VERTICAL CONVEYOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vertical conveyor.

[0002] Conveyor belts for a vertical conveyor, as well as vertical conveyors as such, are generally known from the prior art. A vertical conveyor has two conveyor belts arranged at least substantially parallel to one another. The conveyor belts serve as drive means for carrier pockets, which are attached to the two conveyor belts by means of rod-shaped cross members. The vertical conveyor thus provides a plurality of rod-shaped cross members, which are arranged one behind the other and spaced from one another in a circumferential direction of the conveyor belts. The cross members are preferably arranged at a fixed grid spacing from one another. One of the carrier pockets extends between each two cross members and is attached to said cross members by its respective end sections, such that each carrier pocket is arranged sagging between the two associated cross members.The transverse spacing between the two conveyor belts is preferably selected such that each cross member extends transversely from one conveyor belt to the other. The area between the two conveyor belts can be designed to be at least substantially free, so that the carrier pockets are arranged sagging.

[0003] The crossbeams are connected to the conveyor belts using so-called cup screws, which are integrated into the conveyor belt. The screws extend vertically from the belt cover of each conveyor belt. The screws are therefore at least essentially perpendicular to the load-bearing side of the respective conveyor belt. These screws detachably attach each of the crossbeams to the conveyor belts. However, this type of attachment has disadvantages. In practice, it has been found that the connection between the screw heads and the conveyor belts can work loose under high loads, leading to the screws being torn out. However, high loads are not uncommon in practical use. Replacing or rebuilding the conveyor belt with a corresponding connection results in considerable repair work and a loss of the associated vertical conveyor for the duration of the repair.

[0004] CH 342893 A discloses a vertical conveyor according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the document describes an elevator in the manner of a bucket elevator, preferably for abrasive and pressure-sensitive bulk material, with inwardly open conveyor chambers on parallel running endless traction elements, wherein the conveyor chambers are formed by an endless, pocket-forming belt and rigid support members attached to the belt and to the traction elements as shaping side walls.

[0005] JP S55176221 U describes a conveyor belt with transverse stiffness. A steel rod is sandwiched between two reinforcing fabrics or cords, and a covering rubber is applied to it to bond the structure by vulcanization. The invention is based on the object of providing a vertical conveyor that allows a particularly robust yet detachable connection between the cross members of the vertical conveyor and the conveyor belt.

[0006] The problem is solved by a vertical conveyor having the features of claim 1.

[0007] Thus, a vertical conveyor is provided, as will be described in more detail below, comprising a first and a second conveyor belt. Each conveyor belt has tensile carriers that are embedded in the conveyor belt and designed to transmit tensile forces in a conveying direction for the conveyor belt. Each conveyor belt also has a supporting side formed by a first rubber cover layer. Furthermore, each conveyor belt has a plurality of rubber blocks that are materially bonded to the first rubber cover layer by vulcanization. The rubber blocks are arranged in a row at a distance from one another in the conveying direction. Furthermore, each rubber block has a rod-shaped connecting piece that extends from an anchoring region from the interior of the respective rubber block to a part of the respective connecting piece that protrudes from this rubber block, wherein the protruding part of the respective connecting piece forms a connecting region of the associated connecting piece.

[0008] As previously explained, each rubber block is provided with a connecting piece. This connecting piece is rod-shaped. Furthermore, each connecting piece has an anchoring region and a connecting region. The anchoring region of the connecting piece of a rubber block is arranged inside the rubber block. It is preferably provided that the anchoring region of the connecting piece of a rubber block is firmly and preferably positively connected to the remaining material of the rubber block. With the exception of the connecting piece, each rubber block can be made of a rubber material, in particular a fiber-reinforced rubber material. The rubber material is preferably designed such that it adheres to the anchoring region, in particular even when the connecting piece is made of metal, in particular steel. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesion promoter can be provided on a contact layer between the rubber material of the rubber block and the anchoring region.The adhesion promoter ensures the preferred, material-to-material connection between the anchoring area of ​​the connecting piece and the rubber material of the rubber block. Each of the rubber blocks can be prefabricated. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the anchoring area of ​​a connecting piece of an associated rubber block is surrounded on the shell side and end face by the rubber material of the respective rubber block, so that the rubber material is in direct contact with the shell-side surfaces and the end face of the connecting area of ​​the respective connecting piece. Therefore, the advantageous material-to-material and preferably positive-fitting connection between the rubber material of the respective rubber block and the associated connecting piece can be formed here. Such a rubber block can have a base side that serves and / or is designed to be materially bonded to the rubber cover layer of the respective conveyor belt by vulcanization.If a plurality of such rubber blocks are bonded to the rubber cover layer of the respective conveyor belt by vulcanization, this offers the advantage that the base of each rubber block or the corresponding bond layer can be selected to be particularly large. In other words, the base area of ​​the base of each rubber block can be selected to be so large that the operational and / or intended forces during use of the respective conveyor belt can be reliably transferred from the respective rubber block to the rubber cover layer and preferably from this to the tension members of the respective conveyor belt.

