TRANSPORT DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting goods in a transport direction.

[0002] Such transport devices are used in the beverage industry for transporting piece goods and typically comprise a plurality of circulatingly driven transport elements, each forming a closed loop, particularly in the form of transport chains or slatted chain conveyors. Such transport devices are well known to those skilled in the art. 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 to be transported rest with their base or base.

[0003] Such transport devices are, in particular, transporters in the beverage industry, which, for example, have a capacity of more than 10,000, preferably more than 50,000 transported piece goods, for example containers, per hour.

[0004] Such transport devices therefore usually comprise a scaffold or a machine frame on which the transport elements are accommodated, held and / or guided. Individual scaffolds are generally adapted to specific grid dimensions in terms of their respective length and / or width so that individual scaffolds can be combined and the individual machines of an overall production plant within the beverage industry can be connected to one another. For this purpose, the scaffolds have a support body on which profile elements, for example M-profiles, U-profiles, flat profiles, tubular profiles, but in particular C-profile elements, are arranged. The transport elements, preferably the transport chains, run along the upper side of these profile elements and are moved in endless rotation by drive motors and are guided so that they slide on the profile elements.

[0005] It is also known to provide sliding elements, in particular sliding strips, to reduce the coefficient of friction between the profile elements and the transport elements, which form a coating for the transport elements with a low coefficient of friction in order to thereby reduce the wear on and the required drive forces for the transport elements.

[0006] The transport elements are moved in one transport direction by the rotating chain wheels. The piece goods, in particular the containers, rest on the transport elements. The piece goods and the dead weight of the transport elements exert a strong tensile force on the sliding elements in the transport direction. In order to make the constant change of the individual chain links between the rear and / or return runs during the rotating operation of the transport elements as gentle on the material as possible, inlet fingers are provided at the transfer areas between the rear and / or return runs. In the prior art, the individual inlet fingers and sliding elements are laboriously connected to one another using screw connections, in particular bolted or rented, which is very time-consuming and therefore expensive.

[0007] From the document EP 3 020 659 A1, a belt module for use in a conveyor system has become known, wherein the belt module has a support extending in a longitudinal direction, on the two opposite longitudinal ends of which a deflection assembly with a deflection wheel is arranged. An endless conveyor belt is provided which wraps around the two deflection wheels, thereby defining a leading and a returning belt section, wherein the leading belt section is supported externally on the support, wherein at least one deflection assembly has a base body with a bearing holder, wherein the deflection wheel surrounds the bearing holder and is supported thereon so as to be rotatable with respect to a rotation axis.The document is particularly characterized in that the base body has at least one longitudinally extending pin that engages the support, wherein the at least one pin and the bearing holder are formed integrally with a side plate of the base body. Document EP3 020 659 A1 discloses a transport device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of providing a transport device for transporting goods in a transport direction that avoids the aforementioned disadvantages and, in particular, enables a simple, yet reliable and rapid connection of the slide rails and / or profile elements of the transport device. 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 present invention is to propose a transport device for transporting transported goods in a transport direction, comprising at least one machine frame on which at least one transport element forming a loop and driven in rotation is arranged, wherein the transport element is guided via a front deflection device with respect to the transport direction and via a rear deflection device with respect to the transport direction, wherein a transport path for the transported goods is formed between the front and rear deflection devices by means of the at least one transport element, wherein the at least one transport element is guided so as to slide on at least one slide bar at least along the transport path, wherein the at least one slide bar is arranged at least in sections along the transport path on at least one profile element,which is connected to at least one supporting body of the machine frame, wherein the at least one transport element is guided, at least in the transition region from the front deflection device to the at least one slide bar, at least in sections over at least one inlet finger which is detachably connected to the slide bar and / or to the profile element, wherein the detachable connection of the at least one inlet finger to the at least one slide bar is designed as a snap-in connection and / or the detachable connection of the at least one inlet finger to the at least one profile element is designed as a plug-in connection and / or the at least one inlet finger and the at least one profile element are detachably connected to the at least one supporting body via a quick-fastening device.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the inlet finger has at least one guide section which forms a support surface on its upper side for the sliding transfer of the transport element from the front deflection device to the at least one slide bar.

[0011] According to a further advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the guide section is rounded and / or bevelled on its free end facing the front end.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the inlet finger has a support section immediately adjacent to the guide section, wherein the support section has at least one locking element for forming the locking connection between the inlet finger and the slide bar, such that the support section is thus designed for the lockable support of a slide bar.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the locking element is designed to engage in a locking opening provided in the slide strip in such a way that the locking element can be inserted into the locking opening and locks in a locking position.

[0014] According to the invention, it is provided that the inlet finger has a receiving section which is in turn adjacent to the support section and which forms the plug connection for the detachable plug-in reception of a profile element.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the plug-in connection is formed in that the outer geometry of the receiving section is adapted to the inner geometry of the profile element in such a way that the receiving section can be received in a form-fitting manner by the plugged-on profile element.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the receiving section, the support section and the guide section are each provided offset from one another in a stepped manner such that a stop surface is formed in the respective transition region.

