TRANSPORTING ELEMENT FOR A DISTRIBUTING CONVEYOR OF A SORTER OF A SORTING INSTALLATION

Abstract

A transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation of a sorting system for sorting articles includes at least one first transport surface, which can be pivoted on both sides about an axis (tilting axis) in a transport direction of the transport element and is intended for accommodating at least one article which is to be sorted, and at least one second transport surface, which is inclined about an axis (axis of inclination) in the transport direction of the transport element and is intended for accommodating at least one article which is to be sorted. The at least one first transport surface, which can be pivoted on either side, is disposed above the at least one second, inclined transport surface. A distributing conveyor having a plurality of transport elements is also provided.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation of a sorting system for sorting articles, the transport element comprising: at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides about an axis in a transport direction of the transport element for receiving at least one article to be sorted; and at least one second transport surface that is inclined about an axis in said transport direction of the transport element for receiving at least one article to be sorted; said at least one first transport surface pivotable on both sides being disposed above said at least one second inclined transport surface.

12. The transport element according to claim 11, wherein said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides being positioned by pivoting to a pivot position relative to said at least one second inclined transport surface, to permit an article to be transported to be transferred from said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides, at least subject to an influence of gravity, to said at least one second inclined transport surface.

13. The transport element according to claim 11, wherein: said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides has at least one retaining apparatus for retaining an article to be sorted being received on said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides to prevent it from sliding down on said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides; and said at least one retaining apparatus is configured to be manipulated to release the article to be sorted being received on said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides to slide down on said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides.

14. The transport element according to claim 11, wherein: said at least one second inclined transport surface has at least one retaining apparatus for retaining an article to be sorted being received on said at least one second inclined transport surface to prevent it from sliding down on said at least one second inclined transport surface; and said at least one retaining apparatus is configured to be manipulated to release the article to be sorted being received on said at least one second inclined transport surface to slide down on said at least one second inclined transport surface.

15. The transport element according to claim 13, wherein said at least one retaining apparatus is at least one of: a retaining element or a flap configured to be unlocked at an outward feed point; or a lowerable retaining element; or an at least partially elastic retaining element; or a retaining element extending over an entire width of at least one of said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides or said at least one second inclined transport surface.

16. The transport element according to claim 14, wherein said at least one retaining apparatus is at least one of: a retaining element or a flap configured to be unlocked at an outward feed point; or a lowerable retaining element; or an at least partially elastic retaining element; or a retaining element extending over an entire width of at least one of said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides or said at least one second inclined transport surface.

17. The transport element according to claim 11, wherein at least one of said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides or said at least one second inclined transport surface is configured at least partially as a flat or a free-form surface.

18. The transport element according to claim 11, wherein said axis is a common pivot axis about which said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides is pivotable in both pivot directions.

19. The transport element according to claim 11, wherein said common pivot axis divides said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides into two sub-surfaces of approximately equal size.

20. The transport element according to claim 11, which further comprises a manipulation apparatus for pivoting said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides about said axis.

21. The transport element according to claim 11, wherein at least one of: said at least one first transport surface being pivotable on both sides is two first transport surfaces being pivotable on both sides and being disposed next to one another in said transport direction; or said at least one second inclined transport surface is two second inclined transport surfaces being inclined counter to one another by an equal angle size about said axis in said transport direction.

22. The transport element according to claim 11, wherein said two first transport surfaces being pivotable on both sides are disposed next to one another in said transport direction at an approximately equal vertical height.

23. A distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation of a sorting system for sorting articles, the distributing conveyor comprising: a plurality of transport elements according to claim 1 being connected to one another in an articulated manner by a traction device.

24. A distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation of a sorting system for sorting articles, the distributing conveyor comprising: a plurality of transport elements according to claim 1 being connected to one another in an articulated manner by an endless chain.

Description

[0140] In the figures:

[0141] FIG. 1 shows a transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation according to one exemplary embodiment (principle),

[0142] FIG. 2 shows a transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation during loading according to one exemplary embodiment (principle),

[0143] FIG. 3 shows a transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation during loading (internal repositioning during loading) according to one exemplary embodiment (principle),

[0144] FIG. 4 shows a transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation (internal repositioning during loading) according to one exemplary embodiment (principle),

[0145] FIG. 5 shows a transport element for a distributing installation during transportation according to one exemplary embodiment (principle),

[0146] FIG. 6 shows a transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation during unloading according to one exemplary embodiment (principle),

[0147] FIG. 7 shows a transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation according to a further exemplary embodiment,

[0148] FIG. 8 shows a transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation according to a further exemplary embodiment,

[0149] FIG. 9 shows a transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation according to a further exemplary embodiment.

