阅读说明：本技术 用于输送去内脏的家禽屠体或其部分的输送设备 (Conveying device for conveying eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof ) 是由 拉塞·里格特 瓦伦丁·菲舍尔 于 2020-04-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种输送设备(10),其被构造和适配成用于沿着输送路径在输送方向T上输送去内脏的家禽体或其部分,沿着所述输送路径能够布置不同的处理站,所述输送设备包括以连续回转方式驱动的输送单元(11)和紧固到所述输送单元上的、用于在输送期间保持和定位所述家禽体或其部分的至少一个输送鞍座(12),其中,设置有用于将所述输送鞍座(12)紧固到所述输送单元(11)的保持设备(13),所述保持设备包括与所述输送单元(11)相关联的座体(14)和与所述输送鞍座(12)相关联的紧固体(15),所述紧固体可释放地连接到所述座体(14)并且安装在所述座体(14)中以便能够围绕旋转轴线D旋转,其中,所述保持设备(13)包括闩锁装置(16),所述紧固体(15)和因此所述输送鞍座(12)能够借助于所述闩锁装置而锁定在至少两个不同的闩锁位置中,其中,所述闩锁装置(16)包括闩锁杆(17)和至少两个闩锁螺栓(18),其中,所述闩锁杆(17)布置在所述座体(14)的主体(19)上以便能够围绕平行于所述旋转轴线D的枢转轴线S枢转,并且所述闩锁杆(17)能够从锁定位置运动到释放位置并返回,在所述锁定位置中所述闩锁杆(17)与跟所述紧固体(15)关联的闩锁螺栓(18)接合,在所述释放位置中所述闩锁杆(17)与所述紧固体(15)的闩锁螺栓(18)脱离接合,其中,所述输送设备(10)包括用于将所述闩锁杆(17)至少从所述锁定位置致动到所述释放位置的第一致动构件(20)和用于在闩锁杆(17)的所述释放位置旋转所述紧固体(15)的第二致动构件(21),其特征在于,所述闩锁装置(16)包括至少两个磁性元件(22、23),其中第一磁性元件(22)与所述座体(14)相关联,并且第二磁性元件(23)与所述闩锁杆(17)相关联,使得所述第一磁性元件(22)和所述第二磁性元件(23)的不同磁极定位成彼此相对,以便彼此吸引并且将所述闩锁杆(17)拉入所述锁定位置。(The invention relates to a conveying apparatus (10) constructed and adapted for conveying eviscerated poultry bodies or parts thereof in a conveying direction T along a conveying path along which different treatment stations can be arranged, comprising a conveying unit (11) driven in a continuously revolving manner and at least one conveying saddle (12) fastened to the conveying unit for holding and positioning the poultry bodies or parts thereof during conveying, wherein a holding apparatus (13) is provided for fastening the conveying saddle (12) to the conveying unit (11), which holding apparatus comprises a seat (14) associated with the conveying unit (11) and a fastening body (15) associated with the conveying saddle (12), which fastening body is releasably connected to the seat (14) and is mounted in the seat (14) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation D, wherein the holding device (13) comprises a latching device (16) by means of which the fastening body (15) and thus the transport saddle (12) can be locked in at least two different latching positions, wherein the latching device (16) comprises a latching lever (17) and at least two latching bolts (18), wherein the latching lever (17) is arranged on a main body (19) of the seat body (14) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis S parallel to the rotation axis D, and the latching lever (17) can be moved from a locking position, in which the latching lever (17) is engaged with a latching bolt (18) associated with the fastening body (15), into a release position, in which the latching lever (17) is disengaged from a latching bolt (18) of the fastening body (15), and back, wherein the conveying device (10) comprises first actuating means (20) for actuating the latch lever (17) at least from the locking position to the releasing position and second actuating means (21) for rotating the fastening body (15) in the releasing position of the latch lever (17), characterized in that the latching means (16) comprise at least two magnetic elements (22, 23), wherein a first magnetic element (22) is associated with the seat (14) and a second magnetic element (23) is associated with the latch lever (17) such that different poles of the first magnetic element (22) and the second magnetic element (23) are positioned opposite each other in order to attract each other and to pull the latch lever (17) into the locking position.)

