TRANSPORT DEVICE AND TRANSPORT METHOD USING SUCH A TRANSPORT DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting goods according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a transport method using such a transport device.

[0002] "Transported goods" within the meaning of the present invention include, in particular, "containers" such as cans, bottles, tubes, and pouches, each made of metal, glass, and / or plastic, but also other packaging materials, particularly those suitable for filling powdered, granular, liquid, or viscous products. Within the scope of the present invention, the "transported goods" can also be formed by "packages" such as packages, cartons, trays, crates, or film packs, each of which comprises at least two containers and at least one (outer) packaging element.

[0003] Transport devices or conveyors for transporting goods, comprising a plurality of circulatingly driven transport elements, each forming a closed loop, particularly in the form of transport chains or slat-band chains, are well known. The transport elements, with their upper length supported against at least one guide, form the common horizontal or substantially horizontal transport plane or surface, upon which the goods rest with their base or standing surface.

[0004] It is also known that the transport elements cannot be made to any length, as if they are too long, the frictional forces generated between the respective transport element and the sliding guide would exceed the maximum tensile strength of the transport elements, particularly during continuous operation of the transport device. For this reason, it is common practice, particularly for longer conveyors, to provide several transport elements connected to one another in the transport direction. This then also offers the possibility of improved control and / or regulation of the performance and / or transport speed of the transport elements, e.g., by means of a separate drive for each conveyor belt or for a group of conveyor belts.

[0005] However, transport devices of this type inevitably have transitions between adjacent transport elements in the transport direction. The gaps formed at these transitions are usually bridged on the transport surface by transfer or container sliding elements, transfer stations, or transfer or transfer stations. Nevertheless, these transitions represent a disruption to the transport surface, meaning that the goods being transported are only partially supported on the upper sections of the transport elements when passing through such transitions.

[0006] DE 19 45 932 A1 discloses a transport device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] According to DE 10 2011 080 414 A1, a transport section of a screw conveyor for conveying groups of at least two articles is described. A controllable drive device is assigned to at least one rotating deflection element for a traction device guided above it. In addition to the drive device, a deceleration device or retention device can also be controlled in a coordinated manner.

[0008] Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of providing a transport device for transporting goods that avoids the aforementioned disadvantages and, while maintaining high operational reliability, provides a significantly longer transport distance compared to the prior art while simultaneously significantly reducing the design effort. This object is achieved with the features of patent claim 1. The subclaims relate to particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0009] The essential aspect of the transport device is that the at least one transport element has a plurality of transport element sections arranged so as to be rotatable and displaceable relative to one another, such that the total length of the respective transport element can be changed by a relative displacement of the individual transport element sections to one another, and that the transport path has at least two transport path sections, each of which extends between two drive devices following one another in the transport direction, so that by targeted control of drive devices which are in operative connection with the respective adjacent transport path sections at a differential speed, an accumulation and / or gap formation of the transport goods located on this transport path section can be set.The transport device according to the invention thus has the decisive advantage that, by providing at least two drive units, the tensile load of the transport element is preferably distributed evenly across the respective transport section driven by the corresponding drive device. Thus, by providing at least two drive units according to the invention, a significantly longer transport section can be achieved than in comparison to the prior art. By providing at least one transport element whose overall length can be varied and which can be controlled individually and / or dynamically for each transport section at a specific speed via the respectively assigned drive device, the transport goods located on the corresponding transport section can be accumulated and / or accelerated.

[0010] In this case, it is provided that, for the coordinated control of the individual transport section sections, the drive devices assigned to the transport section sections are connected to a control unit. The control unit can preferably have at least one process unit, a memory unit interacting with the process unit, and an interface. The control of the respective drive devices is advantageously carried out via a control routine executed in the process unit. For this purpose, the memory unit can be designed to at least temporarily store actual control data and / or target control data, wherein at least one detected actual speed, actual direction of rotation, actual angle of rotation, and at least one actual torque form the target control data.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the process unit can be configured to compare actual control data received via the interface with target control data and, depending thereon, to convert them into control data for the control routine, or to define control commands that are transmitted to the corresponding drive device of the corresponding transport route section in order to drive the respective transport route section in a controlled manner depending on the control data generated by the control routine.

[0012] Advantageously, the process unit can also be configured to determine the actual control data from the rated current required to operate the respective drive device.