Structure of Transport Element 1/Double Stack Cart

[0150] FIG. 1 shows a transport element 1 for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation of a sorting system for sorting articles 2, for example packages.

[0151] In this distributing conveyor a number of such transport elements 1 according to FIG. 1 are connected to one another in an articulated manner by way of a (traction) chain (not shown) and rundrawn in the transport direction 5 by way of the chainin a guided manner on longitudinal rails 17, 18 of a rail system 10.

[0152] FIG. 1 showsby way of examplethe transport element 1 in a loaded state (in this instance loaded with six articles: article 1 (G1), article 2 (G2), article 3 (G3), article 4 (G4), article 5 (G5), article 6 (G6)) during transportation to an outward feed or destination point (see also FIG. 4).

[0153] The transport element 1the form of which is similar to a symmetrical double stack carthas (configured as a framework 30) at its lower levelthe form of which is similar to a (symmetrical) triangular prismtwo fixed (static) transport surfaces 21 (lower or second, inclined or transport surfaces 21) for holding the article 2 to be sorted, each inclined/tilted counter to one another by the same angle 23 (same angle size), in this instance approx. 35, about a tilt axis 22 running in the transport direction 5.

[0154] The two fixed lower transport surfaces 21 that are inclined by the angle 23 touch here along a common edge 14forming the height of the triangular prism. The triangular prism is closed by a base surface/plate 11, with the two lower transport surfaces 3 arranged along its edges 15, 16 running in the transport direction 5 or in the longitudinal rail direction.

[0155] Each of the two inclined lower transport surfaces 3 of such a transport element 1 has a collapsible/foldable outer retaining element 6, 20 configured as a (longitudinal) flap 6, arranged in each instance on the lower edge of a respective lower transport surface 21 (lower flap).

[0156] The flaps or outer retaining elements 6 or 20 for the lower transport surfaces 21 are aligned horizontally and extend over the entire width 7 of the respective lower transport surface 21.

[0157] Fixed actuators (not shown) drive control elements (also not shown) from outside, said control elements switching or manipulating the flaps/outer retaining elements 6 or 20.

[0158] Each of said flaps/outer retaining elements 6 or 20 on the lower inclined transport surfaces 21 (in the folded up state) thus secures an article 2 (in this instance article 5 and article 6) to prevent it sliding down 13 due to downhill force (in sliding direction 13)with a form and force lockon the respective lower inclined transport surface 21.

[0159] Arranged above 13 the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21 in the transport element 1at its upper level(also symmetrically and at the same vertical height 26 in relation to one another) are two transport surfaces 3 that can be pivoted on both sides (upper or first transport surfaces 3 that can be pivoted on both sides) or (upper) rockers 3, i.e. a left and right rocker 2 (in the transport direction 5).

[0160] The two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 or transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides can each be tilted/pivoted by means of an electromechanical actuator 8 about their respective tilt axis 4 in an angle range of approx. +/60 on both sides, with the respective tilt axis 4 dividing the respective upper transport surface/rocker 3 or transport surface/rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides roughly into two approximately equal sub-surfaces.

[0161] Each of the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 or transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides of the transport element 1 has a collapsible/foldable outer retaining element 6, 20 configured as a (longitudinal) flap 6 and a collapsible/foldable inner retaining element 6, 19, (also) configured as a (longitudinal) flap 6, arranged respectively on the outer 27 or inner edge 28 of a respective upper transport surface/rocker 3 or transport surface/rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides.

[0162] Said flaps or outer and inner retaining elements 6 or 20/19 for the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 or transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides are (like the flaps 6 for the lower inclined transport surfaces 21) aligned horizontally and extend over the entire width 7 of the respective upper transport surface/rocker 3 or transport surface/rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides.

[0163] Actuators 29 drive control elements 30, which switch or manipulate the flaps/outer or inner retaining elements 6 or 19/20 for the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 or transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides.

[0164] Each of said flaps/outer or inner retaining elements 6 or 19/20 on the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 or transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides (in the folded up position) thus secures an article 2 (in this instance article 1 and article 2 or article 3 and article 4) to prevent it sliding down 13 due to downhill force (in sliding direction 13)with a form and force lockon the respective upper transport surface/rocker 3 or transport surface/rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides in its tilted state.

[0165] Each of the upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 or transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides also has a center bar 6 or 24 that can be lowered (made to disappear) in a downward direction by means of an actuator 29 and is arranged in the region of the center or the tilt axis 4 on the respective upper transport surface/rocker 3 or transport surface/rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides.

[0166] Said center bars 24 for the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 or transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides are (like the flaps 6 for the lower inclined transport surfaces 21) aligned horizontally and extend over the entire width 7 of the respective upper transport surface/rocker 3 or transport surface/rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides.

