Transfer system and procedure for transferring products to means of transport

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer system (100) for transferring products (26) onto transport means (20) which can hold a certain number of products (26), wherein the transfer system (100) comprises: - at least one moving product conveying device (106) on which the products (26) can be conveyed along a conveying direction (120); - at least one transport device (107) which is designed to move the means of transport (20); and - at least one transfer device (104) for transferring the products (26) from the product conveying device (106) to the transport means (20) in a transfer area (110), wherein the transport device (107) moves the transport means (20) at least through the transfer area (110), and wherein the product conveying device (106) and the transport device (107) run parallel to each other at least in sections, wherein the transport device (107) has at least a first section (112) along which the products (26) are transported by the transport means (20) in the direction of transport (120) of the products (26), and at least a second section (113) along which the products (26) are transported by the transport means (20) in the opposite direction to the direction of transport (120) of the products (26). The invention further relates to a method for transferring products onto transport means (20) by means of at least one transfer device (104) of a transfer system (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer system for transferring products onto transport means which can hold a certain number of products, and to a method for transferring products onto transport means by means of at least one transfer device of a transfer system.

[0002] To transfer products, such as chocolates or pastries, from a conveyor belt into designated transport containers, such as bins, transfer systems are frequently used. These transfer systems, also known as picking lines or picking conveyors, comprise, in addition to the product conveyor, at least one, but usually several, transfer units aligned parallel to it. These transfer units are designed to pick up the products from the conveyor and transfer them into transport containers, such as a box of chocolates. The primary goal of a transfer system is to fill the transport containers completely with a predetermined number of products so that they can then be further processed, for example, packaged, prepared for sale, and transported away.

[0003] The handling devices must operate with extreme precision to avoid damaging or deforming the products being handled. In this context, the packaging industry has found it effective to use flexibly adaptable and precisely controllable robots as handling devices, enabling the filling of transport containers with high speed and accuracy. These robots are also known as pick-and-place machines, robots, or pickers, and can be equipped with gripping or suction units, for example, to handle the products. Such robots can be implemented in various configurations, such as the so-called SCARA design (i.e., as a horizontal articulated robot) or the so-called delta design (i.e., as a parallel-arm robot with rod kinematics).

[0004] The transport devices are typically arranged on a separate transport unit, which is adjacent to and parallel with the product conveying system. This ensures that the arms of the transfer devices travel the shortest possible distances when moving the products, thereby increasing the efficiency of the transfer system. Furthermore, the transport unit, which may be a chain conveyor, for example, includes drive mechanisms to move the transport devices relative to the products on the product conveying system. It is possible and common to have two transport units, each located on one side of the product conveying system.

[0005] Originally, the product transfers were based on the so-called synchronous principle, meaning that the transport device moved the transport vehicles along a transport direction that corresponded to the direction of travel of the product conveying device and, consequently, to the direction of travel of the products. As a result, each transport vehicle passed through a working or transfer area of ​​each of the transfer devices arranged in series within the transfer system. This not only increased the efficiency of transferring the products onto the transport vehicles, for example, filling the containers, but also simplified the removal of the filled transport vehicles.

[0006] Some time ago, however, it was discovered that the efficiency of the transfer system could be further increased by using the so-called counter-rotating principle compared to the synchronous principle. With the counter-rotating principle, the transport containers to be filled are moved in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the product conveyor. This means that the transport containers only pass the beginning of the product conveyor at the end of their transport journey, where the product density on the conveyor is highest. By appropriately controlling the transfer devices, it can be ensured that even towards the end of the filling process, there are still enough products on the conveyor to guarantee complete filling of each transport container.This is particularly advantageous if there are irregularities regarding the frequency and position of the products on the product conveying device.

[0007] In principle, the use of the counter-rotating principle, compared to the synchronous principle, enables a uniform transport speed for both the transport device and the product conveying device. In particular, it avoids an undesirable reduction in the performance of the transfer system and virtually eliminates product overflow, meaning that there is usually at least one transport container to be filled within the transfer area of ​​a transfer device for the products being transferred.

[0008] Reference is made here to DE 10 2011 014 697 A1 of the present applicant, in which the functioning of conversion systems in parallel or counter-rotation is explained and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0009] However, it has been shown that counter-rotating transfer systems often require relatively long product conveying devices in the form of conveyor belts, as well as correspondingly parallel transport devices, to ensure sufficiently high efficiency in filling the transport vehicles. Consequently, such transfer systems are relatively space-intensive, which is particularly problematic in smaller production facilities. Furthermore, the number of transfer devices used often increases with the length of the transfer system, thereby increasing the acquisition and maintenance costs.

[0010] In practice, a further problem has emerged with transfer systems that have two independent transport devices. A handling unit is typically provided downstream of each of the two transport devices, which are arranged along one of the two longitudinal sides of the product conveying device. This handling unit should be accessible from at least one side and is designed to pick up the filled transport containers from the transport device and process them further, for example, by transporting them away. For cost reasons and / or – depending on the arrangement of the transfer system at a production site – due to poor accessibility, often only one of the two handling units is used. This results in a less efficient transfer system. Furthermore, in this case, the transfer devices can only transfer material to one side, i.e.,to one of the two transport devices, which means the transfer devices must be adjusted and set up accordingly.

[0011] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a transfer system for transferring products onto transport means which can hold a certain number of products, wherein the transfer system has a sufficiently high efficiency for completely filling (loading) the transport means and can be operated in a space-saving and cost-efficient manner.

[0012] This problem is solved in a first aspect according to the invention by a transfer system for transferring products onto transport means which can hold a certain number of products, wherein the transfer system comprises at least one moving product conveying device on which the products can be conveyed along a conveying direction, at least one transport device which is configured to move the transport means, and at least one transfer device for transferring the products from the product conveying device to the transport means in a transfer area, wherein the transport device moves the transport means at least through the transfer area, and wherein the product conveying device and the transport device run parallel to each other at least section by section, wherein the transport device has at least a first section.along which the products are transported by the means of transport in the direction of transport of the product conveying device, and has at least a second section along which the products are transported by the means of transport in the opposite direction to the direction of transport of the product conveying device.

