Roller conveyor use

Abstract

Conveyor element comprising a groove profile (2) with a trough receptacle (6) in which at least one roller carrier (3) with a plurality of rollers (4) mounted on a roller axis (5) is inserted, characterized in that the roller carrier (3) is designed in the form of an elongated trough-shaped channel with a first side wall (7) and a second side wall (8) which has a plurality of locking bays (9) arranged one behind the other in which the rollers (4) are detachably but captive mounted in the roller carrier (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying element comprising a groove profile with a trough receptacle in which at least one roller carrier with a plurality of rollers mounted on a roller axis is inserted.

[0002] Such a conveying element is already known from DE 10 2019 129 268 B4. This patent provides a roller conveyor in which a strip of material is provided that can be clipped into a profile. Rollers are added to this strip of material, the axles of which are captive and inserted into designated tabs on the strip. This allows a roller conveyor to be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively using simple means, and it is also flexible in its application.

[0003] Depending on the application, these elements represent important components in the logistics chain, as they contribute significantly to the orderly storage and sorting of goods in warehouses and distribution centers, enabling efficient and timely delivery. Conveyor elements are typically used continuously and can be combined and expanded as needed to ensure complex interaction. This allows for the organized storage of a maximum quantity of goods within limited storage space, enabling quick retrieval and reorganization. As both the number of goods and their throughput increase, the requirements for conveyor elements change to ensure continued smooth operation.

[0004] The rollers of such conveyor elements are often pre-assembled and permanently attached to the mounting, making it difficult to replace a single roller in case of a defect. Consequently, in the event of such a defect, at least an entire module must be replaced, bringing the entire supply chain to a temporary standstill until repairs are completed. Particularly in industrial applications, such downtime can be very costly. Furthermore, the roller sizes of different, combined conveyor elements are often inconsistent. As a result, goods transported along such combinations can be lost or damaged by falling rollers. Therefore, it is essential to increase the durability of the roller conveyor and minimize the time required for replacement in the event of a defect, all while keeping costs to a minimum.

[0005] Against this background, the present invention aims to create a conveying element with cost-effective, interchangeable and combinable roller elements, in which the roller elements can be replaced quickly and easily.

[0006] This is achieved by a conveying element according to the features of independent claim 1. Meaningful embodiments of such a device can be found in the subsequent dependent claims.

[0007] The invention provides a conveying element comprising a groove profile with a trough recess in which at least one roller carrier with a plurality of rollers mounted on a roller axle is inserted. According to the invention, such a conveying element is characterized in that the roller carrier is designed in the form of an elongated, trough-shaped channel with a first side wall and a second side wall, which has a plurality of successive locking recesses in which the rollers are detachably but captively mounted in the roller carrier. This type of conveying element design makes it easy to combine conveying elements with one another. Furthermore, any defects that occur can be repaired quickly and easily, since the conveying element can be disassembled into all its individual parts. The resulting downtime can thus be significantly reduced.

[0008] In a specific embodiment, the side walls can have free longitudinal edges onto which groove covers are clamped to secure the rollers. Such a groove cover is designed as a retaining device, which provides additional protection against the rollers being dislodged from the locking recesses.

[0009] Preferably, the locking recesses of the roller carrier are positioned opposite each other on the first and second side walls, each recess having a bore opening onto a free longitudinal edge. A roller carrier can be inserted into such a locking recess against the resistance of the at least one, preferably two-sided, locking lug and easily removed in the reverse direction for necessary repairs. This allows individual parts to be selectively removed and replaced without the use of additional tools. Furthermore, removing the entire roller carrier is unnecessary to remove only individual rollers. However, if numerous rollers need to be removed simultaneously, the fully loaded roller carrier can be removed.

[0010] In a special embodiment, the rollers can each have a receiving opening at their center of rotation through which a roller axle can pass. By arranging many such rollers in a row, goods can be transported and sorted through warehouses with minimal effort. In an alternative embodiment, the rollers and axles are formed as a single unit.

