DE102014109522A1 - transport section - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport section (1) of a transport path for standing in rows on a horizontal or slightly inclined conveyor and with this in at least two adjacent and separated by separating elements (4) transport paths (2) conveyed article (3) or piece goods. The separating elements (4) are fixed on at least two cross members (5), which span the transport section (1) above a conveying level for the articles (3) or piece goods at defined mounting positions (M) and / or adjustable. The defined mounting positions (M) define a variable width (B) of a transport path (2) along the longitudinal extension directions (L) of the cross members (5), wherein the defined mounting positions (M) on the cross members (5) in each case by optically recognizable markings (10 ) are given. The optically recognizable markings (10) are formed by individual luminous markings of each in the region of the cross member (5) or arranged parallel to these lighting devices (8) with a plurality of regularly spaced apart and separately controllable discrete light elements (9).

Description

The present invention relates to a transport section according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

For the transport of articles, such as bottles or similar containers, from one processing device to the next processing device transport routes are known, on which the vertical bottles or containers are transported in a mass flow. Furthermore, transport routes are known in which the bottles o.ä. each guided in parallel lanes. In particular, by means of alleyways or gutter plates several separate lanes are formed.

In the compilation of articles for common packaging as a container or in the supply of articles to other processing devices, they often have to be converted from a mass flow into single gas streams. Individual gas flow is understood to mean the separation of the articles into individual side-by-side parallel lanes. The tracks are each bounded laterally by so-called gutters. Depending on the article, in particular depending on the size of the bottles or containers, different numbers of articles can be transported side by side on a given conveying width. In order to be able to transport different types of articles on such a transport route, the respective lane width must be adapted to the diameter of the bottles or articles in order to ensure an orderly single-lane flow within an alley and / or to avoid the falling over of articles within the lane.

The gutter plates are attached, for example, hanging on a above the conveying plane and orthogonal to the conveying direction of the article arranged vibrating beam or crossbar. The crossbar is continuously jogged in the current production operation largely orthogonal to the conveying direction of the article in order to achieve a gapless alignment of the articles in the individual tracks and, for example, on the gassed container table of packaging machines. Conventionally, the gutter plates are fixedly arranged on the crossbar and fixed. When changing the product, the lane plates must be adjusted manually, in particular lane plates must be additionally arranged and secured to the crossbar and the distance between the lane plates must be readjusted. Or else surplus lane sheets must be removed and the distance between the lane sheets must be readjusted.

Automatically adjustable lane or web adjustments are known. For example, describes US 4880404 an automatically adjustable lane guidance. About a spindle adjustment, the respective width of a constant number of tracks is adjusted. Depending on the size of the transported items, only part of the conveyor width can be used with this system. In particular, it is not possible with the device to vary the number of webs.

DE 102006046556 A1 describes a transport route, in which an adjustment of the width of the lanes to the container diameter is possible without an adjustment of the actual lane guides. In this case, the adjustment of the lane width is carried out at least over a partial length of the transport path, that by Behälterleit- and guide elements, the predetermined by the fixed distance between two adjacent lane guides maximum lane width is reduced to an adapted to the diameter of the treated container width.

DE 102011050715 A1 describes an information output tool that supports and controls the correct lane width adjustment. DE 102011080895 A1 describes a variable width transport track a transport path for the carriage of articles, on both sides of the transport track boundary strips are arranged, the distance can be adjusted to each other and wherein the support plane is formed by an endlessly circulating link belt, which is adjustable in width. When arranging a plurality of such transport tracks next to each other, transport routes can be produced with several parallel lanes, wherein the lane width can be adjusted within a certain range. The number of lanes is always the same.

The object of the invention is to provide an aid to enable the correct adjustment of the position of gutter sheets within a transport section.

The above object is achieved by a transport section comprising the features in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

description

The invention relates to a transport section of a transport route for standing behind one another in rows on a horizontal or slightly inclined conveyor and with this in at least two adjacent and separated by separating elements transport paths transported articles or general cargo. These separating elements are in particular Gassenbleche that separate the transport route in Einzelgassen for the article. The separating elements are arranged and secured to cross members. The cross members span the transport section above the conveying level of the transport route for the articles or piece goods. In particular, the separating elements are slidably and / or adjustably fixed to defined mounting positions. The defined mounting positions along the longitudinal extension directions of the cross member define a variable width of the individual streets. To facilitate the correct positioning of the separating elements at the respective mounting positions on the cross members, these are each predetermined by optically recognizable markings. The optically recognizable markings are, in particular, individual luminous markings of lighting devices respectively arranged in the region of the cross members or parallel to them. The lighting devices are formed by a plurality of regularly spaced apart and separately controllable discrete light elements. In particular, the lighting devices can be designed as so-called light bands with separately controllable discrete light elements.

