Conveyor system

Abstract

To develop a system for reducing a noise level while decreasing wear of a wheel of a wheeled vehicle, and reducing costs of operation and maintenance.SOLUTION: A conveyor system for conveying a packaged food product comprises: a curved closed loop route defined by a profile-processed track; a plurality of wheeled vehicles (20) which is movably housed in the track and has wheels (26, 28) guided by the track; and a detachable connector (60) positioned between two wheeled vehicles (20). Each of the wheeled vehicle (20) and the connector (60) forms a part of continuous conveying chain extending along a route. The conveying chain has an attaching side facing an opening side of the profile-processed track. The track is arranged such that the opening side is directed in a horizontal direction so that the attaching side is vertical during movement of the wheeled vehicle (20) along the route. When a carrying body moves along the route, a carrying body rack is maintained in a horizontal attitude.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4-1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor system for transporting packaged food products, particularly for fast food restaurants, cafeterias, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art, conveyor systems typically include a curved, preferably closed-loop, path defined by a profiled track, and a plurality of wheeled vehicles having wheels movably housed within and guided by the profiled track. The wheeled vehicles have a mounting side opposite an open side of the profiled track. The track is further arranged so that the open side of the wheeled vehicle faces a substantially horizontal direction, with the mounting side of the wheeled vehicle facing a substantially vertical direction during movement of the wheeled vehicle along the path. The conveyor system also includes at least one carrier having a carrier rack adapted to support food products to be transported. The carrier is pivotally attached to the mounting side of one of the wheeled vehicles to maintain the carrier rack in a horizontal position as the carrier moves along the path.

[0003] Such a system is known from European Patent No. 3533733 in the name of the Applicant, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application as if fully set forth in their entirety.

[0004] According to the disclosure in EP 3533733, the wheeled vehicles are directly interconnected via hinged connections which form part of the wheeled vehicles in order to form a closed chain of wheeled vehicles along the route. This chain of wheeled vehicles constitutes a transport chain which can be moved along the route by a single (central) drive unit. The carriers are attached to the wheeled vehicles as described above.

[0005] This can have the disadvantage that a relatively large number of wheeled vehicles are required to close the chain. The corresponding number of wheels rolling on the track can generate a relatively high level of noise during operation, which can also be accompanied by a correspondingly large amount of wear and tear. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3533733 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to develop a system of the type defined above which is able to operate with reduced noise levels whilst also reducing wear, in particular wear on the wheels of wheeled vehicles, thereby also reducing operating and maintenance costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object is achieved by a conveyor system as defined in the attached claim 1. Advantageous further developments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] A conveyor system according to the present invention, which can be used for transporting packaged food products, comprises a curved, preferably closed-loop, path defined by a profiled track; a plurality of wheeled vehicles having wheels movably housed within and guided by the profiled track; and at least one detachable connector, preferably a plurality of detachable connectors, wherein at least one pair of wheeled vehicles, i.e., two adjacent wheeled vehicles in a chain of wheeled vehicles, are separated along the path by a detachable connector positioned between the two wheeled vehicles in the pair. The wheeled vehicles and connectors each form part of a continuous transport chain extending along the path. The transport chain has an attachment side facing the open side of the profiled track, and the track is arranged so that the open sides of the wheeled vehicles and connectors each face substantially horizontally, such that the attachment sides of the wheeled vehicles and connectors are oriented substantially vertically during movement of the wheeled vehicles along the path. The conveyor system further comprises at least one carrier having a carrier rack adapted to support the food products to be transported. The carriers are pivotally mounted to the attachment side of the transport chain to maintain the carrier rack in a horizontal position as the carriers move along the path.

[0010] By introducing connectors as separate, detachable elements between at least some of the wheeled vehicles, preferably between each pair of wheeled vehicles, i.e. between any two adjacent wheeled vehicles, it is possible to reduce the number of wheeled vehicles required to close the transport chain, thereby reducing the number of wheels and, as a direct consequence, reducing noise levels and wear. The gaps between the individual wheeled vehicles are effectively bridged by connectors without wheels, so that the resulting (transport) chain of wheeled vehicles and connectors can still be driven by one (central) drive unit, e.g. a gear wheel.

