Conveyor device for conveying products, in particular packaged and / or unpackaged foodstuffs, as well as production plant and method using such a conveying device for conveying products

Description

State of the art

[0001] Conveying devices for conveying products are already known from EP 1 012 086 B1, EP 2 019 803 B1 and US 5 078 255 A, wherein the known conveying devices comprise at least one transport unit which comprises at least one endless transport element which has a product support surface for receiving products to be conveyed, at least one guide unit for guiding the transport element which has at least one guide element, and at least one bearing unit for pivotably or tiltably mounting the guide unit together with the transport unit relative to a frame unit of a production plant.

[0002] Furthermore, WO 2014 / 178784 A1 and US 4 821 870 A already disclose production systems with at least one conveyor device, with at least one frame unit, to which at least one guide unit of the conveyor device is pivotably or tiltably mounted together with a transport unit of the conveyor device by means of a bearing unit of the conveyor device. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on a production plant with at least one conveyor device, with at least one frame unit, to which at least one guide unit of the conveyor device is pivotably or tiltably mounted together with a transport unit of the conveyor device by means of a bearing unit of the conveyor device, and with at least one further guide unit, wherein the conveyor device for conveying products, in particular packaged and / or unpackaged foodstuffs, at least the transport unit, which comprises at least one endless transport element, in particular an endless conveyor belt, which has a product support surface for receiving products to be conveyed, at least the guide unit for guiding the transport element, which has at least one, in particular movably mounted, guide element, in particular a guide roller, for deflecting the endless transport element,and at least the bearing unit for pivoting or tilting the guide unit together with the transport unit relative to the frame unit about a movement axis of the guide unit running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface.

[0004] It is proposed that the guide unit has at least one further guide element for deflecting an endless further transport element of the production plant, in particular an endless further conveyor belt of the production plant, wherein at least one deflection region of the further transport element is arranged on the guide unit, wherein a further region of the further transport element is mounted on the further guide unit, wherein the further guide element is mounted pivotably or tiltably relative to the frame unit by means of the bearing unit together with the guide element and with the transport unit, while the further region of the endless further transport element remains unpivoted or untilted. Preferably, the further guide element is arranged on the guide unit at a distance relative to the transport element and the guide element.Preferably, the further guide element is arranged on the guide unit without contact with the transport element. The further guide element is in particular free from direct contact with the transport element. It is conceivable for the guide unit to have a plurality of guide elements and / or a plurality of further guide elements which can be arranged so as to be evenly distributed over a maximum width of the guide unit. For example, a plurality of guide elements can be arranged so as to be evenly distributed over a maximum width of the guide unit and / or a plurality of further guide elements can be arranged so as to be evenly distributed over a maximum width of the guide unit. For example, a plurality of guide elements is arranged in a row along a direction running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a main transport direction of the transport unit.For example, a plurality of additional guide elements are arranged in a row along the direction running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main transport direction of the transport unit. The term "substantially perpendicular" is intended here to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The direction running at least substantially perpendicularly to the main transport direction of the transport unit preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the product support surface and / or the movement axis."Substantially parallel" is understood here to mean, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. It is also conceivable for the guide unit to have a single guide element and / or a single further guide element, which extend / extends at least substantially completely across the maximum width of the guide unit, in particular along the direction running at least substantially perpendicular to the main transport direction. The guide element and / or the further guide element are / are preferably designed as deflection roller(s), as guide roller(s), or the like. The guide element and / or the further guide element are / are preferably mounted so as to be movable, in particular rotatable.

[0005] The guide unit preferably has at least two side parts, between which the guide element(s) and / or the further guide element(s) are arranged. Preferably, the guide element(s) and / or the further guide element(s) are arranged, in particular directly, on the side parts, in particular rotatably mounted thereon. The side parts of the guide unit are preferably pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit by means of the bearing unit. The side parts are preferably provided for arranging and / or supporting components of the guide unit. The side parts are in particular designed as sheet metal parts that laterally delimit the guide unit. "Provided" is to be understood in particular as specially designed, specially configured, and / or specially equipped.The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfils and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0006] The transport element is preferably designed as an endless conveyor belt. The transport element is preferably arranged on the guide unit so that it can be driven in a rotating manner. The guide unit is preferably provided for movable mounting of the transport element. The transport element is preferably designed as a conveyor belt integrated into the conveying device, which is designed separately from further conveyor belts of a main transport unit of a production plant comprising the conveying device. The further transport element is preferably part of the main transport unit of the production plant comprising the conveying device. The further transport element is designed in particular as an endless conveyor belt. The further transport element is preferably driven in a rotating manner. At least one deflection region of the further transport element is preferably arranged on the guide unit.The deflection region of the further transport element is preferably formed by a region of the further transport element in which the further transport element can be deflected by means of the further guide element in such a way that the further transport element can be deflected by an angle of more than 90°, in particular is deflected, and preferably experiences a change of direction with respect to the main transport direction, in particular is moved counter to the main transport direction after deflection. A further region of the further transport element is arranged, in particular mounted, on a further guide unit of the production system comprising the conveyor device. The deflection region of the further transport element is preferably pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the guide unit and the transport unit by means of the bearing unit relative to the frame unit, while the further region of the further transport element remains unpivoted or untilted.The further region of the further transport element preferably forms a large part of the further transport element, in particular more than 50%, preferably more than 70%, and particularly preferably more than 80% of a maximum longitudinal extent of the further transport element when the further transport element is arranged on the further guide unit. The guide unit of the conveyor device is preferably pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the transport unit of the conveyor device by means of the bearing unit relative to the further guide unit of the production system, in particular about the movement axis of the guide unit running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface.

[0007] The movement axis of the guide unit is preferably defined by a, in particular physical, bearing axis, a bearing pin, a bearing shaft, a bearing bush, or the like of the bearing unit. In particular, the bearing axis, the bearing pin, the bearing shaft, the bearing bush, or the like is arranged on the side parts of the guide unit, in particular fastened thereto. The bearing unit preferably interacts with a counterpart of the production system, which is arranged on the further guide unit of the production system, in particular fastened thereto, and which is designed to correspond to the bearing axis, the bearing pin, the bearing shaft, the bearing bush, or the like, in particular to realize a movable mounting of the conveyor device on the further guide unit of the production system.The movement axis of the guide unit is preferably arranged at one end of the guide unit, in particular of the side parts, which is remote from another end of the guide unit, in particular of the side parts, at which the transport element is deflected at an end region remote from the other transport element. The movement axis of the guide unit preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the product support surface.

