CONNECTING DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING A HOLDER FOR COMPONENTS OF A CONVEYOR DEVICE, AND CONVEYOR DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING UNIT LOADS

Abstract

A connecting device for fastening holders, in particular lateral guide holders, to a frame profile of a conveying device for transporting unit loads includes, on one side, a linking arrangement and, on the other side, a mounting limb, wherein the linking arrangement is arranged on the holder and the mounting limb is arranged on the frame profile. For fastening the linking arrangement to the frame profile, the linking arrangement has a connecting element and a locking element, wherein the connecting element is insertable into a first hole on the mounting limb, wherein a rotation axis is defined about which the linking arrangement can be rotated until the locking element latches in a second hole on the mounting limb and locks the connecting device.

Claims

1: A linking arrangement (12) of a connecting device for mounting a holder for components of a conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), in particular of a lateral guide holder (6), a sensor holder (11), or a bottom cover holder, wherein the linking arrangement (12) arrangeable on the holder and is connectable to a mounting limb (7), which has a plurality of holes (8) arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the mounting limb (7), wherein the linking arrangement (12) has a base body, which comprises a base wall (14), a connecting element (18), and a locking device, wherein the base wall (14) provides a mounting surface, and the connecting element (18) is arranged so as to protrude from the mounting surface and can be brought into engagement with a first hole (8) of the holes (8) when the linking arrangement (12) is in a linking position (24), wherein the connecting element (18) forms a mounting axis of rotation oriented orthogonally to the mounting surface, about which mounting axis the linking arrangement (12) can be rotated from the linking position (24) into a mounting position (25), wherein the locking device is arranged at a distance from the connecting element (18), so that the locking device can be brought into engagement with a second hole (8) of the holes (8) of the mounting limb (7) when the linking arrangement (12) is in the mounting position (25), wherein the base body further has a top wall (15), a first side wall (16), and a second side wall (16), wherein the first side wall (16) and the second side wall (16) are arranged so as to be located opposite one another and extend from the base wall (14) at least to the top wall (15), and wherein an upper side of the base wall (14) is directed towards the top wall (15), and a bottom side of the base wall (14) provides the mounting surface.

2. (canceled)

3: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the base body has a plurality of support walls (17), which are arranged between the first side wall (16) and the second side wall (16) and extend from the base wall (14) to the top wall (15).

4: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the base body has a rear wall, which extends from the base wall (14) at least to the top wall (15) and from the first side wall (16) to the second side wall (16).

5: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the base body is formed of a plastic material.

6: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element (18) comprises a plug having a hammer-shaped head and protruding from the mounting surface at an end protruding from the mounting surface, wherein the hammer-shaped head, in the linking position (24) of the linking arrangement (12), can be passed through the first hole (8) of the mounting limb (7) and, in the mounting position (25) of the linking arrangement (12), engages behind an edge region of the first hole (8) of the mounting limb (7).

7: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element (18) comprises a stiffening insert.

8: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 7, wherein the connecting element (18) has a recess, in which the stiffening insert is arranged and connected to the connecting element (18).

9: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the locking device has a locking element (21), which is movable perpendicularly to the mounting surface, in particular away from the base body, in order to engage with the second hole (8) of the holes (8).

10: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 9, wherein the locking element (21) is mounted on the base body so as to be rotatable, about a locking axis of rotation, between a first position and a second position and has a hammer-shaped head, which, in the first position of the locking element (21), can be passed through the second hole (8) of the holes (8) and, in the second position of the locking element (21), engages behind an edge region of the second hole (8) of the holes (8).

11: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 9, wherein the locking element (21) is movable perpendicularly to the mounting surface and against an action of a spring force, wherein, in the mounting position (25), the locking element (21) can automatically engage with the second hole (8) of the holes (8) utilizing the spring force.

12: The linking arrangement (12) according to claim 11, wherein the base wall (14) has two slots extending from a first edge of the base wall (14) towards a second edge of the base wall (14) opposite the first edge and being spaced apart from one another, so that the base wall (14) can be bent between the slots in order to provide a spring element (20).

13: A connecting device for mounting a holder for components of a conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), comprising a linking arrangement (12) and a mounting limb (7) interacting therewith, wherein the linking arrangement (12) is formed according to claim 1 and the mounting limb (7) has a plurality of holes (8) arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the mounting limb (7), wherein a first hole (8) of the holes (8) can interact with the connecting element (18) of the linking arrangement (12) and a second hole (8) of the holes (8) can interact with the locking element (21) of the linking arrangement (12).

14: The connecting device according to claim 13, wherein the mounting limb (7) is arranged on a frame profile (3a, 3b) of the conveying device (1).

15: The connecting device according to claim 13, wherein the mounting limb (7) is arranged on a cover (37).

16: A lateral guide holder (6) for mounting a lateral guide profile (4a, 4b) on a frame profile (3a, 3b) of a conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), comprising a linking arrangement (12) and a mounting support (13), which mounting support (13) receives the lateral guide profile (4a, 4b) in a positive-locking manner and to which the lateral guide profile (4a, 4b) can fastened by means of a connecting means (22), wherein the linking arrangement (12) is formed according to claim 1.

17: The lateral guide holder (6) according to claim 16, wherein the mounting support (13) is formed in one piece with the base body of the linking arrangement (12).

18: The lateral guide holder (6) according to claim 16, wherein the mounting support (13) has an opening for receiving the connecting means (22).

19: The lateral guide holder (6) according to claim 16, wherein the connecting means (22) comprises a hammer-head screw, which can interact with a fastening groove (27b) of the lateral guide profile (4a, 4b), in order to fasten the lateral guide profile (4a, 4b) to the lateral guide holder (6).

20: A sensor holder (11) for mounting a sensor (10) on a frame profile (3a, 3b) of a conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), comprising an outer housing (29) and an inner housing (30) for receiving the sensor (10) arranged in the outer housing (29), wherein the sensor holder (11) has the linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1.