[0013] The term "transport means" refers in particular to containers to be filled, such as boxes, crates, or trays, or at least one conveyor belt. A conveyor belt can be used when products, such as flat biscuits, are to be individually placed or stacked on the conveyor belt during transfer by the transfer device. In the case of stacks, a predetermined stack size can be achieved through transfer. To hold the stacks in their respective positions during transport by the conveyor device and to separate stacks from one another, so-called carriers can be arranged along the main direction of travel of a conveyor belt. The individual stacks can be moved from the conveyor device to a handling unit and processed there further, for example, packaged in stacks by a flow-wrapping machine.

[0014] The means of transport can be part of the transport system, particularly when a conveyor belt is used. Such means of transport only transport the products temporarily during the operation of the transfer system. Alternatively, the means of transport can be separate components that may be part of the transfer system or assigned to the products and not part of the transfer system, particularly when containers are used as means of transport that are later handled as a unit together with the products, for example, packaged.

[0015] Products within the meaning of the present invention can be individual products, in particular one-piece objects, but also a group of individual products which are grouped together for handling, so that they can, for example, be gripped and transferred together by the transfer device. In such a group of individual products, the individual products can in particular be held together, for example in a pre-packaging. The pre-packaging, including the individual products contained therein, then constitutes a product within the meaning of the present invention.

[0016] For the purposes of the present invention, "transferring the products" and "filling the transport means" means picking up the products from the product conveying device by the at least one transfer device, in particular by grasping or suction, and then placing the products to be transferred into or onto the transport means, which are moved by the at least one transport device. If the transport means are containers, they are filled during the transfer process. In the case of a conveyor belt, the products are transferred onto the conveyor belt individually or in stacks, as mentioned above. This case is also understood as filling the transport means or filling the conveyor belt within the meaning of the invention.

[0017] In accordance with the invention, a predetermined product capacity can be assigned to the means of transport, which can be understood as a predetermined number of products per path along the transport direction of the transport device. If the means of transport are containers, each container has a predetermined product capacity, depending in particular on the container size, the number of receiving positions within the container, etc. If the means of transport are conveyor belts, the receiving capacity can be determined by the width of the conveyor belt, the size of the products to be placed on it, and / or the process-related spacing between the products. For example, carriers can be arranged along the conveyor belt, or other sections can be provided that define receiving positions for products.If the products are to be stacked on the conveyor belt, the capacity takes into account a predetermined stack height or number of products in a complete stack. Filling the transport means by a transfer system according to the invention preferably achieves complete filling of the transport means with products at the discharge of the transport device (in the direction of transport at the end of the second section of the transport device), which means that the capacity of the transport means at the discharge of the transport device is exhausted. As a result, for example, a packaging device at the discharge of the transport device can operate reliably and efficiently.

[0018] The product conveying device is preferably designed as a conveyor belt on which the products are transported along a conveying direction through the transfer system according to the invention. A single, continuous conveyor belt or several conveyor belts running in the same direction can be provided. In particular, two or more conveyor belts, all of which are encompassed by the product conveying device, can be arranged parallel to each other along the main extension direction of the transfer system. In this case, at least one transfer device can be assigned to each of the parallel conveyor belts. Alternatively, other product conveying devices are also conceivable.

[0019] The transfer system according to the invention can comprise first control and drive devices for driving and controlling the product conveying device and the transport device. The first control and drive devices are specifically configured to control the speed of the product conveying device and the transport device in order to adjust the relative speed of the products and the transport means. For example, if at a specific time there are more products on the product conveying device than the provided transport means can accommodate, the speed of the product conveying device can be reduced by the first control and drive devices to prevent product overflow. Preferably, however, the speed of the product conveying device is kept constant, and the speed of the transport device is adjusted as needed.The first control and drive devices can also be capable of independently moving the transport elements moved by the transport device. Likewise, the product conveying device and / or transport device can be stopped during the transfer process, should this be necessary.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the movement of the transport means by the transport device refers in particular to the transport of containers or the driving of a conveyor belt along a transport direction. Following transfer by the transfer device, the products are transported by means of the transport means, either in the containers or on the conveyor belt.

[0021] Furthermore, second control and drive devices can be provided to drive and control the transfer device relative to the product conveying device and the transport device, i.e., to transfer the products. In addition, feedback can be established between the first and second control and drive devices so that the transfer speed of the transfer device can be adjusted according to the conveying speed of the products on the product conveying device and the transport speed of the transport devices. The second control and drive devices can also be configured to prioritize transport devices based on their current fill level or quantity.For example, transport vehicles that are already in an end section of the transport device can be served with high priority to ensure that these transport vehicles are completely filled.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, a transfer area is understood to be an area in which the transfer device receives products from the product conveying device and transfers them into a specific transport means, i.e., the working area of ​​the transfer device within the transfer system. A distinction can be made between a potential transfer area and an actual transfer area. The potential transfer area is the maximum working area that the transfer device could cover with its booms or robot arms. In contrast, the actual transfer area represents a limitation of the potential transfer area, namely to the working area required for filling the transport means.Defining the actual transfer area is particularly useful when several transfer devices are provided in a transfer system, in order to eliminate the risk of collision between the arms of the transfer devices when transferring the products.

[0023] According to the invention, the product conveying device and the transport device run parallel to each other at least in sections. That is, both the product conveying device and the transport device each have at least one section in which the products and the transport means are moved parallel to each other along their conveying and transport directions, respectively. The parallel sections extend in particular along the main direction of extension of the transfer system and over the transfer area of ​​the at least one transfer device. Furthermore, the parallel sections preferably correspond to at least 50% of the total length of the product conveying device or the transport device, and more preferably to at least 75%. As a result, the product conveying device and the transport device run parallel for a particularly long period relative to their total length, thereby simplifying the movement sequence of the transfer device during the transfer process.On the other hand, alternative designs are also conceivable in which the stated value of 50% may be less than the stated value, since product belts could theoretically be of any length or could even run through two systems.

