Assembly and method for product transport

Abstract

Provided herein is an assembly and method for product transport, the assembly comprising: a first sled movable along a surface in a slot toward an outlet of the slot to move a product toward the outlet; a second sled engageable by the first sled when the first sled is moved along the surface in the slot, the second sled movable by the first sled toward the outlet of the slot; and an actuator to move the first sled along the surface toward the outlet of the slot. In some embodiments, the first sled can be positioned between the surface in the slot and the second sled. Optionally, the actuator can engage and move the first sled.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 428,385 (filed November 28, 2022) and U.S. Application No. 18 / 491,668 (filed October 20, 2023), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter described herein relates to components that separate and / or remove products stored in bulk or contained in containers from the containers. Background Technology

[0004] Various types of products can be stored or contained in containers and then transported out of the containers. For example, rail anchors (or anti-creep devices) may include steel clamps attached to the rail base plate to hold the rails and prevent longitudinal movement of the rails. Rail anchors can be stored in containers carried by rail carriers. Some components may have a ram that moves within the container, thus pushing the rail anchor out of the container and handing it over to the operator. The operator can then pick up the rail anchor and install it onto the rails. Other types of products, such as ballast materials, grain, building materials, coal, rocks, nails, etc., can also be contained in and distributed from containers in a similar manner.

[0005] Currently known components for unloading products from containers use a single body (e.g., a slider) that moves to push the product into a position where it can be picked up by a person. One problem with these components is that the moving single body can cause tunneling or bridging problems, where products not moved by the body create tunnels around the body's path. These tunnels can prevent the body from accessing and moving other products. Another problem with some known components is that gaps or other volumes around the body can become jamming points, preventing the product from being moved to the operator. Jammed products can also jam and impede the movement of the component. It may be desirable to have components and methods different from those currently available. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This document provides an assembly comprising: a first slider movable along a surface in a groove toward an outlet of the groove to move a product toward the outlet; a second slider engaged by the first slider when the first slider moves along the surface in the groove, the second slider being movable toward the outlet of the groove via the first slider; and an actuator movable along the surface toward the outlet of the groove to move the first slider.

[0007] This document provides a method comprising: moving a first slider along a surface in a groove toward an outlet of the groove; engaging a second slider with the first slider as the first slider moves along the surface; moving both the first and second sliders along the surface after the second slider has engaged with the first slider; and using the first and second sliders to move a product in the groove toward an outlet.

[0008] This document provides a system having a groove, comprising: a groove having a ramped surface leading to an outlet of the groove, the groove being shaped to receive a product shaped to move from the groove through the outlet; a single actuator and a dual slider assembly operably coupled to the groove, the assembly including a lower slider movable along the ramped surface in the groove toward the outlet of the groove to move the product toward the outlet; an upper slider configured to engage with the lower slider as the lower slider moves along the ramped surface, the upper slider being configured to be carried by the lower slider toward the outlet of the groove; and an actuator capable of pushing the lower slider toward the outlet of the groove along the ramped surface and pulling the lower slider away from the outlet of the groove along the ramped surface. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The subject matter can be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are shown below:

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a product transport system with multi-stage slider components;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective on the product transportation system;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a multi-level slider component;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of certain components of a multi-level slider assembly;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Another perspective view of certain components of a multi-level slider assembly;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of certain components of a multi-level slider assembly;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of certain components of a multi-level slider assembly;

[0017] Figure 8A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one location of the multi-stage slider assembly;

[0018] Figure 8B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another location of the multi-stage slider assembly;

[0019] Figure 9A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one location of the multi-stage slider assembly;

[0020] Figure 9B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another location of the multi-stage slider assembly;

[0021] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the transportation system;

[0022] Figure 11A It is possible Figure 10 A perspective view of the upper slider used in the transportation system;

[0023] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A Another perspective view of the upper slider;

[0024] Figure 12A It is possible Figure 10 A perspective view of the sliding block used in the transportation system; and

[0025] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A Another perspective view of the lower slider. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to a multi-stage slider assembly and a method for moving and removing products stored or contained in bulk within or housed in a container from the container while avoiding the aforementioned tunneling or bridging problems and / or product jamming issues. The assembly may use multiple bodies or multiple sliders stacked on top of each other. These sliders may be interlocked so that they can be moved by a single actuator to move the product to the operator. Suitable actuators may be hydraulically driven cylinders, motors, etc.

