Transport path for pushing conveyed articles

Abstract

A transport path is disclosed for pushing conveyed items, the items being a plurality of similar items (12). The transport path (10) comprises a horizontal support plane (24) for transporting the articles (12) in rows, and a pushing device (26) which moves in the transport direction (14) of the articles (12) and is used for abutting against the articles (12) on the rear side and generating a pushing movement acting on the articles (12) in the transport direction (14). The transport path (10) is assigned a pulse introduction device (44) for introducing a mechanical pulse into at least a partial region of the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the thrust device (26).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a kind of transport paths for pushing and conveying multiple similar goods. BACKGROUND

[0002] When handling and packaging goods or containers, these goods or containers are usually combined into larger packaging units, also known as bales, formed by a smaller or larger number of goods or containers held together by a machine. The combination of containers can be ensured, for example, by shrink film packaging, strapping, cardboard packaging, etc.

[0003] The relative arrangement of the goods or containers relative to each other can be characterized by the term rectangular arrangement, in which the goods are arranged side by side in regular rows and combined and fixed in this way. However, in order to combine goods or containers having a segmented cylindrical shape, such as beverage cans or beverage bottles, together with as little space saving and as little relative mobility as possible, it can be useful to deviate from this rectangular combination and to select, for example, a hexagonal arrangement, which can also be referred to as a grid arrangement or a close spherical packing. In this case, the cylindrical goods or containers are offset in rows relative to each other in such a way that the gaps formed between the goods are as small as possible. This honeycomb or spherical arrangement represents a combination of a given number of cylindrical goods with a base area that is as small as possible.

[0004] In order to realize such an arrangement of goods, the goods can be moved, for example, in rows in the transport direction, as described, for example, in US 6 490 845 B1.

[0005] Furthermore, a reliable handling device for producing such a hexagonal arrangement of containers is described in DE 10 2010 033 549 A1. In this case, the containers are conveyed along a transport path of decreasing width, wherein each second row of containers is offset relative to the respective adjacent row of containers in the longitudinal direction or transport direction by a profiled push rod engaging the group of containers on the rear side. If the offset corresponds to half the diameter of the containers and if the transverse compression position of the containers relative to each other is ensured in the desired manner by the conical transport path, the result is a compressed hexagonal arrangement of the group of containers processed in this way.

[0006] However, if the container jacket surfaces can only slide into each other in a limited manner, for example due to an increasing static friction between the mutually contacting jacket surfaces, the described re-grouping of the containers can reach its limits. SUMMARY

[0007] It is a main object of the utility model to allow reliably regrouping of the conveyed items in compressed arrangement, even in difficult conditions, for example in the case of an increased value of static friction that can occur between the mutually contacting jacket surfaces of the items or containers to be regrouped. This as-faultless as possible regrouping should be possible along the transport path of the conveyed items.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the utility model provides a transport path for pushing a plurality of similar items. The transport path comprises a horizontal support plane for a plurality of rows of transported items, and a pushing device movable above the horizontal support plane and substantially parallel to the horizontal support plane in the transport direction of the items, for abutting against the items at the rear side and generating a pushing movement on the items in the transport direction.

[0009] The utility model provides, the transport path is allocated with pulse introduction device, be used for introducing mechanical pulse to at least partial area of horizontal support plane and / or pushing device.

[0010] In particular, the pushing device can have a profiled pushing rod, which can be placed at the rear of the items to be pushed, preferably a plurality of such pushing rods, in each case conveying individual and spaced groups of items with a defined number of items.

[0011] Optionally, the profile of such a pushing rod can have regularly spaced protrusions in its longitudinal extension direction for abutting against individual items, and recesses between the protrusions.

[0012] The pulse introduction device provided by the utility model can be optionally provided and correspondingly equipped for introducing individual mechanical pulses into at least partial areas of the horizontal support plane.