1. A conveying apparatus (10) constructed and adapted for conveying eviscerated poultry bodies or parts thereof in a conveying direction T along a conveying path along which different treatment stations can be arranged, comprising a conveying unit (11) driven in a continuously revolving manner and at least one conveying saddle (12) fastened to the conveying unit for holding and positioning the poultry bodies or parts thereof during conveying, wherein a holding apparatus (13) is provided for fastening the conveying saddle (12) to the conveying unit (11), which holding apparatus comprises a seat (14) associated with the conveying unit (11) and a fastening body (15) associated with the conveying saddle (12), which fastening body is releasably connected to the seat (14) and is mounted in the seat (14) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation D, wherein the holding device (13) comprises a latching arrangement (16) by means of which the fastening body (15) and thus the transport saddle (12) can be locked in at least two different latching positions, wherein the latching arrangement (16) comprises a latching lever (17) and at least two latching bolts (18), wherein the latching lever (17) is arranged on a main body (19) of the seat body (14) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis S parallel to the rotation axis D, and the latching lever (17) can be moved from a locking position, in which the latching lever (17) is engaged with a latching bolt (18) associated with the fastening body (15), into a release position, in which the latching lever (17) is disengaged from a latching bolt (18) of the fastening body (15), and back, wherein the conveying device (10) comprises first actuating means (20) for actuating the latching lever (17) at least from the locking position to the releasing position and second actuating means (21) for rotating the fastening body (15) in the releasing position of the latching lever (17), characterized in that the latching means (16) comprise at least two magnetic elements (22, 23), wherein a first magnetic element (22) is associated with the seat (14) and a second magnetic element (23) is associated with the latching lever (17) such that different poles of the first magnetic element (22) and the second magnetic element (23) are positioned opposite each other in order to attract each other and to pull the latching lever (17) into the locking position.

2. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching device (16) comprises a third magnetic element (27) associated with the seat (14) and positioned on the opposite side of the latching lever (17) to the first magnetic element (22), so that the same poles of the second magnetic element (23) and the third magnetic element (27) are positioned opposite each other so as to repel each other and push the latching lever (17) into the locking position.

3. Conveying device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the body (19) of the seat (14) has a recess (28) on its trailing end (E) in the conveying direction T on the side facing the fastening body (15), into which recess the latching lever (17) with a projection (29) projects at least partially, wherein the first magnetic element (22) is positioned in the recess (28) of the body (19) in the region of a rear wall (30) and the second magnetic element (23) is positioned in the projection (29) of the latching lever (17).

4. The conveying apparatus (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the third magnetic element (27) is positioned in the recess (28) of the body (19) in the region of a side wall such that the latching lever (17) is arranged with its projection (29) in sandwich fashion between the first magnetic element (22) and the third magnetic element (27), wherein the second magnetic element (23) is located in the projection.

5. The conveying apparatus (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the body (19) has an opening (31) in the region of the recess (28), the main orientation of which is oriented parallel to the pivot axis S and the rotation axis D, so that the projection (29) of the latching lever (17) projects with its free end at least partially into the opening (31), so that a side wall (32) of the opening (31) is configured, in addition to the latching bolt (18), as an abutment for the latching lever (17) in its locking position.

6. The conveyor device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized by having a maltese cross-shaped rotary body (25) associated with the fastening body (15), which rotary body has, on the one hand, four recesses (35) arranged offset by 90 ° with respect to one another in the region of the circumference for engaging the actuating members (21) for rotating the fastening body (15), and, on the other hand, on the side facing the seat (14), at least four latching bolts (18) arranged offset by 90 ° with respect to one another, which latching bolts can be operatively connected with the latching levers (17).

7. Conveyor device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the latching lever (17) has a recess (36) on its inner side (I) facing the axis of rotation D for receiving a latching bolt (18).

8. Conveyor device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the conveyor unit (11) comprises a conveyor chain (43) and at least one guide rail (44, 46) is arranged along the conveyor chain (43) at least in some areas, on which guide rail the seats (14) of the holding device (13) are guided by grooves (45, 47) formed in the body (19).

