阅读说明：本技术 积聚式输送机系统 (Accumulation conveyor system ) 是由 拉尔夫·费迪南德·施耐因 于 2019-01-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及一种输送机系统,其包括多个输送机元件(10),多个输送机元件形成用于输送悬挂物品的输送机链(100),其中输送机链(100)沿着输送机路径(110)延伸。输送机系统包括多个悬挂元件(14),多个悬挂元件沿着引导件(120)是可移动的并且安装在引导件(120)上,其中引导件(120)至少在平行于输送机路径(110)的部段中延伸,其中,悬挂元件(14)包括接合部段(16),接合部段配置为在每种情况下都接触输送机元件(10)之一,以便从输送机元件(10)接收沿引导件(120)定向的驱动力。根据本发明,悬挂元件(14)的接合部段(16)在输送位置与积聚位置之间是可倾斜的,其中接合部段(16)在输送位置被拉直以便接收驱动力,并且在积聚位置倾斜以便避开驱动力,并且其中接合部段(16)压入其输送位置。(The present application relates to a conveyor system comprising a plurality of conveyor elements (10) forming a conveyor chain (100) for conveying suspended articles, wherein the conveyor chain (100) extends along a conveyor path (110). The conveyor system comprises a plurality of suspension elements (14) which are movable along the guide (120) and which are mounted on the guide (120), wherein the guide (120) extends at least in a section parallel to the conveyor path (110), wherein the suspension elements (14) comprise an engagement section (16) which is configured to contact in each case one of the conveyor elements (10) in order to receive from the conveyor element (10) a driving force directed along the guide (120). According to the invention, the engagement section (16) of the suspension element (14) is tiltable between a conveying position and an accumulation position, wherein the engagement section (16) is straightened in the conveying position in order to receive the driving force and tilted in the accumulation position in order to avoid the driving force, and wherein the engagement section (16) is pressed into its conveying position.)

1. A conveyor system, comprising:

a plurality of conveyor elements (10) forming a conveyor chain (100) for conveying suspended articles, wherein the conveyor chain (100) extends along a conveyor path (110);

a plurality of suspension elements (14) which are movable along a guide (120) and are mounted on the guide, wherein the guide (120) extends at least in a section parallel to the conveyor path (110),

wherein the suspension element (14) comprises an engagement section (16), which engagement section (16) is configured to contact in each case one of the conveyor elements (10) in order to receive a driving force directed along the guide (120) from the conveyor element (10),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the engagement section (16) of the suspension element (14) being tiltable between a transport position and an accumulation position,

wherein the engagement section (16) is straightened in the delivery position to receive the driving force and is inclined in the accumulation position to avoid the driving force, and

wherein the joining section (16) is pressed into its transport position.

2. Conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor chain (100) is closed.

3. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the conveyor elements (10) comprises: bristles (18) for contacting the engagement section (16) of the suspension element (14) to apply the driving force;

wherein preferably a plurality of said conveyor elements (10), more preferably all said conveyor elements (10) comprise: bristles (18) for contacting the engagement section (16) of the suspension element (14) to exert the driving force.

4. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (120) comprises a track configured to accommodate one or more rollers.

5. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension element (14) is configured for receiving an item of the suspended article, in particular as a bag.

6. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension element (14) is configured such that the engagement section (16) is pressed into the conveying position due to gravity acting on the suspension element (14) or due to a spring force.

7. Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a stop for accumulating the suspension elements (14) along the guide (120).

8. Suspension element (14) for a conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension element (14) comprises one or more rollers via which the suspension element (14) is mountable on a guide (120) of the conveyor system,

wherein the suspension element (14) comprises an engagement section (16), the engagement section (16) being configured to contact a conveyor element (10) for receiving a driving force directed along the guide (120),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the engagement section (16) of the suspension element (14) being tiltable between a transport position and an accumulation position,

wherein the engagement section (16) is straightened in the delivery position in order to receive the driving force and is inclined in the accumulation position to avoid the driving force, and

wherein the joining section (16) is pressed into its transport position.

