System for conveying pasta

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveying system (1) for a device for producing elongated pastas, such as spaghetti, comprising a transfer unit (3) for transferring conveying elements (4) from a first conveying unit (2a) to a second conveying unit (2b), said transfer unit (3) comprising a rotatably mounted cam element (3a) with a gripping mechanism (3b) and a fixedly arranged guide element (3c) with an approximately circular-arc-segment-shaped surface section (3d), wherein said cam element and said guide element are arranged relative to each other such that a conveying element (4) taken over by the gripping mechanism (3b) of the cam element (3a) from the first conveying unit (2a) can be moved along the approximately circular-arc-segment-shaped surface section (3d) of the guide element (3c) to a position in which the conveying element (4) can be taken over by the second conveying unit (2b) as a result of the rotation of the cam element (3a). The invention also relates to a device (A) for producing elongated pastas and a method for conveying elongated pastas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for conveying pasta products, which provides continuous and slow conveying. Background Technology

[0002] After pressing, the pasta is typically picked up by a conveyor unit that transports it through a pasta dryer. For example, long pasta (such as spaghetti) is hung on a pole, the end of which is loosely lifted by links of a chain conveyor.

[0003] In equipment used to produce long, thin pasta dishes (such as spaghetti), the pasta needs to be transferred from one conveying unit to another. For example, for space considerations, the drying unit of such equipment is designed so that the pasta passes through the space within the drying unit multiple times via different conveying units. Furthermore, pasta produced, for example, by extrusion, must be conveyed to and transferred to a cutting unit.

[0004] Especially with wet dough, pasta is particularly sensitive to impacts, vibrations, or other uneven movements. Therefore, extreme care must be taken when transferring pasta from one conveyor unit to another to avoid damaging it.

[0005] In the existing technology, this problem has not yet been satisfactorily solved.

[0006] Transferring pasta (or a rod suspending pasta) from one conveyor unit to the next requires precise coordination of the movements of each conveyor unit. Typically, this coordination requires the conveyor units to move intermittently: the next conveyor unit only begins to move after the previous one has already transported the component to be conveyed (e.g., the rod suspending pasta) to a certain position. This is described, for example, in GB 1,048,163.

[0007] This type of conveying is disadvantageous for various reasons. When the component to be conveyed (e.g., a rod with pasta suspended on it) is transferred from a first conveying unit (e.g., a swing chain or chain conveyor) to a subsequent stationary conveying unit (e.g., a chain conveyor), the component experiences an initial impact. The downstream conveying unit then begins to move, conveying the component to the next transfer location (e.g., a downstream conveying unit, such as a scraping chain on a cutter), where the component experiences another impact during the transfer. In this case, the conveying units (chain conveyors, scraping chains) move intermittently (i.e., stop-and-go operation). Rapid starts of the conveying units impact the component to be conveyed, are time-consuming compared to continuous operation, and place a load on electrical components. In technical applications, this system allows each machine to convey approximately 11-12 rods (with pasta suspended on them) per minute.

[0008] US2,965,214A describes a continuous conveying system in which components to be conveyed are transferred from one conveyor chain to the next via a rotating disk with gripping elements. The rotating disk is symmetrically arranged between two conveyor chains and operates via planetary gears to prevent sudden changes in orientation of the gripping elements arranged on the rotating disk. However, this conveying system requires a large amount of space, making its installation in equipment for producing elongated pasta challenging. Furthermore, the geometric arrangement of the transfer units is challenging, requiring extremely high precision, making installation time-consuming.

[0009] US3,472,354 describes a conveying system in which a conveyor is transferred from one conveyor chain to a subsequent conveyor chain by means of a transfer arm unit. This conveying system also includes a planetary gear unit that suffers from the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem of the present invention is to provide a conveying system for an apparatus for producing long and thin pasta, such as spaghetti, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, enables the smooth, efficient and continuous transfer of the conveyor from one conveying unit to another without sudden changes in direction.

[0011] This problem is solved by the conveying system according to the present invention.