9. Conveyor device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that two guide rails (44, 46) arranged at a distance from each other are arranged in at least some areas along the conveyor chain (43), between which guide rails the main body (19) is guided by corresponding grooves (45, 47), wherein the actuating member (20) for actuating the latch lever (17) is arranged on one guide rail (46) and the actuating member (21) for rotating the fastening body (15) is arranged on the other guide rail (44).

10. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuating member (21) for rotating the fastening bodies (15) is arranged behind the actuating member (20) for actuating the latch lever (17) in the conveying direction T of the conveyor unit (11).

11. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said latch rod (17) protrudes with an actuating lug (38) beyond said body (19) of said seat (14) so that said actuating member (20) for actuating said latch rod (17) is operatively connected with said actuating lug (38) of said latch rod (17) when said conveyor saddle (12) passes.

12. Conveyor device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least some of said magnetic elements (22, 23, 27) are in the form of bar magnets, wherein said bar magnets are oriented with their longitudinal axis in the conveying direction T.

13. The conveying apparatus (10) according to claim 12, wherein at least some of the bar magnets are arranged in blind holes, wherein the open sides of the blind holes are closed by a cover, such that the bar magnets within the blind holes are completely shielded from the surrounding environment.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a conveying apparatus constructed and adapted for conveying eviscerated poultry bodies or parts thereof in a conveying direction T along a conveying path along which different treatment stations can be arranged, comprising a conveying unit driven in a continuously revolving manner and at least one conveying saddle fastened thereto for holding and positioning poultry bodies or parts thereof during conveying, wherein a holding apparatus is provided for fastening the conveying saddle to the conveying unit, which holding apparatus comprises a seat body associated with the conveying unit and a fastening body associated with the conveying saddle, which fastening body is releasably connected to the seat body and mounted in the seat body so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation D, wherein the holding apparatus comprises latching means, by means of which the fastening body and thus the conveying saddle can be locked in at least two different latching positions, wherein the latching device comprises a latching lever and at least two latching bolts, wherein the latching lever is arranged on the body of the seat so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis S oriented parallel to the rotation axis D and is movable from a locking position, in which the latching lever is engaged with a latching bolt associated with the fastening body, into a release position, in which the latching lever is disengaged from a latching bolt of the fastening body, and back, wherein the conveying apparatus comprises first actuating means for actuating the latching lever at least from the locking position into the release position and second actuating means for rotating the fastening body in the release position of the latching lever.

Background

Such conveying devices are used in the food processing industry to engage products to be processed with different processing stations along a conveying path. During processing, the product must be fixed in a prescribed position. Thus, in principle, each delivery saddle is in its locking position. This means that the latching lever engages with the fastening body and thereby prevents the transport saddle from rotating. However, in some cases, the products located on the transport saddles must be positioned in different orientations with respect to the processing stations for the different processing steps. In order to bring the transport saddle, and therefore the product on which it is placed or its components, to different positions, the locking must be subsequently released on the one hand, and the transport saddle must be rotated on the other hand. The actuating member is arranged accordingly. By contact of the actuating member for actuating the latch lever with the latch lever, the latch lever pivots about the pivot axis S, out of engagement with the latch bolt located on the fastening body, and into the release position. The release position is maintained until a downstream actuating member for rotating the fastening bodies is engaged or operatively connected with the fastening bodies. By the conveyance of the conveyance unit along the conveyance path, the fastening body is rotated until the latch lever engages with the next latch bolt of the fastening body.

Such a conveying device is used in particular in a semi-automatic or fully automatic hood slicer in order to bring the poultry carcasses to be processed or parts thereof into an optimum position relative to the processing stations arranged along the conveying path. In the solutions known hitherto for releasing and securing latch levers, the latch lever of the latching device is spring-actuated. This means that a spring is arranged on the holder body, which spring in principle holds the latch lever in the locking position, wherein the spring is substantially relaxed in the locking position. This means that only a small force is acting in the locking position. The spring can be said to pull the latch lever into a locking position in which the latch lever is in a locking position with the latch bolt of the fastening body. When the latch lever strikes an actuating member for actuating the latch lever during transport along the transport path, the latch lever is moved from the locking position to the release position against an increasing spring force, whereby the latch lever is pivoted out of engagement with the latch bolt. This means that a large spring force acts in the release position. In the release position of the latch lever, an actuating member for rotating the fastening body engages with the fastening body, so that the fastening body rotates as the delivery continues. When the actuating member for rotating initiates the rotation of the fastening body, the actuating member for actuating the latch lever releases the latch lever again after a predetermined distance, so that the spring pulls the latch lever back in the direction towards the locking position. When the latch lever reaches the next latching position, the latch lever "snaps" into engagement with the next latch bolt for locking.