[0013] It is also conceivable that the pulse introduction device is provided and correspondingly equipped for introducing individual mechanical pulses into at least the pushing device.

[0014] It is also conceivable and meaningful in practice that pulses are introduced into both the support plane and the pushing device.

[0015] In another design of the utility model, it is also possible to provide a pulse introduction device allocated with the transport path, which is provided and correspondingly equipped for introducing repeated mechanical pulses and / or vibrations into at least partial areas of the horizontal support plane and / or the pushing device.

[0016] The pulse introduction device can comprise, for example, a drive rotary cam with a mechanical pulse transmitter coupled to the horizontal support plane and / or the pushing device.

[0017] It is likewise conceivable that the impulse introduction device comprises an electromagnetic or electric motor operated linear drive, which cooperates with the oscillating movable impulse transmitter coupled to the horizontal support plane and / or the pushing device.

[0018] In the transport path according to the utility model, it can be preferred that on both longitudinal sides thereof guiding rods are respectively assigned, which distance decreases in the transport direction of the articles. Such two-sided barrier rails can form a conveyor which tapers gradually in the transport direction, which can be used in combination with the introduced mechanical impulses for compacting the articles and producing a nested bale structure, i.e. a hexagonal arrangement of the conveyed groupings.

[0019] If these can reasonably be combined with each other from the perspective of a person skilled in the art, some or all of these aforementioned variations or implementation variants of the transport path according to the utility model can also optionally be combined with each other in order to at least partially achieve the aforementioned objects and / or to achieve the desired effects of the utility model.

[0020] Furthermore, in addition to the transport path according to the utility model explained in the different implementation variants, a method for conveying a plurality of similar articles along a horizontal transport path by means of at least one movable pushing rod, which rests against the back of the articles and pushes them in the transport direction, is described. The pushing rod, which can be profiled or non-profiled, for example, ensures that the articles transported in multiple rows on the transport path are moved in a hexagonal arrangement relative to each other. According to the utility model, it is provided that at least a single mechanical impulse can be introduced into the support plane and / or the pushing rod of the transport path.

[0021] In this method, it can also be provided that repeated mechanical impulses and / or vibrations are introduced into the support plane and / or the pushing rod of the transport path.

[0022] In this case, the method can also provide that the mechanical impulses and / or vibrations introduced into the support plane and / or the pushing rod of the transport path change their repetition frequency and / or their impulse strength over time.

[0023] In this method, it can be preferred that the articles are compressed by lateral guiding rods during the conveying on the transport path and pushed together in a direction transverse to the transport direction. These lateral guiding rods are preferably located on both longitudinal sides of the transport path, wherein their distance to each other decreases gradually in the transport direction of the articles, which facilitates the transfer of the groupings of articles conveyed in a rectangular arrangement into the desired hexagonal arrangement and the conveying.

[0024] If these can reasonably be combined with each other from the perspective of a person skilled in the art, some or all of these aforementioned variations or implementation variants of the method can also optionally be combined with each other in order to at least partially achieve the aforementioned objects and / or to achieve the desired effects of the utility model.

[0025] It should be explicitly mentioned here that all aspects and implementation variants explained in connection with the transport path according to the utility model also relate to or can form part aspects of the described method. Thus, if certain aspects and / or contexts and / or effects are mentioned at some point in the description of the transport path according to the utility model, this applies equally to the described method. Vice versa, thus all aspects and implementation variants explained in connection with the described method also relate to or can relate to part aspects of the transport path according to the utility model. Thus, if certain aspects and / or contexts and / or effects are mentioned at some point in the description of the described method, this applies equally to the transport path according to the utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] In the following, embodiments of the utility model and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. The size proportions of individual elements to one another in the drawings do not always correspond to the actual size proportions, since some shape simplifications are represented and other shapes are represented enlarged compared to other elements for better illustration.

[0027] Figure 1A A schematic top view of a first implementation variant of a transport path for articles is shown, which is equipped with a pulse introduction device.

