Conveying device

Abstract

A conveying device for conveying objects in particular in the form of plates or foils, comprising at least one conveyor belt with a multitude of suction ports, which are located behind one another in the direction of travel, and suction bags which each surround a suction port, characterized in that each suction bag is provided with at least one channel and a lateral support area.

Description

[0001] conveyor system

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a conveyor device for transporting, in particular, plate-shaped or film-like objects, with at least one conveyor belt with a plurality of suction openings arranged one behind the other in the transport direction, and with suction pockets surrounding the suction openings.

[0004] Conveyor systems of the design described above are used to transport sheet-like or foil-like objects from one processing station to the next. The objects in question can be very different products, such as steel plates, aluminum plates, plastic plates, or even glass plates. Increasingly, such conveyor systems are also being used to transport foil-like objects, such as copper- or aluminum-coated foils used in the manufacture of batteries.

[0005] With such foil-like objects, the conveyor system is often not only used for transport between two processing stations, but also for quality control. For this purpose, the foil-like objects, specifically conductor or electrode foils for battery production, are visually inspected. The overall objective is to detect any irregularities in the copper or aluminum coating. Conductor tracks printed on such foils can also be inspected in the same way.

[0006] Since the quality inspection in question is typically performed today using optical devices, especially cameras, the precise transport of the film-like objects is particularly important, and should be consistently free from height fluctuations. Otherwise, flawless optical detection or adjustment of the respective focus of the optical device is required, which delays the process. In any case, increased demands are placed on a largely constant height conveying system.

[0007] In the generic prior art according to DE 20 2019 107 078 U1, which originates from the applicant, the transport of the plate-shaped or film-like objects is realized and implemented by using a blower designed as a radial fan to generate a vacuum at the suction openings arranged one behind the other in the transport direction. Since the suction openings open into the surrounding suction pockets, the plate-shaped or film-like object in question can be sucked in via the suction pockets and thus transported along the conveyor belt. This has proven to be fundamentally successful.

[0008] However, any previously described problems of constant-height transport are not addressed here. A similar situation applies to the teaching of DE 20 2014 102 796 U1, which describes a magnetic conveyor system in this context. In this case, magnetic holding elements arranged in the conveying direction ensure that the respective plate-shaped goods or the necessarily magnetizable objects are held in contact with the conveyor belt during their transport. In addition, suction channels and suction openings are implemented in this context, so that a holding force that is both magnetic and caused by negative pressure is exerted on the plate-shaped or film-like objects. In this case, constant-height transport is not important either.The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a conveyor device in such a way that a height-constant transport is provided and, in particular, the possibility of optical quality control exists.

[0009] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, starting from a generic conveyor device for transporting in particular plate-shaped or film-like objects, that the respective suction pocket is equipped with at least one channel and a lateral support surface.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, the conveyor belt undergoes grinding after its production. In fact, the conveyor belt is generally processed by grinding and milling. For this purpose, the conveyor belt is first and typically extruded, using a thermoplastic material. Polyurethane or another elastic plastic can be advantageously used for this. It has also proven advantageous for the conveyor belt to have a Shore A hardness of approximately 30 to 120, and especially approximately 50 to 100.

[0011] In any case, the conveyor belt is, first of all, elastic due to its construction from a thermoplastic material, so that it can be continuously guided and driven by two generally opposing rollers of the conveyor system. For this purpose, the conveyor belt may be a toothed belt.

[0012] After such a rotating toothed belt has been manufactured from plastic, it is typically subjected to grinding and milling within the scope of the invention. The milling process, which involves milling, generally defines and produces the individual suction openings and the suction pockets surrounding the suction openings. With the aid of the additional grinding process provided according to the invention, the upper side of the conveyor belt is generally ground. In this way, the particularly height-constant transport of plate-shaped or film-like objects in contact with or resting on the upper side of the conveyor belt, as described above and stated as the objective, can be realized and implemented. In fact, dimensional deviations in the height direction of the conveyor belt of less than 0.05 mm have proven feasible at this point.This means that the conveyor belt ground in this way has, within the scope of the invention, height deviations of less than 0.05 mm over its length.

[0013] As a result, the plate-shaped or film-like objects are transported and conveyed at a constant height along the conveyor belt. Within the scope of the invention, the negative pressure generated at the suction openings in conjunction with the suction pockets primarily ensures that the plate-shaped or film-like objects are held in place. In principle, magnetic holding elements can be used alternatively or additionally if the plate-shaped or film-like objects are also designed to be magnetizable, thus being held in place by the magnetic holding elements arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction.

