Conveyor system for integration with a transporter system

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveyor system designed for integration with a transporter system, specifically at an unloading position where the track is vertically oriented. The conveyor system comprises an unloading station featuring a plurality of parallel endless loop conveyors, which are spaced apart to define gaps that accommodate fingers of a carrier rack from the transporter system. A supporting structure maintains the alignment and stability of the conveyors, while a drive mechanism ensures synchronous operation. As the carrier rack descends vertically along the track at the unloading station, its fingers pass through the gaps, allowing the conveyors to engage and transfer the product from the carrier rack to the conveyor system. This configuration facilitates efficient and stable unloading of products, enhancing the overall efficiency of the integrated system.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Conveyor System for Integration with a Transporter System

[0003] Description

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to a conveyor system for the transport of packaged food products, in particular for fast food restaurants, cafeterias, etc.

[0006] Applicant has developed and markets an overhead conveyor system which is based on a continuous track made up into a closed loop that contains an endless "train" of small wheel cars connected together. The track is normally suspended from the ceiling or wall and can be made to snake through a building from a loading point to an unloading point and back again. Food products to be transported need to be in packages or bags, which are pushed into special product clips carried by some of the wheel cars. To release a bag from a clip, a lever arm is activated at the unloading point which releases the clip and the food is placed into a holding tray.

[0007] EP 3 533 733 Bl of Applicant is also directed to a transporter system for the transport of packaged food items in restaurants, etc., which allows a flexible design of layouts. This provides a track-based conveyor system with supporting carriers on which food items to be transported can be placed at a loading station. The food items are then transported to a customer delivery point which is remote from the loading station.

[0008] The entire content of EP 3 533 733 Bl is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. Figure 1 shows the embodiment of the transporter system shown in EP 3 533 733 Bl with an exemplary set-up of the track 30 and a manual unloading station 90.

[0009] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 The transporter system contains a curved, preferably closed-loop pathway defined by a profiled track and a plurality of wheel cars having wheels that are movably contained within and guided by the profiled track. The wheel cars have an attachment side facing towards an open side of said profiled track. Furthermore, the track is arranged such that its open side faces into a substantially horizontal direction such that the attachment side of said wheel cars is oriented substantially vertically during motion of the wheel cars along the pathway. The conveyor system further has at least one carrier with a carrier rack adapted to support a food product to be transported. The carrier is pivotably mounted to the attachment side of one of the wheel cars to maintain the carrier rack in a horizontal position as the carrier travels along the pathway.

[0010] WO 2023 / 151955 Al describes a similar transporter with an enhanced system for loading, queueing, and delivering orders. The system includes a transport arrangement with a track, along which cars with carrier racks move, and an unloading station with powered fingers to facilitate product offloading. While WO 2023 / 151955 Al provides a robust solution for order delivery, the unloading mechanism using powered fingers can be complex and may require precise alignment to ensure smooth product transfer. This complexity can lead to potential inefficiencies in operation and increased maintenance requirements.

[0011] Despite the advancements in conveyor and transporter systems, there remains a need for an unloading mechanism that can seamlessly integrate with existing transporter systems, offering improved alignment and stability during product transfer, particularly in vertically oriented track sections.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] These and other objects that appear below are achieved by a conveyor system for integration with a track based transporter system with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous improvements are disclosed in the dependent claims. The invention also

[0014] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 includes a track based transporter system with an conveyor system in accordance with claim 14.

[0015] In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor system comprises an unloading station including a plurality of parallel endless loop conveyors spaced apart to define gaps, configured to receive fingers of a carrier rack of the transporter system, a supporting structure to maintain the alignment and stability of the endless loop conveyors, and a drive mechanism configured to synchronously drive the endless loop conveyors, wherein as the carrier rack during operation descends vertically along the track at the unloading station, its fingers pass through the gaps between the endless loop conveyors, allowing the conveyors to engage and transfer the product from the carrier rack to the conveyor system. This embodiment provides a technical advantage of facilitating efficient and stable unloading of products from vertically oriented tracks, enhancing the overall efficiency of the transporter system.