As mentioned above, the highest spring force of the spring of the latching device acts in the release position, while the lowest spring force acts in the locking position. This leads on the one hand to an unreliable locking position of the latch lever. In other words, the latch lever is held in the locked position with only a small force. On the other hand, the repeated movement of the latch lever from the locking position to the release position has the effect of promoting wear due to the resistance, in particular the increased resistance, thereby limiting the working life of the spring. Furthermore, spring solutions or related springs require increased installation space and are difficult to clean due to the uneven surface structure.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a conveying apparatus with a compact and easy-to-clean latching device which ensures that the positioning of the conveying saddle and its locking in the locking position is reliable and low-wear.

This object is achieved by a transport apparatus of the above-mentioned type in that the latching means comprise at least two magnetic elements, wherein a first magnetic element is associated with the seat and a second magnetic element is associated with the latch lever such that different poles of the first and second magnetic elements are positioned opposite each other in order to attract each other and pull the latch lever into the locking position. By replacing the spring solution with a magnet solution a durable and easy to clean latching means of the transport appliance is provided in a simple manner. However, it is particularly advantageous that in the locking position there is a technical effect of the maximum (holding) force of the latching device, which results in a particularly firm and precise positioning of the delivery saddle, and in the release position there is a smaller and in particular reduced force, so that the mechanical load of the latching device is lower.

A particularly preferred further development is characterized in that the latching device comprises a third magnetic element which is associated with the seat and is positioned on the opposite side of the latching lever to the first magnetic element, so that the same poles of the second and third magnetic elements are positioned opposite one another in order to repel one another and push the latching lever into the locking position. The first and second magnetic elements ensure that the latch lever is securely held in the latched position. The third magnetic element ensures that the latch lever is reliably and quickly pushed back from the release position into the locking position. The reliable function of the latching device is thereby optimized.

In an advantageous embodiment, the body of the receptacle has a recess at its rear end in the conveying direction T on the side facing the fastening body, into which recess a latch lever with a projection projects at least partially, wherein the first magnetic element is positioned in the recess of the body in the region of the rear wall and the second magnetic element is positioned in the projection of the latch lever. By this space-saving arrangement of the magnetic element, a particularly reliable and compact latching device is provided.

Advantageously, a third magnetic element is positioned in the recess of the body in the region of the side wall, so that the latching lever is arranged with its projection in sandwich fashion between the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element, wherein the second magnetic element is located in the projection. By the series arrangement (in the conveying direction T) of the magnetic elements, it is ensured on the one hand that the latch lever is pushed for a secure locking and on the other hand that the latch lever is reliably pushed back from the release position into the locking position. Furthermore, this arrangement allows a space-saving construction of the latching device and thus reduces the installation space.

An advantageous further development is characterized in that the body has an opening in the region of the recess, the main orientation of which opening is oriented parallel to the pivot axis S and the axis of rotation D, so that the projection of the latching lever projects with its free end at least partially into the opening, so that the side wall of the opening is configured, in addition to the latching bolt, as an abutment for the latching lever in its locking position. In other words, the body has an opening transverse to the conveying direction T, which is delimited circumferentially by side walls, one of which, i.e. the side wall which is trailing in the conveying direction T, forms an abutment or contact surface for the projection of the latch lever. Thereby improving the stability of the latch device.

Particularly preferably, a rotation body of the maltese cross type is associated with the fastening body, which rotation body has on the one hand four recesses arranged offset by 90 ° relative to one another in the circumferential region for engaging actuating members for rotating the fastening body and on the other hand on the side facing the seat at least four latching bolts arranged offset by 90 ° relative to one another, which latching bolts can be operatively connected with the latching lever. By this construction it is ensured in a simple and reliable manner that the fastening body is rotated in steps of 90 deg. to form four latching positions.

