Slide for sliding a goods item to be transported, palletizer, and method for sliding a goods item to be transported

Abstract

The invention relates to a slide (1) for sliding a goods item to be transported in a sliding direction (S), wherein the slide (1) has a sliding surface for making contact with and sliding the goods item to be transported, and a base element (3) with a base surface, wherein the slide (1) has an adjusting element (6) which is adjustable relative to the base element (3) between a first position, in which the adjusting element (6) at least partially overlaps the base surface, and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the sliding surface (2) is formed at least partially by the adjusting element (6) and, in the second position, the sliding surface is formed at least partially by the adjusting element (6) and the base surface, wherein the sliding surface is larger in the second position than in the first position. A further aspect of the invention relates to a palletizer (100) with a slide (1). Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for sliding a goods item to be transported.

Description

[0001] Pusher for pushing a transported item, palletizer and method for pushing a transported item

[0002] The invention relates to a pusher for pushing a transport item, a palletizer with a pusher and a method for pushing a transport item.

[0003] Such pushers are used, for example, as layer pushers for palletizing pallets. Layer pushers and palletizers are known, for example, from DE 10 2015 105 125 A1, EP 2 848 561 A1, or WO 2019 / 048219 A1.

[0004] Known pushers have a sliding surface for pushing a transported item and are usually designed as a molded part. The sliding surface is predetermined for each pusher and determined by its shape. If several transported items or batches with different packing dimensions are to be pushed, the pusher is usually replaced with a suitable pusher with the corresponding sliding surface if the sliding surface of the pusher does not match the packing dimensions. To do this, the device containing the pusher, e.g. a palletizer, must be stopped and the pusher replaced manually. This results in setup times or downtimes for the device. In addition, errors can occur when changing the pusher, e.g. the wrong slider is selected or the slider is not securely fastened.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pusher, a palletizer, and a method for pushing in which the sliding surface can be adjusted without changing the pusher. This allows transported goods or batches of different packing sizes to be pushed with the same pusher without having to change the pusher. Thus, the present invention enables a reduction in setup and downtimes. Furthermore, the present invention allows for automatic adjustment of the sliding surface without manual intervention by an operator.

[0006] This object is achieved with a pusher according to claim 1, a palletizer according to claim 10 and a method for pushing a transported item according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0007] Known sliders, as further explained below with reference to Figure 1, have a base element with a base surface. In these known sliders, the base surface corresponds to the sliding surface. The sliding surface of the known sliders is thus fixed by the dimensions of the base surface.

[0008] Based on these known sliders, the slider according to the invention has an adjusting element which is adjustable relative to the base element between a first position, in which the adjusting element at least partially overlaps the base surface, and a second position, wherein in the first position the sliding surface is at least partially formed by the adjusting element and in the second position the sliding surface is at least partially formed by the adjusting element and the base surface, wherein the sliding surface is larger in the second position than in the first position.

[0009] In the second position, the sliding surface can be wider than in the first position, or have a greater width. Alternatively or additionally, the sliding surface can be higher in the second position than in the first position, or have a greater height. The width of the sliding surface can be or be measured as a dimension of the sliding surface substantially in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. The height of the sliding surface can be a dimension of the sliding surface substantially in a vertical direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. “Overlapping” or “overlapped” can mean that the adjusting element at least partially covers the base surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the difference between the size of the sliding surface when the adjusting element is in the second position and the size of the sliding surface when the adjusting element is in the first position can correspond to the difference between the overlap of the base surface and the adjusting element, and / or its end surface, in the first position and the overlap of the base surface and the adjusting element, and / or its end surface, in the second position. If the adjusting element is between the first position and the second position, the size of the sliding surface can have a value between the size of the sliding surface in the first position and the size of the sliding surface in the second position. The size of the sliding surface can be varied by adjusting the adjusting element between the first and second positions, or can depend on the position of the adjusting element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the slider can have exactly one adjustment element. In some other embodiments, however, the slider can also have multiple adjustment elements. If the slider has more than one slider, the size of the sliding surface can depend on the respective positions of the adjustment elements and / or can be varied by adjusting the adjustment elements.