9. Suspension element according to claim 8, configured for receiving a suspended item, in particular as a bag.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a conveyor system comprising a plurality of conveyor elements forming a conveyor chain for conveying suspended articles (hanging foods), wherein the conveyor chain extends along a conveyor path. The conveyor system further comprises a plurality of suspension elements which are movable along and mounted on the guide, wherein the guide extends at least in a section (section) parallel to the conveyor path. The suspension element further comprises an engagement section configured to contact in each case one of the conveyor elements in order to receive a driving force directed along the guide from the conveyor element.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a suspension element for such a conveyor system, which suspension element comprises one or more rollers via which the suspension element can be mounted on a guide of the conveyor system.

Background

Conveyor systems in the above-mentioned technical field are generally known from the prior art. A "transport device for a suspended conveyor device" is known in particular from the publication DE 4017821 a1, in which an endless conveyor chain consisting of conveyor elements is provided with bristles which interact with suspension elements, such as slip clutches, to drive these suspension elements. The suspension elements are configured as load-carrying trucks (carrying wagons) which are movable on the sliding track and each comprise an engagement section via which the bristles can be engaged with the load-carrying truck for driving the load-carrying truck.

Basically, the configuration of the conveyor element with bristles has the advantage that: the bristles are stiff enough to advance with the load wagon, but in the event of a jam they will slip past the engagement section of the load wagon and thus act like a slip clutch.

However, when accumulating the suspension elements (which are referred to in the art as load-carrying trucks), considerable forces are exerted on the suspension elements as they are accumulated. This hinders the stops for accumulation, as well as the bristles of the conveyor elements and all other components related to the driving of the suspension elements.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor system that allows for a softer accumulation of suspension elements, thereby increasing durability and reliability without having to rely on more durable materials.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, the above object is solved by a conveyor system according to claim 1. The object is further solved by a suspension element according to claim 8. Advantageous configurations of the invention can be found in the respective dependent claims.

The conveyor system according to the invention of the above technical field comprises: a plurality of conveyor elements forming a conveyor chain for conveying suspended articles, wherein the conveyor chain extends along a conveyor path; a plurality of suspension elements which are movable along a guide and which are mounted on the guide, wherein the guide extends at least in a section parallel to the conveyor path, wherein the suspension elements comprise an engagement section which is configured to contact in each case one of the conveyor elements in order to receive from the conveyor elements a driving force directed along the guide. According to the invention, the conveyor system is characterized in that the engagement section of the suspension element is tiltable between a conveying position and an accumulation position, wherein the engagement section is straightened at the conveying position to receive the driving force and tilted at the accumulation position to avoid the driving force. The joining section is thereby pressed into its transport position.

Since the engagement section of the suspension element is tiltable between the conveying position and the accumulation position, a force exerted by the conveyor element can be transmitted to the suspension element when the engagement section is in the straightened state, but at the same time the engagement section can also be turned away from the driving force by tilting.

The invention basically adopts the principle of transmitting drive force in a similar manner to a slip clutch known, for example, from DE 4017821 a 1. In addition, the suspension elements are configured to selectively reduce frictional resistance between the suspension elements and the conveyor elements, thereby limiting loading of the overall system in an accumulated state of the suspension elements.

Since the engaging section is pressed into its delivery position, it is ensured that the suspension element does not hold it in the accumulation position, in which it does not receive any driving force. This may be caused by various mechanisms. In particular, the suspension element may be configured such that due to the effect of gravity, the suspension element always straightens like a tumbler-poly toy.

If and as long as the suspension element is in the transport position, the driving force from the conveyor element acts on the suspension element. Further, the frictional force of the guide on which the suspension element is mounted acts on the suspension element. The straightening force pressing the engaging section into its conveying position counteracts the driving force of the conveyor element.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension element is configured such that the driving force acts on the engaging section and the frictional force acts on a different part of the suspension element, i.e. the part by which the suspension element is mounted on the guide, in such a way that the sum of the driving force and the frictional force generates a first torque which urges the suspension element to tilt from the transport position to the accumulation position. Preferably, an opposing straightening torque is formed by the straightening force and the friction force from the suspension element, which enables the transport of the suspension element, since the engagement section does not tilt from the transport position into the accumulation position.

Alternatively, the straightening force can also be generated by a spring element.