In particular, the light elements are light-emitting diodes, which are abbreviated to LED in the further application. According to one embodiment of the invention, the light elements are arranged directly adjacent to each other, i. the distance between the LEDs is essentially zero. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the light elements are arranged at a defined distance from each other.

The necessary lane width depends on the size of the articles to be transported. Depending on which lane width is to be set, the corresponding light elements are driven, while the respective adjacent light elements are turned off. The illuminated light elements indicate the mounting positions for the lane plates. The positionally accurate mounting of the lane plates is based on a position comparison of the illuminated light elements.

Preferably, the separating elements are arranged within a transport section on at least two spaced-apart cross members. Accordingly, the mounting positions are displayed on both cross beams respectively by illuminated light elements. In particular, a correctly positioned separating element is aligned in alignment with the two illuminated lighting elements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, all the light elements each emit light in the same wavelength range. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, directly adjacent light elements each emit light in different wavelength ranges. This represents an additional means of control, since for a correct positioning of the separating elements, the respective mounting positions on the at least two cross members must correspond to one another. In particular, the light elements associated with the at least two cross beams emit light in the same wavelength range at respectively corresponding positions along the longitudinal extension directions of the cross beams. Thus, a correctly positioned separating element is aligned in each case aligned at least two at corresponding positions of the cross members associated and emitting in the same wavelength range light elements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a control is assigned to the transport section. The light elements are each coupled to the controller and thereby each individually controllable. In particular, the control device controls that respective light elements are activated or deactivated at corresponding positions along the longitudinal extension directions of the cross members.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the controller is programmable in such a way that upon input of the desired width of the transport paths the respective light elements are activated at the corresponding positions for the separating elements along the longitudinal extension directions of the cross members and the remaining light elements are deactivated.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the controller is programmable so that the width of the transport paths is calculated when entering the width of the items to be transported or piece goods in the controller and then the light elements appropriately spaced according to the width of the transport paths activated by the controller are.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the light elements can each be controlled individually and that the operator selects the respective light elements to be activated via a control element. Alternatively, the operator can also activate the light elements via switches, wherein either a switch is assigned to each light element. In this case, a coupling of light elements of a plurality of cross members may be provided, in particular of light elements, which are each arranged at comparable positions transversely to the transport direction of the transport path. The possibility of manual control of individual light elements offers increased flexibility since the calculation for curve sections is difficult in practice.

For example, it can be provided that although the controller calculates and activates the light elements to be activated, an operator can manually correct the selected light elements by switching off individual light elements and switching on other light elements for this purpose. Thus, for example, a faulty calculation in curve sections can be corrected.

In a transport section according to the invention thus there is a high variability in terms of both the number and the width of the lanes to be formed. In contrast to the prior art described above, the number of lanes can be varied as desired and is not limited to a defined number, the lane width of all lanes can be adjusted only to the same extent. Instead, it is possible to set different lanes with different lane widths, for example, to supply parallel different sized articles of a device for assembling and packaging mixed containers. By activating corresponding light elements, parallel transport paths of different widths can be preset and set in the transport section.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, for example, it is a transport section with cross members, on which the gutter plates are arranged and fastened, wherein the cross members are each assigned an LED strip with many monochromatic LEDs in a resolution of one to two millimeters. When the program is changed, the LEDs that mark the position where the railing rails must be pushed light up. In particular, in the case of dual-rail applications, in each case three LEDs are illuminated per cross member, whereas in the case of a single-track inlet only two LEDs per cross member shine in each case.

It can be provided that after fastening the gutter rail at the correct position, the power supply to the LED is interrupted in order to reduce the power consumption of the system. This can be done, for example, by instructing the operator, after interrupting the attachment of the railing, to interrupt the power supply. Alternatively, a corresponding sensor system can be provided which checks the correct positioning. For example, a contact sensor on the cross member may be coupled to the respective LED. If the contact sensor reports an occupancy due to a paved lane, the power supply to the LED is automatically interrupted by the controller.

figure description

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a schematic plan view of a transport section according to the invention with three transport lanes for articles.

