Transfer device of a conveyor system or for a conveyor system, conveyor system, production plant and method for operating a production plant

Abstract

The invention relates to a transfer device (52) of a conveyor system or for a conveyor system (86), a conveyor system (86), a production plant (10) and a method for operating a production plant (10). The transfer device (52) can be arranged at a continuous press (14) for producing pressed boards (11), in particular material boards that consist of wood and / or other renewable agricultural products, such as chipboards, fiberboards, strawboards and shavings boards as well as plastic boards. The transfer device (52) comprises at least one bridging element (54). The at least one bridging element (54) can bridge a gap (50) between a spatially lower belt (20) of the press (14) in the area of a spatially lower discharge roller (26), which lower belt runs over said discharge roller (26) at an outlet (24) of the press (14), and a front end (48) of a conveyor belt (42) in order to transfer pressed boards (11) from the lower belt (20) to the front end (48) of the conveyor belt (42) of the conveyor system (86), which front end lies behind the discharge roller (26) in the production direction (12) of the press (14). The at least one bridging element (54) can be moved between a closed position (I) for bridging the gap (50) and a release position (II) for at least partly releasing the gap (50). The transfer device (52) has at least one actuating device (84) which is connected (1530) to the at least one bridging element (54) for moving same.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a production plant for manufacturing pressed boards, in particular material boards made of wood and / or other renewable agricultural products, according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a production plant with at least one continuously operating press for manufacturing pressed boards, in particular material boards, according to claim 14.

[0002] In commercially available production lines with continuously operating presses for manufacturing pressboards, the material to be pressed is conveyed and compressed between a lower and an upper conveyor belt of the press in a single production direction. The lower conveyor belt is redirected over a lower discharge drum at the press exit, where the pressed pressboards are discharged. A roller conveyor is located behind the press in the production direction, conveying the pressboards from the press to a diagonal saw. Fixed transition pieces are positioned between the lower conveyor belt of the press, in the area of ​​the discharge drum, and the beginning of the roller conveyor. These transition pieces transfer the pressboards from the lower conveyor belt at the press exit to the roller conveyor.

[0003] The area between the lower discharge drum and the beginning of the roller conveyor is usually covered by an extraction tunnel and therefore difficult to see and access. It can happen that, at the end of production, shorter pieces of sheet metal that have not yet reached the next transport unit remain between the lower discharge drum and the beginning of the roller conveyor, or on the roller conveyor itself. These pieces can become jammed with the beginning of the next press plate when production starts again. This can lead to a build-up of the press plate and thus to a production interruption requiring correspondingly costly maintenance work.

[0004] DE 44 39 271 A1 discloses a plant for the production of a multi-layer panel, wherein the mixture of particles containing binder is scattered into several layers, pre-compacted and then pressed into a panel under pressure and heat in a main press and cured, and wherein a movable sheet metal flap is arranged at the inlet of the main press for transferring the pressed material mat into the main press.

[0005] DE 42 34 213 A1 discloses a plant for the production of wood-based panels with a pre-press and a main press, wherein a hold-down press is arranged between the pre-press and the main press, which extends into the inlet gap of the main press and which has a hold-down plate for transferring the pressable mat onto the steel belt of the main press.

[0006] The object of the invention is to design a production plant and a method of the type mentioned above in which it can be avoided that pressed pieces made of pressed material, whose extension in the production direction is below a predetermined or predeterminable dimension, remain in the area between the exit of the press and the beginning of the conveyor belt or the conveyor belt itself.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a production plant according to claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, the gap between the press outlet and the beginning of the conveyor track can be opened in the release position of the at least one bridging element, allowing shorter press pieces to fall downwards out of the conveyor path due to gravity. This prevents the press pieces from remaining in an area where they cannot be conveyed by the lower belt of the press or the conveyor track. In the closed position, the gap can be bridged by the at least one bridging element, allowing the press plates to be transferred from the press outlet to the beginning of the conveyor track. The at least one bridging element is movable between a closed position and a release position.

[0009] The at least one bridging element is connected to at least one actuating device for movement. In this way, the at least one bridging element can be moved between the closed and released positions as needed. This allows the at least one bridging element to be actuated even in areas that are difficult to access from the outside. It is therefore unnecessary to remove components of the production plant to remove any press pieces.

[0010] The at least one actuating device can move the at least one bridging element into the closed position, particularly at the start of production. In a later operating phase, the at least one bridging element can be moved from the closed position to the released position. Specifically, the at least one bridging element can be moved into the released position as soon as a press plate currently being conveyed by the conveyor reaches the end of the conveyor or the beginning of another processing device, particularly a saw. At the end of production, shorter pieces of plate can follow the currently conveyed press plate during this operating phase. These shorter pieces can remain in the area between the press and the conveyor track or on the conveyor track itself. By releasing the gap, such shorter pieces of plate can fall downwards through the gap and out of the conveying path.Sheet metal pieces that have crossed the gap but have not yet reached the next transport device and would therefore remain on the conveyor track are transported further by the conveyor track, whose conveying elements are all driven. Overall, by means of the at least one bridging element according to the invention, production downtime caused by jammed sheet metal pieces can be reduced.