[0012] The adjustment element can have an end face. The end face of the adjustment element can form part of the sliding surface. The sliding surface can comprise the end face of the adjustment element. In some embodiments, the size of the end face can substantially correspond to the product of its height and its width. The base surface can be larger than the end face or a surface of the adjustment element that forms part of the sliding surface. For example, the base surface can have a greater width and / or height than the adjustment element or its end face. In some embodiments, however, the size of the base surface can also be the size of the end face or the surface of the adjustment element that forms part of the sliding surface. For example, the base surface can have the same width and / or height as the adjustment element or its end face.In some other embodiments, the base surface can be several times larger than the end surface or the surface of the adjustment element that forms part of the sliding surface. For example, the base surface can have a width and / or height several times greater than the adjustment element or its end surface. The multiple can correspond to the number of adjustment elements of the slider.

[0013] The base element can have at least one fastening section for fastening the slide to a slide drive. The base element can be made in one piece. The base element and / or the adjustment element can comprise a sheet metal or be sheet-metal-shaped. In some embodiments, the base element and / or the adjustment element can at least partially comprise or consist of a metal, steel, or aluminum. In some embodiments, the base element and / or the adjustment element can at least partially comprise or consist of a plastic.

[0014] The slider can be or comprise a rotating slider. The slider can be or comprise a layer slider. The transported item can be or comprise a bottle, can, package, or the like. The transported item can be or comprise a tray, a layer, a container, or the like. The tray, layer, and / or container can contain one or more bottles or cans.

[0015] In the first position, the adjustment element can completely overlap with the base surface. This can mean that the adjustment element is arranged such that it does not protrude beyond the base surface. The base surface does not necessarily have to be completely covered by the adjustment element, but can itself protrude beyond the adjustment element, for example if the base surface is larger, e.g. wider, than the adjustment element. In some embodiments, however, the base surface can also be completely covered by the adjustment element when the adjustment element is in the first position. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment element may not overlap with the base surface in the second position. In some embodiments, the adjustment element may at least partially not overlap with the base surface in the second position.

[0016] If the base surface is not completely overlapped, e.g., by the adjustment element or several adjustment elements, the sliding surface can correspond to the end surface of the adjustment elements and the non-overlapped part of the base surface. If the base surface is completely overlapped, e.g., by the adjustment element or several adjustment elements, the sliding surface can correspond to the end surface of the adjustment elements.

[0017] The adjusting element can be adjustable parallel to a direction of extension of the base element. It can be provided that the adjusting element is adjustable in a horizontal direction. The base element can extend in a horizontal direction and / or perpendicular to the sliding direction. The adjusting element can be adjustable perpendicular to the sliding direction. The slider can have a linear guide for guiding the adjusting element between the first and the second position. The linear guide can be arranged on an upper side of the slider and / or the base element. The linear guide can be or have a rail. The adjusting element can be designed to be or be guided by the linear guide. If the linear guide is a rail, the adjusting element can, for example, have a carriage that slides on the rail.

[0018] The adjusting element can have a receptacle that can be configured to engage with a driver, so that the adjusting element can be adjusted by the driver when the driver engages the receptacle. The receptacle can be or have a recess or a groove. The receptacle can be arranged in an edge region of the adjusting element. The receptacle can be arranged on an underside of the adjusting element. The adjusting element can have one or more receptacles.

[0019] The slider can have a locking device so that the adjustment element can be locked in at least one locking position along an adjustment direction of the adjustment element between the first and second positions. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment element can have the locking device. The locking device can have a spring-loaded ball. The locking device can have a locking element and a locking receptacle into which the locking element can engage. In some embodiments, the locking receptacle can be a perforated rail that can have a series of holes. The locking element can be or have a preloadable element, e.g. the spring-loaded ball. The slider can have a second adjustment element that can be adjusted relative to the base element such that the size of the slider surface can be adjustable depending on a position of the second adjustment element relative to the base element.The second adjustment element may have some, several or all of the features of the adjustment element.

[0020] The adjustment element and the second adjustment element can be structurally identical. In some embodiments, the adjustment element and the second adjustment element can be mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0021] The second adjusting element can be adjustable relative to the base element between a third position, in which the second adjusting element at least partially overlaps the base surface, and a fourth position, wherein in the third position the sliding surface can be formed at least partially by the second adjusting element and / or the adjusting element and in the fourth position the sliding surface can be formed at least partially by the second adjusting element, the base surface and / or the adjusting element, wherein the sliding surface can be larger in the fourth position than in the third position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the width of the base surface can correspond to the sum of the width of the adjustment element and the second adjustment element. In some embodiments, the adjustment element and second adjustment element have the same width. The adjustment element and / or its end face, the second adjustment element and / or its end face and the base surface can have substantially the same height. If the adjustment element is in the first position and the second adjustment element is in the third position, the base surface can be completely covered by the adjustment element and the second adjustment element. In the third position, the second adjustment element can completely overlap with the base surface. This can mean that the second adjustment element is arranged such that it does not protrude beyond the base surface.The base surface does not necessarily have to be completely covered by the second adjustment element, but can itself extend beyond the adjustment element, for example, if the base surface is larger, e.g., wider, than the adjustment element. Alternatively or additionally, the second adjustment element may not overlap the base surface in the fourth position. In some embodiments, the second adjustment element may at least partially not overlap the base surface in the fourth position.