[0009] Preferably, the rod-shaped connecting piece of each rubber block is oriented transversely to the conveying direction of the respective conveyor belt. However, by using the rubber blocks, and in particular the associated rubber material, it is possible for each rubber block to have sufficient material or a sufficient volume of rubber material to allow forces acting in the conveying direction on an associated connecting piece to be transmitted via the rubber material of the respective rubber block to the rubber cover layer and then to the tension members of the respective conveyor belt. Preferably, the amount and / or volume of rubber material of each rubber block is selected such that at least a predetermined force acting in the conveying direction on the associated connecting piece of the rubber block can be transmitted to the rubber cover layer without destroying the integral connection to the rubber cover layer produced by vulcanization.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the rubber material of each rubber block and the rubber material of the rubber cover layer are identical or at least substantially identical. This offers the advantage that a particularly strong, integral bond can be formed between each rubber block and the rubber cover layer. This is because each rubber block is integrally bonded to the rubber cover layer by vulcanization. In other words, each rubber block can be vulcanized onto the rubber cover layer. This is especially true if each of the rubber blocks is prefabricated with the corresponding connecting piece.

[0011] As previously explained, each connecting piece is designed to be rod-shaped. The rod-shaped connecting portion of the connecting piece of each rubber block protrudes from the rubber block, preferably transversely to the conveying direction. This connecting portion serves for the detachable coupling and / or connection of a cross member of a vertical conveyor. Therefore, each connecting portion can also be designed for a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection to a cross member of a vertical conveyor.

[0012] It has proven advantageous for the rod-shaped nozzle to be made of metal, particularly steel. For example, the rod-shaped nozzle can be designed as a steel shaft or a steel rod. However, other materials for manufacturing the nozzle are also conceivable. The choice of material may depend, in particular, on the application of the respective conveyor belt or vertical conveyor. For example, other metal alloys and / or fiber-reinforced plastics can also be used for the nozzle.

[0013] The previously described pair of conveyor belts offers the advantage that each of the two conveyor belts of a vertical conveyor can be formed by one of the previously described conveyor belts. The rubber blocks, which are bonded to the rubber cover layer by vulcanization, and the associated connecting pieces provide an advantageous connection base for connecting the cross members to the conveyor belts in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The cross members can transfer particularly high forces to the conveyor belts, while simultaneously ensuring high robustness, a low probability of failure, and a high degree of modularity for the vertical conveyor.The rubber blocks and the associated rod-shaped connecting pieces not only make it possible to transfer particularly high forces transverse to the conveying direction to the rubber cover layer and the tension members of the conveyor belt, but the connecting areas of the connecting pieces also allow the cross members to be detachably connected to the connecting pieces. This creates modularity for a vertical conveyor. At least two essentially identical conveyor belts can be used. The cross members and the carrier pockets can also each have an identical design. Furthermore, similar connecting elements can be used to connect the cross members to the connecting areas of the connecting pieces of the rubber blocks. This means that a large number of identical components can be used to manufacture a vertical conveyor.

[0014] The cover layer and the tension members of the conveyor belt have already been discussed. It is preferably provided that the tension members are a plurality of tension members. Each tension member can be designed as a rope, in particular a cord rope. Particularly preferably, each tension member is designed as a metal rope, in particular a steel rope. However, the additional members are not necessarily made of metal. Rather, it is also particularly preferred that each of the tension members is designed as a textile tension member, as a plastic tension member, or as a fiber composite tension member. For example, each of the tension members can be formed from or with oriented carbon fibers, such as Kevlar fibers. Each of the tension members extends in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. This can result in an overlap of the ends of the tension members. Furthermore, the tension members can be designed and / or arranged to run parallel to one another.Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the tension members are surrounded by rubber material of the conveyor belt, so that the tension members are completely embedded in the rubber material of the conveyor belt. The rubber material and the tension members are shaped or arranged such that the conveyor belt is band-shaped or belt-shaped. The rubber cover layer can be the outer and in particular integrally formed layer of the conveyor belt. The rubber cover layer is particularly preferably formed entirely from the rubber material of the conveyor belt. The rubber cover layer forms a supporting side, since it is materially connected to the rubber blocks and supports the rubber blocks or can transmit forces from the rubber blocks to the tension members. The rubber cover layer or the conveyor belt is particularly preferably designed accordingly for this purpose.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that each rubber block has a bell-curve-shaped and / or Gaussian-curve-shaped outer contour in cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that each rubber block has an at least substantially parabolic outer contour, in particular with curved foot ends. Each rubber block can have a base side, with which the respective rubber block is materially bonded to the rubber cover layer of the conveyor belt by vulcanization. This base surface is preferably flat or at least substantially flat. In particular, the rubber material above this base side of the respective rubber block has a bell-curve-shaped, Gaussian-curve-shaped and / or at least substantially parabolic-shaped cross-section. This ensures that the areas of the rubber block that taper off at the opposite foot ends decrease curvedly and / or continuously.With such a rubber block, a particularly large base area can be created. Furthermore, studies have shown that with such a design of the rubber block, particularly high forces can be transmitted from a connecting piece of the respective rubber block to the rubber cover layer and then to the tension members of the conveyor belt. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the connecting piece of a rubber block is arranged at least substantially centrally in the cross-section. This offers the advantage that the anchoring area of ​​the connecting piece of the respective rubber block is surrounded by sufficient rubber material from the rubber block. In other words, this ensures particularly tensile-resistant embedding of the anchoring area of ​​the said connecting piece in the associated rubber block.

