DE102009008155A1 - Unloading station for automated separation of a container from a loading aid - Google Patents

Abstract

An unloading station (10; 100; 120; 150) and method for automatically separating a container (20) mounted on a loading aid (16), in particular a tray (18), with a peripheral edge (50) of substantially constant height (H) of the loading aid (16), the unloading station having a feed conveyor (12) and an endlessly circulating separation conveyor (14), the feed conveyor (12) extending the loading aid (16) longitudinally downstream (32). to the separating conveyor (14) towards promotes, wherein a conveying plane (54) of the feed conveyor (12) includes an acute angle (α) with a conveying plane (52) of the separating conveyor (14), wherein in particular the feed conveyor (12) in the direction of the horizontally oriented Separation conveyor (14) drops, and wherein the separation conveyor (14) is arranged relative to the feed conveyor (12) that the edge (50) of the loading aid (16) below the separation conveyor (14) is conveyed through, so that a front, the feed conveyor (12) facing the end of the separating conveyor (14), when a loading aid (16) is conveyed under the separating conveyor (18) through, on the container (20) comes into abutment and the container (20) from the Loading aid (16) on the separating conveyor (14) lifts and thus separated from the loading aid (16).

Description

The The present invention relates to an unloading station for automated Separating one or more containers from a load carrier, the is formed with a preferably peripheral edge. Further a method for automated separation of the containers of loading equipment is proposed.

It removal devices are known which are either for depalletizing a pallet or for the removal of articles from trays or containers be used.

The WO 2008/040037 describes a removal station to remove articles from a pallet. The removal station has a conveyor belt which is mounted in a movable machine frame. The machine frame is movable relative to the stationary pallet so as to be able to move the conveyor belt forwards and backwards during removal of an article of a pallet layer, ie to and from the pallet. Furthermore, the frame is height-adjustable to move to a new pallet position in the vertical direction after a previously stored above pallet position was removed. The control of the movements is relatively complex, since the forward and backward movements of the conveyor belt must be adjusted to a tilting movement of the currently to be taken article. Furthermore, the conveyor belt has a movable mechanism at its end facing the pallet in order to vary a size of a conveyor belt surface which effectively acts on the article. The temporal coordination of the area change depending on the tilting state of the article has proven to be difficult and disadvantageous.

The DE 26 31 942 also discloses a conventional depalletizer for removing boxes, boxes and the like from a loaded pallet. A horizontally mounted movable Abziehförderer has at its end facing the pallet on an upstream, freely rotatable role. During forward movement of the depalletizer, this exposed roller is pushed under a box and thus tilts the box. The tipped box can then be transported away with the help of the Abziehförderers. Alternatively, the freely rotatable roller is omitted. In this case, the front pulley of the puller directly engages a lower edge of the carton. One or more pulleys of Abziehförderers are movably mounted in each of these embodiments.

Also this Depalettiervorrichtung has the disadvantage that the Abziehförderer must be moved for removal. This increases the control effort.

Another conventional solution is in the EP 1 462 393 B1 disclosed. There shelves are proposed with openings in the tray bottom. Lifting pins pass through the floor and lift the items stored in the tray. Raised articles can then be pushed off with laterally arranged sliders in the horizontal direction.

Farther is a similar lifting mechanism for containers known. Plates are placed in the container, the bottom of which also has openings for the passage of Lifting pins is provided.

adversely in all conventional removal mechanisms is the relative low throughput. Articles can not be continuous be removed. The load carriers are for the purpose of removal stopped.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, an improved Provide unloading station. In particular, the unloading station to be able to automatically unload trays containing boxes or containers are stocked. The shelves have in particular a circumferential edge with finite vertical extent on. The throughput should be as high as possible and the complexity the controller as low as possible.

These Task is with an unloading station for automated separation a container which is on a loading equipment, in particular a Tray with a, preferably encircling, edge, which is essentially has a constant height, is stored by a loading aid, wherein the unloading station comprises: a feed conveyor; and a separation conveyor; the feed conveyor the loading aid in the longitudinal direction downstream promotes the separation conveyor out, with a conveyor plane of the feed conveyor at an acute angle with a Including the conveying plane of the separating conveyor, in particular, the feed conveyor in the direction of the horizontally oriented separation conveyor drops, and wherein the separation conveyor is so relative to the feed conveyor is arranged, that the edge of the loading aid under the separation conveyor is conveyed through, so that a front, the feed conveyor facing end of the separating conveyor, when a loading aid being conveyed through under the separation conveyor, on the container comes into contact and the container from the load carrier on the separating conveyor lifts and so separated from the load carrier.

The present invention differs from the conventional solutions in that the articles by means of the conveyors in the flow of the trays be separated. Although a separating conveyor (webbing) has been used in the prior art, but then to unload stationary loading equipment, such as pallets, or to separate the stacked articles on it. In the present case, two dynamic conveyors are used, so that the articles can remain permanently in motion during a separation process. This measure can significantly increase the throughput (separate item / hour).

The control effort is low. Position sensors, such as photoelectric sensors, can be omitted. Complex control processes, such as those in the aforementioned solution according to the WO 2008/040037 are used, are not required in the present invention. In the present invention, only the transport speeds of the two conveyors are suitably matched to each other.

gripping and lifting mechanisms, such. As lift pins, are also not absolutely necessary. Therefore, the present invention structurally simple and inexpensive.

According to one preferred embodiment are on a conveyor of the feed conveyor means for fixing of the loading aid mounted on the feed conveyor.

there it may be an example of transverse bars act on a belt of the infeed conveyor are mounted to prevent slippage of the trays against a conveying direction to prevent the feed conveyor. The fixation facilities thus serve as a stop, it should be during a separation process to slip between the trays and the belt come.

Further it is advantageous if a conveyor of the feed conveyor made of a material with high static friction or with this Material at least partially (on its transport surface) is coated.

Also This will prevent the tray (through the front End of the separating conveyor) against the transport direction is moved when the front end of the separation conveyor in contact with a front side of the carton or container to be unloaded comes. However, it does not cause traffic jams due to between the front end of the separation conveyor and the fixed Tabla clamped article, since the conveying planes of the feed conveyor and the separating conveyor a preferably acute angle form together, d. H. are not parallel to each other. The present Invention allows automated separation of the container from loading equipment in a very reliable way, especially without system failures.

at In another preferred embodiment, the feed conveyor operated continuously.

As already mentioned above, allows the continuous Feeding an increase in throughput over conventional approaches, in which the infeed conveyor must be stopped to for example, to give sufficient time to a gripping device to grab the (stationary) carton.

Also it is advantageous if below the separation conveyor (lateral) Skids are arranged, which extend in the longitudinal direction Sections of the edge of the loading aid during a Hold down the separation process so that the loading aid does not open the separating conveyor is lifted.

These Action has the effect that the tray is not between the feed conveyor and the separation conveyor so that congestion caused by congestion can be avoided. It also ensures that Empty trays are reliably transported away.

Even if a carton is wedged in the tray, prevent it the skids that raised the tray on the separating conveyor becomes.

Furthermore it is preferred if the separating conveyor is a belt conveyor, especially a knife band, is.