[0028] Figure 1B A schematic top view of a second implementation variant of a transport path for articles is shown, which is equipped with a pulse introduction device.

[0029] Figure 2A A schematic side view of a part of a transport path according to Figure 1A is shown.

[0030] Figure 2B A schematic side view of a part of a transport path according to Figure 1B is shown.

[0031] A transport path for pushing a conveyed article, the article being a plurality of similar articles (12), the transport path (10)

[0032] - has horizontal support planes (24) for transporting the articles (12) in multiple rows, and

[0033] - a pushing device (26) movable above and approximately parallel to the horizontal support planes (24) in the transport direction (14) of the articles (12), for abutting against the articles (12) at the rear side and generating a pushing movement on the articles (12) in the transport direction (14),

[0034] wherein the transport path (10) is assigned a pulse introduction device (44) for introducing mechanical pulses into at least a partial region of the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the pushing device (26).

[0035] 2. The transport path (10) according to embodiment 1, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) is arranged and correspondingly equipped for introducing individual mechanical pulses into at least a partial region of the horizontal support plane (24).

[0036] 3. The transport path (10) according to embodiment 1, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) is arranged and correspondingly equipped for introducing individual mechanical pulses into at least the pushing device (26).

[0037] 4. The transport path (10) according to embodiment 2, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) is arranged and correspondingly equipped for introducing individual mechanical pulses into at least the pushing device (26).

[0038] 5. The transport path (10) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) is arranged and correspondingly equipped for introducing repetitive mechanical pulses and / or vibrations into at least a partial region of the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the pushing device (26).

[0039] 6. The transport path (10) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) comprises a drive rotary cam with a mechanical pulse transmitter (52) coupled to the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the pushing device (26).

[0040] 7. The transport path (10) according to embodiment 5, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) comprises a drive rotary cam with a mechanical pulse transmitter (52) coupled to the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the pushing device (26).

[0041] 8. The transport path (10) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) comprises an electromagnetic or electric motor operated linear drive (46) cooperating with an oscillating movable pulse transmitter (52) coupled to the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the pushing device (26).

[0042] 9. The transport path (10) according to embodiment 5, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) comprises an electromagnetic or electric motor operated linear drive (46) cooperating with an oscillating movable pulse transmitter (52) coupled to the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the pushing device (26).

[0043] 10. According to any one of the embodiments 1 to 4, the transport path (10) is provided with guide rods (32) on its two longitudinal sides, the spacing (35) of which decreases in the transport direction (14) of the article (12). Detailed Implementation

[0044] For elements of the same or identical function in this invention, the same reference numerals are generally used in the following description of the figures. Furthermore, for clarity, in many cases, only the reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figures are used in the various figures. The depicted embodiments represent only examples of how the apparatus or method of this invention can be designed and do not represent conclusive limitations. Moreover, the features described below should not be construed as closely related to other features of the corresponding embodiments in each case, but are provided or used in a general manner in each case for this purpose.

[0045] Figure 1A The schematic top view shows the operating mode of the first embodiment of this utility model, while Figure 1B The schematic top view shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A and 1B The schematic diagrams show portions of a transport path 10, on which multiple similar items 12 are conveyed horizontally by a pushing motion. All items described herein... Figure 1A , 1B In the illustrations 2A and 2B, item 12 is transported from left to right along transport path 10 or along the horizontal transport direction 14 of transport path 10.

[0046] In the embodiments described herein, article 12 is in every case formed of container 16, which may be specifically filled with beverages or other liquids, such that in the following text, instead of article 12, container 16 or beverage container 16 will be frequently referred to. Article 12 or container 16 in each case has a segmented cylindrical sheath surface 18, particularly... Figure 2A and 2B This can be clearly seen in the image. Furthermore, this container 16 typically has a flat or well-defined bottom and a tapered neck with a top screw cap for an airtight seal of the upper container or pouring spout, which is also present in... Figure 2A and 2B As shown in the image.