[0016] A further advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that the rubber blocks are arranged at an edge region on the support side. The edge region is preferably a circumferential region of the support side, which adjoins one of the transverse ends transversely to the conveying direction. However, the rubber blocks are not necessarily arranged directly on the corresponding circumferential edge of the support side. Rather, the edge region can represent a circumferential track section of the support side, where the rubber blocks are arranged in a row, spaced from one another in the conveying direction. Thus, the rubber material of each rubber block can have a predetermined distance from a common transverse edge of the support side.

[0017] An advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that the rubber blocks are arranged such that each connecting piece does not protrude beyond an edge of the support side in the transverse direction, i.e., in particular, a direction transverse to the conveying direction. For example, it can be provided that the end face of the connecting area of ​​each connecting piece is aligned flush with the edge of the support side and / or that each rubber block is arranged such that the end faces of the connecting areas are offset transversely to the edge, in particular, at a predetermined distance, so that the connecting pieces do not protrude beyond the edge of the support side in the transverse direction.

[0018] A further advantageous design of the vertical conveyor is characterized by the fact that each connecting piece extends transversely beyond the edge of the support side. This can potentially allow for particularly simple installation of the cross members of a vertical conveyor. The transverse direction is preferably aligned transversely to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt.

[0019] An advantageous design of the vertical conveyor is characterized by the fact that each nozzle is made of metal. Each nozzle can therefore be made of metal. However, this is not necessarily always the case. In principle, the nozzle can also be made of another, particularly high-strength, material. However, metal nozzles are particularly stable.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that the anchoring area of ​​each connecting piece has protruding anchoring elements, so that at least one positive connection is formed between the anchoring area of ​​the respective connecting piece and the associated, in particular remaining, rubber block. The anchoring elements can, for example, protrude radially from the respective rod-shaped connecting piece. By means of the anchoring elements, a particularly tensile-resistant, positive connection is created between the anchoring area of ​​the respective connecting piece and the associated, remaining rubber block. This applies in particular to the rubber material of the rubber block.In addition, the anchoring elements can be used to raise the surface of the connecting area of ​​the respective nozzle, so that a material connection between the respective connecting area of ​​the associated nozzle and the remaining rubber material of the associated rubber block is also improved.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that the connecting area of ​​each connecting piece is designed for a positive and / or non-positive connection to a rod-shaped cross member of a vertical conveyor. For example, the outer contour of the connecting area of ​​an associated connecting piece can be designed in such a way that a non-positive and / or non-positive connection to a, preferably also rod-shaped, cross member is enabled. Furthermore, the connecting area of ​​each connecting piece can have at least one bore, in particular at least one clear bore. By means of this at least one bore, for example, a non-positive and / or non-positive connection to the rod-shaped cross member of the vertical conveyor can be formed particularly easily.This is because screws can be passed through the aforementioned at least one hole in the connecting area of ​​each nozzle, which then also establishes a connection to the rod-shaped cross member. The connecting area of ​​each nozzle can therefore be designed to establish a screw connection to the rod-shaped cross member of the vertical conveyor.

[0022] A further advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that the rubber blocks are arranged in a grid spacing with equidistant and / or predetermined distances. Thus, any two adjacent rubber blocks can each have the same, in particular equidistant, distance from one another. This preferably applies to each pair of adjacent rubber blocks. In this way, a grid arrangement for the rubber blocks, in particular with the desired grid spacing, can be achieved. Such a configuration offers the advantage that the conveyor belt can be used for a vertical conveyor in which a plurality of identical cross beams and a plurality of identical carrier pockets are provided. The design of the conveyor belt thus ensures a particularly modular structure for a vertical conveyor.

[0023] Thus, according to the invention, a vertical conveyor is provided, as already mentioned, which has a first and a second conveyor belt. Each of the conveyor belts can be a conveyor belt as previously explained and / or one of the advantageous embodiments explained therein. For each of the conveyor belts, reference is therefore preferably made analogously to the previously explained advantageous embodiments, preferred features, advantages, and / or effects as previously explained in connection with the conveyor belt. The vertical conveyor also has a plurality of rod-shaped cross members and a plurality of carrier pockets.The first conveyor belt is arranged parallel to the second conveyor belt such that the connecting pieces of the first conveyor belt and the connecting pieces of the second conveyor belt face one another, forming a plurality of connecting piece pairs, each connecting piece pair being formed by a connecting piece of the first conveyor belt and a connecting piece of the second conveyor belt. The connecting pieces of each connecting piece pair are aligned with an associated, common connecting axis. One of the cross members is arranged between the connecting pieces of each connecting piece pair and is releasably connected to these connecting pieces in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. In addition, the drive pockets are fastened to the cross members such that one of the drive pockets extends sagging from each cross member to an adjacent cross member.

[0024] The parallel arrangement of the conveyor belts offers the advantage that they can be designed as two conveyor belts running parallel to each other. Their supporting sides can be arranged and / or aligned at least substantially flush with each other. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the first and second conveyor belts are driven, in particular by a motor drive, such that the conveyor belts are driven at the same speed in the conveying direction and / or synchronously with each other in the conveying direction.