Belt conveyors are particularly suitable as a separation conveyor, as their funding can be made of a material which the static friction between the container to be removed and the conveyor, d. H. the belt, increased. For example, silicone straps be used.

Furthermore can be a pulley at the front end of the separation conveyor be provided with thorns in areas outside the Gurts lie. In this case, the pulley is longer (or wider) than the belt is wide. This has the advantage that in addition to the frictional engagement between the container and the belt for Lifting the container is produced from the tray, even a positive connection can be generated to lift the container. It is understood that in this case the container is preferably a carton containing the Thorns in its outer skin of cardboard can absorb. Of the Cardboard is then wider than the belt to the left and / or right of the belt Belt to create space for the thorns. Alternatively you can the thorns are also provided over the entire carton width be provided the drive of the roll over other aids is realized.

For Plastic containers that are stored on trays, is However, this solution less suitable because the plastic container would be too severely damaged by repeated repeating a lifting cycle. However, eyelets can be used to lift plastic containers be provided at the front of the container, the with hooks - instead of thorns - on the pulley of the separating conveyor interact. The eyelets are arranged so relative to the front, that they are with the hooks the pulley can interact when the feed conveyor the front of the container in the immediate vicinity spent the front end of the separation conveyor. The Mounting height of the eyelets depends of course also from the angle with which the two conveyors to each other are arranged.

According to one Another advantageous embodiment, the separation conveyor a buffer device, so that the front end of the separation conveyor during a separation process partly (in the direction of flow) can withdraw.

The arranged at the front end pulley of an exemplary Belt conveyor (separation conveyor) can be stored this way be that they are opposite to the transport direction of the feed conveyor is slidably mounted. This may be the frame of the separation conveyor Slots in which the axis of the pulley to the rear (downstream) movably mounted against a spring force is. The spring force causes the pulley after a successful lifting moved back to its original starting position becomes. The spring device is preferably set up so that the farther the pulley is pushed back, the greater the spring force.

These Type of buffer device prolongs the effective path on the front end in contact with the cardboard or container stands. Thus, the effective path length increases or time, while the carton or container can be dug before it becomes a mechanical blockage comes when the container between the feed conveyor and the separating conveyor is clamped.

It It is understood that the spring device also at another Roller as the pulley of the front end of the separation conveyor can be provided.

Of Furthermore, an embodiment has proven to be favorable when the separating conveyor in the region of its rear end is pivotally mounted so that the front end of the separation conveyor during a separation process in the direction of a bottom of the loading aid is movable.

As soon as the tray, more precisely its front edge, the front end the separating conveyor has passed, the front end can be lowered into the tray, with the distance between the front End of the separating conveyor and the transport surface the feed conveyor is less than the height of the edge becomes. Preferably, the front end of the separation conveyor sets on the floor of the tray. The separating conveyor is located then near the front lower edge of the container, so that the container without another lifting movement (perpendicular to Transport surface of the separation conveyor) on the Separating conveyor can be lifted. Congestion due to trapped Cans are excluded.

On This way you can also very heavy container or container whose center of gravity is relatively far forward and possibly also very low relative to the container itself. The through the front Edge of the tray caused height difference, the container has to overcome when digging, reduced at the lowerable Variant on the diameter of the front (deflection) roller. In this In the case, the containers are almost seamlessly from the bottom of the tray delivered the separation conveyor. The bottom of the tray and the transport plane of the separation conveyor define a obtuse angle. The closer this obtuse angle is to 180 °, the more smoothly the transfer to the separating conveyor takes place.

at the solution just outlined is advantageous that the pivotable front end of the separation conveyor after a successful separation of the container from the load carrier power assisted the loading aid is moved out to its original position.

These Design ensures that the freely pivotable, front end of the separating conveyor from its lowered Condition where it rests almost on the floor of the tray, too is moved out of the tray again in time before the front end of the separation conveyor with a rear edge of the tray collides. Such a collision would have inevitably result in an emergency shutdown of the system to major (mechanical) damage to the To prevent promoters. The timing plays an important role Role, as will be explained below. The Timing can be initiated via an appropriately adapted facial expression, which is mechanically actuated by the loader passing through becomes.

The power assistance is such that the separating conveyor can be lifted out of the tray very quickly, as soon as the container, no matter how heavy it is loaded, has already reached the separating conveyor so far that its center of gravity over located the separation conveyor.

Preferably a position sensor is provided which detects if a front and / or a rear edge of the container already on the separating conveyor was lifted. Alternatively, the position of the tray is (also) monitored which achieves the same effect.

With Help of the position sensor, in particular a light barrier, can due to the information about the current position of the Limited influence on the transport speed of the conveyors be taken. For example, if the position sensor is at the front Placed at the end of the separating conveyor, it can be detected when and if a container strikes the front end. Once this information is available, the transport speed of the separating conveyor are increased, so that the Lifting force caused by the revolving conveyor of the separating conveyor caused, as quickly as possible increased, around the lower front edge of the container on the separating conveyor to lift. The transport speed of the separating conveyor can be held up until the rear edge of the Bundle has passed the front end of the separation conveyor. Subsequently, the transport speed of the Trennförderers be lowered again.

The Passing the rear edge of the container can also be used as a signal for the power assisted lifting of the separation conveyor be used from the tray.

If the front pivotable end of the separation conveyor resilient is stored, the force of spring suspension is usually not enough out to the separating conveyor including the one located thereon To lift containers out of the tray. In this case, you can For example, fluid cylinder (hydraulic / pneumatic) laterally to Separating conveyor be arranged to communicate by means of an external Helper moving out the free end of the separation conveyor to accelerate from the tray. The timing can be over one controlled by the tablature (mechanical) facial expressions are controlled.

In Another preferred embodiment of the separation conveyor at a higher speed than the infeed conveyor operated.

These Action causes the separation conveyor the container pulling himself up. Especially with the solution the freely lowerable, front end is the increase in Transport speed of the separation conveyor makes sense. On In this way, the container is pulled out of the tray as quickly as possible and transported away.

Of Furthermore, it has been found that it is advantageous when the separation conveyor additionally one, preferably a driven, excavating roll upstream, that the excavating roll by the transport movement the feed conveyor against a front side of the Canned pressed and then moved under the container.

The Excavator is located in the conveying plane of the separation conveyor. It is upstream of the actual separation conveyor and raises the container before it is the actual separation conveyor reached. For this purpose, the excavating roller can be driven, so that the front of the container moves upwards on the excavating roller. The excavating roller may be the container next to the substantially acting Frictionally lock by means of a positive connection. This can the excavating roll, as already mentioned above, For example, be provided with thorns or hooks. The separating conveyor then serves only for the removal of the already excavated container.

In This relationship has proven to be particularly advantageous when the excavating roller is mounted so pivotally that they are in a receiving position to the feed conveyor out is tilted and can be pivoted in a delivery position, where it faces the front end of the separation conveyor and the container engages under the lifted container to the separation conveyor leave.

opposite the rigid embodiment just described moves the excavating roller one piece with the container in the transport direction of the Feed conveyor. This can be avoided that the excavating roll, especially if they are with thorns or the like is provided, into the container "eats". Also Here it is advantageous if the container in the delivery position the swinging excavating roller no further lifting movement (parallel to the End face of the container) must perform more, because then a "seamless" transition between the Excavation roller and the separation conveyor is given.

at Another particular embodiment is the feed conveyor sloping to the preferably horizontally oriented separation conveyor arranged.