2 shows a schematic plan view of a transport section according to the invention with two transport lanes for articles.

3 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a lighting device.

4 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a lighting device.

5 and 6 show schematic representations of another embodiment of a lighting device.

7 shows a transport section with control.

8th shows a transport section with control and contact sensors.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are only examples of how the device according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

1 shows a schematic plan view of a transport section according to the invention 1 with three single transport lanes 2 for bottles 3 and 2 shows a schematic plan view of a transport section according to the invention 1 with two transport lanes 2 ' for bottles 3 ' ,

The transport lanes 2 . 2 ' are through side gutters 4 limited, parallel to the transport direction TR of the bottles 3 . 3 ' are aligned. The bottles 3 . 3 ' are transported in particular standing on an endlessly circulating conveyor belt (not shown), which forms the transport plane. The conveyor belt is usually horizontal or slightly inclined and thus forms a horizontal or slightly inclined transport plane.

Above the transport plane there are at least two cross beams 5 . 5 * arranged the transport section 1 span vertically to the transport direction TR. The alleyways 4 are at defined mounting positions M, M 'on the cross members 5 . 5 * slidably and / or adjustably fixed. The mounting positions M, M 'define along the longitudinal direction L of the cross member 5 . 5 * a variable width B of a transport lane 2 ,

According to 1 are four street sheets 4 at the crossbeams 5 . 5 * mounted and thus define three transport lanes 2 a width B1, in which bottles 3 can be transported. According to 2 are three alleyways 4 at the crossbeams 5 . 5 * mounted and thus define two transport lanes 2 ' a width B2, in which bottles 3 ' with a larger cross-section compared to the bottles 3 out 1 can be transported.

The defined mounting positions M, M 'are on the cross members 5 . 5 * each by visually recognizable markings 10 . 10 * specified. The visually recognizable markings 10 . 10 * be through in the area of the cross member 5 . 5 * or parallel to the cross members 5 . 5 * arranged lighting devices 8th . 8th* formed, wherein the lighting devices 8th . 8th* a plurality of regularly spaced and separately controllable discrete light elements 9 . 9 * include.

The alleyways 4 are within a transport section 1 at least two spaced-apart cross members 5 . 5 * arranged. Accordingly, the mounting positions M, M * on both cross members 5 . 5 * each by illuminated light elements 9 . 9 * displayed. In particular, a properly positioned gutter plate 4 in alignment with two corresponding light elements 9 . 9 * aligned.

3 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a lighting device 8a and 4 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a lighting device 8b , The lighting equipment 8a . 8b include as discrete bulbs 9 in each case a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a row 12 , While with the lighting device 8a according to 3 All LEDs emit light in a same wavelength range λ, includes the lighting device 8b four different LEDs 12a . 12b . 12c . 12d , each emitting light of a different wavelength or in a different wavelength range λa, λb, c and λd. For example, a first LED emits 12a yellow light, a second LED 12b green light, a third LED 12c blue light and a fourth LED 12d Red light.

The lighting device 8b with different LEDs 12 thus offers an additional control function, as for a correct positioning of the gutter plates 4 the respective mounting positions M, M * on cross members 5 . 5 * must correspond to each other. Thus, a correctly positioned gutter plate must 4 aligned to two at corresponding positions on the cross members 5 . 5 * arranged in the same wavelength range λ emitting light elements 12 be aligned.

In accordance with the 3 and 4 illustrated embodiments of the lighting devices 8a . 8b are the LEDs 12 defined spaced from each other.

5 and 6 show schematic representations of another embodiment of a lighting device 8c , Here are the light elements 9 also as LEDs 12 formed and arranged directly adjacent to each other, ie the distance between the LEDs 12 is essentially zero. The necessary lane width B (cf. 1 and 2 ) is of the articles to be transported 3 . 3 ' dependent. Depending on which lane width B is to be set, the corresponding LEDs 12on driven, while the neighboring LEDs 12OFF are turned off. The illuminated LEDs 12on show the mounting positions M, M * for the lanes 4 at the crossbeams 5 . 5 * on (compare 1 and 2 ). The exact positioning of the lane plates 4 takes place based on a position comparison of the illuminated LEDs 12on ,

According to 5 each are four light elements 9 turned on ( 12on ) to the mounting positions M, M * for four lanes 4 for the training of three transport lanes 2 according to 1 define. According to 6 each are three light elements 9 turned on ( 12on ) to the mounting positions M, M * for three lanes 4 for the formation of two transport lanes 2 ' according to 2 define.

