DE102020105818A1 - Rolling body track - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a roller body track (10), in particular a gravity roller body track (10). It has a main track section (13) and a track end section (14), each of which has a plurality of rotatably mounted roller bodies (15), in particular rollers (16), arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction (R). The track end section (14) can be moved from a starting position or upper position (I) to a lower position (II) when loaded with a single object. This movement can trigger the switching of a braking device (30) from a released state (L) to a braking state (B) by brakable rolling elements (15b) in the main track section being braked in order to counteract their free rotation. As a result, an object (11) can be brought to a standstill in the main track section (13) and movement into the end section (14) can be prevented. In a further aspect of the invention there is a locking device (35) which can hold the braking device (30) in the braking state (B) as long as the locking device (35) is held in a locking state (X) by an actuating device (40). The actuating device (40) is actuated in particular by an object (11) which is located in the track end section (14). This further aspect of the invention can be implemented regardless of whether the track end section (14) is movable and how the braking device (30) is triggered or switched from the release state (L) to the braking state (B).

Description

The invention relates to a rolling body track, in particular a gravity rolling body track. The roller body track is set up to convey objects in one conveying direction. For this purpose, the roller body track has several rollers which are arranged next to one another or one behind the other in the conveying direction and whose roller axes extend at right angles to the conveying direction in a transverse direction. An object to be conveyed rests on several rollers and can, in particular, be moved in the conveying direction solely by its weight.

In DE 100 51 504 A1 it is suggested to convey beverage crates along a roller conveyor. One end section of the roller conveyor has a separating device. For this purpose, a beverage crate arranged at the end of the conveyor acts on a two-armed pivot lever which moves a stop element between two rollers upwards. The stop element is arranged at a distance from the end of the conveyor and prevents another crate of drinks from slipping to the end of the conveyor. As soon as the beverage crate is removed at the end of the conveyor, the lever swings back into its starting position and the stop element enables the next beverage crate to slide down to the end of the conveyor.

DE 10 2010 001 356 B3 describes a flow rack with a separating device. Swiveling control flags protrude between the rollers, by means of which a stop element can be moved upwards between two rollers of a roller conveyor in order to stop the movement of another object to be conveyed.

From DE 77 24 822 known roller conveyor is used to separate objects at an extraction point. A stop element between rollers can be moved into an extended position via a pivot lever at the removal point in order to prevent another object from moving up.

DE 30 31 916 C2 describes a roller conveyor for round material with retractable barriers to hold back the conveyed round material.

the end DE 23 45 177 A1 a vending machine is known, for example for large packs, such as bottle crates. The beverage crates can be separated by means of an angle lever and manually operated lock gates.

During a search, further publications were found that relate to the technical field of rolling element tracks, but are more related to the technical background: DE 10 2007 021 512 A1 , WO 2005/120732 A1 , WO 2005/120995 A1 , WO 2009/143548 A1 , DE 10 2009 038 124 A1 , DE 10 2011 100 204 A1 , DE 20 2017 005 481 U1 , DE 20 2017 102 428 U1 , EP 2 700 598 B1 , WO 2009/068241 A1 , WO 2018/011387 A1 , DE 20 03 087 C3 , DE 23 53 977 A1 , DE 34 12 025 C2 , DE 42 20 147 C2 , DE 43 00 621 C2 , DE 871 39 58 U1 , DE 103 58 541 A1 and EP 1 990 293 B1 .

Starting from the state of the art, it is the object of the present invention to create a roller body track which improves the prevention of undesired advancement of conveyed objects in the direction of a removal end.

This object is achieved by a roller body track with the features of claim 1 and / or by a roller body track with the features of claim 10.

The roller body track has rotatably mounted roller bodies which are arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction. The rolling elements are preferably rollers. The roller axes of the rollers can in particular extend at right angles to the conveying direction in a transverse direction. In addition or as an alternative to rollers, other rotatably mounted roller bodies, such as balls, can also be present.

The rolling bodies, in particular balls and / or rollers, define a conveying plane. The conveying plane is the plane along which a conveyed object moves with its underside facing the rolling elements. An object to be conveyed, which rests on several rolling elements, can thus be conveyed along the conveying plane. The conveying plane is preferably a tangential plane that is applied tangentially to the rolling elements from above on the rolling elements.

The conveying movement is preferably generated by the weight of the object to be conveyed. The rolling body path forms, so to speak, a gravity rolling body path.

