Ball bearing module and method for assembling a ball bearing module

Abstract

Ball bearing module (80; 80') for supporting a traction element (150) of a conveyor (100; 200) along a curve of the conveyor (100; 200), with: - a plurality of support rollers (130) for the rolling absorption of curve forces along the curve of the conveyor device (100; 200); and - a connecting body (82) along which 5 to 30 of the support rollers (130) are arranged in a row, and which is made of an elastically deformable plastic; wherein - the connecting body (82) is designed to be flexibly deformable essentially perpendicular to the row, so that the arrangement of the support rollers (130) along the connecting body (82) together with the connecting body (82) can be flexibly adapted to curve profiles with different curve radii and - wherein a front fastening means (85) is formed at a front end of the connecting body (82) in the conveying direction and a rear fastening means (86) is formed at a rear end of the connecting body (82) in the conveying direction, wherein the front fastening means (85) of the ball bearing module (80; 80') can be fastened to a rear fastening means (86) of an identical further ball bearing module (80; 80') such that all support rollers (130) of the two ball bearing modules (80; 80') are arranged one behind the other in a row in the conveying direction of the conveying device (100; 200).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ball bearing module for supporting a traction element of a conveyor system along a curve of the conveyor system and to a method for mounting a ball bearing module.

[0002] Conveyor systems such as plate conveyors are used to transport goods on a conveying surface provided by multiple transport plates. The transport plates can be driven by a traction element such as a cable pull and / or a conveyor chain. When guiding the driven traction element, problems arise, particularly in curves, with the distribution of the forces that occur. One of these forces is a constriction force, which can be described using the Euler-Eytelwein formula. The driven traction element should be supported with as little friction as possible in the direction of the curve's center point against this constriction force.

[0003] Solutions for support are known from the prior art in which a rolling support wheel is arranged on each chain link of a driven conveyor chain, the axis of rotation of which is essentially vertical and by means of which the chain link can roll towards the center of the curve.

[0004] While this previously known solution effectively reduces frictional forces on the inside curve by allowing the described support wheels to roll, it is complex to implement, particularly requiring a high number of components.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of enabling the simplest possible assembly of support rollers for supporting a traction element of a conveyor system along a curve of the conveyor system.

[0006] Documents WO 99 / 42389A1 and US 2013 / 0068596A1 each disclose multi-link ball bearing chains. For example, they disclose an active guide bar with several connecting links that are connected to each other on roller axles.

[0007] Document WO 2012 / 069 070 A1 discloses a guide element for the lateral guidance of a curved conveyor chain, comprising a support element with guide rollers that are individually mounted on an axle body and rotatably about a vertical axis of rotation. The outer surfaces of the guide rollers serve as guide surfaces for the conveyor chain. Each guide roller has a collar-shaped limiting edge on one end face. Adjacent guide rollers are arranged in a nested configuration.

[0008] Document WO 2005 / 085 102 A1 discloses lateral limits for goods transported along a conveyor belt.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] One aspect concerns a ball bearing module for supporting a traction element of a conveyor system along a curve of the conveyor. The ball bearing module has multiple support rollers for the rolling transmission of curve forces along the curve of the conveyor system and a connecting body along which the support rollers are arranged in a row. The connecting body is essentially perpendicular to the row, i.e., transverse to the conveying direction of the conveyor system, and is flexibly deformable, so that the arrangement of the support rollers along the connecting body, together with the connecting body itself, can be flexibly adapted to curves with different radii.

[0011] The ball bearing module is designed for use in a conveyor system, specifically a plate conveyor of the type described above. The conveyor system includes a traction element driven to convey the goods. This driven traction element can, for example, be a driven conveyor chain. Generally, a different traction element can be used instead of a conveyor chain, such as a steel cable, a rubber block chain, etc. A transport attachment can be mounted on the traction element, allowing the goods to be conveyed along the direction of travel.

[0012] A number of identical transport attachments can be arranged on the traction element of the conveyor system. These multiple transport attachments can be arranged in series on the driven traction element, in particular mounted on it and / or connected to it, for example, by a positive locking mechanism. The transport surfaces of the transport attachments can be arranged in such a way that they together form a substantially continuous, movable conveying surface on which the goods can be transported along the conveyor system.

[0013] The conveyor system has at least one curve along which the conveyed material can be transported. The conveying direction of the conveyor system follows the curve. The ball bearing module is designed to directly and / or indirectly support the traction element along the curve of the conveyor system. The ball bearing module is designed and intended to be used as a static module of the conveyor system, i.e., as an immobile element and / or component of the conveyor system. The traction element, which is designed as a movable part and / or module of the conveyor system, is driven relative to the immobile and therefore static ball bearing module.

[0014] The traction element can either be in direct contact with the ball bearing module in the curve or indirectly, for example, via the transport attachments, which move together with the traction element and roll on the support rollers. The ball bearing module serves primarily to support and / or absorb the tensile forces described by the Euler-Eytelwein formula. Thus, the ball bearing module serves to directly and / or indirectly, via rolling action, transfer the pinch force transmitted by the traction element.

[0015] The ball bearing module has a plurality of support rollers, which can be designed as ball bearings. The ball bearing module can, for example, have a predetermined number of support rollers. The support rollers are arranged on the ball bearing module such that, in an operating position of the ball bearing module, they absorb tensile forces acting in a substantially horizontal direction. The support rollers can, in particular, have rollers whose axes of rotation point in a substantially horizontal direction. When conveying along an incline and / or slope, the axes of rotation of the support rollers can be arranged slightly deviating from the vertical, e.g., depending on the incline / slope, by a maximum of approximately 45°, preferably by a maximum of approximately 25°, and most preferably by a maximum of a single-digit degree range.

[0016] The ball bearing module can be designed and configured, in particular, to allow the lateral support surfaces of the transport attachments to roll on the support rollers on the traction element. The ball bearing module is arranged such that it is essentially adjacent to the traction element and / or the transport attachments along the curve. The ball bearing module can be arranged, in particular, in the direction of the curve center and / or helix center, directly adjacent to the support surfaces of the traction element and / or the transport attachments.

[0017] The support rollers are arranged on the connecting body and attached to it in such a way that they can rotate around their axis of rotation. The connecting body can be made of a flexible plastic material. The support rollers are arranged one behind the other along the connecting body, for example in a straight line. This line is intended to be arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor, and in particular along a curve.

[0018] While the support rollers can be arranged in a straight line along a straight section of the conveyor, no or only minimal shear forces occur on such a straight section. Therefore, using the ball bearing module on straight sections of the conveyor is not always practical.

[0019] Since all the support rollers are arranged and attached to the connecting body, all support rollers are assembled by mounting the connecting body along the conveyor track and / or on the conveyor track of the conveying system. The support rollers therefore do not need to be mounted individually, but can be mounted as a group by assembling and / or mounting the connecting body as a single component. The connecting body can have mounting devices for this purpose, allowing it to be attached to the conveyor track of the conveying system.

[0020] The support rollers form a row along the connecting body. In one embodiment, the support rollers can also form two (or more) substantially parallel rows along the connecting body. Preferably, however, the support rollers form exactly one row along the connecting body, as this simplifies deformation of the connecting body transversely and / or substantially perpendicularly to this row arrangement. The connecting body can be substantially elongated along the row. Along the row, the connecting body has a greater extent than in any direction transverse to it. The connecting body can, for example, be many times longer along the row than transversely. The connecting body can, for example, be at least three times as long, at least five times as long, and / or at least ten times as long as it is wide along the row.

[0021] The connecting body is made of an elastically deformable plastic, for example, POM (polyoxymethylene). In any case, the connecting body is made of a non-metallic material, specifically a plastic. The connecting body can, for example, be essentially straight as long as no forces act upon it. In this case, the row along which the support rollers are arranged on the connecting body is also essentially straight.