[0025] For the cross members, it has proven advantageous if each of the cross members is designed as a metal cross member. Each of the cross members can, for example, be made partially or entirely of metal. For example, each cross member can be made of metal on the inside, with the metal being at least partially covered with a rubber layer on the outer side. In other words, each cross member can be a rubber rod coated with rubber. In principle, however, it is also possible for each of the cross members to be made of a different material, in particular a solid and / or high-strength material. For example, each of the cross members can be made partially or entirely of a fiber composite material, in particular a high-strength one. Each of the cross members is rod-shaped. For example, each cross member can be designed as a metal rod or a steel rod.

[0026] The carrier pockets are preferably belt-like carrier pockets. Each of the carrier pockets can, for example, be formed by a belt, one end of which extends from one of the cross members to the other, opposite end on the respectively adjacent cross member. Each of the carrier pockets can be designed as a rubber carrier pocket. Each carrier pocket can therefore be made of rubber or fiber-reinforced rubber. In the transverse direction to the conveying direction, each of the carrier pockets can be closed, open and / or at least partially open or partially closed. Along the sagging contour from one cross member to the adjacent cross member, it is preferably provided that each of the carrier pockets is closed or at least substantially closed.The sagging design of each carrier pocket preferably forms a bulbous receiving volume for transporting a transported item. The transported item can be bulk material, for example. It has also proven advantageous if the area between two adjacent cross members is open to the receiving volume formed by the corresponding carrier pocket. The carrier pockets can be filled with bulk material through the corresponding opening or, conversely, the bulk material can be released from the carrier pockets again through the corresponding opening. The vertical conveyor is preferably a circulating vertical conveyor. The vertical conveyor can therefore be designed to drive the first and second conveyor belts in a rotating manner, in particular synchronously.This allows the carrier pockets to be filled with bulk material at one point, and at another point the carrier pockets can be guided by means of the conveyor belts, in particular at a deflection point, in such a way that the carrier pockets release the bulk material again, in particular by the bulk material falling out of the carrier pockets again due to gravity and the openings explained above.

[0027] When the carrier pockets are filled with bulk material, corresponding weight forces act on the crossbeams. The vertical conveyor can be designed so that the first and second conveyor belts are guided and / or driven vertically or diagonally, at least in sections. In this case, the crossbeams cause forces acting on the supports of the conveyor belts in the conveying direction. These forces are transmitted by the associated rubber blocks to the rubber cover layers of the conveyor belts and then to the tension members of the conveyor belts. In this context, reference is made to the advantages of the rubber blocks, as explained in connection with the first aspect of the invention and the associated advantageous embodiments.The rubber blocks ensure that the forces acting in the conveying direction can be transferred to the tension members of the conveyor belts without causing damage or failure of the conveyor belts, especially the bonded connection between the rubber blocks and the conveyor belt cover layers. In other words, the conveyor belts ensure a particularly robust design for a vertical conveyor.

[0028] It has proven particularly advantageous if the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are designed the same or even identically. The second conveyor belt can be arranged mirror-symmetrically to the first conveyor belt. This ensures the alignment of the nozzles of each nozzle pair, namely to an associated, common connecting axis. The connecting axis should not necessarily be understood to be a structural or material-related axis. Rather, the connecting axis is preferably understood to be a geometric or imaginary connecting axis. The nozzles of each nozzle pair are therefore preferably arranged aligned to an associated common, imaginary connecting axis. The nozzles of each nozzle pair are particularly preferably aligned and / or arranged at least substantially coaxially to one another.In other words, the common alignment to a connecting axis, in particular an imaginary connecting axis, can ensure that an at least substantially coaxial alignment of the mutually facing nozzles of each nozzle pair is achieved.

[0029] The transverse spacing between the two conveyor belts is preferably selected such that each cross member extends transversely from one conveyor belt to the other. The area between the two conveyor belts can be designed to be at least substantially free, so that the carrier pockets are arranged sagging.

[0030] An advantageous design of the vertical conveyor is characterized by the fact that the connections between the cross members and the supports are designed as screw connections. Each of the cross members can therefore be connected to the supports of a pair of supports using screws, both force-fitting and form-fitting. This creates a screw connection. Each of these connections is preferably designed to be detachable. The screw connections can therefore also be designed as detachable screw connections. The use of screws to connect the cross members to the supports offers the advantage that individual cross members and / or carrier pockets can be replaced particularly quickly and easily. But the screw connections also offer a particular advantage during the initial assembly of the vertical conveyor. This is because vertical conveyors are not uncommonly only fully assembled at their destination.Each of the conveyor belts, crossbeams, and carrier pockets can therefore be transported to their destination particularly easily and / or with very compact dimensions. Furthermore, the screw connections offer the advantage of keeping the number of different components required to assemble the vertical conveyor to a minimum. The same screws can be used for every connection between a crossbeam and a support.

[0031] A further advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that each end of a cross member and the oppositely arranged connecting region of the associated nozzle are coupled by means of a sleeve, which is detachably connected to the respective end of the cross member and the respective connecting region of the associated nozzle, in particular by means of screws. Each sleeve can thus serve as a connecting means between a nozzle and a cross member. A sleeve is preferably designed as a tubular component. Bores can lead through the outer wall of a sleeve. These bores can be designed and / or aligned such that they are aligned with bores at one end of a cross member and bores in the connecting region of a nozzle.The aligned holes therefore offer the option of passing screws through them to form and / or ensure the force-fitting and form-fitting connection both between a nozzle and the sleeve and between the end of a cross member and the sleeve. The screws and the sleeve can therefore serve together as a connecting means between a nozzle and a cross member and / or be designed accordingly. It is therefore particularly preferred that each sleeve is designed as a coupling ring. Each sleeve can be designed as a metal sleeve or a metal coupling ring. In principle, each sleeve can also be made of a different, in particular high-strength, material. It has proven particularly advantageous if each sleeve is designed as a steel sleeve.