The rolling body track has a main track section which extends from a loading end in a conveying direction to a track end section. Both the main track section and the end track section each have a plurality of rolling bodies arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction. The main track section can in particular be longer than the end track section in the conveying direction. The track end section is preferably at least as long in the conveying direction as an object to be conveyed. The main track section and / or the end track section can have one or two spaced apart in the transverse direction Have side guides. The at least one lateral guide extends along the main track section and / or the end section of the track in the conveying direction.

The main track section is preferably arranged in a stationary manner relative to a subsurface and, for conveying the objects, can have a gradient in the conveying direction relative to the horizontal. In a first aspect according to the invention (claim 1), the track end section of the roller body track can be moved downwards and upwards relative to the ground, for example mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis. The pivot axis preferably extends horizontally in the transverse direction, in particular parallel to the conveying plane and at right angles to the conveying direction.

In a further, second aspect according to the invention (claim 10), the track end section of the roller body track can optionally be arranged or designed so that it can be moved downwards and upwards relative to the ground.

The track end section of the rolling body track according to the first aspect of the invention is designed to be moved and preferably pivoted from an upper position to a lower position by the weight of a single object arranged thereon. The upper position can be the starting position of the track end section when there is no object on it. The track end section is coupled, in particular motion-coupled, to a braking device in such a way that the braking device is in a braking state in the lower position of the web end section and in a released state in the upper position of the web end section. In this braking state, at least one brakable roller body of the main track section is braked so that the braking device counteracts a rotation of the at least one brakable roller body. In this braking position, the at least one brakable roller body can no longer rotate freely and an object that is moved along the main track section in the conveying direction comes to a standstill when it reaches the at least one brakable roller body and the braking device is in the braking state. The roller body track according to the second aspect of the invention can optionally also be designed in this way.

In one embodiment, the braking device can have a brake lining arrangement which, in the braking state, is pressed against the at least one brakable roller body of the main track section. In particular, the brake lining arrangement is assigned to a plurality of brakable rolling bodies in the main track section, which preferably adjoin the end section of the track. In the released state of the braking device, the brake lining arrangement is arranged at a distance from the at least one brakable roller body or is applied to the at least one brakable roller body without generating a braking force sufficient to stop an object to be conveyed.

The objects to be conveyed can be braked gently in this way. A stop or the like against which the objects run up in order to prevent further transport can be dispensed with.

In addition, an exactly defined distance between the objects does not have to be maintained in order to brake the following object. If an object is in the area of the brakable roller body or braked roller body, it can be brought to a standstill, regardless of its position in the conveying direction, in particular the front side pointing in the conveying direction. It is not necessary to move up a stop in good time against which the object hits. Regardless of whether the object has already reached the brakable roller body or not, safe and gentle braking can be achieved.

The braking device can preferably have a brake lining arrangement which indirectly or directly counteracts a rotation of the brakable rolling elements. The brake lining arrangement can, for example, act on one or more disks connected non-rotatably to the rolling elements or, additionally or alternatively, act directly on the surface of the rolling elements.

It is particularly advantageous if the track end section is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis extending at right angles to the conveying direction and parallel to the conveying plane in a transverse direction. The movement between the upper position and the lower position is then a pivoting movement about the pivot axis. Additionally or alternatively, the track end section can also move linearly in the event of a load by an object.

It is particularly advantageous if the braking device has no components or bodies, in particular no components or bodies which can be moved relative to the main track section and which protrude between the rolling bodies into the conveying plane. In particular, there are no stop bodies against which a conveyed object strikes in the braking state in order to block the movement of the object.

In one embodiment, the braking device can have a brake lining arrangement that is connected to the movable track end section is coupled in motion and in particular is connected to the pivotable track end section in a rotationally fixed manner. The brake lining arrangement can thus preferably be mounted pivotably about the pivot axis of the track end section.

The web end section preferably extends from an inside facing or assigned to the main web section to an accessible removal side. On the removal side, an object arranged in the track end section is removed. It is advantageous if the track end section is mounted on the inside so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis. The pivot axis is preferably located vertically below the rolling body or the conveying plane.

On the removal side, the web end section can be supported by means of a support device. It is advantageous if the support device has at least one spring element. The spring element can be at least one mechanical spring, in particular at least one helical spring and / or a gas spring. The at least one spring element is designed to urge the web end section into the upper position, for example to press it from below into the upper position.

The support device is preferably arranged below the track end section.

In one embodiment, the support device can have a stop which defines the lower position of the web end section. In its lower position, the web end section rests against the stop. As a result, an oscillating movement or oscillating movement of the web end section can be counteracted.

