A conveyor device

Abstract

A conveyor device (120) comprising: an endless track which follows a track path in a transport direction wherein said track is formed by a base frame (149) carrying a first guide rail (138) and a second guide rail (156), wherein said first guide rail (138) and said second guide rail (156) extend parallel to each other in a transverse direction; a plurality of carriers (126) distributed in a closed loop along said track, driving means for moving said plurality of carriers (126) along said track; wherein each carrier (126) comprises at least one support surface for carrying one or more objects; wherein each carrier (126) is supported and guided by means of at least one first bracket (143) with a first set of three rollers (239, 240, 241) engaging said first guide rail (138), and a second bracket (276) with a second set of at least a first roller (272) engaging said second guide rail (156); and wherein a first roller (239) of said first set of rollers engages the first guide rail (138) in a direction perpendicular to said transport direction and said transverse direction, and the other two rollers (240, 241) of said first set of rollers engage the first guide rail (138) in respective different directions around the circumference of the first guide rail (138); wherein said at least one first bracket (143) is pivotable relative to said carrier (126) around a swivel axis (278) which is perpendicular to said transport direction and said transverse direction, and said first roller (239) is attached to said first bracket (143) in such a manner that the rotation axis (249) of said first roller (239) is located at a distance from said swivel axis (278), seen in the transverse direction.

Description

[0001] A conveyor device

[0002] The present invention relates to a conveyor device comprising: an endless track which follows a track path in a transport direction wherein said track is formed by a base frame carrying a first guide rail and a second guide rail, wherein said first guide rail and said second guide rail extend parallel to each other in a transverse direction;

[0003] a plurality of carriers distributed in a closed loop along said track,

[0004] driving means for moving said plurality of carriers along said track;

[0005] wherein each carrier comprises at least one support surface for carrying one or more objects;

[0006] wherein each carrier is supported and guided by means of at least one first bracket with a first set of three rollers engaging said first guide rail, and a second bracket with a second set of at least a first roller engaging said second guide rail; and

[0007] wherein a first roller of said first set of rollers engages the first guide rail in a direction perpendicular to said transport direction and said transverse direction, and the other two rollers of said first set of rollers engage the first guide rail in respective different directions around the circumference of the first guide rail.

[0008] Such a device is disclosed in US 6, 907, 985 Bl.

[0009] There is a continuous desire to increase the capacity of conveyor devices, in particular sorter devices for sorting and distributing objects, such as parcels. One way to increase the capacity is to increase the speed at which the carriers are moved along the track. An increase in speed, however, also increases the noise level of the conveyor device, and it may also lead to increased wear of the device.

[0010] The invention aims at an improved conveyor device, which addresses these concerns at least in part.

[0011] To this end, conveyor device according to the preamble is characterized in that said at least one first bracket is pivotable relative to said carrier around a swivel axis which is perpendicular to said transport direction and said transverse direction, and said first roller is attached to said first bracket in such a manner that the rotation axis of said first roller is located at a distance from said swivel axis, seen in the transverse direction.

[0012] Thereby a caster wheel type construction is formed whereby the noise and wear of the device may be decreased, in particular in the curves of the track and at high transport speeds, as the bracket with the three rollers are allowed to align with the rail.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one roller of said three rollers is mounted on a shaft and the shaft is movably mounted in the first bracket in such a manner that said shaft is allowed to move towards and away from the first guide rail, and said shaft is biased towards said first guide rail by resilient means.

[0014] Thereby the noise and wear of the device may be decreased, because, in particular in the curves of the track and at high transport speeds, more room for the rail will be created between the three rollers when necessary.

[0015] Preferably, the shaft is connected at one end of said shaft to the first bracket by means of a hinge shaft such that the roller is allowed to swivel around said hinge shaft towards and away from the first guide rail.

[0016] Preferably, said resilient means comprises a torsion spring.

[0017] Preferably, said first roller of said first set of rollers and / or said first roller of said second set of rollers engage the respective guide rail at the top side of said guide rail.

[0018] Preferably, the rotation axis of the first roller is located behind the swivel axis in the transport direction.