[0012] This invention relates to a conveying system for an apparatus used to produce long, thin pasta, such as spaghetti, comprising a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a transfer unit for transferring a conveyor from the first conveying unit to the second conveying unit. The transfer unit is characterized by comprising a rotatably mounted cam with a gripping mechanism and a fixedly arranged guide having a surface section of approximately arcuate shape. The cam and the guide are arranged relative to each other such that a conveyor received from the first conveying unit by the gripping mechanism of the cam can move along the approximately arcuate surface section of the guide to a position where the second conveying unit can receive the conveyor.

[0013] The conveying system according to the invention enables the conveying of products (e.g., pasta) without the application of impact or vibration. The products are thus subjected to significantly less stress, thereby reducing or completely eliminating any product loss during the conveying process.

[0014] The fact that the conveying process does not suddenly change direction and can be carried out continuously is particularly advantageous. This avoids the time losses associated with intermittent conveying processes and improves the performance of the conveying system.

[0015] For example, in the case of conveying rods containing pasta to a cutting machine, the conveying capacity can be increased from approximately 11-12 rods per minute in the conveying system to 15 rods per minute in the system according to the invention. In the case of the preferred dual cutting machine according to the invention, this means that the output increases from 22-24 rods per minute to 30 rods per minute.

[0016] The conveying system according to the invention can be used for any transport step of elongated pasta, such as spaghetti. For example, it may involve transporting elongated pasta from a dryer to a cutter, a placement table, or a dispenser. According to the invention, the conveying system according to the invention is preferably used for transporting elongated pasta to a cutter, and more preferably for dispensing elongated pasta to two units of a dual-cutter.

[0017] An essential component of the conveying system according to the present invention is a transfer unit. This transfer unit enables the transfer of the conveying component from a first conveying unit to a second conveying unit. The conveying component is preferably a rod for conveying elongated pasta. Preferably, the elongated pasta is suspended from the rod.

[0018] Conveying units for transporting components such as the aforementioned rods are known. Preferably, these conveying units are transport chains, with the conveyor components evenly arranged on the chain. Such transport chains are known and do not require detailed explanation here. For example, the transport chain used according to the invention can be at least partially a swing chain. The conveyor components are driven in a known manner by a motor, preferably a servo motor. For example, the motor can drive a wheel around which the conveyor components (such as the transport chain) are guided.

[0019] The driving element is a known component; each driving element can receive the rod and hold it in a horizontal position as the rod is moved by the conveying element. The transfer unit according to the invention includes a cam element and a guide element. According to the invention, the cam element is understood as a disc-shaped component with an arcuate (non-uniform) circumference. A disc is not included. The size of the cam element depends on the size of the conveying system and is selected to fulfill the functions described below.

[0020] The cam element can preferably be in the form of an arc segment, such as an eighth of a circle.

[0021] The cam element is rotatably arranged and has a gripping mechanism. This rotatable arrangement can be achieved in known ways, such as arranging the cam element on a shaft. This shaft is preferably driven by a motor, and more preferably by a servo motor.

[0022] The gripping mechanism is preferably a recess in the cam member, partially open towards the circumferential surface of the cam member, and its shape is capable of receiving the aforementioned conveyor, preferably a rod carrying elongated pasta, so that the conveyor is not subjected to any impact or vibration during transport through the transfer unit. This is preferably achieved by the shape of at least a portion of the gripping mechanism corresponding to the shape of the conveyor, i.e., the conveyor can pass through the opening of the gripping mechanism into its portion corresponding to the shape of the conveyor. For example, the gripping mechanism may have a first section with a generally parallelogram-shaped cross-section, which is open at least in this section towards the circumferential surface of the cam member. In this embodiment, this generally parallelogram-shaped first section is adjacent to a second section with a generally semicircular cross-section directly connected to the first section, the second section corresponding to the shape of the conveyor and capable of receiving the aforementioned conveyor.

[0023] Preferably, the gripping mechanism and the rotatable bearing (e.g., located on the shaft) are arranged at opposite ends of the cam.