In the second aspect of the invention, which can also be combined with one of the exemplary embodiments described above, the roller body track has a locking device. The braking device can be designed as explained above or also have a different design. For example, in this aspect of the invention, the braking device can also have a braking body or stop body which protrudes through the conveying plane when the braking device is in the braking state in order to prevent the further transport of an object. The track end section can be movable or stationary with respect to the ground. The type of triggering or switching of the braking device can, as described above, be implemented by the movable track end section or otherwise by control levers or the like protruding into the conveying plane or into the conveying path of the object.

The locking device is arranged at the track end section. The locking device can be switched between a locking state and a release state, in particular mechanically. Switching can take place, for example, in that an object is located in the track end section and in particular at the removal end of the track end section and the locking device thereby switches over to the locking state. In the locked state, the locking device prevents the braking device from being switched from the braking state to the released state. In the locked state, the braking state is maintained. It is preferred if the roller body track or the locking device is set up so that the locking state can only be established when the braking device is in the braking state. For this purpose, the braking device and the locking device can be coupled, in particular mechanically coupled, for example indirectly via the movable track end section.

The locking device can thus ensure that at least one subsequent object is retained on the main web section until the object located on the end section can in particular be completely removed from the end section.

In an advantageous embodiment, the locking device has at least one locking element that can be moved in a locking direction. The locking element can, for example, be movably supported in a transverse direction, parallel to the conveying plane and at right angles to the conveying direction. The movement of the locking element can be a linear movement and / or a pivoting movement. If the braking device is in the braking state, a counter-locking element, which cooperates with the locking element, lies opposite the locking element in the locking direction. In the released state of the braking device, the locking element and the locking counter-element can be arranged offset from one another in the locking direction.

The locking element and the counter-locking element are, in particular, designed to be complementary. For example, the locking element can be a locking projection and the locking counter element can be a locking recess. The locking state can only be brought about when the braking device is in the braking state. This can be the case, for example, when the track end section moves from the upper position to the lower position as a result of the load with an object Position is pivoted. The alignment between the locking element and the locking counter-element in the locking direction in order to be able to establish the locking state can alternatively also be brought about by any other movable mechanism of the braking device.

The locking element can be coupled for movement with an actuating device which is movable in a transverse direction parallel to the conveying plane and at right angles to the conveying direction. By means of this actuating device, the locking element can be brought into engagement with the counter-locking element in order to establish the locking state and disengaged to release the locking state. In one embodiment, the actuating device can have at least one movably mounted actuating body, for example at least one actuating roller. The at least one actuating body can be mounted pivotably about a pivot axis, which is preferably oriented essentially at right angles to the conveying plane.

The actuating device according to one of the described embodiments can also be used in an advantageous embodiment for actuating or switching over the braking device, in particular when the track end section is not arranged or designed to be movable or pivotable.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the main track section and / or the end section of the track can have two roller body units running parallel to one another. Between the rolling body units, at least immediately following the removal end of the track end section, an intermediate space or free space can be present so that an object can be lifted from the track end section with a conveyor device, in particular a forklift truck.

The embodiments of the invention of the first aspect of the invention and of the second aspect of the invention can be combined with one another. The features specified in the dependent claims can be used in exemplary embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and of the second aspect of the invention.

• 1-5 jeweils eine schematische blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Rollkörperbahn in unterschiedlichen Situationen während des Förderns und Entnehmens eines Gegenstandes an einem Entnahmeende der Rollkörperbahn,
• 6 eine schematische blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung einer Verriegelungseinrichtung der Rollkörperbahn aus den 1-5 in einem Lösezustand,
• 7 die Verriegelungseinrichtung aus 6 in einem Verriegelungszustand,
• 8 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Verriegelungseinrichtung im Verriegelungszustand,
• 9 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Rollkörperbahn,
• 10 einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt X der Rollkörperbahn aus 9, der einen Teil der Rollkörperbahn am Entnahmeende zeigt und
• 11 eine perspektivische Teildarstellung der Rollkörperbahn aus 9 mit Blick schräg von einer Innenseite auf eine Entnahmeseite.

Advantageous configurations of the rolling element track emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing show:

• 1-5 each a schematic block diagram-like representation of an exemplary embodiment of a roller body path in different situations during the conveying and removal of an object at a removal end of the roller body path,
• 6th a schematic representation, similar to a block diagram, of a locking device of the rolling element track from FIGS 1-5 in a release state,
• 7th the locking device off 6th in a locked state,
• 8th a perspective view of an embodiment of a locking device in the locked state,
• 9 a perspective view of an embodiment of a rolling body track,
• 10 an enlarged section X the rolling element track 9 , which shows part of the rolling element path at the removal end and
• 11 a perspective partial representation of the rolling body track from 9 with a view at an angle from an inside to a removal side.