[0011] In the release position, at least one bridging element at least partially opens the gap. Advantageously, in the release position, at least one bridging element can completely open the gap. Alternatively, the gap can also be only partially opened by the at least one bridging element. The clear width of the gap determines the dimensions of the press pieces that are to fall through the gap.

[0012] The press has a lower conveyor belt that runs over a lower discharge drum at the press outlet. The lower conveyor belt is deflected over the discharge drum. On an upper section of the lower conveyor belt, the press plates are conveyed through the press and pressed accordingly.

[0013] Advantageously, the press can also have a spatially upper belt. This allows the press plates to be guided on opposite sides, particularly at the top and bottom. The material to be pressed can then be pressed against the upper side of the spatially lower belt using the lower section of the spatially upper belt.

[0014] The upper conveyor belt can advantageously be deflected over an upper discharge drum. This upper discharge drum can be positioned either directly above or diagonally above the lower discharge drum. This allows the press plates to be guided and discharged more evenly at the press exit.

[0015] Advantageously, at least one bridging element can be movably attached on the conveyor side. This allows it to be installed and, if necessary, removed together with the conveyor.

[0016] Advantageously, the transfer device can be part of a conveying system. In this way, the transfer device can be pre-assembled with the conveying system and / or positioned on the press. Alternatively, the transfer device can be a separate component that can be combined, and in particular connected, to the conveyor and / or the press.

[0017] The conveying device has at least one conveying track for conveying the press plates, in particular for further processing.

[0018] The conveying device transports the press plates to a processing device, in particular a saw, preferably a diagonal saw. In this way, press plates of the desired lengths can be manufactured using the production plant.

[0019] Advantageously, the conveyor system can include or consist of at least one roller conveyor. Roller conveyors use rollers as conveying elements. Roller conveyors allow the press plates to be transported easily, evenly, and gently in the production direction.

[0020] Advantageously, at least one of the rollers of the at least one roller conveyor can be driven. In this way, the press plates can be actively conveyed by the rollers. Preferably, several, in particular all, rollers can be driven. In this way, the press plates can be conveyed more evenly and gently. Plate pieces that have entered the roller conveyor can thus be conveyed further, e.g., to the diagonal saw or to the discharge system.

[0021] Advantageously, the rollers of the roller conveyor can be driven by at least one belt drive and / or at least one chain drive or the like. Such drives can be implemented simply, in a space-saving manner, and / or with low maintenance.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor system may include at least one other type of conveying device, in particular a conveyor belt or the like.

[0023] Advantageously, at least the transfer device, in particular a transfer module comprising at least a portion of the conveyor and the transfer device, can be arranged in a space-saving manner in the area of ​​an extraction system, especially below an extraction system. This reduces maintenance effort in the area obstructed by the extraction system.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one bridging element can have an elongated shape and be arranged with its longitudinal direction along the production direction. Due to its longitudinal extension, the at least one bridging element can bridge a correspondingly large clear width between the press outlet and the beginning of the conveyor. Because of its correspondingly smaller extension in its transverse directions, the at least one bridging element can be arranged in a space-saving manner within a space limited perpendicular to the production direction. The at least one bridging element can also be accommodated in free spaces of the conveyor.

[0025] Advantageously, at least one bridging element can be designed as a rod. Rods are significantly smaller in their transverse directions than in their longitudinal directions.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, the shape of one end of the at least one bridging element facing the discharge drum can be adapted to a radius of the lower belt above the discharge drum on the side facing the conveyor track, and thus preferably be designed as a bridging nose, which can most preferably be adapted to the belt. This allows the at least one bridging element to slide more easily along the lower belt. Optionally, the bridging nose of the at least one bridging element can be better supported by the lower belt. The bridging nose of the at least one bridging element can lie flat against the lower belt. This allows for a more uniform and even force transmission from the bridging nose when it is supported by the lower belt. The risk of damage to the belt, in particular scratches or dents, caused by the bridging nose can thus be avoided.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one bridging element, in the closed position, can engage the lower belt in the upper quarter of the circumferential side of the discharge drum, particularly in the direction of an imaginary secant to the discharge drum, and in particular, rest against the belt. In this way, the at least one bridging element can engage the belt at a slight angle. Thus, the front side of a press plate, in the production direction, can be transferred smoothly and without, or with only a slight, transition, preferably without a step, from the lower belt to the at least one bridging element. Because the at least one bridging element engages the lower belt in the upper quarter of the circumferential side of the discharge drum, it is prevented that the press plate initially moves out freely without support when exiting the lower belt.A press plate that moves out freely without support could bend or even break.

