Device for transporting and orienting curved products

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for transporting and orienting curved, elongate products, the device comprising a transporting device with a movable conveying surface for conveying the products along a transporting direction transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the products, wherein the conveying surface comprises drivers for transporting products along the transporting direction, and an orienting element which, in an orienting region, projects through the conveying surface, wherein, in a first region, the conveying surface has a first cross section, can be transferred into a concave or convex cross section in a transfer region arranged downstream of the first region, can run through the orienting region downstream of the transfer region, with the result that the products can be oriented identically in accordance with their curvature, and, downstream of the orienting region, can run through a return region, in which the cross section of the conveying surface can be transferred into a second cross section.

Description

[0001] Device for transporting and aligning curved products

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for transporting and aligning curved products according to claim 1 and to a method for transporting and aligning curved products with a device according to claim 8.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Devices and methods for transporting elongated, curved products such as sausages are generally known from the prior art. For example, EP 3 469 911 B1 describes a device for transporting elongated, curved sausages that are transported by two laterally spaced, revolving conveyor belts. A starting component extends through the conveyor belts or the space formed between them, against which a sagging sausage runs, causing the sausage to be pivoted upwards toward the conveying plane. The pivoted sausage is then taken over by a second conveyor device. This device requires a large number of conveyor devices, which increases the susceptibility to errors and the maintenance effort.

[0005] EP 3 443 844 B1 shows a device and a method for aligning sausages, wherein the sausages are transported transversely on a conveyor and a turning device is provided which is arranged above the conveyor element and is designed to be brought into contact with a sausage and, by rotating the sausages substantially about their longitudinal axis by a relative movement prevailing between the sausage and the turning device, to align the sausages aligned approximately transversely to the conveying direction of the conveyor element identically with regard to their curvatures on the conveyor element.

[0006] However, the known applications for aligning elongated, curved products are maintenance-intensive due to the large number of moving components. Furthermore, additional moving devices above the product transport level can complicate manual maintenance due to difficult access.

[0007] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to provide a device and a method for aligning and transporting curved, elongated products which ensure reliable alignment of the products while at the same time requiring little maintenance and being easily accessible.

[0008] Solution

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the device for transporting and aligning curved, elongated products according to claim 1 or by the method for transporting and aligning curved, elongated products according to claim 8. Advantageous developments of the invention are covered in the subclaims.

[0010] The device according to the invention for transporting and aligning curved, elongated products comprises a transport device with a movable conveying surface for conveying the products along a transport direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the products, wherein the conveying surface comprises drivers for transporting products along the transport direction, and an alignment element which projects through the conveying surface in an alignment region, wherein the conveying surface has a first cross-section in a first region, can be converted into a concave or convex cross-section in a transfer region arranged downstream of the first region, can pass through the alignment region downstream of the transfer region so that the products can be aligned equally according to their curvature, and can pass through a return region downstream of the alignment region in which the cross-section of the conveying surface can be converted into a second cross-section.

[0011] An elongated product is any product that has an extension in at least one direction that is greater than the extension in any other direction. The curvature of the product can be designed such that it occurs along the longitudinal axis of the product, i.e., the axis along which the product has the greatest extension. In a cross-section through this longitudinal axis, a curved elongated product thus has an at least partially convex or concave cross-sectional area.

[0012] The carriers can, for example, be designed as bars or elongated elements arranged transversely to the transport direction. Alternatively, the carriers can also comprise one or more carrier elements, such as pins positioned vertically on the conveying surface. A carrier can comprise exactly one pin or several pins arranged in a direction transverse to the transport direction.

[0013] The first and second cross sections can each be straight cross sections. However, it is also possible for the first and / or second cross sections to already have a convex or concave curvature or to be curved in the opposite direction. In one embodiment, the first and second cross sections are identical, in particular straight. According to the invention, the convex or concave cross section of the conveying surface is different from the first and second cross sections.

[0014] The fact that the cross-section of the conveying surface is transformed in the transfer region from a first cross-section into a concave or convex cross-section can comprise the conveying surface itself being deformed. However, the transformation into a concave or convex cross-section can also comprise sectionally changing the angle of attack between parts of the conveying surface, for example if the conveying surface comprises several conveyor belts. The convex or concave cross-section of the conveying surface does not necessarily have to be continuously curved, but can also be straight in sections and / or have corners or discontinuous points. Differentiability of a function representing the cross-section of the conveying surface is not absolutely necessary at all points of the cross-section, but can be provided in some embodiments.