21: The sensor holder (11) according to claim 20, wherein the base body of the linking arrangement (12) forms the outer housing (29).

22: The sensor holder (11) according to claim 20, wherein the inner housing (30) is pivotably mounted on the outer housing (29), wherein an inclination of the inner housing (30) is adjustable by means of an adjusting device.

23: The sensor holder (11) according to claim 20, wherein the connecting element (18) of the linking arrangement (12) has a cable channel, so that a cable of the sensor (10) can be passed through the cable channel out of the outer housing (29).

24: A cover holder (36) for mounting a cover (37) on a frame profile (3a, 3b) of a conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), comprising a linking arrangement (12) and a mounting support (13), to which the frame profile (3a, 3b) can be fastened by means of a connecting means (22), wherein the linking arrangement (12) is formed according to claim 1.

25: The cover holder (36) according to claim 24, wherein the mounting support (13) is formed in one piece with the base body of the linking arrangement (12).

26: The cover holder (36) according to claim 24, wherein the mounting support (13) is connected to the base body of the linking arrangement (12) by means of a hinge connection, so that the mounting support (13) and the base body of the linking arrangement (12) can be pivoted relative to one another.

27: The cover holder (36) according to claim 24, wherein the mounting support (13) has an opening for receiving the connecting means (22).

28: The cover holder (36) according to claim 24, wherein the connecting means (22) comprises a hammer-head screw, which can interact with a fastening groove (27a) of the frame profile (3a, 3b), in order to fasten the cover holder (36) to the frame profile (3a, 3b).

29: The cover holder (36) according to claim 24, wherein the locking device of the linking arrangement (12) has a locking element (21), which is movable perpendicularly to the mounting surface, in particular away from the base body, in order to engage with the second hole (8) of the holes (8).

30: A conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), comprising a plurality of frame profiles (3a, 3b), at least one conveying element (5) and a plurality of lateral guide profiles (4a, 4b), wherein a first frame profile (3a) of the frame profiles (3a, 3b) and a second frame profile (3b) of the frame profiles (3a, 3b) extend at a mutual distance in parallel with one another and in the conveying direction of the unit load (2), and wherein the conveying element (5) is arranged between the first frame profile (3a) and the second frame profile (3b) and defines a conveying plane (FE), on which the unit load (2) can be transported, and wherein a first lateral guide profile (4a) of the lateral guide profiles (4a, 4b) and a second lateral guide profile (4b) of the lateral guide profiles (4a, 4b) extend at a mutual distance in parallel with one another and in the conveying direction of the unit load (2), wherein the first lateral guide profile (4a) is mounted on the first frame profile (3a) and the second lateral guide profile (4b) is mounted on the second frame profile (3b), each by means of a plurality of lateral guide holders (6), wherein at least one lateral guide holder (6) of the lateral guide holders (6) has the linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1 and is fastened with a corresponding frame profile (3a, 3b) of the frame profiles (3a, 3b) by means of a connecting device comprising the linking arrangement (12) and a mounting limb (7) interacting therewith, wherein the mounting limb (7) has a plurality of holes (8) arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the mounting limb (7), wherein a first hole (8) of the holes (8) can interact with the connecting element (18) of the linking arrangement (12) and a second hole (8) of the holes (8) can interact with the locking element (21) of the linking arrangement (12).

31: The conveying device (1) according to claim 30, wherein the at least one lateral guide holder (6) of the lateral guide holders (6) comprises the linking arrangement (12) and a mounting support (13), which mounting support (13) receives the lateral guide profile (4a, 4b) in a positive-locking manner and to which the lateral guide profile (4a, 4b) can fastened by means of a connecting means (22).

32: The conveying device (1) according to claim 30, wherein the frame profiles (3a, 3b) each comprise a profile limb (26) oriented orthogonally to the conveying plane (FE), wherein the profile limb (26) has a first side facing the conveying plane (FE) and a second side facing away from the conveying plane (FE), and wherein the mounting limb (7) is arranged on the profile limb (26) so as to protrude from the second side and oriented in parallel with the conveying plane (FE).

33: The conveying device (1) according to claim 32, wherein the profile limb (26) has a plurality of mounting openings (28).

34: The conveying device (1) according to claim 30, wherein the lateral guide profiles (4a, 4b) each have a fastening groove (27b) for receiving a connecting means (22) of the lateral guide holder (6).

35: The conveying device (1) according to claim 30, wherein at least one sensor (10) is fastened to a frame profile (3a, 3b) of the frame profiles (3a, 3b) by means of a sensor holder (11) comprising an outer housing (29) and an inner housing (30) for receiving the sensor (10) arranged in the outer housing (29).

36: A conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), comprising a plurality of frame profiles (3a, 3b), a cover (37) on a bottom side of the conveying device (1) and at least one conveying element (5), wherein a first frame profile (3a) of the frame profiles (3a, 3b) and a second frame profile (3b) of the frame profiles (3a, 3b) extend at a mutual distance in parallel with one another in the conveying direction of the unit load (2), and wherein the conveying element (5) is arranged between the first frame profile (3a) and the second frame profile (3b) and defines a conveying plane (FE), on which the unit load (2) can be transported, and wherein the cover (37) is arranged below the at least one conveying element (5) between the first frame profile (3a) and the second frame profile (3b) and extends in the conveying direction of the unit load (2) and is fastened to the first frame profile (3a) along a first edge section of the cover (37) by means of a plurality of cover holders (36) and to the second frame profile (3b) along a second edge section of the cover (37) by means of a plurality of cover holders (36), wherein at least one cover holder (36) of the cover holders (36) has the linking arrangement (12) according to claim 1 and is connectable to the cover (37) by means of a connecting device comprising the linking arrangement (12) and a mounting limb (7) interacting therewith, wherein the mounting limb (7) has a plurality of holes (8) arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the mounting limb (7), wherein a first hole (8) of the holes (8) can interact with the connecting element (18) of the linking arrangement (12) and a second hole (8) of the holes (8) can interact with the locking element (21) of the linking arrangement (12), and wherein the mounting limb (7) is arranged on a cover (37), wherein the first edge section of the cover (37) and the second edge section of the cover (37) each form the mounting limb (7).