[0023] The second adjustment element can have an end surface that can be part of the sliding surface. If the adjustment element is in the first position and the second adjustment element is in the third position, the sliding surface can correspond to the end surface of the adjustment element and the second adjustment element if the base surface is completely overlapped by the adjustment element and the second adjustment element. If the adjustment element is in the second position and the second adjustment element is in the fourth position, the sliding surface can correspond to the base surface and the end surface of the adjustment element and the second adjustment element if the base surface is not overlapped by either the adjustment element or the second adjustment element. In some embodiments, if the base surface is partially overlapped by the adjustment element and / or the second adjustment element, the sliding surface does not include the overlapped part of the base surface.

[0024] The adjusting element and the second adjusting element can be adjustable parallel to one another in the same direction. Alternatively or additionally, the adjusting element and the second adjusting element can be adjustable opposite to one another or in opposite directions. The adjusting element and the second adjusting element can be adjustable in the same plane. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a palletizer comprising a slider as described above and a movable centering rod, wherein the centering rod has a driver and is designed to be detachably coupled to the adjusting element via the driver, such that when the centering rod is connected, the adjusting element can be adjusted by moving the centering rod.

[0025] In some embodiments, the centering bar can have more than one driver. If the centering bar has more than one driver, the drivers can be arranged along the centering bar. Thus, more than one coupling position can be defined by the drivers along the sliding direction, enabling coupling of the adjustment element and the centering bar and thus adjustment of the sliding surface at multiple points along the sliding direction.

[0026] The centering rod can be arranged laterally in the sliding direction. The centering rod can be movable perpendicular to the sliding direction. The palletizer can be provided with more than one centering rod. In some embodiments, the palletizer has two centering rods. The two centering rods can be arranged laterally opposite one another, for example, laterally on or near the sliding section of the palletizer. If the palletizer has two centering rods, the slider(s) can be movable between the two centering rods in the sliding direction.

[0027] The centering rod can extend in the direction of travel. The palletizer can have a centering rod drive. The centering rod can be moved by the centering rod drive, e.g., perpendicular to the travel direction. If the palletizer has more than one centering rod, the palletizer can have multiple centering rod drives so that at least two of the centering rods are or can be moved independently of one another. In some embodiments, however, at least two, several, or all centering rods can be connected to the same centering rod drive so as to be moved together. In some embodiments, the centering rod drive can be configured to move the centering rod linearly, e.g., perpendicular to the travel direction.

[0028] The palletizer can have a position detection unit that can be configured to detect a position of the adjustment element between the first position and the second position. The position detection unit can have a distance sensor. In some embodiments, the position detection unit can alternatively or additionally have a laser. The slider and / or the adjustment element can have one or more reference elements that can serve to determine the position of the adjustment element between the first and second position. If the position detection unit has a laser, the adjustment element can, for example, have a reflector that can reflect light emitted by the laser in order to determine a position of the adjustment element. In some embodiments, the base element can have a further reference element, e.g.a reflector, to enable the position of the adjustment element relative to the base element to be determined.

[0029] The palletizer can have a slide drive. The slide drive can be configured to move the slide in the sliding direction. In some embodiments, the slide is a rotating slide. If the palletizer has multiple slides, the palletizer can have multiple slide drives, so that at least two, several, or all slides can be moved independently of one another in the sliding direction. However, it can also be provided that at least two, several, or all slides are coupled to the same slide drive so that they can be moved together.

[0030] The palletizer can have a control unit. The control unit can be configured to control and / or regulate the slide drive and the centering rod drive. The sliding surface of the slide can thus be adjusted by the control unit. If the palletizer has a position detection unit, the control unit can be configured to receive a position of the adjusting element between the first position and the second position detected by the position detection unit and, based on this, to move the slide and the centering rod appropriately via the slide drive and the centering rod drive in order to couple the slide and the centering rod to one another for adjusting the sliding surface.