[0013] Again preferably, the process device can be configured to operate the respective drive devices in a master-slave coupling.

[0014] Preferably, the at least two drive devices are each designed as gearless electric motors in the form of servo motors.

[0015] Furthermore, the transport path can preferably have a straight and / or curved course. If the transport path has a curved course, the at least one drive device can preferably be arranged before each curve. It can also advantageously be provided that a drive device is provided both before and after each curve.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, at least two transport elements can be provided, which are arranged in multiple directions relative to the transport direction and adjacent to one another. In this case, at least two drive devices can advantageously be provided for each of the multiple transport elements. The at least two drive devices can be jointly assigned to the multiple transport elements, such that each of the multiple transport elements is driven by at least two drive devices.

[0017] The multiple transport element sections are designed to be rotatable and displaceable relative to one another. In one embodiment, the at least one transport element can be designed as a transport chain having multiple chain links.

[0018] It can advantageously be provided that the process unit is configured to control the drive devices assigned to the at least two transport path sections with different target control data. In particular, the process unit can be configured to control successive transport path sections, viewed in the transport direction, in such a way that a transport path section located at the front, viewed in the transport direction, is operated at a higher target speed than a transport path section located at the rear, viewed in the transport direction.

[0019] The process unit can also advantageously be configured to control successive transport path sections, viewed in the transport direction, in such a way that a front transport path section, viewed in the transport direction, is operated at a lower target speed than a rear transport path section, viewed in the transport direction.

[0020] In yet another embodiment variant, it can be provided that the target control data in the process unit are preset in such a way that the respective transport section is completely extended and / or completely retracted.

[0021] It can also preferably be provided that the target control data in the process unit are preset in such a way that an elongation and / or compression of a transport section only takes place when the elongation and / or compression of the at least one further transport section has been completed

[0022] The expression "essentially" or "approximately" means, in the sense of the invention, deviations from the exact value by + / - 10%, preferably by + / - 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

[0023] Further developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention will also become apparent from the following description of embodiments and from the figures.

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show: Fig. 1a and 1b are a schematic side view and bottom view of a transport device according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of one of the drive units of the transport device according to the invention, which drive units are arranged with its stator on an axis in a rotationally fixed manner. Figures 1a and 1b ; Fig. 3 a schematic bottom view of a transport device according to the invention with several transport elements Fig. 4 a schematic side view of an exemplary transport element Fig. 5 a schematic top view of an exemplary transport element according to Fig. 4 Fig. 6a and 6b show a schematic plan view of a further exemplary transport element in retracted and extended state, respectively. Fig. 7 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment variant of a transport device according to the invention with an exemplary transport element according to Figures 4 and 5 .

[0025] The Fig. 1The transport device, generally designated 1, serves, for example, to transport goods 2 in at least one transport direction A between container treatment machines and / or push-over stations and / or transfer stations and / or transfer stations for the packaging and / or beverage industry, each not shown in detail.

[0026] For this purpose, the transport device 1 comprises at least one transport element 3 which forms a closed loop and is driven in an endlessly rotating manner and which can be designed, for example, as a transport belt, transport chain, hinged chain or other transport elements suitable for transporting the transported goods 2. In one embodiment, shown in Figure 3, several, i.e. at least two, transport elements 3 can also be provided, which are arranged adjacent to one another in multiple directions, ie transversely or perpendicularly to the transport direction A, so that the plurality of transport elements 3 form a common, for example horizontal, transport surface in a transport plane TE, at least with a part of their respective upper length of their corresponding loop, on which the transported goods 2 can at least partially stand with its bottom surface 2.1.

[0027] At the front end 1.1 with respect to the transport direction A and at the rear end 1.2 with respect to the transport direction A, the at least one transport element 3 is guided via deflection devices 4.1, 4.2, wherein the at least one transport element 3 is guided in particular at its front end 1.1 via a front deflection device 4.1 and at its rear end 1.2 via a rear deflection device 4.2, and a transport path TS for the transported goods 2 is formed between the front and rear deflection devices 4.1, 4.2 by means of the at least one transport element 3. The front and rear deflection devices 4.1, 4.2 are arranged in particular below the transport plane TE. The deflection devices 4.1, 4.2 are designed as deflection rollers which are rotatably mounted on a machine frame 1.10 of the transport device 1.