[0015] By transforming the shape of the conveying surface from a first cross-section into a concave or convex cross-section, the curved, elongated products will adapt to the concave or convex cross-section of the conveying surface according to their own curvature, so that they are all aligned uniformly in this area of ​​the device. The driver can then fold the equally aligned curved, elongated products so that, for example, in a plan view, they all rest on the conveying surface curved in the same direction. This ensures reliable alignment of the curved, elongated products so that they all have the same orientation, which can simplify subsequent transport or packaging of the products. Additional moving components such as further transport devices or turning devices moved relative to the conveying surface or the products can be omitted, thus minimizing maintenance costs.

[0016] It can be provided that the transport device comprises a drive for driving the conveying surface and the drive is designed to drive the conveying surface intermittently and / or to vary a transport speed of the conveying surface intermittently. The intermittent driving can comprise stopping and starting the conveying surface at a specific cycle or at a specific frequency, such as 1 Hz or at least 2 Hz or more. Varying the transport speed of the conveying surface in intermittent operation is to be understood as meaning that the transport speed of the conveying surface changes periodically or is changed periodically without the conveying surface being stopped. This variation can also take place at a frequency of 1 Hz or 2 Hz or more. This vibrates the curved, elongated products so that their alignment according to the concave or convex curvature of the conveying surface can be reliably ensured.

[0017] The alignment element can comprise a pin or an alignment surface that rises in the transport direction. In this sense, a pin is understood to be a cone, truncated cone, or cylinder, or a configuration that is cone-like, truncated cone-like, or cylinder-like, i.e., can exhibit at least slight deviations from the shape of a cone, truncated cone, or cylinder. This shape of the alignment element achieves a selective folding of the aligned products, which minimizes physical interaction with the products. If a fixed alignment surface is provided instead, this can be designed as a wedge with a contact surface that is as non-sharp-edged as possible, in particular blunt, and in particular convex with respect to a transport plane.This ensures a gradual transfer of the products into the final aligned position, minimizing damage to the products, which is particularly advantageous with regard to the use of the devices in the food industry.

[0018] It can be provided that the conveying surface comprises exactly one flexible belt or at least two belts arranged parallel to one another in the transport direction, wherein the at least two belts can be tilted in different directions in the transfer area so that the conveying surface can assume the convex or concave cross-section.

[0019] The flexible belt can, for example, be made of rubber or comprise or consist of another flexible material and can have its cross-sectional shape changed, for example, by suitable guide elements. If the conveying surface is created using at least two belts, these can be tilted relative to one another, for example by deflection elements or guide elements, so that the concave or convex shape of the cross-section of the conveying surface can be created. Using just one flexible belt offers advantages with regard to possible contamination and thus reduces maintenance effort, as there are no gaps or openings through which parts of the product could fall. If at least two (separate) belts are used, maintenance effort can be advantageously reduced, as no wear due to deformation of the belts occurs or needs to occur when the shape of the cross-section of the conveying surface changes.

[0020] The convex or concave cross-section can be continuously curved or include at least one straight section. A continuous curvature can advantageously stabilize the products and prevent damage to them, whereas achieving a concave or convex cross-sectional shape of the conveying surface with at least one straight section can be structurally simpler and result in reduced maintenance effort.

[0021] Adjacent carriers can form a pocket into which exactly one product can be inserted in the transport direction. This design prevents the products from interfering with each other during alignment.

[0022] It can be provided that the conveying surface is designed to transport a number N>1 products in a direction transverse to the transport device, and that the conveying surface is designed to be converted in the transfer area into a cross-section comprising a number N of convex and / or concave sections. This embodiment also enables the parallel transport of several rows of curved products and their reliable alignment.

[0023] According to the invention, a method for transporting and aligning curved, elongated products with a device is further provided, wherein the device comprises a transport device with a movable conveying surface for conveying the products along a transport direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the products, wherein the conveying surface comprises carriers for transporting products along the transport direction, and an alignment element which projects through the conveying surface in an alignment region, wherein the conveying surface has a first cross-section in a first region, is converted into a concave or convex cross-section in a transfer region arranged downstream of the first region, passes through the alignment region downstream of the transfer region so that the products are aligned equally according to their curvature, and passes through a return region downstream of the alignment region,in which the cross-section of the conveying surface is converted into a second cross-section.