These Measure facilitates grasping the container, since the gravitational force acts in addition to the force that caused by the feed conveyor. Both Forces support the delivery of the Bundle from the feed conveyor to the separating conveyor.

Furthermore, it is preferred if a conveying surface of the feed conveyor is divided in the transverse direction such that one or more rollers protrude from the conveying surface, so that the container from the load support, which has one or more slot-like in the longitudinal direction, preferably extending into the edge of the loading aid recesses, is excavated when the loading aid is moved with its recesses from the feed conveyor on the rollers, wherein the separating conveyor is arranged to receive the excavated container before a center of gravity of the container has passed the rollers (relative to the conveying direction of the feeding conveyor).

The rolls arranged below the feed conveyor, either rigid from the conveying plane of the feed conveyor protrude, or alternatively this plane by lifting means of can penetrate below in the direction of the separation conveyor, also allow a lifting of particularly heavy and / or especially unwieldy containers. The container is automatically tilted or excavated, thus creating space in which the downstream Dipping conveyor can dive with its front end, although the edge of the tray is a height relative to the conveying plane the feed conveyor defines that of the separation conveyor not to fall short. The separating conveyor collides then not with the tablature edge. Furthermore, it is possible to Position sensors to dispense when the rollers steadily out of the Projecting plane of the feed conveyor protrude, wherein the maximum height of the protruding roll by the height is limited by the Tablarrands, since the edge in this embodiment Slotted must be made to the stationary To allow role to intervene while in the tray the tray is moved across the roll.

These Solution has the further advantage that the conveyor can be operated at any speed, without having to make complex adjustments to each other.

Even Container with a focus that is either very deep and / or very far ahead in the direction of flow, can be lifted so without damaging the container itself. The lifting is safe and reliable.

Furthermore it is advantageous if the feed conveyor a Centering, preferably baffles, to the Loading aids before a passage of the rollers with its recesses to align the roles.

Of the mutual distance of the baffles may be in the flow direction so rejuvenate that supplied trays reliable relative to the rollers that make up the feed conveyor reach through, are alignable.

at a further preferred embodiment, the loading aid only in its bottom holes for the penetration of lifting and lowerable rollers, wherein the feed conveyor has in its funding recesses, at least provided in the region of the front end of the separation conveyor are, so that the lifting means through the feed conveyor and the corresponding holes to be aligned in the ground the loading aid can grab.

Become used as lifting means pins, so is the shape of the holes in the bottom of the shelves suitable to adapt to the contour of the pins, or the other way around. Preferably, rod-like pins inserted so that the holes are substantially circular are. In this embodiment, the feed conveyor operated discontinuously. While the container from the Tray is dug, stops the feed conveyor at. Although this measure reduces the throughput, nevertheless Up to 1,300 operations per hour are possible for example, 600 × 400 mm cardboard boxes dug out of approximately equal trays and be separated.

at the alternative embodiment, the lifting means at their the Feed conveyor facing each end one, Preferably, loosely rotating, roller, wherein the recesses in Bottom of the shelves are slit-like. An advantage with this embodiment is that the edge of the tray does not need to be slotted. Because the rollers can be moved led through the ground, the operation of the infeed conveyor must be during of excavation are not interrupted, d. H. the feed conveyor can be operated continuously. As soon as the container is sufficient was pushed onto the separation conveyor, located in a by a Aushubebene and a predetermined by the edge of the tray Edge level, which are not penetrated by the separation conveyor may, defined shadow space is located, the rollers can be withdrawn again. In this way The rollers do not collide with the trailing edge of the tray. However, this solution requires the relative Detecting the position of the front edge to the exit location of the rollers. With known transport speed of the feed conveyor can be calculated when the roles are extended and then also have to be withdrawn to the Unloading containers safely, without the rollers containing the tray, especially its edge, collide.

Furthermore it has proven useful if a control device provided that is a transport speed of the feed conveyor, a transport speed of the separating conveyor - in particular variable -, a pivoting movement of the free end of the separation conveyor and a lifting movement of the lifting means and / or a pivoting movement a Aushubrolle regulated.

The Control device can the different movements synchronize by either relevant parameters using Sensors are detected, from which the controlled variables can be derived or calculated, or by the operating parameters be entered in advance.

The The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method solved for separating a container from a loading aid, in particular, of a tray, the one with substantially constant Height preferably has peripheral edge, wherein the Method comprising the steps of: providing a feed conveyor and an endlessly circulating separation conveyor, so that one Conveying level of the feed conveyor opposite a conveying plane of the separation conveyor with a acute angle is inclined, with a front end of the separation conveyor arranged so that one on the feed conveyor loading equipment under the separation conveyor through can be promoted; Encouraging loading aids including containers via the feed conveyor, preferably by continuous operation of the Zuführför derers; and operating the conveying means of the feed conveyor, the container being conveyed by a conveying means of the separating conveyor, from a pivotally mounted excavating roller, from the side opposite in a vertical plane revolving laterally drivable conveyors or of lifting means below the feed conveyor, the the conveyor of the feed conveyor can be picked up to be picked up by the separating conveyor to become.

The advantages described above in connection with the device also arise in the process just described.

It it is understood that the above and the following yet to be explained features not only in each case specified combination, but also in other combinations or can be used in isolation, without the scope of the present To leave invention.

embodiments The invention are illustrated in the drawings and in the explained in more detail below description. It demonstrate:

1 shows a side view of an unloading station according to the present invention;

2 shows a plan view of the unloading the 1 ;

3 shows a side view of another unloading station according to the present invention;

4 shows a still further embodiment according to the present invention in a side view;

5 shows a side view of another embodiment of the present invention;

6 shows yet another embodiment in a side view;

7 shows a further modification of an unloading station according to the present invention;

8th shows a schematic parallelogram of forces from a driving force of a feed conveyor according to the 1 ;

9 shows a schematized parallelogram of forces from a caused by a separating conveyor tangential force, in accordance with the 1 ;

10 shows a further modification of an unloading station according to the present invention;

11 shows a plan view of the arrangement of 10 ;

12 shows a side view of another embodiment of an unloading station according to the present invention;

13A and 13B also show modifications of a removal station according to the invention;

14 shows a side view of another removal station according to the present invention;

15 shows a plan view of the arrangement of 14 ;

16 shows a front side of a loading aid for use with an unloading station according to the 14 and 15 ;

17 shows a plan view of the loading aid of 16 ;

18 shows a modification of the loading aid according to the 17 ; and

19 shows a flowchart for the method according to the present invention.

In the following description of the figures, the same elements are given the same reference numerals. Modified, but still similar features are provided with slightly different reference numerals. There are several ver various embodiments of an unloading station according to the present invention will be explained, all of which differ only by minor differences. As a rule, in the following description of the different embodiments, the differences are essentially discussed, it being tacitly assumed that the remaining features of the unloading station according to the invention are essentially identical.