[0024] The transfer unit according to the invention also includes a guide. This guide guides the conveyor lifted by the cam along a fixed path and prevents the conveyor from slipping out of the cam's gripping mechanism as the cam rotates. Since the cam travels an arcuate path during its rotation, the guide has a corresponding approximately arcuate surface in its section facing the cam, which guides the conveyor. For example, the conveyor may be a cuboid with an arcuate groove in its surface section associated with the cam. The guide is fixed to the conveying system, i.e., it does not move during transport. The cam and guide are arranged relative to each other such that the conveyor in the gripping mechanism of the cam contacts the approximately arcuate surface section of the guide during the arcuate movement of the cam. The conveyor moves on the approximately arcuate surface section of the guide by means of the gripping mechanism, for example, by the end of the recess opposite to the direction of movement of the cam when a recess is used as the gripping mechanism, which abuts against the conveyor and presses it in the direction of rotation of the cam during movement.

[0025] The cam and the guide can be offset from each other, so that the cam moves in front of or behind the guide during its rotational motion.

[0026] To ensure the above functions, the position and size of the cam and the guide associated with the cam must be selected such that the conveyor located in the gripping mechanism of the cam can move accurately along the approximately arc-shaped surface section of the guide during the rotational motion of the cam.

[0027] Preferably, the approximately arc-shaped surface section of the guide is an arc segment with an angle of 45-75° centered on the rotation axis of the cam component.

[0028] The second conveying unit (preferably a transport chain) takes over the conveyed component at the end of or near one end of the approximately arc-shaped surface section of the guide component, and then removes the conveyed component from the transfer unit. The second conveying unit preferably also has a drive component as described above.

[0029] To ensure continuous operation, the first conveying unit and the transfer unit must move in coordination so that the drive component of the first conveying unit and the gripping mechanism of the transfer unit simultaneously reach the transfer position. According to the invention, this transfer position is referred to as the first transfer position P1. If the drive component of the first conveying unit conveys the conveyed component, the conveyed component can be received by the gripping mechanism of the transfer unit at the first transfer position P1 during continuous movement, without any impact or vibration being applied to the conveyed component.

[0030] Furthermore, the second conveying unit and the transfer unit must move in coordination so that the drive member of the second conveying unit and the gripping mechanism of the transfer unit simultaneously reach the transfer position. According to the invention, this transfer position is referred to as the second transfer position P2. If the gripping mechanism of the transfer unit conveys the conveying component, then the conveying component can be taken over by the drive member of the second conveying unit at the second transfer position P2 during continuous movement, without any impact or vibration being applied to the conveying component.

[0031] According to the invention, this is preferably achieved by moving the first and second conveying units at constant speeds while the cam plate travels along a specific motion curve. This motion curve is characterized in that the rotational speed of the cam with the gripping mechanism at transfer positions P1 and P2 substantially, preferably precisely, corresponds to the speed of the corresponding conveying unit at that transfer position. Between transfer positions, the cam is accelerated to bring the gripping mechanism to the corresponding transfer position in a timely manner to receive or transfer the conveyed item. The acceleration curve must be adapted to the speed of the conveying unit. For example, the cam may pass directly through a region with lower acceleration after the transfer position and then move into a subsequent region with higher acceleration.

[0032] The conveying unit can be arranged such that the conveyor is transported vertically or horizontally out of the transfer unit. Preferably, the conveyor is transported vertically out of the transfer unit.

[0033] According to the present invention, the conveying system is preferably used for conveying elongated pasta, such as spaghetti, to a cutting machine. According to this embodiment, the first conveying unit is a swing chain that vertically conveys the elongated pasta (preferably suspended on a rod) from a stacking unit downwards to a transfer unit of the conveying system according to the present invention. The elongated pasta (preferably suspended on a rod) is then transported via the transfer unit to a second conveying unit, which is a scraping chain from which the elongated pasta (preferably suspended on a rod) is vertically upwards to the placement table of the cutting machine.

[0034] According to the present invention, the conveying system is particularly preferred for use in a dual-cutting machine.