[0028] A special feature of the transport device 1 is that at least two drive devices 5 are provided for driving the at least one transport element 3, which drive devices 5 are spaced apart from one another and operatively connected to the at least one transport element 3 at different locations along the transport path TS. Figure 1In the embodiment variant of the transport device 1 according to the invention shown, a first drive device 5.1 and a second drive device 5.2 are provided for driving the at least one transport element 3, wherein both drive devices 5.1 and 5.2 can also be arranged, for example, below the transport plane TE on the machine frame 1.10. More precisely, the first drive device 5.1 is provided in the region of the front deflection device 4.1 or the front end 1.1, while the second drive device 5.2 is arranged in the region of the second deflection device 4.2 or the rear end 1.2. To control the first and second drive units 5.1, 5.2, they can each be operatively connected to a control unit 11 via a control line 12.

[0029] The transport path TS comprises at least two transport path sections TSA, each extending between two drive devices 5 following one another in the transport direction A. Two transport path sections TSA are provided, with a first transport path section extending from the first drive device 5.1 in the transport direction A to the second drive device 5.2 and a second transport path section TSA2 extending from the second drive device 5.2 to the rear end of the transport path TS, viewed in the transport direction A.

[0030] However, the essence of the invention is expressly not limited to the Figure 1illustrated embodiment is limited to a number of two drive devices 5.1, 5.2 for the respective transport element 3. Rather, it is also possible within the scope of the present invention, for example depending on the dimensioning of the transport device 1, i.e. in particular depending on the length of the transport route TS or the mass of the transported goods 2 to be transported or also the desired geometric design of the transport route TS with a straight or curved course, to provide three, four, five or more drive units 5 for the respective, but at least one, transport element 3.

[0031] If the transport path TS and thus also the at least one transport element 3 of the transport device 1 are designed to navigate curves, it can be provided that, with respect to the transport direction A, at least one drive device 5 is provided upstream of the respective curve for driving the at least one transport element 3. Particularly preferably, a drive device 5.1, 5.2 for the at least one transport element 3 can also be provided upstream and downstream of the respective curve of the transport path TS.

[0032] In a variant embodiment of the transport device 1 not according to the invention, the first drive device 5.1 can simultaneously form the front deflection device 4.1, and the second drive device 5.2 can simultaneously form the rear deflection device 4.2, such that both the circulating drive and the deflection of the transport element 3 as a circumferentially closed loop are accomplished by the first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2. In other words, in this variant embodiment of the transport device 1, the first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2 also assume the functionality of the deflection devices 4.1, 4.2.

[0033] The respective drive device 5.1, 5.2 can be designed as an electric motor, preferably as a gearless electric motor, for example in the form of a directly driven electric motor, preferably in the form of a stepper motor, a servo motor or a torque motor. In the illustrated embodiment of the transport device 1 with a total of one transport element 3, at least two drive units are used, namely the first and the second drive device 5.1, 5.2, each in the form of an electric motor, which, for example, has an internal stator 6 that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the machine frame 1.1 of the transport device 1 and an external rotor 7. The latter can preferably be provided with a chain toothing 8 on its circumferential surface when using transport elements 3 in the form of chains, which concentrically encloses the motor axis MA oriented perpendicular to the transport direction A.The first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2 form the drive unit of the transport device 1. Each rotor 7 can establish the operative connection with the at least one transport element 3, in particular with its corresponding toothing 8.

[0034] In the Figures 1aand 2b, the stators 6 of the first and second drive units 5.1, 5.2 can each be arranged on a support in the form of a support axle 9, which is held at both ends on the machine frame 1.10 in a torsion-proof manner. The stator 6 of each drive unit 5.1, 5.2 can be provided with a recess or opening 10, which can have a cross-section deviating from the circular shape, for example, in the embodiment shown has a square cross-section, to which the cross-section of the support axle 9 is adapted, so that the corresponding stators 6 of the first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2 are held in a torsion-proof manner on the corresponding support axle 9 and, via this, also in a torsion-proof manner on the machine frame 1.1.

[0035] Alternatively, the drive units 5.1, 5.2 can also be arranged, for example, on the outside of the machine frame 1.10 and, by means of their respective rotor 7, transmit a rotary movement to a drive shaft (not shown in detail), which is operatively connected to the at least one transport element 3, in that the drive shaft in particular establishes a frictional connection between the corresponding drive device 5.1, 5.2 and the respective transport element 3.

