs of scissor levers 330 are provided, each of which has a first and a second lever 332, 334. The levers 332, 334 of each pair are pivotally connected to a free end which faces in the direction of the first end 10, pivotally connected to the right in Fig. 4 transverse strut of the lower and upper frame and approximately centrally with each other, wherein the pivot axes horizontally and vertically to the transport or return direction T, R are aligned. The respective other, from the first end 10 in the direction of the second end 20 of the transport device 1 facing free ends of the levers 332, 334 are slidably connected in the transport direction T with the upper and lower frames 310, 320. A drive 340 in the form of a horizontally and parallel to the transport direction T aligned piston / cylinder arrangement acts on a connected to the two slidably mounted free ends of the lever 332 cross strut, whereby the levers 332, 334 of the pair of scissor levers 330 are pivoted against each other. As a result, the upper frame 320 raises or lowers relative to the lower frame 310, which is fixed in place relative to the frame elements 230 of the second transport unit 200.

The transport unit 500 rests on the upper frame 320 of the conveyor device 300 and is moved through this from the return plane RE in the transport plane TE between the end portions 1 12 of the rails 1 10 therethrough.

5 shows the transport device 1 with the transport unit 500 in the unloading position. In this position, the transport unit is located in the transport plane TE in the region of the second end 20 of the transport device 1. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the second end portions 1 14 of the first pair of rails 1 10 in the spread position. The conveyor 400 is in the raised position and supports the transport unit 500 in the transport plane TE. In the unloading position, the sausage products W located on the transport unit 500, of which only one is shown, are lifted by the transport unit 500 on a smoke bar (not shown) on which the sausage products W are threaded on their loops and suspended, for example, in a transport cart.

Fig. 6 shows the transport device 1 with the transport unit 500 in the lowered position. In this position, the transport unit is in the return plane RE in the region of the second end 20 of the transport device. 1

In the lowered position of the transport unit 500, as can be seen from Fig. 6, the conveying device 400 is also in the lowered position, whereby the transport unit 500, as explained in connection with FIG. 3, on the front rail 210a and the rear rail 210b More specifically, the conveyor belt 222, which form the second pair of rails 210, stands up and can be moved by means of the drive unit 226 in the return plane RE in the return direction R. The second end portions 1 14 of the first pair of rails 1 10 are in the transport position, i. they are aligned linearly to the central portions 1 16 of the rail pair 1 10, to ensure the transport of a subsequent transport unit 500 in the unloading position.

Fig. 7 shows the transport device 1 with the transport unit 500 in the preloaded position. In this position, the transport unit is located in the return plane RE in the region of the first end 10 of the transport device 1.

This position reaches the transport unit 500 by means of the drive unit 226 by being moved in the return direction R. In this position, the transport unit 500 is kept for lifting from the return plane RE in the transport plane TE. Fig. 8 shows the transport device 1 with the transport unit 500 in the raised position. In this position, the transport unit is located in the transport plane TE in the region of the first end 10 of the transport device 1.

The transport unit 500 is moved from the preloaded position shown in FIG. 7 in the raised position by first the first end portions 1 12 of the pair of rails 1 10 are brought into the spread position, and then the conveyor 300 is moved from the lowered position to the raised position ,

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the transport device 1 from FIG. 1 from the rear side and in the unloading position according to FIG. 5, wherein the transport unit 500 located in the region of the second end 20 of the transport device 1 in the unloading position has been omitted for the sake of clarity , However, a transport unit 500 is shown at the first end 10 of the transport device 1 in the preloaded position corresponding to FIG.

As can be seen from FIG. 9, the transport device 1 has a transport drive 600 for transporting the transport unit 500 in the transport plane TE from the first end 10 to the second end 20 of the transport device 1.

The transport drive 600 extends parallel and above the rear frame element 130 of the first transport device 100 arranged in FIG. The transport drive 600 has two independently controllable individual drives 610, 620, which are formed by endless belts 612, 622. These are each guided over a pair of deflection rollers (not shown), which are arranged in the region of the ends of the rear frame member 130. The individual drives 620, 630 are, as can further be seen from FIG. 9, fastened to suspensions 640, 650 in the region of the first and second ends 10, 20 of the transport device 1. In connection with FIG. 10, the largely identical suspensions 640, 650 are explained in detail using the example of the suspension 640 at the first end 10 of the transport device 1. The endless belts run parallel to one another, wherein the endless belt 612 is arranged above the endless belt 622. Each of the individual drives 610, 620 has a drive element 616, 626, shown in FIG. 9, which may, for example, comprise an electric motor. Of course, the individual drives 610, 620 can also be driven pneumatically or hydraulically.