[0047] Figure 1A and 1BThe top view shows a total of three item or container groups 20, each with 24 items 12 or containers 16. These items 12 or containers 16 are initially arranged in a rectangular arrangement 22 parallel to each other, with each arrangement 22 having four items 12 or containers 16 conveyed one after another (in the conveying direction 14). That is, in the case of the left group 20, the items 12 or containers 16 are initially in a regular rectangular arrangement 22, in which six rows of adjacent items 12 or containers 16 are each aligned parallel to or transverse to the conveying direction 14.

[0048] Figure 1A and 1B The three groups of items or containers 20 shown are spaced apart from each other. At the rear of each of the three groups 20, in each case, there is a movable actuating device 26, wherein these actuating devices 26 are formed here by irregularly shaped actuating rods 28, which can rest against the rear of the group 20 in each case. The actuating devices 26 formed by the irregularly shaped actuating rods 28 are located above the horizontal support plane 24 and, in each case, move in a propulsion direction 30 parallel to the support plane 24 and the horizontal conveying direction 14.

[0049] In each case, the group of articles or containers 20 moving along the conveying direction 14 on the support plane 24 is flanked by guide rods 32 on both sides, which are also located above the support plane 24 and ensure lateral guidance of the group 20 during its conveying movement along the conveying direction 14. The side guide rods 32 may in particular be formed by railings 34 having sufficient height, advantageously located in the region above the center of gravity of the articles 12 or containers 16 conveyed on the transport path 10. In this way, tilting or spillage of the articles 12 or containers 16 can be reliably prevented as the distance 35 between the two railings 34 gradually decreases in the conveying direction 14.

[0050] When referred to in this context as a support plane 24 for articles 12 or containers 16 or groups 20 formed therefrom, it may have a low-friction surface on which the grouped articles 12 or containers 16 can slide. Alternatively, however, the support plane 24 may also be a component of a horizontal conveying device on which the grouped articles 12 or containers 16 move in the conveying direction 14 while being further regrouped by means of a pusher 26 and / or a guide rod 34 in the following manner.

[0051] Although the items or containers moving in the conveying direction 14 are initially in a regular rectangular arrangement 22, such as the group 20 on the left ( Figure 1A and 1BIn the case of [unclear], however, during the transport process, ensuring that items 12 or containers 16 are further brought closer to each other can only be achieved through the relative displacement of items 12 or containers 16 relative to each other, while the rectangular arrangement 22 is decomposed. Therefore, the centrally shown group 20 ( Figure 1A and 1B The items 12 or containers 16 move and compress relative to each other in such a way that they form compressed spherical packing 36.

[0052] In this case, although the total of four items 12 or containers 16 in each of the six adjacent rows in group 20 remain aligned, these rows are slightly displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the conveying direction 14 and are also pushed together in a direction transverse to the conveying direction 14. In the case of the compressed spherical packing 36 shown in the center, the displacement of adjacent rows of group 20 in the direction parallel to the conveying direction 14 is slightly less than half the diameter of the items or containers. In each case, the transverse proximity of adjacent rows of group 20 to the conveying direction 14 is slight, but already identifiable, even though... Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram.

[0053] To transfer the group 20 from the rectangular arrangement 22 into the compressed spherical packing 36 shown, this approach of the articles 12 or containers 16 is achieved by the interaction of guide rods and actuating devices 26, which decrease in distance 36 from each other in the conveying direction 14, engaging at the rear of the respective article or container group 20. Non-conformable actuating rods 28 may also be combined with guide rods 32, which taper gradually at distance 36 to the maximum width of the desired spherical packing 36 of the group 20, to ensure the desired compaction of the articles 12 or containers 16 relative to each other within the conveyed group 20.