[0167] Each of said center bars 24 on the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 or transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides thus divides the respective upper transport surface/rocker 3 or transport surface/rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides into two transport spaces (inner and outer transport space) for two articles 2 to be transported and (in the raised state) thus secures an article 2 (in this instance article 2 or article 3) to prevent it sliding around or to and fro 13 due to downhill force (in sliding direction 13)with a form and force lockon the respective upper transport surface/rocker 3 or transport surface/rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides in its tilted state.

Loading/Reloading, Transportation and Unloading of the Transport Element 1/Double Stack Cart (FIGS. 2 to 6)

[0168] Loading/Feeding Inward and Reloading/Repositioning (FIGS. 2 to 4)

[0169] While FIG. 1 shows the transport element 1 loaded with six articles 2 during transportation to an outward feed point or destination point (see also FIG. 4), FIGS. 2 to 4 show loading including the internal repositioning of articles within the transport surfaces 3 and 21 of the transport element 1.

[0170] The loading of the transport element 3 at the inward feed or loading point takes place on both sides of the transport element and solely by way of the upper level of the transport element 1 or its two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides.

[0171] When the transport element 1initially still without loadis located at the inward feed or loading point, the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides are initially in the horizontal or tilted slightly (approx. 10) inward position (shown).

[0172] The two outer retaining elements 20 on the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides are folded away, while the two outer retaining elements 20 on the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21 are folded up. The two center bars 24 on the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides are moved away in a downward direction 32. The two inner retaining elements 19 on the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides are also folded up.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 2, the two inner articles 2, i.e. article 2 and article 3, (on both sides of the transport element 1) are initially pushed to the respective upper right or left transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides or slidewhen the upper right or left transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is in the tilted inward positiondue to or with the assistance of downhill forceonto the respective upper right or left transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides until they come up against the respective (folded up) inner retaining element 19.

[0174] When the transport element 1 is thus loaded with these two inner articles 2 (article 2 and article 3), the two center bars 24 of the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides are moved upward and can thus secure the two inner articles 2 (article 2 and article 3) to prevent them sliding back (when the rockers are in a counter tilted position (see also repositioning and transportation)).

[0175] The outer articles 2 (article 1 and article 4) are then pushed onto the respective upper right or left transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides or slidewhen the upper right and left transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is in the tilted inward positiondue to/with the assistance of downhill forceonto the respective right or left transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides until they come up against the respective (raised) center bar 24 (preventing sliding).

[0176] FIG. 3 (and FIG. 4) show(s) the internal repositioning of the (inner) articles 2, i.e. article 2 and article 3, from the upper level of the transport element 2 or the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides to the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21.

[0177] To this end, as shown in FIG. 3, one of the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides (here by way of example the right upper transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides) is tilted inward, until its tilt angle/angle position corresponds to the corresponding lower inclined transport surface 21 (on the respective other side of the transport element 1) and their transport surfaces 3 and 21 are approximately extensions of one another.

[0178] As also shown in FIG. 3, the inner retaining element 19 of the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is folded away, as a result of which the inner article, i.e. article 3, slidesdue to/assisted by downhill force(from the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides) to the lower left inclined transport surface 21to the raised outer retaining element 20 there (see FIG. 4). In this process the inner retaining element 19 of the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides takes on a bridge function/slide function between the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides and the lower left inclined transport surface 21.

[0179] The inner retaining element 19 of the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is then folded up again.

[0180] When the center bar 24 of the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is moved away in a downward direction, the outer article 2, i.e. article 4, slides on the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides from the outer to the inner position, until it comes up against the folded up inner retaining element 19 of the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides there.

[0181] The center bar 24 of the upper, right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is raised again and can thus now secure the inner article 4 (article 4) (when the rocker 3 is back in the countertilted position) to prevent it sliding back.

[0182] As when the transport element 1 is in the unloaded state, the upper right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is now tilted back into the horizontal or tilted slightly (approx. 10) inward position (see FIG. 2), in which a further outer article, i.e. a new article 4when the outer retaining element 20 of the upper right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is folded awayis pushed onto the upper right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides or slides (due to/assisted by downhill force) onto the upper right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides up to the raised center bar 24 (preventing sliding).

[0183] The outer retaining element 20 of the upper right transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is then folded up again.

[0184] In the same way as the inner (upper right) article, i.e. article 3, is repositioned from the upper level right into the lower level, on the left of the transport element 1, and the upper level is reloaded on the right with a new outer (upper right) article, i.e. new article 4, the inner (upper left) article, i.e. article 2, is repositioned from the upper level left into the lower level, on the right of the transport element 1 and the upper level is reloaded on the left with a new outer (upper left) article.

