Sorting conveyor and conveyor carriage for a sorting conveyor

Abstract

Sorting conveyors, comprehensive: at least one guide element (8L, 8R), as well as a plurality of conveyor carriages (3) designed to be conveyed along the guide element (8L, 8R) of the sorting conveyor (5) in a conveying direction (FR), wherein the conveyor carriages (3) can be coupled together to form a conveyor carriage train by providing a connecting element (13) between each of the conveyor carriages (3), via which adjacent conveyor carriages (3) can be coupled together, wherein the connecting element (13) has at least one joint unit, wherein the joint unit is positioned on or in a front section of the respective rear of the adjacent conveyor carriages (3) as seen in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5), characterized by a drive means (6) in the form of a drive chain for driving the conveyor carriages (3), wherein the conveyor carriages (3) each comprise a connection arrangement (16) for connecting the conveyor carriage (3) to the drive chain of the sorting conveyor (5), and wherein the joint unit is positioned at the level of the connection arrangement (16) when viewed in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sorting conveyor, in particular a cross-belt sorter, comprising at least one guide element, and a plurality of conveyor carriages which are designed to be conveyed along the guide element of the sorting conveyor in a conveying direction, wherein the conveyor carriages can be coupled together to form a conveyor carriage train by providing a connecting element between each of the conveyor carriages, via which connecting element adjacent conveyor carriages can be coupled to one another, wherein the connecting element has at least one articulated unit, wherein the articulated unit is positioned on or in a front section of the respective rear section of the adjacent conveyor carriages, as seen in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a conveyor carriage for a sorting conveyor, in particular a cross-belt sorter, wherein the conveyor carriage is designed to be conveyed along at least one guide element of the sorting conveyor in a conveying direction, wherein the conveyor carriage comprises a connecting element for coupling to an adjacent conveyor carriage of the sorting conveyor, and wherein the connecting element has at least one articulated unit, wherein the articulated unit is positioned in a coupled state of the conveyor carriage on a front section of the conveyor carriage as seen in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor.

[0003] Sorting conveyors or distribution conveyors are unit load sorting systems for "identifying unit loads arriving in a random sequence based on predefined distinguishing features and distributing them to destinations determined according to the respective requirements" (see VDI Guideline 3619). Classification is primarily based on performance. Highest throughputs of more than 10,000 items of sorted goods per hour are achieved, for example, by so-called cross-belt sorters.

[0004] The usual basic structure of the sorters mentioned includes, as shown in Fig. 1 a sorting line 1, wherein along this sorting line 1 successive discharge stations 2 (end stations) and infeed stations (not shown) are arranged. On the sorting line 1, successive conveyor carriages 3, often also referred to as carriers, are guided and driven. In the case of cross-belt sorters, the conveyor carriages 3 have belt conveyors 4 that can be driven transversely to the conveying direction for infeed and outfeeding the sorted material, as shown for example in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0005] Sorting conveyors of the type in question here are constructed from a multitude of carriers. Typically, the individual carriers of a sorting conveyor have a left-handed and a right-handed roller assembly, each with a plurality of rollers, which, during operation, contact two guide elements of the sorting conveyor that run along the sorting line at a defined distance from each other. The guide elements are typically designed as guide tubes with a substantially circular cross-section. The rollers function either as running rollers or as guide / support rollers for the conveyor carriage. While the running rollers rest on and roll on the guide tubes, the guide / support rollers hold the carriage in position.

[0006] A coupling rod, located at the end of each carrier, for example, forms the connecting element between two adjacent carriers. This allows the entire sorter to be transformed into an endless chain of numerous conveyor carriages. While one end of the coupling rod is generally firmly connected to the carriage, the other end is articulated. This arrangement enables travel on inclines and curves. A motor provides the necessary drive power, which transfers the energy to a drive chain of the sorting conveyor. Connected by an articulated connection, the carriers are set in motion via the drive chain, which is usually designed as a rubber block chain.