[0054] In further transport processes, such as Figure 1A and 1B As shown in the central grouping 20, the compressed spherical packing 36 is transferred to a spherical packing or hexagonal arrangement 38 that is as close as possible to the surrounding area, where the article 12 or container 16 can no longer be brought closer together within grouping 20. Figure 1A and 1B In the top view, the groups 20 of the hexagonal arrangement 38 are shown on the right side.

[0055] In this configuration, the four items 12 or containers 16 in each of the six rows conveyed side-by-side in group 20 remain aligned, but these rows are now displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the conveying direction 14, such that this displacement of the corresponding adjacent rows of group 20 corresponds to half the diameter of the item or container. In each case, the adjacent rows of group 20 are significantly less close to each other transversely to the conveying direction 14, resulting in a minimization of the remaining space between the items 12 or containers 16 that are in line contact with each other in each case.

[0056] In each case, the profile 40 of each push rod 28 adjacent to the rear of group 20 is designed such that, in a top view, three spaced-apart semi-circular recesses 42 can abut the corresponding item 12 or container 16, such that the item 12 or container 16 can be approximately half-immersed in the recess 42. In each case, the push rod region located between adjacent recesses 42 ensures an offset displacement of each second row of group 20 such that adjacent rows of group 20 are displaced relative to each other by an amount equal to half the diameter of the item or container, as shown. This, together with the tapered transport channel formed by the reduced distance 35 between the two guide rods 32 or rail rails 34, through which group 20 moves, ensures the desired regrouping of the rectangular arrangement 22 to the hexagonal arrangement 38.

[0057] like Figure 2A and 2B As shown in the schematic side view, the pushing device 26 formed by the push rod 28 is located above the guide rod 32 or the railing rail 34, and the vertical distance between the upper edge of the railing rail 34 and the lower side of the corresponding push rod 28 can optionally be very small. The height of the push rod 28, i.e., its vertical distance from the support plane 24, should be reasonably selected such that, in each case, the push rod 28, resting against the article 12 or container 16 of the corresponding group 20, engages approximately at the level of the center of mass of the article 12 or container 16 during its pushing movement in the pushing direction 30. Alternatively, the engagement height of the push rod 28 can be slightly lower or higher than the center of mass of the pushed article 12 or container 16.

[0058] If the article 12 or container 16 is an article with a flexible shell, such as a thin-walled PET container, then when in contact with other containers 16 and / or when in contact with container 16, the shell tends to deflect and yield more or less strongly, these shells engaging with the sheath surface 18 of the container 16. These potential deformation effects of the articles 12 or containers 16 contacting each other and / or being contacted by the shaped push rod 28 can be superimposed with other effects, such as adjacent containers 16 contacting each other on their sheath surfaces 18. On the one hand, the surface properties of the container material used, namely, particularly the relatively high coefficient of static friction of PET material often used for articles 12 or containers 16, can promote this adhesion of articles 12 or containers 16 in line contact on their sheath surfaces 18.

[0059] Furthermore, any adhesion effects may be related to coatings, labels, or contaminants that may be located on the container jacket surface 18, which may overlap with the effects already mentioned. In particular, impurities on the jacket surface 18 of the container 16 can cause strong adhesion effects, such as adhesion of sugary liquids spilled during the filling process of the container 16 and / or partially dried residues.

[0060] Furthermore, since items 12 or containers 16 are arranged in a rectangular configuration 22 within the corresponding group 20 (in... Figure 1A and 1B (shown on the left) via compressed spherical packing 36 (in) Figure 1A and 1B The densest packing (regrouped into a hexagonal arrangement 38, as shown in the center) is illustrated below. Figure 1A and 1B When shown on the right side, since there are no pulses for the corresponding rotational motion, the sheath surfaces 18 can only roll relative to each other to a very small extent, and therefore inevitably slide relative to each other in the described regrouping. All these sliding movements of the items 12 or containers 16 in adjacent rows within the grouping can be affected by all the negative effects described above, which generally leads to the undesirable result of not achieving the hexagonal arrangement 38.