In the 1-5 a roller body track is schematized in the manner of a block diagram 10 illustrated. The rolling body track 10 is set up to objects 11 in one conveying direction R. to promote. The roller body track is preferably designed as a gravity roller body track, so that the objects 11 by their own weight along the roller body path 10 be moved.

The rolling body track 10 has a main railway section 13th , to which in the conveying direction R. a tail section 14th connects. Both the main railway section 13th as well as the tail section 14th each have several rotatably mounted rolling elements 15th in the conveying direction R. are arranged at a small distance from one another. The distance between the rolling elements 15th is chosen so that an object to be transported 11 that is on the rolling element track 10 rests on, contact with several rolling elements 15th in conveying direction R. having.

In the embodiment illustrated here, each is a rolling element 15th through a role 16 educated. The role 16 is rotatably mounted about a roller axis. The roller axis extends in a transverse direction Q perpendicular to the conveying direction R. . As a modification of the preferred exemplary embodiment shown, one or more rolling bodies could 15th can also be formed by rotatably mounted balls.

One tangent from above to the rolling body 15th or roles 16 created level represents a Funding level E. The funding level E. along the main section of the track 13th runs opposite a horizontal H in conveying direction R. tilted downwards so that the objects 11 driven by their own weight in the conveying direction R. can be moved. The example is the transverse direction Q parallel to the funding level E. aligned. The funding level E. also extends parallel to the conveying direction R. .

The tail section 14th has a main railway section 13th facing inside 17th and in the conveying direction R. at the other end a removal side 18th . To and from the removal side 18th can be up to the end of the track 14th transported object 11 can be removed. On the inside 17th can be an object 11 from the main railway section 13th in the tail section 14th be promoted.

The rolling bodies 15th of the main railway section 13th and the rolling bodies 15th of the tail section 14th are on a base frame 19th parked on an underground. About the base frame 19th is the tail section 14th - and thus also its rolling element 15th or roles 16 - in a vertical direction V movably mounted. In the preferred embodiment, the tail section is 14th around a pivot axis S. pivoted. The pivot axis S. extends parallel to the funding level E. in the transverse direction Q . The pivot axis S. extends, for example, parallel to the roller axes of the rollers 16 . In the exemplary embodiment, the pivot axis is S. below the funding level E. and / or below at least one roller body 15th of the tail section 14th arranged. The pivot axis is located in the exemplary embodiment S. in the area of the inside 17th adjacent to the main track section 13th .

On the removal side 18th is the tail section 14th via a support device 23 supported. The support device 23 has at least one spring element 24 on, for example, between the base frame 19th and the rolling elements 15th of the tail section 14th can be arranged. The at least one spring element 24 can have a mechanical spring, for example a helical spring and / or leaf spring and / or plate spring, and / or a gas spring.

The at least one spring element 24 is set up for the purpose of the tail section 14th in an upper position I. to urge and to press according to the example. The upper position I. represents, so to speak, the starting position or rest position of the trajectory end section 14th dar ( 1 , 5 and 6th ). From this upper position I. can be the tail section 14th in a lower position II be moved - according to the example around the pivot axis S. be panned - when he is with a single object 11 is burdened. This is the end of the track 14th in the exemplary embodiment against the spring force of the at least one spring element 24 emotional. The spring force of the at least one spring element 24 is chosen so that it causes movement of the trajectory end section 14th given the weight of a single object on it 11 allows, for example, the pivoting movement about the pivot axis S. .

The movement of the tail section 14th when loaded with an object 11 and, in particular, a single item 11 , brings the tail section 14th in the lower position II ( 2 , 3 and 7th ). The lower position II is preferably achieved before an equilibrium of forces between the spring force of the at least one spring element 24 and the weight of the on the tail section 14th arranged object 11 is reached.

According to the example, the support device 23 a stop 25th on who is the lower position II Are defined. In the lower position II is the tail section 14th at the stop 25th on while outside the down position II at a distance from the tail section 14th is arranged.

The attack 25th is in the embodiment on the removal side 18th of the tail section 14th arranged. The attack 25th can also be part of the at least one spring element 24 be, for example, if the spring element 24 is designed as a telescopic cylinder. The tail section 14th facing end face of the cylinder housing can then the stop 25th wear or stop 25th form.

The movable tail section 14th is with a braking device 30th coupled and motion-coupled in the preferred embodiment illustrated here. The tail section 14th is designed such that it is the braking device 30th between a braking condition B. ( 2 and 3 ) and a dissolved state L. ( 1 and 5 ) can switch.