[0024] This method allows for reliable alignment of curved, elongated products with minimal maintenance. The transport device can be provided with a drive for driving the conveyor surface, and the drive can drive the conveyor surface intermittently and / or vary the conveyor speed intermittently. This embodiment ensures reliable alignment of the products through an additional vibrating motion.

[0025] In one embodiment, the clock frequency of the cycle is at least 2 Hz. This frequency is sufficiently high to ensure that, regardless of the original position of the products, they follow the concave or convex shape of the conveying surface.

[0026] The alignment element can comprise a pin or an alignment surface that slopes upwards in the direction of transport. The fixed pin allows for point-by-point alignment of the products, minimizing physical interaction and thus the risk of product contamination. The use of a rising, fixed alignment surface enables continuous transfer or alignment of the products, which can minimize product damage.

[0027] The conveying surface can comprise precisely one flexible belt or at least two belts arranged parallel to each other in the transport direction, with the at least two belts being tilted in different directions in the transfer area so that the conveying surface assumes a convex or concave cross-section. The use of a flexible belt, e.g., consisting of or comprising rubber or another flexible material, reduces the risk of jamming of the products and thus damage to the products. Using multiple belts to form the conveying surface can reduce the maintenance effort of the transport system, as the loads on the individual belts are lower when changing the cross-section of the conveying surface.

[0028] The convex or concave cross-section can be continuously curved or include at least one straight section. A continuous curvature can ensure support of the products, thus preventing damage. Providing one or more straight sections in the convex or concave cross-section can be structurally simpler.

[0029] It can be provided that adjacent carriers form a pocket into which exactly one product is inserted in the transport direction. This reduces product obstructions and thus product alignment errors. In one embodiment, the conveying surface transports a number N>1 products in a direction transverse to the transport device, and wherein the conveying surface is converted into a cross-section in the transfer area that includes a number N of convex and / or concave sections. This embodiment allows for increased throughput while simultaneously ensuring reliable product alignment.

[0030] All of the described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0031] Short description of the characters

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a device for transporting and

[0033] Aligning products according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figures 2 to 4 show possible embodiments of a cross-section of a conveying surface.

[0035] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a conveying surface.

[0036] Figures 6 and 7 show embodiments of an alignment element.

[0037] Figures 8 to 11 show further embodiments of a conveying surface.

[0038] Detailed description

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic view, here a plan view, of a device 100 for transporting and aligning curved, elongated products 131 and 132. The curved, elongated products can be, for example, foodstuffs, in particular sausages, such as bratwurst or white sausages. However, the invention is not limited with regard to the type of products. Elongated products are generally understood below to be products whose extension in one direction is greater than that in one or all other directions perpendicular thereto. In particular, elongated products can be understood to mean products that can be in the form of a curved cylinder or in a shape corresponding to a curved cylinder, as is approximately the case with sausages.

[0040] The curvature of the products is preferably such that a section through the product and the longitudinal axis of the product in at least one orientation of the product shows a convexly or concavely curved cross-section of the product. This can also be seen in the plan view of Figure 1, since here in the right-hand area of ​​the figure, for example, product 131 is shown bent or curved to the left and product 132 is shown curved to the right. According to the invention, the device 100 comprises a transport device which has at least one conveying surface 101, which can be designed, for example, as one or more conveyor belts and can move the products along a transport direction T. The conveying surface can, for example, be designed as an endless conveyor belt, as will be described below.

[0041] Furthermore, the device comprises an alignment element 103. This extends through the conveying surface at one point of the device so that it can physically interact with the products conveyed in the transport direction T, as will be described below.

[0042] The conveying surface further comprises a series of carriers 102, which can be designed, for example, as bars running transversely to the transport direction T and can limit the movement of the products along the transport direction T relative to the conveying surface 101. The carriers can be formed from the same material as the conveying surface or can be formed integrally with the conveying surface. If the conveying surface is designed, for example, as a conveyor belt made of rubber or polyurethane, the carriers can be made of the same material and can either be formed integrally with the conveying surface itself or can be glued or screwed to the surface of the conveying surface conveying the products or connected in some other way.

[0043] In particular, it can be provided that only exactly one product 131, 132 can be placed between two successive carriers in the transport direction, so that the successive carriers form a pocket into which a product 131, 132 can be received.