[0027] The sliders can move in stages, allowing different sliders to travel different distances within the container holding the product. Stacking sliders with different movement patterns avoids or prevents the aforementioned tunneling or bridging problems. Because the sliders can move simultaneously or at different times, tunneling or bridging problems caused by the uniform forward and backward movement of objects of the same size are avoided. The sliders can interlock with each other, and / or the component may include additional bodies to prevent the product from sliding between and around the sliders, causing the component to jam. Optionally or additionally, instead of or in addition to the stacked sliders in the component, the component may include a conveyor belt, corkscrew, or screw, etc., to remove the product from the container.

[0028] While one or more embodiments are described in connection with rail anchors used with rail vehicle systems, not all embodiments are limited to rail anchors. Unless expressly denied or otherwise stated, the subject matter described herein can be extended to other types of bulk products, such as rail spikes, ballast material, boxes, nails, coal, rocks, aggregates, grains, corn husks, and agricultural products such as pumpkins and apples.

[0029] Figure 1 A first perspective view of an example of a product transport system 100 is shown. Figure 2 A second perspective view of the product transport system is shown. The product transport system may include a container 102, which defines a volume 104 in which products, such as rail anchors (not shown), can be stored in bulk. The container may have a bottom and multiple sides, as well as an open or closed top. The container may include a multi-stage slider assembly 206, one example of which is shown in... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the container may have an inclined inner wall 106 configured to contact and guide the product to the multi-stage slider assembly. The product may be guided to the multi-stage slider assembly by gravity or by additional external force applied by a machine, tool, or operator.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 The multi-stage slider assembly may include a slot 208 aligned in the container from the open top to the bottom. The slot may be formed by a lower surface 210 and sidewalls 212, 214 extending laterally from the lower surface (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The trough (as shown) forms a generally U-shaped, elongated body. It may have an outlet 216 located outside the container. For example, the trough may extend through an opening 118 in the container through which an operator or robotic system can access the product inside the container once the multi-stage slider assembly has pushed the product to and / or through the opening and / or the outlet of the trough.

[0031] Go to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The multi-stage slider assembly may include a lower slider 220 and an upper slider 222 operably coupled to the groove. The lower slider may be located between the sidewalls along the lower surface of the groove. The lower slider may be located between the lower surface and the upper slider. The upper slider may be movable relative to the lower slider. For ease of description, Figure 2The image shows a lower slider and an upper slider in their fully retracted or initial positions. One or more actuators 324 can cooperatively move the lower slider and upper slider along the slot 208 toward the outlet. The lower slider and upper slider can move in a multi-stage manner, wherein the lower slider and upper slider move together from an initial position at one end of the slot to another position along the slot, where the lower slider can move independently of the upper slider. In some embodiments, the position along the slot, referred to herein as the separation position, lies between the initial position and the final or extended position of the multi-stage slider assembly. At least one slider (e.g., the upper slider) can stop moving at the separation position, while at least another slider (e.g., the lower slider) can continue moving in the slot (e.g., along the lower surface) toward the outlet. The continuing slider can move to the extended position, where it stops moving. This orderly movement of the lower slider and upper slider along the slot can move products in the container toward and / or toward the outlet for grasping by an operator or robotic system. Although two sliders are shown, the multi-stage slider assembly may optionally include three or more sliders.