[0032] A plurality of rod-shaped cross members is provided for the vertical conveyor. It is therefore also preferably provided that a plurality of sleeves is provided for the vertical conveyor. In particular, it is preferably provided that each vertical conveyor has twice as many sleeves as cross members. Thus, each end of a cross member can be fastened by means of a sleeve to the opposite end-face connection area of ​​a nozzle. Preferably, one sleeve in each case overlaps one end of a cross member and the opposite connection area of ​​the respective nozzle. By means of the sleeve, a preliminary, positive connection can therefore be achieved particularly easily and securely during assembly. The subsequent force-fitting connection can then be ensured by means of screws.

[0033] An advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that the ends of the cross members and the connecting regions of the nozzles each have at least substantially the same cross-section. Thus, each end of a cross member can be arranged to an end face of an oppositely arranged connecting region of a nozzle. The sleeve can be arranged such that it engages over both the aforementioned end of the cross member and the opposite end of the connecting region of the nozzle. Particularly preferably, the inner shape and / or the inner diameter of the sleeve corresponds to the outer shape of the end of the cross member or of the oppositely arranged connecting region of the nozzle. The inner diameter of the sleeve can at least substantially correspond to the outer diameter of the end of the cross member or of the oppositely arranged nozzle, in particular with an excess of a maximum of 5 mm.

[0034] A further advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor is characterized in that each end of a cross member and the oppositely arranged connecting area of ​​the associated nozzle are positively inserted into one another and are connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or positive-fitting manner, in particular by means of screws. The ends of a cross member can therefore first be inserted onto the nozzles of a pair of nozzles. Each end of a cross member preferably has bores. The connecting area of ​​a nozzle also has bores. The bores can be arranged in alignment with one another. This applies in particular when a corresponding end of a cross member is positively inserted onto the connecting area of ​​a nozzle. Each end of a cross member can be enclosed in a ring-shaped sleeve. The sleeve can also have bores.These holes are preferably aligned with the holes in the corresponding end of the cross member. Thus, the holes in a sleeve, in one end of a cross member, and the holes in a connecting area of ​​the nozzle can be aligned with one another. Screws can be passed through these holes. The screws can be used to create a force-fitting and form-fitting connection between the respective end of a cross member and the connecting area of ​​a nozzle. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the corresponding screw connection to be designed without a sleeve. Thus, screws can be passed through the holes in one end of a cross member and in the connecting area of ​​a nozzle, which are arranged in alignment with one another. These screws then serve to create a force-fitting and form-fitting connection between the respective end of the cross member and the connecting area of ​​the nozzle.

[0035] If one end of a cross member is positively plugged onto the connecting area of ​​a nozzle, it is preferably provided that the outer shape and / or the outer diameter of the connecting area of ​​the nozzle corresponds to the inner shape and / or to the inner diameter of the respective end of the cross member and / or at least substantially corresponds to this, optionally with an excess of up to 5 mm so that particularly simple plugging is possible.

[0036] At this point, it should be noted that the vertical conveyor may have at least one further conveyor belt in addition to the first and second conveyor belts. For example, a third conveyor belt may be provided that is designed at least substantially analogously to the first conveyor belt. Thus, with regard to the second and third conveyor belts, the vertical conveyor may be designed at least analogously to the first and second conveyor belts. Furthermore, analogous designs may be provided with regard to corresponding cross members and carrier pockets. However, since such a vertical conveyor also has at least the first and second conveyor belts, this will be discussed below.

[0037] Further features, advantages and / or possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and / or the figures.

[0038] In the figures, the same reference symbols continue to represent the same or similar objects. Fig. 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a section of a vertical conveyor in a schematic plan view. Fig. 2 shows a section of the vertical conveyor in a schematic cross-sectional view. Fig. 3 shows a section of two parallel conveyor belts in a schematic plan view. Fig. 4 shows the section of the conveyor belts in a schematic cross-sectional view. Fig. 5 shows a section of a connecting area between a conveyor belt and a cross member of a conveyor device in a schematic plan view. Fig. 6 shows the section of Fig. 6 in a schematic cross-sectional view. Fig. 7 shows a section of a conveyor belt with a rubber block in a schematic cross-sectional view. Fig. 8 shows the transition area between a rubber block and a section of a cross member in a schematic plan view. Figs. 9 to 12 each show advantageous outer contours for a rubber block in a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0039] Before the individual figures are discussed below, it is pointed out that advantageous embodiments, preferred features, effects and / or advantages, as described for the first conveyor belt 36 or the second conveyor belt 38, can also apply, at least in an analogous manner, to a conveyor belt 2. Thus, if the first and second conveyor belts 36, 38 are explained together and / or if one of the first and second conveyor belts 36, 38 is discussed, it is preferably provided that the conveyor belt 2 can be designed to have corresponding connections, preferred embodiments and advantageous features.

[0040] In the Fig. 1 An advantageous embodiment of the vertical conveyor 4 is shown in sections and schematically in a plan view. The vertical conveyor 4 has a first conveyor belt 36 and a second conveyor belt 38.