[0044] The device can further comprise a drive 180, such as one or more servomotors, which are designed to drive the conveyor surface in the transport direction T. Provision can be made for the conveyor surface to be driven in a cyclical or vibrating operation. This can include either a cyclical drive of the conveyor surface, so that it alternates between a standstill and a forward movement, or the transport speed of the conveyor surface being varied cyclically, i.e., at specific time intervals, wherein the speed of the conveyor surface and thus the transport speed of the products in the transport direction T is always different from zero.Since the purpose of the device is to align the products, it can be advantageous if the clock frequency is at least 1 Hz or in particular at least 2 Hz, so that the products are shaken and assume the desired target position during alignment despite existing frictional forces between the conveying surface and the products or the carriers and the products. In particular, it can be provided that, on the one hand, a first drive element, for example in the form of a servo drive or a servo motor, drives the conveying surface as a whole in the transport direction T at a constant speed and, in addition, a second drive element of the drive 180 superimposes a further movement on this constant movement, which can bring about a change in the transport speed with the clock frequency described above. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment.Instead of superimposing a movement in the transport direction T, vibration or shaking in a direction perpendicular thereto, in particular a vertical direction, can also be caused by the second drive element.

[0045] According to the invention, during the movement of the conveying surface along the transport direction T, the conveying surface 101 and thus also the products transported by it initially passes through a first region 140 in which the conveying surface 101, such as of the conveyor belt or strap, has a first cross-section, in particular a straight or substantially straight cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction T. Alternatively, the conveying surface 101 can also have a first cross-section that is at least partially curved, in particular partially convex or concave. For the sake of simplicity, the first cross-section is referred to below as a straight cross-section, although this is not to be construed as restrictive. Other shapes of the first cross-section, as described here, are also possible.

[0046] A transfer area 150 then extends downstream in the transport direction T, in which the shape of the cross-section of the conveying surface 101 is changed. The cross-sectional shape of the conveying surface 101 transitions from a substantially straight cross-section or straight cross-section to an at least partially convex and / or at least partially concave cross-section. This can be achieved, for example, by suitable guide elements or tensile forces in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the conveying surface.

[0047] If the conveying surface has this shape, the curved products 131 and 132 follow this course, so that the curvature of the products runs in the same direction, either downwards or upwards. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, it can therefore be provided that the curvature of the products 133 in the transfer area 150 forms a U or an inverted U, as will be described with reference to the following embodiments. The transfer area is followed by an alignment area 160 in which the alignment element 103 is arranged. When the products 134 pass through the alignment area, they come into physical contact with the alignment element that projects through the conveying surface 101 in the alignment area 160. As a result, a torque acts on the products 134 and these are rotated in a direction opposite to or with the transport direction T, as shown by the dashed line, and then assume the orientation 135.

[0048] Downstream of the alignment region, a return region 170 is arranged, in which the shape of the conveying surface 101 is converted into a second shape, in particular a second cross-section. The second cross-section can be a straight or curved, in particular concave or convex curved cross-section (whereby, for the sake of simplicity, it will also be assumed to be straight below, without this being construed as limiting). The first and second cross-sections can be identical or different. Preferably, the conveying surface is converted back into its original shape with a flat or straight cross-section of the conveying surface in the return region 170.The return region 170 can directly adjoin the end of the alignment element 103 in the transport direction T or can already begin with the beginning of the alignment element in the transport direction T or can begin in a region in which the alignment element 103 extends in the transport direction T, so that the products aligned in the alignment region 160 do not fall back into their initial position, but are held in the desired alignment by the changing shape of the conveying surface.

[0049] This ensures that, after the alignment area 160, all products exhibiting alignment 135—in the example shown here, for example, are curved to the right or are positioned on the conveying surface with their curvature to the right. The device according to the invention eliminates the need for complex devices for changing the alignment of the curved products, while simultaneously enabling reliable alignment of the products.

[0050] If the first and second cross sections are not straight, the invention provides that the first and second cross sections differ from the concave or convex cross section of the conveying surface in the transfer area, so that an alignment effect is brought about by the change in the cross section of the conveying surface.

[0051] Figures 2 to 4 show various embodiments of a conveying surface. As already described and shown in Figure 2, the conveying surface 201 has, for example, a straight cross-section in a first region 140 (see also the description of Figure 1). This straight or generally first cross-section relates to an axis P, which can run parallel to the transport surface of the conveying surface and perpendicular to the transport direction T.