[0036] The first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2 are controlled via the common control unit 11, which is, for example, the machine control system or part of the machine control system of the transport device 1 or of a system comprising the transport device 1. According to the invention, the first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2 are controlled and / or regulated in coordination with one another by means of the control unit 11. .

[0037] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the process device 11.1 is configured to operate the respective drive devices 5 in a master-slave coupling. For example, the first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2 can be operated in a master-slave coupling, for example by the first drive device 5.1 forming the master, i.e., the master drive, using the control unit 11, and the second drive device 5.2 forming a slave coupled to the master, i.e., the slave drive, using the control unit 11. It can be provided that the drive units 5.1, 5.2 alternate in their function as masters. In particular, this ensures synchronization of the two drive units 5.1, 5.2.

[0038] For example, the control of the first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2 can be controlled by a control routine STR that is executed in the control unit 11. For this purpose, the control unit 11 can, for example, have at least one processor unit 11.1 for executing the control routine STR. Furthermore, the control unit 11 has, for example, a memory unit 11.2 that interacts with the processor unit 11.1 for at least temporarily storing control data SD, which is transmitted and / or received, for example, via an interface 11.3 from the control unit 11 via the control lines 12 to the first and second drive units 5.1, 5.2.

[0039] The control data SD comprise, in particular, actual control data ISD1, ISD2 currently determined at the first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2, such as, for example, a respective actual speed IDZ1, IDZ2, actual direction of rotation IDR1, DR2, actual angle of rotation IDW1, IDW2, and actual torque IDM1, IDM2, as well as corresponding target control data SSD1, SSD2, such as, for example, a target speed SDZ1, SDZ2, target direction of rotation SDR1, SDR2, target angle of rotation SDW1, SDW2, and target torque SDM1, SDM2. The parameters marked with index 1 are to be assigned to the first drive device 5.1, and the parameters marked with index 2 are to be assigned to the second drive unit 5.2. If further drive devices are provided in further embodiments of the invention, a corresponding parameter set of actual and target data with a corresponding index is also stored for these drive devices as control data SD in the control unit 11. In particular, the process unit 11 can1 be configured to determine the actual control data ISD from the rated current required to operate the respective drive device 5.1, 5.2 in order to generate a corresponding drive movement by means of the at least one transport element 3. The drive movement generated by the at least one transport element 3 can also be deduced from the temporal change in the rated current and / or the power consumption or the temporal change in the power consumption of the at least two drive devices 5.1, 5.2.

[0040] The processor unit 11.1 is particularly configured to compare actual control data ISD received via the interface 12.3 with target control data SSD and, depending thereon, to convert it into control data SD for the control routine STR, or to define control commands that are transmitted to the corresponding drive device (5) of the corresponding transport route section TSA in order to drive the respective transport route section TSA in a controlled manner depending on the control data SD generated by the control routine STR. Predefined, i.e. predetermined, target control data SSD can also be stored in the memory unit 10.2.

[0041] Different from the version of the Figures 1a, 1b and 2 shows Figure 3in a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of the transport device 1 according to the invention with several transport elements 3, in particular a first and a second transport element 3.1, 3.2, which are each designed as a closed loop. According to the invention, at least two drive devices 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3, 5.4 are provided for each of the two transport elements 3.1, 3.2, which are operatively connected to the respective transport element 3.1, 3.2 at different points along the transport path TS, spaced accordingly from one another. More precisely, the first and second drive devices 5.1 and 5.2 are provided for the first transport element 3.1, while a third and a fourth drive device 5.3, 5.4 are provided for the second transport element 3.2. Each of the four drive devices 5.1 to 5.4 is operatively connected to the control unit 11 via control lines 12. Furthermore, the transport device 1 of this embodiment variant provides two front deflection devices 4.1 at the front end 1.1 and two rear deflection devices 4.2 at the rear end 1.2, which can be arranged, for example, on the machine frame 1.10 so that they can rotate on a common axis (not shown in detail). In particular, the two front and rear deflection devices 4.1, 4.2 can each be arranged on their respective axes so that they can rotate independently of one another on their corresponding axis, such that different transport speeds can be achieved with the first and second transport elements 3.1, 3.2.