[0032] During operation of the multi-stage slider assembly, the lower and upper sliders can move from a starting position to a fully extended position, where the lower slider is close to the opening. Upon operator command, the multi-stage slider assembly can move the lower and upper sliders back from the fully extended position to the starting position. For example, the lower slider can retract to the lower surface in the opposite direction. The lower slider can engage the upper slider at or near the disengagement position, and then the lower and upper sliders can move together along the lower surface of the slot toward the retracted or starting position. The lower and upper sliders can move multiple times in this cycle from the retracted / starting position or location to the disengagement position or location, the extended / end position, the intermediate / disengagement position or location, and back to the retracted / starting position or location to repeatedly move different products upwards and out of the container. In some embodiments, the operator controls the movement of the multi-stage slider assembly one cycle at a time via buttons or other input devices.

[0033] In one example, as described herein, a multi-stage slider assembly can use a single actuator to move the lower slider and the upper slider. For example, the actuator may be coupled to the lower slider and may be the sole component that operates or works in the manner described herein to move the lower slider and the upper slider, or any additional sliders provided. The actuator may be a hydraulic telescopic cylinder, a motor, etc. The actuator may be directly connected to one slider but not directly connected to the other. The actuator may push / pull or act on only one slider, which engages and moves the other slider between the multiple different stages described herein. Alternatively, multiple actuators may be used. In one embodiment, multiple actuators may be placed parallel to each other and operatively coupled to one or both sliders. In another embodiment, multiple actuators may be configured in series to apply force to one or both sliders.

[0034] Figure 3 A perspective view showing an example of a multi-level slider component. Figure 4 A first perspective view of a multi-stage slider assembly with the sidewalls removed from the view is shown. The multi-stage slider assembly can be placed inside a container, allowing products in the container to fall into or otherwise be placed in a slot. As described above, actuators can be used to push lower and upper sliders upward along the inclined lower surface of the slot to push products in the slot along the lower surface to the outlet. The actuators are shown as hydraulic cylinders that change length by extension and retraction. The actuators can extend in length to push the lower slider, which in turn pushes the upper slider, thereby moving the products upward along the slot to the outlet. The actuators can retract and shorten to pull the lower and upper sliders down the slot away from the outlet. Additional products can then fall into the slot, allowing the next cycle of slider movement to push these additional products out of the container to the outlet.

[0035] The sidewalls of groove 208 may each have a track 326 oriented parallel to the lower surface and positioned at a distal location on the sidewall away from the lower surface. The upper slider may be operatively coupled to the track. For example, the upper slider may be formed with a groove in which the track is disposed. The track may guide and / or restrict the position in which the upper slider may move. For example, the track may restrict the movement of the upper slider in a direction along or parallel to the track. The track may prevent the upper slider from moving in other directions, such as laterally and away from the lower surface of the groove.

[0036] Figure 5 Another perspective view shows an example of a multi-level slider assembly, with one sidewall and the lower surface of the slot removed, and the upper slider also removed. Figure 5 As shown, the actuator may only couple the lower slider. The actuator may not contact, engage, mate, or couple with the upper slider. The actuator may extend to push the lower slider or retract to pull the lower slider. As described above, the lower and upper sliders may slide relative to each other and may include components or structures that engage with each other to allow the lower slider to push the upper slider to an intermediate or disengaged position, while allowing the lower slider to continue being pushed into the slot while the upper slider remains stationary. These components may then also allow the lower slider to be pulled out of the slot and engage the upper slider, and then the upper slider to be pulled out of the slot.