[0019] Preferably, the distance between the rotation axis first roller and the swivel axis is at least 25%, preferably at least 50% of the diameter of the first roller.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second bracket comprises a second roller, opposite the first roller such that the rollers receive the second guide rail between each other.

[0021] In an embodiment, said at least one second bracket is pivotable relative to said carrier around a swivel axis which is perpendicular to said transport direction and said transverse direction, and said first roller is attached to said second bracket in such a manner that the rotation axis of said first roller is located at a distance from said swivel axis, seen in the transverse direction.

[0022] In an embodiment, the rotation axis and rotation axis of the respective mentioned other two rollers are positioned such that the swivel axis substantially intersects the rotation axes.

[0023] In an embodiment, the swivel axis substantially intersects the first guide rail.

[0024] Preferably, said at least one first bracket and / or said second bracket are substantially C-shaped, seen in the transport direction, and extend partially around the respective guide rail.

[0025] Preferably, said at least one first bracket and / or said second bracket extend partially around the lateral outer side of the respective guide rail.

[0026] Preferably, the rollers are provided with a rubber circumference or rubber tyre for engaging the guide rails.

[0027] Preferably, the first guide rail and the second guide rail are each formed as a tube, which has a circular cross-section.

[0028] In an embodiment, the track comprises at least one straight section and multiple curved sections in horizontal direction.

[0029] In an embodiment, the conveyor device is a sorter device.

[0030] In an embodiment, said support surfaces are formed by top surfaces of respective cross-belt conveyors.

[0031] Finally, the present invention also relates to a conveyor device comprising:

[0032] an endless track which follows a track path in a transport direction wherein said track is formed by a base frame carrying a first guide rail and a second guide rail, wherein said first guide rail and said second guide rail extend parallel to each other in a transverse direction;

[0033] a plurality of carriers distributed in a closed loop along said track,

[0034] driving means for moving said plurality of carriers along said track;

[0035] wherein each carrier comprises at least one support surface for carrying one or more objects;

[0036] wherein each carrier is supported and guided by means of at least one first bracket with a first set of three rollers engaging said first guide rail, and a second bracket with a second set of at least a first roller engaging said second guide rail; and

[0037] wherein a first roller of said first set of rollers engages the first guide rail in a direction perpendicular to said transport direction and said transverse direction, and the other two rollers of said first set of rollers engage the first guide rail in respective different directions around the circumference of the first guide rail; wherein at least one roller of said three rollers is mounted on a shaft and the shaft is movably mounted in the first bracket in such a manner that said shaft is allowed to move towards and away from the first guide rail, and said shaft is biased towards said first guide rail by resilient means.

[0038] The present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the drawings, where

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a part of a conveyor device; Figs. 2A-C respectively show a partial perspective view, side view and cross-section of part of a conveyor device;

[0040] Figs. 3A-D respectively show a perspective view, side view, cross-section and front view of a first bracket with rollers of the conveyor device; and

[0041] Figure 4 schematically shows a rail with the engagements of the rollers.

[0042] With reference to figure 1, a conveyor device 120 for conveying and sorting objects, has a track that forms a closed loop. The conveying and sorting track comprises straight sections as well as left and right curved sections (not shown). Not only horizontal conveying and sorting tracks can be formed, but also vertically ascending or descending sections, and even sections that intersect one another. Thereby it is possible to form conveying and sorting tracks that can be arranged in any desired way in the three-dimensional space.

[0043] The device 120 comprises a left hand first guide rail 138 and a right hand second guide rail 156, seen in the transport direction. The first guide rail 138 and the second guide rail 156 extend parallel to each other and are each formed as a tube, which has a circular cross-section.

[0044] Both the first guide rail 138 and the second guide rail 156 are secured in a base frame 149, comprising spaced apart upright poles 150 which are secured to the floor, a tube 151 which runs parallel to and centrally located under the guide rails 138, 156, and which is connected thereto by means of plate shaped, spaced apart connectors 152.

[0045] The device 120 comprises a multitude of carriers 126 which are guided along the conveying track. The carriers 126 may be interconnected by means of a hinged coupling so as to pull each other forward, or they may push each other forward. Driving means are provided to move the carriers 126 along the track at one or more locations, which driving means may be in the form of a linear motor. These driving means are not shown in the figures.

