Conveyor for conveying a load, separator device and method of conveying a load

Abstract

A conveyor (1) has rollers (12) for conveying a load (100) along a conveying direction (C). A stop (20) is configured to be arranged in a separating configuration, in which the load (100) is impeded from being conveyed along the conveying direction (C), and a conveying configuration, in which the load (100) can be conveyed along the conveying direction (C). A trigger (30) is configured to move between a triggered position and an idle position. The trigger (30) is configured so that the load (100) moving in the conveying direction (C) onto the trigger (30) moves the trigger (30) out of the idle position and into the triggered position, thereby arranging the stop (20) in the separating configuration. A counter element (50) is configured to move the trigger (30) out of the idle position when the load (100) is conveyed on the rollers (12) against the conveying direction (C).

Claims

1. A conveyor (1) for conveying a load (100) along a conveying direction (C), comprising: a plurality of rollers (12) for conveying the load (100) along the conveying direction (C); a stop (20) configured to be arranged in a separating configuration, in which the load (100) is impeded from being conveyed along the conveying direction (C), and a conveying configuration, in which the load (100) can be conveyed along the conveying direction (C); a trigger (30) configured to move between a triggered position and an idle position, wherein the trigger (30) is configured so that the load (100) moving in the conveying direction (C) onto the trigger (30) moves the trigger (30) out of the idle position and into the triggered position, thereby arranging the stop (20) in the separating configuration; and a counter element (50) configured to move the trigger (30) out of the idle position when the load (100) is conveyed on the rollers (12) against the conveying direction (C).

2. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the stop (20) is arranged in its separating configuration when the load (100) is conveyed on the rollers (12) against the conveying direction (C).

3. The conveyor of claim 1, the counter element (50) is arranged downstream of the trigger (30) in the conveying direction (C).

4. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the counter element (50) is physically coupled to the trigger (30).

5. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the counter element (50) is movable between a protruding position, in which the counter element (50) protrudes up from a conveying surface (14) provided by the rollers (12), and a depressed position, to which the counter element (50) is moved when depressed by the load (100) moving against the conveying direction (C) onto the counter element (50).

6. The conveyor of claim 5, wherein the counter element (50) comprises an oblique surface (51) and/or a rounding protruding substantially obliquely up from the conveying surface (14) when the counter element (50) is in the protruding position.

7. The conveyor of claim 5, wherein the trigger (30) is configured to move the counter element (50) into the depressed position of the counter element (50) when triggered by the load (100) moving in the conveying direction (C) onto the trigger (30).

8. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the counter element (50) is provided as a counter flap coupled to the trigger (30).

9. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein one of the counter element (50) and the trigger (30) comprises a recess (54) and the other of the counter element (50) and the trigger (30) comprises a protrusion (34) engaging the recess (54) so that the counter element (50) is coupled to the trigger (30).

10. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the counter element (50) is configured to move the trigger (30) out of the idle position and into an intermediate position that is arranged between the triggered position and the idle position of the trigger (30), when the load (100) is conveyed on the rollers (12) against the conveying direction (C).

11. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the counter element (50) is pivotally mounted to a frame (10) of the conveyor (1).

12. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the trigger (30) is arranged downstream of the stop (20) in the conveying direction (C); and/or wherein the trigger (30) comprises a pedal roller (31).

13. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein a delayer is configured to delay a movement of the trigger (30) from the triggered position into the idle position.

14. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the conveyor (1) is provided as a pick-up lane.

15. A separator device for a conveyor (1) for conveying a load (100) along a conveying direction (C), comprising: a predetermined conveying direction (C); a stop (20) configured to be arranged in a separating configuration, in which the load (100) is impeded from being conveyed along the conveying direction (C), and a conveying configuration, in which the load (100) can be conveyed along the conveying direction (C); a trigger (30) configured to move between a triggered position and an idle position, wherein the trigger (30) is configured so that the load (100) moving in the conveying direction (C) onto the trigger (30) moves the trigger (30) out of the idle position and into the triggered position, thereby arranging the stop (20) in the separating configuration; and a counter element (50) configured to move the trigger (30) out of its idle position when the load (100) is conveyed against the conveying direction (C).