[0017] According to the invention, it is provided that the inlet finger has a plug-in section which in turn adjoins the receiving section and via which the inlet finger can be detachably connected to the quick-fastening device, wherein the detachable connection of the quick-fastening device to the inlet finger is designed to be force-fitting and / or form-fitting.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one quick-fastening device for releasably connecting the profile element to the base support is designed to be adjustable between a locking position and a release position, in such a way that the quick-fastening device firmly but releasably connects the profile element to the base support in the locking position and releases it again in the release position.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the quick-fastening device is designed to be adjustable between a locking position and a release position, in such a way that the quick-fastening device connects the profile element firmly but detachably to the base support in the locking position and releases it again, i.e. releases it, in the release position.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the quick-fastening device has a fastening section extending along a central longitudinal axis of the quick-fastening device and lying opposite one another, to which the profile element and / or the base support can be connected.

[0021] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first and / or second fastening section is designed for a non-positive and / or positive connection in the locking position of the quick-fastening device.

[0022] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first and / or second fastening section is inserted into the profile element and / or the base support in the locking position, in particular into a pre-hole in the base support and / or a recess in the profile element.

[0023] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first and / or second fastening section is snapped into the profile element and / or the base support in the locking position.

[0024] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first and / or second fastening section is firmly connected to the profile element and / or the base support in the locking position, in that the first and / or second fastening section engages behind the pre-hole in the base support and / or the recess in the profile element with a locking element.

[0025] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the quick fastening device is designed to be rotatable about a central longitudinal axis between a locking position and a release position.

[0026] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the quick fastening device is designed as a rotary locking device which creates a non-positive and / or positive connection in the locking position.

[0027] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the quick-fastening device has a free-end first locking section in the first fastening section and a free-end second locking section in the second fastening section, that the base support has, for releasably clamping fastening, at least in an at least partially flat section, a pre-hole or opening deviating from the circular shape, the cross-section of which is adapted to the longitudinal section of the first locking section, in such a way that the first locking section can be passed through the pre-hole and the quick-fastening device can be clamped to the profile element by rotation about the central longitudinal axis with the first fastening section, and that the profile element has at least one profiling section forming a recess,whose cross-section is adapted to the cross-section of the second locking section, in such a way that for the releasably clamping fastening of the first fastening section to the profile element by rotating the second locking section about the central longitudinal axis, the second locking section can be received at least partially in the recess in a form-fitting manner.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally part of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show: Fig. 1a schematic side view of an exemplary transport device for transporting piece goods Fig. 2an enlarged section of the transport device according to the dashed circle of the Figure 1, Fig. 3 a released inlet finger in a perspective view, Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view along the section line A from Figure 1 Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of a quick-fastening device according to the invention in a locking position, Fig. 6a is a schematic exploded view of the embodiment of the quick-fastening device according to the invention according to Figure 3 in a release position, Fig. 6b shows a schematic plan view of the pre-punch or opening of a base support otherwise only shown in sections, Fig. 7a and 7b show a perspective and lateral schematic sectional view of a variant of a stand-alone quick-fastening device.

[0031] Identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or similarly functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure.

[0032] The exemplary transport device, generally designated 100 in the figures, serves in particular for transporting transport goods 102 in at least one transport direction A between container processing machines and / or transfer stations and / or transfer stations and / or transfer stations for the packaging and / or beverage industry (not shown in detail). Particularly advantageously, the transport device 100 has a capacity of more than 10,000, preferably more than 50,000, transported piece goods 102, for example, containers, per hour.

[0033] In particular, the transport device 100 comprises at least one transport element 103 forming a closed loop and driven continuously in the transport direction A, which can be designed, for example, as a transport belt, transport chain, hinged chain or transport mat. The transport element 103 forms with its upper end, which bears against at least one slide bar 113 - shown in the Figures 2 or 4 - supporting length forms a horizontal or substantially horizontal transport plane or surface TE on which the transported goods 102 rest with its transported goods floor or its standing floor. As can be seen in particular from the Figures 2 and 4As can be seen, the at least one transport element 103 is guided so as to slide on the at least one slide rail 113 at least along the transport path TS. It is also possible to provide several, for example two, three, four or more, transport elements 103 which are arranged adjacent to one another in multiple directions, i.e. transversely or perpendicularly to the transport direction A, so that the plurality of transport elements 103 form the common transport plane TE, at least with a portion of their respective upper length of their corresponding loop, on which the transported goods 102 can at least partially stand with their bottom surface.