[0011] According to the invention, the carrier does not have to be attached directly to the attachment side of at least one of the wheeled vehicles or to the attachment side of at least one of the connectors (as in the prior art). In a preferred embodiment, the carrier can be attached to the intermediate support structure using an additional intermediate support structure that forms part of the transport chain, in which case the intermediate support structure is connected to at least one of the wheeled vehicles or to at least one of the connectors. In other words, the conveyor system may further comprise at least one intermediate support structure in the transport chain, i.e. as a link in the transport chain, that is connected to at least one of the wheeled vehicles by a connector. In a very preferred embodiment, the additional intermediate support structure is arranged along the chain either between two connectors or between two wheeled vehicles or between a wheeled vehicle and a connector. Advantageously, the connection of the additional intermediate support structure to any adjacent element (either a wheeled vehicle or a connector) is a hinged connection.

[0012] Most preferably, the additional intermediate support structure comprises at least one (support) wheel for supporting the additional intermediate support structure or its load so as to roll on a track.

[0013] Additionally, the intermediate support structure may have an attachment side that forms part of the attachment side of the transport chain, whereby the carrier may be mounted on the intermediate support structure at its attachment side.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the wheeled vehicle and the connector may each have an attachment side that forms part of the attachment side of the transport chain, in which case the carrier can be attached to its respective attachment side on the wheeled vehicle or on the connector.

[0015] The following further embodiments of the conveyor system according to the invention have been found to be particularly useful.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the connectors are designed as rod-like elongated elements, each having at its two ends a respective first connection joint, preferably a female connection joint, for detachable hinged connection to a corresponding wheeled vehicle or to an intermediate support structure, if present, and the connectors preferably do not have any wheels (in contrast to wheeled vehicles and intermediate support structures).

[0017] Due to their elongated shape, the connectors are very efficient at bridging the gaps between individual wheeled vehicles, thereby reducing the number of wheeled vehicles, which is very advantageous in terms of noise generation and wear.

[0018] In yet another embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the wheeled vehicle and / or the intermediate support structure have respective second connection joints, preferably (complementary) male connection joints, at both ends for removable hinge connection to the respective connectors.

[0019] In this way, a hinge connection between the connector on the one hand and the wheeled vehicle or intermediate support structure on the other hand can be easily established.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of the conveyor system according to the present invention, the hinge connection between a given wheeled vehicle and a given connector or between an intermediate support structure and a given connector comprises an engagement of a first connection joint and a second connection joint.

[0021] In this way, a stable and durable connection between the elements of the conveyor system can be obtained.

[0022] In another embodiment of the conveyor system according to the present invention, at least one connector cap is removably secured to one of a given connector, a given wheeled vehicle, and an intermediate support structure. Preferably, there are two connector caps (65) per connector, i.e., one cap at each end. The connector caps are intended to cover and protect the hinge connection(s).

[0023] In this way, the hinge connection(s) can be effectively protected by preventing disengagement of the first and second connection joints. Furthermore, the hinge connection(s) is / are also protected from dirt and the like.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the first connecting joint is made from polyamide, i.e. PA, preferably PA6 with 30% glass fibre, or a similar material, and the second connecting joint is made from polyoxymethylene, i.e. POM, or a similar material.

[0025] If the second connection joint (or male connection joint) is made from a POM material and the first connection joint (or female connection joint) is made from PA, a specific type of polyamide, this allows for durable and smooth operation.

[0026] In a highly preferred embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the connector is longer in the direction along the path than the wheeled vehicle.

[0027] This allows a significant reduction in the number of wheeled vehicles required to obtain a closed loop or transport chain on a track route.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment of the conveyor system according to the present invention, the wheeled vehicle and the connector have gear teeth on their undersides for engagement with a drive mechanism, e.g., a motor means having a (direct) drive sprocket, the underside facing away from the open side. Preferably, the connector has more teeth than the wheeled vehicle, for example, but not limited to, 14 teeth on the connector and only 3 teeth on the wheeled vehicle.

[0029] In this way, the connector takes an active role in driving the above-mentioned transport chain along / around the track, a role that in the prior art has been taken only by wheeled vehicles.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the conveyor system according to the present invention, a base plate having a front side and a rear side is installed between the carrier and the intermediate support structure or between the corresponding wheeled vehicle or connector. The base plate can extend laterally beyond the track. The base plate carries at its front side a suspension pivot from which the carrier is suspended.

[0031] According to a highly preferred embodiment, the base plate can be attached (removably, for example with screws) to the wheeled vehicle or connector, or to the intermediate support structure described above.

[0032] In another highly preferred embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the base plate carries at its front side at least one lateral bumper against which the conveyors rest when moving along the horizontal part of the track, thereby effectively suppressing the rocking movement of the conveyors.

[0033] In yet another highly preferred embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the base plate comprises a support structure with at least one additional support wheel for rolling on a track.