16. A method of conveying a load (100) on a conveyor (1), comprising: conveying the load (100) along a conveying direction (C) on a plurality of rollers (12); arranging a stop (20) in either a separating configuration, in which the load (100) is impeded from being conveyed along the conveying direction (C), and a conveying configuration, in which the load (100) can be conveyed along the conveying direction (C); moving a trigger (30) between a triggered position and an idle position, wherein the load (100) moving in the conveying direction (C) onto the trigger in its idle position moves the trigger (30) out of its triggered position, thereby arranging the stop (20) in the separating configuration; and moving the trigger (30) out of its idle position when the load (100) is conveyed on the rollers (12) against the conveying direction onto a counter element (50).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is a side view of a conveyor on which a load is moved against a conveying direction.

(2) FIG. 1B is a side view of the conveyor on which the load is moved against a conveying direction onto a counter element.

(3) FIG. 1C is a side view of the conveyor on which the load is moved against a conveying direction onto the counter element and a trigger.

(4) FIG. 2A is a side view of a section of FIG. 1A, showing a section of the conveyor on which the load is moved against a conveying direction.

(5) FIG. 2B is a side view of a section of FIG. 1B, showing a section of the conveyor on which the load is moved against a conveying direction onto a counter element.

(6) FIG. 2C is a side view of a section of FIG. 1C, showing a section of the conveyor on which the load is moved against a conveying direction onto the counter element and a trigger.

(7) FIG. 2D is a side view of the section of the conveyor from which the load is lifted.

(8) FIG. 2E is a side view of the section of the conveyor wherein a delayer starts releasing the trigger.

(9) FIG. 2F is a side view of the section of the conveyor wherein the delayer further releases the trigger.

(10) FIG. 2G is a side view of the section of the conveyor wherein the trigger is fully released in its idle position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) FIG. 1A shows a side view of a conveyor 1 on which a load 100 is moved against a conveying direction C. The conveyor 1 comprises a frame 10 which holds a plurality of rollers 12. The frame 10 may comprise two beams arranged parallel to each other in the conveying direction C. The beams may form a side boundary of the conveyor 1 and may comprise a fixed position. Alternative conveyors may comprise more than two beams and/or one or more cross member(s).

(12) The conveyor 1 comprises an end stop 16 at a discharge end 18 of the conveyor 1. The discharge end 18 is arranged at the downstream end of the conveyor 1 in conveying direction. The end stop 16 may be a profile, whichviewed in cross sectionmay comprise an end stop for loads moving along the conveying direction C to rest at the discharge end 18.

(13) In the shown embodiment, the end stop is merely provided as an end of the conveyor 100 without any means to stop the oncoming loads. However, in alternative embodiments, the end stop 16 may comprise an abutment and/or a barrier for stopping the incoming loads at the discharge end 18.

(14) An upper surface of the rollers 12 provides a conveying surface 14 which is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1A. Loads may rest on the conveying surface 14, e.g. when being conveyed on the rollers 12.

(15) In the shown embodiment, the discharge end 18 is shown at the right hand-side of FIGS. 1A to 1C. Loads moving along the conveying direction C arrive from the left side and move towards the discharge end 18 at the right side of the conveyor 1.

(16) The conveyor 1 further comprises a stop 20, a trigger 30, a counter element 50, and a stop-coupling 40. The figures show the load 100 moving against the conveying direction C. However, to illustrate a standard conveying procedure, the handling of a load moving in conveying direction C is described first (which is not shown in the figures).