[0052] The conveying surface 201 can be supported by suitable guide elements, in particular drive or guide rollers 211 to 214, so that it rests on them due to its own weight. The product 230 is shown above the conveying surface, and the carrier 202 is shown.

[0053] Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the conveying surface 301 assumes a convex cross-sectional shape in the transfer area. Here, the conveying surface 301 is convexly curved with respect to the direction P, i.e., curved toward the direction P. As can be seen, the curved product 330 follows this path due to its own curvature and the force of gravity. This can also be promoted by the previously described vibration of the conveying surface.

[0054] In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the conveying surface 301 can be selected such that it corresponds, for example, to the average curvature or the average radius of curvature of the products 330. This can enable the products 330 to conform more easily to the shape of the conveying surface 301.

[0055] The shape of the conveying surface 301 can be achieved, for example, by a corresponding arrangement of the guide elements 311 to 314 in the transfer area. Since the conveying surface 301 can rest on these due to its own weight, a change in the arrangement of the guide rollers 311 to 314 in the transport direction T can also bring about a change in the shape of the conveying surface 301. While in this embodiment the conveying surface 301 is movable relative to the guide rollers 311 to 314 or is not firmly connected to them, it can also be provided, for example, that the shape of the conveying surface is changed by a drive chain that is firmly connected to the conveying surface and is itself arranged in a guide that is shaped such that a curvature of the conveying surface 301 results.

[0056] In the embodiment shown here, the driver 302 also has a curvature corresponding to the conveying surface 301, since it is connected to the conveying surface 301. The driver is preferably formed from a flexible or at least shape-changeable material so that it creates as little resistance as possible to deformation of the cross-section of the conveying surface. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the driver is not designed as a continuous, flat element, as shown here, but is formed as or comprises a plurality of vertically arranged fingers spaced from one another on the conveying surface transversely to the transport direction.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment in which the conveying surface 401 has a concave shape with respect to the axis P. The curved product 430 follows this shape, so that its curvature is such that a minimum along the shape of the product 430 in the sectional plane shown here is approximately in the center of the product, and the opposite ends are at a greater distance from the axis P.

[0058] Analogous to Figure 3, one or more guide rollers 411 to 414 can be used to guide the conveying surface 401 and thus bring about a change in shape.

[0059] It is understood that corresponding guide rollers 411 to 414 are provided both in the first region 140 of Figure 1 and in the transfer region 150, in the alignment region 160 and in the return region 170, wherein the position or relative arrangement of the guide rollers or other suitable elements for influencing the shape of the conveying surface in the transfer region and in the return region can change gradually and are preferably constant in the first region and in the alignment region.

[0060] In the previously described embodiments, the conveying surface was depicted as a continuous surface. In principle, this can be provided, and in particular, the conveying surface can be formed as a single-piece belt, for example, from rubber or polyurethane or another flexible material. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the conveying surface is composed of a plurality of conveying surface segments, which are movably connected to one another, for example, via connecting elements or links running transversely to the transport direction T, or which are connected to one another via a drive chain or guide chain running parallel to the transport direction T.

[0061] However, it can also be provided that the conveying surface 501 comprises two spaced-apart conveying surface parts 511 and 512, which extend essentially parallel to one another in the transport direction T. A connection of the conveying surface parts 511 and 512 can be effected via the driver(s) 502, which can, for example, be firmly connected to the respective segments. This creates a free space 513 into which the alignment element can engage from below a transport plane of the products in the conveying surface, so that the products can be redirected. This prevents any obstruction to the transport of the products.

[0062] Figures 6 and 7 show different embodiments of the alignment element.

[0063] In Figure 6, the alignment element extends in the form of a cylinder, cone, or truncated cone through the conveying surface 601, such that conveyed products 630 are at least selectively contacted and deflected by this alignment element as they continue to be transported in the transport direction T. It can be provided that the alignment element is arranged as a fixed alignment element 630 that always remains in the position shown. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the alignment element is arranged so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane and can thus align a product 630 when it protrudes through the conveying surface 601 and, after alignment, is moved back into an area below the conveying surface 601, such that the alignment element cannot come into physical contact with the products.

[0064] In Figure 7, the alignment element 703 is designed as or comprises an alignment surface that rises in the transport direction T. The angle of rise in the direction of transport T can, in principle, be selected arbitrarily, thus achieving a gradual lifting and alignment of the products. The steeper the angle of rise is selected, the faster the conveyed products can be aligned.