[0016] The endless loop conveyors may be configured to transport products in a direction extending forward parallel to the fingers away from the carrier rack. The transport direction of the products is thus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement of the carrier rack, extending straight forward parallel to the fingers of the carrier rack. If desired, the transport direction can also include a slight inclination with respect to the horizontal.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor system further comprises a first sensor configured to detect the presence of a product on the conveyor at the unloading station as it descends from the carrier rack, and to initiate the movement of the conveyors. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by enhancing automation and responsiveness of the unloading process, ensuring timely initiation of conveyor movement.

[0018] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first sensor is further configured to signal the transporter system to halt the movement of additional carrier racks if a blockage is detected at the unloading station, ensuring safe operation. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by improving safety and preventing potential damage or jams in the system through proactive blockage detection.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor system further comprises a second sensor configured to detect when the product has reached a destination position on the conveyor, thereby stopping the movement of the conveyors. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by ensuring precise control over the product's final positioning, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in product handling.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system is configured to signal the transporter system to resume movement when the first sensor no longer detects the presence of a product at the unloading station. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by facilitating seamless and automatic resumption of operations, minimizing downtime and enhancing throughput.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor system further comprises a redundant first sensor, wherein the conveyors are configured to start and the transporter system is signaled to stop if either of the first sensors detects the presence of a product at the unloading station. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by offering an additional layer of safety and reliability, ensuring continued operation even if one sensor fails.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor system further comprises a third sensor configured to operate in manual mode, detecting the presence of a product on the conveyor, and signaling the transporter system to stop and to restart once the product has been removed. This embodiment provides a

[0023] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 technical advantage by allowing manual intervention and control, offering flexibility in system operation when needed.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the endless loop conveyors are conveyor belts. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by enabling smooth and continuous movement of products, reducing wear and tear while maintaining efficient product transfer. Moreover, a conveyor belt made of food-grade material is easy to clean and hygienic. Alternatively, the endless loop conveyors can be implemented as chain conveyors, which provide comparable functionality.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each endless loop conveyor comprises a guide bar with a freely extending end, allowing the fingers of the carrier rack to pass between the conveyors. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by facilitating easy integration with carrier racks, ensuring smooth product flow and transfer.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor system further comprises a return pulley at the free end of each guide bar, guide pulleys along the underside, and a driven pulley, wherein the driven pulleys of the conveyors are mounted on a common shaft that is driven by the drive mechanism. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by ensuring synchronized and efficient drive of all conveyors, enhancing stability and reducing mechanical complexity.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each guide bar includes side plates on both sides, forming the structural support, with the pulleys mounted to rotate between the side plates. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by enhancing structural integrity and support, ensuring reliable operation of the conveyor system.

[0028] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor system further comprises a tensioning mechanism with an adjustable roller positioned between two guide pulleys, configured to tighten the belt. This embodiment provides a technical advantage by maintaining optimal belt tension, reducing slippage and wear, and ensuring consistent performance.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention can be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 is a representation of a prior art transporter system with a manual unloading station.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the integration of a conveyor system according to the invention the transporter system shown in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the conveyor system in figure 2 during the phase when a carrier rack approaches the conveyors from above.

[0034] Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of the conveyor system depicting the condition when the carrier rack is at the same level as the conveyors, facilitating the product handover.

[0035] Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view showing the carrier rack below the conveyor system, with the product now positioned on the conveyors.

[0036] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the product moved to the destination position on the conveyor system, with the carrier rack still below the conveyors.

[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the conveyor belts within the conveyor system, depicted without the housing to reveal the structure.

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a carrier rack of the transporter system, demonstrating the structure with fingers and gaps.

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the carrier from Figure 8 passing through the conveyors from Figure 7.