1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of an unloading station according to the invention 10 ,

The unloading station 10 of the 1 has a feed conveyor 12 and a separation conveyor 14 on. About the feed conveyor 12 become loading aids 16 such as trays 18 , preferably with a peripheral edge, to the separation conveyor 14 encouraged. The shelves 18 can with containers 20 be equipped very different dimensions. Under a container 20 For example, below is an empty or loaded carton 22 , a (plastic) container, an article, a packaging unit or the like understood. In the 1 is the cardboard 22 slightly shorter than a longitudinal extension of the tray 18 , The tray 18 is on a grant 24 of the feed conveyor 12 , At the feed conveyor 12 it may be an example of a belt conveyor, so that the funding 24 in this case, a webbing 26 is, which endlessly around end pulleys 28 running, of which in the 1 only the upstream pulley 28 is shown. The pulley 28 , and thus the belt 26 , are going clockwise 30 moved, leaving the tray 18 in a conveying direction 32 parallel to the surface of the belt 26 is transported downstream.

At the separating conveyor 14 is an example also a belt conveyor 34 , The belt conveyor 34 has two or more pulleys 36 . 38 and 40 on. On the pulleys 36 . 38 . 40 is a belt 42 strained, in a clockwise direction 44 endlessly circulating. One of the pulleys 36 to 40 can be driven, with the drive in the 1 is not explicitly shown. The separating conveyor 14 points in the 1 a triangular cross section. It is understood that the cross section of the separation conveyor 12 may also have other cross sections.

Between the separating conveyor 14 and the feed conveyor 12 can optionally be a skid 46 be arranged even closer in connection with the 2 will be explained and to hold down the tray 18 during a separation process of the carton 22 from the tray 18 serves. The skid 46 is below the separation conveyor 14 and above the feed conveyor 12 provided and is the separation conveyor 14 upstream upstream. The skid 46 extends substantially parallel to the belt 26 and may be formed bent up at its upstream end to feed a tray 18 to facilitate in a gap through the skid 46 and the belt 26 is defined. The skid 46 leads the tray 18 under the separation conveyor 14 where the distance between the skid 46 and the belt 26 preferably in the order of the height H _{R of} the edge 50 of the tray 18 lies.

A funding level 52 of the separating conveyor 14 closes an acute angle α with a conveying plane 54 of the feed conveyor 12 one. As the conveyor level 52 of the separating conveyor 14 preferably oriented horizontally, closes the conveyor plane 54 of the feed conveyor 12 also the angle α with the horizontal one.

The feed conveyor 12 and the separating conveyor 14 can use a parent control device 56 via hardwired lines 58 and / or a radio links 59 be connected to each other for the exchange of data and signals. The control device 56 In particular, it can influence the rotational speed or transport speed of the conveyors 12 . 14 or other variables to be explained later. The separating conveyor 14 preferably runs at a higher speed than the feed conveyor 12 , In this way, it is ensured that an excavation or separation process takes place as quickly as possible. A jamming of the container 20 between the separating conveyor 14 and the feed conveyor 12 should be avoided if possible. The funding 24 of the feed conveyor 12 In particular, it is made of a high stiction material, such as silicone, or is coated with this material to prevent slippage of the loading aids 16 in the upstream direction during a separation and excavation process to avoid.

Referring to 2 is a plan view of the arrangement 10 of the 1 shown. The belt 26 of the feed conveyor 12 here is wider than the separation conveyor 14 designed. The tray 18 However, with not shown here centering on the conveyor 24 of the feed conveyor 12 be aligned so that it is centered relative to the longitudinal axis of the separation conveyor 14 is arranged as in 2 shown.

The runners 46 are laterally to the separation conveyor 14 arranged so that they longitudinally oriented edge portions of the tray 18 can hold down. It is understood that the separation conveyor 14 can also be made narrower and that the skids 16 may have an adjustment mechanism (not shown) to them in the transverse direction, ie perpendicular to the transport direction 32 , so adjust to be able to that also loading aids 16 can be handled with different widths. The separating conveyor 14 can also be narrower than a width of the box 22 be. The width of the separation conveyor 14 is to choose a container 20 still with a sufficiently large area of the conveyor 34 of the separating conveyor 14 at least frictionally interacts with the container 20 on the separating conveyor 14 to lift.

In the 8th and 9 are the force components occurring during an excavation and separation process using the unloading station as an example 1 and 2 shown in a highly schematic and simplified way. In the 8th and 9 are the feed conveyor 12 and the separating conveyor 14 of the 1 and 2 only partially shown. For reasons of clarity, the loading aid 16 omitted.

In 8th are shown such force components, in which a driving force F _{OPERATION of} the feed conveyor 12 disassemble in the form of a parallelogram of forces. The feed conveyor 12 exercises by the circumferential movement of his belt 22 propulsive force F _OPERATION on the container 20 off, parallel to the conveyor plane 54 is oriented. Once the container 20 to a front end of the separation conveyor 14 which is in the 8th is shown, the propulsive force F _OPERATION can be _disassembled into a horizontal component F _HORIZONTAL and a vertical component F _VERTICAL , from the container 20 on the separating conveyor 14 is exercised. The horizontal component F _HORIZONTAL is parallel to the conveying plane 52 of the separating conveyor 14 oriented. The component F _VERTICAL is perpendicular to the conveying plane 52 of the separating conveyor 14 , The separating conveyor 14 in turn acts with a corresponding counterforce F _CARTON on the container 20 (Box), which can be broken down into the horizontal component F _v and the perpendicular component F _HUB. F _HUB is responsible for removing the carton from the tray. An ideally rigid cardboard would therefore be in a freely rotating role 40 be lifted by F _OPERATION or F _HUB alone.

The propulsive or contact force F _{OPERATION always} runs through the center of the roller, ie perpendicular to the front side of the container, in the case of ideally rigid containers. A real box is deformed by the role. Therefore, a balance between the contact force and acting on the rear edge of the container would react fairly quickly in a non-driven role. It is therefore necessary the role 40 to drive and so a force F _{TANGENTIAL act} on the front of the container. In a frictional power transmission, this force can assume at most the value "friction coefficient × contact force". The tangential force F _TANGENTIAL is in 9 shown.

It is understood that the orbital speeds of the conveyors 12 . 14 can be coordinated with each other so that the container 20 is not damaged by the contact pressure. Furthermore, the location of the center of gravity of the container 20 to take into account. The further forward the center of gravity lies, the greater must be the excavation force. The further back the center of gravity lies, the smaller the excavation force may be.

If the frictional engagement between the conveyor, especially the front end of the separation conveyor 12 , and the container 20 adjust as soon as the container 20 through the feed conveyor 12 against the front end of the separation conveyor 14 is funded, not enough to the container 20 from the load carrier 16 To lift, the front pulley can 40 z. B. laterally to the funding 42 of the separating conveyor 14 arranged distributed circumferentially, vertically from the pulley 40 projecting spikes (not shown) may be provided. The pulley 40 is then longer than the width of the conveyor 42 of the separating conveyor 14 , and thus longer than the in 2 shown example. These thorns, not shown here, especially when using cardboard boxes 22 in the front of the box 22 drill, resulting in a positive connection between the separation conveyor 14 and the carton 22 leads.