37: The conveying device (1) according to claim 36, wherein the at least one cover holder (36) comprises the linking arrangement (12) and a mounting support (13), to which the frame profile (3a, 3b) can be fastened by means of a connecting means (22).

38: The conveying device (1) according to claim 36, wherein the frame profiles (3a, 3b) each have a cover limb oriented parallel to the conveying plane (FE), which cover limb has a fastening groove (27a).

39. (canceled)

40: A conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), comprising a plurality of frame profiles (3a, 3b), at least one conveying element (5) and a plurality of lateral guide profiles (4a, 4b), wherein a first frame profile (3a) of the frame profiles (3a, 3b) and a second frame profile (3b) of the frame profiles (3a, 3b) extend at a mutual distance in parallel with one another and in the conveying direction of the unit load (2), and wherein the conveying element (5) is arranged between the first frame profile (3a) and the second frame profile (3b) and defines a conveying plane (FE), on which the unit load (2) can be transported, and wherein a first lateral guide profile (4a) of the lateral guide profiles (4a, 4b) and a second lateral guide profile (4b) of the lateral guide profiles (4a, 4b) extend at a mutual distance in parallel with one another and in the conveying direction of the unit load (2), wherein the first lateral guide profile (4a) is mounted on the first frame profile (3a) and the second lateral guide profile (4b) is mounted on the second frame profile (3b), each by means of a plurality of lateral guide holders (6), so that a conveying region is bounded laterally by the first lateral guide profile (4a) and the second lateral guide profile (4b), and wherein a sensor (10) is fastened to the first frame profile (3a) or to the first lateral guide profile (4a), which has a light source for providing an emitted light beam, wherein the first lateral guide profile (4a) has a first passage opening (38), through which the emitted light beam can be passed into the conveying region and which provides a sensor-side aperture plate for the emitted light beam.

41: The conveying device (1) according to claim 40, wherein the conveying device (1) has a light barrier, which comprises the sensor (10) and a light reflector corresponding to the sensor (10), wherein the sensor (10) has a light receiver, and the light reflector is positioned on a side of the conveying region opposite the sensor (10), such that the emitted light beam is reflectable on the light reflector, and a reflected light beam can be guided from the light reflector to the light receiver.

42: The conveying device (1) according to claim 41, wherein the second lateral guide profile (4b) has a second passage opening (38), through which the emitted light beam can be passed to the light reflector and the reflected light beam into the conveying region, and which passage opening provides a reflector-side aperture plate for the emitted light beam and/or the reflected light beam.

43: The conveying device (1) according to claim 40, wherein the sensor (10) is adjustable relative to the first passage opening (38) by means of an adjusting device, so that the passage opening (38) cuts off a part of the emitted light beam.

44: The conveying device (1) according to claim 42, wherein the light reflector is adjustable relative to the second passage opening (38) by means of a further adjusting device, so that the passage opening (38) cuts off a part of the reflected light beam.

45: The conveying device (1) according to claim 40, wherein a light axis of the emitted light beam extends offset and/or inclined with respect to a central axis of the first passage opening (38).

46: The conveying device (1) according to claim 40, wherein a light axis of the reflected light beam extends offset and/or inclined with respect to a central axis of the second passage opening (38).

47. (canceled)

48: A linking arrangement (12) of a connecting device for mounting a holder for components of a conveying device (1) for transporting unit loads (2), in particular of a lateral guide holder (6), a sensor holder (11), or a bottom cover holder, wherein the linking arrangement (12) is arrangeable on the holder and is connectable to a mounting limb (7), which has a plurality of holes (8) arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the mounting limb (7), wherein the linking arrangement (12) has a base body, which comprises a base wall (14), a connecting element (18), and a locking device, wherein the base wall (14) provides a mounting surface, and the connecting element (18) is arranged so as to protrude from the mounting surface and can be brought into engagement with a first hole (8) of the holes (8) when the linking arrangement (12) is in a linking position (24), wherein the connecting element (18) forms a mounting axis of rotation oriented orthogonally to the mounting surface, about which mounting axis the linking arrangement (12) can be rotated from the linking position (24) into a mounting position (25), wherein the locking device is arranged at a distance from the connecting element (18), so that the locking device can be brought into engagement with a second hole (8) of the holes (8) of the mounting limb (7) when the linking arrangement (12) is in the mounting position (25), wherein the locking device has a locking element (21), which is movable perpendicularly to the mounting surface, in particular away from the base body, in order to engage with the second hole (8) of the holes (8).

Description

[0126] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention result from the exemplary embodiment shown in the following. The drawings, to which reference is made, show:

[0127] FIG. 1 a section of a conveying device in a first embodiment;

[0128] FIG. 2 a lateral guide holder with a linking arrangement;

[0129] FIG. 3a the linking arrangement in a linking position in a view from below;

[0130] FIG. 3b the linking arrangement in a mounting position in a view from below;

[0131] FIG. 4a the lateral guide holder in the linking position in a view from above;

[0132] FIG. 4b the lateral guide holder in the mounting position in a view from above;

[0133] FIG. 5 a cross-section through the conveying device and the lateral guide holder according to V in FIG. 1;

[0134] FIG. 6 a lateral view of the conveying device;

[0135] FIG. 7 a sensor holder with the linking arrangement;

[0136] FIG. 8 a cross-section through the sensor holder;

[0137] FIG. 9 a cross-section through the conveying device and the sensor holder according to IX in FIG. 1;

[0138] FIG. 10a a first embodiment of a cover holder with the linking arrangement;

[0139] FIG. 10b the cover holder according to FIG. 10a in a further representation;

[0140] FIG. 10c a second embodiment of the cover holder;

[0141] FIG. 11 the cover holder on a cover;

[0142] FIG. 12a a cross-section through the fastened cover holder in a first cross-sectional plane;

[0143] FIG. 12b a cross-section through the fastened cover holder in a second cross-sectional plane;

[0144] FIG. 13a a section of a conveying device in a second embodiment with a first embodiment of a sensor holder and a second embodiment of a sensor holder;

[0145] FIG. 13b the conveying device according to FIG. 13a with a third embodiment of a sensor holder;

[0146] FIG. 14 a cross-section through a lateral guide profile and, schematically adumbrated, the frame profile of the conveying device according to FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b.