[0008] The product support surface is preferably a surface of the transport element which extends, in particular continuously flat, between two deflection regions of the transport element. The product support surface is preferably arranged on a side of the transport element facing away from the guide unit. The product support surface preferably forms an upper side of the transport element, in particular a part of an upper side of the conveying device. An angle of inclination which the product support surface encloses with a horizontal plane can advantageously be varied as a result of a pivotable or tiltable mounting of the guide unit together with the transport unit by means of the bearing unit. The angle of inclination can preferably be varied from 0°, in particular from a horizontal orientation of the product support surface, up to in particular a maximum of 60°, preferably a maximum of 45° and very preferably a maximum of 20°.

[0009] The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve a compact switch in the field of conveyor technology, in particular product handling, in particular for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer stores and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels. A switch with a small maximum overall longitudinal extent can advantageously be realized. Low loading of the transport element during a pivoting or tilting movement can advantageously be enabled, in particular because the entire transport element can be pivoted or tilted together with the guide unit assigned to the transport element. As a result of the partial co-movement of the further transport element, in particular the deflection area of ​​the further transport element, a product-friendly transition between the transport element and the further transport element can advantageously be realized.It is advantageous to pick up products from a buffer storage unit in a short time and then transfer the products to an order conveyor belt, particularly since the compact design of the conveyor device allows for rapid pivoting or tilting movements.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that a maximum longitudinal extent of a transport section of the transport element, which is pivotable or tiltable by means of the bearing unit, extending at least substantially parallel to a main transport direction of the transport unit, in particular the one already mentioned, in particular along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the product support surface, is less than 750 mm. The maximum longitudinal extent of the transport section of the transport element is in particular less than 700 mm,preferably less than 600 mm and particularly preferably less than 500 mm. Most preferably, the maximum longitudinal extent of the transport section of the transport element has a value from a value range of 350 mm to 450 mm. The transport section of the transport element preferably forms the product support surface. The product support surface is preferably defined by the maximum longitudinal extent of the transport section and by a maximum transverse extent, in particular a maximum width, of the transport section. The maximum transverse extent, in particular the maximum width, of the transport section extends at least substantially perpendicular to the main transport direction and / or at least substantially parallel to the movement axis. It is conceivable that the conveying device for the solution according to the invention is designed in an alternative embodiment such that the guide unit, independent of the further guide element, leads to a guide,in particular for a deflection of the endless further transport element. Preferably, in the alternative embodiment, in particular in the embodiment of the guide unit designed independently of the further guide element, the conveying device comprises at least one transport unit comprising at least one endless transport element, in particular an endless conveyor belt, which has a product support surface for receiving products to be conveyed, at least one guide unit for guiding the transport element, which has at least one, in particular movably mounted, guide element, in particular a guide roller, and at least one bearing unit for pivotably or tiltably mounting the guide unit together with the transport unit relative to a frame unit of a production plant, in particular about a movement axis of the guide unit running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface,wherein a maximum longitudinal extent of a transport section of the transport element, which is pivotable or tiltable by means of the bearing unit, extending at least substantially parallel to a main transport direction of the transport unit, in particular along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the product support surface, is less than 750 mm. The inventive design advantageously allows a compact switch to be achieved in the field of conveyor technology, in particular product handling, in particular for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer storage units and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels. A switch with a small maximum overall longitudinal extent can advantageously be realized. A low load on the transport element during a pivoting or tilting movement can advantageously be enabled.Particularly since the entire transport element, together with the guide unit associated with the transport element, is pivotable or tiltable. The entire product support surface of the transport element can advantageously be pivoted or tilted, particularly to enable advantageous transfer or pick-up of products to or from buffer storage units and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels.

[0011] It is further proposed that the at least one further guide element is arranged in a vicinity of an end of the guide unit at which the movement axis of the guide unit is arranged. The vicinity of the guide unit preferably extends from the end of the guide unit to a maximum of a center of the guide unit, in particular viewed along the main transport direction. The center of the guide unit is preferably at a maximum distance from the end of the guide unit along the main transport direction that corresponds to 50% of a maximum longitudinal extent of the guide unit. The center of the guide unit is preferably at a maximum distance from the further end of the guide unit along the main transport direction that corresponds to 50% of a maximum longitudinal extent of the guide unit. In particular, the center of the guide unit is equidistant from the end and from the further end of the guide unit.The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve a particularly compact design of the conveying device with a space-saving arrangement of the additional guide element. Advantageously, low loading of the additional transport element during a pivoting or tilting movement of the guide unit can be achieved, in particular since the additional transport element extends into the guide unit only with the deflection region. Advantageously, a compact switch can be achieved in the field of conveying technology, in particular product handling, in particular for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer storage devices and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels. Advantageously, a switch with a small maximum overall longitudinal extent can be realized.

[0012] It is further proposed that the at least one further guide element is arranged at a distance relative to the movement axis of the guide unit and has a maximum distance from the movement axis, in particular along a direction running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface, which maximum distance is less than 400 mm. The maximum distance of the further guide element relative to the movement axis along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface is in particular less than 350 mm, preferably less than 300 mm and particularly preferably less than 280 mm. Very particularly preferably, the maximum distance of the further guide element relative to the movement axis along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface has a value between 250 mm and 320 mm.Preferably, the maximum distance of the further guide element from the movement axis is defined by a distance between the movement axis and a rotation axis of the further guide element along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface. However, it is also conceivable that the maximum distance of the further guide element from the movement axis is defined by a distance between the movement axis and an outer surface of the further guide element, in particular facing away from the movement axis, along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface. The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve a slight inclination of the further transport element and thus a low tensile load in the further transport element during a pivoting movement or a tilting movement of the guide unit.A particularly compact design of the conveying device with a space-saving arrangement of the additional guide element can advantageously be achieved. Low loading of the additional transport element during a pivoting or tilting movement of the guide unit can advantageously be achieved, in particular since the additional transport element extends into the guide unit only with the deflection area. A compact switch can advantageously be achieved in the field of conveyor technology, in particular product handling, in particular for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer storage devices and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels. A switch with a small maximum overall longitudinal extent can advantageously be realized.