[0024] According to an important feature of the present invention, the transport device has at least a first section and a second section, wherein the transport of the products by the transport means (transport direction) in the first section proceeds in the same direction as the product conveying device. In contrast, the transport of the products by the transport means (transport direction) in the second section proceeds opposite to the direction of transport of the product conveying device. In other words, the first section corresponds to a section running parallel to the direction of transport of the product conveying device, and the second section corresponds to a section running in the opposite direction. Consequently, the present invention combines the parallel and counter-rotating principles in one transfer system.It has surprisingly turned out that the combination of parallel and counter-rotating gears enables the products to be transferred to transport vehicles with high efficiency, without incurring the previously mentioned disadvantages of parallel gearing.

[0025] Since both the first and second sections, as part of a transport device, pass through the transfer area of ​​at least one transfer device, the latter can fill transport means in each of the two sections accordingly and, if necessary, i.e., depending on the fill level of the transport means, prioritize either the first, parallel section or the second, counter-rotating section. Alternatively, when using multiple transfer devices, it is also conceivable that the transfer devices are arranged in the transfer system such that at least one first transfer device is assigned to the first section and at least one second transfer device to the second section, i.e., exclusively serving the respective section of the transport device. In any case, the first and second sections are arranged such that they pass through the transfer area of ​​at least one transfer device.Preferably, the first section of the transport device is designed parallel to and directly adjacent to one of the two longitudinal sides of the elongated product conveying device, while the second section of the transport device is arranged analogously on the opposite longitudinal side of the product conveying device. Furthermore, the first and second sections can also run parallel to each other; in particular, they are designed analogously or approximately mirror-symmetrically to each other along the transfer area of ​​the transfer device with respect to an axis of symmetry that runs along the main extension direction of the product conveying device through its center.

[0026] Optionally, the first section and / or the second section along the transfer area of ​​the at least one transfer device can have essentially the same length as the product conveying device. The overall length of the first and second sections can also be the same or different, with the latter case preferably having a longer second section than the first, so that the counter-rotating section of the conveying device can be relatively larger than the co-rotating section.

[0027] The transport of the transport means by means of the transport device through the transfer area of ​​the transfer device begins in the first section and ends in the second section, whereby the transport means can first be moved in the direction of transport of the product conveying device and then in the opposite direction. Consequently, when initiating a transfer process, the transport means first pass through the section moving in the same direction and finally through the section moving in the opposite direction.

[0028] In contrast to known counter-rotating transfer systems, the transfer system according to the invention has the advantage that the at least one transfer device can transfer products from the product conveying device to the transport means that pass through the first and second sections of the transport device on both sides, i.e., relative to the main direction of extension of the product conveying device towards both longitudinal sides thereof, while only one transport device is required. Consequently, compared to conventional counter-rotating transfer systems, both space and costs can be saved while maintaining the same efficiency.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the transfer system according to the invention, a third section of the transport device can run between the at least one first section and the at least one second section, and is configured to transfer the transferred products from the first section to the second section. The third section thus acts as a transition between the first, co-rotating section and the second, counter-rotating section, which, as part of the transport device, can run parallel to each other along the product conveying device, and connects them.The third section is designed to ensure a smooth transition between the first and second sections of the transport device, whereby the products and, accordingly, the means of transport cannot move in the same or opposite direction to the direction of transport of the product conveying device on the conveyor belt during transport in the third section.

[0030] Optionally, the third section of the transport device can be arranged at an end face of the transfer system, so that the transport device is formed around the end face of the transfer system. In other words, the transport device can surround the transfer system or the product conveying device with the first and second sections on both longitudinal sides and additionally with the third section at an end face of the product conveying device. In this context, the end face of the product conveying device is understood to be the end of the product conveying device along its conveying direction.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the transfer system according to the invention, the first, second, and third sections of the transport device can form a U-shaped arrangement in a top view of the transfer system. The U-shaped arrangement can, for example, correspond to a right-angled arrangement in which the first and second sections run parallel to each other and the third section is arranged at right angles to each of them. In this case, a transition area can be provided between the first and third sections and between the third and second sections, in which the orientation of the transport elements on the transport device is aligned according to the subsequent area. The right-angled arrangement of the third section directly adjacent to the end face of the product conveying device is particularly space-saving.Alternatively, the third section can also be curved in plan view or at least have a curved transition area, so that the means of transport can be moved from the first section of the transport device to the second section of the transport device without further ado using the third section.

[0032] To transfer the products from the first section to the second section, the third section may also be equipped with handling devices, the handling devices comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: link or arc chains, curved conveyor belts, or a robot. The handling devices are specifically designed to grasp the products and / or the transport devices in the first section individually, in groups, or in stacks and transport them to the second section, for example, by moving stacked products or by moving the transport devices. If the transport devices are in the form of containers to be filled, the handling devices may be designed as robots.In particular, this could involve an industrial robot with a manipulator and effector, which, for example, grasps or suctions the containers and is thus able to transfer them from the first section to the second section. When using a conveyor belt, however, a curved conveyor belt or arc conveyor is preferred.

[0033] In an optional embodiment of the transfer system according to the invention, the transfer area of ​​the at least one transfer device can comprise the first and second sections of the transport device, or the first, second, and third sections of the transport device. Optionally, the transfer device can thus be capable of filling the transport means not only in the first and second sections but also in the third section. In this context, an independent transfer device can optionally be provided, which transfers the products from the end of the product conveying device, or optionally products that have been conveyed from the end of the product conveying device into a downstream collection area, into the transport means located in the third section.