[0034] The support structure may be useful in supporting a weight or load being transported using the carrier.

[0035] In yet another highly preferred embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the bumper is removably attached together with at least the connector cap, preferably by means of one common fixing element, for example a screw.

[0036] Such an embodiment does effectively reduce the number of elements used in the conveyor system, thereby facilitating installation and maintenance.

[0037] In yet another highly preferred embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the wheeled vehicles and / or the intermediate support structure are provided with wheels having tyres moulded directly onto their respective bushings, preferably made from thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, or a similar material.

[0038] Alternatively, the tire can be glued or geometrically mounted using two bearings.

[0039] Such a design makes it virtually impossible to lose a tire due to delamination while the system is in operation.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the wheeled vehicles are made from polyoxymethylene, i.e. POM, or a similar material, and the connectors are made from a fiber-reinforced plastic material, preferably fiberglass, preferably fiber-reinforced polyamide, in particular PA6 30GF (polyamide 6 with 30% glass fibers), or a similar material. Other matrix materials and different amounts of fibers and / or glass beads can also be used.

[0041] This correlation of materials reduces the wear between these two elements and therefore also allows the connector to be much more robust with respect to the "dogbone" connection elements known from the prior art, thus providing an increased stiffness of the system and allowing reliable actuation of the system by pushing and pulling.

[0042] Another advantageous embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention comprises a cover plate removably fixed on at least one connector, preferably on each connector. The cover plate can essentially cover the entire length of the connector, possibly excepting the first connection joint (for easier access). The cover plate can extend laterally beyond the width of the connector.

[0043] The special cover plates mentioned above were designed to close the open space between the wheeled vehicles and the space created by the (long) connectors, reducing noise and increasing the overall safety of the system.

[0044] Finally, in another advantageous embodiment of the conveyor system according to the invention, the cover plate is fixed to the connector by means of a connector cap, for example by clamping. Alternatively, to reduce the complexity of the system, the cover plate together with the connector cap and bumper are fixed to the connector, preferably by means of a single screw.

[0045] Additional features and further advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which proceeds with reference to the drawings.

[0046] In the drawings, the same reference numbers are used to denote similar elements or elements with at least similar functionality. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary installation of a conveyor system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a track profile used in the conveyor system of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2A-2C show various views of bumper crosses and carrier baskets for use in the conveyor system of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 1A-1C show various views of a wheeled vehicle and connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 10A-10C show various views of variants of the wheeled vehicle and connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1A-1C show various views of a wheeled vehicle and connector assembly and support structure with attached bumper cross and carrier basket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 1 shows an exemplary installation of a conveyor system ("system") known from the prior art for the transport of packaged food products. However, while the basic installation of the system is essentially the same in the context of the present invention, particularly with regard to the design of the track, the main difference lies in the design of the wheeled vehicles and wheeled vehicle connectors, as shown and described with respect to Figure 4f.

[0049] The system of Figure 1 advantageously uses a profiled track 10 made from lightweight aluminum track sections connected together to form a closed loop. While this is a preferred configuration, the invention is not limited in principle to closed-loop configurations. The track 10 can snake around the building, going from a loading point to an unloading point and back again. The track 10 can run horizontally in a straight line and around corners, or vertically in a straight line, optionally tilted (up to) 45 degrees.

[0050] It should be understood that the installation in FIG. 1 is merely a simplified example intended to illustrate the functionality of the system. The actual design of the route taken by track 10 will depend on the location and orientation of the loading and unloading points, the location and size of kitchen facilities (not shown), and the layout of the building itself in which track 10 is installed. Typically, track 10 will extend from a loading point located in the food preparation area to a unloading point, usually located near a drive-through window or concession stand. Track 10 has tight radii on horizontal and vertical bends to allow the track route to negotiate tight spaces. Actual track layouts are created with standard horizontal and vertical corners and straight sections of track that can be cut to length. A significant advantage of the track-based conveyor system described herein is that, unlike conventional conveyor belts, it is not limited to a straight line between any two points and does not take up any valuable floor space.

[0051] The profiled track 10 is formed as a kind of vertical cage or cage rail for a number of small wheeled vehicles 20, such as those shown in Figures 4 and 5, which are housed and guided by the profiled track 10 and will be described in more detail below.