Advantageously, the latch lever has a recess on its inner side facing the rotation axis D for receiving a latch bolt. The inner side has a substantially arcuate profile, wherein the arcuate profile is interrupted by a recess. The recess is dimensioned to accommodate the latch bolt. In the locked state, the latch bolt is located in the recess, thereby preventing rotation of the fastening body. Once the latch lever is disengaged from the latch bolt, the fastening body may be rotated, wherein during rotation the subsequent latch bolt slides over the arc-shaped inner side of the latch lever until the latch bolt again "snaps" into the recess. A particularly simple and nevertheless particularly reliable rotation and locking is thereby ensured.

Preferably, the conveying unit comprises a conveyor chain and at least one guide rail is arranged along the conveyor chain at least in some areas, on which guide rail the bodies of the holding device are guided by grooves formed in the body. Smooth running of the conveyor chain and precise positioning of the conveyor saddles are thereby ensured.

In a particularly advantageous further development, two guide rails which are arranged at a distance from one another and between which the body is guided by corresponding grooves are arranged at least in some regions along the conveyor chain, wherein the actuating member for actuating the latching lever is arranged on one guide rail and the actuating member for rotating the fastening body is arranged on the other guide rail. The above-mentioned advantages are further enhanced because the body is guided on two opposite sides. However, the arrangement of the actuating members may also vary.

Advantageously, the actuating member for rotating the fastening bodies is expediently arranged behind the actuating member for actuating the latch lever in the conveying direction T of the conveying unit. This ensures a particularly simple construction of the conveying device.

An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the latch lever protrudes with an actuating lug beyond the body of the seat body, so that an actuating element for actuating the latch lever is in operative connection with the actuating lug of the latch lever when the transport saddle passes. By this construction, a particularly simple and reliable actuation of the latching device is provided.

Advantageously, at least some of the magnetic elements are in the form of bar magnets, wherein the bar magnets are oriented with their longitudinal axes in the conveying direction T. In this way, a space-saving arrangement of the magnetic elements is ensured, wherein different poles face each other between the first and the second magnetic element, and the same poles face each other between the second and the third magnetic element.

In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the bar magnets are arranged in blind holes, wherein the open sides of the blind holes are closed by a cover, so that the bar magnets inside the blind holes are completely shielded from the surroundings. Because the bar magnets are arranged in a closed bag, the bar magnets are protected from contamination and form a smooth surface which is particularly easy to clean.

Drawings

Further advantageous and/or advantageous features and further developments of the conveying device will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the conveying device will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows in front view a part of a transport apparatus with two transport saddles in different positions,

figure 2 shows a part according to figure 1 in a rear view,

figure 3 is an exploded view of a delivery saddle with a retaining device,

figure 4 shows the body of the housing of the holding device with the latch lever from the rear,

figure 5 shows the body according to figure 4 from the front,

figure 6 shows the body according to figure 5 without the latch lever,

figure 7 shows the latch lever from the rear,

figure 8 shows the latch lever from the front,

figure 9 shows the entire transport saddle obliquely from the front,

figure 10 shows a view of the supporting body according to figure 9 without the transport saddle,

FIG. 11 shows the rotary member as a part of the fastening body obliquely from the front, an

Fig. 12 shows the rotary body according to fig. 11 from behind.

Detailed Description

In the figures only a part of the conveying device is shown for conveying and positioning the eviscerated carcass or a part thereof, such as the breast cover or the front half. The conveying device can also be used in a corresponding manner for other products, which can be positioned at different locations along the conveying path.

