Carrying device for articles

Abstract

The utility model relates to a carrying device (1) for articles. The handling device (1) comprises two layer forming systems (50) and a palletizing system (3), the palletizing system (3) comprising a transfer station (14) and a loading station (16). The handling device (1) further comprises a receiving element (40) having at least one tray layer receiving location (18), which receiving element (40) creates / forms a transport connection between the layer forming system (50) and the transfer station (14) of the palletizing system (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a transporting device for transporting articles or single pieces of cargo. Background Art

[0002] In known packaging and palletizing systems, articles, packages and individual pieces are transported on transport rails and are shifted or aligned in a suitable manner in order to produce the desired layer image and can then be stacked to form pallets.

[0003] Typically, a grouping system with one or more robots is connected upstream of the actual palletizing system. The palletizing system loads the pallets in multiple layers, with the layers being formed by the grouping system.

[0004] In known palletizing devices and palletizing methods, continuous, gapless or gap-interrupted rows of articles, piece goods or bundles are fed to at least one grouping station with at least one robot via one, two or more parallel transport tracks. These rows of articles, piece goods or bundles are rotated and moved by one or more robots in such a way that they form stackable and / or palletizable layers, which are then transferred to a palletizing device for stacking and / or layer formation.

[0005] Such a palletizing device comprises at least one transfer station, which is usually located upstream of the loading station and is preferably vertically adjustable so that, in conjunction with the loading station, it is able to deposit a single, complete layer of articles to the desired height on a stacking location (e.g., a pallet). Several such transfer stations can also be arranged one after the other, ultimately connected to at least one loading station. Since each vertical movement of each transfer station requires time, the limiting factor in the performance of such a machine is usually not the actual palletizing, but rather the creation of the layer and its transfer and vertical positioning from the grouping station to the actual storage location. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of the utility model is to optimize the handling of articles or individual pieces of cargo, in particular to optimize the stacking of articles or individual pieces of cargo with respect to time requirements and space requirements.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a transport device for transporting articles or single pieces of cargo as described below.

[0008] The utility model relates to a handling device for articles or piece goods, comprising two layer forming systems and a palletizing system comprising a transfer station and a loading station. In addition, a receiving element having at least one pallet layer receiving position is provided, which generates or forms a conveying connection between the layer forming system and the transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0009] In particular, two layer forming systems are provided, each supplying a layer of articles or piece goods to a transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0010] Preferably, the article or piece of goods is formed by a packaging unit comprising a plurality of beverage containers, such as a bundle in which the plurality of beverage containers are combined together by a packaging device. The packaging device may be, for example, a strapping tape, an outer packaging of shrink film, a carton or the like.

[0011] In each case, the layer forming system comprises in particular a grouping module equipped with at least one robot or another suitable handling device. The robot can be formed, for example, by a tripod with suitable gripping elements or by an articulated arm robot with suitable gripping elements or the like.

[0012] In each case, articles or piece goods are fed to the grouping modules of the two-layer forming system via at least one transport device in one transport direction. In this case, articles or piece goods can be fed in a single track, multi-track, mass flow, etc.

[0013] In each case, a corresponding handling device removes one or more articles or individual items from a feeder according to a predetermined scheme and thereby produces a palletizable layer arrangement from a plurality of articles or individual items.

[0014] The layer forming system may further comprise a pre-grouping module arranged downstream of the grouping module, wherein a finished pallet layer is produced from the palletizable layer arrangement. For example, each grouping module may be assigned a first pre-grouping and a second pre-grouping.

[0015] The first pre-groupings are each equipped with a stop element arranged transversely to the transport direction, for example. The palletizable layer arrangement formed in one of the grouping modules is moved against the corresponding stop element of the first pre-grouping in order to stack the articles or individual pieces in the transport direction, thereby eliminating gaps between the articles or individual pieces of the palletizable layer arrangement in the transport direction.

[0016] The stacked palletizable layers can then be fed to a second pre-grouping. The second pre-grouping in each case comprises a centering system which pushes the stacked palletizable layers together transversely to the transport direction and, in the process, pushes together the gaps formed between the articles or individual pieces of the palletizable layers transversely to the transport direction, in order to produce a finished pallet layer.

[0017] Furthermore, the second pre-grouping can be equipped with a sliding element in order to transfer the completed pallet layer to a receiving element arranged downstream in the transport direction. In particular, the completed pallet layer is pushed onto the downstream receiving element.

[0018] In particular, the sliding elements of the second pregroup are configured to be conveyable.Preferably, only after completion by pivoting or lowering the pallet layer do the sliding elements come into contact with the rear side of the pallet layer in order to push it through the receiving element in the transport direction.

[0019] When it comes to the formation of pallet layers, this also includes embodiments in which individual pieces of goods are additionally stacked one above the other in at least two layers. In particular, it is possible to form so-called tandem layers within the layer forming system, wherein the articles of the layer system are stacked one above the other in two layers, and the tandem layers thus formed are palletized such that the layer stack formed in the palletizing system increases by two layers in each palletizing step.

[0020] The receiving element includes at least one pallet layer receiving position. The receiving element is configured to receive a pallet layer from one of the layer forming systems. Furthermore, the receiving element is configured to transfer the received pallet layer to a transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0021] In particular, in a first operating mode, the receiving element is configured to transfer a pallet layer produced in the first layer forming system to a transfer station of the palletizing system. Furthermore, in a second operating mode, the receiving element is configured to transfer a pallet layer produced in the second layer forming system to a transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a first operating mode, the receiving element is configured to receive a pallet layer produced in the first layer forming system and simultaneously or substantially simultaneously transfer a pallet layer produced in the second layer forming system to a transfer station of the palletizing system. Furthermore, the receiving element of this embodiment is configured to receive a pallet layer produced in the second layer forming system and simultaneously or substantially simultaneously transfer a pallet layer produced in the first layer forming system to a transfer station of the palletizing system in a second operating mode.