[0034] At the front end 1.11 with respect to the transport direction A and at the rear end 1.12 with respect to the transport direction A, the at least one transport element 103 is guided over deflection devices 141, 142, wherein the at least one transport element 103 is guided in particular at its front end 1.11 over a front deflection device 141 and at its rear end 1.12 over a rear deflection device 142. Between the front and rear deflection devices 141, 142, a transport path TS for the transported item 102 is formed by means of the at least one transport element 103. The transport path TS, on which the transported item 102 can be conveyed, is therefore formed in particular from the rear deflection device 142 in the transport direction A to the front deflection device 141.

[0035] It can also be provided that the front and / or rear deflection device 141, 142 is designed to be motor-driven. For example, the front and / or rear deflection device 141, 142 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.

[0036] In addition, the transport device 100, as shown in the Figure 1 only schematically indicated, a machine frame 110 which forms a framework and on which all components of the transport device 100 are arranged or received and by means of which the transport device 100 stands on a floor level BE via support elements 101 or legs.

[0037] The at least one slide rail 113 is arranged at least in sections along the transport path TS on at least one profile element 112 which is connected to at least one support body 111 of the machine frame 110.

[0038] As can be seen in particular from the Figure 4 As can be seen in more detail, the machine frame 110 has at least one support body 111 extending across the entire transport element width, i.e., transversely to the transport direction A, on which a base support for receiving further parts and components of the transport device 100 is formed, and on which two support elements 101 are fixedly arranged. The support body 111 forms a support element, for example, a U-profile support made of stainless steel.

[0039] The machine frame 110 preferably comprises two or more support bodies 111, which are distributed, for example, at equal intervals over the entire length of the transport path TS, and are each supported on the floor level BE via at least two support elements 101. Advantageously, at least one support body 111 is provided in the region of the front end 1.11 and at least one further support body 111 is provided in the region of the rear end 1.12 of the transport device 100.

[0040] The support body 111 has, in particular in a flat surface section 23, which can be formed, for example, by one of the legs of the support body 111 designed as a U-profile beam, a pre-hole 20 with a geometry deviating from the circular shape. Figure 6bshows a schematic plan view of a partially illustrated flat surface section 23 of a support body 111 with a pre-hole 20. In particular, the pre-hole 20 can be mirror-symmetrical and have two identical circular arc sections 20.1 and two identical rectangular sections 20.2.

[0041] As can be seen in particular from the Figure 4 As can be seen, the support body 111 extending transversely to the transport direction A can also have a plurality of pre-holes 20, each of which is essentially provided below a corresponding slide strip 113.

[0042] The at least one transport element 103 is guided in a sliding manner at least along the transport path TS on at least one slide rail 113, wherein the at least one slide rail 113 is provided in a plane parallel or substantially parallel below the transport plane TE. Advantageously, however, several slide rails 113 are provided, particularly advantageously along the entire transport path TS along which the transport element 103 is moved.

[0043] Several slide rails 113 can be provided below the transport element 103 both transversely and longitudinally to the transport path TS. For example, as shown in the Figure 4 As shown, four sliding strips 113 arranged transversely to the transport path TS are provided, which are arranged in their respective longitudinal extent essentially parallel to one another, i.e. in the transport direction A.

[0044] Furthermore, several slide rails 113 can be provided not only transversely but also along the transport path TS, which are provided directly adjacent to one another over preferably the entire length of the transport path TS. Furthermore, the slide rails 113 provided in the longitudinal direction of the transport path TS are advantageously arranged in mutual alignment with one another, specifically in such a way that a straight row of mutually directly adjacent slide rails 113 is formed. It is also provided that the slide rails 113 arranged next to one another are designed and arranged in mutual alignment.

[0045] Preferably, the slide strips 113 have on their upper side facing the transport element 103 a surface having a low coefficient of friction, which surface can in particular be formed from a plastic.

[0046] In this case, the at least one profile element 112 can be Figure 4shown cross-section be substantially C-shaped. The at least one profile element 112 has three leg sections, namely a central leg section 22.1, and two lateral leg sections 22.2. The slide strip 113 is assigned to the central leg section 22.1. Such profile elements 112 are known to those skilled in the art in the field of transport devices 100 in the beverage industry as C-profile elements or U-profile elements. They in turn extend in a parallel plane below the plane spanned by the slide strips 113 and thus also in a plane below the transport plane TE. The lateral leg sections 22.2 are oriented in their respective longitudinal extent of the cross-section to the cross-section of the central leg section 22.1 at an angle that is preferably less than 90°, so that the respective free ends 22.3 of the two lateral leg sections 22.2 in cross-section at an acute angle in an imaginary extension of the free ends 22.3. The central and lateral leg sections 22.1, 22.2 define a recess 21 in their cross-section, which is open downwards, i.e., in the direction of the support body 111, and accessible from there. The recess 21 thus forms a groove, which in its cross-section resembles a truncated cone, thus tapering with the two lateral leg sections 22.2 on the side facing away from the slide strips 113.