[0022] A connecting element with a generally straight profile can be used to guide the conveyor along both left and right curves, making it highly versatile. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting element can have a slight bend, and the row of support rollers can also be slightly curved. Such a pre-bent connecting element can only be used on either right or left curves of the conveyor, depending on the orientation of the pre-bend.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting body is essentially elongated and straight, so that the support rollers are arranged along a substantially straight row on the connecting body. This applies at least to a state of the ball bearing module in which no forces act on it and in which it is not yet mounted on the conveyor. When the ball bearing module is mounted on and / or along a curve of the conveying direction, the connecting body is flexibly deformed. In this process, the connecting body is bent so that the row in which the support rollers are arranged also forms a curved row. The bending can be carried out in such a way that the axes of rotation of the support rollers remain substantially vertical and substantially parallel to each other. In the operating position, the bending thus occurs primarily in a substantially horizontal direction.This applies to the deformation of the connecting body and therefore also to the deformation of the row in which the support rollers are arranged.

[0024] The connecting body is deformable transversely to the conveying direction. "Transversely to the conveying direction" means that the connecting body is deformable in a direction perpendicular to its longest dimension, so that its elongated extent adapts to the conveying direction of the conveying device. This specification refers to an operating position of the ball bearing module in which the ball bearing module is designed and arranged along the conveying direction and thus along a conveying path of the conveying device. In this operating position, the connecting body, and therefore also the row of support rollers, extends along the conveying direction of the conveying device; in particular, the row in which the support rollers are arranged also extends along the curve of the conveying direction.

[0025] The deformability of the connecting body allows the ball bearing module to be adapted to different curve profiles along the conveyor system. This enables the connecting body to be flexibly adjusted to curve profiles with varying radii. Therefore, the ball bearing module is versatile and can be used with different curve profiles on various conveyor systems.

[0026] The ball bearing module also offers the advantage that it does not require the cumbersome manufacturing process of a pre-defined bend. Instead, the connecting body can be essentially straight and only bent during assembly onto the conveyor system. Furthermore, the flexible deformability of the connecting body allows for precise adaptation of the row arrangement of support rollers to the curve of the conveyor system, without, for example, unwanted play occurring or deviations between the bends of the ball bearing module and the curve of the conveyor system. Thus, the ball bearing module can be very accurately adapted to the curve.

[0027] The flexible deformability of the connecting body can be achieved and / or improved, among other things, by ensuring that the connecting body has a preferred direction along which it is significantly longer than in any direction perpendicular to it. Significantly longer, as described above, can mean, for example, that the connecting body is at least three times, preferably at least five times, and most preferably at least ten times as long along the preferred direction as in any direction perpendicular to it.

[0028] Furthermore, the connecting body can be designed such that it accommodates the support rollers at their respective rigid mounting positions, but is flexible between these rigid mounting positions. This allows for flexible deformation, particularly between two adjacent support rollers, or more precisely, between two mounting positions. The support rollers remain stable at the mounting positions and essentially rigidly connected to the connecting body. This flexible deformation can also be achieved, for example, by incorporating a tapered section on the connecting body between each support roller, allowing the connecting body to be easily bent and / or deformed.

[0029] In one embodiment, the connecting body is designed to be flexible enough that the support rollers arranged in series can adapt to curves with any radius from 30 cm to 1 m. Preferably, the series of support rollers is adaptable to any radius greater than or equal to 30 cm, and particularly preferably to any radius less than -30 cm and any radius greater than +30 cm. The latter means that the ball bearing module can be adapted to both left-hand and right-hand curves in the conveying direction. This adaptability requires relatively good flexibility of the connecting body, which can be achieved using suitable plastic materials. The curve radius here refers to the distance of the support rollers from the helix axis and / or the center of the curve.

[0030] According to the invention, the ball bearing module further comprises a front fastening element at a front end of the connecting body in the conveying direction and a rear fastening element at a rear end of the connecting body in the conveying direction. The front fastening element of the ball bearing module can be attached to a rear fastening element of an identical, further ball bearing module in such a way that all support rollers of the two ball bearing modules are arranged one behind the other in a substantially continuous row in the conveying direction of the conveying device.

[0031] The ball bearing module has a fastening element at both its front and rear ends. These fastening elements are designed to be connected to one another. In other words, the connecting body of the ball bearing module can be extended by attaching another connecting body, another identical ball bearing module, and so on.

[0032] The location specifications "front end" and "rear end" of the connecting body refer to the conveying direction in an operating position of the ball bearing module. The ball bearing module can be extended as often as desired by attaching any number of additional ball bearing modules using the fastening means. In particular, so many ball bearing modules can be attached to one another that a complete curve and / or helix of the conveyor system can be continuously fitted with the support rollers of the connected ball bearing modules.

[0033] During assembly of the conveyor system, the required number of ball bearing modules can first be connected together and then attached to a conveyor track. The front and rear ends of the connecting body refer to the two shorter ends of the essentially elongated connecting body. By connecting the connecting bodies of identical ball bearing modules, the ball bearing module is extended in the conveying direction. This allows the ball bearing module, or multiple ball bearing modules, to be adapted to any curved track length. This increases the versatility of the ball bearing module. By connecting the ball bearing modules in series, a virtually continuous support function for the traction element can be provided along the curved path of the conveyor system.

[0034] In this case, the fastening means on the connecting body can be designed such that the support rollers of the identical ball bearing modules arranged one behind the other and attached to each other have a substantially constant distance beyond the limits of the respective associated ball bearing module.

[0035] If two connecting bodies of two identical ball bearing modules are connected to each other, the axes of rotation of all ball bearing modules of the two ball bearing modules are arranged essentially parallel to each other.

[0036] In a further development of the ball bearing module, the front and rear fastening elements are designed to form a positive and / or force-fit connection. This results in a mechanical fastening of the ball bearing modules to one another. This ensures that the ball bearing modules remain fastened to each other during operation of the conveyor system, which leads to stress on the ball bearing modules, e.g., from pinch forces. This type of fastening is particularly robust and stable, resulting in a long service life for the conveyor system.

[0037] Furthermore, the positive and / or non-destructive connection can be designed to be, for example, non-destructively detachable. In other words, the connection between the ball bearing modules can be loosened and / or opened again if repairs are needed, in order to replace individual ball bearing modules and / or support rollers that have been damaged and / or worn during operation.

[0038] In one embodiment, the front and rear fastening elements are designed to form a clip connection. A clip connection is particularly easy to assemble and also sufficiently resistant to the expected load in the conveying device. Furthermore, the clip connection can also be designed to be released non-destructively.

[0039] In one embodiment, the row of support rollers is further formed from at least two rows of rollers offset from each other in the direction of rotation of the support rollers, the support rollers of which overlap in the direction of rotation of the support rollers.

[0040] By staggering the arrangement of the support rollers in two rows, the center-to-center distances between the support rollers can be reduced. The overlapping arrangement positions the support rollers closer together along the connecting body. This improves the rolling action and absorption of pinch forces on the ball bearing module.

[0041] According to the invention, the number of support rollers is five to thirty. Five to thirty support rollers are arranged in a row on the connecting body, in the operating position along the conveying direction of a curve of the conveyor. Instead of mounting these support rollers individually, all support rollers can be attached to the conveyor by simply mounting the ball bearing module. Preferably, the number of support rollers is ten to twenty-five. This number has proven particularly advantageous with regard to both the simplification of assembly by mounting multiple support rollers simultaneously and the required ease of handling of the elongated ball bearing module.

[0042] In one embodiment, the connecting body has a taper between each pair of adjacent support rollers (e.g., to shorten the ball bearing module in the conveying direction). The taper between the adjacent support rollers can facilitate bending and / or deformation of the connecting body. The taper can be designed as a predetermined breaking point at which the ball bearing module can be shortened as needed. Thus, a ball bearing module that protrudes beyond a curve of the conveyor can be easily shortened to the desired target length.The design described above, with its front and rear fastening elements and the tapered section described here, allows for the assembly of adjacent ball bearing modules to achieve a desired length. This can be accomplished either by extending the module when adding further ball bearing modules or by shortening one or both end-mounted ball bearing modules at the designated tapered sections. Thus, the tapered sections increase the versatility of the ball bearing module.