[0061] If the arrangement of goods or containers deviates significantly from the required hexagonal arrangement 38, further transport of group 20 may cause problems and disruptions in the further handling of the goods, such as during packaging and / or palletizing of such an arrangement.

[0062] In order to reliably avoid these problems, the pulse introduction device 44 is assigned a transport path 10. The pulse introduction device 44 is configured to generate mechanical pulses and apply these pulses to the transported groups 20 in a suitable manner, so that the rectangular arrangement 22 can be regrouped into the desired hexagonal arrangement 38 as reliably and without interference as possible.

[0063] according toFigure 1A In the first embodiment of the transport path 10 shown according to the present invention, the pulse introduction device 44 can interact with the support plane 24 and introduce single or repeated mechanical pulses therein, so that the articles 12 or containers 16 can be moved more easily and better relative to each other by vibrations generated in this way. When the support plane 24 or at least a portion of the support plane 24 is exposed to such mechanical pulses, this results in a sudden, slight change in shape, which, due to its sudden and pulsed nature, causes vibrations in the articles 12 or containers 16 sliding along or transported there on the support plane 24, which in turn helps them slide into the desired hexagonal arrangement 38.

[0064] In the event of an adhesion effect occurring between the sheath surfaces 18 of individual articles 12 or containers 16, the pulsed vibration transmitted to the articles 12 or containers 16 via the support plane 24 ideally ensures that it is neutralized. It is clear from this that the pulse generated by the pulse introduction device 44 and introduced into the support plane 24 should have at least such an amplitude and slope that ensures the articles 12 or containers 16 are briefly lifted from the support plane 24, or at least ensures that small displacements of adjacent articles 12 or containers 16 relative to each other have a sufficient vertical component, thereby overcoming the aforementioned adhesion effect.

[0065] The pulse introduction device 44 may include, for example, a motor-driven rotary cam or multiple such rotary cams, forming a mechanical pulse transmitter that can be coupled to the horizontal support plane 24, for example, by periodically striking the underside of the flat support plane 24 to introduce mechanical pulses therein. The drive speed of the motor driver defines the frequency of the pulses.

[0066] Optionally, the pulse introduction device 44 may also include an electromagnetically or electrically operated linear driver 46 equipped with an oscillating movable pulse transmitter in the form of a plunger 48, which can be coupled to the horizontal support plane 24 in a desired manner, i.e., striking the lower side of the flat support plane 24 with an adjustable frequency and pulse intensity, and introducing a mechanical pulse there. The pulse, its frequency, and its intensity can be generated by a pulse generator 50 that operates the linear driver 46, which may be, for example, a component of a higher-level control device (not shown here).

[0067] Figure 2A The schematic side view shows such a configuration in which a linear actuator 46 is arranged below a support plane 24, and its plunger 48 can strike the support plane 24 from below. Actuation of the linear actuator 46 can preferably be achieved by means of a pulse generator 50, which is schematically shown.

[0068] Figure 2A and 2BAlso shown are the reasonable dimensions of the guide rods 32 formed by the railing rails 34, and the irregular push rods 28 of the push device 26 that move above these guide rods 32 along the push direction 30, which have brought the container group 20 into the hexagonal arrangement 38 during the push movement along the conveying direction 14.

[0069] The profile 40 of the push rod 28 is represented by the container 16 clamped by the push rod 28 being immersed in the corresponding groove 42 of the profile 40 with half of its container diameter.

[0070] according to Figure 1B In the second embodiment of the transport path 10 shown according to the present invention, the pulse introduction device 44 may also interact with the push rod 28 of the push device 26 and introduce single or repeated mechanical pulses therein, so that the articles 12 or containers 16 can be moved more easily and better relative to each other by vibrations generated in this way. If the push rod 28 is subjected to such mechanical pulses during its propulsive movement, this may in particular refer to the oscillating movement of the push rod 28 in the vertical and / or horizontal or even in different directions.