[0052] The profile of track 10 can be seen more closely in the cross section shown in Figure 2. Track 10 has a closed rear sidewall 11, which serves to attach the track to a wall or other building structure. Adjacent to rear sidewall 11, the track has a narrow section 12 confined by the sidewall, which extends toward an open front side 16 and terminates in a wide section 14. Wide section 14 is confined toward the open front side by inwardly facing shoulders 15.

[0053] FIG. 3 includes several partial views a) through c) illustrating a carrier 30 (see FIG. 1) that can be used to transport food products in the context of the present invention. For this purpose, the front side of a wheeled vehicle, wheeled vehicle connector, or intermediate support structure—as will be described below with respect to FIGS. 4 through 6—serves as the mounting of the carrier 30. The carrier 30 includes a carrier rack or basket 32 ​​on which the food products to be transported can be placed. Therefore, the front side is also referred to as the "mounting side." The carrier 30 used in the preferred embodiment has a substantially triangular rear panel 34. The rear of the rear panel 34 has an eyelet 35 that serves to suspend the carrier 30 from a pivot pin 36 (53) that is attached to the wheeled vehicle, wheeled vehicle connector, or (preferably) one of the intermediate support structures, as will be described below. As a result, the carrier can pivot or swing about the pivot pin 36 (53), thereby maintaining a horizontal position as it travels along the track, regardless of the track direction. The front indexing plunger 37 serves to lock the eyelet 35 onto the pivot pin 36 (53) to prevent the carrier 30 from falling out.

[0054] The carrier rack or basket 32 ​​includes several fingers 38 that extend substantially vertically from the rear panel 34 and curve slightly upward toward their free ends. The carrier basket is connected to the rear panel 34 by a hinge connection 39 that allows the carrier rack 32 to pivot upward about a horizontal axis. This will allow the carrier rack to pivot upward to a substantially vertical position when its downward path is obstructed.

[0055] 1 is a food loading station 40 having a funnel-shaped slide 41 at the end of which is a similar comb-like structure with fingers that extend opposite to the fingers 38 of the carrier rack 32. Prepared and packaged food items can be placed on the slide 41, where they will slide down onto the comb-like structure 42. A carrier 30 approaching from below will pick up an item by passing the fingers 38 of the carrier rack 32 between the corresponding fingers of the comb-like structure 42.

[0056] Mounting of the carrier 30 to a corresponding wheeled vehicle, wheeled vehicle connector, or intermediate support structure is aided by a base plate 55 and a bumper cross 50, which can be seen in more detail in partial view a) of Figure 3. The bumper cross 50 has four bumpers 51, 52 arranged in all four directions, i.e., above, below, left and right, around the pivot pin 53 (36). Note that a standard vertical transport system may not require, and therefore would not include, either the (transverse) bumpers 51 or the base plate 55. The carrier 30, which pivotally hangs from the pivot pin 53 (36), rests against the lowermost of the bumpers 51, 52. When the corresponding wheeled vehicle (or wheeled vehicle connector) moves along the curved track 10 (see Figure 1), the wheeled vehicle will rotate correspondingly when the track turns 90 degrees (or 180 degrees), and therefore the bumpers 51, 52 will exchange roles with each other so that the other of the bumpers 51, 52 becomes the lowermost bumper.

[0057] Bumpers 51, 52 are preferably made from an engineering thermoplastic material and support and stabilize carrier rack 32, which is suspended from pivot pin 53 (36). Friction between bumpers 51, 52 and carrier rack 32 damps any rocking motion that carrier 30 may experience due to acceleration when the conveyor system starts or stops, or due to radial acceleration when carrier 30 negotiates a curve.

[0058] Bumpers 51 (cross bumpers) are preferably fixed to the wheeled vehicle (not shown) and are attached to base plates 55 (see FIG. 1) that extend laterally on both sides of the track 10. Bumpers 52 (side bumpers) are attached directly to the wheeled vehicle connectors, as will become apparent later (see FIG. 6). Two lateral extensions 55' (see partial view b in FIG. 3) of base plate 55, which extend beyond the track 10 (see FIG. 1) and serve as additional support structures, have small rollers or support wheels 58 mounted on their rear sides. The purpose of these additional rollers or support wheels 58 is to support the carrier 30 along the horizontal portions of the track or on curves. To this end, the conveyor system has flat support rails 10a (see FIG. 1) installed below the track 10 along (at least) its horizontal portion. The lower rollers of these rollers 58 come into contact with the lower flat support rail 10a and roll along it as the carrier moves. Thus, the lower one of the rollers 58 via the base plate 55 and the lower one of the bumpers 51 causes the horizontal lever arm of the carrier 30, i.e. the finger 38 of the load-bearing carrier rack 32, to absorb any lever force acting on the track 10 and the wheeled vehicle or wheeled vehicle connector.