[0035] Dual-cutting machines (or systems used to produce long, thin pasta, such as spaghetti, with two cutting modules) are known.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transfer unit of the conveying system according to the invention has a first cam and a second cam, as well as a first guide and a second guide, each having a surface segment of approximately arcuate shape. A second conveying unit is associated with each cam, wherein the first cam and the first guide, and the second cam and the second guide, are arranged relative to each other such that a conveyor received from the first conveying unit by a gripping mechanism of the corresponding cam can move along the approximately arcuate surface segment of the corresponding associated guide to a position where the conveyor can be received by the second conveying unit due to rotation of the corresponding cam.

[0037] In other words, by alternately transferring the conveyor from the first conveying unit to the first cam and the second cam and transporting them to the corresponding second conveying unit, the conveyor (e.g., a rod suspending slender pasta) is distributed from the transfer unit to the two cutters.

[0038] Preferably, in this embodiment, the first and second cam members and the first and second guide members are arranged symmetrically about the first conveying unit, that is, by means of a mirror plane laid out in the mind through the first conveying unit, the first cam member and the first and second guide members can be mirrored to the position of the second cam member and the second guide member.

[0039] In this preferred embodiment, the first and second conveying units, the transfer unit, and the conveying component are preferably as described above.

[0040] In this preferred embodiment, the two cams move in opposite directions relative to each other. For example, the first cam can rotate clockwise, and the second cam can rotate counterclockwise. Preferably, the two cams rotate cooperatively such that when the gripping mechanism of the first cam is in the first transfer position P1, the gripping mechanism of the second cam is in the second transfer position P2, and vice versa. Crucially, the first and second cams move cooperatively to prevent the first cam from colliding with the second cam, and furthermore, neither cam collides with the first or second conveying unit.

[0041] The cam element preferably operates along the same motion curve as described above, meaning that the rotational speed of the corresponding cam element with the gripping mechanism at transfer positions P1 and P2 substantially, preferably precisely, corresponds to the speed of the corresponding conveying unit at that transfer position. Between transfer positions, the corresponding cam element is accelerated to bring the gripping mechanism to the corresponding transfer position in a timely manner to receive or transfer the conveyed item. The acceleration curve will be adapted to the speed of the conveying unit. For example, the corresponding cam element can pass directly through an area with lower acceleration after the transfer position so as to subsequently move in a subsequent area with higher acceleration.

[0042] The present invention also relates to apparatus for producing long, thin pasta, such as spaghetti, comprising a conveying system according to the invention as described above.

[0043] This equipment is known. According to the invention, the equipment is preferably a dual-cutting machine, or a device with two cutting modules for producing long, thin pasta, such as spaghetti. The conveying system according to the invention is preferably designed as described above to evenly distribute the long, thin pasta to the two cutting modules.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a method for conveying elongated pasta, such as spaghetti, using a conveying system according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0045] a) The conveyor carrying the long, thin pasta is transported to the first transfer position by means of the first conveying unit;

[0046] b) The transfer unit transfers the conveying component from the first conveying unit and conveys the conveying component to the second transfer position.

[0047] c) At the second transfer position, the conveying component is transferred from the transfer unit by the second conveying unit.

[0048] Its characteristic is that, in step b), the gripping mechanism of the cam of the transfer unit takes over the conveyor at the first transfer position, and the conveyor is transported to the second transfer position along an approximately arc-shaped surface segment of the guide of the transfer unit.

[0049] The details of this method have been described above.

[0050] As described above, the rotational speed of the cam element is preferably matched to the conveying speeds of the first and second conveying units so that at the first and second transfer positions, the gripping mechanism can continuously pick up the conveyed item from the first conveying unit or convey it to the second conveying unit, respectively. In this way, impacts or vibrations on the conveyed item are reduced or completely avoided.

[0051] Preferably, the conveyor is transported to the cutting machine via a second conveying unit, meaning the present invention can be used in the equipment described above.

[0052] As mentioned above, the first cam component and the second cam component move in coordination, so that the first cam component will not collide with the second cam component.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying speed of the first conveying unit is initially 50% of the rotational speed of the cam element, which rotates at the same speed in opposite directions. When the cam element operates along the preferred motion curve described above, the rotational speed of the cam element is here an average speed.