[0042] In an alternative, in Figure 3In a variant embodiment not shown, it can also be provided that the first and second drive devices 5.1, 5.2 are each assigned jointly to the plurality of transport elements 3, for example the first and second transport elements 3.1, 3.2, i.e. for example to both the first and the second transport element 3.1, 3.2, such that each of the plurality of transport elements 3 is driven by at least two drive units, namely the first drive unit 5.1 and the second drive unit 5.2. Thus, for example, the first and second transport elements 3.1, 3.2 can be operatively connected at their front end 1.1, for example to the first drive device 5.1 and at their rear end 1.2, for example to the second drive device 5.2, so that furthermore, according to the invention, each individual transport element 3.1 or 3.2 can be provided with at least two drive units 5.1 or 5.2, which are, however, used jointly by both transport elements 3.1, 3.2. For example, the respective drive device 5.1, 5.2 can each drive a drive shaft, which is operatively connected to both the first and the second transport element 3.1, 3.2.

[0043] The Figures 4 and 5 show, by way of example, in a schematic side view or top view, a transport element 3' for a further embodiment of the transport device 1' according to the invention, shown and described in more detail in Figure 7 . The transport element 3' of the Figures 4 and 5in particular, a plurality of transport element sections arranged so as to be rotatable and displaceable relative to one another, so that the total length of the transport element 3' can be varied, i.e., extended as well as compressed, by a relative displacement of the individual transport element sections to one another. In particular, the transport element 3' can be designed as a transport chain 40, which has a plurality of chain links 41, i.e., transport element sections, which are arranged so as to be both rotatable and displaceable relative to one another, such that the total transport chain length can be varied, i.e., extended as well as compressed, by the relative displacement of the individual chain links 41 to one another. The sliding mobility is in the Figures 4 and 5 also marked or made clear by corresponding arrows.

[0044] In more detail, the individual chain links 41 each have an elongated support section 42, from which a first and a second chain link section 43, 44 branch off on both sides of its longitudinal extent, each facing away from each other by 180°, which can each be formed by several chain link elements 45, 46 arranged parallel to each other. Thus, the chain link elements 45 of the first chain link section 43 and the chain link elements 46 of the second chain link section 44 ultimately span a common chain link plane KE, which coincides with the transport plane TE. In the illustrated embodiment of the Figures 4 and 5In particular, 5 chain link elements 45 and 6 chain link elements 46 are provided, which are each arranged at the same or approximately the same distance and parallel to one another on the common carrier section 42 and thus form a single chain link 41.

[0045] As in particular the Figure 5As can be seen, the respective chain links 41, in particular their respective chain link elements 46 of the second chain link section 44, have slots 47 in the form of openings, preferably running parallel to the chain link plane KE, into which slots a respective bolt 48 arranged on the chain link elements 45 of the first chain link section 43 engages, which bolt can also run parallel to the chain link plane KE. In particular, the bolt 48 of a chain link 41 engages in the slots 47 of an adjacent chain link 41 in such a way that a relative displacement of the individual chain links 41 to one another is thereby enabled by the respective bolts 48 being displaced along the corresponding slots 47. Ultimately, this relative displacement of the individual chain links 41 to one another makes it possible to change, i.e. vary, the overall length of the conveyor chain 40.

[0046] The Figures 6a and 6bshow in a schematic plan view a further exemplary transport element 3", in which, in contrast to the embodiment of the Figures 4 and 5 The individual transport element sections are also designed to be rotatable and length-adjustable, i.e. extendable and compressible. In this version of the Figures 6a and 6b The transport element 3" has several transport element sections arranged so as to be rotatable and displaceable relative to one another, so that the total length of the transport element 3' can be varied, i.e. extended and compressed, by a relative displacement of the individual transport elements to one another. By the individual transport element sections also being designed to be variable in length and rotatable, a Figures 4 and 5further increased length variability of the entire transport element 3" is achieved.

[0047] In particular, the transport element 3" of the Figures 6a and 6b be designed as a transport chain 40', which has several chain links 41', ie transport element sections, which are arranged so as to be both rotatable and displaceable relative to one another, such that the total transport chain length can be varied by the relative displacement of the individual chain links 41' to one another. The representation of the Figures 6a and 6b show a single chain link 41' in a retracted state, shown in Figure 6a , as well as in an extended state, shown in Figure 6b .