[0023] To achieve this, the receiving element is configured, for example, as a shuttle element with two tray-level receiving positions, the operating principle of which will be described in more detail below.

[0024] In this case, the pallet layer receiving locations can be configured, for example, as transport surfaces which can be moved independently of one another.

[0025] The receiving element designed as a shuttle element is preferably designed to be movable transversely to the production direction of the handling device, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the articles and piece goods or pallet layers within the handling device.

[0026] For example, the shuttle element is arranged on a rail system (19) formed transversely to the transport direction. The rail system extends in particular transversely to the transport direction or production direction of the handling device. The receiving element configured as a shuttle element can include a carriage rail or a moving roller, by which the receiving element is movably arranged on the rail system.

[0027] According to one embodiment, each of the two pallet layer receiving locations comprises a centering element arrangement, each centering element arrangement preferably centering the pallet layer arranged at the corresponding pallet layer receiving location on all sides, thereby determining and / or fixing the relative positioning of the articles or individual pieces of cargo within the pallet layer. In particular, this ensures that the articles or individual pieces of cargo within the pallet layer do not shift relative to each other or in other undesirable ways.

[0028] The corresponding arrangement of centering elements is formed in particular by at least one stop element extending forward in the transport direction and one sliding element extending rearward in the transport direction, which cooperate for layer centering. Additional transverse elements arranged parallel to the transport direction are preferably included in the arrangement of centering elements.

[0029] In this embodiment, it is preferably provided that, in a first operating mode, the first pallet layer receiving position is aligned with the first layer forming system, while simultaneously in the first operating mode, the second pallet layer receiving position is aligned with the palletizing system. Furthermore, in a second operating mode, the first pallet layer receiving position is aligned with the palletizing system, while simultaneously the second pallet layer receiving position is aligned with the second layer forming system.

[0030] The pallet layers are transferred from a receiving element configured as a shuttle element to a transfer station of the palletizing system, wherein the respective pallet layer is arranged aligned with the transfer station.

[0031] The transfer station is substantially centrally located between the first alignment of the first layer forming system and the second alignment of the second layer forming system.

[0032] In particular, two layer forming systems operate the transfer station alternately.

[0033] The transfer station is used in particular to prepare the pallet layers relative to the height level required to push them onto the pallet. This height level depends in particular on the number of pallet layers already stacked one above the other on the pallet. For this purpose, the transfer station comprises, for example, a height-adjustable loading plate, in particular a loading plate arranged on lifting columns (not shown).

[0034] In the loading station of the palletizing system, the pallet layer arranged at the appropriate height is transferred onto the pallet or the uppermost layer of a stack of partial layers already arranged on the pallet.

[0035] The finished pallet, which has a layer stack consisting of a plurality of pallet layers stacked one on top of the other, is then transported away in the transport direction by suitable transport means. For example, the finished pallet can be fed to a wrapping module or the like, where it is wrapped with stretch film in order to protect the layer stack arranged on the pallet during further transport to the end customer or the like.

[0036] The loading station can also include an intermediate layer inserter in order to arrange an intermediate layer on the pallet layer in each case after the pallet layer has been arranged on the pallet in the loading station or the uppermost layer of the partial layer stack has been arranged on the pallet. The intermediate layer serves in particular to ensure the stability of the pallet layer and the layer stack to be formed. Before the first pallet layer is placed on the pallet, the bottom layer can also be placed on the pallet with the aid of the intermediate layer inserter. In addition, the top layer can be applied to the finished layer stack. In this case, the bottom layer and / or the top layer can consist of the same material as the intermediate layer. Alternatively, these can be configured in other ways. In this case, the intermediate layer inserter can be equipped with different magazines with corresponding stacks on the bottom layer, top layer and intermediate layer.

[0037] The layer forming systems are preferably operated in a time-shifted manner such that the palletizing system is alternately provided with pallet layers from the first layer forming system and the second layer forming system.

[0038] In this case, the pallet layer is moved transversely to the transport direction by a shuttle element equipped with two layer receiving positions to a corresponding position, from which it can be transferred in the transport direction to a transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0039] When a pallet layer arranged at a corresponding position on the shuttle element is transferred from the shuttle element to the transfer station, another pallet layer has been transferred from a corresponding further layer forming system to a corresponding free pallet layer receiving position of the shuttle element.

[0040] By moving the shuttle element, the shuttle element is transferred in each case from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, whereby the handling device switches back and forth between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0041] In a first operating mode, the receiving element or shuttle element receives a pallet layer from the first layer forming system. Simultaneously, the pallet layer produced in the second layer forming system is transferred to the transfer station of the palletizing system. In a second operating mode, the receiving element receives a pallet layer from the second layer forming system. Simultaneously, the pallet layer produced in the first layer forming system is transferred to the transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0042] If one of the two layer forming systems fails, the palletizing system can continue to operate, albeit at a reduced speed. The pallet layers produced in the active layer forming system are moved via receiving elements to the transfer station of the palletizing system. Therefore, if a layer forming system fails, production does not have to stop completely.

[0043] A key factor in the palletizing process is the provision of finished pallet layers at the palletizing system's transfer station. By alternately feeding pallet layers from two different layer-forming systems to the transfer station via receiving elements, the second transfer station can be eliminated while maintaining the same throughput, thus reducing the handling equipment's footprint. Furthermore, the elimination of the second transfer station reduces the number of robots and corresponding lifting mechanisms required. This reduces system costs and maintenance.