[0043] In one embodiment, the ball bearing module has at least one guide for attaching the ball bearing module to a curved guide of the conveyor system. The guide can be a fixed guide and / or an adjustable guide. In particular, the guide can be a groove and / or recess in the connecting body into which a guide rail of the conveyor system can be inserted. Alternatively, the guide can also be a rail that can be inserted into a corresponding groove on the conveyor system. The ball bearing module can, in particular, have at least as many guides as there are ball bearings.

[0044] In this advanced training, the guide element can be attached at different positions along the connecting body. This is an adjustable and / or adjustable guide element, which can be designed as a separate component of the ball bearing module. The guide element can therefore be designed as a variable guide element. The guide element, which can be attached at different positions, can be one of several guide elements of the ball bearing module. The ball bearing module can have fixed and / or rigid guide elements as well as at least one such adjustable and / or variable guide element. The guide element can be attached at a position on the connecting body where the support rollers are also attached.The connecting body can thus have multiple mounting positions, each of which can accommodate a ball bearing module and, if necessary, an adjustable guide element. The adjustability of the guide element can therefore refer specifically to its position on the connecting body. Such an adjustable guide element can simplify shortening the connecting body to a variable number of support rollers. Depending on the chosen shortening point, at least one adjustable guide element can be attached to a suitable mounting position, for example, the mounting position next to which the ball bearing module was shortened. In this way, the position of the adjustable guide element can be variably adjusted depending on the length of the connecting body.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the support rollers are arranged along the connecting body at essentially uniform intervals. The regular spacing between the support rollers enables the most uniform possible guidance and / or rolling transfer of shear forces along the curve of the conveyor. In the embodiment in which the connecting bodies of two identical ball bearing modules can be fastened together, the fastening means can be designed such that the spacing of the support rollers remains essentially uniform even beyond the boundaries of the ball bearing module.

[0046] One aspect concerns a method for mounting a ball bearing module to support a traction element of a conveyor system along a curve of a conveyor system, comprising the following steps: - Providing a predetermined number of support rollers for the rolling absorption of curve forces along the curve of the conveyor system; - Arranging the support rollers one behind the other in a row along a connecting body of the ball bearing module; - Deformation of the connecting body transversely to the conveying direction of the conveying device such that the support rollers are arranged one behind the other along the curve of the conveying device; and - Attaching the ball bearing module along a conveyor track of the conveyor system.

[0047] The method can be carried out, in particular, using a ball bearing module as described above. Therefore, all statements concerning the ball bearing module as described above also apply to the method, and vice versa.

[0048] According to the invention, the method also includes the following step: - Attaching at least two connecting bodies of two ball bearing modules to each other in such a way that the support rollers of the two ball bearing modules are arranged one behind the other in a row.

[0049] The two ball bearing modules can be, in particular, two identical modules. The ball bearing modules can be fastened together, for example, by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection, especially a clip connection. Once the ball bearing modules are fastened together, the support rollers of the two ball bearing modules can be arranged in a single row, one behind the other. This applies particularly when they are attached to the conveyor. In this assembled state, all support rollers of the two ball bearing modules are designed and arranged along the conveying direction, following a curve and / or turning curve of the conveyor system.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the connecting body of the ball bearing module is cut at a taper between two adjacent support rollers. This allows the ball bearing module to be shortened at any taper between two adjacent support rollers, thus adapting the length of the ball bearing module to the desired application.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the connecting body is attached to a guide rail of the conveyor. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a guide element of the ball bearing module. The guide rail can, for example, be designed as a (guide) rail onto which the connecting body is slid. In this way, the ball bearing module automatically adapts to the shape of the guide rail. The guide rail is aligned and arranged along the conveyor track of the conveying system, so that the arrangement of the connecting body along the guide rail automatically leads to correct assembly and alignment of the ball bearing module.

[0052] One aspect concerns a conveyor system with a ball bearing module according to one of the preceding aspects. The conveyor system can, in particular, be designed as a plate conveyor. The ball bearing module can be arranged along a curve and / or helix of the conveyor system for direct and / or indirect support of the conveyor system's traction element. The conveyor system can, in particular, have several identical ball bearing modules arranged one behind the other along the conveying direction along a curve and / or helix of the conveyor system.

[0053] Within the scope of this invention, the terms “essentially” and / or “approximately” may be used to include a deviation of up to 5% from a numerical value following the term, a deviation of up to 5° from a direction following the term and / or from an angle following the term.

[0054] Terms such as above, below, over, under, etc. refer - unless otherwise specified - to the Earth's reference system in an operating position of the subject matter of the invention.

[0055] The term “lateral” refers to an essentially horizontal direction perpendicular to, i.e., essentially perpendicular to, the conveying direction.

[0056] The term "conveyor direction" refers to the direction of travel and the direction of drive of the driven traction element along the conveyor track through the plate conveyor.

[0057] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Here, identical or similar reference numerals may denote identical or similar features of the embodiments. Individual features shown in the figures may be implemented in other exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1A in a side view a first plate conveyor for conveying material along a helical track; Fig. 1B in a perspective view the first plate conveyor for conveying material along a helical track; Fig. 1C in a top view the first plate conveyor for conveying material along a helical track; Fig. 1D in a perspective view, a lower end of the track of the first plate conveyor for conveying material along a helical curve track; Fig. 2A in a top view a second plate conveyor with a conveying surface guided along a curve; Fig. 2B in a view from below the second plate conveyor with a conveying surface that is guided along a curve; Fig. 2C in a bottom view, a section of Fig. 2B, namely a section of the underside of the second plate conveyor in a curved path; Fig. 3 in a perspective view the second plate conveyor with a conveying surface that is guided along a curve; Fig. 4 in a perspective view an enlarged detail of a plate conveyor without a conveyor chain; Fig. 5 elements of a static conveyor track of a conveyor system in a perspective view; Fig. 6 an excerpt of the in Fig. 5 perspective views shown; Fig. 7 in a perspective view a ball bearing module of a conveyor system; Fig. 8A in a side view two schematically represented ball bearing modules attached to each other; Fig. 8B in a top view two schematically represented ball bearing modules attached to each other; Fig. 8C in a side view against the longitudinal direction a schematically represented ball bearing module; Fig. 8D in a side view against the longitudinal direction a schematically represented ball bearing module without support rollers and without variable guide means; Fig. 9A a perspective view of a ball bearing module; and Fig. 9B a side view of the in Fig. 9A ball bearing module shown.

[0058] Fig. Figure 1A shows a side view of a first plate conveyor 100 for conveying material along a helical track 103. The first plate conveyor 100 is in the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C and Fig. 1D not fully, but only partially, represented. In particular, a traction element and transport plates 50 of the first plate conveyor 100 are not shown in the Fig. 1A to 1C shown (see, however, e.g. Fig. 4). Rather, a large part of the spiral track 103 is shown without transport plates 50, without conveyor chain and also without support rollers.

[0059] The first plate conveyor 100 has a support foot 110, which is designed to be supported on an underside of the plate conveyor 100.

[0060] Fig. Figure 1B shows the first plate conveyor 100 in a perspective view without transport attachments. The plate conveyor 100 has a lower track end 105 and an upper track end 107. The lower track end 105 is connected to the upper track end 107 via the helical track 103. The helical track 103 spirals from the lower track end 105 around a helical column 101 along a helical conveying path and / or conveyor track to the upper track end 107.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment of the plate conveyor 100, the helical track 103 circles the helical column 101 a total of three times. In other embodiments, the helical track 103 can comprise more or fewer than three circles of the helical column 101. In one embodiment, the helical track 103 can also partially circle the helical column 101, e.g., halfway. At the upper end 107 of the track, a substantially vertically sloping return surface 112 is formed, leading back to the lower end 105 of the track.

[0062] The plate conveyor 100 can, for example, be configured as a spiral lift, on which material can be conveyed from the lower track end 105 along the spiral track 103 to the upper track end 107. The plate conveyor 100 can also be operated in reverse, i.e., to convey material along the spiral track 103 from top to bottom.