Alternatively, it is possible the boxes 22 solely by a form-fitting lift and on the separation conveyor 14 leave. In this case, the separation conveyor would be 14 upstream of a thorn roll, provided that it is at the separating conveyor 14 is about a belt conveyor. The problem with this approach is only the damage of the carton 22 , Is the center of gravity of the box 22 unfavorable, the box can 22 If the inherent rigidity is too low, they will be damaged considerably. However, this depends on the individual case.

Based on 8th and 9 However, it is clear that by the arrangement according to the present invention containers 20 easy from loading aids 16 can be excavated and transported without position sensors or similar sensors must be used to coordinate the movements of the conveyor relative to each other.

The sponsors 12 . 14 can be operated continuously, which significantly increases throughput.

Basic requirement, however, is that a height of the container 20 is sufficiently high for the container 20 the edge 50 of the loading aid 16 surmounted and thus a contact between the container 20 and the front end of the separation conveyor 14 allows. It is understood that the height H _{R of} the frame 50 is preferably to keep as low as possible. However, the height H _R is usually given by the customer and can vary greatly from case to case.

Referring to 3 is an unloading station 10-1 according to the present invention shown in a side view. The unloading station 10-1 of the 3 also has a feed conveyor 12-1 and a separation conveyor 14-1 on. The promotion levels 52 ' and 54 ' of the separating conveyor 14-1 or of the feed conveyor 12-1 also include an acute angle α with each other, wherein the feed conveyor 12-1 is oriented substantially horizontally and wherein the transport plane 52 ' of the separating conveyor 14-1 rises downstream. The separating conveyor 14-1 here only has two pulleys 40 ' (at the front end of the separation conveyor) and 44 ' on. The pulley 44 ' can be a powered roller with integrated motor.

On the circulating belt 26 of the feed conveyor 12-1 are additional stop strips 60 - Here, for example, triangular cross-section - mounted in the transverse direction. The stop strips 60 prevent the tray 18 on the feed conveyor 12-1 too far upstream, ie opposite to the transport direction 32 , through the stationary separation conveyor 14-1 is postponed, the stiction should be between the tray 18 and feed conveyor 12-1 not enough to the tray 18 on the feed conveyor 12-1 to keep. This offset will always occur when passing through the fixed separation conveyor 14-1 caused counterforce to Gesamtanpress force overcoming the static friction allows. The strips 60 but also increase the risk of the container becoming wedged. That's why the role 40 to connect to a coupling.

When the tray 18 to the stop bar 60 encounters, the rotational speed of the separation conveyor should be 14-1 be so big that the container 20 fast enough from the tray 18 is dug before it comes to a mechanical blockade. This size can be in knowledge of the pitch angle α, the clear length of the container 20 in the longitudinal or transport direction 32 and the size of the transport speed 32 to calculate. While the container 20 by the rotation of the separation conveyor 14-1 is lifted, the length of the diagonal between the top edge of the rear edge of the tray is shortened 18 and the contact line between the front of the container 20 and the apex of the pulley 40 ' steadily. With knowledge of this difference in length and the transport speed of the feed conveyor 12-1 Thus, the time interval can be calculated in which the container 20 must be dug. Furthermore, one knows the effectively in the direction of the front of the container 20 path length to be covered, so that from this the lifting speed or the rotational speed of the separating conveyor 14-1 can be calculated. Here it was tacitly assumed that the container 20 lies in front of the tray and / or the driver 60 initially has a distance to the tray. Alternatively, the feed conveyor can be stopped.

Referring to 4 is a side view of another embodiment of an unloading station 10-2 shown in accordance with the present invention. The unloading station 10-2 of the 4 differs from the unloading station 10-1 of the 3 by the design of the separation conveyor. The separating conveyor 14-2 of the 4 rises opposite the feed conveyor 12-1 with a slope α. The separating conveyor 14-2 However, has more pulleys. Next to the pulley 40 ' the front end of the separation conveyor 14-2 and next to the motor-driven pulley 44 ' has the separation conveyor 14-2 three further pulleys 62 . 63 and 64 on. The pulleys 44 ' and 62 to 64 are fix. The front pulley 40 ' is however parallel to the transport direction 32 of the feed conveyor 12-1 , slidably, preferably against a spring means, in a slot 68 as a buffer device 66 stored. The further the front pulley 40 ' is moved downstream, the greater becomes, for example, caused by a spring counterforce. The front pulley 40 ' is thus able to a container 20 a little way to avoid, especially if the feed conveyor 12-1 is operated continuously. The further the front pulley 40 ' but evades, the greater is the force acting against the contact force F _ANPRESS force. The buffer device 66 prevents the development of mechanical blockages additionally.

It is understood that in addition to the pulley 40 ' at least one of the pulleys 62-64 is slidably mounted to the separation conveyor 14-2 to enable a container 20 to avoid a certain amount, whereby by shifting one of the rollers 62-64 the conveyor belt of the separation conveyor remains tensioned.

5 shows a further embodiment of an unloading station 10-3 according to the present invention.

The unloading station 10-3 has a separation conveyor 14-3 and exemplarily the feed conveyor 12-1 on. It is understood that other feed conveyors 12 can be used.

The separating conveyor 14-3 is here in the form of a roller conveyor consisting of several roles 70 realized. The roles 70 in turn define a funding level 52 ''' that are opposite the funding level 54 ' of the feed conveyor 12-1 arranged in parallel here is. It is understood that the conveying level 52 ''' also with its angle α relative to the feed conveyor 12-1 can be inclined, as shown in the preceding figures.

The unloading station 12-3 of the 5 is particularly suitable for lifting (plastic) containers or cartons that are empty. Even if the conveying levels of the separating conveyor 14-3 and the feed conveyor 12-1 are not inclined against each other, works at least the lifting of empty containers.

Referring to 6 is a further modification of an unloading station according to the invention 10-4 shown. The unloading station 10-4 has the most similarity to the unloading station 10-1 of the 3 , At the unloading station 10-4 is however the conveyor level 52 of the separating conveyor 14-4 essentially horizontally, with minor angular deviations permissible, to the feed conveyor 12 oriented with an angle α relative to the separation conveyor 14-4 drops. The separating conveyor 14-4 here has two pulleys, of which the rear is driven.

Additionally is in 6 another promoter 80 shown downstream to the infeed conveyor 12 adjoins and empty loading equipment 16 disposed of. It is understood that more sponsors 80 both at the upstream and downstream ends of the feed conveyor 12 may be provided in all embodiments of the unloading station according to the present invention.

7 shows a further embodiment of an unloading station 10-5 according to the present invention. The unloading station 10-5 is similar to the unloading station 10-2 of the 4 constructed, wherein the conveying plane of the feed conveyor 12 opposite the horizontally oriented conveying plane of the separating conveyor 14-5 with an angle α drops.

Similar to the separation conveyor 14-2 can the separation conveyor 14-5 of the 7 a buffer device 66 ' have it to the front pulley at the front end of the separation conveyor 14-5 to allow in the transport direction 32 of the feed conveyor 12 dodge.

