Unpowered carriage with articulated function for a gravity conveyor system

Abstract

A self-propelled carriage (100) designed as a gravity conveyor for conveying a unit load (300), wherein the carriage (100) has running rollers (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and guide rollers (13, 14, 15) oriented transversely to the running rollers (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), wherein the carriage (100) further comprises a joint (16) which pivotally connects a first frame part (10) of the carriage (100) to a second frame part (11) of the carriage (100) about a joint axis (17), such that the joint acts as a compensating joint to minimize sliding friction when cornering, wherein at least three guide rollers (13, 14, 15) are arranged substantially on a horizontal plane, characterized in that the joint (16) has at least one joint element (18a, 18b) for connecting the first frame part (10) with the second frame part (11), wherein the joint piece (18a, 18b) is mounted on the joint axis (17),wherein the pivot axis (17) is rigidly connected to the first frame part (10), wherein the pivot piece (18a, 18b) is rigidly connected to the second frame part (11) by means of a detachable connecting element (23).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a self-propelled carriage designed as a gravity conveyor for conveying unit loads. The carriage has running rollers as well as guide rollers oriented transversely to the running rollers and a joint which pivotally connects a first frame part of the carriage to a second frame part of the carriage about a joint axis.

[0002] It is well known that gravity can be used to transport individual items. This offers the advantage that no additional drives are required, provided the appropriate incline of the conveyor track can be provided. In gravity conveyors, gravity alone acts as the driving force on the conveyed goods. The conveyed goods slide or roll, for example, down chutes or roller tracks along a suitable conveyor path, or they fall freely, as with drop tubes. Gravity conveyors can be divided into three basic types: chutes, drop tubes, and roller tracks. For roller track systems, the carriages are equipped with running rollers or support rollers. Such carriages have no additional drive, such as a motor or chain drive. By using curves, switches, etc., a wide variety of complex conveying tasks can be accomplished.For longer conveyor lines, brake rollers are installed in the conveyor line to limit the conveying speed.

[0003] Gravity conveyors for roller track systems can, for example, be designed as gravity overhead conveyors. A gravity overhead conveyor transports a unit load using gravity, with the unit load positioned below the carriage. State of the art

[0004] German patent DE 10 2012 009 367 A1 discloses a carriage with a brake module for a gravity overhead conveyor. The brake module can be based on a magnet or a fluid cylinder.

[0005] German patent DE 34 01 014 A1 describes a self-propelled trolley designed as a gravity-fed overhead conveyor. The trolley is articulated, allowing it to navigate tight curves. German patent ES 2 317 767 A1 describes an articulated trolley for transporting hams on beams in drying sheds. This trolley consists of two plates connected by an axle, the ends of which have four wheels running along the beam's guide rails. The beam's curves define the path through the drying shed. Each side of the plates has two rollers rotating around a vertical axis, which can be removed with a screw.The hinge axis of the plates consists of an upper part which holds a third vertical roller in its center, and a lower part which consists of a bolt which holds the suspension hook at its lower end, which is hinged around a horizontal axis.

[0006] US Patent 4,172,423 A describes a tracked vehicle system consisting of a load-bearing vehicle comprising two bogies, each with two coaxial rollers, wherein the two bogies are connected by an articulated axle that carries a centering roller positioned to bear against the inner sides of the track. Each bogie preferably carries a steering roller that is rotatable about a vertical axis and lies substantially in the same plane as the centering roller.

[0007] DE 10 13 047 B describes a running gear running on one or more than one track with an attached load and a counter roller pressed against it depending on the load and the longitudinal inclination of the track. Description of the invention: Problem, solution, advantages

[0008] The object of the present invention is to further improve a driveless carriage in such a way that sliding friction is further reduced when driving through curves.

[0009] This problem is solved by a driveless carriage designed as a gravity conveyor for conveying a unit load according to claim 1. According to the invention, the carriage has running rollers and guide rollers oriented transversely to the running rollers. Furthermore, the carriage has a joint that pivotally connects a first frame part of the carriage to a second frame part of the carriage about a joint axis. According to the invention, at least three guide rollers are arranged essentially on a horizontal plane. Thus, the vertical distance between each of the three guide rollers and a running roller axis is the same.