[0034] Insofar as the transfer system according to the invention comprises only one transfer device, this device can be configured to fill transport means in both the first and second sections of the transport device. In this case, the transfer device is capable of transferring the products from either side of the product conveying device into the first or the second section. If several transfer devices are provided, the transfer device furthest in the transport direction of the transport means can, in particular, have the aforementioned characteristic. Alternatively, the at least one transfer device can be assigned only to the first section or only to the second section of the transport device. This means that a defined, actual transfer area of ​​the corresponding transfer device is limited either to at least a subsection of the first section or to at least a subsection of the second section.This embodiment is particularly practical when several transfer devices are arranged in groups, for example in pairs, along the main direction of extension of the product conveying device, such that a first transfer device from a group of transfer devices serves the first section and a second transfer device from the group of transfer devices is assigned to the second section. Additionally, a final transfer device along the transport direction of the conveying means can be assigned to the second section of the conveying device.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the transfer system according to the invention, at least one handling unit is arranged downstream of the second section of the transport device. This handling unit is designed to handle the products or the transport containers filled with products. Handling the products or transport containers refers in particular to their removal from the transport device and their further processing, for example, their packaging. The handling unit is preferably arranged downstream of the transport device in such a way that it is accessible from at least one side, for example, to allow for manual operation and maintenance.

[0036] Furthermore, the transport device of the transfer system according to the invention can comprise transport carriages which are independently movable along the transport device, each transport carriage being configured to move at least one transport element, in particular at least one container to be filled. The transport carriages can be driven by the transport device via a mechanical drive, for example by means of a rack and pinion, or an electric drive. The transport carriages can be adapted to the size and shape of the transport elements and, for example, include a transport element-specific receptacle or shelf to transport a transport element securely on a transport carriage. Because the transport carriages are independently movable, the transport speed of individual transport elements can be individually adjusted.This allows, for example, fully loaded transport vehicles to be transported more quickly in order to remove them from the transport device.

[0037] Optionally, the transport device can comprise at least one first guideway and at least one second guideway, each configured to accommodate and independently move a plurality of transport carriages. The first guideway accommodates the transport carriages that move transport containers to be filled with products, and the second guideway accommodates the transport carriages that return empty transport containers to the beginning of the guideway. Furthermore, the first and second guideways can be arranged one above the other or side by side within the transport device. The first and second guideways can thus operate in parallel, ensuring that a sufficient number of guide carriages are always available at the beginning of the transport device. In this way, the two guideways form a kind of closed-loop system for transporting the transport carriages.The empty transport vehicles, which are returned via the second guide track using the transport carriages, can be gripped by the transport carriages, for example, by means of a specifically designed gripping or suction unit.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the transfer system according to the invention, the transport device can be configured to invert the direction of travel of the transport means. In other words, the transport means, optionally via the transport carriages, can be moved forwards and backwards on the guide tracks. If the direction of travel of the transport means is inverted, the first section consequently becomes the opposing section and the second section becomes the parallel section. Inverting the direction of travel can be carried out, in particular, without interrupting or stopping the transfer process, thereby maintaining the efficiency of the transfer system at a constant level.

[0039] Furthermore, a second handling unit can be provided, which is set up analogously to the aforementioned first handling unit. The second handling unit can be arranged at the beginning of the transport device or the first guide track, so that in the event of an inversion of the transport direction of the transport means, switching from the first handling unit to the second handling unit is possible and the filled transport means consequently enter the second handling unit after leaving the first section.

[0040] To compensate for a failure of the transport device, which may occur, for example, due to technical defects during operation, without any loss of efficiency or performance of the transfer system, the transport device of the transfer system according to the invention can, in a preferred embodiment, comprise a first transport device and a second transport device separate from the first. The first transport device and the second transport device can each have at least a first section along which the products are transported by the transport means in the direction of transport of the product conveying device, and can each have at least a second section along which the products are transported by the transport means in the opposite direction to the direction of transport of the product conveying device.Thus, two separate transport devices are provided, which can be selectively supplied with products by the transfer device, thereby providing a redundant transfer system.

[0041] In particular, a first handling unit can be arranged downstream of the second section of the first transport device, which is configured to handle, in particular to package, the products transported by the first transport device, and a second handling unit can be arranged downstream of the second section of the second transport device, which is configured to handle, in particular to package, the products transported by the second transport device. In this way, the handling units are also provided redundantly.

[0042] In a space-saving manner and at the same time easily accessible for the transfer device, the two redundant transport devices can be arranged on the product conveying device such that the first section of the first transport device and the first section of the second transport device are arranged on different sides of the product conveying device relative to a longitudinal center axis of the product conveying device, or / and that the second section of the first transport device and the second section of the second transport device are arranged on different sides of the product conveying device relative to a longitudinal center axis of the product conveying device, or / and that the first handling unit and the second handling unit are arranged on different sides of the product conveying device relative to a longitudinal center axis of the product conveying device.

[0043] The first transport device is, in particular, the transport device described above, with the second transport device having essentially the same features and properties. The handling units can also be coupled to the respective transport device according to the principles described above. Additionally, the first handling unit immediately following the second section of the first transport device can be coupled to the second transport device, and the first handling unit immediately following the first section of the first transport device can also be coupled to the second transport device accordingly, so that the handling of the filled transport devices is ensured even if the transport direction of the transport means is inverted by the first or the second transport device.

[0044] If the first transport device and / or one of the two handling units fails, for example due to a technical defect or maintenance work, or if the first transport device is out of service for other operational reasons, the second transport device can be activated instead, and at least one transfer device can be instructed to fill transport items on the second transport device instead of those on the first. Alternatively, the first and second transport devices can also be operated simultaneously.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the transfer system according to the invention can comprise at least one camera or sensor which monitors the transfer of the products within the transfer area of ​​the at least one transfer device. The camera or sensor can be configured, in particular, to monitor the first, second, and third sections of the transport device, including the moving transport elements, as well as the products on the product conveyor. Based on the data provided by the camera or sensor, the control of the transport device, the transfer speed, and the control of specific transport elements by the transfer device can be adjusted. Similarly, the transport speed of the transport carriages in the various sections of the transport device can also be controlled.

[0046] If the camera or sensor detects, for example, that one or more transport containers at the end or outlet of the counter-moving section are not yet completely filled, the transfer device responsible for this section can be controlled accordingly to ensure that the transport containers are fully filled. Through feedback from the camera or sensor, this creates an emergency system that detects, in particular, excess product on the product conveying device as well as incompletely filled transport containers and initiates appropriate countermeasures. It is also conceivable that the camera or sensor could be configured to monitor at least one handling unit.