[0063] Not in the Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a driven conveyor chain of the plate conveyor 100, on and to which transport attachments are mounted. The conveyor chain is provided as a circulating traction element and is guided and driven from the lower track end 105 along the helical track 103 to the upper track end 107. The return of the closed conveyor chain occurs from the upper track end 105 along the return surface 112 steeply downwards and from a lower end of the return surface 112 along an underside of the plate conveyor 100 back to the lower track end 105. A drive for the conveyor chain can advantageously be provided on a lower or upper area of ​​the plate conveyor 100. For example, an upper and / or lower deflection roller of the plate conveyor 100 can be driven, e.g., as a driven roller. A lower deflection roller 160 is, for example, Fig. Figure 1D shows which can be designed as a driven roller. The drive can be designed, at least partially, as a drive arranged outside a deflection roller, such as a geared motor, or as at least one deflection roller with an internal motor, which can be designed, for example, as a drum motor.

[0064] On the plate conveyor 100 shown, conveyed material can be transported along the spiral track 103 in a vertical direction upwards and / or also in a vertical direction downwards.

[0065] Along the helical track 103, the helical conveyor track and / or track surface of the plate conveyor 100 orbits a surface in the Fig. 1A and Fig. The helical axis W of the plate conveyor 100, marked 1B, coincides approximately with a cylinder axis of the helical column 101. In a top view, the helical axis W represents the center point of a curve around which the conveyor chain, and thus also the transport attachments 1, are guided.

[0066] This helical conveyor track has several raceways 170 on both lateral sides of a ball bearing module 80, each extending parallel to the helical conveying direction from the lower track end 105 to the upper track end 107. The raceways 170 can each be composed of several raceways 170 arranged one behind the other. Likewise, the ball bearing module 80 can be composed of several (e.g., identical) ball bearing modules 80.

[0067] Fig. Figure 1C shows a top view of the plate conveyor 100. Also in Fig. Figure 1C shows the six raceways 170 with the ball bearing module 80, which run parallel to the conveying direction from the lower end of the track 105 to the upper end of the track 107.

[0068] Fig. Figure 1D shows a perspective view of the lower track end 105 of the plate conveyor 100 without the conveyor chain and without transport attachments. In the shown section of the conveyor track, two rails are arranged and configured on a track surface 125 of the plate conveyor 100. The rail that is located closer to the helix axis W is configured as an inner chain guide 122. The other rail, which is located further away from the helix axis W, is configured as an outer chain guide 121.

[0069] Along the straight section of the conveyor track shown, the conveyor chain is guided between the two chain guides 121 and 122, which are designed as rails. In curved sections, particularly along the helical track 103, the conveyor chain is not guided in such rails, but rather on lateral support rollers 130 arranged on the inside of the curve, in order to reduce friction and absorb pinch forces.

[0070] In Fig. Figure 1D shows only one of the support rollers 130 extending from the inner chain guide 122. The axis of rotation of the support rollers 130 is essentially perpendicular to the track surface 125. Thus, the axes of rotation of the support rollers 130 are arranged essentially parallel to a vertical direction, or more precisely, offset from the vertical direction by the slope of the track surface 125. Therefore, the support rollers 130 can also be referred to as lateral support rollers 130.

[0071] Not in the Fig. The traction means shown in 1A-1D can be fitted with transport attachments 1, each of which has a transport plate 50 (see e.g. Fig. 4) The transport attachments 1 can be designed as sleds and attached to a conveyor chain as a traction element of the plate conveyor 100, e.g. placed on the conveyor chain.

[0072] Lateral support surfaces of the transport attachments 1, which are mounted on the conveyor chain, rest against the lateral support rollers 130 and are guided past them on the outside of the curve. The statically fixed lateral support rollers 130 can roll against the lateral support surfaces of the transport attachments 1 to absorb the curve forces.

[0073] The lateral support rollers 130 can, for example, be designed as horizontal ball bearings, which absorb the constriction forces and transfer them by rolling. This reduces the negative effects of the forces generated and transferred on the components of the plate conveyor 100 and 200.

[0074] On a lateral sidewall of the track surface 125 (e.g., on the outside of a curve), an elongated side guide 120 is formed, for example, as a rail, under which the transport attachments 1 are guided. This side guide 120 prevents and / or reduces the lifting of the transport attachments 1. On an opposite side (on the inside of a curve), which is located in the Fig. Even if the perspective shown in 1D is obscured, such a side guide 120 can also be arranged. The side guides 120 can be designed along the entire track surface 125 as an interference guard between the lateral side wall and the transport attachments 1 and / or as an anti-lift guard. The side guides 120 can, for example, be designed as a hollow profile. At the side guides 120, the lateral width of the conveyor track above the track surface 125 is reduced to such an extent that the lateral plate ends of the transport attachments 1, i.e., the inner and outer plate ends, are located below the side guides 120.

[0075] Fig. Figure 2A shows a top view of a second plate conveyor 200 with a conveying surface 140 that is formed and / or guided along a right-hand curve. The second plate conveyor 200 is not shown completely, but only partially. Fig. Figure 2A shows a plurality of transport attachments 1, which are attached to a driven conveyor chain 150 as a traction element. Each transport attachment 1 has a transport plate 50 with a transport surface 10. The transport surfaces 10 of all transport attachments 1 together form the conveying surface 140. Here, the transport surfaces 10 of the transport attachments 1 driven in the forward direction are arranged essentially in the same plane, whereby successive transport surfaces 10 may partially overlap. The transport surfaces 10 of those transport attachments 1 that are currently being returned and may therefore be arranged upside down (not in Fig. 2A), can be arranged differently than in the plane of the conveying surface 140.

[0076] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the conveyor chain 150 is initially driven along a straight section of the conveyor track, after which the conveyor chain 150 is guided along a curve, which in this embodiment is designed as a right-hand curve and during which the conveying direction changes by approximately 180°. In the illustrated embodiment of the plate conveyor 200, the conveying of materials takes place essentially in the same plane, namely a substantially horizontal plane spanned by the transport surfaces 10 oriented for forward conveying. Conveying in a horizontal plane occurs in a similar manner to conveying along the helical track 103 of the conveyor described in Figure 2A. Fig. 1A to 1D shown first plate conveyor 100.

[0077] Each transport attachment 1 provides a transport surface 10 that extends larger in one direction essentially transversely (i.e., laterally) to the conveying direction than in the conveying direction. The conveying direction of a plate conveyor corresponds to the path and drive direction of the driven conveyor chain 150. The conveyor chain 150 and the transport attachments 1 are movable components of the plate conveyor 200; that is, they are driven and / or moved relative to statically fixed components of the plate conveyor 200. The statically fixed components of the plate conveyor 200 include the lateral support rollers 130, which are arranged along the curve and around which the conveyor chain 150 is guided. The lateral support rollers 130 are arranged such that their axis of rotation is essentially vertical.The lateral support rollers 130, together with the lateral support surfaces of the transport attachments 1, serve to absorb and / or roll off the curve forces that must be absorbed when the driven conveyor chain 150 is guided through curves.

[0078] Laterally to the conveying direction, the transport surfaces 10 extend beyond the conveyor chain 150 to such an extent that the lateral width of the transport surfaces 10 defines a track width B of the conveyor path. The track width B depends on the lateral extent of the transport plates 50 of the transport attachments 1 (see also Fig. 4) Along the plate conveyors 100 and 200, all transport attachments 1 used have the same lateral extent, which corresponds to the respective web width B.

[0079] In curved sections along the plate conveyor 100 and / or 200, the transport plates 50 are compressed together on the inside of the curve, both above and below each other, while they are fanned out on the outside of the curve. The transport plates 50 are designed and / or arranged along the conveyor chain 150 in such a way that they form a substantially gap-free conveying surface 140, even when curved (e.g., viewed from above).