[0010] For the purposes of this invention, a gravity conveyor is understood to be a carriage without a drive mechanism. The carriage is designed for transporting unit loads. Gravity is the sole driving force on the carriage. The unpowered carriage is preferably designed as a gravity overhead conveyor. For the purposes of this invention, a gravity overhead conveyor is understood to be any conveying device that transports unit loads using gravity, with the unit loads being arranged below the carriage, for example, suspended from the carriage.

[0011] Preferably, the carriage has four rollers, namely two pairs of rollers. The rollers are thus preferably arranged or mounted in pairs on separate roller axles. The rollers are located on both sides of the carriage or its frame components. The rollers, or support rollers, serve to roll in or on a rail system. The rolling friction generated during rolling acts as resistance and reduces the speed of the carriage.

[0012] When traveling through a curve, the composition of the friction state changes from pure rolling friction when traveling straight ahead. Sliding friction increases in the contact areas of the running wheels. If the sliding friction component is too high and / or the gradient of the rail system is too shallow, gravity, or the force acting downhill, may no longer be sufficient to move the carriage through the curve. To minimize sliding friction when cornering, the carriage has a joint that acts as a so-called compensating joint.

[0013] To further minimize sliding friction when cornering, at least three guide rollers are provided. This gives the carriage a three-point support when cornering, preventing it from jamming or tilting. The guide rollers, also known as transverse rollers or guide rollers, thus serve to guide the carriage within the rails. The term "transverse to the running rollers" means that the running surfaces of the guide rollers and the running surfaces of the running rollers are not parallel to each other. Preferably, the respective running surfaces are arranged at a substantially right angle (90°) to each other.

[0014] By providing at least three guide rollers arranged essentially on a horizontal plane, the lateral forces occurring during cornering and the resulting sliding friction can be further reduced. It has been found that the arrangement of the guide rollers on an essentially horizontal plane is particularly advantageous for minimizing sliding friction during cornering.

[0015] The guide rollers are preferably arranged on the underside of the carriage. A first and second guide roller are each preferably arranged in the region of an end face of the carriage. The third guide roller is arranged between the first and second guide rollers and preferably coaxially with the pivot axis of the joint. Particularly preferably, the third guide roller is mounted on the pivot axis of the joint. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the horizontal distance between the first guide roller, arranged at the end face of the carriage, and the third guide roller is essentially equal to the horizontal distance between the second guide roller, arranged at the other end face of the carriage, and the third guide roller.The horizontal distance between the first and second guide rollers, namely the two end-mounted guide rollers, is preferably greater than the horizontal distance between the two wheel axles.

[0016] The joint axis can be designed, for example, as a tube, rod or bolt and preferably has a round cross-section.

[0017] The carriage preferably includes at least one braking module. This braking module is coupled to a wheel axle of the carriage and serves to reduce speed and / or acceleration. Providing a braking module for the carriage preferably allows for constant motion of the carriage. For example, the braking module can be based on a magnet or a fluid cylinder. If a magnetic braking module is used, it preferably includes at least one plate made of an electrically conductive material and at least one magnet for generating a magnetic field. The magnet and / or the plate is coupled to a wheel axle of the carriage, with the plate and the magnet being arranged to be movable relative to each other.By such an advantageous arrangement of an eddy current brake in the braking module of the carriage, consisting of the plate and the magnet, a carriage is advantageously created which automatically regulates its speed by utilizing the induced eddy currents. Alternatively, the braking module can be designed by coupling an impeller to the carriage via an intermediate fluid cylinder, which is eccentrically connected to an impeller axle.

[0018] The at least one brake module can be coupled to either the front or rear wheel axle. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the carriage has a first and a second brake module, the first brake module being coupled to a first wheel axle and the second brake module to a second wheel axle. Thus, for example, two brake modules can be provided for a carriage, with both the front and rear axles of the carriage each being coupled to a brake module.

[0019] According to the invention, the joint comprises at least one joint element for connecting the first frame part to the second frame part, wherein the joint element is mounted on the joint axis. The joint element is designed as a separate component and is therefore not part of either of the two frame parts of the carriage. The joint element has a vertically extending opening for receiving the joint axis. The joint element can be essentially plate-shaped, rod-shaped, or bar-shaped.