[0028] Advantageously, a bridging lug of at least one bridging element can, in the closed position, rest against the lower belt in the upper quarter of the circumferential side of the discharge drum facing the load drum. This bridging lug allows the bridging element to rest against the lower belt with minimal wear, be supported, and slide along it.

[0029] Advantageously, at least one bridging element can be attached to the lower belt in the closed position along an imaginary secant line to the discharge drum. This allows for a greater assembly tolerance, especially compared to a tangential attachment. This, in turn, reduces manufacturing, assembly, and / or maintenance costs.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one bridging element can, at least in the region of one end facing the discharge drum, have or consist of a material that is softer than the material of the lower belt. This prevents the bridging element from leaving mechanical marks, in particular scratches, grooves, or dents, on the lower belt. Such damage to the lower belt can leave disruptive marks on the press plates.

[0031] Advantageously, at least one bridging element can have or be made of wood, at least in the area of ​​its end. Suitable wood is a soft material compared to metal. Suitable wood leaves no scratch marks when sliding on metal. In this way, bridging elements made of wood can be used effectively in conjunction with lower steel bands.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one bridging element can be made entirely of the appropriate material, in particular wood. In this way, at least one bridging element can be manufactured simply as a single piece.

[0033] Alternatively, only one bridging lug of the at least one bridging element can have or consist of the corresponding material. In this way, the at least one bridging element can be manufactured in multiple parts. The bridging lug can thus be replaced more easily, particularly for maintenance purposes.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, a plurality of bridging elements can be arranged side by side, viewed transversely to the production direction. In this way, a correspondingly large area can be bridged transversely to the production direction. The press plate can thus be supported more evenly transversely to the production direction.

[0035] Advantageously, a plurality of bridging elements can be arranged next to each other in a spatially horizontal direction.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one bridging element can be moved between its closed and released positions, approximately in and against the direction of production. In this way, the at least one bridging element can be positioned in a space-saving manner within a section of the conveyor track when in the released position. To close the gap, the at least one bridging element can be moved into the released position, approximately against the direction of production.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one bridging element can be arranged, at least in the release position, at least partially adjacent to at least one conveying element of the conveyor track. In this way, free areas next to the conveying element or between adjacent conveying elements of the conveyor track can be used to accommodate at least part of the at least one bridging element, at least in the release position.

[0038] Advantageously, at least one bridging element can be arranged next to a roller or between two rollers of a conveyor designed as a roller conveyor.

[0039] Advantageously, the at least one conveying element can project beyond the at least one bridging element on the conveying side of the conveyor track, particularly in its upper dimension. In this way, the press plate, especially in the release position, can rest on the at least one conveying element without touching at least one bridging element. This prevents the press plate from rubbing against the at least one bridging element, which could lead to undesirable wear marks or scratches on the press plate.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one actuating device can comprise at least one pneumatic and / or hydraulic drive and / or at least one traction drive and / or at least one connecting element and / or at least one drive shaft. In this way, the at least one bridging element can be moved quickly and reliably, and in particular automatically, from the closed position to the released position and vice versa by means of the at least one actuating device. Advantageously, the at least one actuating device can comprise at least one pneumatic, hydraulic, or hydropneumatic drive. Such drives can be implemented simply and with minimal maintenance. They can be controlled and operated quickly and easily. Alternatively or additionally, the drive can also comprise other types of drive components, in particular electrical and / or magnetic drive components.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one actuating device can have at least one traction drive. The traction drive allows corresponding actuating forces to be transmitted directly or indirectly from a drive to the at least one bridging element.

[0042] Advantageously, at least one traction drive can be designed as a chain drive. Chain drives are robust. Especially when used with gears, chain drives can be designed to prevent slippage.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one actuating device can advantageously have at least one drive shaft. A traction drive can be deflected and / or driven via the at least one drive shaft.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one actuating device can advantageously have at least one connecting element. A drive and / or a traction element can be connected to the at least one bridging element by means of the at least one connecting element. In this way, corresponding distances between the components involved can be bridged. Furthermore, the at least one connecting element can be movably mounted. In this way, a separate mounting for the at least one bridging element can be dispensed with.

[0045] Advantageously, at least one connecting element can be designated as an elongated connecting element. The elongated connecting element can advantageously be arranged in a space-saving manner in series along the production direction with a corresponding elongated bridging element.

[0046] Advantageously, at least one connecting element can be a connecting strip.

[0047] Advantageously, at least one connecting element can be connected to the at least one bridging element by means of at least one flexible connection. In this way, the at least one bridging element can be moved relative to the at least one connecting element within the flexibility of the at least one flexible connection. This allows for better compensation of tolerances.

[0048] Advantageously, the at least one flexible connection can allow the at least one bridging element to pivot transversely to the direction of movement from the release position to the closed position, particularly in a vertical direction. In this way, the end of the at least one bridging element facing the lower discharge drum can lower itself onto the spatially lower discharge drum during the movement between the release position and the closed position, thus compensating for corresponding tolerances.