[0059] FIG. 4 and its sub-views a) through f) show a so-called "HD" wheeled vehicle 20 fitted with a wheeled vehicle connector (also referred to simply as "connector" in this disclosure) 60. While sub-views a) and b) of FIG. 4 are perspective views, sub-views c) through f) of FIG. 4 show various alternative views, namely, bottom, cross-sectional, side, and top views. Two of the illustrated wheeled vehicles 20 can be connected to each other by the connector 60 via a hinged joint or hinge connection 22 to form a continuous train (or transport chain) of wheeled vehicles. The train of wheeled vehicles 20 on the track system is pulled by an electric drive system using a motor with a preferably direct-drive sprocket that engages with teeth 24 (the teeth of the connector 60 are designated by reference numeral 64) built into the bottom of the wheeled vehicle 20 and connector 60 through a rear opening in the track. This is further explained below in connection with FIG. 6.

[0060] Thus, the wheeled vehicle 20 has a row of teeth 24 on its rear side with which a drive sprocket may engage. Four small wheels 26 at the four rear corners of the wheeled vehicle 20, with axes perpendicular to the rear sidewall 11 of the track 10 (see FIG. 2), roll along the sidewall of the track 10 within the narrow portion 12 and support the wheeled vehicle 20 at its sides. Four side wheels 28, two on each side of the wheeled vehicle 20, are positioned within the wide portion 14 of the track 10 and roll along the shoulders 15 and the steps 16 formed at the junctions between the narrow and wide portions 12, 14. The side wheels 28 support the wheeled vehicle 20 in a direction perpendicular to the rear sidewall 11.

[0061] The wheeled vehicle 20 and wheels 24, 28 can be made from a high-performance plastic with built-in lubrication properties, such as PTFE, meaning the system does not require additional lubrication during operation or for maintenance. Alternatively, the wheeled vehicle 20 can be made from polyoxymethylene, or POM, or a similar material. In the case of a so-called "basic vehicle," the wheels can be made from PA630 bushings with TPU tires.

[0062] The main differences between the HD wheeled vehicle (as shown in the drawing) and the basic wheeled vehicle are:

[0063] The HD wheeled vehicle and the basic wheeled vehicle use different wheels - the basic has a TPU tire on a plastic bushing, while the HD has a TPU tire on a metal bearing.

[0064] The HD wheeled vehicle and the basic wheeled vehicle have different axles - in the basic version the axles are part of the body, while in the HD the axles are made from metal shafts to give the vehicle greater load-bearing capacity.

[0065] The HD and basic wheeled vehicles have different mounting points for their ball joints - in the basic version, the ball joint is simply part of the bodywork, while in the HD version, the ball joint is a separate part that can rotate on a metal shaft, thereby reducing friction between the ball joint and the connector in that direction, as explained in more detail below.

[0066] In the base model, all wheels on the vehicle are identical. In the HD vehicle, the rear wheels (see reference number 26, as introduced above) are different from the side wheels (see reference number 28, above) - the rear and side wheels have different bearings and the wheels 26 are thinner.

[0067] The connectors 60 are conceived as rod-like elongated elements, each having at its two extremities a respective first or female connection joint 63 for a detachable hinge connection to a respective wheeled vehicle 20, which will be described shortly. The connectors 60 can be made from a fiber-reinforced polyamide, in particular PA6 30GF, or a similar material.

[0068] In particular, the use of glass fibers to fabricate connectors can be highly advantageous in the context of the present invention, as it ensures dimensional stability of the connector in changing environmental conditions. Fiberglass is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic that uses glass fibers. The fibers may be randomly arranged, flattened into sheets called chopped strand mats, or woven into glass cloth. The plastic matrix may be a thermosetting polymer matrix—most often based on thermosetting polymers such as epoxy, polyester resin, or vinyl ester resin—or a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The present invention is not limited to the use of any particular type of fiberglass.

[0069] In a "basic" version of the wheeled vehicle 20, not shown here, the bushings of the wheels 26, 28 are preferably made of PA630 or PA6 GF30 (i.e., polyamide 6 with 30% glass fiber), as previously mentioned. This reduces axle wear during operation. In such an embodiment, the tire can then be made of TPU.