[0147] First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure, and in case of a change of position, are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0148] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a section of a conveying device 1 for transporting unit loads 2, comprising two frame profiles 3a, 3b, second lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b, and a plurality of conveying elements 5.

[0149] In the example shown, a first frame profile 3a and a second frame profile 3b extend parallel to one another at a mutual distance in a conveying direction of the unit load 2. The conveying elements 5 are arranged between the first frame profile 3a and the second frame profile 3b and define a conveying plane.

[0150] In this regard, the conveying elements 5 are configured as conveyor rollers. Alternatively thereto, it may be provided that the conveying elements 5 are configured as conveyor belts, or a conveying element 5 is provided which is configured as a conveyor belt. It is also possible that a conveyor belt is guided around conveyor rollers, so that the conveying element 5 is formed by the conveyor belt.

[0151] The unit load 2 is transported on the conveying plane FE and/or in a conveying region, which is limited laterally by means of the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b and/or by inner or guiding sides of the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b facing one another and limited towards the bottom by the conveying plane FE.

[0152] In order to laterally limit the conveying region, a first lateral guide profile 4a and a second lateral guide profile 4b also extend in parallel with one another at a mutual distance and in the conveying direction of the unit load 2. The lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b are each fastened to a corresponding frame profile 3a, 3b by means of a plurality of lateral guide holders 6.

[0153] Moreover, the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b each have a guiding side and a mounting side. In the conveying device 1 shown, the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b are arranged such that their guiding sides always face one another and/or the conveying region. The mounting side of the first lateral guide profile 4a and the mounting side of the second lateral guide profile 4b face away from one another and/or from the conveying region. Furthermore, the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b are each connected to the lateral guide holders 6 on the mounting side.

[0154] Furthermore, the frame profiles 3a, 3b each have a mounting limb 7, which comprises a plurality of holes 8 spaced apart from one another. For fastening the lateral guide holders 6 to the frame profile 3a, 3b, they are each formed such that the lateral guide holders 6 can engage with the holes 8 of the mounting limbs 7.

[0155] The frame profiles 3a, 3b have an essentially C-shaped cross-section, wherein a lateral cover 9 for closing and/or covering an open side of the C-shaped cross-section. Thus, an interior of the frame profile 3a, 3b bounded by the frame profile 3a, 3b and the lateral covers 9 is provided. In FIG. 1, the first frame profile 3a is shown with the lateral cover 9 and the second frame profile 3b is shown without a lateral cover 9.

[0156] For detecting the unit load 2, the conveying device 1 has a sensor 10, which is fastened to the second frame profile 3b by means of a sensor holder 11. In this regard, the sensor holder 11 is mounted analogously to the lateral guide holder 6, so that it can engage with the holes 8 in the mounting limb 7.

[0157] FIG. 2 shows a perspective representation of a lateral guide holder 6, which comprises a linking arrangement 12 and a mounting support 13. The linking arrangement 12 is arranged on a bottom side of the lateral guide holder 6 and forms, in interaction with the mounting limb 7, in particular with two adjacent holes 8, a connecting device.

[0158] In this regard, it is provided that the linking arrangement 12 is arranged on a bottom side of the lateral guide holder 6 and has a base body. The base body comprises a base wall 14, a top wall 15, a rear wall, and two side walls 16. A first side wall 16 and a second side wall 16 are positioned on two opposite ends of the base wall 14 and each extend between the base wall 14 and the top wall 15. The rear wall extends from the first side wall 16 to the second side wall 16 and from the base wall 14 to the top wall 15. Moreover, multiple support walls 17 are provided, which extend parallel to the side walls from the base wall 14 to the top wall 15.

[0159] On a side facing away from the top wall 15 and/or a bottom side of the base wall 14, a connecting element 18 and a locking device are arranged. The connecting element 18 and the locking device interact with two adjacent holes 8 in the mounting limb 7 in order to establish a connection, so that the linking arrangement 12 and the mounting limb 7 form a connecting device.

[0160] The connecting element 18 comprises a plug with a hammer-shaped head on an end protruding from the base wall 14. For forming the hammer-shaped head, the protruding end is formed having undercuts. The plug is formed onto the base wall 14.

[0161] Moreover, the connecting element 18 may comprise a stiffening element 19, which is arranged in a recess on the protruding end of the connecting element 18. The stiffening element 19 may be formed as a platelet, in particular of steel or aluminum. For fixing, the stiffening element 19 can be screwed onto the connecting element 18.

[0162] According to this embodiment, the locking device comprises a spring element 20 and a locking element 21, which is arranged on, preferably formed onto, the spring element 20. The spring element 20 may be formed as a spring tongue. Thus, the linking arrangement 12 and the mounting limb 7 form a lockable connecting device.

[0163] In the example shown, the locking element 21 is formed as a locking lug. In order to form the spring element 20, the base wall 14 has two slots starting from an edge of the base wall 14, so that the base wall 14 are bendable between said slots. A section of the base wall 14 between the slots thus forms the spring element 20. In this regard, the slots extend in parallel or mirrored around an axis of symmetry to one another, so that the spring element 20 and/or the slots and imagined connecting lines between ends of the slots form a rectangle or an isosceles trapezoid.

[0164] It is noted that the linking arrangement 12 shown in FIG. 2 may be arranged on the lateral guide holder 6, or likewise on a holder for further components and parts of the conveying device 1, or may be part of such a holder.