[0049] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one actuating device can have at least one control means or be controllably connected to one. In this way, the at least one actuating device can be controlled, in particular, depending on corresponding operating parameters and / or operating phases.

[0050] Advantageously, at least one actuating device can be directly or indirectly connected to at least one control device of the press and / or the conveying device and / or the production plant, in particular by means of its own control means. In this way, the at least one actuating device can be controlled depending on the operating phases of the corresponding other components of the production plant.

[0051] Advantageously, at least one control device and / or control unit of the press and / or the conveying device and / or the production plant can operate electrically and / or electronically. In this way, at least one actuating device can be controlled electrically / electronically. This also allows complex control processes to be defined and implemented.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one conveyor track and the at least one transfer device can be implemented as a module. In this way, the at least one portion of the at least one conveyor track, together with the at least one transfer device, can be prefabricated, assembled, and / or, if necessary, replaced. The module can thus be arranged directly and uniformly on the press. Such a module with at least one transfer device can be implemented as a transfer module.

[0053] The transfer module can advantageously be designed such that it can be arranged, and in particular suspended, between a further part of the conveyor track, in particular a stationary conveyor track which can be arranged stationary with respect to the press, and the press outlet. In this way, separate support means for the transfer module can be dispensed with. Such separate support means can obstruct access to the press outlet in presses known from the prior art. Furthermore, separate supports must be adapted to a foundation depending on the project. Such adaptations and obstructions can be reduced, and in particular avoided, by the invention.

[0054] Furthermore, the modular design simplifies maintenance work, in particular replacing the lower belt or similar tasks.

[0055] Advantageously, the transfer module can be held, and in particular attached, on the side of the press outlet. Specifically, the transfer module can be attached there to at least one crossbeam. Alternatively, the transfer module can also be attached on the conveyor side, particularly to supports and / or crossbeams there. In this way, the transfer module can be held securely.

[0056] Furthermore, the technical problem is solved by a method according to claim 14.

[0057] According to the invention, at least one bridging element is moved into a corresponding release position, at least during one operating phase of the press, in or after which press pieces from the material being pressed can exit the press, provided their dimensions in the production direction are below a predetermined limit. This element at least partially releases the gap. In this way, it can be prevented that any press pieces remain in the area between the press exit and the beginning of the conveyor belt and thus cause blockages. A production phase in which such press pieces can occur can be found, in particular, at the end of production. In this phase, the end of the material mat can tear into short pieces as it enters the press. These pieces can then exit the press as press pieces following a finished press plate.

[0058] Advantageously, at least one bridging element can be moved into its closed position at the start of production. This allows the finished press plate to be guided over the bridging element to the conveyor belt as it exits the press. This prevents the front edge of the press plate (in the production direction) from sagging in the gap area due to insufficient support and colliding with the beginning of the conveyor belt.

[0059] As soon as the front of the press plate rests on the conveyor track or reaches the subsequent transport device, e.g., the diagonal saw, the at least one bridging element can be moved from the closed position to its release position. During this operating phase, guiding and supporting the (endless) press plate by the at least one bridging element is not strictly necessary. If, after the press plate has left the press, workpieces subsequently exit the press, they fall downwards through the released gap.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the press can be started, at least one bridging element can be moved into the corresponding closed position by means of at least one actuating device, and as soon as the manufactured press plate has reached a predetermined point on the conveyor path, at least one bridging element can be moved into the corresponding release position by means of at least one actuating device. This ensures that, on the one hand, the press plate has passed through the gap and, on the other hand, that any subsequent press pieces are removed from the conveyor path through the gap.

[0061] Advantageously, at least one bridging element can be moved from the closed position to the release position as soon as the press plate has reached the end of the conveyor track and / or another processing device, in particular a saw.

[0062] Furthermore, the features and advantages identified in connection with the production plant and the process according to the invention and their respective advantageous embodiments apply to each other accordingly, and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with one another, potentially resulting in further advantageous effects that go beyond the sum of the individual effects.

[0063] The inventive design now makes it possible to provide a catch basket at the press outlet, which can collect the press pieces or parts that may regularly occur during start-up or shutdown processes of the production plant and which can fall through the opening.

[0064] The bridging element(s) are particularly preferably made of a heat-resistant material, especially preferably in the area of ​​the transfer nose(s).

[0065] It is particularly preferred that a heat shield or insulation is arranged between the upper and / or lower belt at the press outlet, which protects the transfer module from excessive temperature influence.

[0066] It is particularly preferred that conveying elements driving the press plate, such as driven rollers or one or more rollers, are arranged as close as possible to the press outlet, enabling the feed of short press plates. This can, under certain circumstances, influence the shortest conveyable length of the press plates in the production direction in such a way that the non-conveyable press pieces are as short as possible. These driving conveying elements are preferably also part of the transfer module.