(17) A load arriving from the left-hand side, corresponding to a load moving on the conveyor 1 in conveying direction C, first arrives at the stop 20 which may be in its conveying configuration as shown in FIG. 1A. In the conveying configuration of the stop 20, a protrusion 22 of the stop 20 may be lowered below the conveying surface 14. In the shown embodiment, the protrusion 22 stop protrudes from the conveying surface 14. However, the stop 20 is unlocked. In its unlocked configuration, a stop lever 21 of the stop 20 may be pivoted about a stop pivot axis 23 of the stop 20. The stop pivot axis is arranged substantially parallel to the axes of the rollers 12. A load moving in conveying direction C will touch the protrusion 22 which may be fixed to the stop lever 21, which will pivot about the stop pivot axis 23 until the protrusion 22 is arranged below the conveying surface 14. In the figures, the stop lever 21 will pivot clockwise about the stop pivot axis 23 when moved by a load moving in conveying direction C. The protrusion 22 may be part of the stop lever 21. The stop lever 21 my be pivotably mounted to the frame 10.

(18) In the conveying configuration, the stop does not impede a load moving on the conveyor 1 in conveying direction C. Rather, in the conveying configuration, the stop enables the load to pass the stop 20, including the protrusion 22.

(19) However, a pivot movement of the stop lever 21 about the stop pivot axis 23 may be blocked when the load 100 is moving against the conveying direction C. A stop may inhibit an (in the figures) anticlockwise pivot movement of the stop lever 21.

(20) After passing the stop 20, the load moving in conveying direction C arrives at the trigger 30. The trigger 30 will then be arranged in its idle position. In the idle position, the trigger protrudes at least partially above the conveying surface 14. The conveying surface 14 will usually be arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. The conveying surface 14 may comprise a slight inclination to enable conveying along the conveying direction C. Said inclination may be arranged at an angle from 0 to 10, preferably from 2 to 6, in particular at about 4.

(21) The load moving in conveying direction C will arrive at the trigger 30 and, since the trigger is protruding above the conveying surface, will move on to the trigger 30, thereby pressing the trigger 30 below the conveying surface 14. The movement of the trigger 30 may be accomplished against the force of a spring mechanism 60. This will trigger the trigger 30. This movement of the trigger 30 is enabled by the weight of the load is coupled via the stop-coupling 40 to the stop 20. As soon as the trigger 30 is depressed and, thus, activated, the stop will be arranged in its locked separating configuration which is shown in FIG. 1C.

(22) In its separating configuration, the stop 20 at least partially protrudes from the conveying surface 14 in a fixed position. In particular, the protrusion 22 of the stop 20 may protrude from the conveying surface 14, thereby inhibiting and/or impeding any incoming load from passing the stop 20. Furthermore, the stop lever 21 will not be allowed to pivot about the stop pivot axis 23 in the separating configuration of the stop 20, because the stop lever 21 is securely locked, e.g. by a bolt and/or other locking means.

(23) The movement of the load in conveying direction C may be finally be stopped at the end stop 16. A front end of the load may abut the end stop 16. In this resting position, the load is still arranged at least partially on top of the trigger 30, thereby depressing the trigger 30 by its weight against the force of the spring mechanism 60. This holds the stop 20 in its separating configuration. This may be accomplished by arranging the trigger 30 at a predetermined distance from the end stop 16 that is smaller than a standard length of the load, e.g. a length of a pallet in conveying direction C. In its resting position, the load may be removed, e.g. by a fork lift from the conveyor 1.

(24) After the load is removed, the trigger 30 is allowed to return from its triggered position, wherein it is depressed below the conveying surface 14 (as shown in FIG. 1C), into its idle position (as shown in FIG. 1A). The return of the trigger 30 into its idle position may be allowed instantly, or it may be delayed by a delayer for a predetermined time.

(25) The trigger 30 may be pivotable about a pivot axis 32 (see FIGS. 2A to 2F). Therefore, the trigger 30 should always be activated by a load moving in the conveying direction C. A load 100 moving against the conveying direction C may damage the trigger 30, because it will apply a force against the preferred pivot direction. In the figures, said preferred pivot direction is clockwise. The counter element 50 enables protection from such a damage. In the following, it is described with reference to the figures how the counter element 50 may protect the trigger 30 from being damaged by a load moving against the conveying direction C.