Since the engaging section will tilt from the delivery position to the accumulation position as soon as the driving force acting on the engaging section exceeds the straightening force, the maximum frictional force to be overcome can be determined by the magnitude of the straightening force. If the frictional force, for example from a stop or similar element for accumulation, exceeds the straightening force, the engaging section is tilted to the accumulation position before a driving force exceeding the frictional force is applied to the suspension element.

In order to actuate the suspension element, a drive force greater than the opposing friction force must be exerted on the suspension element. At the same time, the driving force must not be greater than the straightening force of the engaging section, so that the engaging section does not tilt from the transport position into the accumulation position and thus give way.

As soon as the friction force falls below the straightening force again, the driving force required to overcome this lower friction force can be exerted on the suspension element, which is thus driven. If the friction is small, i.e., when the straightening force exceeds the friction force, a driving force exceeding the friction may be applied to the suspension member to drive the suspension member.

The invention thus makes it possible to define the maximum driving force exerted on the suspension element in order to reduce the load on the components connected to the drive that occurs during the accumulation of the suspension element. This increases the reliability and durability of the conveyor system compared to the prior art.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor chain is closed. The invention, and in particular the ability to avoid driving forces and thus reduce the load on the components connected to the drive, is of particular advantage in the form of endless drives by means of a closed conveyor chain. Alternatively, however, the conveyor chain may also be open, i.e. may have a start point and an end point.

It is preferable that: at least one of the conveyor elements has bristles for contacting the engagement section of the suspension element to apply the driving force. Further preferred are: a plurality of conveyor elements, particularly preferably all conveyor elements, have bristles for contacting the engagement sections of the suspension elements for exerting the driving force.

Bristles of this type are generally known from the prior art, and are also shown in particular in document DE 4017821 a1, in order to achieve a slip clutch, i.e. a more flexible contact between the conveyor element and the suspension element or the load carrier or the like. However, bristles are also particularly advantageous in the context of the present invention, since they allow the driving force between the conveyor element and the suspension element to be automatically reapplied at any time. If, for example, the stops or the like are released in order to accumulate the suspension elements, the straightening force will immediately tilt the engaging section back into its conveying position and be immediately caught by the bristles, since they form, so to speak, a continuous coupling of the conveyor element with the suspension elements. This means that: the suspension elements do not necessarily have to wait for an approaching conveyor element first, but can receive the driving force directly when straightening.

In this way, the conveyor system according to the invention enables a particularly fast reaction time to the control pulses of the stops or the like for accumulating and further conveying the suspension elements. The accumulation and further transport of the suspension elements can thus be achieved particularly precisely, so that the efficiency of the system is maximized.

Alternatively, comb conveyors (comb conveyors) or other types of conveyor elements may also be used to interact with the engagement sections of the suspension elements and apply a driving force to the suspension elements.

Preferably, the guide has a track configured to receive one or more rollers. Such a rail makes it particularly easy to guide the suspension element in the guide, so that the suspension element is movable along the guide on the one hand and mounted in the guide on the other hand, and can also be tilted relative to the guide or other static elements. Alternatively, however, the guide can also be configured, for example, as a combination of a sliding guide and a bearing (bearing), wherein the sliding guide is not explicitly configured to receive and support but merely to guide one or more rollers.

It is advantageous that: the hanging element is particularly configured as a bag to receive an item (item) of hanging goods. Such (preferably bag-like) suspension elements have proven successful when individual components are to be conveyed by the conveyor system. This is particularly important if the individual parts do not have the same shape and in particular cannot be easily hung up.

Thus, although a garment hanger or the like is also considered to be a hanging element that can be hung from a garment being transported on the hanger, a parcel or other lying item cannot be easily transported on such a hanger and therefore must be accommodated on a carrying surface, or in a pocket or the like. However, instead of a bag or similar element for accommodating items of a hanging article, the hanging element may also be configured as a hanger which is particularly suitable for the transport of garments and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension element is configured such that the engagement section is pressed into the delivery position due to gravity or a spring force acting on the suspension element. In particular, gravity may be used, as the suspension element forms a lever mechanism, such that gravity acting on the suspension element, in particular an article suspended on the suspension element, straightens the engagement section for entering the transport position. In addition to gravity, a spring force may preferably be used. The spring force is also preferred because it does not require any additional energy source, which makes the conveyor system less complex and expensive and in fact causes maintenance-free in connection with the pressing into the joining section of the conveying location. However, instead of gravity or spring force, other power sources may also be used, such as actuators which are able to move the joining sections into the delivery position in a targeted and, if necessary, computer-controlled manner. In particular in the case of actuators, it is also possible to transfer the joining section from the accumulation position to the delivery position and vice versa in a manner other than by tilting.