[0041] Each conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 has tension members 6. In this context, reference is made to the Fig. 4 In the Fig. 4 The first conveyor belt 36 and the second conveyor belt 38 are shown in a schematic cross-sectional view. This shows that the tensile members 6 of a respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 are embedded in the associated conveyor belt 2, 36, 38. Each of the tensile members 6 is designed to transmit tensile forces in a conveying direction F for the respective conveyor belt 3, 36, 38. It is preferably provided that the tensile members 6 of the respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 are embedded in a rubber material of the respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38. Thus, a rubber cover layer 8 is also formed from the rubber material of a respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38. This rubber cover layer 8 is also referred to as the first rubber cover layer 8. Each rubber cover layer 8 forms a supporting side 10 of the respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38.

[0042] In addition, it is provided for each conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 that a plurality of rubber blocks 12 are provided which are integrally bonded to the rubber cover layer 8 by vulcanization and / or by vulcanization.

[0043] As can be seen from the Fig. 1 As can be seen, it is provided that the rubber blocks 12 of a respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 are arranged in a row spaced from one another in the conveying direction F. It has proven advantageous if the rubber blocks 12 of a respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 are arranged at a predetermined grid spacing with at least substantially equal spacings 34. A grid arrangement is therefore provided for the rubber blocks 12 of each conveyor belt 2, 36, 38. From the schematic cross-sectional view of the Fig. 2 The preferred arrangement of the rubber blocks 12 of a respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 can also be seen.

[0044] Each rubber block 12 has a rod-shaped connecting piece 14. In this context, reference is made to the Fig. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 und 8 They also each show at least one rubber block 12 in a schematic view. Each rod-shaped nozzle 12 is preferably a nozzle 12 made of steel. Each nozzle 12 can therefore also be referred to as a steel axle nozzle. Each nozzle 12 has an anchoring region 16 and a connecting region 22. The anchoring region 16 of a nozzle 14 of a rubber block 12 is arranged in the interior 18 of the associated rubber block 12. The part 20 of the respective nozzle 14 protruding from this interior 18 of the associated rubber block 12 forms the connecting region 22 of the respective nozzle 14. Preferably, the anchoring region 16 and the connecting region 22 of a nozzle 14 are arranged and / or formed coaxially to one another. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that each nozzle 14 is formed in one piece and / or in one piece.

[0045] It is preferably provided that the anchoring region 16 of a connecting piece 14 is connected to the rubber material of the associated rubber block 12. In this case, it is preferably provided that each rubber block 12, except for the associated connecting piece 14, is formed from rubber material. By arranging the anchoring region 16 of a connecting piece 14 in the interior 18 of the rubber block 12, there is a direct connection between the anchoring region 16 of the respective connecting piece 14 and the rubber material of the rubber block 12. In this case, it is preferably provided that a material connection is formed between the anchoring region 16 and the rubber material of the respective rubber block 12. It is also particularly preferably provided that each connecting region 16 has anchoring elements 30. These are shown by way of example in the Fig. 4 shown. The anchoring elements 30 can extend radially outwardly to the remaining anchoring region 16. In particular, if the anchoring region 16 of a connecting piece 14 also has anchoring elements 30, it is preferably provided that the respective connecting piece 14 is also positively connected to the rubber material of the associated rubber block 12.

[0046] As can be seen from the Fig. 3 and 4As can be seen, it is preferably provided that each connecting region 22 of an associated rubber element 12 protrudes in the transverse direction Q and / or is designed to protrude from the respective rubber block 12. The respective connecting region 22 of each rubber block 12 therefore protrudes in the transverse direction Q beyond the remaining rubber block 12. The connecting region 22 is therefore designed to be connected to another component. This is also provided. This is because each connecting region 22 is preferably designed to be connected to a rod-shaped cross member 32 of the vertical conveyor 4 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For this purpose, each connecting region 22 can be designed accordingly.

[0047] However, before further discussion of the vertical conveyor 4, the advantageous outer shape of each rubber block 12 and the material connection to the associated rubber cover layer 8 will first be discussed.

[0048] As previously explained and exemplified from the Fig. 4 As can be seen, each rubber block 12 is arranged on the rubber cover layer 8 of the associated conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 and is integrally bonded to this rubber cover layer 8. This integral bond is produced by vulcanization. In other words, each rubber block 12 of a conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 is vulcanized onto the associated rubber cover layer 8. It can be provided that each rubber block 12 is designed as a prefabricated rubber block 12.

[0049] As can be seen from the Fig. 7 As can be seen, each rubber block 12 can have an at least substantially flat base side 54. With the base side 54, each rubber block 12 has direct contact with the rubber cover layer 8 of the associated conveyor belt 2, 36, 38. At the transition from this base side 54 of a respective rubber block 12 to the rubber cover layer 8, a material-to-material connection is formed by vulcanization. In this case, it is preferably provided that the rubber material of the rubber cover layer 8 of the conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 and the rubber material of the respective rubber block 12 are the same or at least substantially the same. This offers the advantage that a particularly tensile-strength, material-to-material connection can be achieved by vulcanization.