[0020] The pivot axis is rigidly connected to the first frame section of the carriage. Furthermore, the pivot piece is rigidly connected to the second frame section of the carriage. Thus, the pivot piece can extend, for example, between the two frame sections of the carriage in the longitudinal direction of the carriage, with one end of the pivot piece facing a frame section of the carriage. In the region of the first end of the pivot piece, the pivot piece is preferably supported on the pivot axis. In the region of the second, opposite end, the pivot piece is rigidly connected to the second frame section.

[0021] The joint is rigidly connected to the second frame part by means of a detachable fastener. For example, the detachable fastener can be a screw connection. This allows the joint to be easily removed from the second frame part. Different frame parts can be used for different applications. Furthermore, this allows for the easy replacement of a defective component and / or a worn part.

[0022] It is also preferably provided that the carriage has a connecting element for attaching the unit load to the carriage, the connecting element being arranged essentially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The carriage is preferably designed as a gravity-fed overhead conveyor. Thus, it is preferably provided that the receiving element is designed as a hole, opening, or hook. For example, a unit load can be suspended in a hole on the carriage by means of a suspension element. It is preferably provided that the receiving element, for example, the hole, is arranged on the underside of the carriage. The receiving element preferably lies on a vertical axis, or a conceptually extended pivot axis, with the third guide roller.

[0023] Because the connecting element for linking the load to the carriage is arranged essentially perpendicular to the joint axis, sliding friction during cornering can be further reduced. The weight of the load thus hangs essentially perpendicular to the joint axis and preferably perpendicular to the third guide roller mounted on the joint axis.

[0024] The connecting element, for example a hole, can be located in the first frame section or the second frame section of the carriage. For example, the connecting element can be a hole passing through one of the two frame sections. Thus, preferably no additional component is required. The connecting element is preferably located in the region of the lower edge of one of the two frame sections of the carriage.

[0025] Preferably, the connecting element is arranged at a first vertical distance from a guide roller, wherein this guide roller is arranged at a second vertical distance from a wheel axle of the carriage, and the first vertical distance is less than or equal to the second vertical distance. Thus, the vertical distance between the connecting element and the guide roller is preferably less than the vertical distance between the guide roller and the wheel axles. This allows the connecting element and the load-bearing point to be arranged as close as possible to the longitudinal center axis of the carriage.

[0026] Preferably, each of the three guide rollers is mounted on a guide roller axle, with the first, second, and / or third guide roller axle being rigidly connected to the carriage at both ends. It is further preferably provided that the third guide roller axle is formed by the pivot axis of the joint. Because the guide roller axles are rigidly connected to the carriage at both end faces, the axles do not project above or below the carriage. For example, a guide roller axle can be rigidly connected to a frame member at both end faces. The first and second guide rollers can each be arranged, for example, in an end face cutout or opening of the frame members. The third guide roller can be arranged in an end face cutout of the first or second frame member.The cutouts or openings on the front face can, for example, be essentially C-shaped.

[0027] Preferably, the first guide roller and / or the second guide roller and / or the third guide roller are arranged to be adjustable in the vertical direction. Thus, it is preferably provided that one or more guide rollers are arranged to be adjustable along their respective axis and therefore height-adjustable. This adjustment can be stepless or with predefined positions. At least two different positions in the vertical direction are provided.

[0028] According to the invention, a gravity conveyor system with at least two rail sections is further provided. The two rail sections are arranged at an angle other than 180° to each other and / or connected to each other by means of a curved section. The gravity conveyor system according to the invention further comprises at least one unpowered carriage according to claims 1 to 11.

[0029] Each track section has essentially parallel rails. These parallel rails serve to hold the running rollers and guide rollers. The rails are designed with suitable profiles for this purpose. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] They show schematically: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a non-powered carriage with a joint and no brake module. Fig. 2 a perspective view of a non-powered carriage with joint and a brake module, Fig. 3 a perspective view of an unpowered carriage with joint and two brake modules, Fig. 4 a side view of an unpowered carriage with joint, and Fig. 5 a gravity conveying system with two rail sections and a non-powered carriage that can travel on them. Brief description of the characters

[0031] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show perspective views of an unpowered trolley 100. The unpowered trolley 100 is designed as a gravity-fed overhead conveyor for transporting a unit load 300. For this purpose, a connecting element 24 is arranged in the area of ​​the lower edge of a first frame part 10 of the trolley 100, which is designed as a hole through the first frame part 10 for connecting a unit load 300.