The rear deflection roller of the separation conveyor 14-5 serves as a rotation axis, as the separation conveyor 14-5 around the axis of rotation 82 is pivotally mounted. At the front end, which is freely pivotable, is preferably a restoring device 84 attached to the front end of the separation conveyor 14-5 from a lowered state (not shown) to retrieve, in which the front end so far into the tray 18 has been lowered so that it can come into contact with the bottom of the tray.

In 7 is the starting position of the separating conveyor 14-5 shown. The separating conveyor 14-5 is operated in a clockwise direction endlessly circulating. Once the container 20 in contact with the front end of the separating conveyor 14-5 comes, causes the rotation of the conveying means of the separating conveyor 14-5 a downward movement of the front end along the front of the container 20 in the tray 18 towards the bottom of it. It is understood that the remaining pulleys are freely pivotable, since they only rotate in the frame of the separation conveyor 14-5 are stored.

At the latest when the front end of the separation conveyor 14-5 the bottom of the tray 18 has reached the container 20 without problems on the separating conveyor 14-5 be lifted and transported away. Rotates the funding of the separation conveyor 14-5 much faster than the feed conveyor 12 , Then, the lowering of the front end of the separation conveyor takes place 14-5 and the removal of the container 20 so fast that a restoring force of the return mechanism 84 sufficient to the front end of the separation conveyor 14-5 so in time from the tray 18 to move out that there is no collision with the rear edge of the tray.

Should the weight of the container 20 be very large, the return movement can also be done by means of an external power assistance. The restoring force of the return mechanism 84 is anyway designed so that the separation conveyor 14-5 in its initial position so relative to the feed conveyor 12 is arranged that a tray or its edge under the separation conveyor 14-5 can be passed.

Referring to 10 is another embodiment of an unloading station according to the invention 100 shown in a side view. The unloading station 100 again has a here implemented in the form of a belt conveyor separation conveyor 14 with endless belt 42 and one in the form of a feed conveyor also implemented as a belt conveyor 12 with endless belt 26 on. Upstream downward relative to the separation conveyor 14 is a side excavator 102 shown here two laterally to the feed conveyor 12 , In a vertical plane endlessly encompassing gripping bands having a predetermined extent in the vertical direction (see 11 ). The gripping bands 104 . 106 are mounted in a horizontal direction movable to each other, as indicated by a double arrow 108 in the 11 is illustrated. In the 11 a gripping position is shown in which the carton 22 from both bands 104 . 106 laterally gripped so strong that it does not slide downwards in a vertical direction due to a frictional engagement. In a receiving position, not shown, the bands 104 . 106 in the horizontal direction so far apart that the cardboard 22 without problems between the belts by means of the feed conveyor 12 can be retracted.

Should the frictional engagement of the bands 104 . 106 not sufficient to the caused by the weight force vertical force component during transport to the separation conveyor 14 To compensate, the bands can 104 . 106 additionally provided with thorns, spines or the like to produce an additional (or exclusive) positive fit. Disadvantage, in turn, be the damage to the surface of the container.

The design of the unloading station 100 according to the 10 and 11 makes it upstream, however, to the mechanism 102 required, the width of the container to be gripped 20 to determine. The width in turn determines the distance of the gripping bands 104 . 106 in the closed position, as in 11 is shown. Besides, it may be beneficial if the weight of the container 20 also known in advance.

Advantage of this approach, however, is that the container 20 may have a footprint which is a footprint of the loading aid 16 almost corresponds. If the footprints are approximately equal, it is recommended to use a rail 46 to provide, similar to the embodiment according to the 1 and 2 , The rails 46 prevent the load carrier 16 simultaneously with the container 20 on the separating conveyor 14 is lifted. The rail 46 is in the area of the front end of the separation conveyor 14 arranged so that they are under the separation conveyor 14 Dives for the loading aid 16 , here the tray 18 , can be safely disposed of after a separation from the container 20 took place.

Referring to 12 is a side view of another embodiment of an unloading station according to the invention 120 shown. The unloading station 120 again has a substantially horizontally oriented separation conveyor 14 and a relatively inclined inclined feed conveyor 12 on, which are exemplarily again implemented in the form of straps. It is understood that the conveyor 12 . 14 both here and in the other embodiments may be implemented by other types of conveyors, such as roller conveyors, belt conveyors, chain conveyors, or the like.

In addition to the optional rail 46 that the separating conveyor 14 is at least partially upstream in the manner already described above, here is another excavation mechanism 122 shown. The excavation mechanism 122 is about a rigid pivot axis 126 pivotally mounted and has a swivel arm 126 and at the opposite end a, preferably driven, excavating roll 128 on, which are substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the preferably parallel-oriented conveyor 12 . 14 extends.

The excavation mechanism 122 is in the 12 shown in his admission position. In the receiving position is the swivel arm 126 moved into an upstream stop position and is held there by means of a counter force F _B in this position. The counterforce F _B is preferably always smaller than a maximum propulsion force. The excavating role 128 lies between their admission position and a delivery position, which in 12 is indicated by a dashed line, a path length H ₂ back, which is approximately in the order of a stop height of the excavating roller 128 at the front of here in the form of a cardboard box 22 implemented container 20 lies. In the delivery position is the excavating role 128 the front end of the separation conveyor 14 directly opposite.

The in the 12 embodiment shown is particularly for heavy containers 20 well suited because the excavating role 128 is usually driven and additionally with means for generating a positive connection - in addition to the frictional connection - can be equipped. The counterforce F _B , which is preferably only slightly smaller than the propulsive force, shifts the time of lifting forward and thus allows the container 20 before putting it in the immediate vicinity of the front end of the separation conveyor 14 has already been raised by a certain height difference. Preferably, the container was 20 when the excavation mechanism 122 reached his delivery position, already fully raised and the excavating role 128 is located below the container 20 , ie stands with the bottom of the container 20 in contact.

The from the swivel arm 126 traveled path is with the help of an arrow 130 in the 12 again indicated.

In the 13A is a variation 120 ' the unloading station 120 of the 12 shown.

While the unloading station 120 of the 12 preferably during continuous operation of the feed conveyor 12 works, becomes the feed conveyor 120 ' of the 13A operated discontinuously.

As in the plan view of 13B on a load carrier 16 shown here in the form of a tray 18 ' implemented, the bottom of the loading aid points 16 recesses 144 on, by the Hubstempel 142 an additional lifting mechanism puree 140 (see. 13A ) while the tray is on the infeed conveyor 12 is at rest. The lifting device 140 is below the feed conveyor 12 arranged, which can be implemented here in the form of a belt conveyor or a multi-unit belt conveyor, so that between the conveying means sufficient space for the passage of the lifting ram 142 through the conveyor plane 54 of the feed conveyor 12 is available.

As soon as it is detected, for example by means of a light barrier, not shown here, that the tray 18 ' in its delivery position is (see the in the 13A right hand tray 18 ' ), becomes the feed conveyor 12 paused until the lifting punch 142 the cardboard 22 so far from the tray 18 ' has dug that excavation mechanism 122 as he already related to the 12 has been described, can be moved from its delivery position in the receiving position. The receiving position or position of the excavating roller 128 is in the 13A shown by a dotted circle shown. Subsequently, the feed conveyor 12 be turned on again, the stamp 142 previously lowered again, leaving the box 22 independently over the back swinging arm 126 the excavating mechanism 122 on the separating conveyor 14 is promoted, which is inclined here as an example rising. Alternatively or additionally, the excavating role 128 also be designed to be driven to the separation process of the carton 22 from the tray 18 ' to accelerate.