[0067] It is conceivable that instead of many bridging elements, a single bridging element could be used, which is slidably arranged behind the press. This single element could, for example, be relatively wide, such as 80% of the usual production width of the press plate, or preferably only 25% to 60% of the specified production width. In the specific case of a single or very few bridging elements, the elongated feature may not necessarily apply, but will nevertheless realize the teaching of the invention if it bridges the gap after the press.

[0068] Specifically, it may also be provided that the bridging element(s) lift off from the lower belt or change their position in such a way that, via a quasi-forced guidance, the (endless) press plate does not reach the normally subsequent conveying elements of the subsequent production but can be treated or disposed of in another way.

[0069] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which an embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawing, the description, and the claims individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0070] They show schematically Figure 1: A longitudinal view of a section of a production plant for manufacturing press plates, with a continuously operating press and a conveying device with a conveyor belt and a transfer device for transferring press plates from the press to the roller conveyor; Figure 2: A longitudinal detail view of the production plant from the Figure 1 in the area of ​​the transfer device during an operating phase when transferring a press plate from the press to the conveyor; Figure 3 a top view of the detailed view of the production plant from the Figure 2 Figure 4 shows a longitudinal detail view of the production plant from the Figure 2 during an operating phase in which bridging elements of the transfer device are arranged in a release position to clear a gap between the press and the conveyor track; Figure 5 a top view of the detail view from the Figure 4; and Figure 6, the longitudinal detail view of the production plant from the Figure 4 during an operational phase in which a short press piece falls through the released gap.

[0071] In the figures, identical components are labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0072] In the Figure 1 is a section of a production plant 10 for the manufacture of pressed boards, for example material boards made of wood and / or other renewable agricultural products, such as chipboard, fiberboard, straw and wood chipboard as well as plastic boards, shown in a side view.

[0073] The production plant 10 comprises, in a production direction 12 viewed in series, a continuously operating press (CPS) 14, a transfer module 16 and a stationary roller conveyor 18.

[0074] The press 14 compresses the material to form continuous press plates 11 in a manner known per se. The press plates 11 are conveyed from the press 14 to the stationary roller conveyor 18 by the transfer module 16. The roller conveyor then moves the press plates 11 to a position in the Figure 1 conveyed by the diagonal saw (not shown), which divides the continuous press plate 11 into individual plates of desired lengths.

[0075] Press 14 has a lower belt 20 and an upper belt 22. Both the lower belt 20 and the upper belt 22 are designed as endless belts. They are steel belts. The lower belt 20 is deflected and driven at an inlet (not shown) of press 14 via a lower inlet drum. At the outlet 24 of press 14, the lower belt 20 is deflected via a lower outlet drum 26. Similarly, the upper belt 22 is deflected and driven at the inlet of press 14 via an upper inlet drum and at the outlet 24 of press 14 via an upper outlet drum 28.

[0076] The discharge drums 26 and 28 are each circular cylindrical drums whose axes run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the production direction 12. The axes of the discharge drums 26 and 28 typically run as shown in the Figure 1The axes of the discharge drums 26 and 28 are vertically aligned.

[0077] The material to be pressed and the resulting press plate 11 are pressed between a lower section of the upper belt 22 and an upper section of the lower belt 20 and conveyed in the production direction 12 to the exit 24. The stationary roller conveyor 18 begins at a distance 30, for example approximately 4 m, from the exit 24 of the press 14. One conveying side of the stationary roller conveyor 18, on which the press plate 11 is conveyed, runs approximately horizontally in the production direction 12. It is located at approximately the same horizontal height as the upper section of the lower belt 20. The stationary roller conveyor 18 is, for example, attached to a foundation 34 by four vertical support legs 32.

[0078] The transfer module 16 is attached to crossbeams 36 on the side of the press 14. On the side of the stationary roller conveyor 18, the transfer module 16 is also attached to corresponding crossbeams 36. The transfer module 16 is thus suspended between the press 16 and the stationary roller conveyor 18. The transfer module 16 therefore bridges the distance 30 between the press 24 and the stationary roller conveyor 18.

[0079] Furthermore, in production direction 12, behind the exit 24 of the press 14 above the transfer module 16, an extraction system 38 is arranged.

[0080] The following section describes the transfer module 16 based on the Figures 2 to 6 explained in more detail. Figures 2 to 6 Show detailed views of production plant 10 in different operating phases, in side view and in top view.

[0081] The transfer module 16 has a support frame 40, which is located in the Figures 2 to 6indicated by dashed lines, and with which the transfer module 16 is attached to the crossbeams 36.

[0082] A conveyor track 42 is formed on the support frame 40. The conveyor track 42 is located in the production direction 12, in front of the stationary roller conveyor 18.

[0083] In this embodiment, the conveyor 42 comprises a plurality of rollers as conveying elements 44. The rollers are rotatably mounted on driven shafts 46. A plurality of rollers are arranged side by side at intervals on each shaft 46. The shafts 46 extend parallel to each other and to the axes of the discharge drums 26 and 28. The shafts 46 extend perpendicular to the production direction 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the shafts 46 extend horizontally. Viewed in the production direction 12, the shafts 46 are arranged one behind the other. The first shaft 46, facing the outlet 24 of the press 14, with the corresponding conveying elements 44, forms a beginning 48 of the conveyor 42.