[0047] Furthermore, each transfer unit of the transfer system can be equipped with its own camera or sensor, which is configured to determine the fill level of a specific transport container, particularly immediately before and / or immediately after it is filled with product. The transfer units can then continuously report the determined fill levels of the transport containers to the first and second control and drive units, so that the fill levels of all transport containers within the transfer system can be automatically detected and thus monitored. Should one of the transfer units of the transfer system fail, the remaining active transfer units can be controlled accordingly based on the information about the current fill levels to ensure that all transport containers are filled.

[0048] The present problem is solved in a second aspect by a method for transferring products onto transport means by means of at least one transfer device of a transfer system, wherein the method comprises moving the transport means to be filled by means of at least one transport device through at least one transfer area in which the transfer device is arranged, and filling the transport means by means of the transfer device transferring products from at least one moving product conveying device, which runs at least sectionally parallel to the transport device, into the transport means to be filled, wherein the products are transferred onto the transport means both in a first section, along which the products are transported by the transport means in a conveying direction of the product conveying device, and in a second section of the transport device.along which the transport of the products by the means of transport runs in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the product conveying device.

[0049] The method according to the invention can in particular be carried out with a conversion system according to the first aspect, whereby it should be explicitly pointed out at this point that all features, effects and advantages described with regard to the first and second aspects can also be applied to and combined with the respective other aspect.

[0050] Accordingly, the means of transport can be moved from the first section via a third section of the transport device to the second section by means of the transport device, wherein the third section is preferably arranged at an end face of the transfer system such that the transport device extends around the end face of the transfer system.

[0051] Optionally, the first control and drive devices can be configured to drive the product conveying device and the transport device, and the conveying speed of the products on the product conveying device can be regulated independently of the transfer speed of the transfer device in the first and second sections of the transport device. Consequently, one or more relative speeds can be set, which relate to the transport speed of the individual transport elements, optionally to the transport carriage of the transport device, in the individual sections.

[0052] In particular, the transport speed of the transport vehicles can be controlled based on the transfer speed of the last transfer device along the transport direction. This transfer device is also referred to as the master transfer device, as it is responsible for completing the filling of partially filled transport vehicles. If, at any given time, an above-average number of partially filled transport vehicles are present in the transfer area of ​​the last transfer device, the product transport speed and / or the transport speed of the transport vehicles can be reduced. Conversely, the transport speed can be increased if there is a surplus of available or underutilized transfer devices relative to the quantity of products.

[0053] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one transfer device can be controlled via the second control and drive devices such that the filling of a transport means is prioritized as long as the transport means is in the first section of the transport device. Accordingly, the aim is to fill the transport means as completely as possible in the parallel section, thereby reducing the time required to fully fill the transport means in the counter-rotating section. This particularly reduces the workload of the last transfer device in the transport direction of the transport means, which in turn lowers the risk of incompletely filled transport means.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the transport device can comprise a first transport device and a second transport device separate from the first, as already described above in a variant of the first aspect. The operation of such a transfer system can then be switched in a method of the second aspect of the invention between a first operating mode in which the transfer device only transfers the products onto transport means of the first transport device, while the second transport device and / or the second handling device is / are preferably inactive, and a second operating mode in which the transfer device only transfers the products onto transport means of the second transport device, while the first transport device and / or the first handling device is / are preferably inactive.

[0055] In particular, switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode can be carried out essentially without interrupting the movement of the product conveying device, especially to be able to switch seamlessly from the first transport device to the second transport device in the event of maintenance or failure of a component associated with the first transport device, for example a handling unit.

[0056] In this context, it is conceivable that a first operating mode is provided in which the at least one transfer device operates a first, active transport device. If the first transport device fails or is shut down for other reasons, the transfer system activates a second operating mode. In this second operating mode, the at least one transfer device switches from the first transport device to the second transport device and henceforth operates only the latter. Optionally, a third operating mode can be provided in which the at least one transfer device operates both the first and the second transport devices.

[0057] Insofar as the transfer system comprises a plurality of transfer devices, in the event of a failure of one transfer device, the remaining active transfer devices can be controlled in such a way as to ensure efficient operation of the transfer system, if necessary by switching from the first transport device to the second transport device or vice versa.

[0058] Furthermore, specific fill levels of the transport vehicles can be provided in the first and second, and optionally also in the third, section of the transport device, so that the transfer device fills a transport vehicle, for example, 50% in the first, parallel section and the remaining 50% in the second, counter-rotating section. It is also conceivable that specific transport vehicles or specific parts of the transport vehicle are filled only in one of the sections, for example, that every second container is filled alternately in either the first or the second section.

[0059] Furthermore, a filling sequence can be defined in which the transfer devices fill the transport vehicles. If the transport vehicles are in the form of containers, for example, the first transfer device along the transport direction can always fill a specific first filling position within each container, while the subsequent transfer device always serves a second specific filling position, and so on. This filling sequence can be maintained even if one of the transfer devices fails. Generally, the transfer process, in terms of transfer and transport speed, can be adjusted according to the quantity of products on the product conveying device.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that both the transfer system described in the first aspect and the method described in the second aspect enable efficient filling of the transport vehicles, where the number of handling units can be varied as needed, and maximum performance is guaranteed even when using a single handling unit. Consequently, the transfer system can be designed to be relatively smaller, i.e., in contrast to conventional counter-rotating transfer systems, it can include a shorter product conveying device and fewer transfer units.

[0061] The following section describes the transfer device according to the invention in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It illustrates: Fig. 1 a top view of a section of a conversion system according to the invention in a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the transfer system made of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a top view of a transfer system with a transport device according to the first embodiment; and Fig. 4 A top view of a transfer system with first and second transport device according to a second embodiment.

[0062] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a section of a transfer system 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention, which is designed for filling transport means 20. The transport means 20 are shown here by way of example in the form of containers. These containers 20 are moved in a transport direction 121 by means of a transport device 107. The transfer system 100 further comprises several transfer devices 104 or 104a - 104f, here a total of six, which are each arranged in the transfer system 100 by means of suspensions not shown here. The number, arrangement and design of the transfer devices 104a - 104f can be varied depending on requirements and in particular depending on the size of the transfer system 100. In this example, the transfer devices 104 are designed with outriggers 114.