As can further be seen from FIG. 9, on each of the endless belts 610, 620 an engagement element 630 is arranged so that it faces the transport device 1. At the transport device 1 facing and approximately vertically aligned side surfaces of the engaging elements 630, a vertically oriented cam 632 is mounted in each case.

As explained in connection with FIG. 1, a receiving element 530, which has a vertically extending groove 532 and which serves to transport the transport unit 500, is arranged approximately centrally on a side of the transport device 500 extending parallel to the rails 110. The groove 532 of the receiving element 530 and the cams 632 of the engaging element 630 are coordinated so that the width of the groove 532 and the width of the cam 632 approximately match, so that the cam 632 can engage in the groove 532 at least approximately free of play.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the first end 10 of the transport device 1 from the front according to the embodiment of Fig. 9. The individual drives 620, 630, as explained in connection with FIG. 9, on suspensions 640, 650 in the region of the first and second ends 10, 20 of the transport device 1 attached.

The suspension 640 shown by way of example in FIG. 10 has a base plate 642 oriented vertically and transversely to the transport direction T, which is arranged in front of the transport drive 600 in the transport direction T. On the base plate 642, two in the transport direction T facing, horizontally aligned and stacked, cuboid guide members 643, 644 are provided. The pulleys, not shown, of the endless belts 612, 622 of the individual drives 610, 620 are held in bearing blocks 614, 624 and are rotatably mounted. At their ends facing the base plate 642, the bearing blocks 614, 624 each have a horizontally oriented guide groove 615, 625. As can be seen in Fig. 10, the upper guide member 643 engages the guide groove 615 of the upper bearing block 614, while the lower Guide member 644 engages in the guide groove 625 of the lower bearing block 624.

As further shown in FIG. 10, the bearing blocks 614, 624 are each connected to the base plate 642 via a slide actuator 650. Each of the displacement drives is formed by a horizontally oriented piston / cylinder arrangement and has a cylinder 652 connected to the base plate 642 and a piston 654 guided therein, which is fastened at its free end to the respective bearing block 614, 624. By means of the displacement drives 650, the individual drives 610, 620 of the transport drive 600 can be reversibly displaced in the transport plane and in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction T.

The height of the receiving element 530, and thus the length of the groove 532, is selected so that both the cam 632 of the engaging member 630 of the upper single drive 610 and the cam 632 of the engaging member 630 of the lower single drive 620 in the groove 532 of the receiving element 530 a Transport unit 500 can intervene when it is raised to the transport plane TE. As a result, the transport of a transport unit 500 in the transport plane TE by each of the individual drives 610, 620 is possible, An assignment of specific transport units 500 to a particular single drive 610, 620 is thus not necessary, so that the control of the transport device can be simplified.

The engagement element 630 is reversible and can be moved in the transport direction T to transport the transport units 500 along the transport plane TE. If a transport unit 500 is lowered after unloading from the transport plane TE into the return plane RE, the cam 632 of the engaging element slides ment 630 from the groove 532 of the receiving element 530. In this case, the engagement member 630 is disengaged from the receiving element 530th

During the return of an engagement element 630 of the one of the two individual drives 610, 620 against the transport direction T from the second end 20 to the first end 10 of the transport device 1, the individual drive 610, 620 by means of the displacement drives 650 perpendicular to the transport direction T in the transport plane TE of the moved in the transport plane transport unit 500 away to allow passage of the other located in the transport plane TE and by means of the second single drive 620, 610 guided straight in the transport direction T transport unit 500.

The displacement drives 650 described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10 and the mounting of the individual drives 610, 620 at the first end 10 of the transport device 1 are identical to the displacement drives and the mounting of the individual drives at the second end 20 of the transport device 1.

Hereinafter, a complete circulation of a transport unit 500 by the transport device 1 according to the invention will be explained with reference to the drawing figures.

In the loading position shown in FIG. 1, sausage products W are deposited in the trays of the section 512 of the tray 510 of the transport unit 500 transversely to the transport direction T. The storage of the sausage products W begins in the transport direction T foremost shell. Subsequently, the transport unit 500 to be filled is moved stepwise, according to the division of the shells of the section 510, by the transport drive 600 in the transport direction T, wherein in each case another sausage product W is placed in the corresponding next shell until the transport unit 500 is fully occupied.

At the same time during the filling of a transport unit 500 and the stepwise transport in the transport direction T by one of the individual drives 610; 620 of the transport drive 600, a further transport unit 500 from the raised position according to FIG. 8 by the second of the individual drives 620; 610 of the transport drive 600 drove up to the just to be filled transport unit 500 and moved together with this stepwise in the transport direction T, whereby interruptions during the filling between the filling of the transport units 500 are avoided.