[0014] Typically, however, the attachment of sheet-like or film-like objects to the conveyor belt is achieved and provided by the negative pressure prevailing at the respective suction openings in conjunction with the suction pockets. The thermoplastic material used to manufacture the conveyor belt is generally polyurethane (PU). Of course, other thermoplastics and elastic plastics can also be used for this purpose, as can plastic compounds.

[0015] In any case, the grinding treatment of the conveyor belt as a whole ensures that the upper side is typically equipped with a maximum dimensional deviation in the height direction of the conveyor belt of < 0.05 mm over the entire length of the conveyor belt. This means that when the plate-shaped or film-like objects are transported, there are no height deviations or only within the specified range of + / - 0.05 mm, so that an optical device scanning the plate-shaped or film-like objects above the conveyor belt, such as a camera, has no problems with focusing and does not need to be refocused. This allows the individual objects to be inspected and monitored particularly quickly and continuously with regard to the desired quality. For this purpose, the optical device in question is usually arranged above the conveyor belt at a specific height.

[0016] Furthermore, it has proven particularly advantageous if the respective suction pocket is equipped with at least one channel and a lateral support surface. The invention is based on the knowledge that the plate-shaped or film-like objects often have only a small material thickness, so that with elliptically shaped suction pockets, for example, as shown in the generic prior art according to DE 20 2019 107 078 U1, there is a risk that the objects in question will be sucked into the suction pocket and close the suction opening leading into the suction pocket. To prevent this, the channel and the lateral support surface are used. As a rule, at least two channels with a central and / or lateral support surface are used.

[0017] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous if the channels are arranged in a diamond-shaped, X-shaped, rectangular, circular ring, etc. This allows the channels to be selected to be so small (narrow) that there is no risk of, for example, the foil-like object being sucked into the channel and thereby closing the suction opening leading into the channel, or such a risk does not exist.

[0018] The inventive design of the conveyor belt or the respective suction pocket with at least one channel and a lateral support surface results in the previously described constant-height transport of the plate-shaped or film-like objects being achieved even if the grinding of, for example, the top side of the conveyor belt is omitted. The invention is based on the finding that the at least one channel including the lateral support surface leads to an overall enlargement of the suction pocket or its area. At the same time, this enlargement of the effective area of ​​the suction pocket is accompanied by the fact that, due to the lateral support surface, the plate-shaped or film-like objects are prevented from being sucked in or sucked up in this area.In any case, a particularly large-area suction application of the transported plate-shaped or film-like objects is ensured and that any deformation is not observed, so that, for example, a photographic representation of the object in question can be taken without focus problems. In this context, the overall procedure is such that the conveyor belt is guided in a rotating manner relative to a holding device or a frame via driven rollers. The holding device can be equipped with magnetic holding elements provided inside. It is also possible to apply a negative pressure to the holding device inside via one or more negative pressure units. In this way, the objects transported by means of the conveyor belt are attached to the conveyor belt by negative pressure and / or magnetically.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the conveyor belt is additionally equipped with integrated steel strands. The steel strands generally run longitudinally along the conveyor belt, specifically on an underside. This allows the steel strands to interact with magnetic holding elements arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction.

[0020] In fact, the steel strands in conjunction with the magnetic holding elements arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction ensure that the conveyor belt is reliably held in contact with a frame. The conveyor belt is actually designed to run all the way around the frame. The magnetic holding elements in the frame ensure that the conveyor belt is perfectly held in a guide on the frame as it rotates around the frame or around the rollers provided at each end of the frame and is guided along the frame in contact with the frame. This prevents any sagging of the conveyor belt and ensures particularly precise transport and play-free guidance on the frame. The respective suction opening is generally connected to a vacuum blower with which the respective suction opening communicates. A radial fan is typically used as the vacuum blower.Finally, a cleaning device may also be provided to clean the conveyor belt on a regular basis. This cleaning device, for example, uses brushes to ensure that the top of the conveyor belt is free of any buildup, dust, dirt, etc., to ensure proper positioning and inspection of the film-like objects on the top of the conveyor belt.

[0021] For the previously described and particularly important grinding of the top and / or bottom of the conveyor belt, a belt grinder is generally used. This belt grinder can be positioned lengthwise and / or crosswise along the conveyor belt. After the belt grinder with its rotating sanding belt has been started up, the conveyor belt is also set in motion, so that the relative movement between the rotating sanding belt of the belt grinder on the one hand and the conveyor belt driven around the frame on the other hand ensures the grinding of the conveyor belt. The grinding can typically be performed on the top of the conveyor belt. In principle, it is also conceivable for the underside of the conveyor belt or both sides to be ground.