[0031] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for pushing a transport item with a pusher described above or a palletizer described above, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) coupling the adjusting element of the pusher to a centering rod and adjusting the adjusting element between the first position and the second position by moving the centering rod, so that a size of the sliding surface of the pusher is set, wherein preferably the width of the sliding surface corresponds to a packing size of a transport item to be pushed; b) providing a transport item to be pushed; c) pushing the transport item with the pusher, wherein the sliding surface contacts the transport item.

[0032] In the method, steps b) and c) can be repeated to push transport goods of a batch, wherein in step b) one or more transport goods of the batch can be provided. Thus, it can be provided to adjust the sliding surface only once for each batch, preferably before pushing the first transport goods of the batch. In some embodiments, however, it can alternatively be provided to adjust the sliding surface before pushing at least two, several, or all transport goods of the batch.

[0033] When coupling the adjusting element to the centering rod, the position of the adjusting element between the first position and the second position can be detected using a position detection unit before coupling, and the centering rod can be moved into a coupling position relative to the adjusting element depending on the detected position. During coupling, the slider can be moved relative to the centering rod in the coupling position so that a driver of the centering rod can engage in a receptacle of the adjusting element during coupling. Thus, it can be provided that, before coupling, the centering rod is aligned relative to the slider in such a way that when the slider moves towards the centering rod, the driver can engage in the receptacle.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows two examples of sliders known from the prior art, each with a different sliding surface; Fig. 2 shows a front and a rear view of an embodiment of a slider according to the invention, with the adjusting element in the first position;

[0036] Fig. 3 A front and a rear view of the embodiment of a slider according to the invention shown in Fig. 2, wherein the adjusting element is in the second position;

[0037] Fig. 4 A further embodiment of a slider according to the invention in perspective view;

[0038] Fig. 5 An embodiment of a palletizer according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0039] Fig. 6 Another embodiment of a palletizer according to the invention in a rear view; and

[0040] Fig. 7 a coupling of a slider according to the invention with a centner bar.

[0041] Figure 1 shows two examples of sliders 1 known from the prior art. The slider 1 has a base element 3 with a base surface 4 and a connecting section 5. The sliding surface 2 of the slider 1, with which a transported item is pushed, corresponds to the base surface 4 or is defined by it. The slider 1 shown at the top in Figure 1 has a larger sliding surface 2 than the slider 1 shown at the bottom in Figure 1. The size of the sliding surface 2 essentially corresponds to the product of its width B and its height H. If, for example, the slider 1 shown at the bottom in Figure 1 is mounted in a palletizer 100, and the sliding surface 2 of the mounted slider is not sufficient to safely push a transported item, the slider 1 must be removed from the palletizer 100 and replaced, for example, with the slider shown at the top in Figure 1.

[0042] A first embodiment of a slider 1 according to the invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3 in a front view (Figures 2 and 3 above) and a rear view (Figures 2 and 3 below), wherein Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a slider according to the invention.

[0043] The slider 1 has a base element 3 with a base surface 4 and an adjusting element 6. The adjusting element 6 can be moved between a first position

[0044] 14 and a second position 15. In the first position 14, the adjustment element 6 at least partially overlaps the base surface 4. In the second position 15, the adjustment element 6 at least partially does not overlap the base surface 4. In some embodiments, the adjustment element 6 may not overlap the base surface 4 in the second position 15.

[0045] The sliding surface 2 of the slider 1 is at least partially formed by the adjusting element 6 and / or an end face of the adjusting element 6 when the adjusting element 6 is in the first position 14. The sliding surface 2 of the slider 1 is at least partially formed by a non-overlapped part of the base surface 4 and the adjusting element 6 and / or an end face of the adjusting element 6 when the adjusting element 6 is in the second position

[0046] 15. Thus, by adjusting the adjusting element 6, the size, in particular a width B of the sliding surface 2 can be varied.

[0047] In some embodiments, the slider 1 can have a plurality of adjustment elements 6. For example, the slider 1 can have one adjustment element 6 and a second adjustment element 6. The second adjustment element 6 can be adjustable between a third position 16 and a fourth position 17. If the slider 1 has a plurality of adjustment elements 6, the sliding surface 2 can be formed at least partially by the adjustment elements 6 and / or their positioning surfaces.