[0040] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the conveyors from Figure 7, with one side plate removed to expose the internal structure.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 presents a prior art transporter system that lays the groundwork for understanding the advancements introduced by the current invention. This system includes a track 30 guiding carrier racks 50 used for transporting products. The carrier racks 50 are equipped with fingers designed to hold products securely. A manual unloading station 90 with a results in a labor-intensive process, where products must be manually removed, thus posing limitations in efficiency and throughput.

[0043] Referring to Figures 2, a system 10 for loading, queuing, and delivery of orders is shown. The orders are schematically shown as bags 12 on the conveyor in Figures 3-6, and include products in the bags 12.

[0044] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 The system 10 includes a controller 20, which is preferably a processor based controller having a memory that can be programmed in order to operate the system 10.

[0045] The system 10 also includes a display panel 22 connected to the controller 20, providing users with information about the order sequence and system status.

[0046] The system 10 includes a transport arrangement which has a pathway 32 defined by a track 30. Figure 2 schematically shows an exemplary set-up of the track 30 which uses a profile track made of, for example, light-weight aluminum track sections that are connected together to form a closed loop. While a closed loop is preferred, this is not a requirement of the system. The track 30 can be arranged to snake through a building from a loading station 70 to an unloading station 90 and back again. The track 30 can run horizontally in a straight line, around corners, in a straight line in a vertical direction, and possibly in a straight line at an incline.

[0047] While the track arrangement shown in Figure 2 is one example, the actual design and path of the track 30 would be determined by the location, orientation of the loading and unloading points, as well as the lay out of the building itself. Typically, the track 30 would run from the loading station 70 located near a food preparation area and the unloading station 90 that is located at a customer pick-up point, such as a drive- through window or a bar counter, where the product is picked up by a staff member and handed over to a customer. Accordingly, any specific layout shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2 is considered non-limiting.

[0048] A plurality of cars 40 are guided on the track 30. The cars 40 may be wheeled, or may be formed as a connector body that can slide or otherwise move along the path defined by the track 30. The cars 40 are connected to a drive, which can be for example a belt, chain, toothed drive, or any other drive system to move the cars 40 continuously along the track 30.

[0049] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 In one embodiment, the cars 40 are connected together by hinged joints to form a continuous train of cars 40, and the cars 40 are moved around the track system by a drive that is connected to the controller 20 to selectively activate the drive to advance the cars 40 along the pathway 32. The drive preferably includes an electric motor that may engage through an opening in the track with a drive gear that interacts with teeth incorporated into the cars 40. This can be, for example, as shown in EP 3 533 733 Bl, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. Alternatively, the motor 43 may drive a belt, cable, or chain connected between the cars 40.

[0050] A carrier 44 is preferably connected to at least some of the cars 40. The carrier 44 can be a projecting pin or other type of connector that is attached to a car 40. A carrier rack 50 is pivotally mounted to the carrier 44 such that the carrier rack 50 is maintained in a generally horizontal position as the carrier 44 travels along the pathway 32. This can be, for example, as shown in EP 3 533 733 Bl. The carrier rack 50 is adapted to receive a product 12 at the loading station 70 in order to deliver the product 12 to the unloading station 90. As shown in more detail in Figure 8, the carrier rack 50 includes a plurality of generally horizontally extending carrier rack fingers 51, as well as sides 54 and a back 53. The carrier rack 50 can be made of any suitable material, but is preferably a molded polymeric material. The connection between the carrier rack 50 and the carrier 44 may be in the form of a ball joint or other pivotal connection. A suspension clip 55 on the carrier rack allows the carrier rack to be hinged and unhinged to and from the carrier 44.

[0051] Referring to Figures 2, the loading station includes a loading platform 72 at least at a first location 32A along the pathway 32 that is configured to receive one or more batches of product 12 for each order.