[0022] Typically, however, only the top side of the conveyor belt is ground using the belt grinder, as the underside of the conveyor belt typically has teeth that strengthen the conveyor belt as a toothed belt and provide drive via the rollers equipped with corresponding recesses at each end of the frame. The previously described grinding of the conveyor belt using the belt grinder can be performed in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, across it, or even in both directions.

[0023] Furthermore, the design is usually such that the conveyor belt is first ground using a belt grinder, and only then is the additional milling process performed, which is also necessary to define the suction pockets and, if necessary, the intake openings and insert them into the top of the conveyor belt. In principle, the process can also be reversed. In this case, the milling process is performed first, before the conveyor belt is subjected to grinding.

[0024] The result is a conveyor system for transporting sheet-like or film-like objects that ensures particularly constant height. This allows for easy optical inspection of the sheet-like or film-like objects for their quality. Any focusing problems of a lens as part of the optical system are not observed, thus providing continuous and rapid quality control.

[0025] In addition, the suction pockets and their respective channels are specially designed to prevent any deformation of the film-like objects during their transport on the conveyor belt, as well as any possible blockage of the suction opening leading into the respective suction pocket. This is the main advantage. The invention is explained in more detail below using a drawing that represents only one exemplary embodiment; it shows:

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a conveying device according to the invention in a basic perspective view,

[0027] Fig. 2 is a schematic section through the article according to Fig. 1 and

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the conveyor belt with different suction pockets.

[0029] The figures depict a conveyor system for transporting, in particular, plate-shaped or film-like objects 1. The film-like objects 1 may be aluminum- or copper-coated plastic foils intended as electrodes for battery production. This is, of course, only an example and is in no way restrictive. The individual plate-shaped or film-like objects 1 are transported by means of a conveyor belt 2. For this purpose, the conveyor belt 2 is mounted circumferentially on a frame 3. The frame 3 may be designed as a holding device for the conveyor belt 2 guided circumferentially thereon. Rollers 4 provided at each end of the frame 3 or the holding device ensure the transport of the conveyor belt 2, which, according to the exemplary embodiment, is a toothed belt conveyor. Accordingly, the rollers 4 are each designed as a toothed belt roller.

[0030] From Fig. 1, it can be seen that the conveyor belt 2 is equipped with a plurality of suction openings 5 ​​arranged one behind the other in the transport direction or conveying direction T, and with suction pockets 6 surrounding the suction openings 5. In fact, the suction openings 5 ​​each open into the differently shaped suction pockets 6 shown in detail in Fig. 3 in plan view. One or more suction openings 5 ​​can each open into one or more suction pockets 6. In any case, the negative pressure applied via the suction openings 5 ​​ensures that the suction pockets 6 are also subjected to negative pressure.

[0031] According to the exemplary embodiment, a vacuum blower 7 generates the necessary negative pressure. The vacuum blower 7 is a radial fan. This is, of course, not restrictive and is by no means mandatory. In any case, the radial fan or vacuum blower 7 generates a negative pressure inside a vacuum chamber 8, which represents a structural component or the backbone of the base or frame 3, as can be seen from the sectional view in Fig. 2.

[0032] According to the exemplary embodiment, the conveyor belt 2 is ground on its top and / or bottom. This is ensured by a belt grinder 9, indicated in Fig. 3 and used in connection with the processing of the conveyor belt 2. The belt grinder 9 has a circumferential grinding belt, as indicated by a double arrow in Fig. 3. In principle, the belt grinder 9 is to be considered optional and therefore unnecessary.

[0033] As soon as the conveyor belt 2 is moved in the transport direction T, the rotating sanding belt of the belt sander 9 ensures that, according to the exemplary embodiment, the upper side of the conveyor belt 2 is ground or remains ground after processing. For this purpose, the belt sander 9 is arranged transversely to the transport direction T in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 3. In principle, however, the belt sander 9 can also ensure that the upper side of the conveyor belt 2 is processed in the transport direction T, i.e. in the longitudinal direction. This is not shown, however. Also not shown is the further possibility of processing the upper side of the conveyor belt 2 both in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction with the belt sander 9 or the rotating sanding belt.

[0034] The grinding processing of the conveyor belt 2 has the overall effect that the conveyor belt 2, as shown in Fig. 2, has height fluctuations H along its longitudinal extent which, according to the exemplary embodiment, are less than 0.05 mm, as indicated by a corresponding double arrow in Fig. 2. This means that the conveyor belt 2 has dimensional deviations in the height direction H of less than + / - 0.05 mm on its upper side. In this way, the film-like objects 1 are transported and moved at a practically constant height along the transport direction T with the aid of the conveyor device, so that an optical device 10, indicated in Fig. 1, is capable of scanning the film-like objects 1 in connection with a quality control, without the optical device 10, which is designed as a camera, having to be refocused.Rather, this enables continuous quality control of a copper or aluminum coating applied to the foils examined as objects 1 for any damage or irregularities.