[0165] The mounting support 13 is arranged on a side facing away from the base wall 14 and/or upper side of the top wall 15. Furthermore, the mounting support 13 is formed for receiving the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b in a positive-locking manner. For this purpose, the mounting support 13 has a contour corresponding to the mounting side of the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b.

[0166] In order to fasten the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b to the mounting support 13 and/or to the lateral guide holder 6, the mounting support 13 has a connecting means 22, which comprises a hammer-head screw in the example shown.

[0167] For increasing a dimensional stability and/or a flexural rigidity of the lateral guide holder 6, the mounting support 13 shown has multiple supporting ribs 23, which are arranged essentially orthogonally to the top wall 15. The supporting ribs 23 are not stringently required. Thus, the mounting support 13 may also be formed, for example, as a solid body.

[0168] In FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, a process for establishing a connection between the linking arrangement 12 and the mounting limb 7 in a bottom view.

[0169] In the example shown, the holes 8 of the mounting limb 7 are formed as rectangular elongated holes and/or elongated holes with rounded edges. A circumferential shape of the holes 8 is essentially equivalent to a circumferential shape of the hammer-shaped head.

[0170] For fastening the linking arrangement 12 to the mounting limb 7, the linking arrangement 12 is first brought into a linking position 24. In the linking position 24, the connecting element 18 is in the same orientation as a first hole 8 of the holes 8. Thus, the hammer-shaped head of the connecting element 18 can be guided through the first hole 8. This is shown in FIG. 3a. The connecting element 18 now introduced into the first hole 8 defines a rotation axis, about which the linking arrangement 12 can be rotated and/or pivoted into a mounting position 25. The rotation axis is oriented perpendicularly to the mounting limb 7. As can be seen in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, the holes 8, in particular the first and second hole 8 of the holes 8 have an identical design.

[0171] Subsequently, the linking arrangement 12 may be rotated by a specific angle of rotation α, in particular about at least 30°, preferably about an angle in a range of 45° to 90°, particularly preferably about ca. 60°, about the rotation axis into the mounting position 25. FIG. 3b shows the linking arrangement 12 in the mounting position 25.

[0172] In the mounting position 25, the hammer-shaped head of the connecting element 18 engages behind the mounting limb 7 in an edge region of the first hole 8. The connecting element 18 is thus secured in the first hole 8 orthogonally to the mounting limb 7 against moving out of it.

[0173] During a rotation of the linking arrangement 12 out of the linking position 24 into the mounting position 25, the locking element 21 and the mounting limb 7 interact such that the locking element 21 and the spring element 20 are moved against an action of a spring force, orthogonally to the mounting limb 7 and in the direction of the top wall 15 of the base body and/or upwards. In this process, the spring element 20 is prestressed.

[0174] In the mounting position 25, the locking element 21 is positioned above a second hole 8 of the holes 8 and/or in one line with the same, so that the locking element 21 automatically engages with and latches into the second hole 8 upon tension release of the spring element 20. Thereby, the linking arrangement 12 is secured against an inadvertent rotation about the rotation axis, whereby the connecting device is locked.

[0175] In an alternative embodiment, it may be provided that the locking element 21 is initially arranged flush or recessed with the base wall 14 and does not automatically latch in the mounting position 25, but rather must be moved and/or pushed through the second hole 8.

[0176] In order to release the connection, the locking element 21 will first be moved out of the second hole 8. Then, the linking arrangement 12 can be rotated from the mounting position 25 into the linking position 24, in which the connecting element 18 can be pulled out of the first hole 8 of the holes 8.

[0177] An orientation of the linking position 24 and the mounting position 25 as well as the angle of rotation α are each adumbrated by a dot-dashed line in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b.

[0178] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show the process, shown generally for the linking arrangement 12 in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, for establishing the connection for the linking arrangement 6 in a top view. In this regard, the lateral guide holder 6 is moved out of the linking position 24 (FIG. 4a) into the mounting position 25 (FIG. 4b). The lateral guide holder 6 is formed as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the connecting means 22 of the lateral guide holder 6 can be seen in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b.

[0179] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section through the conveying device 1 along the line V-V in FIG. 1. In this regard, the second lateral guide profile 4b is fastened above the lateral guide profile 6 on the second frame profile 3b. The first lateral guide profile 4a can of course be fastened to the frame profile 3a in an analogous manner by means of a further lateral guide profile 6. The conveying plane FE is oriented orthogonally to the image plane.

[0180] Furthermore, the frame profile 3a, 3b comprises a profile limb 26, on which the conveying elements 5 are rotatably mounted by means of a roller axle. The mounting limb 7 of the frame profiles 3a, 3b is arranged so as to orthogonally protrude from the profile limb 26 and directed away from the conveying region and/or from the conveying element 5. Furthermore, the frame profile 3a, 3b comprises a further limb, which is arranged parallel to the mounting limb 7 on one end of the profile limb 26 opposite the mounting limb 7.

[0181] The mounting limb 7, the profile limb 26, and the further limb thus essentially form the C-shaped cross-section of the frame profile 3a, 3b. Furthermore, the further limb has a fastening groove 27a directed downwards and/or facing away from the mounting limb 7.

[0182] The lateral guide holder 6 can be fastened to the mounting limb 7 of the frame profile 3a, 3b by means of the lateral guide holder 12, in particular as shown in FIG. 3a to FIG. 4b.

[0183] FIG. 5 shows the lateral guide holder 6 in a cross-section through the connecting element 18 as well as a first support wall 17, which is arranged in one line with the connecting element 18, so that a fastening screw for the stiffening element 19 can be seen. The fastening screw extends along a longitudinal axis of the connecting element 18. Here, it is provided that the screw projects through the connecting element 18 and through the base wall 14 into the first support wall 17. The connecting element 18 and the first support wall 17 have, for this purpose, a cylindrical bore with an internal thread for the fastening screw.