7 shows a transport section 1 with control S. The light elements 9 . 9 * the lighting equipment 8th . 8th* are each coupled to the controller S and thereby each individually controllable. Based on the predetermined lane width B by the controller S, the light elements 9 at corresponding positions along the longitudinal extension directions L of the cross member 5 . 5 * Activates or deactivates the positions of the activated LEDs 12on (see 5 and 6 ) correspond to the mounting positions M, M *.

According to one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the controller S so is programmable that when entering the desired width B of the transport lanes 2 . 2 ' , the respective LEDs 12 at the appropriate positions for the lane plates 4 along the longitudinal directions L of the cross member 5 . 5 * to be activated ( 12on ) and the remaining LEDs 12 be deactivated ( 12OFF / compare too 5 and 6 ).

8th shows a transport section 1 with control S and contact sensors 15 , In particular, each LED 12 the lighting equipment 8th . 8th* one contact sensor each 15 assigned. After fixing the gutter plate 4 at the correct position on the cross member 5 . 5 * the contact sensor transmits 15-1 at this position, a signal to the controller S, whereupon the power supply to the corresponding LED 12-1 is switched off.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 transport section

2

 transport alley

3

 bottle

4

 streets sheet

5

 crossbeam

8th

 lighting device

9

 Lamp

10

 optical marking

12

 LED

15

 Contact sensor

B

 width

λ

 Wavelength range

L

 longitudinal extension

M

 mounting position

S

 control

TR

 transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4880404 [0005]
• DE 102006046556 A1 [0006]
• DE 102011050715 A1 [0007]
• DE 102011080895 A1 [0007]

Claims (10)

Transport section ( 1 ) a transport line for standing behind one another in rows on a horizontal or slightly inclined conveyor and with this in at least two adjacent and separated by separating elements ( 4 ) separated transport paths ( 2 ) ( 3 ) or piece goods, which separating elements ( 4 ) on at least two cross beams ( 5 ) containing the transport section ( 1 ) above a conveyance level for the articles ( 3 ) or piece goods, at defined mounting positions (M) are displaceable and / or adjustable fixed, wherein the defined mounting positions (M) along the longitudinal extension directions (L) of the cross member ( 5 ) a variable width (B) of a transport path ( 2 ) and define, wherein the defined mounting positions (M) on the cross beams ( 5 ) in each case by optically recognizable markings ( 10 ) and the optically recognizable markings ( 10 ) by individual luminescent markings of each in the region of the cross member ( 5 ) or in parallel to these arranged lighting devices ( 8th ) with a plurality of regularly spaced apart and separately controllable discrete light elements ( 9 ) are formed. Transport section ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the light elements ( 9 ) by light-emitting diodes ( 12 , LEDs) are formed. Transport section ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light elements ( 9 ) are arranged directly adjacent to each other or wherein the light elements ( 9 ) are arranged spaced apart from each other. Transport section ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light elements ( 9 ) each emit light in the same wavelength range (λ). Transport section ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein directly adjacent light elements ( 9 ) each emit light in different wavelength ranges (λ, λx). Transport section ( 1 ) according to claim 5, wherein said at least two cross members ( 5 ) associated light elements ( 9 ) at respectively corresponding positions along the longitudinal extension directions (L) of the cross members ( 5 ) each emit light in the same wavelength range (λ, λx). Transport section ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport section ( 1 ) is associated with a controller (S), wherein the light elements ( 9 ) are coupled to the controller (S) and wherein each light element ( 9 ) is each individually controllable. Transport section ( 1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the controller (S) is programmable, wherein the desired width (B) of the transport paths ( 2 ) in the controller (S) is entered and then where the width (B) of the transport paths ( 2 ) correspondingly spaced light elements ( 9 ) are activated by the controller (S). Transport section ( 1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the controller (S) is programmable, the width of the conveyed articles ( 3 ) or piece goods in the controller (S) is entered, whereupon the controller (S) the width (B) of the transport paths ( 2 ) and then the width (B) of the transport paths ( 2 ) correspondingly spaced light elements ( 9 ) are activated by the controller (S). Transport section ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein by activation of corresponding light elements ( 9 ) Transport lanes ( 2 ) of different widths (B) are predeterminable and adjustable.

Images