[0052] As illustrated in Figure 2 on the right side, the system 10 features a pathway 32 defined by a track 30. This track 30 guides a series of cars 40, some equipped with a carrier 44. The carriers support carrier racks 50 with fingers 51 designed to hold

[0053] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 products securely during transport. The track 30 allows the cars 40 to move along a predetermined path, controlled by a first drive mechanism.

[0054] The loading station 70 is seen with a loading platform 72 equipped with fingers not visible in this figure that interact with the carrier racks 50. A load switch or sensor 83 is present to signal the controller 20 once products are loaded onto the platform. The controller 20 regulates the movement of the cars, ensuring they advance along the track 30 when products are ready for transport.

[0055] On the left side of Figure 2, a conveyor system 92 is integrated at the unloading station 90. The track 30 descends, guiding the carrier racks 50 to the unloading station 90. Here, endless loop conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c as can be seen in more detail in figures 3-6, are aligned to receive the products 12 as the carrier racks 50 descend.

[0056] Figure 3 provides a detailed view of the unloading station 90 where the integration of the conveyor system 92 with the transporter system occurs.

[0057] The track 30 guides the carrier rack 50 as it descends vertically towards the unloading station. The carrier rack 30 is equipped with fingers 51 that securely hold the product 12 during transport. As the carrier rack 50 descends, the fingers align with the gaps between the parallel endless loop conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c.

[0058] The conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c are spaced to accommodate the fingers 51 of the carrier rack 50, allowing them to pass through without obstruction. These conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c form part of the horizontal conveyor system 92 that facilitates the transfer of products 12 from the carrier rack 50 to the designated unloading area.

[0059] Redundant sensors 94a and 94b are positioned strategically near the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c. These sensors 94a, 94b detect the presence of the product 12 as it engages

[0060] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 with the conveyor system 92, triggering the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c to start moving. This automated detection ensures precise timing for the transfer process.

[0061] A second sensor 95 is located at the end of the conveyor path, detecting when the product 12 reaches its final position. This sensor 95 signals the system to stop the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c, ensuring the product is correctly positioned for subsequent handling.

[0062] The conveyor system 92 is mounted on a table frame 91. A drive mechanism operates the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c synchronously. Drive mechanism and electrics are housed within a housing 91.

[0063] Controls on one side of the housing 91b include a include a stop button 97 and a mode switch button 98, which offer manual control options for the system. These components allow operators to intervene if necessary, providing flexibility and safety during operation. The mode switch button 98 can be used to switch the conveyor system 92 to manual operation, e.g. if one of the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c is defective. In this case, a third sensor 96 will detect the presence of a product 12 on the conveyors and stop the transporter system until the product has been manually removed and then signals the transporter system to restart.

[0064] Figure 4 provides a detailed view of the unloading station 90 as the carrier rack 50 aligns with the conveyor system 92, facilitating the transfer of the product 12.

[0065] The track 30 guides the carrier rack 50 to the precise level of the conveyors. The fingers 51 of the carrier rack 50 are now aligned with the gaps between the endless loop conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c, allowing for a smooth transition of the product onto the conveyors.

[0066] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 The conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c are part of the horizontal conveyor system 92 that efficiently moves the product from the carrier rack 50 to its destination position.

[0067] Now, the sensors 94a and 94b detect the product's presence. If either of the sensors 94a and 94b has a signal, it will trigger the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c to start moving, ensuring the product 12 is seamlessly transferred.

[0068] Figure 5 illustrates the unloading station 90 after the product 12 has been successfully transferred onto the conveyor system 92, with the carrier rack 50 now positioned below the conveyors. As long as the sensors 94a and 94b detect the presence of the product, they signal the transporter to stop so that no next carrier rack 50 will arrive and collide with the obstructing product 12 in the unloading station 90.

[0069] The sensors 94a and 94b, which have previously detected the presence of the product, also cause the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c to start moving. This situation is shown in figure 6, where the product 12 has reached its designated position on the conveyor system 92.

[0070] The Sensors 94a and 94b now confirm that the area is clear for the next cycle and thus signal the transporter system to resume operation.