[0046] Sorting units 121 are secured on the traveling carriers 126 and each sorting unit comprises a multitude of cross-belts 177 that can be driven in a transverse direction in relation to transport direction. Cross-belts 177 are guided in each case via a set of reversing rollers, with axles of rotation that extends in transport direction. The transverse drive of the cross-belts 177 of sorting units 121 occurs by using driving means that can be selectively caused to operate. These driving means are not shown in the figures.

[0047] Referring to figures 2A-C and 3A-C, carriers 126 each comprise two first brackets 143 that are spaced apart from each other in the transport direction. These first brackets 143 are substantially

[0048] C-shaped, seen in the transport direction, and extend around the guide rail 138 and each comprise three running rollers 239, 240 and 241. Running rollers 239, 240 and 241 thereby extend around the guide rail 138, seen in the transport direction ( see figures 2C and 3D ). Thus, seen in the transport direction, running rollers 239, 240 and 241, or their respective axles of rotation, are arranged at an angle of about 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the guide rail 138, so that guide rail 138 is engaged by rollers 239, 240 and 241 in a form-locked manner. One roller 239 engages the guide rail 138 at the top side of the guide rail in the centre, whereas the other two rollers 240, 241 engage the guide rail 138 on lateral sides at the bottom side of the guide rail 138.

[0049] Furthermore, the carriers 126 each comprise at least one second bracket 276 which comprise two oppositely arranged running rollers 272 and 273 which are mounted in the bracket 276 by means of rotational shafts which extend in parallel, whereby rollers 272 and 273 receive the second guide rail 156 between each other and are guided on this second guide rail 156. One roller 272 engages the second guide rail 156 at the top side of the guide rail 156 in the centre, whereas the other roller 273 is located at the bottom side of the guide rail 156 in the centre. In order to prevent unnessary friction and wear, the second roller 273 does not normally touch the rail (in other words, there is a small gap between the roller 273 and the rail 156), its function is merely to prevent that the carrier 126 tilts away from the rail 156.

[0050] The rollers 239, 240, 241, 272, 273 may be provided with a rubber circumference or rubber tyre for engaging the guide rails 138, 156.

[0051] The first brackets 143 are rotatably mounted on the carrier 126, such that the first brackets 143 are allowed to swivel around a vertical axis 278 which is perpendicular to both the transport direction and the transverse direction.

[0052] Seen from above, in the vertical direction of the axis 278 ( see figure 3C), the rotation axis 250 and rotation axis 251 of the respective rollers 240, 241 which engage the lateral sides at the bottom side of the guide rail 138 are positioned such that the vertical axis 278 intersects these rotation axes 250, 251. The swivel axis 278 also intersects the guide rail 138. Preferably the swivel axis 278 intersects the central axis of guide rail 138, seen in vertical direction.

[0053] The first bracket 143 comprises a bracket arm 244 which extends from the top side of the first bracket 143 from the axis 278 in the rearward transport direction. The roller 239, which engages the guide rail 138 at the top side of the guide rail in the centre, is rotatably mounted in said bracket arm 244, such that its rotation axis 249 in the transport direction is located behind the vertical axis 278.

[0054] Thereby the first bracket 143 is allowed to swivel around the vertical axis 278, with the roller 239 acting as a caster wheel to maintain the bracket 143 with the two other rollers 240, 241 oriented in the transport direction, thereby reducing friction and vibration, especially in curved sections of the track.

[0055] Likewise, also the second bracket 276 is rotatably mounted on the carrier 126, such that the second bracket 276 is allowed to swivel around a vertical axis which is perpendicular to both the transport direction and the transverse direction, and the second bracket 276 comprises a similar bracket arm which extends from the top side of the second bracket from the axis in the rearward transport direction. The roller 272, which engages the guide rail 156 at the top side of the guide rail in the centre, is rotatably mounted in said bracket arm, such that its rotation axis in the transport direction is located behind the vertical axis. Thereby also the second bracket 276 is allowed to swivel around the vertical axis, with the roller 272 acting as a caster wheel to maintain the bracket 276 with the other roller 273 oriented in the transport direction, thereby reducing friction and vibration, especially in curved sections of the track.