[0065] With this embodiment, compared to the embodiment of Figure 6, any jerky movements of the products 730 during alignment can be avoided, which can reduce damage. Analogous to the embodiment of Figure 6, it can be provided that the rising alignment surface 703 is stationary or can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the products 730 in order to protrude through the conveying surface 701 in a first position and to redirect or align the products 730, and in a second position is arranged below the conveying surface 701, so that any influence on the products 730 is not possible.

[0066] However, since the conveying surface does not represent an insurmountable obstacle for the products 730, but rather, due to its rising design, can cause the products not only to be aligned but also to be gradually lifted and to fall back onto the conveying surface when passing the alignment surface 703, a fixed arrangement of the alignment surface may be preferred in the embodiment of Figure 7.

[0067] Figures 6 and 7 also show that the conveying surface 601 or 701 tapers again in an area around the alignment element, and in particular after the alignment element. This is to be understood here as meaning that the cross-section of the initially convex or concave cross-section of the conveying surface 601 or 701 is transformed into the straight (or generally second) cross-sectional area. The drivers 602 and 702 undergo a corresponding movement, as already described with regard to the previous embodiments.

[0068] Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a conveying surface 801, wherein the conveying surface 801 in this embodiment comprises two belts 811 and 812 running parallel to one another with respective carriers 821 and 822, wherein the product 830 rests on both belts 811 and 812. Analogous to the description of Figures 2 to 4, a series of guide rollers or other guide devices can be provided, as shown schematically here, in order to change the cross-sectional shape of the respective belt or of the conveying surface 801 as a whole. In the upper illustration, the conveying surface 801 has a straight (or generally first) cross-section parallel to the direction P. In the transfer area, this can be converted into a convex or concave cross-section, which in the embodiment shown here can in particular comprise the belts 811 and 812 being tilted relative to one another, but not being curved or not necessarily being curved.This also creates a convex or concave area, with a concave arrangement of the belts 811 and 812 being shown in Figure 8. This embodiment offers the advantage that the alignment element can reach through the gap formed between the belts 811 and 812, and material stress on the drivers 821 and 822 or the belts 811 and 812 is minimized, since they are deformed less or not at all.

[0069] In this respect, a concave or convex configuration of the cross-section of the conveying surface 801 can also include one or more straight sections as well as interrupted sections. The invention is not limited in this regard.

[0070] Figures 9 to 11 show embodiments of a conveying surface 901 with which a multi-row transport of products 931 to 933 transverse to the transport direction T is possible. With this configuration, the throughput of the device can be increased compared to a transport in only one row in the transport direction. In the embodiment shown here in Figure 9, the conveying surface 901 comprises drivers 921 and 923 spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, boundary surfaces 941 and 942 running parallel to the transport direction T are shown schematically, which physically separate the individual tracks or aisles in which the products 931 to 933 are transported, so that a product cannot inadvertently slip into an adjacent aisle, in particular if the cross-sectional shape of the conveying surface changes. The boundaries 941 and 942 can be designed either as part of the conveying surface or as elements connected to it or, for example,can also be arranged above the conveyor surface, and the conveyor surface can pass under these boundaries. This reduces the weight of the conveyor surface.

[0071] Figure 10 shows a first embodiment of a possible cross-section of the conveying surface 901, as it can be produced in the transfer area. As shown here, the conveying surface 1001 is divided into three concave areas 1041, 1042, and 1043, in each of which a product 1031, 1032, and 1033 is conveyed, wherein the carriers 1021, 1022, and 1023 are optionally deformed in accordance with the previously described embodiments.

[0072] This embodiment advantageously prevents the products from slipping into adjacent lanes when the shape of the cross-section of the conveying surface 1001 changes, as the shape is changed to a collection of valleys separated by peaks. In such a case, the boundary surfaces 941 and 942, as described with reference to Figure 9, can be omitted. They can optionally still be provided to prevent any remaining risk of the products slipping.

[0073] Since creating the cross-sectional shape of the conveying surface shown in Figure 10 requires that the minima forming regions 1041 to 1043 be separated by maxima, this embodiment may increase the required width of the conveying surface transverse to the transport direction T for a given product size, which entails increased material usage and thus potentially also a higher maintenance requirement. On the other hand, very reliable product transport is possible.