[0013] It is further proposed that the conveying device comprises at least one drive unit, in particular an electric motor unit, which comprises at least one drive element, in particular a drive roller, for a, in particular rotating, drive of the transport element relative to, in particular around, the guide unit, wherein at least the drive element is arranged on the guide unit and is pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit by means of the bearing unit together with the guide unit and the transport unit. The drive element can be driven directly by a motor, in particular by an electric motor, of the drive unit or the drive element can be driven indirectly, for example via a belt or chain drive of the drive unit. The drive element is preferably designed as a drive roller.In particular, the drive element is arranged between the side parts of the guide unit, preferably rotatably mounted on at least one of the side parts. The drive unit is preferably provided for driving the transport element in two opposite directions, in particular directions running at least substantially parallel to the main transport direction. The transport element can preferably be driven by the drive unit in a direction opposite to the other transport element, for example, to feed the products to a buffer storage unit or to feed products to a discharge conveyor belt, preferably depending on a pivoting or tilting position of the conveying device.Preferably, the transport element can be driven by means of the drive unit in a direction facing the further transport element, for example in order to receive the products from the buffer storage, in particular depending on a pivoting or tilting position of the conveying device. To control the drive unit, the conveying device or the production system comprising the conveying device comprises at least one control or regulating unit, in particular one already known to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the conveying device comprises at least one tensioning unit which is provided for tensioning the transport element. The tensioning unit preferably has at least one tensioning element, in particular a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The tensioning element is preferably provided to act on a tensioning roller of the tensioning unit, in particular to adjust a tension of the transport element.The tensioning element is preferably arranged on the guide unit, in particular fastened thereto and / or mounted thereon. The tensioning roller is preferably mounted on the guide unit. The tensioning unit is preferably arranged as a whole on the guide unit and is mounted by means of the bearing unit together with the guide unit and the transport unit so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted or tilted, relative to the frame unit. The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve a reliable drive of the transport element. Advantageously, a direct drive of the transport element on the moving guide unit can be realized, whereby low loads on the transport element can be realized, in particular since the tension of the transport element remains largely constant during a movement of the guide unit.A compact switch can advantageously be achieved in the field of conveyor technology, especially product handling, especially for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer storage units and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels. A switch with a small maximum overall length can advantageously be realized.

[0014] It is also proposed that the conveying device comprise at least one drive unit, in particular the one already mentioned above, in particular an electric motor unit, which is arranged entirely on the guide unit and is pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit by means of the bearing unit together with the guide unit and the transport unit. The drive unit preferably comprises at least the drive element and at least the motor. It is conceivable that the drive unit comprise further elements, such as a gear, a belt or a chain, or other elements that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, all of which are arranged on the guide unit, in particular fastened thereto and / or mounted thereon. The motor of the drive unit is preferably arranged on at least one of the side parts of the guide unit, in particular fastened thereto.The drive unit can be arranged partially on an outer side of the guide unit, partially on an inner side, or entirely on an inner side of the guide unit. Preferably, the drive unit is arranged as a whole on the guide unit and is mounted by means of the bearing unit together with the guide unit and the transport unit so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted or tilted, relative to the frame unit. The inventive design advantageously allows a large number of components to be arranged on the moving guide unit. A high level of maintenance and service convenience can be achieved, since the conveyor device is easily replaceable.Advantageously, a direct drive of the transport element on the moving guide unit can be implemented, allowing for low loads on the transport element, particularly since the tension of the transport element remains largely constant during movement of the guide unit. Advantageously, a compact switch can be achieved in the field of conveyor technology, particularly product handling, particularly for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer storage units and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels. Advantageously, a switch with a small maximum overall longitudinal extent can be implemented.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the conveying device comprise at least one alignment unit for aligning, in particular centering, the transport element relative to the guide unit, wherein the alignment unit is arranged on the guide unit and is pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit by means of the bearing unit together with the guide unit and the transport unit. The alignment unit preferably comprises at least one alignment roller. The alignment roller is preferably arranged on at least one of the side parts of the guide unit, in particular mounted thereon. The alignment unit preferably comprises at least one drive, such as a motor, in particular at least one servomotor, a hydraulic or pneumatic drive or the like, for moving the alignment roller, in particular in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art.The drive of the alignment unit is preferably arranged on at least one of the side parts of the guide unit, in particular fastened thereto. The alignment unit can preferably be controlled or regulated in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art by means of the control or regulating unit. The alignment unit can be arranged partially on an outer side of the guide unit, partially on an inner side, or completely on an inner side of the guide unit. The alignment unit is preferably arranged as a whole on the guide unit and is mounted by means of the bearing unit together with the guide unit and the transport unit so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted or tilted, relative to the frame unit. The alignment unit is preferably provided for a so-called conveyor belt or belt control.The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to reliably ensure the correct alignment of the transport element, in particular even during a pivoting or tilting movement of the guide unit. Wear of the transport element due to incorrect alignment can advantageously be counteracted. A large number of components can advantageously be arranged on the moving guide unit. A high level of maintenance and servicing convenience can advantageously be achieved because the conveying device is easily replaceable. A compact switch can advantageously be achieved in the field of conveying technology, in particular product handling, in particular for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer storage devices and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels. A switch with a small maximum overall longitudinal extent can advantageously be realized.

[0016] It is further proposed that the conveying device comprise at least one stripping unit for stripping residues from the transport element of conveyed products, wherein the stripping unit is arranged on the guide unit and is pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit by means of the bearing unit together with the guide unit and the transport unit. The stripping unit comprises at least one stripping element, in particular a scraper, which is provided for stripping residues from the transport element of conveyed products. The stripping element is preferably in, in particular permanent, contact with the transport element. The stripping element preferably bears against the transport element in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, in particular during a circumferential movement of the transport element.The stripping unit is preferably arranged as a whole on the guide unit and is mounted by means of the bearing unit together with the guide unit and the transport unit so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted or tilted, relative to the frame unit. The design according to the invention advantageously enables reliable cleaning of the transport element. A large number of components can advantageously be arranged on the moving guide unit. A high level of maintenance and servicing convenience can advantageously be achieved because the conveying device is easily replaceable. A compact switch can advantageously be achieved in the field of conveying technology, in particular product handling, in particular for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer stores and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels.It is advantageous to realize a switch with a small maximum total longitudinal extension.