[0047] The middle leg section 22.1 essentially has a width transverse to the transport direction A which corresponds to the width in the cross section of the Figure 4illustrated width of the at least one slide strip 113. The slide strip 113, which in a plan view not shown is substantially rectangular on its upper side, can have a length in the transport direction A that corresponds to the length of the profile element 112. The profile element 112, in particular its middle leg section 22.1, can also be substantially rectangular in a plan view not shown.

[0048] As can be seen in particular from the Figure 2 evident, which in Figure 1with a dashed circle in the front area 1.11 shows an enlarged and more detailed view of the section of the transport device 100, the at least one transport element 103 is guided at least in sections over at least one inlet finger 3, at least in the transition area from the front deflection device 141 to the at least one slide bar 113. The at least one inlet finger 3 is designed to form a transition of the at least one transport element 103 between the rear run and return run of the transport device 100 that is as gentle on the material as possible. In particular, the at least one inlet finger 3 forms a material-friendly transfer of the at least one transport element 103 from the front deflection device 141 to the at least one slide bar 113. For this purpose, the at least one inlet finger 3 is detachably connected to the at least one slide bar 113 and / or to the at least one profile element 112.In particular, the inlet finger 3 is formed in one piece.

[0049] According to the invention, the detachable connection of the at least one inlet finger 3 to the at least one sliding strip 113 is designed as a latching connection RV and / or the detachable connection of the at least one inlet finger 3 to the at least one profile element 112 is designed as a plug-in connection SV and / or the at least one inlet finger 3 and the at least one profile element 112 are detachably connected to the at least one base support 111 via a quick-fastening device 2.

[0050] The inlet finger 3 has a guide section 4 which forms a support surface on its upper side 4.3 for the sliding transfer of the transport element 103 from the front deflection device 141 onto the at least one slide bar 113. The guide section 4 can be rounded and / or beveled on its free end face 4.1 facing the front end 1.11, in particular have a surface section 4.2 directed downwards, i.e. preferably by 90° compared to the upper side 4.3 in the direction of the floor plane BE. In particular, the transition region between the upper side 4.3 and the surface section 4.2 is rounded and / or beveled. The guide section 4 is designed on its upper side 4.3 as an essentially flat, i.e. planar, surface section and is made in particular from a material with a low coefficient of friction, for example a plastic.

[0051] Furthermore, the inlet finger 3 can have a support section 5 directly adjacent to the guide section 4, which is designed to form the connection between the inlet finger 3 and the slide bar 113. For this purpose, the support section preferably has at least one holding element, for example at least one locking element 5.1, with which a locking connection RV can be established between the inlet finger 3 and the slide bar 113. The support section 5 is thus designed, for example, to lockably support a slide bar 113. The locking element 5.1 can engage in a locking opening 113.1 provided in the slide bar 113, which can be designed as a blind bore or as an opening that completely penetrates the slide bar 113. In particular, the locking element 5.1 can be frustoconical and have an outer peripheral surface that is adapted to the inner peripheral surface of the locking opening 113.1 such that the locking element 5.1 can be inserted into the locking opening 113.1 and locked in the locking position.

[0052] Furthermore, the inlet finger 3 has a receiving section 6, which in turn adjoins the support section 5, for the detachable insertion of a profile element 112. The detachable plug-in connection SV of the inlet finger 3, in particular its receiving section 6, with the profile element 112 is formed by adapting the outer geometry of the receiving section 6 to the inner geometry of the profile element 112 in such a way that the receiving section 6 is positively received by the attached profile element 112. The plug-in connection SV between the inlet finger 3 and the profile element 112 is thus produced in particular by a positive fit of the two components. In particular, the attached profile element section can be Figures 4 and 5 shown in its cross-section is C-shaped.

[0053] The receiving section 6, the support section 5, and the guide section 4 can each be provided offset from one another in a stepped manner such that a stop surface 7, 8 is formed in the respective transition region. In more detail, a first stop surface 7 for a slide strip 113 arranged on the support section 5 is formed between the guide section 4 and the support section 5. Furthermore, a second stop surface 8 for a profile element 112 pushed positively onto the receiving section 6 is formed between the receiving section 6 and the support section 5.

[0054] Furthermore, the inlet finger 3 has a plug-in section 9, which is adjacent to the receiving section 6 and via which the inlet finger 3 can be releasably connected to the quick-fastening device 2. The releasable connection of the quick-fastening device 2 to the inlet finger 3 is designed to be force-locking and / or positive-locking..The plug-in section 9 can be received in a form-fitting manner in a receptacle 2.1 provided in the quick-fastening device 2 in the form of a recess, both force-fitting and / or positive-fitting. The recess 2.1 can be designed as an opening that completely penetrates the clamping body 30 of the quick-fastening device 2 and whose internal geometry is adapted to the external geometry of the plug-in section 9, such that a form-fitting connection is created when the plug-in section 9 is inserted into the recess 2.1. Furthermore, the plug-in section 9 can also have at least one locking lug 9.1, which locks into the recess 2.1 when the plug-in section 9 is inserted, so that in addition to the form-fitting connection, a force-fitting connection can also be created between the inlet finger 3 and the quick-fastening device 2.Particularly advantageously, the plug-in section 9 has a length which corresponds at least to the width B of the quick-fastening device 9 in the region of the recess 2.1.