[0044] The handling device can also advantageously be used to produce mixed pallets as finished pallets. In particular, it can be provided that a first pallet layer is produced from a first article in a first layer forming system, while a second pallet layer is produced from a second article in a second layer forming system. The corresponding layer stack will accordingly be formed from alternating first and second pallet layers.

[0045] Furthermore, a method for handling articles or piece loads, in particular for palletizing articles or piece loads in a device for handling articles or piece loads as described above, is described. In this method, a receiving element is provided for receiving a pallet layer from one of the layer forming systems, and the pallet layer is transferred from the receiving element to a transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0046] Particularly preferably, in a first operating mode, the receiving element receives the pallet layers produced in the first layer forming system and simultaneously transfers the pallet layers produced in the second layer forming system to the transfer station of the palletizing system. Furthermore, in a second operating mode, the receiving element receives the pallet layers produced in the second layer forming system and transfers the pallet layers produced in the first layer forming system to the transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0047] The parallel arrangement of the layer forming systems allows the operator good access to the infeed paths of items and piece goods, the robotic modules of the layer forming systems, etc.

[0048] In all described embodiments, the packaging equipment can be scaled to the required power by increasing the number of feed paths and robots, etc.

[0049] Since the grouping modules of the layer-forming system work and are arranged independently of one another, there is also no danger of the robots' workspaces overlapping, thereby hindering the handling of items or individual pieces of cargo.

[0050] It should be explicitly mentioned here that all aspects and embodiments explained in conjunction with the handling device according to the present invention also relate to or can be part of the method. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or connections and / or effects are mentioned at a certain point in the description of the device according to the present invention, these also apply to the described method. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in conjunction with the method also relate to or can be part of the handling device according to the present invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or contexts and / or effects are mentioned at a certain point in the description of the method, these also apply to the handling device according to the present invention.

[0051] The subsequent embodiments summarize some aspects previously explained in different implementation variants and further specify some aspects. However, these should not be considered as contradictory to the embodiments already given, but rather as summaries. In case of doubt, more specific implementation variants and / or modifications should be considered where appropriate. Thus, as described above, the handling device according to the present invention can include, for example, two parallel grouping modules that supply a palletizing system.

[0052] Each of these grouping modules preferably comprises a robot which can be formed, for example, by a tripod with suitable gripping elements (ie by a parallel kinematics robot) or by an articulated-arm robot with suitable gripping elements or the like.

[0053] In each case, articles or piece loads can be supplied to the grouping modules via at least one transport device in a defined transport direction. Thus, for example, a dual-track supply of articles or piece loads to each grouping module can be provided, in particular via two parallel transport devices in each case. A corresponding robot can remove one or more articles or piece loads from one of the respective transport devices assigned to the grouping modules, alternatingly or according to a predetermined schedule, and can form a palletizable layer arrangement from a plurality of articles or piece loads.

[0054] Each grouping module can preferably be assigned a first pre-grouping, which can in each case be expediently provided with a stop element.

[0055] The palletizable layer arrangement formed in one of the grouping modules can be moved against the corresponding stop plate, in particular in the corresponding downstream first pre-grouping, so that the items or individual pieces of goods forming the palletizable layer arrangement are stacked in the transport direction, thereby eliminating the gaps formed between the palletizable layer arrangements or individual pieces of goods in the transport direction.

[0056] The stacked palletizable layers can then be fed to a second pre-grouping. The second pre-grouping in each case comprises a centering system which pushes the stacked palletizable layers together transversely to the transport direction and, in the process, pushes together the gaps formed between the articles or individual pieces of the palletizable layers transversely to the transport direction, in order to produce a finished pallet layer.

[0057] Furthermore, each second pre-group can be equipped with a sliding element to transfer the completed pallet layer to a receiving element, which is arranged downstream in the direction of transport and is, for example, configured as a shuttle element. In particular, the completed pallet layer can be pushed onto the downstream shuttle element. The sliding element can be configured to be conveyable. Furthermore, it can be useful if the sliding element only comes into contact with the rear side of the respective pallet layer after it is completed, by pivoting or lowering, in order to push it past the receiving or shuttle element in the direction of transport.

[0058] For example, a receiving element configured as a shuttle element can be specifically configured to be movable transversely to the transport direction. For example, the shuttle element can be arranged on a rail system oriented transversely to the transport direction. The receiving element configured as a shuttle element can include, for example, two levels of receiving locations. In this case, the level of receiving locations can be configured, for example, as transport surfaces that can be moved independently of one another.

[0059] Furthermore, it can be provided that each layer position is equipped with centering elements, which preferably center the palletizing layer arranged at the corresponding layer position on all sides, so that the relative positioning of the articles or individual pieces of goods within the pallet layer can be determined and / or fixed, or it is ensured that the articles or individual pieces of goods within the pallet layer cannot move relative to each other or in another undesirable manner.

[0060] The corresponding arrangement of centering elements is particularly formed by at least one stop element extending forward in the transport direction and one sliding element extending backward in the transport direction, which can cooperate for layer centering. Further transverse elements arranged parallel to the transport direction are preferably included in the arrangement of centering elements.

[0061] The corresponding pallet layer is transferred from the shuttle element to the palletizing system formed by the transfer station and the loading station. In particular, the pallet layer can be transferred to the transfer station, and the pallet layer is arranged in a first alignment with the transfer station.

[0062] The transfer station can be arranged in particular centrally between a first alignment formed by the grouping module, the first pre-grouping and the second pre-grouping, and a second alignment formed by the grouping module, the first pre-grouping and the second pre-grouping. This can be particularly useful if the two grouping modules operate or supply the transfer station alternately. The transfer station is particularly used to prepare the pallet layer relative to the height level required for pushing it onto the pallet.