[0007] The driving behavior of the carriers often proves to be problematic in the current technology. Particularly on tight bends, undesirable deviations from optimal cornering occasionally occur. This can happen, for example, that the carriers twist excessively relative to each other in curves, resulting in a large offset. It can also happen that the pivot points of the track rollers move outside the neutral axis of the guide tubes or that the guide rollers protrude into the guide tubes. All of the effects mentioned can also have an impact on the rubber block chain of the sorting conveyor, shifting it from its optimal path. All in all, any deviation from optimal driving behavior of the carrier causes increased wear, both on the carrier itself, particularly with regard to the track and guide rollers, and on the rubber block chain.

[0008] DE 10 2019 120 604 A1 discloses a sorting conveyor comprising a guide element and a plurality of carriages, wherein the carriages are designed to be conveyed along a conveyor bed frame in a conveying direction. The carriages comprise a carriage main profile which, during operation, maintains a predetermined distance above a support surface or a lower end of the conveyor bed frame due to induction maintained by a dual linear induction motor driving the carriages. The carriages can be coupled together to form a carriage train by means of a carriage coupling arrangement. The carriage coupling arrangement comprises an articulated unit consisting of a coupling plate and a coupling disc and is configured such that gaps between the carriages can be adjusted via a linear displacement of the center of rotation of the coupling disc.

[0009] From EP 0 799 730 A1 a towing system for at least one towing vehicle and towed vehicle is known.

[0010] From DE 10 2008 057 055 A1, a coupling unit is known which is used in particular for the semi-permanent connection of railway wagons.

[0011] The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a sorting conveyor and a conveyor carriage for a sorting conveyor of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the driving behavior of the conveyor carriages is optimized.

[0012] According to the invention, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the sorting conveyor in question is characterized by a drive means in the form of a drive chain for driving the conveyor carriages, wherein the conveyor carriages each comprise a connecting arrangement for connecting the conveyor carriage to the drive chain of the sorting conveyor, and wherein the articulated unit is positioned at the height of the connecting arrangement, viewed in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor.

[0013] The above object is further achieved by a conveyor carriage for a sorting conveyor according to claim 11. According to this, the conveyor carriage in question is characterized in that the conveyor carriage comprises a connecting arrangement for connecting the conveyor carriage to a drive means of the sorting conveyor designed in the form of a drive chain for driving the conveyor carriage, wherein the articulated unit is positioned at the height of the connecting arrangement as seen in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor.

[0014] According to the invention, it was first recognized that the connecting element connecting two adjacent conveyor cars has a decisive influence on the driving behavior of the conveyor cars, and that the underlying problem can be solved by a special design of this connecting element. Furthermore, it was recognized that the positioning of the joint unit is particularly important for optimizing driving behavior.

[0015] Specifically, the invention provides an arrangement in which the articulated unit - viewed in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor - is positioned on or in a front section of the respective rear of adjacent conveyor carriages. The front section of a conveyor carriage basically refers to the area from the center of the respective conveyor carriage, defined by an equal distance from a front edge and a rear edge of the conveyor carriage, viewed in the conveying direction, to the front edge of the conveyor carriage. According to a preferred embodiment, the articulated unit is positioned in a front quarter of the conveyor carriage, and according to a further preferred embodiment, even in a front eighth of the conveyor carriage. By shifting the articulated unit forward in this way, excessive outward twisting of the conveyor carriage is prevented when cornering.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the invention, the sorting conveyor comprises a drive means for driving the conveyor carriages, for example in the form of a rubber block chain. For this purpose, the conveyor carriages each have a connection arrangement via which they are connected to the drive means of the sorting conveyor. The relative positioning (seen in the conveying direction) of this connection arrangement with respect to the joint unit or the joint bearing of the connecting element between adjacent conveyor carriages also influences the driving behavior of the conveyor carriages. According to the invention, the joint unit is positioned essentially at the height of the connection arrangement, seen in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor. This ensures that the drive means / the rubber block chain experiences an optimal curve and, in particular, runs centrally between the two guide elements.