[0017] Preferably, the guide unit, together with the transport unit, is pivotably or tiltably mounted by means of the bearing unit about a movement axis of the guide unit that runs at least substantially parallel to a standing surface of the frame unit. The standing surface of the frame unit is preferably formed by one or more surfaces of one or more feet of the frame unit. The frame unit is preferably in contact, in particular direct contact, with a base on which the production plant is arranged by means of the standing surface. The design according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve a production plant with a compact switch in the field of conveyor technology, in particular product handling, in particular for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer stores and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels.A switch with a small maximum total length can advantageously be realized. This can advantageously enable low loading of the transport element during a pivoting or tilting movement, particularly since the entire transport element can be pivoted or tilted together with the guide unit assigned to the transport element. Due to the partial co-movement of the additional transport element, in particular the deflection area of ​​the additional transport element, a product-friendly transition between the transport element and the further transport element can advantageously be realized.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for conveying products, in particular packaged and / or unpackaged foodstuffs, by means of the conveying device of the production plant. It is proposed that at least the guide element of the guide unit of the conveying device, together with the transport element of the transport unit of the conveying device, is pivoted or tilted relative to the frame unit of the production plant about the movement axis of the guide unit running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface, wherein the guide unit has at least the further guide element for deflecting the endless further transport element, wherein the further guide element, together with the guide element and with the

[0019] Transport unit is pivoted or tilted relative to the frame unit, wherein a deflection region of the further transport element together with the guide unit and the transport unit is pivoted or tilted relative to the frame unit by means of the bearing unit, while a further region of the further transport element remains unswivelled or untilted. Preferably, the products are transferred to the transport element by means of the main transport unit, in particular by means of the further transport element. The further transport element and the transport element are preferably driven in the same direction, in particular in the direction facing the discharge conveyor belt. The products are preferably transferred to the discharge conveyor belt by means of the transport element, in particular in order to discharge the products. Preferably, the conveying device, in particular the product support surface, is inclined relative to the horizontal plane for discharging the products.If it is not possible to discharge the products due to a product jam or a malfunction on the discharge conveyor belt, the conveyor device is pivoted or tilted about the movement axis of the guide unit, starting from the orientation of the conveyor device, in particular the product support surface, inclined to the horizontal plane, in order to align the conveyor device, in particular the product support surface, parallel to the horizontal plane. The products can be fed to the buffer storage by means of the transport element when the conveyor device, in particular the product support surface, is aligned parallel to the horizontal plane, wherein the transport element and the further transport element are driven in the same direction, in particular in the direction facing the buffer storage.The products are transferred from the main transport unit, in particular from the additional transport element, to the transport element in the orientation of the conveying device, in particular the product support surface, parallel to the horizontal plane. The transport element, in particular the additional transport element, and the buffer storage are preferably driven in the same direction.

[0020] If the product jam or malfunction has been resolved, refeeding preferably takes place - i.e., products are picked up again from the buffer storage and then transferred to the discharge conveyor belt. During refeeding, products arranged on the buffer storage are preferably transferred to the conveying device, in particular to the transport element, wherein the buffer storage is driven in a direction facing the transport element and the transport element is driven in a direction facing the other transport element. During refeeding, the transport element and the buffer storage are preferably moved in an opposite direction to the direction of movement of the transport element and the buffer storage that occurs when the buffer storage is being loaded.When the products are transferred from the buffer storage to the transport element, the buffer storage and the transport element are preferably moved in the opposite direction, oriented towards the further transport element. The further transport element can continue to be driven in the direction of the transport element during refeeding until products conveyed by the further transport element reach a proximity of the conveying device. Movement of the further transport element is preferably stopped as soon as the products conveyed by the further transport element during refeeding reach a proximity of the conveying device. A monitoring device, such as a light barrier, a camera or the like, can be provided.be provided which monitors an area between the conveying device and the further transport element in order to stop a movement of the further transport element during refeeding. After the products have been transferred from the buffer storage to the transport element during refeeding, a pivoting or tilting movement of the conveying device, in particular of the transport element, takes place about the movement axis of the guide unit in order to realign the conveying device, in particular the product support surface, inclined to the horizontal plane. The deflection region of the further transport element is preferably pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the guide unit and the transport unit by means of the bearing unit relative to the frame unit, while the further region of the further transport element remains unswivelled or untilted.As soon as the pivoting or tilting movement of the conveying device, in particular of the transport element, has ended, the transport element is driven in the direction facing the order conveyor belt and the products are transferred from the transport element to the order conveyor belt. The further transport element is preferably driven again in the direction facing the transport element in order to transfer the products to the transport element, which in turn transfers the products to the order conveyor belt. Advantageously, a running direction of the transport element can be changed so that the transport element and the further transport element can be moved in opposite running directions. Further steps of the method according to the invention can preferably be read off from the method analogously to the description of an embodiment and / or a mode of operation of the conveying device and / or the production plant.The inventive design enables an advantageous method for transferring or receiving products to or from buffer storage units and / or discharge conveyor belts arranged vertically at different levels, which advantageously enables material- and product-friendly operation. It can advantageously enable low loading of the transport element during a pivoting or tilting movement, particularly since the entire transport element can be pivoted or tilted together with the guide unit assigned to the transport element.

[0021] The production plant according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the production plant according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. Drawings

[0022] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations. They show:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a partial view of a production plant according to the invention with a frame unit and with a conveying device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the conveying device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 3 shows a further detailed view of the conveying device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the conveying device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 5 shows a schematic process sequence of a method according to the invention for conveying products by means of the conveying device according to the invention, Fig. 6a shows a detailed view of the production plant according to the invention in a discharge operation in which products are fed to a discharge conveyor belt, in a schematic representation, Fig.Fig. 6b shows a detailed view of the production plant according to the invention in a buffer operation, in which a buffer storage is filled with products, in a schematic representation, Fig. 6c shows a detailed view of the production plant according to the invention in a refeed operation, in which the products are removed from the buffer storage and fed back to the discharge conveyor belt, and Fig. 6d shows a detailed view of the production plant according to the invention in the discharge operation after a refeed operation in a schematic representation. Description of the embodiment

[0024] Figure 1shows a production plant 28, which is designed, for example, as a food packaging plant and / or as a food production plant. The production plant 28 comprises at least one conveyor device 10 for conveying products 12, in particular packaged and / or unpackaged food products, and at least one frame unit 26, to which at least one guide unit 20 of the conveyor device 10 is connected together with a transport unit 14 of the conveyor device 10 by means of a storage unit 24 (cf. Figures 2 to 4 ) of the conveying device 10 is pivotably or tiltably mounted, in particular about a movement axis 30 running at least substantially parallel to a standing surface of the frame unit 26 (cf. Figures 2 to 4 ) of the command unit 20.