[0080] Fig. Figure 2B shows a bottom view of the second plate conveyor 200. The lateral support rollers 130, which are attached to a Fig. The support rollers on the track surface 125 (not shown in Figure 2B) are only formed along the curved sections, but not along the straight sections of the conveyor track of the plate conveyor 200. This allows the number of support rollers required to be reduced compared to conventional plate conveyors.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment of the second plate conveyor 200, the lateral support rollers 130 are arranged along a semicircular circumference, resulting in a curved path with a change in the conveying direction of approximately 180°. The transport plates 50 of the transport attachments 1 have an underside 20 which is Fig. Figure 2B shows that, in the illustrated embodiment, a total of six laterally spaced support positions 31 are formed on the underside 20 of each transport attachment 1, on which support rollers 30 can be arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, exactly two support rollers 30 are arranged on each underside 20 of each transport attachment 1, one support roller 30 on each wing. This means that a support roller 30 is arranged on each wing on the inside of a curve and on each wing on the outside of a curve. Each wing has a support position 31 adjacent to a central area of ​​the transport plate 50 and / or the conveyor chain 150 for a narrow track width, a support position 31 for a wide track width at a lateral end of the plate, and a support position 31 for a medium track width in between. A support roller 30 can be arranged at each of these support positions 31.

[0082] The support roller 30 can, for example, be located at the central support point 31 of the respective wing, or at one of the laterally arranged support points 31 of the respective wing. The arrangement of the support rollers 30 under the wings can, for example, be the same for the entire plate conveyor 200, vary from transport plate 50 to transport plate 50, or at least vary partially. In the embodiment shown, different support points 31 are occupied by a support roller 30.

[0083] In other embodiments, for example, two or three support rollers 30 per wing can be provided, so that, for example, plate conveyors can also be realized in which each transport attachment 1 is equipped with a total of six support rollers 30. This can be advantageous when a high conveying load is expected. The installation of multiple support rollers 30 can also make it possible to achieve a relatively wide track width B.

[0084] A section marked with an "A" on the underside of the plate conveyor 200 is shown enlarged below.

[0085] Fig. Figure 2C shows an enlarged view of section A on the underside of the plate conveyor 200. The section shows several consecutive chain links of the conveyor chain 150, which are inserted into and attached to connecting devices 40. The connecting devices 40 are formed and attached to the underside of the transport attachments 1. In the illustrated embodiment, each transport attachment 1 has exactly one such connecting device 40, which is attached to at least one chain link of the conveyor chain 150. The connecting devices 40 have a larger lateral dimension than the chain links of the conveyor chain 150.

[0086] Within the scope of the invention, lateral extension always refers to the extension transverse and / or perpendicular to the conveying direction, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the driven guide direction of the driven conveyor chain 150. At the same time, the lateral direction is an essentially horizontal direction.

[0087] Each of the connecting devices 40 has at least one lateral support surface 41 on the inside of the curve. The lateral support surfaces 41 of the transport attachments 1 together provide a rolling surface for the statically fixed lateral support rollers 130. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2C, the static lateral support rollers 130 do not roll directly on the conveyor chain 150 and therefore do not directly wear the conveyor chain 150. Rather, if any wear occurs, it is the lateral support surfaces 41, which are easier to replace than the conveyor chain 150, e.g., by removing and / or replacing the transport attachment 1. Replacing the transport attachment 1 is also easier than replacing one or more chain links of the conveyor chain 150, since the conveyor chain 150 does not need to be opened when replacing one of the transport attachments 1.

[0088] In curved sections, the lateral support surfaces 41 provide a continuous rolling surface arranged under the transport plate 50, directed towards the inside end of the plate. The lateral support surfaces 41, particularly at their ends in and against the conveying direction, may have projections and / or recesses that lead to a partial overlap of adjacent lateral support surfaces 41. This is discussed in more detail below, particularly in connection with the Fig. Sections 6A to 6E are described in more detail.

[0089] The lateral support surfaces 41 of adjacent connecting devices 40 can be arranged so closely one behind the other along the conveyor chain 150 that they touch and / or overlap, at least when the conveyor is in a curve, on the inside of the curve. This provides a continuous rolling surface for the statically fixed lateral support rollers 130, which is essentially gap-free and faces the center of the curve or the helix axis W, at least when the conveyor is in a curve.

[0090] This rolling surface, which is provided by the lateral support surfaces 41 of the individual transport attachments 1, is essentially formed along the conveying direction - but slightly offset towards the center of the curve - as well as along a vertical direction.

[0091] Also in Fig. Figure 2C shows some of the free support positions 31 as well as an occupied support position 31, on which a support roller 30 is arranged.

[0092] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of parts of the second plate conveyor 200. Fig. Figure 3 shows a similar section to, for example, Fig. 2A, shown only in a perspective view. At one end of the straight path of the plate conveyor 200, it is shown how the transport attachments 1 are folded downwards to return the conveyor chain 150 below the conveying surface 140. As in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B are also in Fig. 3. Track boundaries, side guides and / or track surfaces, etc., are not shown. These elements of the second plate conveyor 200 may be similar to or identical with those of the one shown in the Fig. The first plate conveyor shown in 1A to 1D must be trained to 100.

[0093] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a section of the second plate conveyor 200 without the driven conveyor chain 150, but with some elements of the track surface 125, above which the driven conveyor chain 150 is guided. In particular, a portion of the track surface 125 is shown, which is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. The track surface 125 is arranged essentially parallel to the conveyor surface 140 below it and is approximately the same size. The track surface 125 defines the conveying path of the plate conveyor 100 or 200 and can serve for rolling and supporting the carrying rollers 30, which are arranged on the underside 20 of the transport attachments 1 and bear the weight of the transport attachments 1, the suspended conveyor chain 150, and / or the conveyed goods.

[0094] The connecting device 40 is shown approximately centrally beneath a transport plate 50 of the transport attachments 1. This device has a lateral support surface 41 that serves as a rolling surface for the lateral support rollers 130. The lateral support rollers 130 can be attached to and / or on the track surface 125, for example by means of a screw and / or welded connection.

[0095] The conveyor chain 150 is in Fig. Figure 4 is not shown, which allows a view of an internal cavity in the connecting device 40. This cavity can be designed as a tensile element receptacle for the conveyor chain 150. Inside the connecting device 40, at least one fastening element 42 is provided, which can, for example, be designed as a clip for clipping onto the conveyor chain 150, in particular onto a chain link of the conveyor chain 150. A clip connection enables a positive-locking connection of the transport attachment 1 to the conveyor chain 150 that is easy to manufacture and easy to detach.

[0096] Instead of a conveyor chain 150, another traction medium such as a steel cable and / or a rubber block chain can be used.

[0097] The central axis of the conveyor chain 150 can be positioned lower in the operating position than the center point of the statically fixed lateral support rollers 130. This allows a tilting moment and thus a contact pressure of the transport attachments 1 together with the traction element in the direction of the track surface 125 to be generated, thus preventing the transport attachments 1 from lifting off unintentionally.

[0098] The transport surfaces 10 are arranged below the side guides 120 in their operating position. These guides prevent and / or reduce the lifting of the transport attachments 1 from the track surface 125 under the influence of a one-sided external force, such as that caused by conveyed goods or foreign objects positioned on one side of the transport surface 10. In their operating position, the transport surfaces 10 are arranged below and / or spaced apart from the side guides 120 in such a way that, without the application of a one-sided external force to the transport surface 10, the side guides 120 are essentially not in contact with it, in order to minimize friction, wear, and noise. This contributes to the floating guidance of the conveyor chain 150. The track surface 125, the side guides 120, and the lateral support rollers 130 are statically fixed elements of the plate conveyor 100 or 200.

[0099] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of elements of a (static) conveyor track of the conveying system. The conveying system can be designed, for example, as the plate conveyor 100 or the plate conveyor 200. Fig. Figure 5 shows some static, i.e., immovable, elements of the conveyor. The plate conveyor 100 or 200 has several crossbeams 90 as supports for the conveyors, which are attached to the spiral column 101 (see Figure 5). Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B).