The finished filled transport unit 500 is then moved into the unloading position, wherein it is moved along the first pair of rails 1 10 to the second end 20 of the transport device 1 and is located on the second end portions 1 14 of the pair of rails 1 10 in the unloading position. When the transport unit 500 is positioned at the second end 20, the conveyor 400 is moved from the lowered position to the raised position. As a result, this supports the transport device 500 and lifts it far enough from the second end portions 1 14 of the pair of rails 1 10 that the second end portions 1 14 can be brought from the transport position to the spread position.

The sausage products W are threaded onto a guide bar (not shown) having a portion extending parallel to the rear frame member 132 of the first conveyor 100 when the transport unit 500 is loaded with the suspension members at its ends. During transport of the sausage products W in the transport direction T, these are guided with their suspension elements along this guide rod and transferred in the region of the second end 20 of the transport device 1 to a smoke wand.

Even before the spreading of the second end portions 1 14 or thereafter, the sausage products W on the smoke rod on which they are threaded by means of their suspension elements, lifted by an unloading device (not shown) of the transport unit 500 and transported away from the transport device 1 for further treatment.

After unloading the transport unit 500, this is from the unloading position by lowering the conveyor 400 between the spread second end portions 1 14 therethrough in the lowered position in the return plane RE brought. The cam 632 of the engagement element 630 comes out of engagement with the groove 532 of the receiving element 530.

In order to place the engagement element 630 for the renewed transport of a further transport unit 500 in the transport direction T at the first end 10 of the transport device 1, the individual drive 610 is displaced outwards by the displacement drives 650 in the transport plane TE and perpendicular to the transport direction T. Subsequently, the engagement element 630 is moved counter to the transport direction T to the first end 10 of the transport device 1, while it can easily pass through the receiving element 530 of the transport unit 500 currently located in the transport plane TE. Immediately after passing through the receiving element 530 of the transport unit 500 located in the transport plane TE, but at the latest when reaching the first end 10 of the transport device 1, the individual drive 610 is again moved vertically into its previous position above or below the individual drive 620.

The transport unit 500 located in the lowered position is then transported in the return plane RE in the return direction R from the second end 20 to the first end 10 of the second transport device 200 of the transport device 1 in the pre-loaded position. In the preloaded position, the groove 532 of the receiving element 530 of the transport unit 500 and the cam 632 of the engaging element 630 of the single drive 610; 620 of the transport drive 600, to which the transport unit 500 located in the preloaded position is assigned, arranged vertically above one another. There, it is lifted by the conveying device 300 from the preloaded position by the spread first end portions 1 12 of the pair of rails 1 10 from the return plane RE in the transport plane TE. The cam 632 of the engagement element 630 of the individual drive 610 associated with the transport unit 500; 620 comes into engagement with the groove 532 of the receiving element 530. Subsequently, the first end portions 1 12 are brought to the transport station in the transport direction for further transport in the transport direction T to the loading station.

The rear rail 210b has, according to the embodiment described above, a conveyor belt 222 on which the transport unit 500 rests with the frame 522 of the rear roller units 520 for transport in the return direction R. In addition, even if no rail corresponding to the front rail 210b is shown, such a rail may be provided to extend in parallel with the transport belt 222 and on which the transport unit 500 stands with its rear roller units 520.

Of course, more than one transport unit 500 can be used simultaneously in the transport device 1. For example, while a first transport unit 500 is being loaded, a second transport unit 500 may be unloaded while a third transport unit is being transported in the return direction R in the return plane RE. At the same time, a fourth transport unit can be placed in the raised position and moved in the transport direction to the loading station or are already located immediately behind the first transport unit 500 to be filled.

Even an even higher number of transport units can be used simultaneously in the transport unit 1, but this leads to a greater length of the transport device.

In order to be able to move more than one transport unit simultaneously and separately controllable in the transport plane or the return plane, additional drives corresponding to the number of transport units to be transported simultaneously in one plane are necessary. For this purpose, according to the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 and 10, at least two, but also more, engagement elements may be provided which may be movable in the corresponding transport or return plane and be engageable with the receiving element of the corresponding transport unit.

In order to ensure mutual unhindered passage of the engagement elements, the individual drives 610, 620 according to the embodiment in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be displaced horizontally in the transport plane. In a further embodiment, it may be provided that only the engagement element 630, but not the entire individual drive horizontally and perpendicular to the transport plane TE is designed to be displaceable, in which it is moved, for example, in the space between the upper and lower run of the endless belt.

However, it is also possible to place the receiving elements 530 on the transport units 500 at different heights and to arrange the transport elements 630 of the individual drives 610, 620 at corresponding heights such that the receiving element 530 of a specific transport unit 500 only has an engagement element arranged at the corresponding height 630 one of the individual drives 610, 620 can be brought into engagement. It is understood that the transport device 1 has a corresponding control, by means of which the drives of the transport units 500, the conveyors 300, 400 and the movable end sections 1 12, 1 14 can be controlled coordinated. This control can be connected to the upstream and downstream devices, such as a sausage-making device or a device for suspending or removing the sausage products taken from the unloading position, in order to enable a seamless processing process.