[0185] Transportation (FIG. 5)

[0186] FIG. 5 shows the transport element 1 loaded with six articles 2, i.e. article 1 to article 6, during transportation to an outward feed or destination point (see also FIG. 1).

[0187] To this end the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides are tilted outward, with the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides assuming a parallel angle position (in this instance by way of example 35) corresponding to the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21.

[0188] The articles 2, i.e. article 1 to article 6, rest against their respective (folded up) outer retaining elements 20 or (raised) center bars 24 due to/assisted by downhill force.

[0189] Outward Feed/Unloading (FIG. 6)

[0190] FIG. 6 shows the unloading or outward feeding of articles 2 from the transport element 1 loaded with six articles, i.e. article 1 to article 6, at an outward feed or destination point.

[0191] When the transport element 1, which is in the transport position in respect of the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides and the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21 (see FIG. 5, upper rockers 3 each tilted outward by approx. 35, all flaps 6 or outer retaining elements 20, inner retaining elements 19 and center bars 24 in the retaining position), reaches the destination/outward feed point, the outer retaining elements 20 on the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides and/or the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21 are folded away (in an outward direction) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0192] The articles 2 (article 1, article 4, article 5 and article 6) which were secured formerly or during transportation by the respective outer retaining elements 20/19 to prevent them sliding down 13 due to downhill force (in sliding direction 13)with a form and force lockare thus released and slide down in sliding direction 13 relative to the transport element 1due to/assisted by downhill forcefrom the respective transport surfaces 3 and 21.

[0193] If the articles 2 (article 2 and article 3), which are still braced against the center bars 24 and thus secured to prevent them from sliding due to downhill force, are to be unloaded/fed outward on the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides, the two center bars 24 are also moved away in a downward direction, thus releasing the remaining two articles (article 2 and article 3). Therefore these also slide down in sliding direction 13 relative to the transport element 1due to/assisted by downhill forcefrom the respective upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides.

[0194] To reduce the outward feed speed of the inner articles 2 on the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides and to allow approximately identical outward feed conditions for an inner and outer article 2 on an upper transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides, the outer retaining elements 20 on the two upper transport surfaces/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides can be folded up again temporarily, being folded away again when the inner articles 2 slide up to them (cascaded outward feed).

[0195] If the downhill force due to gravity or weight therefore acts constantly or perpetually on the articles 2 arranged on the transport element 1 with the two tilted, upper transport surfaces 3/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides and the lower transport surfaces 21 that are inclined counter to one another, said articles 2 being secured by the respective flaps 6 or outer retaining elements 20 and center bars 24 (to prevent unwanted sliding down 13), i.e. the articles 2 arranged on the two tilted, upper transport surfaces 3/rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides and the lower transport surfaces 21 that are inclined counter to one another are always ready or prepared for outward feeding, the respective article is only released by the collapsing and moving downward 32 of a flap 6 or an outer retaining element 20 and a center bar 24 (at the destination point), whereupon it slides down from the transport surface 3.

[0196] There is therefore no need here for a separate tilt movement in the transport element 1 to prepare the article beforehand for sliding down.

Further Exemplary Transport Elements 1/Double Stack Carts

[0197] FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 each show a further transport element 1 (otherwise in principle configured largely in the same manner as the transport element 1 in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 (upper rocker function (with one or two rockers) and with two lower inclined static transport surfaces). FIG. 7 shows a transport element 1 with two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides and two lower inclined transport surfaces 21.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 7, the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides each have a particular tilt/pivot mechanism, which brings about a particular pivot/tilt kinematic 31 with controlled flap movement for the two upper transport surfaces 3 or rockers 3 that can be pivoted on both sides or the flaps 6 (19, 20, 24) there.

[0199] FIG. 8 shows a transport element 1 with a central upper transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides as well as two lower inclined transport surfaces 21.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 8, the central upper transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides is arranged (centrally/in the middle) above the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21 by means of a rod-type bar 33.

[0201] The rod-type bar 33 is connected in both an articulated and rotatable manner (articulation 34) to the central upper transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides as well as (articulation 35) to the common edge 14 of the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21.

[0202] Both degrees of freedom can be positively coupledfor example by means of a belt.

[0203] FIG. 9 shows a transport element 1 also with a central upper transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides as well as two lower inclined transport surfaces 21.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 9, the central upper transport surface 3 or rocker 3 that can be pivoted on both sides here is connected directly in an articulated/rotatable manner (tilt axis 4) to the common edge 14 of the two lower inclined transport surfaces 21.

[0205] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail using the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.