[0037] Figure 6Another perspective view shows an example of an upper slider, a lower slider, and an actuator. The upper surface 632 of the lower slider may face the upper slider. During operation, the upper slider may rest against or slidably engage the upper surface of the lower slider. The lower slider may include an upper protrusion 634 extending from the upper surface toward the upper slider. This upper protrusion is shown as an elongated strip extending perpendicularly to the sidewall across the body of the lower slider, but optionally the upper protrusion may not extend across the entire body of the lower slider. The upper protrusion may have a generally rectangular shape, or in some embodiments may be a protrusion with a circular, square, triangular, or other shaped cross-section. As described below, when the lower slider is moved (e.g., pushed) by the actuator to cause movement of the lower slider, the upper protrusion of the lower slider may engage the front surface 400 of the upper slider. Figure 2 This also moves the upper slider. The upper slider may be provided with a mating latch 636 located at its end. The mating latch may be a hook-shaped structure and extend toward the lower slider.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, the side 640 of the lower slider may include one or more cuts 638 that form a step or notch on the side. The cuts may be present on both sides of the lower slider, or only on one side. The cuts may be adapted to receive the engaging arm 642 of the upper slider, thereby coupling the upper slider to the lower slider and allowing the sliders to move together along a portion of their travel up or down the groove. The engaging arm may be formed from a body extending from or protruding from the upper slider. The engaging arm may be a rod, pin, etc., whose shape can be received into the cut of the lower slider. The engaging arm may be integral with a mating latch. For example, when the actuator pulls the lower slider back into the groove toward the upper slider, the cut in the lower slider can receive the engaging arm of the upper slider. Continuous pulling of the lower slider by the actuator causes the upper slider and the lower slider to be pulled together down the groove toward the actuator.

[0039] Figure 7 A perspective view of the lower slider and sidewalls is shown. The lower and upper sliders may include one or more anti-jamming bodies 328 disposed in one or more areas where a gap exists between the slider and the slot. In the example shown, the anti-jamming body may be a plate disposed between opposite sides of the lower slider and the sidewalls of the slot. These plates can fill the gap between the slider and the sidewalls. Without these plates, a product (e.g., an anchor) may enter the gap and block or otherwise impede or prevent movement of the slider in the slot. The lower surface of the slot may include a drain hole or orifice 330. Figure 3 These drain holes or openings allow debris (such as dust, dirt, etc.) and / or moisture to drain or otherwise remove from the tank.

[0040] Figures 8A to 9BAn example of different movement phases of the lower and upper sliders during the operation of a multi-stage slider assembly is schematically illustrated. As shown, the lower and upper sliders can be hollow bodies with outer surfaces. For ease of description, Figure 8A and Figure 8B The image shows a lower slider and an upper slider without sides to observe the interlocking or engagement features within the hollow body of the upper slider. The operation of the multi-stage slider assembly can be a cyclic motion. At the initial or starting position of the cycle, sometimes referred to here as the fully retracted position, the outer guide surface 842 of the lower slider may be in front of the front of the upper slider. The front and outer guide surfaces may be surfaces that engage and push the product into the slot 208 and out of the container via the outlet. An actuator may actuate the inner guide surface 844 of the lower slider, which is opposite the outer guide surface of the lower slider. When the lower slider is actuated, the lower slider may move relative to the upper slider. For example, when the lower slider is actuated by the actuator, the upper slider may remain stationary in the slot, or when the lower slider is moved by the actuator from the initial or starting position of the cycle, the upper slider may move (e.g., due to friction between the sliders), but the upper slider moves slower or to a lesser extent than the lower slider.

[0041] The lower slider can move without the upper slider until the upper protrusion engages the front surface of the upper slider. For example, the lower slider can move relative to the upper slider until the upper protrusion of the lower slider engages the front surface of the upper slider, as shown. Figure 8A As shown. The upper protrusion can be referred to as the engagement surface because it can engage or contact the surface inside the upper slider. The front side of the upper slider can be referred to as the receiving surface because it can receive the engagement surface or the upper protrusion. Through the interaction between the upper protrusion and the front side of the upper slider, further pushing of the lower slider by the actuator can be converted into pushing of the upper slider. For example, once the upper protrusion and the front side of the upper slider are in contact, the continuous upward movement of the lower slider along the groove toward the outlet also pushes the upper slider upward along the groove until the lower and upper sliders reach the fully extended position of the operating cycle.