[0054] An advantage of this invention is that, in a preferred embodiment using a dual-cutting machine, in the event of a malfunction, the cam located in the faulty conveyor path stops rotating. In other words, even in the event of a malfunction, pasta can still be supplied to the unaffected cutting module, and system downtime is reduced.

[0055] In the event of a malfunction, the conveying speed of the first conveyor unit is preferably reduced by 50%, because the conveyors are no longer alternately distributed between the two cutting modules, but instead all conveyors are supplied to only one cutting module. To ensure that the still-operating cam mechanism can receive all the conveyors, the speed of the first conveyor unit must be adjusted accordingly. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to non-limiting examples and accompanying drawings, which illustrate:

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the conveying system according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the conveying system according to the present invention at the initial conveying position.

[0059] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the conveying system according to the present invention, located at the first intermediate conveying position.

[0060] Figure 2c This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the conveying system according to the present invention located at the second intermediate conveying position.

[0061] Figure 2d This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the conveying system according to the present invention located at the third intermediate conveying position.

[0062] Figure 3 This is the motion curve of the cam component according to an embodiment of the conveying system of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus for producing long, thin pasta according to the present invention.

[0064] The same reference numerals indicate the same parts in different figures. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the conveying system 1 according to the present invention is shown. This is a conveying system for transporting the conveyor 4 to two cutting modules (not shown).

[0066] The conveying system 1 includes a first conveying unit 2a (e.g., a swing chain), a second conveying unit 2b (e.g., a scraping chain), and a transfer unit 3 for transferring the conveying component 4 (e.g., a rod with a slender pasta suspended on it) from the first conveying unit 2a to the second conveying unit 2b.

[0067] The transfer unit 3 has a first cam 3a and a second cam 3a', as well as a first guide 3c and a second guide 3c'. Each of the first guide 3c and the second guide 3c' has approximately arcuate surface segments 3d and 3d' facing the corresponding cam 3a and 3a'. The second conveying units 2b and 2b' are associated with each cam 3a and 3a', wherein the first cam 3a and the first guide 3c, as well as the second cam 3a' and the second guide 3c', are arranged relative to each other such that the conveyor 4 received from the first conveying unit 2a by the gripping mechanisms 3b and 3b' of the respective cam 3a and 3a' can be moved along the approximately arcuate surface segments 3d and 3d' of the corresponding associated guide 3c and 3c' to a position where the conveyor 4 can be received by the second conveying unit 2b and 2b' through the rotation of the respective cam 3a and 3a'.

[0068] The first conveying unit 2a has multiple drive members 2a1 spaced at equal intervals, each of which can receive and transport the conveying member 4.

[0069] The second conveying units 2b and 2b' have multiple drive components 2b1 and 2b'1 that are equidistant from each other, and each drive component can receive and transport the conveying component 4.

[0070] According to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the first and second cam members 3a, 3a' and the first and second guide members 3c, 3c' are arranged axially symmetrically around the first conveying unit 2a. Figures 2a to 2d An embodiment of the method according to the present invention is illustrated schematically, which employs... Figure 1 The conveyor system 1 is shown.

[0071] exist Figure 2aAs shown in the initial position, the gripping mechanism 3b of the first cam member 3a is located at the first transfer position P1. Simultaneously, the drive member 2a1 of the first conveying unit 2a is also located at the first transfer position P1. The drive member 2a1 carries the conveying member 4, which is received by the gripping mechanism 3b of the cam member 3a at the first transfer position P1 with a preferably continuous motion.

[0072] At this time, the gripping mechanism 3b' of the second cam member 3a' is located in the second transfer position P2. At the same time, the driving member 2b'1 of the second conveying unit 2b' (not shown here) is located in the second transfer position P2, but does not carry the conveying member 4.