[0063] The height level depends in particular on the number of pallet layers that have been stacked one above the other on the pallet.For this purpose, the transfer station comprises, for example, a height-adjustable loading plate, in particular a loading plate that is arranged on lifting columns.

[0064] The pallet layer arranged at the appropriate height can then be transferred in the loading station to the pallet or to the uppermost layer of a stack of partial layers already arranged on the pallet. The loading station can also have lifting columns in order to adjust the height of the pallet.

[0065] The finished pallet with a layer stack, consisting of a plurality of pallet layers stacked one on top of the other, is then transported away in the transport direction by suitable transport means. For example, the finished pallet can be fed to a winding module, where the finished pallet with the layer stack is wrapped with stretch film in order to protect the layer stack during further transport to the end customer, etc.

[0066] The loading station can also include an intermediate layer inserter to place an intermediate layer on the pallet layer after the pallet layer has been placed on the pallet in the loading station or after the uppermost layer of a partial layer stack has been placed on the pallet. The intermediate layer serves in particular to ensure the stability of the pallet layer and the layer stack to be formed. Before the first pallet layer is placed on the pallet, the bottom layer can also be placed on the pallet with the aid of the intermediate layer inserter.

[0067] Furthermore, the top layer can be applied to the finished layer stack. In this case, the bottom layer and / or the top layer can be made of the same material as the middle layer. Alternatively, these can be configured in other ways. In this case, the middle layer inserter can be provided with different magazines, in particular with corresponding stacks for the bottom layer, the top layer, and the middle layer.

[0068] The operating mode of a handling device equipped with a shuttle element will be explained in more detail below. The grouping modules can be operated in a time-shifted manner, so that the palletizing system is always supplied with pallet layers that are prepared alternately in the first and second grouping modules. In this case, the pallet layers are moved transversely to the transport direction to the corresponding positions, in particular by a shuttle element equipped with two layer receiving positions, from which they can be transferred in the transport direction to a transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0069] When a pallet layer arranged at a corresponding position on the shuttle element is transferred from the shuttle element to the transfer station, another pallet layer has been transferred from another layer forming system to a corresponding free layer receiving position of the shuttle element.

[0070] At a first time (t0), in which the palletizable layer arrangement prepared in the upper grouping module has been pushed to the pallet layer in the assigned second pre-grouping module, the palletizable layer arrangement prepared in the lower grouping module is just being transferred to the assigned first pre-grouping module.

[0071] In the first working mode, the shuttle element is in a first working position, wherein the first layer receiving position is arranged in a first alignment. On the other hand, the second layer receiving position is arranged in a third alignment, which can be formed by the transfer station and the loading station forming the palletizing system.

[0072] A full pallet layer centered on all sides can be located on the second level receiving location, while an empty pallet can be located in the loading station.

[0073] A further time sequence will be explained below, with particular reference to times t1 to t4. During this further time sequence, the shuttle element remains in the first operating position in each case. The palletizing layer arrangement and the movement of the completed pallet layer belong to this time sequence. The completed pallet layer in the upper second pre-grouping is transferred to the first layer receiving position of the shuttle element by means of a movement in the first alignment.

[0074] At the same time, the finished pallet layer arranged on the second-level receiving position is transferred to the transfer station of the palletizing system through the movement in the third alignment.Then, the pallet layer arranged in the transfer station is transferred to the pallet in the loading station.

[0075] At the same time, the palletizable layer arrangement prepared in the lower grouping module and stacked in the transport direction in the assigned first pre-grouping by movements within the second alignment is transferred to the assigned second pre-grouping and pushed together there by the centering system to form the finished pallet layer.

[0076] The shuttle element can be moved in a direction transverse to the transport direction, thereby transferring the shuttle element to a second operating mode, in particular to a second operating position. The second operating position is characterized in that the second-level receiving position is arranged in a second alignment. On the other hand, the first-level receiving position is aligned with the third level.

[0077] Therefore, the pallet layer that is arranged on the first layer receiving position and is assembled by the upper grouping system is palletized subsequently.In particular, this pallet layer is arranged on the pallet layer that has been arranged on the pallet in the loading station subsequently.

[0078] In the handling device described here, in particular, a pallet layer centered on all sides is transferred to the palletizing system via a shuttle element, wherein pallet layers assembled in the upper grouping system and pallet layers assembled in the lower grouping system are usually used alternately. In this case, the shuttle element oscillates between two working positions.

[0079] In the first working position, the shuttle element can receive the pallet layer from the upper grouping system and transfer the pallet layer produced in the lower grouping system to the transfer station of the palletizing system. In the second working position, the shuttle element can receive the pallet layer from the lower grouping system and transfer the pallet layer produced in the upper grouping system to the transfer station of the palletizing system.

[0080] If one of the two grouping systems fails, the palletizing system can continue to operate, albeit at a reduced speed. The palletizable layers produced in the working grouping system are pushed together in the assigned first and second pre-groups to form the finished pallet layer and moved to the transfer station of the palletizing system by means of a shuttle element. Thus, if one grouping system fails, production does not have to be completely stopped by the multiple grouping systems.

[0081] Alternatively, shrink bundles or other individual items can be fed to each grouping system in three parallel rows by at least one suitable transport device. Such shrink bundles can consist of a defined number of, for example, six bottles, which can be combined into a corresponding packaging unit by shrink film.

[0082] To produce a palletizable layer arrangement, the grouping system can include a suitable robot in each case, but multiple robots can be connected in parallel or in series. Furthermore, a rail system can be provided, which can extend, in particular, transversely to the transport direction. The shuttle element can be movably arranged on this rail system and can be moved between the first and second working positions via the rail system.