Preferably, the conveyor system comprises a stop for accumulating the suspension elements along the guide. Such stops are of great importance for the implementation of accumulation conveyor systems and enable targeted control of the sequence of movement of the individual suspension elements and the items conveyed therewith. The stop may selectively accumulate the suspension elements by interrupting the transport of the suspension elements, and further transport may also be effected. The stop is therefore a very effective tool for controlling the conveyor system and accurately provides significant advantages in connection with the present invention.

The reason is that the stopper of the invention can exert its strength even better than the systems of the prior art. The reason is that the invention enables a significant reduction of frictional forces and other loads that would otherwise act on the suspension elements, the conveyor elements and other components connected to the drive, which frictional forces and other loads would occur during the accumulation, i.e. at an interruption of the conveyance of the suspension elements. This means that the stops can be used in a more versatile manner without having to radically redesign (e.g., stiffen) the conveyor system.

Alternatively, however, such stops may be omitted if the conveyor system uses other elements to control the conveyance of the individual components. The prior art also basically provides solutions known to the skilled person for this purpose.

The suspension element for a conveyor system according to the invention as described above comprises one or more rollers via which the suspension element can be mounted on a guide of the conveyor system. The suspension element further includes an engagement section configured to contact the conveyor element so as to receive a driving force directed along the guide. According to the invention, the engagement section of the suspension element is tiltable between a conveying position, in which the engagement section is straightened to receive the driving force, and an accumulation position, in which it is tilted to avoid the driving force. The joining section is thus pressed into its transport position.

A suspension element of this type is particularly well suited for the conveyor system according to the invention and thus achieves or at least contributes to the advantages mentioned in connection with the description of the conveyor system.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension element is particularly configured as a bag for accommodating suspended articles. This makes it possible for the suspension element to be used particularly flexibly also for lying items, since the requirements on the items transported by the suspension element are minimal. Alternatively, however, the suspension element may also be configured as a suspension element.

The invention is particularly applicable to a conveyor chain for conveying suspended articles according to DE 102014224253 a1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Further advantages and preferred features of the invention are apparent from the entire claims and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a conveyor system in which the suspension elements are accumulated.

Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the conveyor system, in which the suspension elements are not accumulated but are conveyed parallel to each other.

Fig. 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment of a suspension element for a preferred conveyor system.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a conveyor system having a plurality of suspension elements 10, the plurality of suspension elements 10 forming a conveyor chain 100 for conveying suspended articles. The conveyor chain 100 may be configured in particular as a conveyor chain as described in DE 102014224253 a1, for example.

The conveyor chain 100 extends along a conveyor path 110 shown in fig. 1, and in this embodiment, the conveyor path 110 is configured as a track and guide for the conveyor chain 100 (i.e., each conveyor element 10). In the embodiment shown herein, the conveyor path 110 extends parallel to a guide 120 along which a plurality of suspension elements 14 are moved and on which the suspension elements 14 are also mounted.

Although in fig. 1, the guide 120 extends completely parallel to the conveyor path 110, this need not be the case for the conveyor path 110 or sections of the guide 120. In particular, the distance between the conveyor path 110 and the conveyor element 10 on the one hand, and the guide 120 and the suspension element 14 on the other hand, can vary in the course (course) of the conveyor path 110 and the guide 120. This change in distance causes the engagement, and more precisely the extension of the engagement, between the conveyor element 10 and the suspension element 14 to change, which among other things influences the driving force of the conveyor element 10 on the suspension element 14.