[0073] exist Figure 2b At the position shown, both cams 3a and 3a' have rotated approximately 70°, with the first cam 3a rotating counterclockwise and the second cam 3a' rotating clockwise. The gripping mechanism 3b of the first cam 3a is now positioned above the approximately arc-shaped surface segment 3d of the first guide 3c. The conveyor 4 moves along the approximately arc-shaped surface segment 3d of the first guide 3c, pushed by the end of the gripping mechanism 3b in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0074] exist Figure 2c The position shown is the same as Figure 2b Compared to the positions shown, the two cams 3a and 3a' have rotated approximately 105°, with the first cam 3a rotating counterclockwise and the second cam 3a' rotating clockwise. The gripping mechanism 3b of the first cam 3a is now located at the second transfer position P2. Simultaneously, the drive member 2b1 of the second conveying unit 2b is also located at the second transfer position P2. The gripping mechanism 3b of the first cam 3a carries the conveyor 4, which is picked up at the second transfer position P2 by the drive member 2b1 of the second conveying unit 2b with a preferably continuous motion.

[0075] Simultaneously, the gripping mechanism 3b' of the second cam member 3a' is located at the first transfer position P1. At the same time, the drive member 2a1 of the first conveying unit 2a is also located at the first transfer position P1. The drive member 2a1 carries the conveying member 4, which is picked up at the first transfer position P1 by the gripping mechanism 3b' of the second cam member 3a' with preferably continuous motion.

[0076] exist Figure 2d The position shown is the same as Figure 2c Compared to the positions shown, both cam components 3a and 3a' have already... Figure 2cThe position shown has been rotated a further distance, with the first cam 3a rotating counterclockwise and the second cam 3a' rotating clockwise. The first cam 3a has transferred its conveyor 4 to the second conveyor unit 2b, which transports the conveyor 4 vertically upward to the cutting module (not shown). The second cam 3a' has received the conveyor 4, and its gripping mechanism 3b' contacts the approximately arc-shaped surface segment 3d' of the second guide 3c', where it then performs... Figure 2b The conveying of the first cam member 3a as described in the text.

[0077] Figure 3 The motion curves of cam elements 3a and 3a' according to an embodiment of the conveying system 1 of the present invention are shown. At time t=0s, the gripping mechanisms 3b and 3b' of cam elements 3a and 3a' are located at the second transfer position P2 and transfer the conveyor 4 to the second conveying units 2b and 2b'. Subsequently, cam elements 3a and 3a' experience an acceleration that increases from time t=0.8s. At time t=3s, the gripping mechanisms 3b and 3b' of cam elements 3a and 3a' are located at the first transfer position P1 and receive the conveyor 4 from the first conveying unit 2a. Cam elements 3a and 3a' are decelerated before they begin to accelerate again from time t=3.4s, and the acceleration decreases from time t=4.4s. At time t=6s, the gripping mechanisms 3b and 3b' of cam elements 3a and 3a' reach the second transfer position P2 and transfer the conveyor 4 to the second conveying units 2b and 2b'.

[0078] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus A for producing long, thin pasta according to the present invention is shown. Apparatus A includes a conveying system 1 according to the present invention, wherein... Figure 1 An embodiment. According to Figure 4 The device has only one on the right side of the conveyor system 1, but can be upgraded to have an additional cutting module on the left side of the conveyor system 1.

[0079] The known equipment includes a placement table 5 to which elongated pasta products are transported from the conveyor system 1. Below the placement table 5 is the discharge belt / chain 7 of the cutter 6. Uncut products then reach the discharge belt / chain 7 and are cut from the discharge belt / chain 7 by passing through a cutting unit (e.g., with a rotating blade not shown) out of the equipment A.

[0080] List of reference numerals

[0081] A: Equipment used for producing long, thin pasta dishes

[0082] 1: Conveying system for equipment used in the production of long, thin pasta products

[0083] 2a: First conveying unit

[0084] 2a1: Drive component of the first conveying unit

[0085] 2b, 2b': Second conveying unit

[0086] 2b1, 2b1': Drive components of the second conveying unit

[0087] 3: Transfer Unit

[0088] 3a, 3a': Cam components

[0089] 3b, 3b': Gripping mechanism of the cam component

[0090] 3c, 3c': Guide components

[0091] 3d, 3d': Approximately circular arc-shaped surface segment of the guide component.