[0056] Referring to figures 3A, 3D and 4, one of the rollers, in this embodiment roller 241 which engages the laterally outer side of the guide rail 138 at the bottom side, is resiliently mounted in the first bracket 143, such that the roller 241 is biased against the guide rail 138. The roller 241 is mounted on a shaft 341 which is movably mounted in the first bracket 143 so that is allowed to move towards and away from the first guide rail 138. The shaft is biased against the first guide rail 138 by resilient means.

[0057] In this embodiment the shaft 341 on which the roller 241 is rotatably mounted around its axis 251 is connected at one end of said shaft 341 to the first bracket 143 by means of a hinge shaft 342.

[0058] Thereby roller 241 is allowed to swivel around said hinge shaft 342 towards and away from the first guide rail 138. A torsion spring 343 is mounted around said hinge shaft 342, with one end of the torsion spring 343 connected to the first bracket 143 and the other end of the torsion spring 343 connected to the shaft 341, such that the torsion spring 343 pushes the roller 241 against the guide rail 138 ( see figure 4 ).

[0059] The invention has thus been described by means of preferred embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that this disclosure is merely illustrative. Various details of the structure and function were presented, but changes made therein, to the full extent extended by the general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed, are understood to be within the principle of the present invention. The description and drawings shall be used to interpret the claims. The claims should not be interpreted as meaning that the extent of the protection sought is to be understood as that defined by the strict, literal meaning of the wording used in the claims, the description and drawings being employed only for the purpose of resolving an ambiguity found in the claims. For the purpose of determining the extent of protection sought by the claims, due account shall be taken of any element which is equivalent to an element specified therein An element is to be considered equivalent to an element specified in the claims at least if said element performs substantially the same function in substantially the same way to yield substantially the same result as the element specified in the claims.

Claims

C L A I M S1. A conveyor device ( 120 ) compris ing:an endle s s t rack which follows a t rack path in a t ransport direct ion wherein said t rack i s formed by a base frame ( 149 ) carrying a first guide rail ( 138 ) and a second guide rail ( 156 ), wherein said first guide rail ( 138 ) and said second guide rail ( 156 ) extend parallel to each other in a t ransverse direction;a plurality of carriers ( 126 ) di st ributed in a closed loop along said t rack,driving means for moving said plurality of carriers ( 126 ) along said t rack;wherein each carrier ( 126 ) compri se s at least one support surface for carrying one or more ob j ect s;wherein each carrier ( 126 ) i s supported and guided by means of at least one first bracket ( 143 ) with a first set of three rollers ( 239, 240, 241 ) engaging said first guide rail ( 138 ), and a second bracket ( 276 ) with a second set of at least a first roller ( 272 ) engaging said second guide rail ( 156 ); andwherein a first roller ( 239 ) of said first set of rollers engage s the first guide rail ( 138 ) in a direct ion perpendicular to said t ransport direct ion and said t ransverse direction, and the other two rollers ( 240, 241 ) of said first set of rollers engage the first guide rail ( 138 ) in re spect ive di f ferent directions around the circumference of the first guide rail ( 138 ); wherein said at least one first bracket ( 143 ) i s pivotable relative to said carrier ( 126 ) around a swivel axis ( 278 ) which i s perpendicular to said t ransport direct ion and said t ransverse direction, and said first roller ( 239 ) i s attached to said first bracket ( 143 ) in such a manner that the rotation axis ( 249 ) of said first roller ( 239 ) i s located at a di stance from said swivel axis ( 278 ), seen in the t ransverse direction.

2. Conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein at least one roller ( 241 ) of said three rollers ( 239, 240, 241 ) i s mounted on a shaft ( 341 ) and the shaft ( 341 ) i s movably mounted in the first bracket ( 143 ) in such a manner that said shaft ( 341 ) i s allowed to move towards and away from the first guide rail ( 138 ), and said shaft ( 341 ) i s biased towards said first guide rail ( 138 ) by re s ilient means.