[0025] The production plant 28 preferably comprises a main transport unit 58, by means of which products 12, which are manufactured, for example, by means of a manufacturing unit (not shown in detail here) of the production plant 28, can be conveyed to further units, such as packaging and / or sorting units (not shown in detail here) of the production plant 28, in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. The main transport unit 58 preferably comprises a buffer storage 60, which is provided for temporarily storing products 12 for further transport. Furthermore, the main transport unit 58 comprises at least one discharge conveyor belt 62, by means of which products 12 can be discharged, in particular can be fed to further units of the production plant 28.The conveying device 10 is preferably integrated into the main transport unit 58 or at least arranged thereon, in particular in the region of the buffer storage 60 and / or the discharge conveyor belt 62.

[0026] Figure 2shows a detailed view of the conveying device 10. The conveying device 10 for conveying products 12, in particular packaged and / or unpackaged foodstuffs, comprises at least the transport unit 14, which comprises at least one endless transport element 16, in particular an endless conveyor belt, which has a product support surface 18 for receiving products 12 to be conveyed, at least the guide unit 20 for guiding the transport element 16, which has at least one, in particular movably mounted, guide element 22, in particular a guide roller, and at least the bearing unit 24 for pivotably or tiltably mounting the guide unit 20 together with the transport unit 14 relative to the frame unit 26 of the production system 28, in particular about the movement axis 30 of the guide unit 20, which runs at least substantially parallel to the product support surface 18.The guide unit 20 preferably has at least two side parts 68, 70, at the end 44 of which the bearing unit 24 is arranged. The movement axis 30 of the guide unit 20 is preferably defined by a, in particular physical, bearing axis, a bearing pin, a bearing shaft, a bearing bush, or the like of the bearing unit 24. In the embodiment shown in the . Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the movement axis 30 of the guide unit 20 is defined by two bearing bushes 64, 66 (cf. Figures 2 and 3 ). The bearing bushes 64, 66 are arranged on two opposite sides of the guide unit 20 (cf. Figures 2 and 3). In particular, a bearing bushing 64, 66 is provided for each side part 68, 70. The bearing bushings 64, 66 are provided for interaction with bearing pins (not shown in detail here) of the main transport unit 58 or the frame unit 26, which are arranged on the frame unit 26 or on the main transport unit 58. The bearing pins preferably engage in the bearing bushings 64, 66 in order to mount the guide unit 20, in particular the entire conveyor device 10, relative to the frame unit 26, so that it can be pivoted or tilted about the movement axis 30. However, it is also conceivable for the bearing unit 24 to have a different design that would appear expedient to a person skilled in the art, by means of which the guide unit 20 is mounted so that it can be pivoted or tilted about the movement axis 30.

[0027] The guide unit 20 comprises at least one further guide element 32 for guiding, in particular for deflecting, an endless further transport element 34 (cf. Figure 1), in particular the main transport unit 58, wherein the further guide element 32 is pivotably or tiltably mounted by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide element 22 for guiding the transport element 16 and with the transport unit 14 relative to the frame unit 26. The further transport element 34 is preferably part of the main transport unit 58 of the production system 28 comprising the conveyor device 10. The further transport element 34 is designed in particular as an endless conveyor belt. Preferably, the further transport element 34 can be driven in a rotating manner. Preferably, at least one deflection region of the further transport element 34 is arranged on the guide unit 20.The deflection region of the further transport element 34 is preferably formed by a region of the further transport element 34 in which the further transport element 34 can be deflected by means of the further guide element 32 in such a way that the further transport element 34 can be deflected, in particular is deflected, by an angle of more than 90° and preferably undergoes a change of direction with respect to a main transport direction 36, in particular, after deflection, is moved counter to the main transport direction 36. A further region of the further transport element 34 is arranged, in particular mounted, on a further guide unit (not shown in detail here) of the production system 28 comprising the conveyor device 10. The further guide unit is preferably part of the main transport unit 58 or the frame unit 26.The deflection region of the further transport element 34 is pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14 by means of the bearing unit 24 relative to the frame unit 26, while the further region of the further transport element 34 remains unswivelled or untilted.

[0028] The guide unit 20 preferably comprises a plurality of guide elements 22 and / or a plurality of further guide elements 32, which can be arranged uniformly distributed over a maximum width of the guide unit 20. For example, a plurality of guide elements 22 can be arranged uniformly distributed over a maximum width of the guide unit 20 and / or a plurality of further guide elements 32 can be arranged uniformly distributed over a maximum width of the guide unit 20 (cf. Figures 2 and 3). For example, a plurality of guide elements 22 are arranged in a row along a direction running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a main transport direction 36 of the transport unit 14. For example, a plurality of further guide elements 32 are arranged in a row along the direction running transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main transport direction 36 of the transport unit 14. The guide element(s) 22 and / or the further guide element(s) 32 are / are preferably arranged between the side parts 68, 70. The side parts 68, 70 of the guide unit 20 are preferably pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit 26 by means of the bearing unit 24. The side parts 68, 70 are preferably provided for arranging and / or supporting components of the guide unit 20. The side parts 68, 70 are in particular designed as sheet metal parts that laterally delimit the guide unit 20.

[0029] The at least one further guide element 32 is arranged in a near region 42 of the end 44 of the guide unit 20, at which the movement axis 30 of the guide unit 20 is arranged. The at least one further guide element 32 is arranged at a distance relative to the movement axis 30 of the guide unit 20 and has a maximum distance 46 (cf. Figure 4) to the movement axis 30, which is less than 400 mm. The maximum distance 46 of the further guide element 32 relative to the movement axis 30 along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface 18 is in particular less than 350 mm, preferably less than 300 mm, and particularly preferably less than 280 mm. Very particularly preferably, the maximum distance 46 of the further guide element 32 relative to the movement axis 30 along the direction running at least substantially parallel to the product support surface 18 has a value between 250 mm and 320 mm.