In the braking state B. brakes the braking device 30th one or more rolling elements 15th and exemplary roles 16 of the main railway section 13th , this rolling body 15th as brakable rolling elements 15b are designated. The brakable rolling bodies are preferably located 15b in an area of the main track section 13th that is on the inside 17th of the tail section 14th connects. The number of brakable rolling elements 15b can vary and depends in particular on the size and / or weight of the objects conveyed 11 away. In the exemplary embodiment there are no non-brakable rolling bodies 15th in conveying direction R. between two brakable rolling elements 15b . In the Conveying direction R. brakable roller bodies arranged one behind the other 15b are for example immediately adjacent to the inside 17th in the main railway section 13th arranged.

The braking device 30th acts in the braking state B. a rotation of the brakable rolling elements 15b opposite. The braking device 30th a brake pad assembly 31 have in the 1-5 is only illustrated in a highly schematic manner. The brake pad arrangement 31 may have one or more brake pads that are in the braking state B. the braking device 30th directly or indirectly on the brakable roller body 15b act. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, one or more brake pads of the brake pad arrangement can 31 against the outer surface of the brakable roller body 15b be pressed when the braking device 30th their braking condition B. occupies. In the dissolved state L. have the brake pads of the brake pad assembly 31 a distance from the brakable rolling elements 15b so that they are unhindered by the braking device 30th can turn. The brake pad arrangement 31 can additionally or alternatively be non-rotatable with the brakable rolling elements 15b Affected components act, for example on the brake disks of the brakable rolling elements 15b or similar.

As can be seen from the drawings, the braking device 30th or the brake pad arrangement 31 in the vertical direction V below the main section of the railway 13th arranged. In the preferred embodiment, the braking device 30th no components on which in the braking state B. in the funding level E. into or through the funding level E. protrude through. There is therefore no direct contact between the braking device 30th and one in the main railway section 13th arranged object 11 instead of. In particular, the braking device 30th no stop or stop bodies that are in the braking state B. by contact with an object 11 , its further movement in the conveying direction R. impede. Rather, it is in the braking state B. the free rotation of the brakable rolling elements 15b prevented so that an object 11 that is located in the area of the brakable rolling element 15b is located and on at least one of the rolling bodies 15b rests due to the frictional forces between the object 11 and the not freely rotating, brakable rolling elements 15b on a further movement into the tail section 14th is prevented.

As it is highly schematized in the 1-5 illustrated is the movable track end portion 14th with the braking device 30th motion-coupled. The tail section is located 14th in its upper position I. , then takes the braking device 30th their state of solution L. a. The brakable rolling bodies 15b are by the braking device 30th not acted upon and can move through the braking device 30th rotate freely. Got an item 11 on the tail section 14th , it moves from its upper position I. out towards its lower position II . During and through this movement, the braking device 30th in the braking state B. switched and thereby acts a rotary movement of the brakable rolling body 15b opposite. At the latest when the end of the track 14th its lower position II reached, the brakable rolling elements 15b in the main railway section 13th by the braking condition B. the braking device 30th prevented in their free rotation in such a way that one extends along the main track section 13th moving object 11 is prevented from being completely over the brakable rolling body 15b away into the tail section 14th to move. It preferably arrives before reaching the inside 17th of the tail section 14th comes to a standstill and is held at a standstill as long as the braking device 30th the braking state B. occupies.

If on the removal side 18th the one in the tail section 14th arranged object 11 is removed, the track end section 14th by relieving pressure from the lower position II back to the starting position, i.e. the upper position I. , move. This move back to the top position I. leads to the braking device 30th of their braking condition B. in the release state L. passes over and the brakable rolling elements 15b can turn again. A braked object 11 in the main railway section 13th can then refer to the tail section 14th move and the above process starts again.

Thus, objects 11 be isolated. In the tail section 14th there is only one item at a time 11 . Things 11 are in the main railway section 13th slowed down gently.

Regardless of the exact design of the braking device 30th and / or the movable configuration of the track end section 14th has the rolling body path 10 according to a further individual inventive aspect, a locking device 35 on. The locking device 35 is set up to switch between a locked state X ( 3 , 4th , 7th and 8th ) and a release status F. ( 1 , 2 , 5 and 7th ) to be switched. In the locked state X prevents the locking device 35 that the braking condition B. the braking device 30th will be annulled. In the enabled state F. can the braking device 30th the braking condition B. in the release state L. be switched and vice versa.

The locking device has for locking and unlocking 35 a locking element 36 on that with a locking counter element 37 cooperates. In a locking direction, according to the example in the transverse direction Q is oriented, the locking element can 36 and the counter-locking element 37 be engaged to the locking state X establish, or be disengaged to the release state F. to manufacture. The locking counter element 37 is in the embodiment by a locking recess that is closed vertically at the top 38 formed into which a locking projection 39 holding the locking element 36 forms by a movement at right angles or at an angle to the vertical direction V can be engaged or disengaged. The locking recess 38 can be perpendicular to the vertical direction V be open on one or more sides, for example in the transverse direction Q and / or in the conveying direction R. and / or against the conveying direction R. .