3. Conveyor device according to claim 2, wherein the shaft ( 341 ) i s connected at one end of said shaft ( 341 ) to the first bracket ( 143 ) by means of a hinge shaft ( 342 ) such that the roller ( 241 ) i s allowed to swivel around said hinge shaft ( 342 ) towards and away from the first guide rail ( 138 ).

4. Conveyor device according to any of the claims 2 or 3, wherein said re s ilient means compri se s a torsion spring ( 343 ).

5. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first roller ( 239 ) of said first set of rollers and / or said first roller ( 272 ) of said second set of rollers engage the re spect ive guide rail ( 138, 156 ) at the top s ide of said guide rail ( 138, 156 ).

6. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation axis ( 249 ) of the first roller ( 239 ) i s located behind the swivel axis ( 278 ) in the t ransport direction.

7. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the di stance between the rotation axis ( 249 ) first roller ( 239 ) and the swivel axis ( 278 ) i s at least 25 %, pre ferably at least 50 % of the diameter of the first roller ( 239 ).

8. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second bracket ( 276 ) compri se s a second roller ( 273 ), opposite the first roller ( 272 ) such that the rollers ( 272, 273 ) receive the second guide rail ( 156 ) between each other.

9. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one second bracket ( 276 ) i s pivotable relative to said carrier ( 126 ) around a swivel axis which i s perpendicular to said t ransport direct ion and said t ransverse direction, and said first roller ( 272 ) i s attached to said second bracket ( 276 ) in such a manner that the rotation axis of said first roller ( 272 ) i s located at a di stance from said swivel axis, seen in the t ransverse direction.

10. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation axis ( 250 ) and rotation axis ( 251 ) of the re spect ive ment ioned other two rollers ( 240, 241 ) are pos it ioned such that the swivel axis ( 278 ) substant ially intersect s the rotation axes ( 250, 251 ).

11. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the swivel axis ( 278 ) substant ially intersect s the first guide rail ( 138 ).

12. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first bracket ( 143 ) and / or said second bracket ( 276 ) are substant ially C-shaped, seen in the t ransport direction, andextend part ially around the re spect ive guide rail ( 138, 156 ).

13. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first bracket ( 143 ) and / or said second bracket ( 276 ) extend part ially around the lateral outer s ide of the re spect ive guide rail ( 138, 156 ).

14. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor device ( 120 ) i s a sorter device ( 120 ).

15. Conveyor device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said support surface s are formed by top surface s of re spect ive cros s-belt conveyors ( 177 ).

16. A conveyor device ( 120 ) compris ing:an endle s s t rack which follows a t rack path in a t ransport direct ion wherein said t rack i s formed by a base frame ( 149 ) carrying a first guide rail ( 138 ) and a second guide rail ( 156 ), wherein said first guide rail ( 138 ) and said second guide rail ( 156 ) extend parallel to each other in a t ransverse direction;a plurality of carriers ( 126 ) di st ributed in a closed loop along said t rack,driving means for moving said plurality of carriers ( 126 ) along said t rack;wherein each carrier ( 126 ) compri se s at least one support surface for carrying one or more ob j ect s;wherein each carrier ( 126 ) i s supported and guided by means of at least one first bracket ( 143 ) with a first set of three rollers ( 239, 240, 241 ) engaging said first guide rail ( 138 ), and a second bracket ( 276 ) with a second set of at least a first roller ( 272 ) engaging said second guide rail ( 156 ); andwherein a first roller ( 239 ) of said first set of rollers engage s the first guide rail ( 138 ) in a direct ion perpendicular to said t ransport direct ion and said t ransverse direction, and the other two rollers ( 240, 241 ) of said first set of rollers engage the first guide rail ( 138 ) in re spect ive di f ferent directions around the circumference of the first guide rail ( 138 ); wherein at least one roller ( 241 ) of said three rollers ( 239, 240, 241 ) i s mounted on a shaft ( 341 ) and the shaft ( 341 ) i s movably mounted in the first bracket ( 143 ) in such a manner that said shaft ( 341 ) i s allowed to move towards and away from the first guide rail ( 138 ), and said shaft ( 341 ) i s biased towards said first guide rail ( 138 ) by re s ilient means.

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