[0030] The guide unit 20 further comprises, in particular, at least one piece goods track 76, which is arranged between the side parts 68, 70 and is intended to support the transport element 16, in particular to counteract sagging of the transport element 16 under high load due to a large mass of the products 12. The piece goods track 76 is made of a hollow chamber profile (cf. Figure 4). The guide element(s) 22 is / are preferably rotatably mounted on the piece goods track 76. The guide unit 20 has at least one additional guide element 78 which is rotatably mounted on the piece goods track 76 and is provided for guiding the transport element 16. The guide unit 20 preferably comprises a plurality of additional guide elements 78 which are designed analogously to the guide element 22 and / or are arranged on the guide unit 20. The guide element(s) 22 is / are, viewed along the main transport direction 36, preferably arranged on a side of the piece goods track 76 which faces away from another side of the piece goods track 76 on which the additional guide element(s) 78 is / are arranged on the piece goods track 76. The product support surface 18 of the transport element 16 is arranged in particular in the region of the piece goods track 76.

[0031] Preferably, the transport element 16 has a transport section 40 (cf. Figure 4) which can be pivoted or tilted by means of the bearing unit 24 and which has a maximum longitudinal extent 38 which runs at least substantially parallel to the main transport direction 36 of the transport unit 14, in particular along a direction which runs at least substantially parallel to the product support surface 18, and which is less than 750 mm. The maximum longitudinal extent 38 of the transport section 40 of the transport element 16 is in particular less than 700 mm, preferably less than 600 mm, and particularly preferably less than 500 mm. Very particularly preferably, the maximum longitudinal extent 38 of the transport section 40 of the transport element 16 has a value from a range of values ​​from 350 mm to 450 mm. The transport section 40 of the transport element 16 preferably forms the product support surface 18.The product support surface 18 is preferably defined by the maximum longitudinal extent 38 of the transport section 40 and by a maximum transverse extent, in particular a maximum width, of the transport section 40.

[0032] The conveying device 10 comprises at least one drive unit 48, in particular an electric motor unit, which comprises at least one drive element 50, in particular a drive roller, for a, in particular rotating, drive of the transport element 16 relative to, in particular around, the guide unit 20, wherein at least the drive element 50 is arranged on the guide unit 20 and is pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit 26 by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14. The drive element 50 can be driven directly by a motor 80, in particular by an electric motor, of the drive unit 48, or the drive element 50 can be driven indirectly, for example via a belt or chain drive of the drive unit 48. The drive element 50 is preferably designed as a drive roller.In particular, the drive element 50 is arranged between the side parts 68, 70 of the guide unit 20, preferably rotatably mounted on at least one of the side parts 68, 70.

[0033] The conveying device 10 comprises at least the drive unit 48, which is arranged entirely on the guide unit 20 and is pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit 26 by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14. Preferably, the motor 80 of the drive unit 48 is arranged on at least one of the side parts 68, 70 of the guide unit 20, in particular fastened thereto. The drive unit 48 can be arranged partially on an outer side of the guide unit 20, partially on an inner side, or completely on an inner side of the guide unit 20. Preferably, the drive unit 48 is arranged as a whole on the guide unit 20 and is mounted movable, in particular pivotably or tiltably, relative to the frame unit 26 by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14.

[0034] The conveying device 10 comprises at least one alignment unit 52 (cf. Figures 3 and 4 ) for aligning, in particular centering, the transport element 16 relative to the guide unit 20, wherein the alignment unit 52 is arranged on the guide unit 20 and is pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit 26 by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14. The alignment unit 52 preferably comprises at least one alignment roller 82 (cf. Figure 4 ). The alignment roller 82 is preferably arranged on at least one of the side parts 68, 70 of the guide unit 20, in particular mounted thereon. The alignment unit 52 preferably comprises at least one drive 84 (cf. Figure 3), such as a motor, in particular at least one servomotor, a hydraulic or pneumatic drive or the like, to move the alignment roller 82, in particular in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. The drive 84 is preferably designed as a linear drive. The drive 84 of the alignment unit 52 is preferably arranged on at least one of the side parts 68, 70 of the guide unit 20, in particular fastened thereto. The alignment unit 52 can preferably be controlled or regulated in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art by means of the control or regulating unit. The alignment unit 52 can be arranged partially on an outer side of the guide unit 20, partially on an inner side or completely on an inner side of the guide unit 20.Preferably, the alignment unit 52 is arranged as a whole on the guide unit 20 and is mounted by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14 so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted or tilted, relative to the frame unit 26.

[0035] Furthermore, the conveying device 10 comprises at least one tensioning unit 98, which is provided for tensioning the transport element 16. The tensioning unit 98 preferably has at least one tensioning element 100, in particular a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The tensioning element 100 is preferably provided to act on a tensioning roller 102 of the tensioning unit 98, in particular to adjust the tension of the transport element 16. The tensioning element 100 is preferably arranged on the guide unit 20, in particular fastened thereto and / or mounted thereon. The tensioning roller 102 is preferably mounted on the guide unit 20. The tensioning roller 102 is preferably formed by the alignment roller 82. However, it is also conceivable for the tensioning roller 102 to be formed separately from the alignment roller 82 and additionally arranged on the guide unit 20.Preferably, the clamping unit 98 is arranged as a whole on the guide unit 20 and is mounted by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14 so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted or tilted, relative to the frame unit 26.

[0036] Furthermore, the conveying device 10 comprises at least one stripping unit 54 (cf. Figure 4) for stripping residues on the transport element 16 from conveyed products 12, wherein the stripping unit 54 is arranged on the guide unit 20 and is pivotably or tiltably mounted relative to the frame unit 26 by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14. The stripping unit 54 comprises at least one stripping element 86, in particular a scraper, which is intended to strip residues on the transport element 16 from conveyed products 12. The stripping element 86 is preferably in, in particular permanent, contact with the transport element 16. The stripping element 86 preferably bears against the transport element 16 in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art, in particular during a circumferential movement of the transport element 16.Preferably, the stripping unit 54 is arranged as a whole on the guide unit 20 and is mounted by means of the bearing unit 24 together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14 so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted or tilted, relative to the frame unit 26.