[0017] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the articulated unit is displaced so far forward in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor that it is substantially aligned with the front edge of the respective rearmost of adjacent conveyor carriages. In addition to preventing excessive outward twisting of the conveyor carriages when cornering, this has the advantage of allowing easy installation of the articulated unit. Displacing the articulated unit further forward, i.e., into the area between two adjacent conveyor carriages, disadvantageously results in undesirable inward twisting of the conveyor carriages.

[0018] From a design perspective, the connecting element between two adjacent conveyor carriages can comprise a coupling rod. The coupling rod can, for example, have a fixed or rigid connection to the respective front of the adjacent conveyor carriages and an articulated connection to the respective rear of the adjacent conveyor carriages via the joint unit.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the joint unit is designed as a spherical bearing, which allows for a high degree of flexibility. In particular, due to the specific properties of the spherical bearing, the conveyor carriages can be moved relative to each other in several degrees of freedom, depending on the specific installation situation. In combination with the positioning of the spherical bearing described above, this ensures optimized driving behavior of the conveyor carriages for different driving situations.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the spherical plain bearing is designed as a radial spherical plain bearing. This is a plain bearing in which sliding contact exists between a spherically shaped inner ring and an outer ring with a hollow spherical inner shape. Due to the spherical shape of the sliding surfaces, a radial spherical plain bearing enables rotational, tilting, or pivoting movements, which can be transmitted to the conveyor carriage when the radial spherical plain bearing is installed in the connecting element.

[0021] The radial spherical plain bearing can be designed as a maintenance-requiring bearing, whose individual components must be separated from each other by a film of oil or lubricant. In this configuration, steel / steel sliding pairs are preferably used, with rolling bearing steel being the preferred material. Alternatively, the spherical plain bearing can also be designed as a maintenance-free radial spherical plain bearing. For example, hard chrome / PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or chrome steel / PTFE sliding pairs can be used. Due to their special material composition, these spherical plain bearings do not require relubrication, which is particularly advantageous given the relatively difficult-to-access installation situation on the conveyor car.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, each conveyor carriage comprises a carriage frame on which a first roller element is arranged at least indirectly. The first roller element comprises a rotatable roller which is assigned to the at least one guide element and which, in an operating state, is positioned by the first roller element in such a way that the roller acts as a roller for the conveyor carriage, enabling the conveyor carriage to roll on the assigned guide element. If the guide of the sorting conveyor has two guide elements running along the sorting section at a defined distance from one another, two first roller elements, each with an associated roller, are provided, one of the roller elements being designed as a left-handed roller element and the other as a right-handed roller element. With a view to further improving the driving behavior, it can be provided in this context that the articulated unit orThe articulated bearing is positioned essentially at the level of the rollers' rotational axis, as seen in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor. This minimizes lateral displacement of the conveyor carriages when negotiating curves.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, each conveyor carriage comprises a carriage frame on which a second roller element is arranged at least indirectly. The second roller element comprises a rotatable roller which is assigned to the at least one guide element and which, in an operating state, is positioned by the second roller element such that the roller acts as a lateral guide roller for the conveyor carriage. If the guide of the sorting conveyor has two guide elements running along the sorting section at a defined distance from one another, two second roller elements, each with an associated lateral guide roller, are provided, one of the roller elements being designed as a left-handed roller element and the other as a right-handed roller element. With a view to further improving the driving behavior, it can be provided in this context that the articulated unit orThe articulated bearing is offset forward by a certain amount relative to the rotational axis of the guide rollers, as seen in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor. The exact amount is preferably determined depending on the specific design of the sorting conveyor to ensure that the outer guide roller is in contact with the outer guide element for the tightest curves of the sorting conveyor.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the conveyor carriages are coupled together to form a closed conveyor carriage train, whereby operation of the sorting conveyor is simplified overall, in particular with regard to the control effort.

[0025] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the dependent patent claims and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the general structure of a cross-belt sorter according to the prior art, Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an installation situation of a conveyor carriage in a sorting system with connection to a drive means according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 in a schematic plan view of conveyor carriages of a sorting conveyor coupled to one another in curves with articulated bearings positioned centrally between the conveyor carriages, and Fig. 4 schematic top views of conveyor carriages of a sorting conveyor traveling in curves with articulated bearings positioned centrally between the conveyor carriages.