[0055] Preferably, the quick fastening device 2 is designed to be adjustable between a locking position VP and a release position FP, in such a way that the quick fastening device 2 firmly connects the profile element 112 - but detachably - to the base support 111 in the locking position VP and releases it again, i.e. releases it, in the release position FP.

[0056] It is further advantageously provided that the quick-fastening device 2 each has a fastening section BA1, BA2 extending along a central longitudinal axis MA of the quick-fastening device 2 and located opposite one another, to which the profile element 112 and / or the base support 111 can be connected. In particular, a first fastening section BA1 is provided, which can be connected to the profile element 112, and a second fastening section BA2, which can be connected to the base support 111.

[0057] Preferably, the first and / or second fastening section BA1, BA2 is designed for a non-positive and / or positive connection in the locking position VP of the quick fastening device 2.

[0058] It can also be provided that the first and / or second fastening section BA1, BA2 is inserted into the profile element 112 and / or the base support 111 in the locking position VP. In particular, the first and / or second fastening section BA1, BA2 can be inserted into the pre-hole 20 of the base support 111 and / or the recess 21 of the profile element 112 in the locking position VP.

[0059] Thus, it can also be provided that the first and / or second fastening section BA1, BA2 is snapped into the profile element 112 and / or the base support 111 in the locking position VP. In particular, the first and / or second fastening section BA1, BA2 can have a locking element for this purpose, which is snapped into the pre-hole 20 of the base support 111 and / or the recess 21 of the profile element 112 in the locking position VP.

[0060] Furthermore, it can also be provided that the first and / or second fastening section BA1, BA2 is firmly connected to the profile element 112 and / or the base support 111 in the locking position VP, in that the first and / or second fastening section BA1, BA2 engages behind the pre-hole 20 of the base support 111 and / or the recess 21 of the profile element 112 with a locking element 25.

[0061] Preferably, the quick-fastening device 2 is designed to be rotatable about a central longitudinal axis MA between a locking position VP and a release position FP, such that the quick-fastening device 2 firmly—but releasably—connects the profile element 112 to the base support 111 in the locking position VP and releases it again, i.e., releases it, in the release position FP. In this case, the quick-fastening device 2 is particularly preferably designed as a rotary locking device, which establishes a force-locking and / or positive-locking connection in the locking position VP.

[0062] More details are shown in the example of Figure 4several, in particular four, quick fastening devices 2 are shown, each of which is releasably connected with its first fastening section BA1 to a common base support 111 and with its second fastening section BA2 to a respective profile element 112. A slide bar 113 can be provided on the upper side of the respective profile elements 112, which is releasably fastened to the respective profile element 112 by means of at least one latching connection RV. The transport element(s) 103, in turn, rests on the slide bars 113 and is guided in a sliding manner over the upper side of the slide bars 113. In addition, a right and left scaffolding plate 114, 115 is provided on each side of the base support 111. The profile elements 112 and / or the slide bars 113 and / or the scaffolding plates 114, 115 preferably extend over the entire length of the transport path TS and can be designed as one piece or, preferably, as multiple pieces.

[0063] The Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of a quick fastening device 2 according to the invention in a locking position VP, in which the profile element 112 is detachably connected to the base support 111 by means of the fastening device 2. In the Figure 4 In the side view shown, the quick fastening device 2 spans a central plane ME through the central longitudinal axis MA, which is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, i.e. the side view shown.

[0064] In particular, the first fastening section BA1 is in releasable operative engagement with the base support 111 and the second fastening section BA2 is in releasable operative engagement with the profile element 112, so that the base support 111 can be connected to one another via the first fastening section BA1 and the profile element 112 can be connected to one another via the second fastening section BA2.

[0065] Furthermore, the first fastening section BA1 has a free-end first locking section VA1 and / or the second fastening section BA2 has a second locking section VA2 by means of which the base support 111 can be held firmly in the locking position VP via the quick-fastening device 2 and can be released, i.e. released, from the quick-fastening device 2 in the respective release position FP.

[0066] According to the design variant of the Figure 5For releasably clamping fastening, the support body 111 has, at least in a section 23 which is at least partially flat, a pre-hole or opening 20 which deviates from the circular shape, the cross section of which is adapted to the longitudinal section of the first locking section VA1, in such a way that the first locking section VA1 can be passed through the pre-hole 20 and the quick fastening device 2 can be clamped to the support body 111 by rotation about the central longitudinal axis MA with the first fastening section BA1.