[0037] The conveyor device 10 or the production plant 28 comprises at least one switch drive unit 72 (cf. Figure 1 ) to drive a pivoting movement or a tilting movement of the guide unit 20, in particular of the conveyor device 10. The switch drive unit 72 preferably comprises a drive (not shown in detail here), which can be designed, for example, as an electric motor, as a pneumatic or hydraulic drive, or as another drive that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the switch drive unit 72 has at least one coupling member 74 ( Figure 1), by means of which the drive is drive-connected to the guide unit 20, in particular the conveyor device 10. The coupling member 74 is preferably designed as a coupling rod, in particular as an articulated drawbar or the like, which is connected to the drive via an eccentric element (not shown in detail here) of the switch drive unit 72. However, it is also conceivable for the coupling member 74 to be connected to the drive by means of another gear element that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, in particular in order to transmit a drive force of the drive and to move the coupling member 74, which in turn moves the guide unit 20, in particular the conveyor device 10, about the movement axis 30.To control the switch drive unit 72, the conveyor device 10 or the production plant 28 comprising the conveyor device 10 comprises at least one control or regulating unit (not shown in detail here), in particular one already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0038] Figure 5shows a schematic sequence of a method 56 for conveying products 12, in particular packaged and / or unpackaged foodstuffs, by means of the conveying device 10. Preferably, in at least one method step 88, the products 12 are conveyed by the manufacturing unit or another unit of the production plant 28 that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art by means of the main transport unit 58, in particular by means of the further transport element 34, along the main transport direction 36. In at least one method step 90, the products 12 are transferred from the main transport unit 58, in particular by means of the further transport element 34, along the main transport direction 36 to the conveying device 10, in particular to the transport element 16.Depending on the possibility of discharge by means of the discharge conveyor belt 62, the conveying device 10 is pivoted or tilted about the movement axis 30 in at least one method step 90, in particular in order to transfer the products 12 to the discharge conveyor belt 62. If the discharge conveyor belt 62 is occupied, the products 12 are transferred to the buffer storage 60 by means of the conveying device 10, in particular by means of the transport element 16, alternatively, preferably in a method step 92, in particular free from any pivoting movement or tilting movement of the conveying device 10. If the discharge conveyor belt 62 is free again, the products 12 are picked up from the buffer storage 60 in at least one method step 94 by means of the conveying device 10, in particular by means of the transport element 16.Subsequently, in at least one method step 96, the conveying device 10 is pivoted or tilted about the movement axis 30 in order to transfer the products 12 to the discharge conveyor belt 62. During a pivoting movement or a tilting movement of the conveying device 10, at least the guide element 22 of the guide unit 20 of the conveying device 10, together with the transport element 16 of the transport unit 14 of the conveying device 10, is pivoted or tilted relative to the frame unit 26 of the production system 28, in particular about the movement axis 30 of the guide unit 20, which runs at least substantially parallel to the product support surface 18. The guide unit 20 has at least the further guide element 32 for guiding, in particular for deflecting, the endless further transport element 34, wherein the further guide element 32 is pivoted or tilted together with the guide element 22 and with the transport unit 14 relative to the frame unit 26.The method 56 may comprise alternative or additional method steps, in particular depending on an application of the method that is meaningful to a person skilled in the art.

[0039] Figures 6a to 6d show the schematic sequence of the process 56 already described above based on an assignment to the production plant 28. Figure 6a shows a discharge operation of the production plant 28, in which products 12 are fed to the discharge conveyor belt 62. Preferably, the products 12 are transferred to the transport element 16 by means of the main transport unit 58, in particular by means of the further transport element 34. The further transport element 34 and the transport element 16 are preferably driven in the same direction, in particular in the direction facing the discharge conveyor belt 62. With respect to the transport element 16, the direction in which the transport element 16 is moved is indicated by an arrow in the Figure 6aindicated (see arrow next to main transport direction 36 in Figure 6a ). The products 12 are preferably transferred to the discharge conveyor belt 62 by means of the transport element 16, in particular in order to discharge the products 12. The conveying device 10, in particular the product support surface 18, is preferably inclined relative to the horizontal plane for discharging the products 12. Should discharge of the products 12 not be possible due to a product jam or a malfunction on the discharge conveyor belt 62, the conveying device 10 is pivoted or tilted about the movement axis 30 of the guide unit 20, starting from the orientation of the conveying device 10, in particular the product support surface 18, inclined to the horizontal plane, in order to align the conveying device 10, in particular the product support surface 18, parallel to the horizontal plane (cf. Figure 6b). The products 12 can be fed to the buffer storage 60 by means of the transport element 16 in the orientation of the conveying device 10, in particular the product support surface 18, parallel to the horizontal plane, wherein the transport element 16 and the further transport element 34 are arranged in the same direction (cf. arrow next to the main transport direction 36 in Figure 6b), in particular in the direction facing the buffer storage 60. The products 12 are transferred in the orientation of the conveying device 10, in particular the product support surface 18, parallel to the horizontal plane from the main transport unit 58, in particular from the further transport element 34, to the transport element 16, which in turn transfers the products 12 to the buffer storage 60, in particular for loading the buffer storage 60. The transport element 16, the further transport element 34 and the buffer storage 60 are preferably driven in the same direction (cf. arrow next to main transport direction 36 in Figure 6b ).

[0040] Should the product jam or the malfunction have been eliminated, refeeding preferably takes place - that is, a re-pickup of products 12 from the buffer storage 60 and a subsequent transfer of the products 12 to the discharge conveyor belt 62. During refeeding, products 12 that are arranged on the buffer storage 60 are preferably transferred to the conveyor device 10, in particular to the transport element 16, wherein the buffer storage 60 is driven in a direction facing the transport element 16 and the transport element 16 is driven in a direction facing the further transport element 34 (cf. arrow next to main transport direction 36 in Figure 6c). During refeeding, the transport element 16 and the buffer storage 60 are preferably moved in an opposite direction to the direction of movement of the transport element 16 and the buffer storage 60 that occurs when the buffer storage 60 is loaded. Preferably, when the products 12 are transferred from the buffer storage 60 to the transport element 16, the buffer storage 60 and the transport element 16 are moved in the opposite direction, oriented toward the further transport element 34. The further transport element 34 can continue to be driven in the direction of the transport element 16 during refeeding until products 12 conveyed by the further transport element 34 reach a location near the conveying device 10.Preferably, a movement of the further transport element 34 is stopped as soon as the products 12, which are conveyed by means of the further transport element 34 during refeeding, come close to the conveying device 10. A monitoring device (not shown in detail here), such as a light barrier, a camera or the like, can be provided which monitors an area between the conveying device 10 and the further transport element 34 in order to stop a movement of the further transport element 34 during refeeding, in particular to prevent a collision of products 12 which are conveyed by means of the transport element 16 in the direction of the further transport element 34 on the one hand and are conveyed by means of the further transport element 34 in the direction of the transport element 16 on the other.