[0032] The carriage 100 consists of two separate frame parts 10, 11. The two frame parts 10, 11 are articulated to each other via a joint 16 about a joint axis 17. For moving the carriage 100 on a rail system (in the Fig. (Figures 1 to 3 not shown) the carriage 100 has four rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. Each pair of rollers is mounted on a wheel axle 21, 22. The rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d serve as support rollers. When moving on a rail system, resistance arises primarily due to the rolling friction of these rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d.

[0033] For guiding, or directing, the carriage, the carriage 100 has, according to the Fig. 1 to 3 three guide rollers 13, 14, 15 are mounted. The guide rollers 13, 14, 15 are oriented essentially transversely to the running rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. The three guide rollers 13, 14, 15 are furthermore arranged essentially on a horizontal plane.

[0034] By providing a joint 16 and at least three guide rollers 13, 14, 15, which are arranged essentially on a horizontal plane, the carriage 100 can be guided around curves with minimal resistance. This minimizes the sliding friction component that normally occurs when a carriage without a joint 16 and without guide rollers 13, 14, 15 is driven around curves. In particular, providing three guide rollers 13, 14, 15 and arranging these guide rollers 13, 14, 15 on a horizontal plane prevents jamming and / or tilting, and further reduces sliding friction.

[0035] The three guide rollers 13, 14, 15 are each mounted on a guide roller axle 31, 32, 33. The three guide roller axles 31, 32, 33 are rigidly connected at their two end faces to the carriage 100, or to the frame parts 10, 11 of the carriage 100, respectively. The third guide roller axle 33, on which the third guide roller 15 is mounted, is designed as the pivot axle 17 of the joint 16. Thus, the third guide roller 15 is arranged coaxially with the pivot axle 17. Therefore, in addition to the pivot axle 17, a separate guide roller axle is not required for mounting the third guide roller 15.

[0036] The connecting element 24 for connecting a unit load 300 is arranged perpendicular to the joint axis 17 and to the third guide roller 15. This also arranges the weight support, or weight support point, in such a favorable position that sliding friction during cornering can be further reduced.

[0037] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 further show that the joint 16 has a joint piece 18a, which is supported on the joint axis 17 at one side and rigidly connected to the second frame part 11 of the carriage 100 at the other side by means of a detachable connecting element 23, namely a screw connection. The joint axis 17 is rigidly connected to the first frame part 10 of the carriage 100 at both end faces. The three guide rollers 13, 14, 15 are arranged in C-shaped end face cutouts in the frame parts 10, 11.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 shows a carriage 100 without brake module 19, 20. Fig. Figure 2 shows a carriage 100 with a first brake module 19. The first brake module 19 is coupled to the first wheel axle 21. Fig. Figure 3 shows a carriage 100 with two brake modules 19, 20. The first brake module 19 is coupled to a first wheel axle 21. The second brake module 20 is coupled to the second wheel axle 22.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of an unpowered carriage 100 with joint 16. The in Fig. The carriage 100 shown in Figure 4 essentially corresponds to the one shown in Figure 4. Fig. 2 carriages 100 shown in perspective. The carriage 100 has a first brake module 19.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the connecting element 24 for joining a unit load 300 is arranged at a first vertical distance 25 from the guide rollers 13, 14, 15. The guide rollers 13, 14, 15 are arranged at a second vertical distance 26 from the wheel axles 21, 22. The first vertical distance 25 is smaller than the second vertical distance 26.