[0083] The limiting factor in palletizing is often the supply of finished pallet layers to the transfer station of the palletizing system. By alternately feeding pallet layers from two different grouping systems to the transfer station via shuttle elements, the second transfer station can be omitted for the same throughput, thus reducing the overall space required by the handling system (the so-called footprint). Since the second transfer station can be omitted, the number of robots and the corresponding lifting mechanisms can be reduced.

[0084] This handling device can be used to produce finished pallets from mixed pallets. In particular, it is possible to provide a first pallet layer formed from a first article in one grouping system, and a second pallet layer formed from a second article in another grouping system. The corresponding layer stack is then formed from alternating first and second pallet layers.

[0085] The parallel arrangement of the layer-forming systems allows the user good access to the infeed paths or transport devices, robot modules, in particular grouping modules and pre-grouping of items and piece goods.

[0086] In another embodiment of the handling device according to the invention, two layer forming systems, each consisting of a grouping module, a first pre-grouping, and a second pre-grouping, and a palletizing system including a transfer station and a loading station can form a T-shaped arrangement. A receiving element can be arranged between the two layer forming systems, which are each aligned with opposite production directions, and a conveying connection can be created or formed between the layer forming systems and the transfer stations of the palletizing systems.

[0087] In a first operating mode, the receiving element can be configured to receive a pallet layer produced in the first layer forming system and transfer it to the transfer station of the palletizing system. Furthermore, in a second operating mode, the receiving element can be configured to receive a pallet layer produced in the second layer forming system and transfer it to the transfer station of the palletizing system. Once the pallet layer produced in the second layer forming system has been transferred to the transfer station, the receiving element is again ready to receive a pallet layer produced in the first layer forming system.

[0088] In all the described embodiments, the packaging plant can be expanded to the required power by increasing the number of feed paths and the number of robots used. Since the grouping modules are operated and arranged independently of each other, there is no risk of overlapping robot workspaces and thus no risk of obstructing the handling of items or individual goods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] In the following, embodiments of the present invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The size ratios of the individual elements in the drawings do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged compared to other elements for better illustration.

[0090] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the transport device according to the present invention is shown.

[0091] Figures 2 to 8 Shown according to Figure 1 The operating mode of the handling device.

[0092] Figure 9 Another embodiment of a transport device is shown.

[0093] Figure 10 Another handling device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The same reference numerals are used for elements of the present invention that are identical or have the same effect. For clarity, only reference numerals necessary to illustrate the relevant figures are shown in the figures. The depicted embodiments are merely examples of how the apparatus or method of the present invention may be designed and are not intended to be definitive limitations.

[0095] Figure 1 The schematic top view of FIG shows a first embodiment of a handling device 1 according to the invention. This comprises two parallel grouping modules 2 , 2 - 1 , 2 - 2 which supply a palletizing system 3 .

[0096] Each of the grouping modules 2, 2-1, 2-2 comprises a manipulator 4, 4-1, 4-2, which may be formed, for example, by a tripod 5 with suitable gripping elements or by an articulated-arm robot with suitable gripping elements or the like.

[0097] In each case, articles or piece loads are fed to the grouping modules 2, 2-1, 2-2 in a transport direction TR via at least one transport device 6. In the embodiment shown, articles or piece loads are fed to each grouping module 2, 2-1, 2-2 in a dual-track manner, in particular via two parallel transport devices 6-1a, 6-1b, 6-2a and 6-2b in each case.

[0098] The respective robots 4 , 4 - 1 , 4 - 2 remove one or more articles or piece goods alternately or according to a predetermined scheme from one of the respective transport devices 6 assigned to the grouping module 2 and thereby create a palletizable layer arrangement 20 from a plurality of articles or piece goods.

[0099] Each of the grouping modules 2 , 2 - 1 , 2 - 2 is assigned a first pre-grouping 7 , 7 - 1 , 7 - 2 , which is in each case equipped with a stop element 8 .

[0100] The palletizable layer arrangement 20 formed in one of the grouping modules 2, in particular in the corresponding downstream first pre-grouping 7, is moved against the corresponding stop plate 8 so as to stack the items or individual pieces of goods forming the palletizable layer arrangement 20 in the transport direction TR, thereby removing the gaps formed between the items or individual pieces of goods in the palletizable layer arrangement 20 in the transport direction TR.

[0101] Subsequently, the stacked palletizable layer arrangements 20 in the transport direction TR are fed to a second pre-grouping 9, 9-1, 9-2 in each case. Each of the second pre-groupings 9, 9-1, 9-2 comprises in particular a centering system 10 which pushes together the stacked palletizable layer arrangements 20 transversely to the transport direction TR and thereby pushes together the gaps formed between the articles or individual loads of the palletizable layer arrangements 20 transversely to the transport direction TR, in order to produce a finished pallet layer 21.

[0102] Furthermore, each second pre-group 9 is equipped with a sliding element 11 for transferring the finished pallet layer 21 to a receiving element 40 which is arranged downstream in the transport direction TR and is in this case configured as a shuttle element 12. In particular, the finished pallet layer 21 is pushed onto the downstream shuttle element 12.

[0103] The sliding element 11 of the second pre-group 9-2 is indicated by a dashed line (broken line). It should be emphasized that the sliding element 11 is designed to be particularly transportable. In particular, it is provided that only after the completion of the pallet layer 21, the sliding element 11 is brought into contact with the rear side of the pallet layer 21 by pivoting or lowering the pallet layer 21 in order to slide the latter onto the shuttle element 12 in the transport direction TR.

[0104] The receiving element 40, which is configured as a shuttle element 12, is movable transversely to the transport direction TR; for example, the shuttle element 12 is arranged on a rail system 19 (not shown) formed transversely to the transport direction TR. The receiving element 40, which is configured as a shuttle element 12, includes two level receiving locations 18-1 and 18-2. In this case, the level receiving locations 18-1, 18-2 can be configured, for example, as transport surfaces that can be moved independently of each other.