[0184] The lateral guide profile 4a, 4b has a fastening groove 27b on the mounting side, which fastening groove 27b interacts with the connecting means 22, in particular the hammer-head screw, in order to fasten the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b to the lateral guide holder 6.

[0185] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the conveying device 1, wherein the lateral guide profile 4b is fastened to the frame profile 3b by means of lateral guide holders 6. Such a construction is equally possible for the first lateral guide profile 4a on the first frame profile 3a and for the second lateral guide profile 4b on the second frame profile 3b, as can be seen in FIG. 1. In this representation, as well, the lateral cover 9 is not shown.

[0186] The profile limb 26 of the frame profiles 3a, 3b comprises a plurality of mounting openings 28. It is provided that the conveying elements 5 are mounted in such mounting openings 28, as it is shown in FIG. 5. For this purpose, the roller axle of the conveying elements 5 engages with opposite mounting openings 28 of the first frame profile 3a and the second frame profile 3b.

[0187] FIG. 7 shows the sensor holder 11 in a perspective view, wherein the linking arrangement 12 is arranged on a bottom side of the sensor holder 11. The sensor holder 11 is thus fixable to the mounting limb 7 of the frame profile 3a, 3b by means of the linking arrangement 12. A fastening process takes place as described above and shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b.

[0188] Here, it is provided that the base body of the linking arrangement 12 provides an outer housing 29 of the sensor holder 11. Inside the outer housing 29, an inner housing 30 is arranged, in which the sensor 10 is positioned.

[0189] According to this embodiment, the inner housing 30 is mounted on the outer housing 29 so as to be pivotable. For this purpose, the first side wall 16 and the side wall 16 of the linking arrangement 12 and/or of the outer housing 29 each have a bolt receptacle 31. The bolt receptacle 31 comprises a passage hole, for receiving a bolt, a guide notch, in which the bolt can be guided to the passage hole.

[0190] Here, it is provided that one bolt is formed onto each of the opposing side walls of the inner housing 30, each bolt engaging with one bolt receptacle 31. The bolts are oriented in one line relative to one another, such that they define a pivot axis of the inner housing 30, which is oriented in parallel with the base wall 14.

[0191] Moreover, the connecting element 18 of the linking arrangement 12 has a cable channel, through which a sensor cable 32 can be guided out of the outer housing 29. The cable channel is formed so as to reach through the connecting element 18 and through the base wall 14 as well as to be cylindrical. In order for the sensor cable 32 to be pressed laterally into the cable channel, the cable channel is opened on one side and/or has a C-shaped cross-section. As the cable channel reaches through the connecting element 18, it is possible to guide the sensor cable 32 through the first hole 8 of the holes 8 into the interior of the frame profile 3a, 3b.

[0192] Due to lower stresses acting on the sensor holder 11 than on the lateral guide holder 6, it is not necessary that the base body has multiple support walls and/or the connecting element 18 has a stiffening element 19.

[0193] In order to adjust an inclination of the inner housing 30 and thus of the sensor 10 received therein relative to the conveying plane FE, the sensor holder 11 has an adjusting device, which is accessible and actuatable via an actuating opening 33 in the top wall 15 and/or in the base wall 14.

[0194] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section along the line VIII-VIII, shown in FIG. 7, through the sensor holder 11, wherein the adjusting device inside the outer housing 29 can be seen.

[0195] The adjusting device comprises a setscrew 34 and a toothing 35 interacting therewith, which toothing 35 is arranged on the inner housing 30. In the example shown, the setscrew 34 is oriented orthogonally to the base wall 14, and the toothing 35 is curved about the pivot axis of the inner housing 30. By actuating and/or rotating the setscrew 34, the inner housing 30 and thus the sensor 10 can be pivoted about the pivot axis, as adumbrated by the double arrow. The setscrew 34 may be actuated through the actuating opening 33 in the top wall 15, for example using a screwdriver.

[0196] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section through the conveying device 1 along the line IX-IX in FIG. 1. Here, the sensor holder 11 is fastened to the mounting limb 7 of the second frame profile 3b, so that the outer housing 29 is essentially positioned between the second frame profile 3b and the second lateral guide profile 4b. Of course, the sensor holder 11 may be fastened to the first frame profile 3a in an analogous manner.

[0197] In this regard, the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b is arranged, as in FIG. 5, so that a vertical distance between the mounting limb 7 and a lower edge of the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b and/or a tangential plane is provided by the lower edge of the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b. The vertical distance allow an optical connection between the sensor 10 and the conveying region.

[0198] FIG. 10a shows a perspective representation of a cover holder 36, by means of which a cover 37, in particular a bottom cover for the conveying device 1, can be affixed to the frame profile 3a, 3b. The cover holder 36 has a further embodiment of the linking arrangement 12.

[0199] Likewise, as in the examples shown above, the mounting support 13 comprises a connecting means 22 formed as a hammer-head screw.

[0200] The base body has a base wall 14, on which the connecting element 18 is arranged. The connecting element 18 is formed analogously to the previously shown exemplary embodiments of the linking arrangement 12. The stiffening element 19 is not absolutely necessary for the cover holder 36.

[0201] In this variant, the locking device comprises a recess in the base wall 14. The locking element 21 is arranged in the recess so as to be displaceable orthogonally to the base wall 14, so that the locking element 21 can be moved out of the recess. Moreover, the locking element 21 is mounted rotatably about a locking axis. The locking axis of rotation is oriented orthogonally to the base wall 14. In this regard, it is provided that the locking element 21 is flush with the base wall 14 or is arranged so as to be recessed from the base wall 14 when the locking element 21 is positioned inside the recess.

[0202] FIG. 10b shows the linking arrangement 12 of FIG. 10a, wherein the locking element 21 is rotated out of the recess by 90°. The locking element 21 is, as described above for the connecting element 18, formed having a hammer-shaped head.

[0203] The mounting support 13 and the base body of the cover holder 36 shown in FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are rigidly connected and/or formed as one piece.