(26) When handling a plurality of loads, an operator may want to temporarily park a load 100 at the end of the conveyor 1, e.g. at times at which it is not conveying other loads. The conveyor 1 may be provided with a delayer that delays the return and/or release of the stop 20 in its conveying configuration after the load is removed from the trigger 30 for a predetermined delaying time span. This may be exploited to give the operator sufficient time to safely handle the removed load. An operator may exploit the predetermined delaying time span to park the same or another load 100 against the conveying direction C on the conveyor 1, e.g. after the operator realised that he picked up the wrong load. In this predetermined delaying time span, the following load(s) are blocked from progressing along the conveying direction C and from moving towards the discharge end 18 at the stop 20. Therefore, the operator may move the load 100 against the conveying direction C onto the conveying surface 14 during this predetermined delaying time span, as shown in FIG. 1A. Therein, the load 100 is pushed up on the conveying surface 14 from the discharge end 18 towards an upstream position, against the conveying direction C. In FIG. 1A, an end side of the load 100 is shown right before it comes into contact with the counter element 50.

(27) FIG. 1B shows a side view of the conveyor 1 on which the load 100 is moved against the conveying direction C further along on to the counter element 50. The counter element 50 is arranged in the vicinity of the trigger 30. More importantly, the counter element 50 is arranged downstream of the trigger 30 in conveying direction C. Thus, the load 100 moving against the conveying direction C will reach the counter element 50 before the trigger 30. The counter element 50 is movable between at least two positions, namely between a protruding position (as shown in FIG. 1A) and a depressed position (as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C). In the protruding position, the counter element 50 at least partially protrudes from the conveying surface 14. Thus, the load 100 moving against the conveying direction C will engage and/or interact with the protruding section of the counter element 50. The load 100 will depress the counter element 50 in its depressed position, as shown in FIG. 1B.

(28) In FIG. 1B, the load 100 is only moved on to the counter element 50 and not yet onto the trigger 30. In this position, the counter element 50 has moved the trigger 30 out of its idle position (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2G). The counter element 50 is coupled to the trigger 30 so that the weight of the load 100 moved on the counter element 50 provides a force to move the trigger 30 downwards and out of its idle position, even against a spring force that holds the trigger 30 in its idle position provided by the spring mechanism 40.

(29) In FIG. 1B, the trigger 30 is arranged in an intermediate position between its idle position and its triggered position. In the intermediate position, the trigger 30 may not yet be fully withdrawn below the conveying surface 14 as in its triggered position. However, in its intermediate position, the trigger 30 may be withdrawn sufficiently to ensure that the load 100 moving further on to the trigger 30 will not apply a force against the pivot direction of the trigger 30.

(30) As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the counter element 50 may be arranged in at least two different kinds of depressed positions. In the first depressed position shown in FIG. 1B, the counter element 50 is pushed by the load 100 to the conveying surface 14 and below. In this first depressed position, the counter element 50 may touch the conveying surface 14. In this first depressed position, there may be friction between the counter element 50 and the load 100. In the second depressed position shown in FIG. 1C, the counter element 50 is held by the trigger 30 (via the trigger coupling as described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2G) fully below the conveying surface 14. In this second depressed position, there is no friction between the counter element 50 and the load 100, which may reduce the abrasion and improve the conveying of the load(s) 100.

(31) FIG. 1C shows a side view of the conveyor 1 on which the load 100 is moved further onto the counter element 50 and the trigger 30. Here, the weight of the load 100 depresses the trigger 30 further down below the conveying surface 14, thereby triggering the stop 20. The force provided by the weight of the load 100 is transferred via the stop-coupling 40 to the stop 20, thereby bringing the stop 20 into its separating configuration. A counter-coupling between the trigger 30 and the counter element 50 may secure the counter element 50 in its depressed position as long as the trigger 30 is in its triggered position.

(32) In the separating configuration, the protrusion 22 of the stop 20 protrudes above the conveying surface 14 and is locked in this protruding separating position. Thus, the stop 20 impedes both the load 100 from moving further upstream along the conveyor 1 against the conveying direction C and any other load arriving at the stop in conveying direction C (not shown in the figures).