[0071] The mechanical pulse action of the push rod 28 causes at least the item 12 or container 16 in contact with the irregular push rod 28 to be shaken, which in turn facilitates the entire group 20 sliding into the desired hexagonal arrangement 38.

[0072] In the event of an adhesive effect occurring between the sheath surfaces 18 of individual articles 12 or containers 16, the pulsed vibration transmitted to the articles 12 or containers 16 by the push rod 28 ideally ensures its attenuation or neutralization. It is clear from this that the pulse generated by the pulse introduction device 44 and introduced into the push rod 28 should have at least such an amplitude and slope that ensures the articles 12 or containers 16 are briefly separated from the push rod 28 pushing them, and ideally, at least ensures that the small displacements of adjacent articles 12 or containers 16 relative to each other have a sufficient horizontal component, thereby overcoming the aforementioned adhesive effect.

[0073] The pulse introduction device 44 may include, for example, a motor-driven rotary cam or multiple such rotary cams, forming a mechanical pulse transmitter that can be coupled to a corresponding push rod 28, for example, by periodically striking the end face of the push rod 28 to introduce mechanical pulses therein. The drive speed of the motor driver defines the frequency of the pulses.

[0074] Optionally, the pulse introduction device 44 may also include an electromagnetically or electrically operated linear driver, such as... Figure 2BAs schematically shown. This linear actuator can, for example, be equipped with an oscillating movable pulse transmitter 52 in the form of a plunger, which can be coupled to the horizontal push rod 28, i.e., the plunger ( Figure 2B (Not shown) The actuator 28 is struck in a desired manner, i.e., with an adjustable frequency and pulse intensity, for example, by striking its end face, and introducing a mechanical pulse there. The pulse, its frequency, and its intensity can be generated by a pulse generator 50 that controls the linear actuator, which can, for example, be a higher-level control device (also...). Figure 2B (Not shown) Components.

[0075] like Figure 1B As schematically shown, activation of the pulse introduction device 44, which interacts with the push rod 28, is useful at least during the transfer of group 20 to the compressed spherical packing 36, and during further advance, in order to bring group 20 into the hexagonal arrangement 38. This is indicated by two signal transmission arrows from the pulse generator 50 to the right push rod 28 and the middle push rod 28. On the other hand, activation of the pulse introduction device 44 is not absolutely necessary for the left group 20, which is located only in the rectangular arrangement 22, as indicated by the dashed signal transmission arrow from the pulse generator 50 to the left push rod 28.

[0076] Figure 2B The schematic side view shows a configuration with a pulse transmitter 52 that cooperates with a push rod 28, whose plunger or its rotating cam can strike the push rod 28 in a suitable position. The pulse transmitter 52 can preferably be actuated by means of a pulse generator 50, which is schematically shown.

[0077] On this point, it should also be emphasized that Figures 1A to 2B The alternative variations of pulse introduction shown can also be combined with each other without any problem, because, for example, introducing mechanical pulses into the support plane 24 and the push rod 28 in each case can be very useful. Synchronous pulse introduction is not required here; instead, asynchronous pulse introduction with different and distinct pulse moments in the push rod 28 or the support plane 24 can be useful and lead to improved results.

[0078] Furthermore, if the repetitive mechanical pulses mentioned above can be introduced into the support plane 24 and / or the push rod 28 by means of the pulse introduction device 44, this can also refer to vibration, which is generally understood as a repetitive pulse with a temporarily constant frequency and a temporarily constant amplitude. However, since repetitive mechanical pulses can be introduced as needed with a time-varying frequency and a time-varying amplitude, in this case, we will talk about vibration with fluctuating frequency and varying intensity.