[0048] If the adjusting element 6 is in the first position 14 and the second adjusting element 6 is in the third position 16, the sliding surface 2 can be formed by the adjusting element 6 and the second adjusting element 6, and / or their end faces. The adjusting element 6 and the second adjusting element 6 can be dimensioned such that together they completely overlap the base surface 4 when the adjusting element 6 is in the first position 14 and the second adjusting element 6 is in the third position 16. In some embodiments, however, the adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 can also be dimensioned such that they do not completely overlap the base surface 4 when the adjusting element 6 is in the first position 14 and the second adjusting element 6 is in the third position 16.In this case, the sliding surface 2 can be formed by the non-overlapped part of the base surface 4 and adjusting element 6 and second adjusting element 6, and / or their end faces, when the adjusting element 6 is in the first position 14 and the second adjusting element 6 is in the third position 16.

[0049] If the adjusting element 6 is adjusted to the second position 15 and / or the second adjusting element 6 is adjusted to the fourth position 17, at least part of the base surface 4 may not be overlapped, see the combination of Figures 2 and 3. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the second position 15 can be arranged such that the adjusting element 6 does not overlap the base surface 4 in the second position 15. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the fourth position 17 can be arranged such that the second adjusting element 6 does not overlap the base surface 4 in the fourth position 17. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the sliding surface 2 is at its maximum when both the adjusting element 6 is adjusted to the second position 15 and the second adjusting element 6 is adjusted to the fourth position 17.

[0050] The size of the sliding surface 2 can essentially correspond to the product of its width B and its height H, wherein the width B can be varied or adjusted depending on the position of the adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6. In some embodiments of the invention not shown, alternatively or additionally, the height H of the sliding surface 2 can be varied or adjusted by adjusting the adjusting element 6. In some embodiments, the height H of the sliding surface can be equal to, or substantially equal to, the height of the adjusting element 6.

[0051] In some embodiments, the base surface can have a width that can correspond to the sum of the widths of the adjustment element 6 and the second adjustment element 6. Thus, the base surface can be completely covered when the adjustment element 6 is in the first position 14 and the second adjustment element 6 is in the third position 16. In some embodiments, the height of the base surface can substantially correspond to the height of the adjustment element 6 and the second adjustment element 6, and / or their end faces.

[0052] If the slider 1 has more than one adjusting element 6, several or all of the adjusting elements 6 can be shaped identically or with mirror symmetry, and / or have the same features or be structurally identical. The slider 1 can, as can be seen from Figures 2 to 4, for example, have an axis of symmetry and / or be mirror symmetrical. If the slider 1 has two adjusting elements 6, for example one adjusting element 6 and a second adjusting element 6 as shown in Figures 2 to 7, the base surface 4 can be arranged such that it is located between the adjusting element 6 and the second adjusting element 6 when the adjusting element 6 is in the second position 15 and the second adjusting element 6 is in the fourth position 17. In some embodiments, the base surface 4 can be arranged centrally with respect to the slider 1. The adjusting element 6 and the second adjusting element 6, at least their end faces, can be arranged in the same plane.In some embodiments, the adjusting element 6 and the second adjusting element 6 can be arranged and / or shaped such that they cannot overlap each other. It can be provided that the adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 touch each other when the adjusting element 6 is in the first position 14 and the second adjusting element 6 is in the third position 16.

[0053] The adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 can be adjustable along an extension direction of the base element 3 in an adjustment direction V. The adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 can be adjustable substantially perpendicular to a sliding direction of a transport item to be pushed and / or parallel to the base surface 4. The adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 can be adjustable substantially in a horizontal direction. The slider 1 can have a linear guide 7 to guide the adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 during adjustment. The linear guide 7 can be arranged on an upper side of the slider 1 and / or the base element 3. The linear guide 7 can be and / or have a rail. In some embodiments, the adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 can have a guide element complementary to the linear guide.For example, the adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 can have a carriage that can slide along the linear guide 7. The adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 can have a receptacle 8. The receptacle 8 can be arranged, shaped and / or configured such that a driver 102 can engage in the receptacle 8 in order to adjust the adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6. The adjusting element 6 and / or the second adjusting element 6 can have more than one receptacle 8, for example two receptacles 8 each, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The receptacle 8 can be arranged at a lower end and / or laterally on the adjusting element 6 and / or second adjusting element 6. The receptacle 8 can have or be a recess and / or a groove.