[0204] FIG. 10c shows an alternative embodiment of the cover holder 36, in which the mounting support 13 and the base body are connected to one another in an articulated manner, in particular via a hinge, in a pivotable manner Thereby, the cover 37 may be fastened to the frame profile 3a, 3b in a pivotable manner.

[0205] Fastening the linking arrangement 12 and/or the cover holder 36 to a mounting limb 7 takes place essentially as shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b and as described above.

[0206] For fastening, the cover holder 36 and/or the linking arrangement 12 is first brought into the linking position 24, as shown in FIG. 3a, in which the head of the connecting element 18 is guided through the first hole 8 of the holes 8 of the mounting limb 7. Subsequently, the linking arrangement 12 is rotated by the angle of rotation α into the mounting position 25.

[0207] In the mounting position 25 of the linking arrangement 12, the locking element 21 can now, as can be seen in FIG. 11, be moved out of the recess and, analogously to the connecting element 18, be brought into engagement with the second hole 8 of the holes 8. Here, a head of the locking element 21 is passed through the second hole 8 of the holes 8.

[0208] Subsequently, the locking element 21 can be rotated, in particular by 90°, so that the hammer-shaped head of the locking element 21 engages behind the mounting limb 7 in an edge region of the second hole 8, in a similar manner to the head of the connecting element 18. This is shown in FIG. 11.

[0209] In this regard, the mounting limb 7 is arranged on a cover 37. A first edge region of the cover 37 and a second edge region of the cover 37 each form one mounting limb 7. The cover 37 may, for example, be formed as a bottom cover of a conveying device 1, which is fastened to the further limb and/or to a cover limb of the frame profile 3a, 3b by means of the cover holder 36.

[0210] FIG. 12a shows a cross-section through the cover holder 36, by means of which the cover 37 is fastened to the frame profile 3a, 3b. The cover 37 and/or the mounting limb 7 of the cover 37 is fastened to the cover holder 36 by means of the linking arrangement 12. The connecting means 22 of the cover holder 36 is inserted into the fastening groove 27a on the further limb and/or on the cover limb of the frame profile 3a, 3b and interacts with it, in order to fasten the cover holder 36 to the frame profile 3a, 3b.

[0211] FIG. 12b shows a further cross-section through the cover holder 36 in a plane through the locking element 21, which is rotatably and displaceably mounted to the base body of the linking arrangement 12.

[0212] FIG. 13a shows a section of an alternative embodiment of the conveying device 1 in a perspective representation. The conveying device 1 is designed essentially analogously to the conveying device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0213] In the example shown, a first frame profile 3a and a second frame profile 3b extend parallel to one another at a mutual distance in a conveying direction of the unit load 2 (not depicted).

[0214] Between the first frame profile 3a and the second frame profile 3b, a plurality of conveying elements 5 is arranged, which define a conveying plane FE.

[0215] In this regard, the conveying elements 5 are configured as conveyor rollers. Alternatively thereto, it may be provided that the conveying elements 5 are configured as conveyor belts, or a conveying element 5 is provided which is configured as a conveyor belt. It is also possible that a conveyor belt is guided around conveyor rollers, so that the conveying element 5 is formed by the conveyor belt.

[0216] The unit load 2 is transported on the conveying plane FE and/or in a conveying region, which is limited laterally by means of the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b and/or by inner or guiding sides of the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b facing one another and limited towards the bottom by the conveying plane FE.

[0217] In order to laterally limit the conveying region, a first lateral guide profile 4a and a second lateral guide profile 4b also extend in parallel with one another at a mutual distance and in the conveying direction of the unit load 2.

[0218] The first lateral guide profile 4a is mounted on the first frame profile 3a and the second lateral guide profile 4b is mounted on the second frame profile 3b. The lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b are each fastened to the corresponding frame profile 3a, 3b by means of lateral guide holders. In the embodiment shown, the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b are mounted using alternative lateral guide holders 6′ alternative to the lateral guide holders described above, which are fastened to the side of the frame profile 3a, 3b. Generally, it would also be conceivable to use lateral guide holders with the linking arrangement 12 described above.

[0219] In the example shown, lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b are provided, which essentially directly adjoin the respective frame profile 3a, 3b. Thereby, the conveying device 1 is suitable for transporting unit loads 2 packed in so-called polybags.

[0220] Moreover, the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b each have a guiding side and a mounting side. In the conveying device 1 shown, the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b are arranged such that their guiding sides always face one another and/or the conveying region. The mounting side of the first lateral guide profile 4a and the mounting side of the second lateral guide profile 4b face away from one another and/or from the conveying region. Furthermore, the lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b are each ‘connected to the lateral guide holders 6’ on the mounting side.

[0221] The frame profiles 3a, 3b have an essentially C-shaped cross-section, wherein a lateral cover 9 for closing and/or covering an open side of the C-shaped cross-section. Thus, an interior of the frame profile 3a, 3b bounded by the frame profile 3a, 3b and the lateral covers 9 is provided. In FIG. 13, the first frame profile 3a is shown with the lateral cover 9 and the second frame profile 3b is shown without a lateral cover 9.

[0222] For receiving holders, the frame profiles 3a, 3b each have a mounting limb 7, which comprises a plurality of holes 8 spaced apart from one another, as described above.

[0223] For detecting a transported unit load 2, the conveying device 1 has one or multiple light barriers, in particular reflective light barriers. In the section of the conveying device 1 shown, two light barriers are arranged. Of course, further light barriers and/or additional sensors 10 may be arranged in sections that are not shown.

[0224] Such a light barrier comprises a sensor 10 and a light reflector corresponding to the sensor 10, which is not shown in FIG. 13. The sensor 10 is, in each case, fastened to the first frame profile 3a. The light reflector is mounted opposite the sensor 10, on the second frame profile 3b or on the second lateral guide profile 4b.