The illustrated conveyor apparatus 10 is constructed and adapted for conveying eviscerated poultry bodies or portions thereof along a conveying path in a conveying direction T. Different processing stations requiring different positioning of the carcass or parts thereof may be arranged along the conveying path. The conveying device 10 comprises a conveying unit 11 driven in a continuously revolving manner and at least one conveying saddle 12 fastened thereto for holding and positioning the poultry bodies or parts thereof during conveying, wherein a holding device 13 is provided for fastening the conveying saddle 12 to the conveying unit 11, which holding device consists of a seat 14 associated with the conveying unit 11 and a fastening body 15 associated with the conveying saddle 12, which fastening body is releasably connected to the seat 14 and mounted in the seat 14 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation D, wherein the holding device 13 comprises a latching device 16, by means of which latching device 16 the fastening body 15 and thus the conveying saddle 12 can be locked in at least two different latching positions, wherein the latching device 16 comprises a latching lever 17 and at least two latching bolts 18, wherein the latching lever 17 is arranged on a body 19 of the seat 14 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis S oriented parallel to the axis of rotation D, and the latch lever 17 can be moved from a locking position, in which the latch lever 17 is in engagement with the latch bolt 18 associated with the fastening body 15, to a releasing position, in which the latch lever 17 is out of engagement with the latch bolt 18 of the fastening body 15, and back, wherein the transport device 10 comprises a first actuating member 20 for actuating the latch lever 17 at least from the locking position to the releasing position and a second actuating member 21 for rotating the fastening body 15 in the releasing position of the latch lever 17.

According to the invention, this conveying device 10 differs in that the latching means 16 comprise at least two magnetic elements 22, 23, of which a first magnetic element 22 is associated with the seat 14 and a second magnetic element 23 is associated with the latching lever 17, so that the different poles of the first and second magnetic elements 22, 23 are positioned opposite each other in order to attract each other and pull the latching lever 17 into the locking position.

The features and further refinements described below represent preferred embodiments when considered individually or in combination with one another. It is pointed out in particular that the features outlined in the claims and/or the description and/or the drawings or described in a common embodiment can also be functionally independent of further refinements of the above-described conveying device 10.

The conveyor unit 11, which is driven in a swivelling manner, is guided around deflection and/or drive elements, which are not explicitly shown. The axis of rotation of the deflecting and/or rotating element may be oriented horizontally, for example to form an upper run and a lower run. However, the axis of rotation may also have any other orientation, for example 45 ° from the horizontal. A plurality of transport saddles are preferably arranged on the transport unit. The conveying path extends over the entire revolution length of the conveying unit 11. The transport unit 11 can be driven intermittently or continuously by means of a drive device. The drive means are preferably connected to the control means. The holding device 13, more precisely the seat 14, comprises a fastening mechanism 52 by means of which a connection with the delivery unit 11 is established.

Each delivery saddle 12 may be in single or multi-part form. The delivery saddle 12 comprises a fastening body 15 and a supporting body 24, which is preferably releasably connected to the fastening body 15. The fastening body 15 can likewise be in the form of a single part or of several parts. The fastening body 15 preferably comprises a rotation body 25 made of a plastic material and a clamping body 26 made of a metal, for example stainless steel.

The latching means 16 preferably comprise a third magnetic element 27 associated with the seat 14 and positioned on the opposite side of the latching lever 17 to the first magnetic element 22, so that the same poles of the second and third magnetic elements 23, 27 are positioned opposite each other so as to repel each other and push the latching lever 17 to the locking position. For example, the north magnetic pole of the first magnetic element 22 and the south magnetic pole of the second magnetic element 23 are positioned opposite each other directly or slightly spaced apart from each other, while the north magnetic pole of the second magnetic element 23 and the north magnetic pole of the third magnetic element 27 are positioned opposite each other directly or slightly spaced apart from each other.

The body 19 of the seat 14 has, at its rear end E in the conveying direction T, a recess 28 (see in particular fig. 5) on the side facing the fastening body 15, into which recess the latching lever 17 with a projection 29 projects at least partially, wherein the first magnetic element 22 is positioned in the recess 28 of the body 19 in the region of the rear wall 30 and the second magnetic element 23 is positioned in the projection 29 of the latching lever 17. Of course, other configurations and arrangements of the latch lever 17 relative to the main body 19 are possible. The recess 28, which in the embodiment shown is configured to extend from the trailing end E without a side wall, may for example also be circumferentially surrounded by a side wall, wherein the first magnetic means 22 may then be arranged, for example, in the side wall of the trailing end E. The recess 28 may also be formed at the front end.

The third magnetic element 27 is positioned in the recess 28 of the body 19 in the region of the side wall 51, so that the latching lever 17 is arranged with its projection 29, in which the second magnetic element 23 is located, in a sandwich manner between the first magnetic element 22 and the third magnetic element 27. The magnetic elements 22, 23, 27 may be mounted on the body 19 or the latch lever 17. Preferably, at least a third magnetic element is provided in the body 19.