[0063] On a product conveying device 106, which is located in Fig. As the product conveying device 106 is moved from left to right in the conveying direction 120, products 26 are delivered which are irregularly distributed and arranged in different rotational positions on the product conveying device 106.

[0064] With the aid of the several transfer devices 104a - 104f arranged at intervals along the product conveying device 106, these products 26 are transferred in the correct position and rotational orientation into the containers 20 provided for this purpose, which in this case move in the transport direction 121 of the transport device 107 parallel to the product conveying device 106.

[0065] For this purpose, the containers 20 are arranged on transport carriages 1 or 1a, 1b, 1c of the transport device 107 and are preferably moved during transport by means of the Fig. The two suction heads 103 of the transfer devices 104a - 104f shown are filled, which draw in or grasp a suitable product 26 in their transfer area 102 on the product conveying device 106, lift it and place it in a suitable, free filling position of a container 20. This process is shown in Fig. 2 schematically illustrated using the transfer device 104a.

[0066] The movements of the transfer devices 104, as well as the individual carriages 1a, 1b, 1c of the transport device 107, and optionally also the speed of the product conveying device 106, are controlled by control and drive devices 111. Input information is continuously determined by a sensor or camera 108, for example a line scan camera, before the products 26 enter the area of ​​the transfer devices 104, with regard to the number, position, and rotational orientation of the line under the scanning line, which lies transversely across the entire transport direction, and is reported to the control and drive devices 111, which then control the individual transfer devices 104a–104f, taking into account the existing speeds of the product conveying device 106 and the transport carriages 1a, 1b, 1c.However, the control of the product conveying device 106, in particular its conveying speed, can also be carried out by separate control and drive devices (not shown).

[0067] For normal operation, a permitted, actual transfer area 102 in the conveying direction 120 is defined for each transfer device 104, which serves to prevent collisions with adjacent transfer devices 104a - 104f. The potential transfer area 101 of each transfer device 104, on the other hand, is significantly larger and can be released by the control and drive devices 111 in individual cases, which then requires corresponding control of the adjacent transfer devices 104 to avoid collisions.

[0068] The transport carriages 1a, 1b, 1c carrying the containers 20, which are guided on the same transport device 107, can be moved independently of each other and do not have to be moved in the same transport direction 121, so that a single container 20 with the transport carriage carrying it, e.g. 1b, can also move briefly in the opposite direction to the other carriages 1a and 1c running on the same transport device 107.

[0069] As shown in the sectional views through the transport device 107 in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the transport device 107 consists of a track body 11, 12, 13 with a substantially rectangular cross-section in this case, on which a guide track 2a, 2b is formed on both the top and bottom of the track body 11, 12, 13, on which the transport carriages 1 can be moved.

[0070] The upper guideway 2a serves to transport transport vehicles or containers 20, which are filled with products 26 by means of the suction heads 103 of the transfer devices 104, while the lower guideway 2b serves to return the empty transport carriages, e.g., 1b, to the beginning of the transport device 107. To enable the transport carriages 1 to move independently of one another within the same guideway, e.g., 2a, they are driven separately, with all drives also being connected to the control and drive devices 111 of the transfer system 100. Regarding the design and operation of the transport carriages 1, the guideways 2a, 2b, and the track sections 11, 12, 13, explicit reference is made here to DE 10 2011 014 697 A1 of the present applicant.

[0071] The transport device 107 of the transfer system 100 has a first section 112 and a second section 113, which are arranged adjacent to the product conveying device 106 on one side and, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the two sections 112 and 113 are aligned both parallel to each other and parallel to the product conveying device 106. The two sections differ in particular in that the first section 112 is designed as a section running in the same direction as the conveying direction 120 of the product conveying device 106, and the second section 113 is designed as a section running in the opposite direction.

[0072] Accordingly, the two sections 112 and 113 differ with respect to the transport direction 121 of the containers 20 relative to the conveying direction 120 of the product conveying device 106. Along the first section 112, the containers 20 are moved by the conveying device 107 in the conveying direction 120 of the product conveying device 106, and thus according to the synchronous principle. In contrast, along the second section 113, the containers 20 move in the opposite direction to the conveying direction 120, and thus according to the counter-movement principle. The transfer system 100 shown thus combines the principles of synchronous and counter-movement using a single conveying device 107.

[0073] During operation of the transfer system 100, the transfer devices 104 are controlled by the control and drive devices 111 such that the containers 20 are filled in both the first and second sections 112, 113. Since the containers 20 are filled as shown in Fig. 1. After first passing through the first section 112, the filling of the containers 20 therefore begins in this section and can then be completed when passing through the second section 113.

[0074] The transfer devices 104 reach the first or second section 112, 113 via their outriggers 114, depending on which section 112, 113 the respective transfer device 104 is assigned to, so that the transfer ranges 102 of the transfer devices 104 extend to one of the two sections 112, 113 of the transport device 107, as shown in Fig. Figure 1. In other words, the transfer devices 104a, 104b, 104c of the upper row are exposed Fig. 1. Transfer the products into the first section 112 and the transfer devices 104d, 104e, 104f of the lower row from Fig. 1 accordingly in the second section 113. Alternatively, it is also possible that the transfer range of a transfer device 104 relates to both sections 112, 113 and that the transfer devices 104 can operate both sections 112, 113 accordingly.

[0075] The control of the transfer devices 104 and the product conveying device 106 is generally carried out with a view to maximizing the efficiency of the transfer system 100. In this context, it is important to avoid frequent braking of the product conveying device 106 and an overflow of products 26 onto the product conveying device 106. These two undesirable conditions are generally known in transfer systems that operate purely on the synchronous principle. However, in the present transfer system 100 of the first embodiment, which combines the synchronous and counter-rotating principles, it has been shown that the provision of the second, counter-rotating section 113 is sufficient to negate the undesirable properties of the first, synchronous section 112, so that the transfer system 100 operates with high efficiency.