Referring to the 14 to 17 is a further embodiment of an unloading station according to the invention 150 be explained. The 14 shows a side view and the 15 shows a plan view of the unloading station 150 , The 16 shows a view of the front of a tray 18 ' and the 17 shows a plan view of the tray 18 ' ,

Referring to 14 has the unloading station 150 a feed conveyor 12 on, which decreases relative to a horizontal with an inclination angle α. Furthermore, it has a separation station 14 on, which in turn increases with an inclination angle β relative to the horizontal.

Below the upper run of the endlessly circulating feed conveyor 12 is a role 152 stored in such a way that they are out of the conveying plane 54 of the feed conveyor 12 either permanently protruding or by means of a lifting device 140 ' for a short time from the conveying level 54 is lifted out.

The separating conveyor 14 is arranged so that it dips into a shadow space, through the opening plane of the tray 18 ' and the bottom of the box 22 is defined when the carton 22 is in its maximum excavated state. The maximum excavated position is from the center of gravity of the box 22 dependent. Once the center of gravity is an axis of rotation 154 in the horizontal direction, the box tilts 22 towards the downstream end of the tray 18 ' back. In the 14 is the cardboard 22 shown shortly before this maximum position. It can be seen that the front end of the separation conveyor 14 already slightly below the bottom of the box 22 sticks out and so the cardboard 22 will be able to record.

The role 152 can, as already mentioned above, either permanently from the conveyor plane 54 of the feed conveyor 12 protrude or may for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined time by the conveying plane 54 be moved through to the in the 14 To achieve exemplary state shown. In both cases, the role 152 be loosely mounted. Alternatively, the role 152 but also be driven to the removal of the lifted carton 22 to accelerate.

In 15 is a plan view of the arrangement of 14 shown. The funding 26 of the feed conveyor 26 is here in the form of a tripartite belt 26-1 . 26-2 and 26-3 implemented. Belts are each spaced apart in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or transport direction) by a gap width S and thus define two gaps as an example 156 between themselves. In these columns 156 can the roles 152 be provided.

If the tray with continuous slot-shaped recesses 164 is provided, as it is in the 16 and 17 The roles can be shown 152 permanently out of the conveyor plane 54 of the feed conveyor 12 protrude. The tray 18 ' gets its torsional rigidity by the circumferential and closed in the circumferential direction edge 50 , The gap 164 have a height H _S and a width S + Δ, which is slightly larger than the gap width S of the column 156 is to have some play in the transverse direction when the tray 18 ' about the roles 152 to be led.

Upstream may further include an alignment device 161 be provided here, by way of example in the form of two funnel-shaped tapered baffles 162 is implemented. The baffles 162 make sure that trays 18 ' arbitrarily aligned in the direction of the feed conveyor 12 can be transported, however, relative to the roles 152 with their columns 164 aligned as soon as the tray 18 ' about the roles 152 is led away.

Hereinafter, a separation process will be described, wherein the roller 152 turning loose around its axis of rotation 154 in an unspecified here machine frame of the feed conveyor 12 is stored. The role 152 is not necessarily to drive. Once the tray 18 ' with its front edge over the rollers 152 is guided, the roles come 152 with the lower front edge of the box 22 in contact. The feed conveyor 12 pushes the tray 18 ' Continuing to move the cardboard 22 step by step from the tray 18 ' dug - and at the same time also moved downstream - is.

The advantage of this solution is that for lifting no further drive, for example for the rollers 152 , is needed. Also, no sensors for determining the dimension of the container or the relative position of the loading aid to the separation conveyor or the rollers 152 needed. The separation process is automatic and preferably unregulated. With knowledge of the load distribution of the container to be lifted a mechanical blockage is almost impossible.

Alternatively to the fixed mounting of the axis of rotation 154 relative to the feed conveyor 12 can the roles 152 also with a lifting mechanism 140 ' be connected so that they are in their initial position below the feed conveyor 12 rest and in their driven position the conveyor plane 54 penetrate far enough. Advantage of this solution is that the roles 152 only for a certain period of time from the conveyor level 54 protrude so that the circumferential edge 50 of the tray 18 must not be slotted at its front or rear. In 18 is just in the bottom of a tray 18 '' a slot-like opening 164 to see. This will increase the (torsional) rigidity of the tray 18 '' in comparison to the tray 18 ' significantly increased.

The movable arrangement of the rollers 152 however, it does require a sensor 160 , preferably upstream relative to the rollers 152 to provide, which is a start signal for the extension and retraction movement of the lifting mechanism 140 ' initiated. This start signal is z. B. by the front edge of the tray 18 '' set. The sensor 160 can be implemented in the form of a light sensor or a light barrier, which is the front edge of the tray 18 '' detected.

It is understood that at the unloading station 150 one or more roles 152 can be provided. Alternative to the roles 152 Other promoters could be used, such. B. narrow belt conveyor, in the recesses between the funding 26 fit.

The big advantage of the unloading station 150 is that the promoter 12 . 14 can be operated at very high transport speeds without compromising the reliability of the separation process.

The exit rollers 152 especially when using the tray 18 '' also be mechanically strained. For this purpose, further, pivotable rollers may be provided in the region of the front side of the loading aid, the From loading means during an approach to the separation conveyor 14 be pushed away (given away). These other roles are via a lever mechanism with the excavating rollers 152 coupled so that they dive into the slots in the loading aid synchronized and lift the container so. Subsequently, the entire mechanism z. B. be reset by means of spring force. A similar mechanism (facial expressions) can be used with punches instead of excavating rollers.

With reference to 19 are shown common process steps for the separation of a container 20 from a loader 16 What is needed is how the separation process is performed with any charging station, as described above in numerous embodiments.

In a first step, a feed conveyor 12 and an endlessly circulating separating conveyor 14 provided, so that a conveyor plane 54 of the feed conveyor 12 opposite a conveyor plane 52 of the separating conveyor 14 is inclined at an acute angle α, wherein a front end of the separation conveyor 14 is arranged so that a loading aid located on the feed conveyor 16 under the separation conveyor 14 can be passed (see step S1).

In a further step S2 loading aids 16 including containers 20 over the feed conveyor 12 , preferably by continuous operation of the feed conveyor 12 , requested.

In a step S3, the subsidy 26 of the feed conveyor 12 driven, with the container 20 from the funding 42 of the separating conveyor 14 , from a pivotally mounted excavating roller 128 , from laterally opposite, in a vertical plane rotating, laterally drivable conveyors 102 . 104 or of lifting means 140 ; 152 below the feed conveyor 12 that the grant 26 of the feed conveyor 12 can be picked up to by the separating conveyor 14 to be requested.

It is understood that even several containers 20 can be removed from a loading aid in the manner described above.