[0041] The two wheel axles 21, 22 are arranged at a horizontal distance 30 from each other. The two end-mounted guide rollers 13, 14, namely the first guide roller 13 and the second guide roller 14, are arranged at a horizontal distance 29 from each other. The horizontal distance 30 between the two wheel axles 21, 22 is smaller than the horizontal distance 29 between the first guide roller 13 and the second guide roller 14. The horizontal distance 27 between the first guide roller 13 and the third guide roller 15 is equal to the horizontal distance 28 between the second guide roller 14 and the third guide roller 15.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows a gravity conveyor system 200 with two rail sections 50, 51. In Fig. Figure 5 shows a section of a gravity conveyor system with several rail sections. The two rail sections 50 and 51 are connected to each other via a curved section 52. The two rail sections 50 and 51 are at a 90° angle to each other. A non-powered carriage 100 with joint 16, corresponding to the carriage 100 from the [reference missing], is mounted on the rail system. Fig. 1 to 4 mobile. The trolley 100 is in Fig. 5 is only schematically indicated. The carriage 100 can be used according to the diagram in the Fig. 1 to 4 of the carriage shown must be trained to 100. Reference symbol list 100 trolleys 200 gravity conveying system 300 pieces of general cargo 10 first frame part 11 second frame part 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Rollers 13 first leadership role 14 second leadership role 15 third leadership role 16 joint 17 Joint axle 18a, 18b Joint piece 19 first brake module 20 second brake module 21 first wheel axle 22 second wheel axle 23 soluble fastener 24 Fasteners 25 first vertical distance 26 second vertical distance 27 horizontal distance between first and third guide roller 28 horizontal distance between second and third guide roller 29 horizontal distance between first and second guide roller 30 horizontal distance between two wheel axles 31 first guide roller axis 32 second guide roller axis 33 third guide roller axis 50 first rail section 51 second track section 52 Curved section

Claims

[1] Unpowered carriage (100) designed as a gravity conveyor for conveying a unit load (300), wherein the carriage (100) has running rollers (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and guide rollers (13, 14, 15) oriented transversely to the running rollers (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), wherein the carriage (100) further comprises a joint (16) which pivotally connects a first frame part (10) of the carriage (100) to a second frame part (11) of the carriage (100) about a joint axis (17), such that the joint acts as a compensating joint to minimize sliding friction when cornering, wherein at least three guide rollers (13, 14, 15) are arranged substantially on a horizontal plane, characterized by, that the joint (16) has at least one joint piece (18a, 18b) for connecting the first frame part (10) to the second frame part (11), wherein the joint piece (18a, 18b) is mounted on the joint axis (17), wherein the joint axis (17) is rigidly connected to the first frame part (10), and wherein the joint piece (18a, 18b) is rigidly connected to the second frame part (11) by means of a detachable connecting element (23). [2] Trolley (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the carriage (100) has at least one brake module (19, 20) which is coupled to a wheel axle (21, 22) of the carriage (100). [3] Trolley according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the carriage (100) has a first brake module (19) and a second brake module (20), wherein the first brake module (19) is coupled to a first wheel axle (21) and the second brake module (20) is coupled to a second wheel axle (22). [4] Trolley (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carriage (100) has a connecting means (24) for connecting the unit load (300) to the carriage (100), wherein the connecting means (24) is arranged essentially perpendicular to the articulation axis (17). [5] Trolley (100) according to claim 4, characterized by that the connecting element (24) is arranged in the first frame part (10) or in the second frame part (11). [6] Trolley (100) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized by , that the connecting means (24) is arranged at a first vertical distance (25) to one of the guide rollers (13, 14, 15), wherein this guide roller (13, 14, 15) is arranged at a second vertical distance (26) to a wheel axle (21, 22) of the carriage (100), wherein the first vertical distance (25) is less than or equal to the second vertical distance (26). [7] Trolley (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first guide roller (13) is mounted on a first guide roller axis (31) and the second guide roller (14) on a second guide roller axis (32) and the third guide roller (15) on a third guide roller axis (33), wherein the first guide roller axis (31) and / or the second guide roller axis (32) and / or the third guide roller axis (33) is each rigidly connected at both ends to the carriage (100). [8] Trolley (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first guide roller (13) and / or the second guide roller (14) and / or the third guide roller (15) is arranged to be adjustable in the vertical direction. [9] Gravity conveying system (200) with at least two rail sections (50, 51), wherein the two rail sections (50, 51) are arranged at an angle other than 180° to each other and / or are connected to each other by means of a curved section (52), wherein the gravity conveying system (200) further comprises at least one unpowered carriage (100), characterized by , that the carriage (100) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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