[0026] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same components or parts unless otherwise stated.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the installation situation of a conveyor carriage 3 in a distribution conveyor 5 (hereinafter also referred to as a sorting conveyor or sorting system) with a connection to a drive means 6 of the distribution conveyor 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. The entire sorting system 5 comprises a plurality of conveyor carriages 3 that are coupled to one another and typically form an endless chain.

[0028] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, each conveyor carriage 3 (hereinafter also referred to as carrier) comprises a roller assembly 7L, 7R on each side, which in turn is made up of a total of three rollers. The guide elements 8L, 8R of the carrier 3 form tubes (in Fig. 2 not shown for reasons of clarity), on which an upper roller 9L, 9R of a roller assembly 7L, 7R rolls and a lateral guide roller 10L, 10R and a lower support roller 11L, 11R hold the carrier 3 in position. A coupling rod 12, which is located at the rear end of each carrier 3 as seen in the conveying direction FR, forms the connecting element 13 between the carriers 3. This turns the entire sorter into an endless chain consisting of several conveyor carriages 3. While one end of the coupling rod 12 is firmly connected to the respective conveyor carriage 3, the other end piece is articulated by means of a spherical bearing 14. This arrangement enables travel on inclines and curves. The spherical bearing 14 defines the pivot point of the conveyor carriage 3.

[0029] The necessary drive power is provided by a motor, which transfers the energy to the drive means 6, which is designed as a rubber block chain 15. The carriers 3 are connected to the rubber block chain 15 by an articulated connection arrangement 16 and are accordingly set in motion by the rubber block chain 15. In other words, the drive energy of the rubber block chain 15 is transferred to the respective carrier 3 via the connection arrangement 16.

[0030] The travel behavior of the carrier 3 depends on the arrangement of the components, whereby the positioning of the spherical bearing 14 of the connecting element 13, the rollers 9L, 9R, the lateral guide rollers 10L, 10R and the connection arrangement 16 in the direction of the center axis of the sorting conveyor 5, ie viewed in the conveying direction FR, and in particular the relative positioning of the aforementioned components to one another, is of particular importance. These dependencies are explained below in connection with the example analyses according to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is explained in more detail.

[0031] If the joint 14, as in Fig. 3 schematically shown, shifted forward and positioned exactly centrally between two carriages 3, while the roller assembly 7L, 7R including the connection arrangement 16 to the rubber block chain 15 remain unchanged in position, it becomes apparent that the carriages 3 travel a smaller radius. The lateral guide rollers 10L, 10R protrude into the guide elements 8L, 8R, and the pivot point of the track rollers 9L, 9R moves significantly outside the neutral fiber of the guide elements 8L, 8R. The rubber block chain 15 runs within the optimal track. It is also apparent that a carriage 3 twists significantly inward in a curve when the respective spherical bearing 14 in front of the carriage 3 is shifted.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of an example analysis in which the spherical bearing 14 is shifted rearward and positioned exactly in the carriage center, whereas the roller assembly 7L, 7R, including the connection arrangement 16 to the rubber block chain 15, remains unchanged in position. This shows that the conveyor carriages 3 travel a larger radius. The guide rollers 10L extend into the outer guide element 8L, and the pivot point of the track rollers 9L, 9R moves significantly outside the neutral axis of the guide elements 8L, 8R. The conveyor carriages 3 rotate significantly relative to one another, resulting in a large offset. This also causes the rubber block chain 15 to run outside the optimal track. Overall, the analysis shows that when the respective spherical bearing 14 is shifted toward the carriage center, a carriage 3 rotates significantly outward in a curve.

[0033] The example analyses described above show that the rotation of the carriers 3 can be influenced or determined by the positioning of the spherical bearing 14. The further the spherical bearing 14 is moved forward, i.e., into the space between two carriages 3, the more smoothly the carriages 3 run relative to each other in curves. However, if the spherical bearing 14 is moved backward, i.e., toward the center of a carrier 3, the carriages 3 rotate significantly, resulting in an offset between the individual carriages 3.