[0050] However, the tensile strength of the material-to-material bond created by vulcanization between the rubber cover layer 8 and the respective rubber block 12 also depends on the size of the base area of ​​the base side 54. To make this as large as possible, it is preferably provided that each rubber block 12 has a cross-section that is bell-shaped and / or Gaussian-shaped, and / or at least substantially parabolic, in particular with curved foot ends 56.

[0051] The material-to-material connection between the rubber cover layer 8 of a respective conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 and the rubber blocks 12 of the associated conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 ensures that the respective material-to-material connection is particularly robust for transmitting forces in the conveying direction F. This applies in particular if the base side 54 is selected to be sufficiently large. It is therefore preferably provided that the base side 54 has a size designed to transmit predetermined maximum forces that can act on a connecting piece 14 of an associated rubber block 12 at most in the conveying direction F. The same can apply to the remaining rubber material of the associated rubber block 12.Thus, it can preferably be provided that each rubber block 12 has such a sufficient amount around the anchoring region 16 of an associated nozzle 12, so that a sheathing arrangement of rubber material is formed, which is designed to transmit the previously explained, predetermined maximum force to the cover layer 8 of the associated conveyor belt 2, 36, 38.

[0052] The following refers to the Fig. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6. For, it can be seen from the figures mentioned purely by way of example that the rubber blocks 12 are arranged at an edge region 26 on the supporting side 10 of the associated conveyor belt 2, 36, 38. This is preferably a transverse edge region 26. The respective edge region 26 can therefore extend from an edge 28 of the associated conveyor belt 2, 36, 38 in the transverse direction Q. It is preferably provided that the plurality of rubber blocks 12 arranged one behind the other and spaced from one another are arranged in a row such that each of the associated connecting pieces 14 and / or associated connecting regions 22 extends in the transverse direction Q.

[0053] Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that each of the connecting pieces is arranged at a predetermined distance A from the aforementioned edge 28. The distance A can in each case refer to the distance between the edge 28 and the side of the rubber block 12 beyond which the respective connecting region 22 protrudes. It is particularly preferably provided that each connecting region 22 extends in the transverse direction Q over a smaller length than the aforementioned distance A. This ensures that none of the connecting regions 22 protrudes beyond the edge 28.

[0054] In the Fig. 1 A section of a vertical conveyor 4 is shown in a schematic plan view. In the Fig. 2 A corresponding cross-sectional view is shown schematically. In principle, however, it can be provided that a vertical conveyor 4 also has a guide unit and / or a drive unit. The guide unit can be designed and / or arranged to guide and / or deflect the first and second conveyor belts 36, 38. The drive unit can be designed and / or arranged to drive the first and second conveyor belts 36, 38 synchronously. This can ensure that the two driven conveyor belts 36, 38 transfer their movement to the cross members 32 and therefore also to the carrier pockets 40.

[0055] As from the Fig. 1 As can be seen purely by way of example, the first conveyor belt 36 is arranged parallel to and spaced from the second conveyor belt. It is therefore also preferably provided that the first and second conveyor belts 36, 38 are driven synchronously. This allows the cross members 32 to be moved or driven synchronously in the conveying direction F. The same applies to the carrier pockets 40.

[0056] The parallel alignment of the first conveyor belt 36 to the second conveyor belt 38 is preferably configured such that the connecting pieces 14 of the first conveyor belt 36 and the connecting pieces 14 of the second conveyor belt 38 face each other, forming a plurality of connecting piece pairs 40. The same applies to the rubber blocks 12. Here, too, rubber block pairs 52 can be formed, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown as an example.

[0057] A pair of nozzles 40 is shown as an example in Fig. 3 or in Fig. 4 shown. The Fig. 3 and 4 preferably correspond to each other. Fig. 3 shows a section of the first conveyor belt 36 and the second conveyor belt 38 in a schematic plan view. A corresponding cross-sectional view is shown in the Fig. 4 reproduced.

[0058] As it is from the Fig. 3 , 4As can be seen purely by way of example, it is provided that each pair of nozzles 40 is formed by a nozzle 14 of the first conveyor belt 36 and a nozzle 14 of the second conveyor belt 38. The nozzles 14 of each pair of nozzles 40 are arranged aligned with an associated, common connecting axis 44. The connecting axis 44 is understood to be an imaginary or geometric connecting axis 44. It is therefore preferably provided that the connecting regions 22 of the nozzles 14 of a pair of nozzles 42 are aligned at least substantially coaxially with one another. In addition, the end faces of the connecting regions 22 of the nozzles 14 of a pair of nozzles 40 are preferably spaced from one another in such a way that the associated distance corresponds at least substantially to the length of a cross member 32. Between the nozzles 14 of each nozzle pair 40, one of the cross members 32 is arranged and connected to the nozzles 14 of the respective nozzle pair 40 in a force-locking and / or

[0059] positively connected. This connection is a detachable connection. It can be made using screws, for example. In this context, reference is made to the Fig. 5 and 6 These now show a part of the excerpt from the Fig. 3 or 4, wherein the respective cross member 32 is coupled to the respective connecting area 32 by means of screws 46. In addition, in the Fig. 5 and 6 purely by way of example, at least a part of a carrier pocket 40 is shown. The carrier pockets 40 are attached to the cross members 32 in such a way that one of the carrier pockets 40 extends sagging from each cross member 32 to an adjacent cross member 32. This is purely by way of example and schematically shown in the Fig. 2 can be found.