[0105] Furthermore, each layer position 18-1, 18-2 comprises an arrangement with a centering element 13, which preferably centers the palletizing layer 21 arranged at the respective layer position 18-1, 18-2 on all sides, thereby determining and / or fixing the relative positioning of the articles or individual pieces of goods within the pallet layer 21, or ensuring that the articles or individual pieces of goods within the pallet layer 21 do not move relative to each other or in another undesirable manner.

[0106] The corresponding arrangement on the centering element 13 is formed in particular by at least one stop element extending forward in the transport direction TR and one sliding element extending backward in the transport direction, which cooperate to achieve layer centering. Additional transverse elements arranged parallel to the transport direction TR are preferably included in the arrangement of the centering element 13.

[0107] The respective pallet layer 21 is transferred from the shuttle element 12 into the palletizing system 3 formed by the transfer station 14 and the loading station 16 ; in particular, the pallet layer 21 is transferred into the transfer station 14 , the pallet layer 21 being arranged in alignment with the transfer station 14 .

[0108] The transfer station 14 is located substantially in the center between the first alignment F1 formed by the grouping module 2-1, the first pre-grouping 7-1 and the second pre-grouping 9-1 and the second alignment F2 formed by the grouping module 2-2, the first pre-grouping 7-2 and the second pre-grouping 9-2.

[0109] In particular, the two grouping modules 2 - 1 , 2 - 2 alternately operate the transfer station 14 . The transfer station 14 is used in particular to prepare the pallet layer 21 relative to the height level required for pushing it onto the pallet 30 .

[0110] The height level depends in particular on the number of pallet layers 21 which have been stacked one above the other on the pallet 30. For this purpose, the transfer station 14 comprises, for example, a height-adjustable loading plate 15, in particular a loading plate 15 arranged on lifting columns 34.

[0111] The pallet layer 21 arranged at the appropriate height is then transferred in the loading station 16 onto the pallet 30 or the uppermost layer of a partial layer stack already arranged on the pallet 30. The loading station 16 may also have lifting columns 36 to enable the height of the pallet 30 to be set and adjusted.

[0112] The finished pallet 31 with the layer stack 22 located thereon, which consists of a plurality of pallet layers 21 stacked one above the other, is then transported away in the transport direction TR by suitable transport means. For example, the finished pallet 31 can be fed to a winding module (not shown), wherein the finished pallet 31 with the layer stack 22 is wrapped with a stretch film in order to protect the layer stack 22 during further transport to the end customer or the like.

[0113] The loading station 16 may also comprise an intermediate layer inserter (not shown) in order to arrange an intermediate layer on the pallet layer 21 in each case after the pallet layer 21 has been arranged on the pallet 30 in the loading station 16 or the uppermost layer of a partial layer stack has been arranged on the pallet 30. The intermediate layer serves in particular to safeguard the stability of the pallet layer 21 and of the layer stack 22 to be formed.

[0114] Before the first pallet layer 21 is arranged on the pallet 30 , a bottom layer can also be arranged on the pallet 30 by means of an intermediate layer inserter. Furthermore, a top layer can be applied to the finished layer stack 22 .

[0115] In this case, the optional bottom layer and / or the optional top layer can be made of the same material as the middle layer. Alternatively, the bottom layer and / or the top layer can be configured in other ways. In this case, the middle layer inserter can be provided with different magazines, in particular with corresponding stacking on the bottom layer, the top layer, and the middle layer.

[0116] Refer to the following Figures 2 to 8 Detailed explanation based on Figure 1 The operating mode of the handling device 1 equipped with the shuttle element 12.

[0117] The grouping modules 2 - 1 , 2 - 2 are operated in a time-shifted manner, so that the palletizing system 3 is in each case provided with pallet layers 21 which are prepared alternately in the first grouping module 2 - 1 and the second grouping module 2 - 2 .

[0118] In this case, the pallet layer 21 is moved via a shuttle element 12 equipped with two layer receiving positions 18 - 1 , 18 - 2 transversely to the transport direction TR to a corresponding position from which it can be transferred in the transport direction TR to the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3 .

[0119] When the tray layer 21 arranged at the corresponding position on the shuttle element 12 is transferred from the shuttle element 12 to the transfer station 14 , another tray layer 21 has been transferred from another layer forming system to the corresponding free layer receiving position 18 - 1 or 18 - 2 of the shuttle element 12 .

[0120] Figure 2 The schematic top view shows the time t0 at which the palletizable layer arrangement prepared in the upper grouping module 2-1 has been pushed to the pallet layer 21a in the assigned second pre-grouping module 9-1. Conversely, the palletizable layer arrangement 20c prepared in the lower grouping module 2-2 is transferred to the assigned first pre-grouping module 7-2.

[0121] In the first operating mode, the shuttle element 12 is located in the first operating position AP1, wherein the first level receiving position 18-1 is arranged in the first alignment F1. On the other hand, the second level receiving position 18-2 is arranged in alignment with the third alignment F3 formed by the transfer station 14 and the loading station 16 forming the palletizing system 3.

[0122] A complete pallet layer 21b centered on all sides is located on the second level receiving location 18-2.

[0123] An empty pallet 30 is located within the loading station 16 .

[0124] Figures 3 to 6 The schematic top view of shows a further time sequence, in particular the times t1 to t4 , in which the shuttle element 12 is in each case still in the first working position AP1 .

[0125] In particular, Figures 3 to 6 The movement of the palletizable layer arrangement 20c and the finished pallet layers 21a, 21b is shown.The pallet layer 21a completed in the upper second pre-grouping 9-1 is transferred to the first layer receiving position 18-1 of the shuttle element 12 by movement in the first alignment F1.