[0074] Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment to Figure 10. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the conveying surface 1001 is changed so that the outer areas or lanes

[0075] 1141 and 1143 have a concave cross-section, while the area in between

[0076] 1142 has a convex cross-section. The opposite is also conceivable. Similar changes in shape were also planned for the drivers 1121 to 1123. Thus, the curvature of products 1031 and 1033 is also concave, while product 1132 is convex.

[0077] It is understood that the embodiments described in connection with Figures 9 to 11 are not limited to three aisles. The embodiments can also be implemented with just two or more than two aisles, wherein the sequence of convex and concave regions of the cross-section of the conveying surface can be selected as appropriate. For each of the aisles according to Figures 9 to 11, a separate alignment element can be provided, which is designed according to the previously described embodiments. In this respect, although the conveying surface is shown as continuous in Figures 9 to 11, it can also be provided that the conveying surface has at least partial interruptions, as was described, for example, in connection with Figure 5. These interruptions can be found in each aisle of the conveying surface, so that the products in each aisle can be aligned by an engaging alignment element.

Claims

Claims 1. Device (100) for transporting and aligning curved, elongated products (131, 132), the device comprising a transport device with a movable conveying surface (101) for conveying the products along a transport direction (T) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the products, wherein the conveying surface (101) comprises drivers (102) for transporting products along the transport direction, and an alignment element (103) which projects through the conveying surface (101) in an alignment region (160), wherein the conveying surface (101) has a first cross-section in a first region (140), can be converted into a concave or convex cross-section in a transfer region (150) arranged downstream of the first region, can pass through the alignment region (160) downstream of the transfer region (150) so that the products can be aligned equally according to their curvature, and can pass through a return region (170) downstream of the alignment region, in which the cross-section of the conveying surface (101) can be converted into a second cross-section.

2. Device (100) for transporting according to claim 1, wherein the transport device comprises a drive (180) for driving the conveying surface (101) and wherein the drive is designed to drive the conveying surface intermittently and / or to vary a transport speed of the conveying surface intermittently.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alignment element (103) comprises a pin (603) or an alignment surface (703) rising in the transport direction.

4. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conveying surface (101) comprises exactly one flexible belt or at least two belts (811, 812) arranged parallel to one another in the transport direction, wherein the at least two belts can be tilted in different directions in the transfer region (150) so that the conveying surface (101) can assume the convex or concave cross-section.

5. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the convex or concave cross-section is continuously curved or comprises at least one straight section.

6. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein adjacent carriers (102) form a pocket into which exactly one product can be inserted in the transport direction (T).

7. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conveying surface (101) is designed to transport a number N>1 of products in a direction transverse to the transport device and wherein the conveying surface is designed to be converted in the transfer region into a cross-section which comprises a number N of convex and / or concave sections.

8. A method for transporting and aligning curved, elongated products (131, 132) with a device (100) comprising a transport device with a movable conveying surface (101) for conveying the products along a transport direction (T) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the products, wherein the conveying surface (101) comprises drivers (102) for transporting products along the transport direction (T), and an alignment element (103) which projects through the conveying surface (101) in an alignment region (160), wherein the conveying surface has a first cross-section in a first region (140), is converted into a concave or convex cross-section in a transfer region (150) arranged downstream of the first region, passes through the alignment region (160) downstream of the transfer region (150) so that the products are aligned equally according to their curvature, and downstream of the alignment region (160) passes through a return area (170),in which the cross-section of the conveying surface (100) is converted into a second cross-section., 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the transport device comprises a drive (180) for driving the conveying surface (100) and wherein the drive drives the conveying surface intermittently and / or varies a transport speed of the conveying surface intermittently.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a clock frequency of the clock is at least 2Hz.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the alignment element (103) comprises a pin (603) or an alignment surface (703) rising in the transport direction.

12. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the conveying surface (101) comprises exactly one flexible belt or at least two belts (811, 812) arranged parallel to one another in the transport direction, wherein the at least two belts are tilted in different directions in the transfer region (150) so that the conveying surface assumes the convex or concave cross-section.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the convex or concave cross-section is continuously curved or comprises at least one straight section.

14. Method according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein adjacent carriers (102) form a pocket into which exactly one product is introduced in the transport direction (T).

15. Method according to one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the conveying surface (101) transports a number N>1 of products in a direction transverse to the transport device and wherein the conveying surface is converted in the transfer region (150) into a cross-section which comprises a number N of convex and / or concave sections.

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