[0084] Waves 46 are, in a manner not of further interest here, combined with one for the sake of clarity in the Figures 2 to 4 The drive not shown can be powered.

[0085] The beginning 48 of the conveyor track 42 is spaced from the outlet 24 of the press 14 when viewed in the production direction 12, so that a corresponding gap 50 opens up there. In order to transfer the press plates 11 from outlet 24 of the press 14 across the gap 50 to the beginning 48 of the conveyor track 42, the transfer module 16 has a transfer device designated with the reference numeral 52.

[0086] The transfer device 52 comprises, for example, eight bridging elements 54. The bridging elements 54 are implemented as elongated wooden strips. The bridging elements 54 extend parallel to each other with their longitudinal directions along the production direction 12. The bridging elements 54 are arranged side by side transversely to the production direction 12, viewed here in a horizontal direction. The upper sides of the bridging elements 54, facing the conveyor side of the conveyor track 42, are at the same height.

[0087] The free ends of the bridging elements 54 are each designed as bridging lugs 56. The bridging lugs 56 face the outlet 24 of the press 14.

[0088] At their opposite ends, the bridging elements 54 are connected to a respective connecting element 58, in this embodiment designed as a connecting strip, of the transfer device 52. The connections between the bridging elements 54 and the corresponding connecting element 58 are realized with corresponding flexible connections 60.

[0089] The connecting elements 58 extend parallel to each other along the production direction 12. The connecting elements 58 are each located between two adjacent conveying elements of a shaft 46 of the conveyor track 42. The flexible connection 60 allows the bridging elements 54 to pivot slightly transversely to the production direction 12 and transversely to the shafts 46, i.e., in the vertical direction.

[0090] The bridging elements 54 are connected to the connecting elements 58 along the production direction 12 from one into the Figures 2 and 3 shown closing position I in a position in the Figures 4 to 6 The release position shown (II) and vice versa are movable. The connecting elements 58 are mounted on the side of the conveyor track 42 so as to be slidable parallel to the production direction 12.

[0091] In the closed position I, the bridging elements 54 bridge the gap 50. In this way, the press plate 11 can be guided from the outlet 24 of the press 14 to the beginning 48 of the conveyor track 42.

[0092] In the closed position I, the bridging lugs 56 are located in the upper quarter of the circumferential side of the lower discharge drum 26, in the direction of an imaginary secant to the lower discharge drum 26, against the lower belt 20. The shape of the end faces of the bridging lugs 56 that bear against the lower belt 20 is adapted to a radius of the lower belt 20 over the lower discharge drum 26. In this way, the bridging lugs 56 conform to the contour of the lower belt 20. Since the wood of the bridging elements 54 is softer than the steel of the lower belt 20, grooves, scratches, dents, or other marks from the sliding of the bridging lugs 56 on the lower belt 20 can be avoided.

[0093] In release position II, the bridging elements 54 with the connecting elements 58 are retracted into the conveyor track 42 between the corresponding conveyor elements; in release position II, the gap 50 is opened. This allows press pieces 62, which can exit the press 14, to proceed as described in the Figure 6 As shown, the parts fall downwards through the gap 50 and leave the conveyor path. This prevents any press pieces 62 from blocking the difficult-to-access area between the outlet 24 of the press 14 and the beginning 48 of the conveyor track 42. Such blockages can necessitate costly maintenance work, leading to corresponding production downtime.

[0094] In the side view in the Figure 2Viewed from this perspective, the bridging elements 54 and the connecting elements 58 are located spatially below the upper sides of the conveyor element 44 facing the front. This prevents the press plate 11 from rubbing against the bridging elements 54 or the connecting elements 58 during transport along the conveyor track 42. This allows the press plate 11 to be transported gently along the conveyor element 44.

[0095] At their ends furthest from the bridging elements 54 when viewed in the production direction 12, the connecting elements 58 are each connected to a drive chain 64 of the transfer device 52. The drive chains 64 are each designed as endless chains and are deflected over corresponding wheels 66. The wheels 66 are each located on a drive shaft 68 of the transfer device 52. A traction drive 70, which in this embodiment is designed as a chain drive, runs over the drive shafts 68 outside the conveying area of ​​the transfer device 52.

[0096] The drive shafts 68 extend parallel to each other and parallel to the shafts 46 of the conveyor track 42. The drive shafts 68 are, for example, located at the same spatial height.

[0097] The traction drive 70 is, for example, movable forwards and backwards along the production direction 12 by means of a pneumatic drive 72 of the transfer device 52 for switching between the closed position I and the release position II.