[0076] The camera 108, or optionally a plurality of cameras 108, is further configured to monitor the product conveying device 106, the transfer of the products 26 in the first section 112, and the transfer of the products 26 in the second section 113. Based on the data generated from the monitoring, the conveying speed of the products 26 on the product conveying device 106, the transport speed of the containers 20 on the transport device 107, and the transfer speed of the transfer devices 104 can then be controlled.

[0077] In Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary complete transfer system 100 according to the first embodiment in a top view. The transfer system 100 comprises in Fig. 3 a plurality of transfer devices 104, wherein each of the transfer devices 104 is assigned its own transfer area 102 (not shown here). The transport device 107 is schematically illustrated here in the form of arrows, which indicate the transport direction 121 of the transport means (not shown) along the various sections 112, 113, 116 of the transport device 107.

[0078] In this first embodiment, the transfer devices 104 are all arranged such that they transfer the products (not shown here) conveyed on the product conveyor 106 in the conveying direction 120 into the first section 112 or into the second section 113 of the transport device 107. Accordingly, certain transfer devices 104, in this case the upper row comprising six transfer devices 104, fill according to the synchronous principle, while the lower row, also comprising six transfer devices 104, operates according to the counter-rotating principle.

[0079] The first and second sections 112, 113 of the transport device 107 are connected to each other via a third section 116, so that the transport means 20 (cf. Fig. 1) at the beginning of the transport device 107, the product passes through the first section 112, then the third section 116, and finally the second section 113. In contrast to the first and second sections 112, 113, which are arranged parallel to each other and to the product conveying device 106, the third section 116 is formed circumferentially around an end face 118 of the product conveying device 106, as shown in Fig. 3 emerges. The three sections 112, 113, 116 form a U-shaped arrangement in plan view, with the third section 116 being essentially perpendicular to the first and the second sections 112, 113.

[0080] By arranging the third section 116 directly adjacent to the end face 118 of the product conveying device 106, a space-saving transition between the first section 112 and the second section 113 is ensured, as well as a smooth transfer of the transport means 20 from the first, parallel-running section 112 to the second, counter-running section 113. For this purpose, the third section 116 has a transition area 116a, 116b at each of its two ends, which are designed to facilitate the transfer of the transport means 20 from the first section 112 to the third section 116 and from the third section 116 to the second section 113.The third section 116, for example, is designed as a chain conveyor analogous to the rest of the transport device 107, or has other handling means, for example at least one robot arm (not shown), which picks up the containers 20 at the end of the first section 112 and transfers them along the transport direction 121 to the beginning of the second section 113.

[0081] Fig. Figure 3 further shows that immediately following the second section 113 a handling unit 122 is provided, which is equipped to further process the filled transport means 20 after the transfer process, for example by packaging them by a tubular bag machine or to prepare them for a subsequent packaging process, and to discharge them from the transfer system 100.

[0082] In Fig. Not shown in Figure 3, but optionally possible, is the provision of a second handling unit 122, which is arranged opposite the handling unit 122 shown, adjacent to the product conveying device 106 and at the beginning of the first section 112 of the transport device 107. This additional handling unit 122 then receives transport means 20 for further processing when the transport direction 121 of the transport device 107 is inverted. As a result of inverting the transport direction 121, the second section 113 becomes the parallel section and the first section 112 becomes the counter-rotating section. This can be particularly useful if the originally intended handling unit 122 has to be deactivated due to a malfunction or similar issue, since the operation of the transport means 20 can then be continued seamlessly by inverting the transport direction 121.

[0083] Finally, in Fig. 4 A second embodiment of a transfer system 200 is shown, which differs from the transfer system 100 of the first embodiment only by providing a first and a second transport device 107a, 107b, which is why reference is made to the descriptions of the first embodiment with regard to all similarities.

[0084] The two transport devices 107a, 107b are essentially redundant, adjacent, and arranged parallel to each other and are configured to move transport means 20 for filling by transfer devices 104 independently along their respective transport directions 121a, 121b. The first transport device 107a is configured to transport transport means 20 along a first transport direction 121a and comprises, in the transport direction 121a, a first section 112a, a second section 113a, and then a first handling unit 122a. The second transport device 107b is configured to transport transport means 20 along a second transport direction 121b and comprises, in the transport direction 121b, a first section 112b, a second section 113b, and then a second handling unit 122b.

[0085] The provision of a second transport device 107b serves primarily to enable the transfer of products 26 from the product conveying device 106 to transport means 20 by the transfer devices 104 without loss of performance of the transfer system 200 in the event of a failure or maintenance of the first transport device 107a. Therefore, both the first and the second transport devices 107a, 107b are encompassed by the respective transfer areas 102 of the transfer devices 104.

[0086] The in Fig. 1. The camera 108 shown, or any other sensor or camera, can be provided to detect a defect in the first or second transport device 107a, 107b, whereupon the transfer system 200 automatically switches from the first to the second transport device 107a, 107b or vice versa.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that parallel operation of the first and second transport devices 107a, 107b is also conceivable, should this be useful or necessary for operational reasons. Furthermore, the number and configuration of the transfer devices 104 of the first and second embodiments are not fixed. For example, the transfer devices can be configured to fill transport means 20 in the first section 112 and / or in the second section 113. If desired, at least one transfer device 104 can also be provided to fill transport means 20 in the third section 116. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2011 014 697 A1 [0008, 0070]