In an embodiment not shown, the rear wall 33 of the body 19 and therefore the rear wall 30 of the recess 28 are configured to be completely closed. In the variant shown, the body 19 has an opening 31 in the region of the recess 28, the main orientation of which is oriented parallel to the pivot axis S and the rotational axis D, so that the projection 29 of the latching lever 17 projects with its free end at least partially into this opening 31, so that the side wall 32 of the opening 31 is also configured, in addition to the latching bolt 18, as an abutment for the latching lever 17 in its locking position. The opening 31 is configured to be spaced from the trailing end E, thereby forming a connecting web 34 at or on which the first magnetic element 22 is disposed.

Associated with the fastening body 15 is a rotary body 25 in the form of a maltese cross, which has, on the one hand, four recesses 35 arranged offset by 90 ° with respect to one another in the circumferential region for engaging the actuating members 21 for rotating the fastening body 15, and, on the other hand, on the side facing the seat 14, at least four latching bolts 18 arranged offset by 90 ° with respect to one another, which latching bolts can be operatively connected with the latching levers 17 (in particularSee fig. 12). The preferably square-shaped rotary body 25, which can also be referred to as a rotary cross, has recesses 35 distributed uniformly over the circumference in each corner region. Center axis M of recess 35₁、M₂、M₃And M₄Each oriented at an angle β of about 45 ° to the central axis M of the rotary body 25, and the rotary body 25 thus has the form of a maltese cross. Other forms and structural configurations of the rotating body 25 may be used as well. The rotary body 25 can be configured differently in terms of construction, for example as a rotary plate, and in particular has fewer than four or more than four recesses 35 and fewer than four or more than four latching bolts 18. In the shown preferred embodiment, the grid/pattern of four recesses 35 is arranged around the rotation axis D, offset by 45 ° with respect to the grid/pattern of four latch bolts. Instead of the outwardly open recess 35, a long hole or the like may also be provided. The latch bolt 18 may also be replaced with a latch lug, latch hook, or other latch element. The fastening body 15 has a shaft 41 configured for mounting in a bearing bushing 42 of the body 19.

The preferred form of the latch lever 17 can be seen particularly in figures 5, 7 and 8. The latch lever 17 has a recess 36 on its inner side I facing the axis of rotation D for receiving the latch bolt 18. The inner side I has an arcuate profile. The arcuate profile is interrupted by a recess 36. It is also possible to form more than one recess 36 along the arcuate inner side I. The preferably integral latch lever 17 comprises, in addition to the hooking lever body 37, a protrusion 29 and an actuating lug 38 which is configured and adapted to abut and/or contact the actuating member 20 for pivoting the latch lever 17. As described above, the second magnetic element 23 is provided at the projection 29 or in the projection 29. The magnetic element 23 itself may be arranged or fastened directly on the rod 37 or arranged or fastened to the rod 37, thus forming the protrusion 29. The main axis H of the projection 29 extends parallel to the pivot axis S. In order to pivot the latch lever 17 about the pivot axis S, a shaft 39 (see e.g. fig. 7) is formed or provided on the latch lever 17, which shaft is configured for mounting in a bearing bushing 40 of the body 19.

The conveyor unit 11 preferably comprises a conveyor chain 43. At least in some areas along the conveyor chain 43 at least one guide rail 44 is provided, on which the seat 14 of the holding device 13 is guided by a groove 45 formed in the body 19. Particularly preferably, two guide rails 44, 46 arranged at a distance from one another are arranged at least in some regions along the conveyor chain 43, between which guide rails the main body 19 is guided by respective grooves 45, 47. In the embodiment shown, the actuating member 20 for actuating the latch lever 17 is arranged on one guide rail 46 and the actuating member 21 for rotating the fastening body 15 is arranged on the other guide rail 44. However, the opposite arrangement is also possible. The actuating members 20, 21 may also be arranged on a common guide rail 44 or 46. Alternatively, the actuating members 20, 21 may also be arranged separate from the guide rails 44, 46.