[0126] At the same time, according to Figure 2 The finished pallet layer 21b arranged on the second layer receiving position 18-2 is transferred to the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3 (see Figure 5 ). Then, according to Figure 5 The pallet layer 21b arranged in the transfer station 14 is transferred to the pallet 30 in the loading station 16 (see Figure 6 ).

[0127] At the same time, the palletizable layer arrangement 20c prepared in the lower grouping module 2-2 and stacked in the transport direction TR in the allocated first pre-grouping 7-2 by the movement in the second alignment F2 is transferred to the allocated second pre-grouping 9-2 and pushed together there by the centering system 10 to form a finished pallet layer 21c (see Figures 4 to 6 ).

[0128] Figure 7 The schematic top view shows the movement of the shuttle element 12 transversely to the transport direction TR in the downward direction, whereby the shuttle element 12 is transferred to the second operating mode, in particular to the Figure 8 The second working position AP2 is shown.

[0129] A particular feature of the second working position AP2 is that the second tier receiving positions 18-2 are arranged in the second alignment F2. On the other hand, the first tier receiving positions 18-1 are aligned with the third alignment F3.

[0130] Therefore, the pallet layer 21a arranged on the first layer receiving position 18-1 and assembled by the upper grouping system 2-1 is then palletized. In particular, the pallet layer 21a is then (not shown) arranged in the loading station 16 on the pallet layer 21b already arranged on the pallet 30.

[0131] In the handling device 1 shown here, in particular, a pallet layer 21 centered on all sides is transferred to the palletizing system 3 via a shuttle element 12, wherein pallet layers 21 assembled in the upper grouping system 2-1 and pallet layers 21 assembled in the lower grouping system 2-2 are usually used alternately. In this case, the shuttle element 12 oscillates between two working positions AP1 and AP2.

[0132] At the first working position AP1 , the shuttle element 12 can receive the pallet layer 21 a from the upper grouping system 2 - 1 and simultaneously transfer the pallet layer 21 b produced in the lower grouping system 2 - 2 to the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3 .

[0133] At the second working position AP2 , the shuttle element 12 can receive the pallet layer 21 c from the lower grouping system 2 - 2 and simultaneously transfer the pallet layer 21 a produced in the upper grouping system 2 - 1 to the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3 .

[0134] If one of the two grouping systems 2-1 or 2-2 fails, the palletizing system 3 can continue to operate, albeit at a reduced speed. The palletizable layers 20 produced in the working grouping system 2 are pushed together in the allocated first and second pre-groups 7, 9 to form a finished pallet layer 21 and moved via the shuttle element 12 to the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3. Therefore, if the grouping system 2 fails, production does not have to stop completely.

[0135] Figure 9 A further embodiment of the handling device 1 is shown in a schematic top view. In this case, reference can be made essentially to Figure 1 Description and based on Figures 2 to 8 Description of the operating mode.

[0136] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, shrink bales 23 or other piece goods are fed to each grouping system 2 in three parallel rows by at least one suitable transport device 6 .

[0137] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the shrink bundles 23 each consist of six bottles 24 , which are combined into respective packaging units by means of a shrink film 25 .

[0138] In order to produce the palletizable layer arrangements 20 , the grouping system 2 can comprise in each case one suitable robot 4 or a plurality of robots 4 connected in parallel or in series.

[0139] Figure 9 Also shown is a rail system 19 extending transversely to the transport direction TR. The shuttle element 12 is movably arranged on the rail system 19 and can be moved via the rail system 19 between a first working position (not shown) and a second working position AP2.

[0140] The minimization factor in palletizing is the provision of finished pallet layers 21 in the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3. By alternately supplying pallet layers 21 from two different grouping systems 2 to the transfer station 14 via the shuttle element 12, the second transfer station 14 can be omitted with the same throughput, thereby reducing the footprint of the handling device 1.

[0141] Since the second transfer station 14 can be omitted, the number of robots and corresponding lifting mechanisms is reduced.

[0142] The handling device 1 can be used to produce mixed pallets as finished pallets 31. In particular, a first pallet layer 21 can be produced from a first article in one grouping system 2-1, while a second pallet layer 21 can be produced from a second article in another grouping system 2-2. A corresponding layer stack 22 will accordingly be formed from the alternating arrangement of the first and second pallet layers 21.

[0143] The parallel arrangement of the layer forming systems allows the operator good access to the feed paths or transport devices 6 for the articles and piece goods, the robot modules, in particular the grouping modules 2 and the pre-groupings 7 , 9 .

[0144] Figure 10 A schematic top view shows another embodiment of a handling device 1 according to the present invention. In this case, two layer-forming systems 50, each consisting of grouping modules 2, 2-1, 2-2, first pre-groupings 7, 7-1, 7-2, and second pre-groupings 9, 9-1, 9-2, and a palletizing system 3 including a transfer station 14 and a loading station 15, form a T-shaped arrangement.

[0145] The receiving element 40 is arranged between two layer forming systems 50 , which are each aligned with opposite production directions PR1 , PR2 and creates or forms a conveying connection between the layer forming systems 50 and the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3 .

[0146] In the first operating mode, the receiving element 40 is configured to receive the pallet layer 21 produced in the first layer forming system 50-1 and transfer it to the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3. Furthermore, in the second operating mode AM2, the receiving element 40 is configured to receive the pallet layer 21 produced in the second layer forming system 50-2 and transfer it to the transfer station 14 of the palletizing system 3.

[0147] Figure 10 The schematic top view shows in particular the moment when the pallet layer 21-2 produced in the second layer forming system 50-2 is transferred to the transfer station 14. Subsequently, the receiving element 40 is ready again to receive the pallet layer 21-1 produced in the first layer forming system 50-1.