Claims

[1] Transfer system (100, 200) for transferring products (26) onto transport means (20) which can hold a certain number of products (26), wherein the transfer system (100, 200) comprises: - at least one moving product conveying device (106) on which the products (26) can be conveyed along a conveying direction (120); - at least one transport device (107) which is designed to move the means of transport (20); and - at least one transfer device (104) for transferring the products (26) from the product conveying device (106) to the transport means (20) in a transfer area (102), wherein the transport device (107) moves the transport means (20) at least through the transfer area (102), and wherein the product conveying device (106) and the transport device (107) run parallel to each other at least in sections, characterized by , that the transport device (107) has at least a first section (112) along which the products (26) are transported by the transport means (20) in the direction of transport (120) of the product transport device (106), and has at least a second section (113) along which the products (26) are transported by the transport means (20) in the opposite direction to the direction of transport (120) of the product transport device (106). [2] Transfer system (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein a third section (116) of the transport device (107) extends between the at least one first section (112) and the at least one second section (113), which is configured to transfer the products (26) from the first section (112) to the second section (113). [3] Transfer system (100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein the third section (116) of the transport device (107) is arranged at an end face (118) of the transfer system (100, 200), so that the transport device (107) is formed circumferentially on the end face of the transfer system (100, 200). [4] Transfer system (100, 200) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first, second and third sections (112, 113, 116) form a U-shaped arrangement in a top view of the transfer system (100, 200). [5] Conversion system (100, 200) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the third section (116) is designed for transferring the products (26) from the first section (112) to the second section (113) using handling equipment, and wherein the handling equipment shall include at least one selected from the group consisting of: link or arc chains, curved belts or a robot. [6] Conversion system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer area (102) comprises the first and second sections (112, 113) of the transport device (107), or wherein the transfer area (102) comprises the first, second and third sections (112, 113, 116) of the transport device (107). [7] Transfer system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one transfer device (104) is configured to fill transport means (20) both in the first section (112) and in the second section (113) of the transport device (107). [8] Transfer system (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one transfer device (104) is assigned only to the first section (112) or only to the second section (113) of the transport device (107). [9] Transfer system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one handling unit (122) is arranged downstream of the second section (113) of the transport device (107), which is equipped to handle the products or the transport means (20) filled with products (26), in particular to pack them. [10] Conversion system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (107) comprises transport carriages (1) which are independently movable along the transport device (107), and wherein each transport carriage (1) is equipped to move at least one means of transport (20). [11] Conversion system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (107) comprises at least a first guide track (2a) and at least a second guide track (2b), each of which is configured to accommodate a plurality of transport carriages (1) and to move them independently of each other, wherein the first guideway (2a) accommodates those transport carriages (1) which move transport means (20) to be filled with products (26), and the second guideway (2b) accommodates those transport carriages (1) which return empty transport means (20) to a beginning of the guideway (2a), and wherein the first and second guide rails (2a, 2b) are arranged one above the other or next to each other. [12] Transfer system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (107) is configured to invert a transport direction (121) of the transport means (20). [13] Conversion system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (107) comprises a first transport device (107a) and a second transport device (107b) separate from the first transport device, wherein the first transport device (107a) and the second transport device (107b) each have at least a first section (112a, 112b) along which the products (26) are transported by the transport means (20) in the direction of transport (120) of the product conveying device (106), and have at least a second section (113a, 113b) along which the products (26) are transported by the transport means (20) in the opposite direction to the direction of transport (120) of the product conveying device (106). [14] Transfer system (200) according to claim 13, wherein a first handling unit (122a) is arranged downstream of the second section (113a) of the first transport device (107a), which is configured to handle the products transported by the first transport device (107a), in particular to pack them, and a second handling unit (122b) is arranged downstream of the second section (113b) of the second transport device (107b), which is configured to handle the products transported by the second transport device (107b), in particular to pack them. [15] Conversion system (200) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the first section (112a) of the first transport device (107a) and the first section (112b) of the second transport device (107b) are arranged on different sides of the product conveying device (106) relative to a longitudinal center axis of the product conveying device (106), and / or wherein the second section (113a) of the first transport device (107a) and the second section (113b) of the second transport device (107b) are arranged on different sides of the product conveying device (106) relative to a longitudinal center axis of the product conveying device (106), and / or wherein the first handling unit (122a) and the second handling unit (122b) are arranged on different sides of the product conveying device (106) relative to a longitudinal center axis of the product conveying device (106). [16] Transfer system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer system (100, 200) comprises at least one camera or sensor (108) which monitors the transfer of the products (26) in the transfer area (102). [17] Method for transferring products (26) onto transport means (20) by means of at least one transfer device (104) of a transfer system (100, 200), in particular a transfer system (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: - Moving the transport means (20) to be filled by means of at least one transport device (107) through at least one transfer area (102) in which the transfer device (104) is arranged; and - Filling the transport means (20) by transferring products (26) from at least one moving product conveying device (106), which runs at least sectionally parallel to the transport device (107), into the transport means (20) to be filled, characterized by, that the products (26) are transferred to the means of transport (20) both in a first section (112), along which the products (26) are transported by the means of transport (20) in a transport direction (120) of the product conveying device (106), and in a second section (113) of the transport device (107), along which the products (26) are transported by the means of transport (20) in the opposite direction to the transport direction (120) of the product conveying device (106). [18] Method according to claim 17, wherein the transport means (20) are moved by means of the transport device (107) from the first section (112) via a third section (116) of the transport device (107) to the second section (113), wherein the third section (116) is preferably arranged at an end face (118) of the transfer system (100, 200) such that the transport device extends around the end face of the transfer system (100, 200). [19] Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein first control and drive devices are provided for driving the product conveying device (106) and the transport device (107) and the conveying speed of the products (26) on the product conveying device (106) is controlled independently of the transfer speed of the transfer device (104) in the first and second sections (112, 113) of the transport device (107). [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein the transport speed of the transport means (20) is controlled on the basis of the transfer speed of the last transfer device (104) along the transport direction (121) of the transport means (20). [21] Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one transfer device (104) is controlled via second control and drive devices (111) such that the filling of a transport means (20) is prioritized as long as the transport means (20) is in the first section (112) of the transport device (107). [22] Method for transferring products (26) onto transport means (20) by means of at least one transfer device (104) of a transfer system (200) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the operation of the transfer system (200) is switchable between a first operating mode in which the transfer device (104) transfers the products (26) only onto transport means of the first transport device (107a), while the second transport device (107b) and / or the second handling device (122b) is / are preferably inactive, and a second operating mode in which the transfer device (104) transfers the products (26) only onto transport means of the second transport device (107b), while the first transport device (107a) and / or the first handling device (122a) is / are preferably inactive. [23] Method according to claim 22, wherein switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode takes place essentially without interrupting the movement of the product conveying device (106).

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