[0100] In contrast to the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the conveying device does not need to have a continuous, helical track 103. Instead of this continuous helical track 103, the following are used in the embodiment shown in Figure 4: Fig. The conveyor system shown in section 5 is arranged on the statically fixed crossbeams 90 with guide rails 91, similar to, for example, the system shown in the Fig. The plate conveyor 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1D. The crossbeams 90 are designed as essentially horizontally arranged supports, which project essentially perpendicularly radially outwards from the helix column 101 and the helix axis W. The crossbeams 90 are attached to the helix column 101 and / or serve to stabilize and / or support the helix track 103. While the helix track 103 of the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in section 4, the surface is designed as a continuous area across the entire width of the web. Fig. 5 and Fig. The spiral track 103 shown in section 6 is not continuous, but interrupted transversely and / or laterally to the conveying direction (see also...). Fig. 1B and Fig. 1C).

[0101] This leaves a large part of the area along the spiral track 103 free. In the Fig. 5 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, a plurality of support rollers 130 are arranged substantially centrally along the helical curve track 103, a plurality of which are grouped together to form a ball bearing module 80. The ball bearing module 80 can, for example, have fifteen such support rollers 130, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. Figure 7 shows that the support rollers can each be attached to the ball bearing module 80 via a bearing journal 81. The support rollers 130 can be designed as ball bearings. The support rollers 130 of the ball bearing modules 80 serve to absorb the shear forces that occur when guiding along a curve and / or along the helical track 103.

[0102] The ball bearing modules 80 are arranged approximately centrally along the helical track 103, more precisely, offset from the center of the helical track 103 slightly towards the center of the curve and / or the helix axis W. A plurality of raceways 170 are arranged on both lateral sides of the ball bearing module 80. The conveyor preferably has its own assigned raceway 170 for each support roller 30 of the transport attachments 1. Since, in the illustrated embodiment, three support rollers 30 can be provided per wing of the transport attachment 1, three raceways 170 are provided and arranged on both the left and right sides of the ball bearing module 80. Thus, the helical track 103 has a total of six raceways 170, each of which is designed and arranged to support a support roller 30 of the transport attachment 1.

[0103] Both the raceways 170 and the ball bearing module 80 are each attached to at least one guide rail 91. The guide rail 91 can, in particular, be designed as a flat bar. The guide rails 91 are attached to the crossbeams 90 and are designed as a static component of the conveyor system 100; 200. Both the crossbeam 90 and the guide rail 91 can be made of a metal, in particular steel. The crossbeams 90 and / or the guide rails 91 can be designed as essentially planar structural components. The surface of said structural components is arranged in a vertical plane. The surface of the guide rails 91 is essentially perpendicular to the surface of the crossbeams 90, each in an essentially vertical plane.

[0104] Both the raceway 170 and the ball bearing module 80 can be made of plastic and / or incorporate a plastic component. The plastic is designed to be flexible and deformable. Thus, both the raceway 170 and the ball bearing module 80 can be essentially straight, as is the case, for example, in Fig. Figure 7 shows that only during the assembly of the ball bearing module 80 (and, for example, also the raceways 170) is the ball bearing module 80 deformed so that it adapts to the bend of the track guide 91.

[0105] The guide rails 91, designed, for example, as flat iron, are curved so that they follow the conveying direction of the conveyor along the track curve or helical track 103. The guide rails 91 can essentially be designed as elongated metal strips whose longitudinal direction is oriented in the direction of their greatest extent. This longitudinal direction extends along and / or parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor. The width of the guide rails 91 extends essentially in a vertical direction and is essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor. The thickness of the guide rails 91 is their smallest dimension. The thickness of the guide rails 91 is arranged radially towards the center of the curve and / or towards the helical axis W.The guide rails 91, designed as elongated strips, are curved in such a way that they are bent around the center of the curve and / or the helix axis W, essentially parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying device 100; 200.

[0106] Fig. Figure 6 shows an enlarged section of the Fig. The five elements of the conveyor system are shown. In particular, one end of the spiral track curve is shown, at which the track guides 91, the raceways 170, and the ball bearing modules 80 can terminate.

[0107] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of one of the ball bearing modules 80 in an uninstalled state. In this uninstalled and unmounted state, the ball bearing module 80 extends essentially in a straight line along a longitudinal direction. Along this longitudinal direction, all support rollers 130 of the ball bearing module 80 are arranged one behind the other in a row. Along this essentially straight row, the support rollers 130 are arranged one behind the other at essentially uniform intervals.

[0108] Each bearing journal 81 has one of the support rollers (i.e., ball bearings) 130 at its upper end, which are designed to absorb the shear forces by rolling. The shear forces of the lateral support surfaces 41 of the transport attachments 1, which are arranged on the traction element 150, i.e., the conveyor chain, can be absorbed by the support rollers 130 (see figure). Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

[0109] The ball bearing module 80 has a connecting body 82. The connecting body 82 is made of a flexible plastic, which is particularly flexible in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the ball bearing module. The longitudinal direction of the ball bearing module 80 is in Fig. 7 marked with L. The support rollers 130 are arranged in a row at even intervals along this longitudinal direction L.

[0110] Along the longitudinal direction L, the ball bearing module 80 does not necessarily have to be flexible, but it must be flexible in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction L. The connecting body 82 has a plurality of mounting positions 83. A support roller 130 of the ball bearing module 80 is attached to each mounting position 83, specifically at its lower end. A tapered section 84 is formed between each mounting position 83. Mounting positions 83 and tapered sections 84 alternate along the connecting body 82. This means that a tapered section 84 is formed between each pair of adjacent mounting positions 83.

[0111] The tapered sections 84 facilitate, on the one hand, the bending of the ball bearing module 80 along the track 91. On the other hand, the tapered sections 84 allow the shortening of the ball bearing module 80 between any two adjacent mounting positions 83 and / or ball bearing modules 80. At the mounting positions 83, the connecting body 82 is more massive, wider, and more stable than at the intermediate tapered sections 84. The connecting body 82 can be easily cut at the tapered sections 84, e.g., with a knife and / or pliers.

[0112] Each mounting position 83 can accommodate both a support roller 130 and a nut 89. Preferably, the support rollers 130 are ultrasonic welded to the bearing journals 81. Alternatively or additionally, the support roller 130 can be attached to the mounting position 83 with the nut 89. In the illustrated embodiment, the support rollers 130 are positioned above the connecting body in the operating position, while the nuts 89 are arranged in a receptacle inside the mounting positions 83 of the connecting body 82. Thus, the support rollers 130 can be attached to the connecting body 82, in particular by bolting. The majority of the support rollers 130, which have the ball bearing module 80, are connected to each other via the connecting body 82 to form a single component (namely, the ball bearing module 80).

[0113] The connecting body 82 further comprises a plurality of static guide elements 87. Each static guide element 87 can be configured as a guide groove, for example, as an upper guide groove in the example shown. The size, and in particular the width, of the guide groove is adapted to the thickness of the guide rail 91. The static guide elements 87 can be attached to the guide rail 91, which can be inserted into the guide groove like a spring. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one static guide element 87 is provided at each fastening position 83 of the connecting body 82.

[0114] Furthermore, the ball bearing module 80 can also have at least one variable guide element 88. The variable guide element 88 is designed such that it can be attached at any mounting position 83. In the illustrated embodiment, such a variable guide element 88 is arranged at both the foremost mounting position 83 and the rearmost mounting position 83. In addition, at least one of the variable guide elements 88 is also arranged approximately in the middle of the ball bearing module.

[0115] The variable guide element 88 also has at least one guide groove, which is adapted to the dimensions of the guide rail 91. The guide groove of the variable guide element 88 is aligned and arranged opposite the guide groove of the static guide element 87, which is located at the associated mounting position 83. In the illustrated embodiment, the variable guide element 88 is therefore designed as a lower guide element. Together, the guide groove of the static guide element 87 and the guide groove of the variable guide element 88 form a receptacle for the guide rail 91 at each mounting position 83, which engages the flat bar from two opposite sides (here from above and below). This allows for both a force-fit and a form-fit connection to be established.