[0148] In all described embodiments, the packaging plant can be expanded to the required power by increasing the number of feed paths and robots.

[0149] Since the grouping modules 2 are operated and arranged independently of each other, there is also no risk of the robots' workspaces overlapping, thereby hindering the handling of items or individual pieces of cargo.

[0150] The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs or the following description and drawings, including their various views or corresponding individual features, can be used independently of each other or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless these features are contradictory.

[0151] Although "schematic" illustrations and views are often or generally mentioned in the context of the preceding description of the drawings, this in no way implies that the illustrations of the drawings and their description are of secondary importance to the disclosure of the present invention. A person skilled in the art will be fully able to derive sufficient information from the schematically and abstractly illustrated illustrations to facilitate their understanding of the present invention without in any way impairing their understanding, for example, from the illustrated and possibly not entirely to scale dimensions of the objects or individual items of goods and / or parts of the handling device or other elements of the drawings. These drawings thus enable the reader, a person skilled in the art, to better understand the concept of the present invention presented in a more general and / or abstract manner in the claims and the general part of the description, based on the specifically explained functional principles of the described method and device according to the present invention.

[0152] Reference Signs List

[0153] 1. Transport device

[0154] 2,2-1,2-2 Grouping Module

[0155] 3 Palletizing system

[0156] 4,4-1,4-2 Robot

[0157] 5. Tripod

[0158] 6,6-1a,6-1b,6-2a,6-2b Transport devices

[0159] 7,7-1,7-2 First Preliminary Group

[0160] 8 Stop element

[0161] 9,9-1,9-2 Second preliminary group

[0162] 10 Centering system

[0163] 11 Sliding elements

[0164] 12 Shuttle elements

[0165] 13 Centering element equipment

[0166] 14 Transfer Station

[0167] 15 Loading plate

[0168] 16 loading stations

[0169] 18-1, 18-2 floor reception location

[0170] 19 Track System

[0171] 20,20c Palletizable layer arrangements

[0172] 21,21a,21b,21c Pallet layer

[0173] 22-layer stack

[0174] 23 Shrink wrapping

[0175] 24 bottles

[0176] 25 Shrink Film

[0177] 30 pallets

[0178] 31 finished pallets

[0179] 34 Lifting Columns

[0180] 36 Lifting Columns

[0181] 40 receiving element

[0182] 50,50-1,50-2 layer formation system

[0183] AP1 First working position

[0184] Ap2 Second working position

[0185] F1 First Alignment

[0186] F2 Second alignment

[0187] F3 third alignment

[0188] PR1,PR2 production direction

[0189] TR Transport direction.

Claims

1. A device for transporting articles (1), characterized in that: The transport device comprises: Two layer forming systems (50) and a palletizing system (3), The palletizing system (3) comprises a transfer station (14) and a loading station (16), The handling device (1) further comprises a receiving element (40) having at least one pallet layer receiving position (18), which generates / forms a conveying connection between the layer forming system (50) and the transfer station (14) of the palletizing system (3).

2. The handling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that In a first operating mode (AP1), the receiving element (40) is configured to transfer a pallet layer (21) produced in one of the layer forming systems (50) to the transfer station (14) of the palletizing system (3), and wherein, in a second operating mode (AP2), the receiving element (40) is configured to transfer a pallet layer (21) produced in another layer forming system (50) to the transfer station (14) of the palletizing system (3).

3. The handling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In a first operating mode (AP1), the receiving element (40) is configured to receive a pallet layer (21) produced in the first layer forming system (50) and transfer it to the transfer station (14) of the palletizing system (3), and Wherein, in a second working mode (AP2), the receiving element (40) is configured to receive a pallet layer (21) produced in the second layer forming system (50) and transfer it to the transfer station (14) of the palletizing system (3).

4. The handling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In a first operating mode (AP1), the receiving element (40) is configured to receive a pallet layer (21) produced in the first layer forming system (50) and to transfer a pallet layer (21) produced in the second layer forming system (50) to the transfer station (14) of the palletizing system (3), and Wherein, in the second working mode (AP2), the receiving element (40) is configured to receive the pallet layer (21) produced in the second layer forming system (50) and transfer the pallet layer (21) produced in the first layer forming system (50) to the transfer station (14) of the palletizing system (3).

5. The transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving element (40) comprises two tray layer receiving locations (18), and wherein the receiving element (40) is configured to be movable.

6. The handling device (1) according to any one of claims 4, characterized in that The receiving element (40) comprises two tray layer receiving locations (18), and wherein the receiving element (40) is configured to be movable.

7. The handling device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The receiving element (40) is designed to be movable transversely to the production direction (TR) of the handling device (1).

8. The handling device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The handling device (1) comprises a rail system (19) which extends transversely to the production direction (TR), and wherein the receiving element (40) is arranged on the rail system (19).

9. The handling device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The handling device (1) comprises a rail system (19) which extends transversely to the production direction (TR), and wherein the receiving element (40) is arranged on the rail system (19).

10. The handling device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The receiving element (40) includes a carriage rail or a moving roller, and the receiving element (40) is movably arranged on the rail system (19) via the carriage rail or the moving roller.

11. The handling device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that In the first operating mode (AP1), the first pallet layer receiving position (18) is arranged in a first alignment (F1) with the first layer forming system (50), and wherein, in the first operating mode (AP1), the second pallet layer receiving position (18) is aligned with the palletizing system (3), and wherein, in the second operating mode (AP2), the first pallet layer receiving position (18) is aligned with the palletizing system (3), and wherein, in the second operating mode (AP2), the second pallet layer receiving position (18) is arranged in a second alignment (F2) with the second layer forming system (50).

Images