[0054] The slider 1 can have a locking device 9. The locking device 9 can prevent or at least make it more difficult for the adjustment element 6 to be accidentally adjusted. The locking device 9 can have at least one locking receptacle 10 and at least one locking element 11. In some embodiments, the locking receptacle 10 can have a series of holes, for example a perforated rail. The perforated rail can be fastened to the base element 3. The holes can be designed so that a corresponding locking element 11 can engage, so that the adjustment element 6 can be releasably locked in a locking position 18. It can be provided that several or each of the holes defines a respective locking position 18. The locking element 11 can be fastened to the adjustment element 6, and / or the adjustment element 6 can have the locking element 11.The locking element 11 has a spring element in order to exert a retaining force or locking force. For example, the locking element 11 can have a spring-loaded element, for example a spring-loaded ball. If the adjusting element 6 is in a locking position 18, the spring element, e.g. the spring-loaded element, can engage in a hole in the locking receptacle 10 and prevent or at least make it more difficult to adjust the adjusting element 6. If a force is exerted on the adjusting element 6 in the adjustment direction, depending on the magnitude of the exerted force, the locking force of the locking element 11 can be overcome or can be overcome, so that the adjusting element 6 can be adjusted. The spring element can be selected to be large enough to prevent unintentional adjustment of the adjusting element, e.g.due to vibrations or the pushing force exerted by the slider on a transported item to be pushed in the pushing direction, and on the other hand, it must be or become small enough to enable an intentional adjustment of the adjusting element 6 without excessive expenditure of force and thus, for example, the associated wear.

[0055] If the slider 1 has multiple adjustment elements 6, each adjustment element 6 can be connected to or have a respective locking element 11. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 4, for example, the adjustment element 6 and the second adjustment element 6 can have a respective locking element 11, and a locking receptacle 10 can be connected to or attached to the base element 3. In some embodiments, the locking receptacle 10 and / or the row of holes can be formed integrally with the base element 3.

[0056] The base element 3 can have a fastening section 5, via which the slider can be connected to a slider drive 105. The embodiments shown in Figs. 2 to 7 can have two fastening sections 5, which can be arranged laterally at the ends of the base element 3.

[0057] Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment of a palletizer 100 according to the invention with a pusher 1 according to the invention. The palletizer 100 has a centering bar 101 with a driver 102. In some embodiments, the palletizer 100 has at least two centering bars 101. The centering bar 101 and / or the centering bars 101 can be arranged laterally parallel to the pushing direction S of a transport item to be pushed, for example laterally on a pushing section of the palletizer. The palletizer 100 can have a centering bar drive 103, which can be coupled to the centering bar 101 in order to move the centering bar 101. The centering bar 101 can be moved essentially perpendicular to the pushing direction S and / or in a horizontal direction in a direction of movement Bz. The centering rod 101 can be configured to guide the transported goods laterally when pushing them in the pushing direction S.

[0058] The centering rod 101 can be detachably coupled to the adjusting element 6 of the slide 1 via the driver 102. The adjusting element 6 can have a suitable receptacle 8 into which the driver 102 can engage. If the centering rod 101 is coupled to the connecting element 6, the adjusting element 6 can be adjusted between the first position 14 and the second position 15 by moving the centering rod 101, e.g., in the direction of movement Bz, so that the size of the sliding surface 2 can be varied by the centering rod 101, for example, the width B of the sliding surface 2.

[0059] In some embodiments, the palletizer 100 may have two push rods 101, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, and the slider 1 may have an adjusting element 6 and a second adjusting element 6. One of the centering rods 101 may be arranged and / or configured to be or become detachably connected to the adjusting element 6, and the other centering rod 101 may be arranged and / or configured to be or become detachably connected to the second adjusting element 6. The slider 1 may be arranged between the centering rods 101. The palletizer 100 may have a position detection unit 104 that can detect the position of the adjusting element 6.Depending on the position detected by the position detection unit 104, the centering rod 101 can be moved in such a way that the driver 102 can be releasably connected to the adjusting element 6 when coupled to the adjusting element 6, for example, the driver 102 can engage in a receptacle 8 of the adjusting element 6. Before coupling to the adjusting element 6, the centering rod 101 can be suitably aligned depending on the position of the adjusting element 6 detected by the position detection unit 104.

[0060] The position detection unit 104 can comprise a distance sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the position detection unit 104 can comprise a laser. The adjustment element 6 and / or the slide 1 can comprise a reflector (not shown in Figures 2 to 7) that can reflect light emitted by the laser to determine the position of the adjustment element 6.

[0061] The palletizer 100 may have a slider drive 105 that may be connected to the slider 1. The slider drive 105 may be configured to move the slider in the sliding direction S. The slider 1 may be a rotating slider, e.g., a rotating layer slider.