[0070] In the "HD" (Heavy Duty) wheeled vehicle 20 shown in Figures 4 and 5, which can withstand operation under higher loads, the wheels 26, 28 rotate on ball bearings. The shafts on which the bearings rotate are preferably made from steel. This configuration allows the ball joints to rotate freely, thereby reducing wear on the ball joints in the direction of rotation. The basic wheeled vehicle can instead have the bushings described above.

[0071] To form the hinge connection 22 mentioned above, the wheeled vehicle 20 is provided with a second or male connection joint 23, best seen in the partial views a), b), c) and f) of Figures 4 and 5. The second joint 23 comprises an annular element 23a capable of pivoting on an axle 23b, which is perpendicular to the extension of the connector 60. There is one such second joint 23 at each end of the wheeled vehicle 20. As mentioned above, the connector 60 is provided at both of its extremities with (complementary) first or female connection joints 63, which essentially consist of recesses 63a that engage with the annular elements, thereby forming the hinge connection 22 and allowing both pivotal movement of the connector 60 about the axle 23b and (limited) angular movement of the connector 60 about the central axis of the annular element 23a - see the double-headed arrow AM in Figure 4. The connector 60 further comprises a screw-on connector cap 65 that protects the hinge connection 22 by closing the recess 63a from the outside. Preferably, the configuration of the connector cap 65 may comprise a clip-on mechanism that interacts with a structure on the connector 60 with reference number CO and makes it possible to prevent disconnection even before the connector cap 65 is fixed with the screw 66. Only one screw 66 is required to fix the connector 60 to the wheeled vehicle 20. The second or male connecting joint 23 is preferably made from a POM material and the first or female connecting joint 63 is preferably made from PA630, which allows for a smooth operation.

[0072] In the basic vehicle, a non-rotatable ball joint is used instead, since the ball joint is preferably conceived as an integral part of the wheeled vehicle (wheeled vehicle body).

[0073] Although only one wheeled vehicle 20 and only one connector 60 are shown in Figures 4 and 5, those skilled in the art will readily understand that one connector 60 can function to connect two wheeled vehicles 20, another connector 60 can function to attach a third wheeled vehicle 20 to the first two wheeled vehicles 20, and so on until a closed loop or transport chain is obtained.

[0074] It should be noted that the connector 60 is substantially longer than the wheeled vehicle 20 in the direction in which each tooth 24, 64 follows one another. In this way, fewer wheeled vehicles 20 are required to close the loop. In Figures 4 and 5, the number of teeth 64 on the wheeled vehicle 20 is only three, while the connector 60 has fourteen teeth 64.

[0075] Figure 5 and its sub-views a) through f) show essentially the same "HD" wheeled vehicle 20 and connector 60 as Figure 4, except for an additional cover plate 67 that is removably attached to the top of the connector 60, preferably by clamping it under the end cap 65, as best seen in sub-views d) and f) of Figure 5. The cover plate 67 extends laterally on each side beyond the width W of the actual connector 60. The width W is shown only in sub-view c) of Figure 4 and is substantially less than the width of the wheeled vehicle 20. It should be noted that the cover plate 67 does not obstruct access to the recess 63a.

[0076] The cover plate 67 is intended to close the open space between the wheeled vehicles 20, which is created by the long connector 60. The cover plate 67 effectively reduces noise and increases the overall safety of the system. In the case of the connector 60, the cover plate 67 is preferably flexible enough to be easily bent and pushed into position, so that the cover plate 67 can be installed without removing the vehicle chain.

[0077] As shown in partial view g) of Figure 5, the wheeled vehicle 20 - in its alternative basic form - may be equipped with wheels 28 (and / or 26) with tires 28a molded directly onto the respective bushings 28b, preferably tires 28a made from thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, or a similar material (as already mentioned above). With the TPU tires 28a of a given wheel overmolded onto the bushings 28b, it is virtually impossible for them to come off during normal driving.

[0078] 6 and its sub-views a) to e), it should be noted that, according to a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bumper cross 50 and carrier 30 are each attached to the front of the wheeled vehicle 20 via a base plate 55 by using a male connector 56 that is screwed to the wheeled vehicle body, as described above with respect to FIG. 3. The side bumper 52 is attached above the hinge connection to the connector cap 65 using a single screw 66b. However, it should be noted that the base plate 55 need not be present in all embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] However, the present invention is expressly intended to encompass embodiments in which the bumper cross 50 and carrier 30 are mounted to an intermediate support structure (not shown) that can be connected in-line between at least one of the wheeled vehicles and / or at least one of the connectors 60. The intermediate support structure therefore constitutes an optional feature of the present invention.