[0035] In addition, a cleaning device 11 is provided at the end, with the help of which the upper side of the conveyor belt 2 is cleaned of any dirt or dust. Of course, such a cleaning device 11 is basically unnecessary. As can be seen from the detailed illustration in Fig. 3, the conveyor belt 2 is not only ground using the belt grinder 9 shown there. Rather, the conveyor belt 2 is generally also milled. For this purpose, a milling cutter or milling device (not shown) is used, with the help of which the individual channels 6a, 6b shown in Fig. 3 can be created, which channels form the suction pockets 6 according to the exemplary embodiment. The procedure is usually such that the conveyor belt 2 is first ground using the belt grinder 9 and then milled in order to create the channels 6a, 6b and thus the suction pocket 6.This is achieved particularly easily because the conveyor belt 2 is made of a thermoplastic material, and in the exemplary embodiment, of polyurethane. Furthermore, the conveyor belt 2 has a Shore A hardness of 50 to 100, allowing damage-free transport via the respective end rollers 4 on the frame or base 3.

[0036] From Fig. 3 it can be seen that the respective suction pocket 6 is not only equipped with at least one channel 6a, 6b, but also additionally has a lateral support surface 12. This lateral support surface 12 ensures that the film-like object 1, which is transported by the negative pressure generated at the suction pockets 6 in contact with the conveyor belt 2, is not sucked into the suction pocket 6 to such an extent that the suction opening 5 leading into the suction pocket 6 is closed. Rather, the plurality of lateral support surfaces 12 as a whole ensure that the film-like objects 1 lie flat on the conveyor belt 2 and are moved together with the conveyor belt 2 in the transport direction T during transport of the conveyor belt 2. From Fig. 3 it can be seen that at least two channels 6a, 6b with a central and / or lateral support surface 12 are provided.The channels 6a, 6b can be arranged in a diamond-shaped or kite-shaped configuration, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 3, or in an X-shaped configuration, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 3. This is, of course, only an example and is by no means mandatory. A circular channel can equally well be used as the suction pocket 6, with, for example, a central and surrounding contact surface 12.

[0037] The sectional view in Fig. 2 shows that the conveyor belt 2 is additionally equipped with integrated steel strands 13. The steel strands 13 run in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 2. They are also arranged on the underside of the conveyor belt 2. This allows the steel strands 13 to interact with magnetic holding elements 14 shown in Fig. 2 inside the frame 3. In fact, the magnetic holding elements 14 ensure that the conveyor belt 2 is held in contact with the frame 3 via the steel strands 13. In addition, corresponding guides on the frame 3 ensure that the conveyor belt 2 is guided around the frame 3 and is free of play and without sagging around the respective end rollers 4. The suction openings 6 provided at this point communicate with the vacuum chamber 8, which in turn is connected to the vacuum blower 7.As a result, the vacuum chamber 8 is subjected to negative pressure, which propagates via the suction openings 5 ​​into the suction pockets 6 and ensures the desired attachment of the film-like objects 1 to the upper side of the conveyor belt 2.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Conveying device for transporting in particular plate-shaped or film-like objects, with at least one conveyor belt (2) with a plurality of suction openings (5) arranged one behind the other in the transport direction (T), and with suction pockets (6) surrounding the suction opening (5), characterized in that the respective suction pocket (6) is equipped with at least one channel (6a, 6b) and a lateral support surface (12).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two channels (6a, 6b) with a central and / or lateral support surface (12) are provided.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the channels (6a, 6b) are arranged in a diamond-shaped, X-shaped, rectangular, circular ring-like, etc.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conveyor belt (2) is ground on its upper side and / or underside.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper side has a dimensional deviation in the height direction (H) of + / -0.05 mm at maximum.

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the conveyor belt (2) is machined by grinding and milling, the grinding process being carried out before the milling process.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the conveyor belt (2) is made of a thermoplastic material, for example polyurethane (PU).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the conveyor belt (2) has a Shore A hardness of approximately 30 to 120 and in particular of approximately 50 to 100.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the conveyor belt (2) is equipped with inserted steel strands (13).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the steel strands (13) run in the longitudinal extension of the conveyor belt (2) on an underside of the conveyor belt (2).

11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the steel strands (13) interact with magnetic holding elements (14) arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the respective suction opening (5) communicates with a vacuum blower (7).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the vacuum blower (7) is designed as a radial fan.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that an optical device (10), for example a camera, is provided for scanning the plate-shaped or film-like objects (1).

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a cleaning device (11) is provided for the conveyor belt (2).

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