[0071] The second sensor 95, positioned at the end of the conveyor path, detects the product's arrival at its final destination. This sensor 95 signals the system to stop the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c.

[0072] Figure 7 provides an intricate view of the internal components of the conveyor system 92, emphasizing the mechanical structure and arrangement that enable efficient product handling.

[0073] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 The conveyor system 92 is depicted without its external housing 91b, revealing three parallel endless loop conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c. These conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c are designed to align with the gaps between the fingers 51 of the carrier racks 50, facilitating seamless product transfer.

[0074] In the embodiment, the endless loop conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c are constructed as narrow belt conveyor. Each of the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c is in the form of a guide bar with a freely extending end. The conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c each have a driven pulley 106, which are all mounted on a common drive shaft 105. The drive shaft 105 carries at one end a belt pulley 104, which is driven by a motor 101 via a drive pulley 103 which is tensioned around a drive pulley 102 on the motor shaft and the belt pulley on the drive shaft 105.

[0075] On the left side, the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c are mounted on a support plate 107 providing structural support. The supporting structure 99 of the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c, which forms the guide bars, is made up of side plates on both sides, with guide pulleys mounted to rotate between the side plates, around which the conveyor belt is tensioned. A tensioning element 109, which can be better understood with reference to figure 10, allows to adjust the optimal tension of the conveyor belt.

[0076] Figure 8, as already explained, shows a perspective view of a carrier rack 50, showcasing its fingers 51 and the gaps 52 between them.

[0077] Figure 9 illustrates the critical interaction between the conveyor system 92 and the carrier rack 50 as they align during the passage of the carrier rack through the unloading station 90.

[0078] The carrier rack 50, featuring multiple fingers 51, is designed to fit precisely between the gaps of the parallel endless loop conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c. This alignment ensures

[0079] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 that as the carrier rack moves, the products are seamlessly transferred onto the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c.

[0080] Figure 10 provides a detailed view of one of the guide bars forming the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c from their freely extending end. The outer side plate of conveyor 93c has been removed to show the internal structure and components of the belt conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c. A conveyor belt 114 is tensioned around the driven pulley 106 on one side, a return pulley 111 at the freely extending end and two guide pulleys 113 positioned along the underside of the guide rail. A tensioning roller 112 is located between the two guide pulleys and can be adjusted in height by the tensioning element 109 to properly tension the belt 114.

[0081] In summary, the operation of the integrated conveyor and transporter system begins with the carrier racks 50 descending along the vertical track. As the carrier racks 50 approach the unloading station 90, its fingers 51 align with the gaps between the endless loop conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c of the conveyor system 92.

[0082] Upon detecting a product 12, the sensors 94a, 94b activate the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c, initiating the transfer process. The product 12 moves from the carrier rack onto the conveyors, where it is securely positioned for transit. The synchronous drive mechanism with a common drive shaft 105 ensures the conveyors operate 93a, 93b, 93c in unison.

[0083] Once the product 12 reaches its destination on the conveyor system 92, sensor 95 signal the system to halt the conveyors 93a, 93b, 93c. The absence of the product at the unloading position allows the transporter system to resume.

[0084] Alternative embodiments of the system could include variations in the number of conveyor belts or the addition of more advanced sensors for enhanced automation.

[0085] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024 These modifications could further enhance the system's flexibility and adaptability, allowing it to meet the evolving needs of industrial applications.

[0086] 34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A conveyor system (92) for integration with a transporter system (10), wherein the transporter system (10) includes a track (30) allowing carrier racks (50) having fingers (51) to move along the track (30), and wherein the conveyor system (92) is designed for installation at an unloading position where the track (30) of the transporter system (10) is oriented vertically; characterized in that the conveyor system (92) comprises:- an unloading station (90) including a plurality of parallel endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c) spaced apart to define gaps, configured to receive fingers (51) of a carrier rack (50) of the transporter system;- a supporting structure (99) to maintain the alignment and stability of the endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c);- a drive mechanism configured to synchronously drive the endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c); wherein as during operation the carrier rack (50) descends vertically along the track (30) at the unloading station (90), its fingers (51) pass through the gaps between the endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c), allowing the conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c) to engage and transfer the product (12) from the carrier rack (50) to the conveyor system (92).