[0116] When mounting the ball bearing module 80 to the guide rail 91, the ball bearing module 80 can first be attached to the guide rail 91 without variable guide elements 88. Subsequently, at least one or more variable guide elements 88 can be attached to the ball bearing module 80 (for example, screwed on) in such a way that the guide rail 91 is held in a clamping position to which the ball bearing module 80 is then attached. Alternatively, the variable guide element 88 can initially be loosely and / or rotated at the respective mounting position 83, so that the ball bearing module 80 can be easily attached to the guide rail 91. The variable guide element 88 can then be rotated, for example, by approximately 90° about the respective mounting screw, so that the described clamping position can be formed. This simplifies the mounting of the ball bearing module 80 to the guide rails 91.In particular, it allows the ball bearing module to be easily moved along the guide rail 91 in the conveying direction, even past the crossbeams 90, for example. With fixed variable guide elements 88, moving the ball bearing modules 80 past the crossbeams 90 in the conveying direction would be hindered. Therefore, the variable guide elements 88 can either be installed later or initially mounted at an angle and only later rotated into their final position. In the final position, the guide groove of the variable guide element 88 and the guide groove of the static guide element 87 are attached to opposite (e.g., vertical) ends of the guide rail 91. The two guide grooves are essentially parallel to each other.

[0117] The variably adjustable and / or adjustable design of the variable guide means 88 further simplifies the shortening of the ball bearing modules 80 at any tapering point 84. After shortening, the variable guide means 88 can be attached to the new, shortened end of the ball bearing module 80, in particular at the respective end-side mounting position 83.

[0118] A front fastening element 85 is formed at a front end (viewed in the conveying direction) of the ball bearing module 80 and / or the connecting body 82. A rear fastening element 86 is arranged at the opposite end of the ball bearing module 80 and / or the connecting body 82. The two fastening elements 85 and 86 are formed at opposite ends along the longitudinal direction of the ball bearing module 80.

[0119] The front fastening element 85 and the rear fastening element 86 are congruent in design. Thus, the front fastening element 85 of one ball bearing module 80 can be attached to the rear fastening element 86 of an identical ball bearing 80, and vice versa. The fastening elements 85 and 86 enable two identical ball bearing modules 80 to be attached to one another. This allows, in effect, the formation of an extended ball bearing module 80, which is composed of two or more, in particular any number, ball bearing modules 80.

[0120] In this way, as many ball bearing modules 80 as are required to completely line the helical track curve 103 and / or the curve of the conveyor 100; 200 can be attached one after the other in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the entire curved track and / or helical track 103 of the conveyor 100; 200 can be equipped with bearing journals 81 and support rollers 130 arranged thereon. At the end of the curve and / or helical track curve, the protruding ball bearing module(s) 80 can be precisely shortened at the tapered sections 84. Therefore, the ball bearing module 80 enables and / or realizes complete assembly of the helical track 103 and / or the curve of the conveyor 100; 200 with support rollers 130.

[0121] Fig. Figure 8A shows a side view of two ball bearing modules 80 attached to each other, which differ slightly from the one in Fig. The two ball bearing modules 80 shown in Figure 7 differ. In both embodiments of the ball bearing module 80, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar features. The two ball bearing modules 80 extend in the longitudinal direction L, in which the support rollers 130 are arranged in a row. The two ball bearing modules 80 shown have a total of four variable guide means 88, one each at the front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction L of the connecting body 82. If necessary, further guide means can be added in a central position.

[0122] Fig. Figure 8B shows a top view of the ball bearing modules 80. This view mainly shows the support rollers 130, which, in this top view, cover the mounting positions 83 and most of the remaining ball bearing modules 80, especially the connecting bodies 82. Only the tapered sections 84 between the mounting positions 83 are visible in Fig. 8B clearly shown.

[0123] Fastening elements 85 and 86 are formed at both longitudinal ends and can project beyond the respective end support roller 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening elements 85 and 86 are formed in two parts and have an upper and lower section. For example, the rear fastening element 86 can have a projection, such as a lug, which can engage in a recess of the front fastening element 85. Furthermore, at least one of the fastening elements 85 or 86 can have a projection that can engage in a recess of the corresponding fastening element 85 or 86. The fastening elements 85 and 86 can be designed and configured to form a clip connection.

[0124] Fig. Figure 8C shows a ball bearing module 80 in a view opposite to the longitudinal direction L. In particular, one of the static guide elements 87 and the associated variable guide element 88 are shown. The two guide elements 87 and 88 form a bearing module on opposite sides of the guideway 91 (not shown in the diagram). Fig. (8C shown) each has a guide groove for the guide rail 91. In the illustrated embodiment, both the variable guide rail 88 and the static guide rail 87 have two guide grooves at the mounting position 83. This allows the ball bearing module 80 to be mounted on two guide rails 91, in particular between two guide rails 91. Mounting on two guide rails 91 increases both the stability of the ball bearing module 80 in its operating position on the conveyor 100; 200 and the mounting on the guide rail(s) 91. The guide groove(s) of the static guide rail 87 are open downwards. The guide groove(s) of the variable guide rail 88 are open upwards.

[0125] The variable guide element 88 is attached to the lower end of the connecting body 82, for example, by being screwed to this lower end. The variable guide element 88 is also located at the opposite (i.e., upper) end of the connecting body 82, as are the support rollers 130.

[0126] In general, the guide means 87, 88 can be arranged and formed at vertically opposite ends of the connecting body 82.

[0127] Fig. Figure 8D shows a side view opposite to the longitudinal direction L of the ball bearing module 80 without support rollers 130 and without variable guide means 88. More precisely, it essentially shows the connecting body 82 of the ball bearing module 80 with the bearing journals 81, without support rollers 130. In this representation, the ball bearing module 80 also only has static guide means 87, which form guide grooves that can only receive the guide rails 91 from one side. Therefore, the ball bearing module 80 shown in this way cannot yet form a clamping fit with the guide rail 91 from two opposite sides. For this, at least one variable guide means 88 is required.

[0128] During the assembly of the ball bearing module 80, it is flexibly deformed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, so that the ball bearing module 80, which is essentially straight in an unassembled position, is deformed and / or bent to conform to the curvature of the conveyor 100; 200. As a result, the assembled ball bearing module 80 is curved, with the curvature of the ball bearing module 80 essentially corresponding to the curvature of the conveying direction of the conveyor 100; 200 along a curve and / or helical curve of the conveyor.

[0129] Fig. Figure 9A shows a further embodiment of a ball bearing module 80' in a perspective view. Like the ball bearing module 80 described above, the ball bearing module 80' has a plurality of support rollers 130 arranged one behind the other in a row. In particular, the axes of rotation of the support rollers 130 lie in a row (shown here curved).

[0130] The axes of rotation of the support rollers 130 lie in a row, especially when viewed from above and parallel to the axes of rotation of the support rollers 130.

[0131] In contrast to the ball bearing module 80, the support rollers 130 of the ball bearing module 80' are arranged in two parallel, offset rows. This parallel offset is parallel to the axes of rotation of the support rollers 130. The support rollers 130 are not only parallel to each other, but also overlap each other (when viewed in the direction parallel to the direction of rotation of the support rollers 130).

[0132] Due to this parallel-offset, overlapping arrangement of the support rollers 130, the axes of rotation of the support rollers 130 of the second ball bearing module 80' are arranged closer together than in the first ball bearing module 80. This can lead to improved rolling of the support surfaces 41 of the transport attachments 1 on the support rollers 130 (see also Fig. 4), since each support surface 41 can always roll on at least two support rollers 130.

[0133] Fig. 9B schematically shows a side view of the in Fig. Figure 9A shows the ball bearing module 80'. It is shown that only every second support roller 130 rests with its inner ring on a bearing journal 81, while the support roller 130 arranged between two such raised support rollers 130 is designed to be recessed, i.e., with its inner ring on a very short bearing journal (not shown in the figures) almost directly on the connecting body 82. "Almost directly" means a distance of, for example, at most 1 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm, from the top of the connecting body 82.