[0048] In more detail, the chain link 41' has a first chain link segment 49 and a second chain link segment 50, which in the illustration of the Figure 6acan be seen. Both the first and the second chain link segment 49, 50 in turn have individual chain link elements 51, 52, wherein the chain link elements 51 are assigned to the first chain link segment 49 and the chain link elements 52 are assigned to the second chain link segment 50. Furthermore, each chain link element 51, 52 has a only schematically shown in Figure 6bindicated slot 53 in the form of an opening, which extends essentially along the longitudinal extent of the chain link elements 51, 52. On the side facing away from the respective slot 53, a bolt 54 is arranged or passed through between corresponding chain link elements 51 or their associated slots 53 of the first chain link section 49 and the corresponding chain link elements 52 or their associated slots 53 of the second chain link section 50. The provided bolts 54 are in particular displaceable along the corresponding slots 53, so that the chain link 41' is in particular variable in length between a Figure 6a shown retracted position and one in Figure 6b shown extended position.

[0049] The Figure 7shows in a schematic side view a further embodiment variant of a transport device 1' according to the invention according to the Figures 1a and 1b , which differs essentially in that on the transport device 1' according to the Figure 7 a transport element 3', 3" according to the Figures 4 , 5 , 6a or 6b is provided. Furthermore, the transport device 1' provides three drive devices 5 for driving the at least one transport element 3', 3", which are operatively connected to the at least one transport element 3', 3" at different points along the transport path TS. For reasons of clarity, the control unit has been omitted from the illustration, although this is also included in the embodiment of the Figure 7and is operatively connected to each of the three drive devices 5 via control lines (also not shown). The control unit is to be Figures 1a and b trained.

[0050] The transport path TS comprises at least two transport path sections TSA, each extending between two drive devices 5 following one another in the transport direction A. Each transport path section TSA is formed from several transport element sections, for example chain links 41, 41' of the transport elements 3', 3".

[0051] In the illustrated version of the Figure 7By way of example, a first transport section TSA1, a second transport section TSA2 and a third transport section TSA3 are provided. It can also be provided that a plurality of drive devices 5 are assigned to a transport section TSA, i.e. a transport section TSA is therefore composed of a plurality of transport sections TSA. The drive device 5 arranged in the front end 1.1, as seen in the transport direction A, is assigned to the first transport section TSA1, the middle drive device 5 to the second transport section TSA2 and the drive device 5 arranged in the rear end 1.2 to the third transport section TSA3.

[0052] In particular, in this embodiment, each transport section TSA can be operated by means of the drive device 5 assigned to it, and in particular with target control data SSD that are coordinated with the other drive devices 5 provided, for example target speed SDZ, target angle of rotation SDW or target torque SDM.

[0053] For example, it can be provided that the transport section TEA is controlled in coordination with each other with different target control data SSD, for example a different target speed SDZ, by means of the control unit 11. By designing the transport element 3', 3" according to the embodiments of the Figures 4 , 5 , 6a or 6bThis means that individual transport route sections TSA with different additional properties, such as accumulation or gap formation between the respective conveyed goods 2, can be realized on the transport route TS.

[0054] For example, the first transport section TSA1 can be operated at a higher target speed SDZ than the second transport section TSA2. This results in a compression of the length of the transport element 3', 3" along the first transport section TSA1 and thus in an accumulation of the transport goods 2 located on this first transport section TSA1 of the transport section TS.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, the third transport section TSA3 can then again be operated at a higher target speed SDZ than the second transport section TSA2. This leads to an extension of the length of the transport element 3', 3" along the second transport section TSA2 and thus to the formation of gaps between the transport goods 2 located on this second transport section TSA2 of the transport section TS. In other words, by specifically controlling adjacent transport sections TSA at a differential speed by means of the respective drive devices 5, an accumulation or gap formation of the transport goods 2 located on this transport section TSA can be achieved.

[0056] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the target control data SSD in the process unit 11.1 are preset in such a way that the respective transport section TSA is fully elongated, i.e. extended or stretched, and / or fully retracted, i.e. compressed or pushed together.

