Frame-like Transfer Device for Horizontal Article Layer Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palletizing methods face challenges in efficiently transferring complete layers of articles between conveyor modules with minimal malfunctions and maintaining precise spatial alignment, leading to longer transfer times and potential disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a frame-like push-over transfer device that moves article groups or layers horizontally between vertically movable conveyor modules, ensuring precise alignment and allowing simultaneous vertical movements to reduce transfer times and enhance palletizing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If articles are transferred using a stationary loading station that waits until the layer is completely transferred, then spatial alignment of articles is maintained, but transfer time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading station is transformed from a stationary component to a dynamically movable unit that can travel horizontally along the conveyor module. This dynamic capability allows the loading station to move synchronously with the article layer during transfer, enabling continuous operation without waiting for complete layer transfer, thus reducing transfer time while maintaining article alignment through coordinated movement control
Solution Approach 2:
A push device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the conveyor module and the loading station. This push device temporarily propels the loading station horizontally to match the speed and position of the moving article layer, enabling smooth transfer without disrupting article spatial relationships. The push device acts as a mediator that coordinates the motion between stationary and moving components
2Stability of the object's composition
If the loading station remains in place during transfer, then article layer integrity is preserved, but the system requires complete transfer before initiating vertical movements, increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The loading station performs preliminary horizontal movement along the conveyor module before the article layer arrives at the transfer zone. This preliminary positioning allows the loading station to be ready in advance, eliminating waiting time. The station then moves synchronously with the layer during transfer and initiates vertical movement immediately upon receiving the layer, overlapping operations to reduce total cycle time while maintaining layer integrity through coordinated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by allowing the loading station to move horizontally continuously along the conveyor module during article transfer, rather than remaining stationary and waiting. This continuous motion ensures the loading station is always positioned to receive articles, eliminating idle time and maintaining uninterrupted transfer operations while preserving article layer integrity through synchronized movement
3Productivity
If a frame-like push-over device is used to move article groups horizontally, then transfer speed increases and productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading station is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines horizontal movement capability along the conveyor module with vertical lifting and article deposition functions. This universal design eliminates the need for separate horizontal transfer mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high transfer speed. The single unit performs multiple operations that would otherwise require multiple dedicated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal transfer function and vertical loading function are merged into a single loading station unit. Instead of having separate devices for horizontal movement and vertical lifting, the patent integrates both capabilities into one coordinated system. This merging reduces the number of components, simplifies control architecture, and decreases device complexity while achieving high transfer speeds through synchronized multi-axis movement
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 1e~1h
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the horizontal displacement of groups or layers of articles (10) between adjacent conveying modules (12, 16, 34). The groups or layers of articles (10) are moved from a vertically movable first support plane (28) of a first conveying module (16) to a vertically movable second support plane (38) of a second conveying module (34) immediately downstream of the first conveying module (16) in a conveying or transfer direction (30) by means of at least one frame-like transfer device (22, 40), which is lowered over the group or layer of articles (10) to be displaced and encompasses it on all sides, and which moves from the first conveying module (16) to the second conveying module (34) during the transfer movement of a group or layer of articles (10) in the conveying or transfer direction (30).The support surfaces (28, 38) of the first and second conveying modules (16, 34) form a common transfer surface, located at approximately the same height or moving vertically in the same direction, at least during the transfer movement. The present invention further relates to a corresponding device for handling and/or stacking and/or palletizing groups or layers of articles (10). The device comprises a vertically movable first conveying module (16) with a first support surface (28) and a second conveying module (34) with a second support surface (38) immediately downstream of the first conveying module (16) in a conveying direction (30), as well as at least one vertically movable, frame-like transfer device (22, 40) for sliding a group or layer of articles (10) from the first conveying module (16) to the second conveying module (34).The transfer device encompasses the pushed group of articles or article layer (10) on all sides, wherein the support surfaces (28, 38) of the first and second conveying modules (16, 34) form a common transfer surface, at least during the transfer movement (30), which is at approximately the same height or moves vertically in the same direction.