[0060] From the Fig. 5 and 6It can also be seen that it is preferably provided that one end of the cross member 32 and the oppositely arranged connecting region 22 of the associated nozzle 12 are inserted into one another in a form-fitting manner and are connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, preferably with screws 46. The respective end of the cross member 32 can therefore have a bore in the end face and / or be tubular. The connecting region 22 of the respective nozzle 14 fits into the corresponding opening. The cross section of the opening of the end of the cross member 32 can be designed to correspond thereto and / or be designed for a form-fitting connection to or with the connecting region 22.

[0061] As can be seen from the Fig. 7 As can be seen, each end of the cross member 32 is configured, for example, to correspond to the shape of the connecting portion 22 of the connecting piece 14, thereby creating a positive connection. Furthermore, the respective end of the cross member 32 and the connecting portion 22 of the connecting piece 14 can have bores that are aligned with one another. Thus, it is possible for a screw 46 to pass through the aligned bores to further achieve a force-fitting and / or positive connection.

[0062] From the Fig. 5 , 6 and 7 as well as from the Fig. 8 Furthermore, a further component can be seen which fits in a ring shape around the respective end of the cross member 32. This is preferably a sleeve 50. The sleeve 50 can therefore be formed from an annular or tubular section-shaped component. The sleeve 50 is preferably designed as a steel sleeve. The sleeve 50 also has bores in the radial direction. These are preferably designed such that the sleeve 50 can be guided over an overlap region between the end of the cross member 32 and the connecting region 22 of the nozzle 14, so that the bores of the sleeve 50, the end of the cross member 32 and the connecting region 22 of the nozzle 14 are arranged in alignment with one another. In this case, screws 46 can also be guided through the aligned bores, with which screws a screw connection is established between the said components.

[0063] Finally, the Fig. 9 bis 12Reference is made to the drawings. Each of the figures shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a rubber block 12. The rubber blocks 12 differ in their associated connecting pieces 14. These can be configured with different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross-section of a connecting piece or associated connecting area 22 can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, or triangular.

[0064] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. Vertical conveyor (4), having: a first and a second conveyor belt (36, 38), a plurality of rod-shaped crossmembers (32), and a plurality of entrainment pockets (40), the first and second conveyor belts (36, 38) each having: tension members (6) which are embedded in the conveyor belt (2) and designed for the transmission of tensile forces in a conveying direction F for the conveyor belt (2), a support side (10) formed by a first rubber cover layer (8) and a plurality of rubber blocks (12) connected to the first rubber cover layer (8) in a materially integral manner by vulcanization, wherein the rubber blocks (12) are disposed so as to be spaced apart from one another in a row in the conveying direction F, wherein the entrainment pockets (40) are attached to the crossmembers (32) in such a way that one of the entrainment pockets (40) extends from each crossmember (32) to an adjacent crossmember (32) in a sagging manner, characterized in that each rubber block (12) has a rod-shaped fitting (14), which extends from an anchoring region (16) from the interior (18) of the rubber block (12) to a protruding part (20) of the respective fitting (14), wherein the protruding part (20) of the respective fitting (14) forms a connection region (22) of the associated fitting (14), which is designed for releasably coupling and / or connecting a crossmember (32) of the vertical conveyor (4), wherein the first conveyor belt (36) is disposed parallel to the second conveyor belt (38), so that the fittings (14) of the first conveyor belt (36) and the fittings (14) of the second conveyor belt (38) are facing each other and a plurality of pairs of fittings (42) are formed, wherein each pair of fittings (42) is formed by a fitting (14) of the first conveyor belt (36) and a fitting (14) of the second conveyor belt (38), wherein the fittings (14) of each pair of fittings (42) are disposed so as to be aligned with an associated common connecting axis (44), wherein one of the crossmembers (32) is in each case disposed between the fittings (14) of each pair of fittings (42) and releasably connected to the fittings (14) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

2. Vertical conveyor (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each rubber block (12) has a bell-shaped or Gaussian-shaped outer contour when viewed in the cross section.

3. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rubber blocks (12) are disposed on a peripheral region (26) on the support side (10).

4. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each fitting (14) protrudes beyond one periphery (28) of the support side (10) in the transverse direction Q.

5. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each fitting (14) is designed as a metal fitting.

6. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchoring region (16) of each fitting (14) has protruding anchoring elements (30), so that at least one form-fitting connection is formed between the anchoring region (16) of the respective fitting (14) and of the associated rubber block (12).

7. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection region (22) of each fitting (14) is designed for a form-fit and / or force-fit connection to the rod-shaped crossmember (32) of the vertical conveyor (4).

8. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rubber blocks (12) are disposed in a grid pattern with equidistant spacings (34).

9. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connections between the crossmembers (32) and the fittings (14) are designed as screw connections.

10. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each end of a crossmember (32) and the opposite connection region (22) of the associated fitting (14) are coupled by means of a sleeve (50) which is releasably connected to the respective end of the crossmember (32) and the respective connection region (22) of the associated fitting (14), in particular by means of screws (46).

11. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ends of the crossmembers (32) and the connection regions (22) of the fittings (14) each have at least substantially the same cross section.

12. Vertical conveyor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each end of a crossmember (32) and the opposite connection region (22) of the associated fitting (14) are inserted into one another in a form-fitting manner and are connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, in particular by means of screws (46).