[0092] 4: Conveyor components

[0093] 5: Placement platform

[0094] 6: Cutting machine

[0095] 7: Discharge belt / chain

[0096] P1: First transit location

[0097] P2: Second transfer location

Claims

1. A conveying system (1) for an apparatus for producing long, thin pasta, comprising a first conveying unit (2a), a second conveying unit (2b), and a transfer unit (3), the transfer unit being used to transfer a conveying component (4) from the first conveying unit (2a) to the second conveying unit (2b), characterized in that, The transfer unit (3) includes a rotatably mounted first cam (3a) with a gripping mechanism (3b) and a fixedly arranged first guide (3c) having an approximately arcuate surface section (3d), wherein the first cam (3a) and the first guide (3c) are arranged about each other such that the conveyor (4) received from the first conveying unit (2a) by the gripping mechanism (3b) of the first cam (3a) can move along the approximately arcuate surface section of the first guide (3c) due to the rotation of the first cam (3a). 3d) Move to a position where the conveyor (4) can be received by the second conveying unit (2b), wherein the transfer unit (3) further includes a second cam (3a') and a second guide (3c') having a surface section (3d') of approximately arcuate shape, each of the cams (3a, 3a') being associated with a second conveying unit (2b, 2b'), wherein the first cam (3a) and the second cam (3a') as well as the first guide (3c) and the second guide (3c') are arranged symmetrically about the first conveying unit (2a) axially.

2. The conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cam (3a) and the first guide (3c), as well as the second cam (3a') and the second guide (3c'), are arranged relative to each other such that the conveyor (4) received from the first conveying unit (2a) by the gripping mechanism (3b, 3b') of the corresponding cam (3a, 3a') can move along the approximately arcuate surface segment (3d, 3d') of the corresponding associated guide (3c, 3c') to a position where the second conveying unit (2b, 2b') can receive the conveyor (4).

3. The conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cam element (3a, 3a') and the first conveying unit (2a) and the second conveying unit (2b, 2b') can move in coordination with each other to enable the continuous transfer of the conveyor (4) from the first conveying unit (2a) to the second conveying unit (2b).

4. The conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first conveying unit (2a) is a swing chain.

5. The conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second conveying unit (2b, 2b') is a scraping chain for conveying the conveyor (4) to the placement table (5) of the cutting machine (6).

6. An apparatus (A) for producing elongated pasta, comprising a conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for conveying elongated pasta using a conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the following steps: a) The conveyor (4) carrying the long and thin pasta is conveyed to the first transfer position (P1) by means of the first conveying unit (2a); b) The transfer unit (3) takes the conveyor (4) from the first conveying unit (2a) and conveys the conveyor (4) to the second transfer position (P2). c) At the second transfer position (P2), the second conveying unit (2b) takes over the conveying component (4) from the transfer unit (3). Its characteristic is that, in step b), the gripping mechanism (3b) of the first cam member (3a) of the transfer unit (3) takes over the conveyor (4) at the first transfer position (P1), and the conveyor (4) is transported to the second transfer position (P2) along the approximately arc-shaped surface section (3d) of the first guide member (3c) of the transfer unit (3).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rotational speed of the first cam (3a) is matched with the conveying speed of the first conveying unit (2a) and the second conveying unit (2b) so that the gripping mechanism (3b) can continuously pick up the conveying component (4) from the first conveying unit (2a) and convey it to the second conveying unit (2b) at the first transfer position (P1) and the second transfer position (P2), respectively.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The conveyor (4) is conveyed from the second conveying unit (2b) to the cutting machine (6).

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The conveying member (4) conveyed by the first conveying unit (2a) is alternately taken over by the first cam member (3a) or the second cam member (3a') and conveyed to the corresponding second conveying unit (2b, 2b').

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, coordination The movement of the first cam (3a) and the second cam (3a') is such that the first cam (3a) does not collide with the second cam (3a').

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The conveying speed of the first conveying unit (2a) is 50% of the rotational speed of the cams (3a, 3a'), which rotate at the same speed in opposite directions.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, In the event of a malfunction, the cams (3a, 3a') located in the faulty conveyor path stop rotating.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the event of a malfunction, the conveying speed of the first conveying unit (2a) is reduced by 50%.

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