Fig. 1 shows one engagement section 16 for each suspension element 14, which engagement section 16 is configured to contact in each case one of the conveyor elements 10 in order to receive a driving force directed along the guide 120 from the conveyor element 10. In the present embodiment, the engagement section 16 is formed by the end of the respective suspension element 14, which end projects furthest in the direction of the conveyor element 10.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the engagement section 16 engages with bristles 18 of the conveyor element 10 for force transmission between the conveyor element 10 and the suspension element 14, i.e. for exerting a driving force. Thus, if the distance between the guide 120 and the conveyor path 110 changes, the amount of the engagement section 16 extending into the bristles 18 also changes. The deeper the engaging section 16 of the suspension element 14 penetrates the bristles 18, the greater the driving force that can be applied to the suspension element 14 by the bristles. For example, if the suspension elements must overcome alternating upward and downward paths, along the conveyor path 110, the required driving force variation may occur. In this case, the distance between the conveyor path 110 and the guide 120 may be reduced such that the engagement of the engagement sections 16 with the bristles 18 is substantially increased or decreased, respectively.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, a stop 28 for accumulating the suspension elements 14 is also provided on the guide 120. In this case, the suspension elements 14 are conveyed on the guides 120 by the conveyor element 10 until they come into contact with the stop 28 or the preceding suspension element 14 and are thus stopped. Thus, the suspension element 14 accumulates at the stop 28.

Since the force transmission between the conveyor element 10 and the suspension elements 14 via the bristles 18 allows a slip and since, according to the invention, the suspension elements 14 are also adapted to evade the driving force by the conveyor element 10 via tilting, the accumulation of the suspension elements 14 at the stop 28 and the conveying of the suspension elements 14 located further upstream can take place simultaneously, so that the suspension elements can thus be compressed, i.e. their distance on the guide 120 can be reduced.

The suspension element 14 comprises an eyelet 20 at its side opposite the engaging section 16 with respect to the guide 120, the hook 24 of the bag 22 or garment hanger being engageable with the eyelet 20. In addition to the hook 24, the bag 22 also includes a bag body 26, and the bag body 26 can have an item to be transported placed therein. The gravitational forces exerted on the bag 22 and possibly also on the contents of the bag act on the suspension elements 14 through the eyelets 20, in such a way that the coupling section 16 always wants to be straightened, i.e. pressed into its delivery position.

In the accumulation state, i.e. when the stop 28 is closed, the friction of the suspension element 14 jumps significantly, so that the driving force required to overcome this friction is greater than the straightening force. In the accumulated state, in which the straightening force is smaller than the required driving force, the driving force of the conveyor element 10 on the suspension element 14 tilts the suspension element 14 in the conveying direction in order to avoid the driving force as much as possible.

Fig. 2 shows the same embodiment as fig. 1, but in the open state of the stop 28 after the suspension elements 14 have been accumulated. Compared to fig. 1, it is worth noting that the individual suspension elements 14 that have been accumulated in the right part of the picture are arranged closer to each other than the suspension elements that are to be accumulated in the left part of fig. 1.

Also, elements shown in fig. 1 correspond exactly to those in fig. 2, and thus a repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

The embodiments shown in fig. 1 and 2 illustrate a conveyor system that allows for efficient accumulation of suspension elements without placing heavy loads on the components connected to the drive of the suspension elements. At the same time, the conveyor system can operate particularly efficiently, since the suspension elements can be conveyed further immediately after the release of the stop 28, causing an accumulation. The preferred conveyor system can thus achieve a particularly high conveying density, which significantly increases the efficiency of the entire conveyor system.

Fig. 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment of the suspension element 14. The suspension element comprises a hook, the outer section of which is configured as an engagement section 16 in the sense of the conveyor system described above. The engagement section engages the bristles 18 of the conveyor element 10 with the engagement section, thereby receiving the driving force.

The suspension element 14 comprises a roller 30, which in this embodiment is configured as a double roller, and by means of which the suspension element 14 is mounted on a guide 120. The rollers 30 roll in the guides 120 so that even heavy objects transported by the belt can be transported with relatively little force by the suspension elements 14.

The roller 30 has an axis about which the suspension element 14 can be tilted between the delivery position and the accumulation position. The hook with the engaging section on the one hand and the body with the eyelet 20 on the other hand move as a rocker around the roller 30 from levers facing each other and extending in opposite directions, tilting back and forth between the delivery position and the accumulation position.