[0080] In Figure 6, partial view a) is a top view of three wheeled vehicles 20, one of which is not visible, supporting the carrier 30 and (part of) the bumper cross 50. There are further connectors 60, each connecting a wheeled vehicle 20 to an adjacent wheeled vehicle 20. There is one further connector 60 (on the right-hand side) which can be used for connection to another wheeled vehicle (not shown). All connectors 60 are fitted with cover plates 67, as explained above.

[0081] Partial view b) of FIG. 6 shows the same arrangement, but without the carrier 30 and basket 32.

[0082] Partial drawing c) of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of partial drawing b), which diagrammatically depicts the electric drive system described above with a motor 80 and a (direct) drive sprocket 81, which engages with teeth 24, 64 built into the bottom of the wheeled vehicle 20 and connector 60 to move the transport chain.

[0083] As can be further inferred from partial view c) of Figure 6, the previously mentioned base plate support structure comprises at least one additional support wheel or roller 58 for rolling on the flat support rail 10a of the track 10, see detail D of partial view e) of Figure 1 and Figure 6. The axle 57 of the support wheel 58 is oriented parallel to the axle of the wheels 28.

[0084] It will be seen from partial views b), c), and e) of Figure 6 that the additional roller or support wheel 58 is offset laterally relative to the teeth 24, 64 and sprocket 81 so as to prevent interference between these elements as the wheeled vehicle 20 and connector 60 are moved along the track (or path).

[0085] The support wheels 58 may include tires 58a, preferably made from thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU or similar material, mounted on two respective bushings (not shown).

[0086] As can be inferred from the partial view d) of FIG. 6, one common screw 66b can be used to fasten both the connector cap 65 (see FIGS. 4a, 5a) and the side bumper 52 to the connector 60. Preferably, the male connector 56 is attached to the wheeled vehicle or the wheeled vehicle body (not visible) by an additional screw 66a. The same type of screw can be used as the screw 66b in FIG. 6d) and as the screw 66a in FIG. 6e). If the side bumper 52 is not present, a different screw is used (reference number 66), as shown in FIGS. 5e and f). The cover plate 67 does not require any screws for installation and can have a shape, such as a wedge shape, that is geometrically held under the connector cap 65.

[0087] In other words, in the prior art, the side bumpers 52 used in carrier systems are mounted on the wheeled vehicle 20. In one embodiment of the present invention, the side bumpers 52 are mounted on the connector 60 and connector cap 65.

[0088] The present invention has been exemplarily described above using one embodiment in which the bumper cross 50 and carrier 30 are attached to the connector 60 and / or the wheeled vehicle 20. Alternatively, the bumper cross 50 and carrier 30 can be secured—at least in part—to an intermediate support structure (not shown).

[0089] In either case, the (relatively long) connectors 60 effectively reduce the number of wheeled vehicles 20, and therefore the number of wheels 26, 28 driving within the extruded aluminum rail 10 (see Figure 2), reducing noise generated by the system and therefore reducing wear.

[0090] During operation, the carrier 30, suspended from the male connector 56, is supported by the bumpers 51, 52 as long as they are present. If the carrier 30 is moving upwards or downwards, it is supported by the side bumpers 52. If the carrier 30 is moving sideways, it is supported by the transverse bumper 51, see Figure 6a). As mentioned earlier, this is different from a purely vertical system in which there is no horizontally oriented track and therefore no need for parts 51 and 55.

[0091] The flat support rail 10a referred to above in connection with FIG. 1 is described in detail in EP 3533733, the corresponding description of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0092] The conveyor system described herein may be designed as an "on-demand" system. In other words, the system operates only when there is product that needs to be transported from the loading point to the unloading point. To operate the system, an operator simply places the packaged food on slide 41 at loading point 40, see FIG. 1. The system is initiated by pressing a "load" button or the like, and the carrier 30, loaded with the food, is rapidly moved along track 10 at a maximum speed of 0.7 m / s.

[0093] Instead of the above-mentioned carrier 30, a so-called Bag & Clip system can be used, in which the food is transported in a bag attached to a wheeled vehicle by means of a clip or hook. Typically, the speed of such a Bag & Clip system does not exceed 1.1 m / s.

[0094] When the carrier 30 arrives at the drop-off point, the product is picked up from the carrier. The system may also include a control system with logic to automatically shut down the system after the food items have been unloaded. A variable speed control system also provides smooth acceleration and deceleration of the system to avoid jerky motion.