[0034] Another important parameter for the driving behavior of the carriages 3 in curves of the sorting conveyor 5 is the relative positioning of the articulated bearing 14 of the connecting element 13 in relation to the lateral guide roller 10L, 10R. If the axes of the guide rollers 10L, 10R are positioned at the level of the articulated bearing 14 as seen in the conveying direction FR, there is no contact between the guide rollers 10L, 10R and the guide elements 8L, 8R in the curves. If, on the other hand, the axes of the guide rollers 10L, 10R are positioned a certain amount in front of the articulated bearing 14 as seen in the conveying direction FR, there is contact between the outer guide roller 10L and the outer guide element 8L in a curve. If the axes of the guide rollers 10L, 10R are positioned a certain amount behind the articulated bearing 14 as seen in the conveying direction FR, there is contact between the inner guide roller 10R and the inner guide element 8R in a curve.

[0035] The relative positioning of the spherical bearing 14 of the connecting element 13 with respect to the roller 9L, 9R also influences the travel behavior of the conveyor carriage 3. It can be seen that if the pivot point of the roller 9L, 9R is positioned depending on the positioning of the spherical bearing 14, optimal running of the roller 9L, 9R is only partially possible. However, by a certain offset (seen in the conveying direction FR) of the pivot point of the roller 9L, 9R relative to the position of the spherical bearing 14, a displacement of the roller 9L, 9R relative to the neutral axis of the guide element 8L, 8R can be reduced to a minimum.

[0036] Finally, the relative positioning of the spherical bearing 14 of the connecting element 13 in relation to the connection arrangement 16 to the rubber block chain 15 influences the driving behavior of the conveyor carriages 3. In this respect, it can be stated that when the connection arrangement 16 is positioned depending on the positioning of the spherical bearing 14 such that the connection arrangement 16 is positioned essentially at the height of the spherical bearing 14 as seen in the conveying direction FR of the sorting conveyor 5, an optimal course of the rubber block chain 15 between the guide elements 8L, 8R can be achieved. By shifting the two above-mentioned points against each other, iePositioning of the articulated bearing 14 and positioning of the connection arrangement 16, seen in the conveying direction FR of the sorting conveyor 5, result in deviations from an optimal course of the rubber block chain 15, depending on the displacement direction either in the direction of the inside of the curve or in the direction of the outside of the curve.

[0037] Taking into account the above findings, according to a preferred embodiment of the sorting conveyor 5 according to the invention, it is provided that the articulated bearing 14, as in Fig. 2, is positioned close to the front edge of the carriage 3, whereby an arrangement is particularly conceivable in which the pivot bearing 14 is substantially aligned with the front edge of the carriage 3. Although this only approximately optimizes the rotation of the carriage 3 when cornering, it offers the additional advantage of easy installation of the joint 14.

[0038] According to a further preferred embodiment, the axis of the guide rollers 10L, 10R is offset from the pivot bearing 14 in the conveying direction FR of the sorting conveyor 5 such that in curves the respective outer one of the lateral guide rollers 10L, 10R of the carrier 3 rests against the respective outer one of the guide elements 8L, 8R.

[0039] With a view to minimizing the displacement of the carriages 3 when cornering, according to a further preferred embodiment, the rotational axis of the roller 9L, 9R is positioned at the level of the pivot bearing 14, as seen in the conveying direction FR of the sorting conveyor 5. The connection arrangement 16 for connecting the carrier 3 to the rubber block chain 15 of the sorting conveyor 5 is, as shown in Fig.2, according to a preferred embodiment, it is attached exactly below the pivot bearing 14 to the carriage frame 17 of the carrier 3. This ensures optimal running of the rubber block chain 15 in the curve and is positioned centrally between the two guide elements 8L, 8R.