In the exemplary embodiment, the locking element is moved 36 or the locking projection 39 by a pivoting movement around an axis A. that are essentially perpendicular to the pivot axis S. aligned and in the up position I. of the tail section 14th essentially in the vertical direction V and / or at right angles to the conveying level E. extends.

To move the locking element 36 has the locking device 35 an actuator 40 on. The actuator 40 carries the locking element in the embodiment 36 and is with the locking element 36 in the locking direction and, for example, in the transverse direction Q motion-coupled. The actuator 40 is set up for this by one on the removal side 18th arranged object 11 to be operated. The object 11 can the actuator 40 in the transverse direction Q deflect from a rest position and thereby the locking element 36 bring into engagement with the locking counter element 37 .

In the exemplary embodiment, the actuating device 40 at least one actuator body 41 on, the one around the axis A. pivotable at the end of the track 14th and, for example, on a side guide 43 of the tail section 14th is stored. The at least one actuating body 41 is preferably prestressed into an initial position by a prestressing device, not shown, in which the at least one actuating body 41 protrudes into the clearance profile or the path of movement along which an object 11 on the tail section 14th is moved. By moving an object 11 up to the removal side 18th of the tail section 14th the object comes into contact with the at least one actuating body 41 and urges the actuator body 41 in the transverse direction Q to the outside, so that the at least one actuating body 41 a pivoting movement around the axis A. executes. The locking element arrives through this pivoting movement 36 in engagement with the locking counter element 37 and the locking device 35 takes the locked state X a.

The at least one actuating body 41 is preferred by one actuating roller each 42 educated. The actuating role 42 is in particular rotatably mounted about an actuating roller axis which is parallel to the axis A. the locking device 35 is aligned. In the embodiment shown here, there are two actuating rollers 42 available.

It is also provided in the embodiment that the locking device 35 only then in the locked state X can be switched when the trajectory 14th its lower position II occupies and / or the braking device 30th their braking condition B. occupies. In the exemplary embodiment, this is achieved in that the locking element 36 and the counter-locking element 37 facing in alignment in the locking direction when the track end portion 14th its lower position II occupies and the braking device 30th in the braking state B. is located. Outside the lower position II is the locking element 36 in the vertical direction V offset to the locking counter element 37 arranged and the locking element 36 and the counter-locking element 37 cannot be brought into engagement with each other ( 6th ).

Based on 1-5 is an example of the process when transporting and removing an object 11 explained in context:

As a starting point it is assumed that one or more objects 11 along the main section of the track 13th the rolling element track 10 to be moved ( 1 ). In the tail section 14th is not an object 11 in place so that it is in its upper position I. is located. The braking device 30th is in the release state L. . The locking device 35 is in the release state F. .

As soon as the in the conveying direction R. foremost item 11 the tail section 14th reached, this is achieved by the weight of the object 11 from its upper position I. moved out until it's the bottom position II occupies ( 2 ). This is the braking device 30th in the braking state B. switched. The movement from the upper position I. in the lower position II is, for example, a pivoting movement about the pivot axis S. until the tail section 14th at the stop 25th is present.

As shown schematically in the 2 and 3 can be seen, is by braking the brakable rolling body 15b or brakable roles a subsequent item 11 as it moves along the main section of the track 13th braked and brought to a standstill before reaching the tail section 14th achieved.

The one in the tail section 14th arranged object 11 moves to the removal side 18th . There it can run against a closing element or another run-up or stop, so that it can fall out of the web end section 14th is avoided. When moving along the tail section 14th to the removal side 18th the object arrives 11 in contact with the actuator 40 and, for example, according to the at least one actuating body 41 . This contact preferably only takes place when the track end section 14th the lower position II has reached, or at least almost reached. By contact with the actuating device 40 becomes the actuator 40 in the transverse direction Q outward from the object 11 away around the axis A. (compare 8th ) pivoted, whereby the locking device 35 in the locked state X is switched ( 3 ).

Following this, the object can 11 on the removal side 18th be removed, for example by means of a forklift or another suitable gripping or conveying unit. If the subject 11 while doing so in the vertical direction V is raised and the tail section 14th is relieved, an immediate movement of the trajectory end section 14th from the lower position II out due to the locked state X the locking device 35 prevented. By the locking device 35 becomes the tail section 14th initially in its lower position II held, which in turn leads to the braking device 30th in their braking state B. remain. The locking state X is maintained as long as the object 11 the actuator 40 or the at least one actuating body 41 pushes outwards, so that the locking element 36 and the counter-locking element 37 are in engagement with each other (cf. 7th and 8th ). This avoids having to lift the object for the first time 11 immediately another item 11 move up and the two items 11 collide.