[0011] It can also be provided that the roller axles each have two notches, the notches being spaced apart by the width of the roller carrier and engaging through the openings of the detent recesses. This allows a roller axle to be stored in the notches of the roller carrier and simultaneously prevents it from slipping out laterally, thus largely avoiding any downtime that may occur.

[0012] In a specific embodiment, the first and second side walls may be offset from each other by a recess on their sides facing away from the free longitudinal edges, causing the roller carrier to taper downwards. This allows a roller axle to be pressed into the locking lugs of the first and second side walls when inserted, thus holding them securely in position. This retaining mechanism prevents the roller from falling out upwards. It also prevents the roller carrier from sliding out laterally.

[0013] The roller carrier can be provided with several, preferably four, indentations arranged on a base and on the side walls, wherein the indentations on the side walls run essentially parallel to the free longitudinal edges and are opposite each other, and wherein two further indentations are arranged parallel to each other and extend in the longitudinal direction of the base. In this advantageous embodiment, the roller carrier adapts particularly well to the groove profile and its shape is stabilized.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the roller carrier can be held in the groove profile by a form-fit, force-fit, or adhesive bond. This prevents the roller carrier from sliding out of the groove profile. If no adhesive is used, the roller carrier can be lifted out with a jerk. A mechanical locking mechanism within the groove profile is also possible to keep the roller carrier removable.

[0015] It may also be provided that the roller carrier is manufactured from a plastic by extrusion or from a metal by bending dies, as it must be durable and long-lasting in order to reduce replacement intervals due to defects.

[0016] The invention described above will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] They show Fig. 1 a pre-assembled conveyor element in oblique view without groove cover, as well as Fig. 2 a trough mount in oblique view with inserted rollers and with groove cover, as well as Fig. 3 the pre-assembled conveyor element without groove cover in a cross-section, wherein a section was cut transversely through a profile, a trough receptacle, a roller and a pre-assembled roller axle, as well as Fig. 4 a trough receptacle with groove cover in a cross-section, wherein a roller and a pre-assembled roller axle were cut transversely through the trough receptacle, as well as Fig. 5 a trough view in a side view showing resting bays, as well as Fig. 6 a role in a side view, as well as Fig. 7 a roller carrier in a side view in which the intended notches are visible.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a pre-assembled conveyor element 1 in an oblique view, consisting of an elongated U-shaped groove profile 2 with grooves on its side walls, allowing for any combination with other elements. A box-like trough holder 6 is positively inserted into the groove profile 2. The trough holder 6 has regular locking recesses 9 on both side walls 7, 8, into which rollers 4 are inserted. Both the trough holder 6 and the rollers 4 can be individually removed and replaced if necessary.

[0019] The total length of the conveyor element 1 and the number of rollers 4 located in the conveyor element 1 are not fixed and can therefore be scaled or extended as desired.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows another trough holder 6 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the rollers 4 are inserted into the retaining recesses 9. The side walls 7, 8 also have free longitudinal edges 11 to which groove covers 15 are clampably attached. The groove covers 15 prevent the rollers 4 from falling out because they enclose the longitudinal edges 11. The trough holder 6 also has recesses 16 on the side walls 7, 8 and on a base surface for better fitting into the groove profile 2; these recesses extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] Fig. Figure 3 shows the pre-assembled conveyor element 1 in a cross-section positioned so that a roller 4 is cut through its center. In this specific embodiment, it can be seen that the trough holder 6 rests against several bearing surfaces formed in the groove profile 2, both at the bottom and on the side walls 7, 8, as well as on the sloping surfaces. A first side wall 7 and a second side wall 8 of the trough holder 6 project slightly beyond a shoulder formed in the groove profile 2, allowing a roller carrier 3 to be inserted through the recesses 9 provided in the first side wall 7 and the second side wall 8. The roller carrier 3 is slightly longer than the trough holder 6 but shorter than the groove profile 2, so that it can be accommodated within the groove profile 2. The roller carrier 3 holds the roller 4 in the same position, so that the roller 4 is freely movable within the trough holder 6 and is prevented from falling out.