[0057] It can also be provided that the target control data SSD are preset in the process unit 11.1 in such a way that an elongation and / or compression of a transport section TSA only takes place when the elongation and / or compression of the at least one further transport section TSA has been completed, ie has been completed.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the transport device 1' can have a chain buffer or chain storage 55, which, depending on the operating state of the transport device 1', accommodates superfluous lengths of the transport element 3', 3", in particular transport element sections that are not currently required, and / or additionally provides required lengths of the transport element 3', 3". For this purpose, further deflection devices 56 and / or separate drive devices 57 can be assigned to the chain storage 55. List of reference symbols

[0059] 1, 1'Transport device 1.1Front end 1.2Rear end 1.10Machine frame 2Transported goods 2.1Floor surface 3, 3', 3"Transport element 3.1First transport element 3.2Second transport element 4.1Front deflection device 4.2Rear deflection device 5Drive device 5.1First drive device 5.2Second drive device 5.3Third drive device 5.4Fourth drive device 6Stator 7Rotor 8Chain toothing 9Support axle 10Opening 11Control unit 11.1Process unit 11.2Storage unit 11.3Interface 12Control line 40, 40'Transport chain 41, 41'Chain link 42Support section 43First chain link section 44Second chain link section 45Chain link element 46Chain link element 47Slot 48Pin 49First chain link segment 50Second chain link segment 51Chain link element 52Chain link element 53Slot 54Pin 55Chain buffer 56Deflection device 57Drive device ATransport direction TSTransport route TETransport level TSATransport route section TSA1First transport route section TSA2Second transport route section TSA3Third transport route section MAMotor axis KEChain link level STRControl routine SDControl data ISD1; ISD2Actual control data IDZ1, IDZ2Actual speed IDR1, IDR2Actual direction of rotation IDW1, IDW2Actual angle of rotation IDM1, IDM2Actual torque SSD1, SSD2Setpoint control data SDZ1, SDZ2Setpoint speed SDR1, SDR2Target direction of rotation SDW1, IDW2Target angle of rotation SDM1, SDM2Target torque

Claims

1. Transport device for transporting transport materials (2) in a transport direction (A), with at least one transport element (3, 3', 3", 40, 40') which is driven in a circulating manner and forms a closed loop, which, for the formation in each case of a closed loop, is guided at a front end (1.1) over a deflection device (4.1), configured as a deflection roller and arranged as rotatable on a machine frame (1.10) of the transport device (1), upstream in relation to the transport direction (A), and a deflection device (4.2), arranged at a rear end (1.2) in relation to the transport direction (A) and configured as a deflection roller at the rear and rotatable on the machine frame (1.10) of the transport device (1), and forms a transport section (TS) for the transport material (2) between the front and rear deflection device (4.1, 4.2) by means of the at least one transport element (3, 3', 3", 40, 40'), wherein, for driving the at least one transport element (3, 3', 3", 40, 40'), at least two drive devices (5, 5.1, 5.2) are provided, which are in operational connection with the at least one transport element (3, 3', 3", 40, 40') at a distance from one another at different locations along the transport section (TS), wherein the at least one transport element (3', 3", 40, 40') comprises several rotationally movable transport element sections (41, 41') arranged such as to be movable in relation to one another, in such a way that, by means of a relative displacement movement of the individual transport element sections (41, 41') in relation to one another, the total length of the respective transport element (3', 3", 40, 40') can be changed, and wherein the transport section (TS) comprises at least two transport section parts (TSA, TSA1, TSA2), which in each case extend between two drive devices (5) following one another in the transport direction (A), such that, by means of a specific controlled actuation of adjacent transport section parts (TSA) with a differential speed, by means of the respective drive devices (5), an accumulation and / or gap formation of the respective transport materials (2) located on this transport section part (TSA) can be adjusted, and wherein, for the specific controlled actuation of the individual transport section parts (TSA, TSA1, TSA2) in relation to one another, the drive devices (5) assigned in each case to the transport section parts (TSA, TSA1, TSA2) are connected to a control unit (11), and wherein a first two transport section parts (TSA1) extends from a first drive device (5.1) in the transport direction (A) as far as a second drive device (5.2), characterised in that a second transport section parts (TSA2) extends from the second drive device (5.2) as far as the rear end (1.2) of the transport section (TS), seen in the transport direction (A).

2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterised in that the control unit (11) comprises at least one processing unit (11.1), a storage unit (11.2) interacting with the processing unit (11.1), and an interface (11.3).