(33) FIG. 2A shows a side view of a section of FIG. 1A, showing a section of the conveyor 1 on which the load 100 is moved against the conveying direction C. In the situation shown in FIG. 2A, the load 100 is about to reach the counter element 50. The counter element 50 is at least partially pivotable about a counter pivot axis 52. The counter pivot axis 52 is arranged substantially parallel to the axes of the roller and, thus, substantially horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction C. In the shown section, the counter element 50 is pivotable clockwise and anticlockwise. The counter element 50 comprises a counter lever 53 that is pivotable about the counter pivot axis 52. which may be provided from metal. The counter lever 53 is provided as a housing arranged at lateral sides of the conveyor 1.

(34) At an upper end, the counter element 50 comprises an oblique surface 51 that protrudes from the conveying surface 14. In the shown side view, the oblique surface 51 is shown as an oblique line. The oblique surface 51 is arranged so that its lower end is closer to the discharge end 18 than its upper end. The upper end of the oblique surface 51 is arranged upstream of the lower end. This oblique arrangement enables the load 100 to move on the lower end of the oblique surface 51 from the downstream direction. This situation is shown in FIG. 2A. Here, the counter element 50 is arranged in its protruding position and the trigger 30 is arranged in its idle position. Not shown in FIG. 2A is the stop 20 which is arranged in its conveying configuration.

(35) The trigger 30 comprises a pedal roller 31 that protrudes from the conveying surface 14 in the idle position shown in FIG. 2A. The pedal roller 31 may be a roller similar to the rollers 12 mounted to the frame 10 of the conveyor 1. In the idle position, the pedal roller 31 may be arranged so that the axis of the pedal roller 31 remains parallel to the axes of the other rollers 12.

(36) However, in an alternative embodiment, the pedal roller 31 may be one sided-tiltable so that its axis is oblique to the axes of the other rollers 12. This may be advantageous because a one sided-tiltable roller may be produced cheaper. In particular, since only one side of the axis has to be mounted movably, the other end may be mounted fixedly like the axis of the other rollers 12.

(37) In conveyors comprising a small tracks, e.g. when the conveyor comprises two or more separate track-lines with rollers, the pedal roller 31 is preferably moved in the idle position with its axis parallel to the axes of the other rollers 12. With small rollers 12, a one sided-tiltable arrangement is not as easily achievable, because of the rather steep inclination being necessary that may cause problems at the fixed mounting side.

(38) The trigger 30 further comprises a trigger lever 33 that is pivotable about the trigger pivot axis 32. The trigger lever 33 may be provided from metal and/or as a housing that holds and/or carries the trigger pedal roller 31. The trigger pivot axis 32, and/or the stop pivot axis 23, and/or the counter pivot axis 52 may be arranged substantially horizontally and/or substantially parallel to the axes of the rollers 12 and/or substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction C.

(39) The trigger 30 comprises a pin 34 as protrusion that is mounted fixedly to the trigger lever 33. The pin 34 may be arranged at a downstream side of the trigger 30. The pin 34 engages a recess 54 within the counter lever 53. The recess 54 may be arranged at an upstream end of the counter lever 53. The pin 34 and the recess 54 provide a counter-coupling of the trigger 30 and the counter element 50. In an alternative embodiment, the trigger lever 33 may comprise the recess and the counter lever 53 may comprise a protrusion engaging said recess.

(40) FIG. 2B shows the same section as FIG. 2A wherein the load 100 has moved further onto the oblique surface 51 of the counter element 50. Thus, the counter element 50 is depressed below the conveying surface 14 by the weight of the load 100. This motion may be a pivot motion, which is anticlockwise in the shown perspective. Thus, the counter element 50 is pivoted anticlockwise about the counter pivot axis 52.

(41) In the shown embodiment, the pivot axis 52 is arranged at a downstream side of the counter element 50. At the counter pivot axis 52, the counter element 50 is mounted to the frame 10. The recess 54 is arranged at an upstream end within the counter lever 53. In other words, the recess 54 is arranged upstream of the counter pivot axis 52. Thus, the recess 54 is moved downwards when the counter element 50 is pivoted about the counter pivot axis 52.