[0062] The palletizer 100 may have a control unit (not shown in the figures) that can actuate and / or control or regulate the centering bar drive 103 and / or the slider drive 105. In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to receive and / or process a position detected by the position detection unit 104. The control unit may be configured to actuate the centering bar drive 103 and / or the slider drive 105, and / or to move the centering bar 101 and / or the slider 1, depending on the detected position of the adjustment element 6. Thus, the coupling of the adjustment element 6 and the centering bar 101 can be controlled by the control unit. The control unit may be configured to vary and / or adjust the sliding surface 2.

[0063] Figure 7 shows a coupling of the adjusting element 6 to the driver 102 of the centering rod 101. As shown in Figure 7, the centering rod 101 can be aligned or moved relative to the adjusting element 6 and / or a receptacle 8 of the adjusting element such that, upon movement of the slide 1, the driver 102 can be or become detachably connected to the adjusting element 6, for example, can engage in the receptacle 8. It can be provided that during coupling and / or engagement, the slide 1, but not the centering rod 101, is moved.

[0064] The centering bar 101 can have a plurality of drivers 102 that can be arranged along the centering bar 101. Thus, the sliding device 1 can be coupled to the centering bar 101 or a respective driver 102 at different positions in the pushing direction S.

[0065] With the pusher 1 and / or the palletizer 100, a transport item can be pushed in the pushing direction S. Before pushing, the sliding surface 2 of the pusher 1 can be suitably adjusted, as described above. The sliding surface 2 can be adjusted to the packing dimensions of the transport item to be pushed.

[0066] In some embodiments, the centering rod 101 can be configured to guide the transported goods laterally during pushing. The receptacle 8 of the adjusting element 6 can be configured to detach from and / or disengage from the driver 102 during pushing in the pushing direction S, so that a movement of the centering rod 101 in the lateral direction away from the adjusting element 6 and / or the slider 1 is not necessary in order to be able to move the slider in the pushing direction S. In other words, the slider 1 can be moved unhindered by the centering rod 101 in the coupling position. The centering rod 101 can thus guide the transported goods laterally during pushing, wherein the sliding surface of the slider can be adjusted such that it can also push transported goods located laterally on the guide or centering rod 101. In some embodiments, however, the centering rod 101 can also not provide any lateral guidance during pushing.It can be provided that the centering rod 101 is moved laterally or substantially perpendicularly to the sliding direction S away from the slider when the adjusting element 6 and the centering rod 101 are released from each other again.

[0067] Once sliding surface 2 is properly adjusted, a load to be pushed can be positioned. Once positioned, the load can be moved using the slider.

[0068] If a batch or several transport items of a batch are to be pushed, it can be provided that the sliding surface 2 is suitably adjusted before the first transport item of the batch is pushed. In some embodiments, it can be provided that the sliding surface 2 is only adjusted before the first transport item of the batch is made available, and that the other transport items of the batch are pushed with the sliding surface 2 unchanged. In some embodiments, however, it can alternatively be provided that the sliding surface is adjusted before at least two, several or all transport items of the batch are pushed. The adjustment can include checking the size of the sliding surface 2 and / or the position of the adjusting element 6, and if necessary, a correction in the event of a deviation from a predetermined size or position.

[0069] The features disclosed in the claims, the description and the figures may be essential, individually or in combination, for the realization of the invention.

[0070] List of reference symbols:

[0071] 1 slider

[0072] 2 sliding surfaces

[0073] 3 Basic element

[0074] 4 Base area

[0075] 5 Fastening section

[0076] 6 Adjustment element

[0077] 7 Linear guide

[0078] 8 Recording

[0079] 9 Locking device

[0080] 10 locking holder

[0081] 11 Locking element

[0082] 12 Position element

[0083] 13 Transport goods

[0084] 14 first position

[0085] 15 second position

[0086] 16 third position

[0087] 17 fourth position

[0088] 18 Locking position

[0089] 100 palletizers

[0090] 101 hundredweight

[0091] 102 carriers

[0092] 103 Centering rod drive

[0093] 104 Position detection unit

[0094] 105 Slide drive

[0095] S sliding direction

[0096] V Adjustment direction

[0097] B Width sliding surface

[0098] H Height of sliding surface

[0099] RZ Direction of movement of the centering rod

Claims

Claims 1. Slider (1) for sliding a transport item (13) in a sliding direction, wherein the slider (1) has a sliding surface (2) for contacting and sliding the transport item (13) and a base element with a base surface (4), wherein the slider (1) has an adjusting element (6) which is adjustable relative to the base element (3) between a first position (14), in which the adjusting element (6) at least partially overlaps the base surface (4), and a second position (15), wherein in the first position (14) the sliding surface (2) is at least partially formed by the adjusting element (6) and in the second position (15) the sliding surface (2) is at least partially formed by the adjusting element (6) and the base surface (4), wherein the sliding surface (2) in the second position (15) is larger than in the first position (14), wherein preferably in the second position (15) the sliding surface (2) is wider and / or higher than in the first Position (14) is.