[0079] exist Figure 2A and 2BThe push rod 28, shown in the side view and moving in each case in a propulsion direction 30 parallel to the support plane 24 and parallel to the conveying direction 14, can be mounted, for example, on its two end faces in a circumferential traction material driver, such as in a chain driver, which can provide... Figure 1A and 1B The top view shows the equidistant transport of group 20, wherein a push rod 28 can engage with the group 20 to be pushed along a defined portion of the transport path 10, while it descends to the area to engage with article 12 or container 16 before the defined portion, and rises again after passing the defined portion so as to run above the transport path 10 again.

[0080] The principle of this traction material actuator for the multiple push rods 28 mounted thereon can be found, for example, in Figure 8 and the related description of German Publication Application DE 10 2010 033 549 A1, but can also be found elsewhere in this document.

[0081] The length of the transport path 10 described herein is substantially unlimited. However, it is advantageous that it is a transport section of finite length because the engagement area of ​​the actuating device 26 is a defined section in which the actuating device 26 interacts with the group of articles or containers 20 to be regrouped, and is generally of finite length. In this respect, the term transport path 10 as used herein can be considered as the entire engagement area or a portion thereof, in which the articles 12 or containers 16 conveyed on the support plane 24 interact with the actuating rod 28 of the actuating device 26.

[0082] List of reference signs

[0083] 10. Transportation Route

[0084] 12 items

[0085] 14. Conveying direction, horizontal conveying direction

[0086] 16 containers, beverage containers

[0087] 18 Sheath Surface

[0088] Grouped by 20, by item, by container

[0089] 22 Rectangular arrangement

[0090] 24 Support plane

[0091] 26. Propulsion device

[0092] 28 Push rod

[0093] 30. Direction of Advancement

[0094] 32 guide rods

[0095] 34 Railing Guide Rail

[0096] 35mm spacing

[0097] 36 Compressed spherical packing

[0098] 38. Hexagonal arrangement

[0099] 40 Outline

[0100] 42 Grooves

[0101] 44 Pulse introduction device

[0102] 46 Linear Drivers

[0103] 48 plungers

[0104] 50 Pulse Generator

[0105] 52 Pulse transmitter.

Claims

1. A transport path for propelling and conveying articles, said articles being a plurality of similar articles (12), said transport path (10) -Having a horizontal support plane (24) for multi-row transport of the items (12), and - A pushing device (26) movable above and substantially parallel to the horizontal support plane (24) in the transport direction (14) of the article (12), for abutting against the article (12) at the rear and generating a propulsive motion acting on the article (12) in the transport direction (14). in, The transport path (10) is provided with a pulse introduction device (44) for introducing mechanical pulses into at least a portion of the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the pusher device (26).

2. The transport path (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) is provided and accordingly equipped for introducing a single mechanical pulse into at least a portion of the horizontal support plane (24).

3. The transport path (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) is provided and accordingly equipped for introducing a single mechanical pulse at least into the actuating device (26).

4. The transport path (10) according to claim 2, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) is provided and accordingly equipped for introducing a single mechanical pulse at least into the actuating device (26).

5. The transport path (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) is provided and accordingly equipped for introducing repetitive mechanical pulses and / or vibrations into at least a portion of the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the pushing device (26).

6. The transport path (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) comprises a drive rotary cam having a mechanical pulse transmitter coupled to the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the push device (26).

7. The transport path (10) according to claim 5, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) includes a drive rotary cam having a mechanical pulse transmitter coupled to the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the push device (26).

8. The transport path (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) comprises an electromagnetically or electrically operated linear driver (46) that cooperates with an oscillating movable pulse transmitter coupled to the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the actuating device (26).

9. The transport path (10) according to claim 5, wherein the pulse introduction device (44) comprises an electromagnetically or electrically operated linear driver (46) that cooperates with an oscillating movable pulse transmitter coupled to the horizontal support plane (24) and / or the actuating device (26).

10. The transport path (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein guide rods (32) are respectively distributed on its two longitudinal sides, the spacing (35) of which decreases in the transport direction (14) of the article (12).

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