Only when the object lifted 11 in the vertical direction V and / or in the conveying direction R. has been removed to the extent that it is the control device 40 no longer actuated, the actuating device pivots 40 by an internal pre-tensioning device around the axis A. back to an initial position, whereby the locking state X canceled and the release status F. is taken. Because the tail section 14th no longer through an object 11 is loaded, the end of the track becomes 14th by the at least one spring element 24 back to its upper position I. pushed. As a result, the braking device 30th back out of the braking state B. in the release state L. switched so that again the in 1 The initial situation shown has been reached. The process described is then repeated accordingly for the next item 11 .

In the 9-11 is an embodiment of a rolling element track 10 illustrated. Both in the main railway section 13th as well as in the tail section 14th has the rolling element track 10 in the transverse direction Q side guides arranged at a distance from one another 43 between which the objects 11 on the rolling elements 15th and exemplary roles 16 can be transported along. In the side guides 43 , which can be designed as side walls, are lateral rollers in the exemplary embodiment 44 inserted so that the items 11 without sliding friction contact on the side guides 43 along the side rollers 44 can slide, which can bring about improved transport, especially in the case of a gravity roller body track.

The movement path or the clearance profile along the or which the objects 11 are moved, is located between the facing surfaces of the side guides 43 or between the facing sides of the lateral rollers 44 . The rolling bodies 15th or roles 16 can move completely along the area between the side guides 43 extend.

In the preferred embodiment shown here are in the transverse direction Q at a distance from each other two rolling body units 45 available. Any rolling body unit 45 has in the conveying direction R. roller bodies arranged next to one another 15th or roles 16 that are in the transverse direction Q extend and immediately adjacent to the respective lateral guide 43 are arranged. In the transverse direction Q are the rolling bodies 15th or roles 16 in the main railway section 13th longer than in the tail section 14th . This makes the distance in the transverse direction Q between the two rolling body units 45 in the tail section 14th larger than in the main section of the railway 13th . By the distance between the rolling body units 45 in the tail section 14th is in particular or at least following the removal side 18th a free space 46 between the two rolling body units 45 available. In this free space 46 are the two rolling body units 45 in the transverse direction Q not connected to each other by cross braces or other connecting elements. This gives the possibility of an object 11 for example by means of a forklift to grab and lift from below. Removing the item 11 from the removal side 18th is very easy to do in this way.

How it looks in particular 9 shows, each rolling body unit 45 of the tail section 14th one locking device each 35 and an associated actuator 40 as described above. An object that is on the main section of the railway 13th is located, therefore urges the two actuators 40 in the transverse direction away from each other outwards and brings the respective locking device 35 in the locked state X . This allows each rolling element unit 45 locked separately. In this embodiment, it is also advantageous if each rolling body unit 45 of the tail section 14th a separate braking device each 30th has to brakeable rolling bodies 15b in the opposite of the conveying direction R. immediately following rolling element unit 45 of the main railway section 13th to be able to apply braking.

The invention relates to a rolling body track 10 , especially a gravity roller track 10 . It has a main railway section 13th and a tail section 14th on, each several in one conveying direction R. rotatably mounted roller bodies arranged one behind the other 15th , especially roles 16 exhibit. The tail section 14th can when loaded with a single object from a starting position or upper position I. in a lower position II be moved. This movement can be the switching of a braking device 30th from a release state L. in a braking state B. trigger by brakeable rolling elements 15b are braked in the main track section to counteract their free rotation. This allows an object 11 in the main railway section 13th brought to a standstill and moving into the tail section 14th be prevented. In a further aspect of the invention there is a locking device 35 present that the braking device 30th in the braking state B. can hold as long as the locking device 35 by an actuator 40 in a locked state X is held. The actuator 40 is in particular by an object 11 operated, which is located in the tail section 14th is located. This further aspect of the invention can be implemented regardless of whether the track end section 14th is movable and how the triggering or switching of the braking device 30th from the release state L. in the braking state B. he follows.

List of reference symbols

10

Rolling body track

11

object

13th

Main railway section

14th

Tail section

15th

Rolling body

15b

brakable rolling bodies

16

role

17th

inside

18th

Withdrawal side

19th

Base frame

23

Support device

24

Spring element

25th

attack

30th

Braking device

31

Brake pad arrangement

35

Locking device

36

Locking element

37

Locking counter element

38

Locking recess

39

Locking protrusion

40

Actuator

41

Actuator body

42

Actuating role

43

Side guide

44

side roll

45

Rolling body units

46

free space

I.

upper position

II

lower position

A.