2. The conveyor system (92) of claim 1, further comprising a first sensor (94a, 94b) configured to detect the presence of a product (12) on the conveyor (93a, 93b, 93c) at the unloading station (90) as it descends from the carrier rack (50), and to initiate the movement of the conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c).

3. The conveyor system (92) of claim 2, wherein the first sensor (94a, 94b) is further configured to signal the transporter system to halt the movement of additional34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024carrier racks (50) if a blockage is detected at the unloading station (90), ensuring safe operation.

4. The conveyor system (92) of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second sensor (95) configured to detect when the product (12) has reached a destination position on the conveyor (93a, 93b, 93c), thereby stopping the movement of the conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c).

5. The conveyor system (92) of claim 4, wherein the system is configured to signal the transporter system to resume movement when the first sensor (94a, 94b) no longer detects the presence of a product (12) at the unloading station (90).

6. The conveyor system (92) of any of claims 2 to claim 5, further comprising a redundant first sensor (94a, 94b), wherein the conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c) are configured to start and the transporter system is signaled to stop if either of the first sensors (94a, 94b) detects the presence of a product (12) at the unloading station (90).

7. The conveyor system (92) of any of claims 2 to claim 6, further comprising a third sensor (96) configured to operate in manual mode, detecting the presence of a product (12) on the conveyor (93a, 93b, 93c), and signaling the transporter system to stop and to restart once the product (12) has been removed.

8. The conveyor system (92) of any of the previous claims, wherein the endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c) are belt conveyors (114).

9. The conveyor system (92) of any of the previous claims, wherein each endless loop conveyor (93a, 93b, 93c) comprises a guide bar with a freely extending end, allowing the fingers (51) of the carrier rack (50) to pass between the conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c).34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,20241810. The conveyor system (92) of claim 9, further comprising a return pulley (111) at the end of each guide bar, guide pulleys (113) along the underside, and a driven pulley(106), wherein the driven pulleys (106) of the conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c) are mounted on a common shaft (105) that is driven by the drive mechanism.

11. The conveyor system (92) of claim 10, wherein each guide bar includes side plates on both sides, forming the structural support, with the pulleys (106, 113, 111) mounted to rotate between the side plates.

12. The conveyor system (92) of claim 11, further comprising a tensioning mechanism with an adjustable roller (112) positioned between two guide pulleys (113), configured to tighten the belt (114).

13. The conveyor system (92) of any of the previous claims, wherein the endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c) are configured to transport products (12) in a direction extending forward parallel to the fingers (51) away from the carrier rack (50).

14. A transporter system (10) comprising:- a track (30) allowing carrier racks (50) having fingers (51) to move along the track (30); and- a conveyor system (92) integrated at an unloading position where the track (30) is oriented vertically; characterized in that the conveyor system (92) comprises:- an unloading station (90) including a plurality of parallel endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c) spaced apart to define gaps, configured to receive fingers (51) of a carrier rack (50) of the transporter system;- a supporting structure (99) to maintain the alignment and stability of the endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c);34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024- a drive mechanism configured to synchronously drive the endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c); wherein as during operation the carrier rack (50) descends vertically along the track (30) at the unloading station (90), its fingers (51) pass through the gaps between the endless loop conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c), allowing the conveyors (93a, 93b, 93c) to engage and transfer the product (12) from the carrier rack (50) to the conveyor system (92).

15. The transporter system (10) of claim 14, comprising a conveyor system (92) according to any of claims 2 to 13.34916-G-CN Ur / ef Oct 29,2024

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