[0067] Furthermore, the first fastening section BA1 can have, in addition to the free-end first locking section VA1, a first contact section AL1 adjoining it along the central longitudinal axis MA in the direction of the second fastening section BA2, which forms a receiving groove 24 extending preferably perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis MA. In particular, the first contact section AL1 can be provided directly adjacent to the second fastening section BA2, in particular arranged thereon.

[0068] The receiving groove 24 is provided at least partially circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis MA, preferably fully circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis MA, and forms a contact surface AF for the profile element 112 in the locking position VP on the surface section facing the support body 111. In particular, the dimensions of the receiving groove 24 are adapted to the pre-hole 20 such that the receiving groove 24 does not penetrate the pre-hole 20 in the locking position VP or can be guided through the pre-hole 20, but rather is supported on the flat section 23 on the side facing the second fastening section BA2 at least partially circumferentially around the pre-hole 20 on the flat section 23, in particular comes into contact with the flat section 23.

[0069] Furthermore, the first fastening section BA1 in the first locking section VA1 has at least one locking element 25, which is provided on a section 27 coaxially enclosing the central longitudinal axis MA and extends radially outward from the central longitudinal axis MA and can be designed as a locking finger. Advantageously, several, in particular two, locking elements 25 are provided, which are provided on preferably opposite sides of the section 27 and each extend radially outward from the central longitudinal axis MA and are preferably each designed as a locking finger. The longitudinal extent of the section 27 can be adapted to the thickness of the support body 111 to be locked.

[0070] In this case, the at least one locking element 25 has, on its upper side facing the second fastening section BA2, a contact surface 25.1 oriented obliquely, in particular at an acute angle to the central longitudinal axis MA, as can be seen in particular from the Figure 6a can be removed.

[0071] In the locking position VP, the at least one locking element 24 is guided through the pre-hole 20 and is rotated relative to the support body 111 by preferably 40° from the release position FP into the locking position VP, such that the at least one locking element 25 engages behind the pre-hole 20 and is supported on the flat section 23 on the side facing away from the second fastening section BA2, at least partially around the pre-hole 20, on the flat section 23, in particular comes to rest in a contact-locking manner.

[0072] In more detail, the rotation of the first locking section VA1 causes the inclined contact surface 25.1 of the at least one locking element 25 to clamp and contact the flat section 23 of the base support 111 on the side facing away from the second fastening section BA2, such that the base support 111 is pressed in the flat section 23 on the side facing the second fastening section BA2 against the contact surface AF of the receiving groove 24 and the flat section 23 is held in a clamped manner between the contact surface AF and the inclined contact surface 25.1.

[0073] As can be seen in particular from the Figure 6bAs can be seen from the flat surface section 23 of the base support 111, partially shown in a schematic plan view, the pre-hole 20 provided therein has a geometry that deviates from a circular shape in the cross-section of the plan view. In particular, the pre-hole 20 can be designed with play symmetry and have two identical circular arc sections 20.1 and two identical rectangular sections 20.2, which are geometrically adapted to the longitudinal section of the first locking section VA1 in such a way that the first locking section VA1, in particular the at least one locking element 25, can be passed through the rectangular sections 20.2 and is blocked from being pulled out of the pre-hole 20 by the 90° rotation in the locking position VP by means of the circular arc sections 20.1. The pre-hole 20 can be created in the flat surface section 23, for example, by lasering, punching, or drilling.

[0074] The flat surface section 23 of the base support 111 has a planar, i.e., flat, upper side 23.1 facing the second fastening section BA2, as well as a planar, underside 23.2 facing away from the second fastening section BA2. In particular, the upper side 23.1 and underside 23.2 in the flat surface section 23 span planes that run parallel or substantially parallel to one another. In other words, the flat surface section 23 has a constant or approximately constant surface thickness, in particular a surface thickness.

[0075] According to the design variant, the Figure 5the profile element 112 has at least one profiling section 22 forming a recess 21, the cross section of which is adapted to the cross section of the second locking section VA2, in such a way that for the releasably clamping fastening of the second fastening section BA2 to the profile element 112 by rotating the second locking section VA2 about the central longitudinal axis MA, the second locking section VA2 can be received at least in sections in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in the recess 21.

[0076] The quick fastening device 2 has in its second locking section VA2 a clamping body 30 which, in its plan view, i.e. perpendicular to the center plane ME, is essentially oval and tapers in the direction of the first fastening section BA1, i.e. has a comparatively smaller oval diameter, so that the clamping body 30 has the greatest length L in the lateral cross-section of its locking position VP at its free end section 30.1 facing the second component BT2. In particular, the clamping body 30, which is essentially oval in its plan view, has straight contact surfaces 30.2, 30.3 on at least two preferably opposite sides in the region of the free end section 30.1, with which contact surfaces the clamping body 30, in its locking position VP, clamps against the corresponding inner sides of the two lateral leg sections 22.2 and thus forms a clamp fit.The two lateral leg sections 22.2 are designed to be elastically deformable in such a way that when the contact surfaces 30.2, 30.3 of the clamping body 30 are rotated from the release position FP into the locking position VP, they are deflected outwards, i.e. directed away from the center plane ME - i.e. they yield elastically.