Axis of the locking device

B.

Braking condition

E.

Funding level

F.

Release status

H

horizontal

L.

Release state

Q

Transverse direction

R.

Conveying direction

S.

Pivot axis of the track end section

V

Vertical direction

X

Locking state

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 10051504 A1 [0002]
• DE 102010001356 B3 [0003]
• DE 7724822 [0004]
• DE 3031916 C2 [0005]
• DE 2345177 A1 [0006]
• DE 102007021512 A1 [0007]
• WO 2005/120732 A1 [0007]
• WO 2005/120995 A1 [0007]
• WO 2009/143548 A1 [0007]
• DE 102009038124 A1 [0007]
• DE 102011100204 A1 [0007]
• DE 202017005481 U1 [0007]
• DE 202017102428 U1 [0007]
• EP 2700598 B1 [0007]
• WO 2009/068241 A1 [0007]
• WO 2018/011387 A1 [0007]
• DE 2003087 C3 [0007]
• DE 2353977 A1 [0007]
• DE 3412025 C2 [0007]
• DE 4220147 C2 [0007]
• DE 4300621 C2 [0007]
• DE 8713958 U1 [0007]
• DE 10358541 A1 [0007]
• EP 1990293 B1 [0007]

Claims (15)

Rolling body track (10) with rotatable rolling bodies (15) which define a conveying plane (E) along which objects (11) can be conveyed in a conveying direction (R), wherein the roller body track (10) has a main track section (13) and a track end section (14) adjoining it in the conveying direction (R), which is movably supported at right angles to the conveying direction (R), wherein the track end section (14) is set up to be moved from an upper position (I) to a lower position (II) by the weight of an object (11) arranged thereon, wherein the track end section (14) is coupled to a braking device (30) in such a way that the braking device (30) counteracts a rotation of the at least one brakable roller body (15) in the lower position (II) of the track end section (14). Rolling body track after Claim 1 wherein the track end section (14) is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis (S) extending at right angles to the conveying direction (R) and parallel to the conveying plane (E) in a transverse direction (Q). Rolling body track after Claim 2 wherein the track end section (14) is mounted on its inner side (17) facing the main track section (13) so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis (S). Rolling body track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the braking device (30) is free of bodies which protrude into the conveying plane (E) between the rolling bodies (15). Rolling body track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the braking device (30) has a brake lining arrangement (31) which is movably coupled to the movable track end section (14). Rolling body track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the track end section (14) is supported on its removal side (18) facing away from the main track section (13) by means of a support device (23). Rolling body track after Claim 6 wherein the support device (23) has at least one spring element (24) which urges the web end section (14) into the upper position (I). Rolling body track after Claim 6 or 7th , wherein the support device (23) is arranged below the web end section (14). Rolling body track according to one of the Claims 6 until 8th wherein the support device (23) has a stop (25) which defines the lower position (II) of the web end section (14). Rolling body track (10), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with rotatable rolling bodies (15) which define a conveying plane (E) along which objects (11) can be conveyed in a conveying direction (R), wherein the roller body track (10) has a main track section (13) and a track end section (14) which adjoins it in the conveying direction (R) and is coupled to a braking device (30), the braking device (30) being switched into a braking state (B) by an object on the end of the track (14), in which it counteracts the conveying movement of a subsequent object (11) in the conveying direction (R), wherein the track end section (14) has a locking device (35) which can be switched between a locking state (X) and a release state (F) and, in the locking state (X), switching of the braking device (30) from the braking state to a release state (L) prevented. Rolling body track after Claim 10 , wherein the locking device (35) has at least one locking element (36) movable in a locking direction, which in the braking state of the braking device (30) is opposite a locking counter-element (37) in the locking direction and in the released state (L) of the braking device (30) offset from the locking counter-element (37) is arranged. Rolling body track after Claim 11 wherein the locking element (36) is coupled for movement with an actuating device (40) which can be deflected in a transverse direction (Q) at right angles to the conveying direction (R). Rolling body track after Claim 12 , wherein the actuating device has at least one actuating body (41), in particular at least one actuating roller (42). Rolling body track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main track section (13) and / or the end section (14) has two rolling body units (45) arranged parallel to one another and at a distance from one another in a transverse direction (Q) at right angles to the conveying direction (R). Rolling body track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main track section (13) is arranged inclined relative to a horizontal (H) in the conveying direction (R).

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