[0042] Now go to Figure 9A and 9B The operation of a multi-level slider assembly can have a return loop, whereby the lower slider and the upper slider travel from the full extension position of the loop to the initial or beginning position of the loop. Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the lower slider relative to the upper slider when in the fully extended position of the running cycle. In the fully extended position, only a small portion of the lower and upper sliders can overlap. For example, the overlapping portion of the lower slider relative to the upper slider may correspond to the size of the upper protrusion. For ease of description, in... Figure 9A and Figure 9BThe image depicts a lower slider and an upper slider with sides to illustrate mating or interlocking features formed on or coupled to the sides. For example, the lower slider may be provided with a notch or cutout formed on the side (e.g., a side panel). The upper slider may be provided with a latch, such as an engaging arm. When the multi-stage slider assembly is in its fully extended position, the distance between the cutout and the engaging arm is at its maximum length. As the multi-stage slider assembly begins to return the lower and upper sliders to the initial or starting position of the cycle, the distance between the cutout and the engaging arm decreases until contact is made between the engaging arm and the cutout. The contact between the engaging arm and the cutout couples the upper slider to the lower slider, thereby allowing forces from the actuator to be transmitted from the lower slider to the upper slider. Figure 9B The lower slider and upper slider in a coupled configuration are depicted. In the coupled configuration, the upper slider can overlap the lower slider by approximately the entire length of the upper slider body.

[0043] Now for reference Figure 10 The upper slider may be equipped with a travel stop 1000. The travel stop may take the form of a rod or plate extending vertically from the upper slider body. The travel stop may be positioned near the container's housing components or structure. The travel stop may be positioned to restrict the movement of the upper slider relative to the slot during the cyclic operation of the multi-stage slider assembly.

[0044] Now go to Figure 11A and 11B The upper slider can be a hollow body having sides forming the hollow body wall. The sides can be provided with guide rails 1102 formed along the length of the side. The guide rails can be adapted to be operably coupled to the side (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). The upper slider may be provided with one or more reinforcing plates. The reinforcing plates may be placed in the hollow body of the upper slider to provide structural strength and stiffness.

[0045] Now for reference Figure 12A and 12B The lower slider can be a hollow body having a side extending vertically from its upper surface. In some embodiments, the side extends from the upper surface toward the groove and toward the upper slider. The side may be provided with a cutout near the upper slider. The side may be provided with one or more support brackets 1200 located within the hollow body. The lower slider may include a bracket 1202 located within the hollow body near the inner guide surface. The bracket may be adapted to couple an actuator to the lower slider.

[0046] This document provides an assembly comprising: a first slider movable along a surface in a groove toward an outlet of the groove to move a product toward the outlet; a second slider engaged by the first slider as the first slider moves along the surface in the groove, the second slider being movable toward the outlet of the groove via the first slider; and an actuator movable along the surface toward the outlet of the groove to move the first slider. In some embodiments, the first slider may be located between the surface in the groove and the second slider. In some embodiments, the actuator may directly or indirectly engage the first slider to move the first slider. In some embodiments, the second slider may be engaged and moved by the first slider, and the second slider may be indirectly engaged by the actuator. In some embodiments, the first slider includes a first engagement surface that may contact a first receiving surface of the second slider to push the second slider toward the outlet of the groove. In some embodiments, the first slider includes a second receiving surface that may contact a second engagement surface of the second slider to pull the second slider away from the outlet of the groove. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a telescopic actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator is a single actuator, and both the first slider and the second slider may be moved by only a single actuator. In some embodiments, the surface of the trough is inclined upward, and the first slider and the second slider can move upward along the surface toward the outlet of the trough to push the product toward the outlet.

[0047] A method is provided herein, comprising: moving a first slider along a surface in a tank toward an outlet of the tank; engaging a second slider with the first slider as the first slider moves along the surface; moving both the first and second sliders along the surface after the second slider has engaged with the first slider; and moving a product in the tank toward the outlet using the first and second sliders. In some embodiments, moving the first slider includes moving the first slider between the second slider and the surface. In some embodiments, moving the first slider includes directly or indirectly engaging the first slider with an actuator for moving the first slider. In some embodiments, moving the first and second sliders includes moving the first slider further along the surface than the second slider. In some embodiments, moving the first slider includes moving the first slider along the surface in a first direction, and moving the first and second sliders includes moving the first and second sliders along the surface in a first direction, and further includes moving the first and second sliders along the surface in a second direction after moving the product toward the outlet.