[0040] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0041] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the embodiments of the device according to the invention described above serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments. List of reference symbols 1 sorting line 2 drop-off station (terminal point) 3 mine cars 4 belt conveyors 5 distribution conveyors 6 Drive means 7L, 7R roller composite 8L, 8R guide element 9L, 9R roller 10L, 10R side guide roller 11L, 11R lower support roller 12 coupling rod 13 Connecting element 14 spherical bearings 15 rubber block chain 16 Connection arrangement 17 Car frame FR conveying direction

Claims

[1] Sorting conveyor, comprising: at least one guide element (8L, 8R), and a plurality of conveyor carriages (3) which are designed to be conveyed along the guide element (8L, 8R) of the sorting conveyor (5) in a conveying direction (FR), wherein the conveyor carriages (3) can be coupled together to form a conveyor carriage train by providing a connecting element (13) between each of the conveyor carriages (3), via which connecting element adjacent conveyor carriages (3) can be coupled together, wherein the connecting element (13) has at least one joint unit, wherein the joint unit is positioned on or in a front section of the respective rear of the adjacent conveyor carriages (3) as seen in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5), characterized by a drive means (6) in the form of a drive chain for driving the conveyor carriages (3), wherein the conveyor carriages (3) each comprise a connection arrangement (16) for connecting the conveyor carriage (3) to the drive chain of the sorting conveyor (5), and wherein the joint unit is positioned at the height of the connection arrangement (16) as seen in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5). [2] Sorting conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the joint unit is aligned with a front edge of the respective rear of the adjacent conveyor carriages (3) as seen in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5). [3] Sorting conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element (13) comprises a coupling rod (12) which has a fixed connection to the respective front of the adjacent conveyor carriages (3) and an articulated connection to the respective rear of the adjacent conveyor carriages (3) via the articulated unit. [4] Sorting conveyor according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the joint unit comprises a joint bearing (14). [5] Sorting conveyor according to claim 4, wherein the articulated bearing (14) is designed as a radial articulated bearing. [6] Sorting conveyor according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conveyor carriages (3) each comprise a carriage frame (17) and at least one first roller element with a rotatable roller, which is connected at least indirectly to the carriage frame (17) and is associated with the at least one guide element (8L, 8R), wherein in an operating state, the first roller element positions the associated roller such that the roller acts as a roller (9L, 9R) for the conveyor carriage (3), which allows the conveyor carriage (3) to roll on the associated guide element (8L, 8R), and wherein the joint unit is positioned at the height of the rotational axis of the rollers (9L, 9R) as seen in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5). [7] Sorting conveyor according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conveyor carriages (3) each comprise a carriage frame (17) and at least one second roller element with a rotatable roller, which is connected at least indirectly to the carriage frame (17) and is associated with the at least one guide element (8L, 8R), wherein in an operating state, the second roller element positions the at least one associated roller such that the roller functions as a lateral guide roller (10L, 10R) for the conveyor carriage (3), and wherein the joint unit is offset forwards relative to the axis of rotation of the guide rollers (10L, 10R) in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5). [8] Sorting conveyor according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the conveyor carriages (3) are coupled together to form a closed conveyor carriage train. [9] Sorting conveyor according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive means (6) is designed as a rubber block chain (15). [10] Sorting conveyor according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sorting conveyor is designed as a cross-belt sorter. [11] Conveyor trolley for a sorting conveyor (5), wherein the conveyor carriage (3) is designed to be conveyed along at least one guide element (8L, 8R) of the sorting conveyor (5) in a conveying direction (FR), wherein the conveyor carriage (3) comprises a connecting element (13) for coupling to an adjacent conveyor carriage of the sorting conveyor (5), and wherein the connecting element (13) has at least one joint unit, wherein the joint unit is positioned in a coupled state of the conveyor carriage (3) on a front section of the conveyor carriage (3) as seen in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5), characterized bythat the conveyor carriage (3) comprises a connection arrangement (16) for connecting the conveyor carriage (3) to a drive means (6) of the sorting conveyor (5) designed in the form of a drive chain for driving the conveyor carriage (3), wherein the joint unit is positioned at the height of the connection arrangement (16) as seen in the conveying direction (FR) of the sorting conveyor (5).

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