[0098] The pneumatic drive 72 is an elongated pneumatic cylinder with a corresponding piston 74. The pneumatic drive 72 is mounted on the support frame 40 next to the conveyor 42, with its longitudinal direction oriented along the production direction 12, thus saving space. A connection 76 is provided for connecting the piston 74 to the traction drive 70. The cylinder 78 allows the piston 74 to move the bridging elements 54 from the closed position I to the release position II, in the opposite direction to the production direction 12. Figure 2 indicated by an arrow 80, towards the beginning 48 of the conveyor track 42.

[0099] The pneumatic drive 72 is connected to an electrical control device 82. For clarity, the control device 82 is shown only in the Figure 2 hinted at.

[0100] The connecting elements 58, the drive chain 64, the wheels 66, the drive shaft 68, the traction drive 70, the pneumatic drive 72 with the piston 74, the connection 76 and the cylinder 78 and the control means 82 are part of an actuating device 84 for moving the bridging elements 54.

[0101] The stationary roller conveyor 18 and the transfer module 16 are part of a conveying device 86 for the press 14.

[0102] For maintenance purposes, for example to change one of the belts 20 or 22, the extraction unit 38 and the transfer module 16 can be removed so that the output 24 of the press 14 is freely accessible.

[0103] The following is an example of a procedure for operating production plant 10 based on the Figures 2 to 6 This is explained in more detail below. Before production begins, there is no material to be pressed and no press plate 11 in the press 14 or on the conveying device 86. The bridging elements 54 are in release position II, so that the gap 50 is released.

[0104] At the start of production, press 14 is started and controlled by an electronic press control unit 88. For the sake of clarity, the press control unit 88 is only shown in the Figure 2 As indicated, at the inlet of press 14, the material to be pressed is distributed onto the lower belt 20. The material is conveyed in production direction 12 between the upper belt 22 and the lower belt 20 through press 14 and is thereby pressed into press plates 11.

[0105] Furthermore, the press control 88 controls the control means 82. The control means 82 controls the pneumatic drive 72, so that it, by means of the traction drive 70 and the drive chains 64, moves the connecting elements 58 and thus the bridging elements 54 into the position in the Figure 2 The closed position shown (I) is moved. The gap 50 is bridged by the bridging elements 54.

[0106] The press plate 11, pressed by the press 14, leaves the press 14 at the outlet 24 and is guided by means of the bridging elements 54 to the beginning 48 of the conveyor 42. As soon as the press plate 11 reaches the conveying elements 44 of the conveyor 42, it is transported by the conveyor 42 in production direction 12 to the stationary roller conveyor 18 and with this to the diagonal saw (not shown).

[0107] As soon as the leading edge of the press plate 11, viewed in the production direction 12, reaches the end of the stationary roller conveyor 18, preferably the diagonal saw, this is detected by a sensor (not shown) and transmitted to the control device 82. During this operating phase, press pieces 62 can follow behind the press plate 11 in the production direction 12. The pneumatic drive 72 is then moved by the control device 82 so that the piston 74 with the connection 76 moves against the production direction 12 and thus drives the traction drive 70 accordingly. The traction drive 70 drives the drive chains 64 via the drive shaft 68, which in turn drive the connecting elements 58 with the bridging elements 54 into the Figures 4 to 6 Bring the shown release position II.

[0108] In release position II, the bridging elements 54 release the gap 50. After the press plate 11 has left the press 14, the following press pieces 62 can fall downwards out of the conveying path through the gap 50 due to gravity. This is illustrated by the following example: Figure 6 shown. In this way, it is prevented that press pieces 62 become jammed in the difficult-to-access area between the outlet 24 of the press 14 and the beginning 48 of the conveyor track 42 when a subsequent press plate 11 pushes in the production direction 12 during a later restart of production.

[0109] Not shown here, the pieces of sheet metal below the gap could be collected in a basket for removal, or preferably automatically conveyed out of the production area by a conveyor system. Alternatively, the pieces of sheet metal below the gap could be crushed and then removed.

[0110] In an embodiment not shown, the production position 10 can be controlled by a common control unit. Such a control unit can integrate the press control 88 of the press 14 and the control means 82 of the transfer device 52. Reference symbol list: 10 Production plant 74 Pistons 11 Pressboard 76 Connection 12 Production direction 78 cylinder 14 press 80 Direction of movement 16 Transfer module 82 Tax revenue 18 Roller conveyor 84 Actuating device 20 band 86 Conveyor 22 band 88 Press control 24 Exit I Closed position 26 Discharge drum II Release position 28 Discharge drum 30 Distance 32 Support legs 34 foundation 36 Trusses 38 Extraction 40 support frame 42 conveyor belt 44 Conveyor element 46 Waves 48 Beginning 50 gap 52 Transfer facility 54 Bridging elements 56 Bridging noses 58 Connecting elements 60 Connections 62 Press pieces 64 drive chain 66 Wheels 68 drive shaft 70 Traction drive 72 drive