[0225] In the example shown, a sensor 10 (not shown) of a first light barrier is fastened by means of a first sensor holder 11, which has a linking arrangement 12 as described above. A shown sensor 10 of a second light barrier is mounted by means of an alternative sensor holder 11a, which is fastened to the side of the frame profile 3a, 3b. Usually, sensors 10 may be mounted by means of the first sensor holder 11 or the alternative sensor holder 11a.

[0226] In a variant shown in FIG. 13b, the sensor 10 (not shown) may be mounted by means of a further alternative sensor holder 11b, which is fastened to the first lateral guide profile 4a. The further alternative sensor holder 11b has an outer housing 29 and an inner housing 30 for receiving the sensor 10, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The inner housing 30 is (as described above regarding FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) pivotably mounted on the outer housing 29. An inclination of the inner housing 30 and/or of the sensor 10 may be adjusted according to an adjusting device as described above regarding FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the outer housing 29 shown in FIG. 13b has no connecting element 18 as well as no locking element 21.

[0227] Furthermore, the sensor holder 11b comprises an alternative linking arrangement having a fastening means and/or clamping means, which interacts with the upper fastening groove 27b indicated in FIG. 14 or with the lower fastening groove 27b′, as it is shown in FIG. 13b. The alternative linking arrangement may be formed essentially analogously to the mounting section 13 of the lateral guide holder 6.

[0228] The sensor 10 comprises a light source and/or a light emitter for providing an emitted light beam (cf. arrow in solid line in FIG. 14) and a light receiver for capturing a light beam. In the light barrier shown, the emitted light beam is passed from the light source to the light reflector, wherein the emitted light beam crosses through the conveying region. A light beam reflected at the light reflector (cf. Arrow in dashed line in FIG. 14) is passed from the light reflector to the light receiver, wherein the reflected light beam crosses through the conveying region.

[0229] In order to allow guiding the emitted light beam and/or the reflected light beam through, the first lateral guide profile 4a has a first passage opening 38 and the second lateral guide profile 4b has a second passage opening 38, which provide a sensor-side aperture plate and a reflector-side aperture plate. Here, it is provided that each sensor 10 and/or each reflector is assigned an aperture plate of the aperture plates.

[0230] Furthermore, the sensor 10 is adjustable relative to the sensor-side aperture plate by means of an adjusting device, such that an angle between a central axis of the passage opening 38 and the emitted light beam can be adjusted. Moreover, it is provided that the sensor 10 is positioned relative to the passage opening 38 such that a part of the light beam is cut off by the passage opening 38. In this regard, the light beam extends offset to the central axis of the passage opening 38. The light reflector may be adjustable in the same manner, so that an angle between a central axis of the second passage opening 38 and the reflected light beam can be adjusted.

[0231] FIG. 14 shows a cross-section through the first lateral guide profile 4a and, schematically adumbrated, the first frame profile 3a of the alternative conveying device 1, which has a first and/or upper fastening groove 27b and a second and/or lower fastening groove 27b′. The first lateral guide profile 4a thus has a greater height and/or a greater distance between a lower edge and an upper edge of the lateral guide profile 4a as compared to the lateral guide profile shown in cross-section in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9. Thereby, a gap and/or a vertical distance between the lateral guide profile 4a and the frame profile 3a, 3b can be closed and/or reduced. The second lateral guide profile 4b may be formed in the same manner and be analogously arranged on the second frame profile 3b.

[0232] The lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b can be arranged such that a lower edge of the respective lateral guide profile 4a, 4b extends below the conveying plane FE, as shown in FIG. 14. In other words, the conveying plane FE may extend, in particular slightly, above a lower edge of the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b, as indicated in FIG. 14.

[0233] For fastening said lateral guide profile 4a, 4b, the lateral guide holder 6′ engages with the upper fastening groove 27b, as can be seen in FIG. 13. At the lower end, the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b has a skirt 39 for closing and/or covering a gap and/or vertical distance, as can be seen in FIG. 1, between the lateral guide profile 4a, 4b and the frame profile 3a, 3b, as is shown in FIG. 14.

[0234] The passage opening 38 is arranged in the skirt 39 in order to guide the emitted light beam and/or the reflected light beam just above the conveying plane FE into the conveying region. In this regard, the passage opening 38 and/or the aperture plate may be drilled or punched.

[0235] Finally, it should be noted that using the linking arrangement 12 described, a robust and lockable connecting device can be realized, by means of which a variety of holders for conveying device components, such as lateral guide profiles 4a, 4b, connecting elements 18, sensors 10, reflectors, covers 37, in particular bottom covers, and the like, can be fastened to the frame profile 3a, 3b of the conveying device 1. Such holders can therefore be embodied as lateral guide holders 6, sensor holders 11, and cover holders 36, for example.

[0236] The connecting device according to the invention can thus be used universally and in a simple manner and simplifies mounting work on the conveying device 1. Furthermore, a field of application of the conveying device 1 can be expanded by means of the passage opening 38.

[0237] Finally, it should also be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the claims. Nevertheless, the description and drawings are to be used for construing the claims.

[0238] In particular, it should also be noted that the devices shown may in reality comprise more or fewer components than those shown. In some cases, the shown devices and/or their components may not be depicted to scale and/or be enlarged and/or reduced in size.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numbers 1 Conveying device 2 Unit load 3a, 3b Frame profile 4a, 4b Lateral guide profile 5 Conveying element 6 Lateral guide holder 7 Mounting limb 8 Hole 9 Lateral cover 10 Sensor 11 Sensor holder 11a, 11b  Alternative sensor holders 12 Linking arrangement 13 Mounting support 14 Base wall 15 Top wall 16 Side wall 17 Support wall 18 Connecting element 19 Stiffening element 20 Spring element 21 Locking element 22 Connecting means 23 Supporting ribs 24 Linking position 25 Mounting position 26 Profile limb 27 Fastening groove 28 Mounting opening 29 Outer housing 30 Inner housing 31 Bolt receptacle 32 Sensor cable 33 Actuating opening 34 Setscrew 35 Toothing 36 Cover holder 37 Cover 38 Passage opening 39 Skirt α Angle of rotation