[0134] The offset arrangement of the support rollers 130 in at least two planes reduces the center-to-center distances of the support rollers 130. Approximately half of the support rollers 130 are arranged in an upper row 131, and the other half in a lower row 132. The support rollers 130 of the upper row 131 are mounted on a bearing journal 81 and are thus spaced further apart from the connecting body 82, while the support rollers 130 of the lower row 132 are arranged almost directly on the connecting body 82, virtually without bearing journals.

[0135] In the Fig. 9A and Fig. In the embodiment of the ball bearing module 80' shown in Figure 9B, the ball bearing module 80' is not mounted on a vertical guide rail 91 like the ball bearing module 80 (see Figure 9B). Fig. 6), but placed on a substantially horizontally arranged track guide 91 and screwed in place there.

[0136] Additionally or alternatively, the ball bearing module 80' with the two roller rows 131 and 132 can be configured to at least partially encompass the (vertical or horizontal) guide rail. In particular, the connecting body 82 of the ball bearing module 80' can have at least one mounting extension with which it can at least partially encompass and / or grip the guide rail. This mounting extension can be configured to at least partially encompass the underside of the guide rail. For this purpose, the mounting extension can be essentially U-shaped in its lateral cross-section, more precisely in the form of a horizontal 'U', the two legs of which bear against the top and bottom surfaces of the (e.g., horizontally arranged) guide rail. The mounting extension can be formed either along the entire length of the ball bearing module 80' or only in certain sections (e.g., at the two longitudinal ends).

[0137] The attachment to a substantially horizontally arranged track guide (not in the Fig. 9A and Fig. (shown in 9B) enables stable mounting of the 80' ball bearing modules.

[0138] In general, however, the single-row ball bearing module 80 can also be mounted on a substantially horizontal guideway, just as the double-row ball bearing module 80' can be mounted on a substantially vertical guideway 91.

[0139] Like the ball bearing module 80, the ball bearing module 80' also has a front fastening element 85 and a rear fastening element 86 at its two longitudinal ends (in the conveying direction). Therefore, identical ball bearing modules 80' can also be fastened together.

[0140] The ball bearing module 80' has a pre-bent connecting body 82 which may have bore holes for attachment to the track guides.

[0141] The ball bearing module 80' with the two rows of rollers 131 and 132 can also be designed to be separable between each pair of support rollers 130, in particular between each support roller 130 of the upper row of rollers 131 and the immediately adjacent support roller 130 of the lower row of rollers 132 (and vice versa). This allows the length of the ball bearing module 80' to be adapted to the length of the (helical) curve of the conveyor system.

[0142] Alternatively, it may be possible to design the ball bearing module 80' without a taper between the support rollers 130 for cutting. In this way, the ball bearing module 80' can be part of a ball bearing system comprising at least two ball bearing modules of different lengths. The ball bearing system may, for example, have a shorter ball bearing module with, say, 5 to 15 support rollers 130, and the ball bearing module 80' as a longer ball bearing module, which may, for example, have twice as many support rollers 130, in particular between 10 and 30 support rollers 130. As an alternative to, or in addition to, the shorter ball bearing module, the ball bearing system may include an adapter ball bearing module that has, for example, only one or two support rollers 130 in total, i.e., one support roller 130 per row of rollers 131 and 132. By attaching this adapter ball bearing module, the overall length can also be adapted to the desired track length.

[0143] This can happen in the same way. Fig. 7 and Fig. The ball bearing module 80 shown in section 8 is designed as part of a corresponding ball bearing system. Reference symbol list 1 transport attachment 10 Transport surface 20 Subpage 30 Carrying roller 31 support position 40 Connection device 41 lateral support surface 42 Fasteners 50 Transport plate 80 ball bearing module 80' ball bearing module 81 bearing journals 82 Connecting bodies 83 Mounting position 84 Rejuvenation 85 front fastener 86 rear fastening device 87 static guide device 88 variable guide devices 89 Mother 90 traverse 91 Track guidance (flat iron) 100 plate conveyors; conveying equipment 101 spiral column 103 spiral track 105 lower end of track 107 upper end of the path 110 stand 112 Return area 120 page guide 121 external chain guide 122 internal chain guide 125 track area 130 Support roller 131 top row of rollers 132 bottom row of reels 140 conveying surface 150 Conveyor chain; traction element 160 pulley 170 career 200 plate conveyors; conveying equipment B track width W helical axes L Longitudinal direction

Claims

[1] Ball bearing module (80; 80') for supporting a traction element (150) of a conveyor (100; 200) along a curve of the conveyor (100; 200), with: - a plurality of support rollers (130) for the rolling absorption of curve forces along the curve of the conveyor device (100; 200); and - a connecting body (82) along which 5 to 30 of the support rollers (130) are arranged in a row, and which is made of an elastically deformable plastic; wherein - the connecting body (82) is designed to be flexibly deformable essentially perpendicular to the row, so that the arrangement of the support rollers (130) along the connecting body (82) together with the connecting body (82) can be flexibly adapted to curve profiles with different curve radii and - wherein a front fastening means (85) is formed at a front end of the connecting body (82) in the conveying direction and a rear fastening means (86) is formed at a rear end of the connecting body (82) in the conveying direction, wherein the front fastening means (85) of the ball bearing module (80; 80') can be fastened to a rear fastening means (86) of an identical further ball bearing module (80; 80') such that all support rollers (130) of the two ball bearing modules (80; 80') are arranged one behind the other in a row in the conveying direction of the conveying device (100; 200). [2] Ball bearing module (80; 80') according to claim 1, wherein the connecting body (82) is designed to be flexible in such a way that the support rollers (130) arranged one behind the other can be adapted to curves with any curve radius from 30 cm to 1 m. [3] Ball bearing module (80; 80') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the front fastening means (85) and the rear fastening means (86) are designed to form a positive and / or force-fit connection. [4] Ball bearing module (80; 80') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the front fastening means (85) and the rear fastening means (86) are configured to form a clip connection. [5] Ball bearing module (80') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the row of support rollers (130) is formed from at least two rows of rollers (131, 132) offset from each other in the direction of rotation of the support rollers (130), the support rollers (130) of which overlap in the direction of rotation of the support rollers (130). [6] Ball bearing module (80; 80') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of support rollers (130) is 5 to 30. [7] Ball bearing module (80; 80') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting body (82) has a taper (84) between each pair of adjacent support rollers (130). [8] Ball bearing module (80; 80') according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one guide means (87; 88) for attaching the ball bearing module (80) to a cam guide (91) of the conveyor device (100; 200). [9] Ball bearing module (80; 80') according to claim 8, wherein the guide means (88) can be attached at different positions (83) along the connecting body (82). [10] Ball bearing module (80; 80') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support rollers (130) are arranged one behind the other at substantially equal intervals along the connecting body (82). [11] Method for mounting a ball bearing module (80; 80') for supporting a traction element (150) of a conveyor (100; 200) along a curve of the conveyor (100; 200) comprising the steps: - Providing a predetermined number of 5 to 30 support rollers (130) for the rolling absorption of curve forces along the curve of the conveyor device (100; 200); - Arranging the support rollers (130) one behind the other in a row along a connecting body (82) of the ball bearing module (80; 80') made of an elastically deformable plastic; - attaching at least two connecting bodies (82) of two ball bearing modules (80; 80') to each other in such a way that the support rollers (130) of the two ball bearing modules (80; 80') are arranged one behind the other in a row; - Deformation of the connecting body (82) transversely to the conveying direction of the conveying device (100; 200) such that the support rollers (130) are arranged one behind the other along the curve of the conveying device (100; 200); and - Securing the ball bearing module (80; 80') along a conveyor track of the conveyor system (100; 200). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein the connecting body (82) of the ball bearing module (80; 80') is cut at a taper (84) between two adjacent support rollers (130). [13] Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the connecting body (82) is attached to a guide rail (91) of the conveying device (100; 200).

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