[0022] Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a trough support 6 with a groove cover 15, in which a section has been cut transversely through the trough support 6, a roller 4, and a pre-assembled roller axle 5. Starting from the opening towards the bottom, the trough support 6 is shaped on the first side wall 7 and the second side wall 8 such that it can fit snugly against the groove profile 2 on both sides.

[0023] Fig. Figure 5 shows the trough holder 6 as an isolated component in a side view. The side view shows that regularly arranged locking recesses 9 are provided on the first side wall 7 and the second side wall 8, each with a bore 10 extending downwards.

[0024] Fig. Figure 6 shows the roller 4 in a perspective side view. The roller 4 is equipped with struts that ensure increased stability with reduced material consumption. In addition, a receiving opening 13 is located at the center of rotation 12 of the roller 4.

[0025] Fig. Figure 7 shows a top view of the roller carrier 3, which can be inserted through the receiving opening 13 of the roller 4. The roller carrier 5 is formed in one piece and has notches 14 at both ends. These notches 14 prevent the roller carrier 3 from slipping out laterally when it is inserted into the trough receptacle 6. This not only secures the roller 4 from falling out upwards, but also prevents it from slipping out laterally.

[0026] The above description thus describes a conveyor element with cost-effective, interchangeable and combinable roller elements, in which the roller elements can be replaced quickly and easily. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 conveying element 2 Groove profile 3 roller carriers 4 rolls 5 roller axle 6 trough intake 7 first side wall 8 second side wall 9 Rest area 10 Drilling 11 Longitudinal edge 12 Center of rotation 13 Intake opening 14 notches 15 Groove cover 16 indentation 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 2019 129 268 B4

[0002]

Claims

[1] Conveyor element comprising a groove profile (2) with a trough receptacle (6) in which at least one roller carrier (3) with a plurality of rollers (4) mounted on a roller axis (5) is inserted, characterized by , that the roller carrier (3) is designed in the form of an elongated trough-shaped channel with a first side wall (7) and a second side wall (8), which has a plurality of locking bays (9) arranged one behind the other, in which the rollers (4) are detachably but captive mounted in the roller carrier (3). [2] Conveying element according to claim 1, characterized by , that the side walls (7, 8) have free longitudinal edges (11) on which groove covers (15) are attached, preferably clamped, to secure the rollers (4). [3] Conveying element according to claim 2, characterized by, that the locking bays (9) of the roller carrier (3) are opposite each other on the first side wall (7) and on the second side wall (8), wherein the locking bays (9) each have a bore (10) with an opening to a free longitudinal edge (11), which is preferably constricted at least on one side by at least one locking lug. [4] Conveying element according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the rollers (4) each have a receiving opening (13) at a center of rotation (12) through which a roller axis (5) is passed. [5] Conveying element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the roller axles (5) each have two notches (14), wherein the notches (14) are spaced apart by the width of the roller carrier (3) and the notches (14) can be engaged through the openings of the locking bays (9) into the roller carrier (3). [6] Conveying element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first side wall (7) and the second side wall (8) are each offset towards each other in a setback on their side pointing away from the free longitudinal edges (11), whereby the roller support (3) tapers downwards. [7] Conveying element according to claim 3, characterized by , that the roller carrier (3) has indentations (16) arranged on a base surface and on the side walls (7, 8), wherein the indentations (16) on the side walls (7, 8) are substantially parallel to the free longitudinal edges (11) and are opposite each other, and wherein at least one further indentation (16) is arranged parallel to each other and extends in the longitudinal direction of the base surface. [8] Conveying element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the roller carrier (3) is held in the groove profile (2) by positive locking, force locking or by bonding. [9] Conveying element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the roller carrier (3) is manufactured by extrusion from a plastic or by bending from a metal.

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