The displacement actuators 650 are described as piston / cylinder arrangements. Of course, they can also be realized by any other suitable drive, which allows a linear movement.

The conveying devices shown in the figures are designed as a scissors jack. Of course, these can also be realized by means of other suitable lifting devices, such as vertically operating cylinders.

In the embodiment shown, only the first pair of rails has movable, i. expandable end portions between which the transport unit can be moved therethrough. It is of course also possible that both pairs of rails have expandable end sections.

Also, the orientation of the transport device may differ from the horizontal orientation of the transport device shown in the embodiment shown or the likewise horizontal and parallel orientation of the transport plane and the return plane. The transport device can be in each be aligned at any angle, so for example, allow a vertical or obliquely up or down transport. Also, the transport plane and the return plane need not be aligned parallel to each other. An adaptation of the conveyors allows almost any orientation of the transport and return plane to each other.

According to the changed orientation of the transport device or the transport and return plane, it may be necessary to adapt the transport units, for example in order to ensure secure picking up and transport of the products stored thereon. With the transport device according to the invention, of course, other products can be transported as sausage products. For this purpose, an adjustment of the storage of the transport unit may be necessary.

Claims

claims

Transport device (1) for transporting sausage-shaped products (W), such as sausages, from a first end (10) of the transport device (1) to a second end (20) of the transport device (1);

with at least one transport unit (500) which is movable in a transport plane (TE) from the first end (10) to the second end (20) in a transport direction (T) and in a return plane (RE) which is spaced apart the transport plane (TE) is arranged, from the second end (20) to the first end (10) of the transport device (1) in a return direction (R) is movable;

with a first pair of mutually parallel rails (110) arranged at least approximately in the transport plane (TE) and with a second pair of parallel aligned rails (210) at least approximately in the return plane (RE), wherein the transport unit (500) along the first pair of rails (1 10) in the transport direction (T) and along the second rail pair (210) in the return direction (R) can be guided;

wherein the transport unit (500) in the region of the first end (10) from the return plane (RE) in the transport plane (TE) movable and in the region of the second end (20) from the transport plane (TE) in the return plane (RE) is movable ; and

wherein at least one of the pairs of rails (1 10, 120) has first and second end sections (1 12, 1 14), of which at least one of the first and / or second end sections (1 12, 1 14) relative to the rail pair (1 10, 120) is movable.

Transport device according to claim 1,

characterized in that the at least one relative to the pair of rails (1 10, 120) movable end portion (1 12, 1 14) parallel to the pair of rails (1 10, 120) is pivotable or displaceable.

3. Transport device according to claim 1,

characterized in that the at least one, relative to the pair of rails (1 10, 120) movable end portion (1 12, 1 14) has a pivot point about which this is pivotable.

4. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that both of the first and / or second end portions (1 12, 1 14) relative to the pair of rails (1 10, 120) are movable. 5. Transport device according to claim 4,

characterized in that the two first and / or second end portions (1 12, 1 14) are movable in opposite directions.

6. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized in that conveying devices (300, 400) are provided in the region of the first and the second end (10, 20) of the transport device (1) for moving the at least one transport unit (500) between the transport plane (TE) and the return plane ( RE). 7. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that at least one drive (600; 220) for moving the at least one transport unit (500) in the transport direction (T) and in the return direction (R) is provided. 8. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that for moving the at least one transport unit (500) in the transport direction (T) and in the return direction (R) in each case a separately controllable drive (600, 220) is provided. 9. Transport device according to claim 7 or 8,

characterized in that the drive has an engaging element (630) movable along the path of movement of the transport unit (500) and engaging a receiving element (530) on the at least one transport unit (500).

10. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 9,

characterized in that more than one transport unit (500) are provided.

1 1. Transport device according to claim 10,

characterized in that more than one separately controllable drive (610; 620) is provided for moving the transport unit (500) at least in the transport direction (T).

12. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 9,

characterized in that the at least one transport unit (500) has receptacles (512) which are adapted to the size of the sausage product (W) to be transported.

13. Transport device according to claim 10,

characterized in that the receptacles (512) are interchangeable.

14. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sausage-shaped products (W) have suspension elements, such as suspension loops,

characterized in that a guide for the suspension elements is provided at least along the path of movement of the transport unit (500).

15. Transport device according to claim 14,

characterized in that at the second end (20) of the transport device (1) is a rod-shaped element, such as a smoke wand, is provided for receiving the suspension elements.