Claims

1. Production plant (10) for manufacturing press boards (11), in particular material boards made of wood and / or other renewable agricultural products, such as chipboard, fiber board, straw board and particle board, as well as plastic boards, comprising at least one continuously operating press (14) with a spatially lower belt (20), which runs at an outlet (24) of the press (14) over a spatially lower discharge roller (26), and with which the press boards (11) manufactured by the press (14) can be discharged from the press (14), and having at least one conveyor device (86) with at least one conveyor belt (42) for conveying discharged press boards (11), wherein a start (48) of the at least one conveyor belt (42) is arranged behind the discharge roller (26) in the direction of production (12) of the press (14), and with at least one transfer apparatus (52) for the conveyor device (86), wherein the transfer apparatus (52) has at least one bridging element (54), which for transferring press boards (11) from the spatially lower belt (20) of the press (14), which runs over the spatially lower discharge roller (26) at the outlet (24) of the press (14), to a start (48) of the conveyor belt (42) of the conveyor device (86) located behind the discharge roller (26) in the direction of production (12) of the press (14) can bridge a gap (50) between the lower belt (20) in the region of the discharge roller (26) and the start (48) of the conveyor belt (42), wherein the at least one bridging element (54) can be moved between a closed position (I) for bridging the gap (50) and a release position (II) for at least partially releasing the gap (50), and the transfer apparatus (52) has at least one actuating apparatus (84) which is connected to the at least one bridging element (54) for moving it.

2. Production plant (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one bridging element (54) has an elongated form and is arranged along the direction of production (12) in its longitudinal direction.

3. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a form of an end of the at least one bridging element (54) facing the discharge roller (26) is adapted to a radius of the lower belt (20) over the discharge roller (26) on the side facing the conveyor belt (42).

4. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one bridging element (54) in the closed position (I) is located in the spatially upper quarter of the facing circumferential side of the discharge roller (26), in particular in the direction of an imaginary secant to the discharge roller (26), on the lower belt (20), in particular rests against the belt (20).

5. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bridging nose (56) is formed on the side of the at least one bridging element (54) facing the outlet roller.

6. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one bridging element (54) has or consists of a material which is softer than the material of the lower belt (20).

7. Production plant (10) at least according to claim 5, characterized in that the bridging nose (56) is an independent element and is connected to the at least one bridging element (54) and / or in that at least the bridging nose (56) of the at least one bridging element (54) has or consists of a material that is softer than the material of the lower belt (20).

8. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of bridging elements (54) are arranged next to each other, as viewed perpendicular to the direction of production (12).

9. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one bridging element (54) can be moved approximately in and opposite the direction of production (12) between its closed position (I) and its release position (II).

10. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one bridging element (54) is arranged at least in the release position (II) at least in certain regions spatially adjacent to at least one conveyor element (44) of the conveyor belt (42).

11. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one actuating apparatus (84) has at least one pneumatic and / or hydraulic drive (72) and / or at least one traction drive (70) and / or at least one connecting element (58) and / or at least one drive shaft (68).

12. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one actuating apparatus (84) has at least one control means (82) or is connected thereto in a controllable manner.

13. Production plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the at least one conveyor belt (42) and the at least one transfer apparatus (52) are in the form of a transfer module (16).

14. Method for operating a production plant (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, with at least one continuously operating press (14) for manufacturing press boards (11), in particular material boards made of wood and / or other renewable agricultural products, such as chipboard, fiber board, straw board and particle board, as well as plastic boards, in which the at least one press (14) is fed with pressing material, the pressing material is conveyed at least with a spatially lower belt (20) in a direction of production (12) through the press (14) and is pressed by the press (14) to form a press board (11), wherein the lower belt (20) is at least deflected over at least one discharge roller (26) at the outlet (24) of the press (14), the press board (11) is conveyed from the outlet (24) of the at least one press (14) in the direction of production (12) behind the outlet roller (26) with at least one bridging element (54) over a gap (50) from the lower belt (20) to a start (48) of a conveyor belt (42) of a conveyor device (86), wherein the at least one bridging element (54) is moved from a closed position (I) into a release position (II) or for closing the gap (50) from the release position (II) to the closed position (I) by means of at least one actuating apparatus (84) for releasing the gap (50), depending on an operating phase of the press (14) and a position of the at least one bridging element (54), wherein the at least one bridging element (54) is moved, at the latest in an operating phase of the press (14), in or from which pressing pieces (62) of pressing material can leave the press (14), whose extension in the direction of production (12) is below a predeterminable level, into the corresponding release position (II) in order to at least partially release the gap (50), so that any pressing pieces (62) can fall out of a conveyor path between the press (14) and the conveyor belt (42) through the correspondingly released gap (50).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the press (14) is started, the at least one bridging element (54) is moved into the corresponding closed position (I) by means of the at least one actuating apparatus (84), and as soon as the manufactured press board (11) has reached a predeterminable position of the conveyor path on the conveyor belt (42), the at least one bridging element (54) is moved into the corresponding release position (II) by means of the at least one actuating apparatus (84).

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