Claims

1. 1. A conveyor system for transporting packaged food products, comprising: a curved, preferably closed-loop, path defined by a contoured profiled track (10); a plurality of wheeled vehicles (20) having wheels (26, 28) movably accommodated within and guided by the profiled track (10); at least one detachable connector (60), preferably a plurality of detachable connectors (60), wherein at least one pair of wheeled vehicles (20) are separated along the path by a detachable connector (60) positioned between two of the wheeled vehicles (20) in the pair of wheeled vehicles (20); Equipped with said wheeled vehicles (20) and said connectors (60) each form part of a continuous transport chain extending along said route; the transport chain has a mounting side facing an open side of the profiled track (10), the track (10) being arranged so that the mounting side is oriented substantially vertically during movement of the wheeled vehicle (20) along the path and the open side is oriented substantially horizontally; The conveyor system further comprises at least one carrier (30) having a carrier rack (32) adapted to support food products to be transported, the carrier (30) pivotally attached to the attachment side of the transport chain to maintain the carrier rack (32) in a horizontal position as the carrier (30) moves along the path.

2. 2. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the wheeled vehicle (20) and the connector (60) each have a mounting side that forms part of the mounting side of the transport chain, and the carriers (30) are mounted on the wheeled vehicle (20) and on the connector (60) at the mounting sides of the mounting sides of the wheeled vehicle (20) and the connector (60), respectively.

3. 3. A conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connectors (60) are designed as rod-like elongated elements, each of the connectors (60) having a respective first connection joint (63), preferably a female connection joint, at both extremities for a detachable hinge connection to the wheeled vehicles (20), and the wheeled vehicles (20) having respective second connection joints (23), preferably a male connection joint, at both ends for a detachable hinge connection (22) to the connectors (60).

4. 4. The conveyor system of claim 3, wherein the hinge connection (22) between a given wheeled vehicle (20) and a given connector (60) includes engagement of the first connection joint (63) with the second connection joint (23).

5. 5. A conveyor system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second connection joint (23) is made from polyoxymethylene, i.e. POM, or a similar material, and the first connection joint (63) is made from polyamide, i.e. PA, preferably PA6 or PA66, or a similar material.

6. 6. A conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one connector cap (65) is removably secured to one of the given connector (60) and the given wheeled vehicle (20), preferably two connector caps (65) per connector (60), and the connector cap (65) covers the hinge connection (22).

7. 7. A conveyor system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wheeled vehicle (20) and the connector (60) have gear teeth (24, 64) on their respective undersides for engaging with a drive mechanism, the undersides facing away from the open side, and preferably the connector (60) has more teeth (64) than the wheeled vehicle (20), for example 14 on the connector (60) and 3 on the wheeled vehicle (20).

8. 8. A conveyor system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a base plate (55) having a front side and a rear side is installed between the carrier (30) and the corresponding wheeled vehicle (20) or connector (60) according to claim 2, the base plate (55) carrying on its front side a suspension pivot (53) from which the carrier (30) is suspended.

9. 9. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base plate (55) carries at its front side at least one lateral bumper (52) against which the carrier (30) rests as it moves along the horizontal portion of the track (10) to inhibit rocking movement of the carrier (30).

10. 9. A conveyor system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the base plate (55) comprises a support structure having at least one additional support wheel (58) for rolling on a flat support rail (10a) attached to the track (10).

11. 10. A conveyor system according to claim 9 with reference to claim 6, wherein the bumper (52) is removably attached together with the connector cap (65), preferably by means of one common fixing element, e.g. a screw (66b).

12. 12. A conveyor system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wheeled vehicle (20) and / or the support structure according to claim 10 comprises wheels (26, 28, 58) with tyres (28a, 58a) moulded directly onto the respective bushings, preferably made from thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU or similar material, or wheels with tyres glued or geometrically mounted by means of two bearings.

13. 13. A conveyor system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wheeled vehicles (20) are made from polyoxymethylene, i.e. POM, and / or the connectors (60) are made from a fibre-reinforced plastic material, preferably from fibreglass, preferably from fibre-reinforced polyamide, in particular PA6 containing 30% glass fibre, or a similar material.

14. 14. A conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a cover plate (67) is removably fixed on at least one connector (60), preferably on each connector (60), said cover plate essentially covering the entire length of said connector (60) except for said first connecting joint (63) as claimed in claim 3, and extending laterally beyond the width (W) of said connector (60).

15. A conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 with reference to claim 6, wherein the cover plate (67) is fixed to the connector (60) using the connector cap (65), or as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cover plate (67) is fixed to the connector (60) together with the connector cap (65) and the bumper (52).

Images