[0048] This document provides a system having a groove, comprising: a groove having a ramped surface leading to an outlet of the groove, the groove being shaped to receive a product shaped to move from the groove through the outlet; a single actuator; and a dual slider assembly operably coupled to the groove, the assembly including a lower slider movable along the ramped surface in the groove toward the outlet of the groove to move the product toward the outlet; an upper slider engaged by the lower slider as the lower slider moves along the ramped surface, the upper slider being movable toward the outlet of the groove by the lower slider; and an actuator capable of pushing the lower slider toward the outlet of the groove along the ramped surface and pulling the lower slider away from the outlet of the groove along the ramped surface. In some embodiments, the upper slider may be indirectly engaged and moved by the actuator via the lower slider. In some embodiments, the lower slider includes a front receiving surface that may contact a rear engaging surface of the upper slider to push the upper slider toward the outlet of the groove. In some embodiments, the lower slider includes a rear receiving surface that may contact the front engaging surface of the upper slider to pull the upper slider away from the outlet of the groove. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a telescopic actuator. In some embodiments, the component can move one or more track anchors, ballast material, or track spikes in the slot toward the outlet.

[0049] The phrases “one or more of…”, “one or more of…”, “at least one of…”, and “at least one of…” are used to indicate that only a single item is associated with the phrase, at least one of each item associated with the phrase, or multiple items of any or each item associated with the phrase. For example, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” can all mean (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, (3) at least one C, (4) at least one A and at least one B, (5) at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C, (6) at least one B and at least one C, or (7) at least one A and at least one C.

[0050] As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular form beginning with the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plural of said elements or steps unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention do not exclude the existence of other embodiments incorporating the described features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" elements or multiple elements having a particular attribute may also include other such elements that do not have that attribute. In the appended claims, the terms "comprise" and "wherein" are equivalent in meaning to the terms "comprise" and "wherein," respectively.

[0051] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this subject matter, without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein define parameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are merely exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the scope of this subject matter should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0052] This specification discloses, through examples, various embodiments of the subject matter, including best practices, and enables those skilled in the art to implement embodiments of the subject matter, including making and using any associated apparatus or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims and may include other examples conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A component for product transportation, comprising: A first slider is configured to move along a surface in a groove toward an outlet of the groove to move a product toward the outlet, wherein the first slider includes an engagement surface located at an end of the first slider; A second slider is configured to engage with the engagement surface of the first slider when the first slider moves along the surface in the groove, and the second slider is configured to move toward the outlet of the groove via the engagement surface of the first slider; as well as An actuator is configured to move the first slider along the surface toward the outlet of the groove.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The first slider is configured to be located between the surface in the groove and the second slider.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is configured to engage the first slider directly or indirectly to move the first slider.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The second slider is configured to engage and move with the first slider, and the second slider is configured to engage indirectly with the actuator.

5. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The first slider includes a first engagement surface configured to contact a first receiving surface of the second slider to push the second slider toward the outlet of the slot.

6. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The first slider includes a second receiving surface configured to contact a second engaging surface of the second slider to pull the second slider away from the outlet of the groove.

7. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator includes a telescopic actuator.

8. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is a single actuator, and both the first slider and the second slider are configured to be moved by only a single actuator.

9. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the groove is inclined upward, and the first slider and the second slider are configured to move upward along the surface toward the outlet of the groove to push the product toward the outlet.

10. A method for transporting products, comprising: The first slider moves along the surface in the groove toward the outlet of the groove; As the first slider moves along the surface, the second slider engages with the engagement surface of the first slider located at its end. After the second slider engages with the engagement surface of the first slider, both the first slider and the second slider are moved along the surface; as well as The product in the tank is moved toward the outlet using the first slider and the second slider.

Images