[0041] After the products 12 have been transferred from the buffer storage 60 to the transport element 16 during refeeding, a pivoting or tilting movement of the conveying device 10, in particular of the transport element 16, takes place about the movement axis 30 of the guide unit 20 in order to align the conveying device 10, in particular the product support surface 18, again inclined to the horizontal plane (cf. Figures 6c and 6d ). The deflection area of ​​the further transport element 34 has preferably been pivoted or tilted together with the guide unit 20 and the transport unit 14 by means of the bearing unit 24 relative to the frame unit 26, in particular inclined relative to the horizontal plane, while the further area of ​​the further transport element 34 remains unswivelled or tilted, in particular remains aligned parallel to the horizontal plane (cf. indicated fold line at reference numeral 34 in the Figure 6d). As soon as the pivoting or tilting movement of the conveyor device 10, in particular of the transport element 16, has ended (cf. Figure 6d ), the transport element 16 is driven in the direction facing the order conveyor belt 62 and the products 12 are transferred from the transport element 16 to the order conveyor belt 62. The transport element 16 is driven in a direction facing away from the further transport element 34 (see arrow next to main transport direction 36 in Figure 6d ). The further transport element 34 is preferably driven again or still in the direction facing the transport element 16 in order to transfer the products 12 to the transport element 16, which in turn transfers the products 12 to the order conveyor belt 62. Figure 6dshows the discharge operation of the production system 28, in which products 12 are fed to the discharge conveyor belt 62. The transport element 16 can be driven in two opposite directions, independent of the drive direction of the further transport element 34. The transport element 16 can be driven in the two opposite directions, independent of the drive direction of the buffer storage 60.

Claims

1. Production facility comprising at least one conveyor device, at least one frame unit (26), relative to which at least one guide unit (20) of the conveyor device is pivotably or tiltably mounted together with a transport unit (14) of the conveyor device by means of a bearing unit (24) of the conveyor device, and at least one further guide unit, the conveyor device comprising, in order to convey products (12), in particular packaged and / or unpackaged foodstuffs, at least the transport unit (14), which comprises at least one endless transport element (16), in particular an endless conveyor belt, which has a product support surface (18) for receiving products (12) to be conveyed, at least the guide unit (20) for guiding the transport element (16), which guide unit has at least one, in particular movably mounted, guide element (22), in particular a guide roller, for deflecting the endless transport element (16), and at least the bearing unit (24) for pivotably or tiltably mounting the guide unit (20) together with the transport unit (14) relative to the frame unit (26) about a movement axis (30) of the guide unit (20) which runs at least substantially in parallel with the product support surface (18), characterized in that the guide unit (20) has at least one further guide element (32) for deflecting an endless further transport element (34) of the production facility, in particular an endless further conveyor belt, at least one deflection region of the further transport element (34) being arranged on the guide unit (20), a further region of the further transport element (34) being mounted on the further guide unit, the further guide element (32) being pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the guide element (22) for guiding the transport element (16) and with the transport unit (14) relative to the frame unit (26) by means of the bearing unit (24), while the further region of the endless further transport element (34) remains unpivoted or untilted.

2. Production facility according to claim 1, characterized in that a maximum longitudinal extent (38), running at least substantially in parallel with a main transport direction (36) of the transport unit (14), in particular extending in a direction running at least substantially in parallel with the product support surface (18), of a transport portion (40) of the transport element (16), which can be pivoted or tilted by means of the bearing unit (24), is less than 750 mm.

3. Production facility according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the at least one further guide element (32) is arranged in a close region (42) of an end (44) of the guide unit (20) at which the movement axis (30) of the guide unit (20) is arranged.

4. Production facility according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one further guide element (32) is arranged at a distance relative to the movement axis (30) of the guide unit (20) and has a maximum distance (46) from the movement axis (30), in particular extending along a direction running at least substantially in parallel with the product support surface (18), that is less than 400 mm.

5. Production facility according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one drive unit (48), in particular an electric motor unit, which comprises at least one drive element (50), in particular a drive roller, for, in particular rotatably, driving the transport element (16) relative to, in particular around, the guide unit (20), at least the drive element (50) being arranged on the guide unit (20) and being pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the guide unit (20) and the transport unit (14) relative to the frame unit (26) by means of the bearing unit (24).

6. Production facility according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one drive unit (48), in particular an electric motor unit, which is arranged entirely on the guide unit (20) and is pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the guide unit (20) and the transport unit (14) relative to the frame unit (26) by means of the bearing unit (24).

7. Production facility according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one alignment unit (52) for aligning, in particular centering, the transport element (16) relative to the guide unit (20), the alignment unit (52) being arranged on the guide unit (20) and being pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the guide unit (20) and the transport unit (14) relative to the frame unit (26) by means of the bearing unit (24).

8. Production facility according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one stripping unit (54) for stripping residues on the transport element (16) from conveyed products (12), the stripping unit (54) being arranged on the guide unit (20) and being pivotably or tiltably mounted together with the guide unit (20) and the transport unit (14) relative to the frame unit (26) by means of the bearing unit (24).

9. Method for conveying products (12), in particular packaged and / or unpackaged foodstuffs, by means of the conveying device of the production facility according to any of claims 1 to 8, at least the guide element (22) of the guide unit (20) of the conveying device being pivoted or tilted together with the transport element (16) of the transport unit (14) of the conveying device relative to the frame unit (26) of the production facility about a movement axis (30) of the guide unit (20) running at least substantially in parallel with a product support surface (18), characterized in that the guide unit (20) has at least the further guide element (32) for deflecting the endless further transport element (34), the further guide element (32) being pivoted or tilted together with the guide element (22) and with the transport unit (14) relative to the frame unit (26), the deflection region of the further transport element (34) being pivoted or tilted together with the guide unit (20) and the transport unit (14) relative to the frame unit (26) by means of the bearing unit (24), while the further region of the further transport element (34) remains unpivoted or untilted.