2. Slider (1 ) according to claim 1, wherein in the first position (14) the adjusting element (6) completely overlaps with the base surface (4), and / or wherein in the second position (15) the adjusting element (6) does not at least partially or completely overlap with the base surface (4).

3. Slide (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting element (6) is adjustable parallel to an extension direction of the base element (3), preferably horizontal, and / or perpendicular to the sliding direction.

4. Slide (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a linear guide (7), preferably a rail, for guiding the adjusting element (6) between the first and the second position (15), wherein the linear guide (7) is preferably arranged on a top side of the slide (1 ) and / or the base element (3). Slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting element (6) has a receptacle (8), preferably a recess or a groove, which is configured to engage with a driver (102), such that the adjusting element (6) is adjustable by the driver (102) when the driver (102) engages in the receptacle (8). Slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the slide (1) and / or the adjusting element (6) has a locking device (9) such that the adjusting element (6) can be locked in at least one locking position (18) along an adjustment direction of the adjusting element (6) between the first and second positions, wherein the locking device (9) preferably has a spring-loaded ball.Slide (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second adjusting element (6) which is adjustable relative to the base element (3) such that the size of the slide surface is adjustable depending on a position of the second adjusting element (6) relative to the base element (3). Slide (1) according to claim 7, in which the second adjusting element (6) is adjustable relative to the base element (3) between a third position (16), in which the second adjusting element (6) at least partially overlaps the base surface (4), and a fourth position (17), wherein in the third position (16) the slide surface (2) is formed at least partially by the second adjusting element (6) and / or the adjusting element (6), and in the fourth position (17) the slide surface (2) is formed at least partially by the second adjusting element (6), the base surface (4), and / or the base element (4). Adjusting element (6) is formed, wherein the sliding surface (2) in the fourth position (17) is larger than in the third position (16). Slider (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the adjusting element (6) and the second adjusting element (6) are adjustable parallel to each other in the same direction and / or opposite directions, preferably adjustable in the same plane. Palletizer (100) comprising a slider (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 and a movable hundredweight bar (101), wherein the hundredweight bar (101) has a driver (102) and is configured to be detachably coupled to the adjusting element (6) via the driver (102), so that when the hundredweight bar (101) is connected, the adjusting element (6) can be adjusted by a movement of the hundredweight bar (101).A palletizer (100) according to claim 10, wherein the centner bar (101) is arranged laterally in the sliding direction, preferably the centering bar (101) being movable substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction. A palletizer (100) according to claim 10 or 11, comprising a position detection unit (104), preferably a distance sensor or a laser, configured to detect a position of the adjusting element (6) between the first position and the second position. A method for pushing a transport item (13) with a pusher (1) according to claims 1 to 9 or a palletizer (100) according to claims 10 to 12, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) coupling the adjusting element (6) of the pusher (1) with a hundredweight bar (101) and adjusting the adjusting element (6) between the first position (14) and the second position (15) by moving the hundredweight bar (101) so that a size of the sliding surface (2) of the pusher (1) is set, wherein preferably the width (B) of the sliding surface (2) corresponds to a package dimension of a transport item (13) to be pushed; b) providing a transport item (13) to be pushed; c) pushing the transport item (13) with the pusher (1), wherein the sliding surface (2) contacts the transport item (13).A method according to claim 13, wherein steps b) and c) are repeated to move transport goods of a batch, wherein in step b) one or more transport goods of the batch are provided. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, when coupling the adjusting element (6) with the centner bar (101), the position of the adjusting element (6) between the first position (14) and the second position (15) is detected by a position detection unit (104) before coupling, and the centner bar (101) is moved into a coupling position relative to the adjusting element (6) depending on the detected position, wherein, during coupling, the slider (1) is moved relative to the centner bar (101) located in the coupling position, such that a. The driver (102) of the centner bar (101) engages in a receptacle (8) of the adjusting element (6) when coupling.

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