(42) When the recess 54 is moved downwards, also the pin 34 of the trigger 30 is moved downwards because it is engaged within the recess 54. The pin 34 is arranged downstream of the trigger pivot axis 32.

(43) FIG. 2B shows how the trigger 30 is lowered out of the idle position as shown in FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2B, the trigger 30 is lowered into an intermediate position. Therein, a section of the pedal roller 31 still protrudes from the conveying surface but less than in the idle position shown in FIG. 2A. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2B, the trigger 30, in particular the trigger lever 33, is pivoted clockwise about the trigger pivot axis 32 when compared with the configuration shown in FIG. 2A. In the situation shown in FIG. 2B, the load 100 is moved onto the counter element 50 but not yet onto the trigger 30.

(44) FIG. 2C shows how the load 100 moves further on to the trigger 30, thereby fully depressing the trigger pedal roller 31 below the conveying surface 14. In this configuration, the trigger 30 is triggered and the stop 20 (not shown in FIG. 2C) is arranged in the separating configuration. In this configuration, the trigger 30 is further pivoted downward clockwise so that the pin 34 engaged into recess 45 draws the counter element 50 further down. In this configuration, the oblique surface 51 is substantially horizontally arranged and/or substantially parallel to the conveying surface 14.

(45) FIG. 2D shows the same section in a configuration wherein the load 100 is lifted from the conveyor. Thus, the weight is removed from both the trigger 30 and the counter element 50. The spring mechanism 60 may apply a force to pivot the trigger 30 back upwards in the idle position. However, said force may yet be inhibited by a delayer.

(46) FIG. 2E shows the same section a view moments later. Herein, the spring mechanism 60 is trying to push the trigger pedal 31 further upwards towards its idle position. However, the delayer (not shown in the figures) is delaying the return of the trigger 30 in its idle position. Such delayers are commonly known in the art. The delayer may comprise, e.g., a rotary drive that impedes the trigger 30 from returning into its idle position instantly after the load 100 is lifted from the trigger pedal 31. Because the movement of the trigger 30 is, thus, impeded, also the counter element 50 remains in its depressed position because it is coupled via the recess 54 and the pin 34 to the trigger 30.

(47) FIG. 2F shows the same section of the conveyor 1 another few moments later. Here, the delayer gave some way for the trigger 30 to move further upwards. This also brings the counter element 50 further upwards. However, both the trigger 30 and the counter element 50 are not yet fully released into the idle position and the protruding position, respectively.

(48) FIG. 2G shows the same section after the delayer has fully released the trigger 30. In this configuration, the trigger 30 is again in its idle position (as also shown in FIGS. 2A and 1A). In the idle position, the trigger 30 protrudes at least partially from the conveying surface 14. Also the oblique surface 51 of the counter element 50 is again protruding from the conveying surface 14. In this configuration, the stop 20 is in its conveying configuration and the conveyor 1 is configured for receiving a load 100 either against the conveying direction or in conveying direction C.

(49) Preferably, the conveyor 1 is operating fully mechanically without the need of any motor to drive the movement of the trigger 30, the stop 20, and/or the counter element 50. All these three elements are driven merely from the weight of the load 100.

(50) The delayer may comprise a rotary drive similar to a clockwork that delays the return of the trigger 30 into the idle position after the load is removed.

(51) The stop-coupling 40 may comprise a rod and/or link that is configured to transfer the movement of the trigger 30 to the stop 20.

(52) The counter element 50 may be configured so that it has no impact on the operation of the delayer, in particular to a timer of the delayer that may be adjusted to configure the delaying time of the trigger 30 after removal of the load 100.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(53) 1 conveyor 10 frame 12 roller 14 conveying surface 16 end stop 18 discharge end 20 stop 21 stop lever 22 protrusion 23 stop pivot axis 30 trigger 31 pedal roller 32 trigger pivot axis 33 trigger lever 34 pin 40 stop-coupling 50 counter element 51 oblique surface 52 counter pivot axis 53 counter lever 54 recess 60 spring mechanism 100 load C conveying direction