3. Transport device according to claim 2, characterised in that the controlled actuation of the respective drive devices (5, 5.1, 5.2) takes place by means of a control routine (STR) carried out in the processing unit (11.1).

4. Transport device according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the storage unit (11.2) is configured for the at least temporary storage of actual control data (ISD) and / or reference control data (SSD), wherein at least one detected actual rotation reference value (IDZ), one actual direction of rotation (IDR), actual rotation angle (IDW), and at least one actual torque value (IDM) form the reference control data (SSD).

5. Transport device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the processing unit (11.1) is configured such as to compare the actual control data (ISD) received via the interface (11.3) with reference control data (SSD), and, depending on this, to convert it into control data (SD) for the control routine (STR), or to define control commands which are transferred to the corresponding drive device (5) of the corresponding transport section part (TSA), in order for the respective transport section part (TSA) to be driven in a controlled manner as a dependency of the control data (SD) produced by means of the control routine (STR).

6. Transport device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the processing unit (11.1) is configured such as to determine the actual control data (ISD) from the rated current which is required in order to drive the respective drive device (5, 5.1, 5.2).

7. Transport device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the processing device (11.1) is configured such as to operate the respective drive devices (5, 5.1, 5.2) in a master-slave coupled connection.

8. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the at least two drive devices (5, 5.1, 5.2) are configured in each case as directly drivable electric motors.

9. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the transport section (TS) exhibits a straight and / or curved course.

10. Transport device according to claim 9, characterised in that, with a curved course of the transport section (TS), at least one drive device (5, 5.1, 5.2) is arranged before a respective curve.

11. Transport device according to claim 10, characterised in that a drive device (5, 5.1, 5.2) is provided both before as well as after the respective curve.

12. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that at least two transport elements (3, 3', 3") are provided, which are provided as several in the transport direction (A) and adjacent to one another.

13. Transport device according to claim 12, characterised in that, in each case, at least two drive devices (5) are provided for each individual one of the plurality of transport elements (3, 3', 3").

14. Transport device according to claim 12, characterised in that the at least two drive devices (5, 5.1, 5.2) are assigned in common to the several transport elements (3, 3', 3"), in such a way that each individual of the several transport elements (3, 3', 3") are driven in each case by at least two drive devices (5).

15. Transport device according to claim 14, characterised in that the several transport element sections (41') are configured as rotationally movable and displaceable relative to one another.

16. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the at least one transport element (3', 3") is configured as a transport chain (40, 40'), which comprises several chain elements (41, 41').

17. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the processing unit (11.1) is configured such as to actuate in a controlled manner the drive devices (5), assigned to the at least two transport section parts (TSA) with different reference control data (SSD1, SSD2).

18. Transport device according to claim 17, characterised in that the processing unit (11.1) is configured such as to actuate in a controlled manner the transport section parts (TSA), following one another seen in the transport direction (A), in such a way that a transport section part (TSA), in the front seen in the transport direction (A), is operated at a higher reference speed of rotation (SDZ) in comparison with a transport section part (TSA) at the rear seen in the transport direction (A).

19. Transport device according to any one of claims 17 or 18, characterised in that the processing unit (11.1) is configured such as to actuate in a controlled manner the transport section parts (TSA, TSA1, TSA2), following one another seen in the transport direction (A), in such a way that a transport section part (TSA, TSA1, TSA2), seen as in front in the transport direction (A), is driven at a lower reference speed of rotation (SDZ) in comparison with a rear transport section part (TSA, TSA1, TSA2) seen in the transport direction (A).

20. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the reference control data (SSD) is prearranged in the processor unit (11.1) in such a way that the respective transport section part (TSA, TSA1, TSA2) is extended to its complete length and / or is retracted in its entirety.

21. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the reference control data (SSD) is prearranged in the processor unit (11.1) in such a way that a lengthening and / or compression of a transport section part (TSA, TSA1, TSA2) only takes place when the lengthening and / or compression of the at least one further transport section part (TSA, TSA1, TSA2) has been completely carried out.

22. Transport method for transporting transport materials (2) in a transport direction (A), wherein a transport device (1, 1") according to any one of the preceding claims is used.

23. Use of a transport device (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 21 for the transporting of transport materials (2) in at least one transport direction (A) between container handling machines and / or conveying stations and / or transfer stations and / or overhead conveying stations for the packaging and beverage industries.