There are different functional complexes (eg lifting mechanism 140 , Role 152 , Ribbons 102 respectively. 104 , etc.). In particular, various possibilities have been shown to combine these. Other combinations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when based on the present description.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - WO 2008/040037 [0003, 0012]
• - DE 2631942 [0004]
• - EP 1462393 B1 [0006]

Claims (19)

Unloading station ( 10 ; 100 ; 120 ; 150 ) for the automated separation of a container ( 20 ) stored on a loading equipment ( 16 ), in particular a tray ( 18 ), with a peripheral edge ( 50 ), which has a substantially constant height (H _R ), is supported by the loading aid ( 16 ), the unloading station comprising: a feed conveyor ( 12 ); and an endless circulating separating conveyor ( 14 ); wherein the feed conveyor ( 12 ) the loading aid ( 16 ) in the longitudinal direction downstream ( 32 ) to the separation conveyor ( 14 ), whereby a conveying level ( 54 ) of the feed conveyor ( 12 ) an acute angle (α) with a conveying plane ( 52 ) of the separating conveyor ( 14 ), wherein in particular the feed conveyor ( 12 ) in the direction of the horizontally oriented separation conveyor ( 14 ), and wherein the separation conveyor ( 14 ) relative to the feed conveyor ( 12 ) is arranged that the edge ( 50 ) of the loading aid ( 16 ) under the separating conveyor ( 14 ) is conveyed through, so that a front, the feed conveyor ( 12 ) facing the end of the separation conveyor ( 14 ), if a loading aid ( 16 ) under the separating conveyor ( 18 ) is conveyed through, on the container ( 20 ) comes into contact and the container ( 20 ) from the load carrier ( 16 ) on the separating conveyor ( 14 ) lifts and so on the load carrier ( 16 ) separates. Discharge station according to claim 2, wherein on a conveyor ( 26 ) of the feed conveyor ( 12 ) Medium ( 60 ) for fixing the loading aid ( 16 ) on the feed conveyor ( 12 ) are mounted. Discharge station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a conveying means ( 26 ) of the feed conveyor ( 12 ) is made of a material having high static friction or at least partially coated with this material. Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed conveyor ( 12 ) is operated continuously. Unloading station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein below the separating conveyor ( 14 ) lateral runners ( 46 ) are arranged, the longitudinally extending portions of the edge ( 50 ) of the loading aid ( 16 ) during a separating operation in such a way that the loading aid ( 16 ) substantially on the feed conveyor ( 12 ) lingers. Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation conveyor ( 12 ) is a belt conveyor, in particular a knife band, eats or a roller conveyor ( 70 ). Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation conveyor ( 14 ) a buffer device ( 66 ), so that the front end of the separating conveyor ( 14 ) can partially retract during separation. Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation conveyor ( 14 ) is pivotally mounted in the region of its rear end, so that the front end of the separating conveyor ( 14 ) during a separation process in the direction of a bottom of the loading aid ( 16 ) is movable. Discharge station according to claim 8, wherein the pivotable front end of the separating conveyor ( 14 ) Power assisted after a successful separation of the container ( 20 ) of the loading equipment ( 16 ) from the load carrier ( 16 ) is movable out to its original position. Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a position sensor ( 160 ) is provided, which a front and / or a rear edge of the container and / or the loading aid ( 20 ) detected. Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation conveyor ( 12 ) at a higher speed than the feed conveyor ( 12 ) is operated. Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating conveyor ( 14 ) additionally a, preferably driven, excavating roller ( 128 ) in such a way that the excavating roller ( 128 ) by the transport movement of the feed conveyor ( 12 ) against a front side of the container ( 20 ) and thereby under the container ( 20 ) is moved. Discharge station according to claim 12, wherein the excavating roller ( 128 ) is pivotally mounted such that it is in a receiving position to the feed conveyor ( 12 ) and that it is pivotable in a dispensing position, where it the front end of the separation conveyor ( 14 ) is opposite to the excavated container ( 20 ) to the separating conveyor ( 14 ). Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed conveyor ( 12 ) sloping to the preferably horizontally oriented separation conveyor ( 14 ) is arranged. Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a conveying surface ( 54 ) of the feed conveyor ( 12 ) is divided in the transverse direction such that one or more, preferably freely rotating, rollers ( 152 ) from the conveying surface ( 54 ), so that the container ( 20 ) from the load carrier ( 16 ; 18 ), which in the longitudinal direction one or more slit-like, preferably to the edge ( 50 ) of the loading aid ( 16 ) extending recesses ( 164 ; 164 ' ) is lifted when the loading equipment ( 16 ) from the feed conveyor ( 12 ) with its recesses ( 164 ; 164 ' ) about the roles ( 152 ), wherein the separating conveyor ( 14 ) is arranged so that it the lifted container ( 20 ) before a center of gravity of the container ( 20 ) the roles ( 152 ) has happened. Discharge station according to claim 15, wherein the feed conveyor ( 12 ) a centering device ( 161 ), preferably baffles ( 162 ), the loading aid ( 16 ) before a passage of the rolls ( 152 ) with its recesses ( 164 ; 164 ' ) to the roles ( 152 ). Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading aid ( 20 ) only in its bottom holes ( 144 ) for the passage of lifting means ( 140 ), wherein the feed conveyor ( 12 ) in its funding recesses ( 156 ), which at least in the region of the front end of the separating conveyor ( 14 ) are provided, so that the lifting means by the feed conveyor ( 12 ) and the corresponding holes to be aligned in the bottom of the loading aid can grab. Discharge station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control device ( 56 ) is provided which a transport speed of the feed conveyor ( 12 ), a transport speed of the separating conveyor ( 14 ) in particular variable, a pivoting movement of a free end of the separating conveyor ( 14 ), a lifting movement of drive means ( 140 ) and / or a pivoting movement of a excavating roller ( 148 ) regulates. Method for separating a container ( 20 ) of a loading aid ( 16 ), in particular a tray ( 18 ; 18 '; 18 '' ) having a substantially constant height (H _R ) circumferential edge, comprising the steps of: providing a feed conveyor ( 12 ) and an endlessly circulating separating conveyor ( 14 ), so that a conveyor plane ( 54 ) of the feed conveyor ( 12 ) in relation to a conveying level ( 52 ) of the separating conveyor ( 14 ) is inclined at an acute angle (α), wherein a front end of the separation conveyor ( 14 ) is arranged so that one on the feed conveyor ( 12 ) loading aid ( 16 ) under the separating conveyor ( 14 ) can be conveyed through; Encouraging loading equipment ( 16 ) incl. container ( 20 ) via the feed conveyor ( 12 ), preferably by continuous operation of the feed conveyor ( 12 ); Operating the subsidy ( 26 ) of the feed conveyor ( 12 ), whereby the container ( 20 ) from the grant ( 34 ) of the separating conveyor ( 14 ), by a pivotally mounted excavating roller ( 148 ), from laterally opposite, in a vertical plane revolving laterally drivable conveyors ( 102 ; 104 ; 106 ) or lifting devices ( 140 ) below the infeed conveyor conveying the conveyor ( 54 ) of the feed conveyor, is lifted to the separation conveyor ( 14 ) to be carried away.