[0077] Between the release position FP and the locking position VP, the second locking section VA2 of the quick fastening device 2 is rotated by preferably 40° relative to the profiling section 22. The Figure 5 shows in particular the locking position VP, while the Figure 6ashows the release position FP. Furthermore, the quick-fastening device 2 can advantageously be formed in one piece, in particular in one piece, so that when the second fastening section BA2 of the quick-fastening device 2 is rotated, the first fastening section BA1 also rotates, for example, from the release position FP to the locking position VP. The first and second fastening sections BA1, BA2 are thus non-positively connected to one another.

[0078] In the lateral cross section of the release position FP, the clamping body 30 has a width B which is adapted to the cross section of the profiling section 22 in such a way that the clamping body 30 can be inserted into the recess 21 formed by the profiling section 22 in its release position FP.

[0079] Furthermore, the clamping body 30 has a length L in the region of the opposing contact surfaces 30.2, 30.3, i.e., the distance between the contact surfaces 30.2, 30.3, such that the clamping body 30, in its locking position VP, clamps against the corresponding inner sides of the two lateral leg sections 22.2 of the second component BT2, thus creating a clamping fit. Furthermore, the clamping body 30 is designed such that, upon rotation from the release position FP into the locking position VP, it is pressed against the underside of the central leg section 22.1 and comes into contact with the underside of the central leg section 22.1 upon reaching the locking position VP, so that a defined position of the fastening device 2 relative to the profile element 112 can be established.

[0080] In particular, the length L and width B of the clamping body 30 can be adapted to the profiling section 22, in particular to the dimensions of the central and lateral leg sections 22.2.

[0081] As can be seen in particular from the Figure 7a or 7b As can be seen, the quick fastening device 2 has a passage in the form of an opening 28 which penetrates the first and second fastening section BA1, BA2 and which can have, at least in sections, a hexagon socket in the region of the tube section 27, which forms an engagement surface for a tool, for example an Allen key, so that the rotational movement between the release position FP and the locking position VP can be introduced onto the fastening device 2 via the tool.

[0082] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. List of reference symbols

[0083] 100Transport device 101Support element 102Transported goods 103Transport element 110Scaffold 111Supporting body 112Profile element 113Sliding bar 113.1Locking opening 114Scaffold plate 115Scaffold plate 116Holding element 117Guide rail 141Front deflection device 142Rear deflection device 1.11 Front end 1.12 Rear end 2 Fastening device 2.1 Recess 3 Inlet finger 4 Guide section 4.1 End face 4.2 Surface section 4.3 Top side 5 Support section 5.1 Locking element 6 Receiving section 7 Stop surface 8 Stop surface 9 Plug-in section 9.1 Locking lug 20 Pre-hole 20.1 Circular arc section 20.2 Rectangular section 21 Recess 22 Profiled section 22.1 Middle leg section 22.2 Side leg section 22.3 Free end 23 Flat section 23.1 Top side 23.2 Bottom side 24 Receiving groove 25 Locking element 25.1 Inclined contact surface 27 Section 28 Opening 30Clamping body 30.1End section 30.2, 30.3Straight contact surface 40Intermediate piece 40.1Connecting section 40.2Connecting section 50.1Receiving section 50.2Receiving section AL1first system section AL2second system section AFcontact surface BA1first fastening section BA2second fastening section BT1first component BT2second component VA1first locking section VA2second locking section ATransport direction BEFloor level TSTransport route VPLocking position FPRelease position MECenter level MACenter longitudinal axis LLength BWidth UCircumferential area RVLocking connection SVPlug connection

Claims

1. Transport device for the transporting of transport goods items (102) in a transport direction (A), comprising at least one machine frame (110), arranged on which is at least one transport element (103), forming a loop and driven such as to circulate, wherein, related to the direction of travel (A), the transport element (103) is guided over a front deflection device (141), as well as over a rear deflection device (142), related to the direction of travel (A), wherein, between the front and rear deflection devices (141, 142), a transport segment (TS) for the transport goods items (102) is formed by means of the at least one transport element (103), wherein the at least one transport element (103) is guided along the transport segment (TS) sliding on at least one slide strip (113), wherein the at least one slide strip (113) is arranged at least in sections along the transport segment (TS) on at least one profile element (112), which is connected to at least one carrier body (111) of the machine frame (110), wherein the at least one transport element (103) is guided, at least in the transition region from the front deflection device (141), onto the at least one slide strip (113), at least in sections by at least one inlet finger (3), which is detachably connected to the slide strip (113) and / or to the profile element (112), wherein the detachable connection of the at least one inlet finger (3) to the at least one slide strip (113) is configured as a latch connection (RV), and / or the detachable connection of the at least one inlet finger (3) to the at least one profile element (112) is configured as a plug connection (SV), and / or the at least one inlet finger (3) and the at least one profile element (112) are detachably connected by means of a quick-action securing device (2) to the at least one carrier body (111), wherein the inlet finger (3) comprises a receiving section (6), connected adjacent to a contact section (5), which forms the plug connection (SV) for the detachable plug reception of a profile element (112), characterised in that the inlet finger (3) comprises a plug section (9), in turn connecting adjacent to the receiving section (6), by means of which the inlet finger (3) can be detachably connected to the quick-action securing device (2), wherein the detachable connection of the quick-action securing device (2) to the inlet finger (3) is configured as a non-positive and / or positive fit connection.