The actuating member 21 for rotating the fastening body 15 is preferably arranged behind the actuating member 20 for actuating the latch lever 17 in the conveying direction T of the conveying unit. "rear" here does not mean a structural attachment but the position where the actuating members 20, 21 engage with the latch lever 17 or the fastening body 15. The actuating member 20 for pivoting the latch lever 17 may be a simple bolt, a stand or the like fixedly arranged on the guide rail 46 and located in the conveying path of the actuating lug 38 of the latch lever 17, so that the latch lever 17 is pivoted out of engagement with the latch bolt 18 by conveying along the conveying path when passing the actuating member 20. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the latch lever 17 projects with an actuating lug 38 beyond the body 19 of the seat 14, so that the actuating member 20 for actuating the latch lever 17 is in operative connection with the actuating lug 38 of the latch lever 17 when the transport saddle 12 passes. The actuating member 20 may also be a freely rotatable roller 48 or the like. In other embodiments in which the latch lever 17 is/must be held in the release position over a longer distance, for example in order to rotate the fastening body 15 through a larger angular amount by means of the rotation body 25, the actuating member 20 may also be a rail or the like extending in the transport direction T, for example. The actuating element 20 may also be adjustably arranged on the guide rail 46.

The actuating member 21 for rotating the fastening body 15 may be a simple angle-shaped element 49 or the like, wherein the arms 50 of the angle-shaped element 49 protrude into the conveying path of the rotating body 25, so that the rotating body 25 engages with the arms 50 with the recesses 35 when the conveying saddle 12 passes. Further transport in the transport direction T then causes the fastening bodies 15 to rotate, in the exemplary embodiment shown through 90 °. It is also possible to arrange two or more such actuating members 21 one after the other in the conveying direction T so as to engage with the next recess 35 of the rotary body 25.

At least some of the magnetic elements 22, 23, 27 are in the form of bar magnets, wherein the longitudinal axes of the bar magnets are oriented in the conveying direction T. The bar magnets 22, 23, 27 are preferably oriented with their longitudinal axes substantially aligned with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, at least the first and third magnetic elements 22, 27 are in the form of bar magnets. The second magnetic element 23 is preferably also in the form of a bar magnet. At least some of the bar magnets are arranged in the blind holes, wherein the open sides of the blind holes are optionally closed by a cover, so that the bar magnets inside the blind holes are completely shielded from the surroundings. The magnetic elements 22, 23, 27 each comprise a permanent magnet and/or an electromagnet. Particularly preferably, the permanent magnet is in the form of a neodymium magnet. More preferably, they are nickel-plated neodymium magnets.

The working principle of the latching device 16 is explained in more detail below with reference to fig. 1. The transport saddle 12 is driven in a swivelling manner by means of a transport chain 43. The first transport saddle 12 is oriented in the transport direction T with its main axis perpendicular. During the conveying, or during the further movement of the conveyor chain 43 in the conveying direction T, the latch lever 17 strikes the roller 48 with its actuating lug 38. The latch lever 17 is thereby pivoted (in the embodiment according to fig. 1) counterclockwise about the pivot axis S and thus out of engagement with the latch bolt 18 of the fastening body 15 into the release position. In this phase, the fastening body 15, and therefore the delivery saddle 12, is freely rotatable. During further transport or during further movement of the conveyor chain 43 in the conveying direction T, the rotary body 25 of the fastening body 15 strikes the arm 50 of the angle element 49 with one of the recesses 35 and an operative connection is produced, which results in the freely rotatable rotary body 25 rotating clockwise about the axis of rotation D against the fixed arm 50 (in the embodiment according to fig. 1) during further movement in the conveying direction T.

During the free rotation, the latch bolt 18 moves on the inner side I of the latch lever 17. The latch lever 17 is thereby or as a result further held in the release position. As soon as the latch bolt 18 enters the area of the recess 36 of the latch lever 17 after the rotation of the rotary body 25 through approximately 90 °, the latch lever 17 quickly returns to the locking position due to the attraction force of the first and second magnetic elements 22, 23. The repulsive action of the second and third magnetic elements 23, 27 assists this movement of the latch rod 17. The delivery saddle 12 is therefore oriented with its main axis horizontal.