2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterised in that the inlet finger (3) comprises at least one guide section (4), which on its upper side (4.3) forms a contact surface for the sliding transfer of the transport element (103) from the front deflection device (141) onto the at least one slide strip (113).

3. Transport device according to claim 2, characterised in that the guide section (4) is configured on its face side (4.1), facing towards the front end (1.11), as rounded and / or oblique.

4. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the inlet finger (3) comprises a contact section (5) connecting immediately adjacent to the guide section (4), wherein the contact section (5) comprises, in order to form the latch connection (RV) between the inlet finger (3) and the slide strip (113), at least one latch element (5.1), in such a way that the contact section (5) is therefore configured for the latching contact of a slide strip (113).

5. Transport device according to claim 4, characterised in that the latch element (5.1) is configured such as to capable of engaging into a latch opening (113.1) provided in the slide strip (113), in such a way that the latch element (5.1) can be guided into the latch opening (113.1) and locks in a latched position.

6. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plug connection (SV) is configured such that the outer geometry of the receiving section (6) is adjusted to the inner geometry of the profile element (112) in such a way that the receiving section (6) can be received in positive fit by the profile element (112) which is plug connected.

7. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the receiving section (6), the contact section (5), and the guide section (4) are provided offset to one another in a stepped manner in such a way that a stop surface (7, 8) is formed in the respective transition region.

8. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one quick-action securing device (2) is configured such as to be adjustable, for the detachable connection of the profile element (112) to the base carrier (111), between a locking position (VP) and a release position (FP), and specifically in such a way that the quick-action securing device (2), in the locking position (VP) connects the profile element (112) securely but detachably to the base carrier (111), and in the release position (FP) releases it again.

9. Transport device according to claim 8, characterised in that the quick-action securing device (2) comprises in each case a securing section (BA1, BA2), extending along a mid-length axis (MA) of the quick-action securing device (2) and mutually opposed to one another, with which the profile element (112) and / or the base carrier (111) can be connected.

10. Transport device according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the first and / or second securing devices BA1, BA2 are configured to form a non-positive and / or positive connection in the locking position (VP) of the quick-action securing device (2).

11. Transport device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the first and / or second securing sections (BA1, BA2), in the locking position (VP), are plugged into the profile element (112) and / or the base carrier (111), and in particular into a front hole (20) of the base carrier (111) and / or into a cut-out opening (21) of the profile element (112).

12. Transport device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the first and / or second securing sections (BA1, BA2) in the locking position (VP) are snapped into the profile element (112) and / or the base carrier (111).

13. Transport device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the first and / or second securing sections (BA1, BA2), in the locking position (VP), are securely connected to the profile element (112) and / or the base carrier (111), inasmuch as the first and / or second securing sections (BA1, BA2) engage with a locking element (25) behind the front hole (20) of the base carrier (111) and / or the cut-out opening (21) of the profile element (112).

14. Transport device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the quick-action securing device (2) is configured such as to be capable of rotating about a mid-length axis (MA) between a locking position (VP) and a release position (FP).

15. Transport device according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterised in that the quick-action securing device (2) is configured as a rotating locking device, which in the locking position (VP) establishes a non-positive and / or positive fit connection.

16. Transport device according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterised in that the quick-action securing device (2) comprises in the first securing section (BA1), on the front side, a first locking section (VA1), and in the second securing section (BA2) a second locking section (VA2) on the free-end side, and that the base carrier (111) comprises, for the detachable clamping securing at least in sections in at least one flat section (23), a front aperture or opening (20), deviating from the circular shape, of which the cross-section is adjusted to the longitudinal cross-section of the first locking section (VA1), and specifically in such a way that the first locking section (VA1) can be guided through the front aperture (20), and the quick-action securing device (2) can be secured with clamping effect, by rotation about the mid-length axis (MA), with the second securing section (BA2), to the profile element (112), and that the profile element (112) comprises at least one profiling section (22), forming a cut-out opening (21), of which the cross-section is adjusted to the cross-section of the second locking section (VA2), and specifically in such a way that, for the detachable clamping securing of the second securing section (BA2) to the profile element (112) by the rotation of the second locking section (VA2) about the mid-length axis (MA), the second locking section (VA2) can be received in the cut-out opening (21) at least in sections in positive fit.