Abstract:
A rocker comprising: an inquiry sword having a long body, wherein a longitudinal extension of the long body comprises a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a continuous opening is provided in the body, the opening preferably being arranged closer to the second end than to the first free end, wherein the sword is arranged within a region which is crossed by the conveying goods when the conveying goods pass the rocker; and a bearing comprising a socket, that reaches through the opening of the sword.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of the German patent application DE 10 2011 119 410.3, entitled “Universelle Belegt-Wippe für Hängeförderanlage” and filed on Nov. 21, 2011, which is fully incorporated herewith by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a universally applicable occupancy rocker, or seesaw, capable of detecting, in an overhead-conveyor system, whether an accumulation line is completely filled (occupied). In this case, the accumulation line is occupied and cannot be filled additionally. An occupancy rocker in accordance with the invention is used, for example, if hanging goods are sorted and delivered to so-called discharge bars. The discharge bars are parts of the overhead-conveyor system. Starting at a specific position on this bar, an occupancy notification needs to be issued since otherwise the line would fill up, and collisions with still passing hanging goods on a main conveying line could occur. With another application, the hanging goods are transported and accumulated by means of an (overhead) conveyor capable to accumulate. With still another application, the hanging goods are supplied in cycles to a conveyor, which is not capable of accumulating, i.e. the hanging goods are moved downstream. In this case, arrival of the hanging goods at a downstream end of the conveyor needs to be detected, since then no other hanging goods are allowed to be supplied to the conveyor at an upstream end. The present invention particularly relates to an overhead-conveyor system comprising the occupancy rocker. 
       RELATED PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    Typically, light sensors are used in order to implement this occupancy functionality. The light sensors are arranged in a region where an emitted ray of light is reflected back from the hanging goods to the light sensor and subsequently detected. However, the light sensors have the general disadvantage of not responding to all colors, which is particularly disadvantageous with regard to the fashion industry. Thus, if the hanging goods have a specific color, it might be that no, or only an insufficient, ray of light is reflected so that no occupancy signal is detected, generated and output even though an occupancy state is present. Another disadvantage of the light sensors is to be seen in that operators can walk, or even stand, beneath the perpendicularly orientated light sensors. The overhead conveyor is typically arranged above head height. In this case, a control outputs a wrong notification since it does not detect the hanging goods but the operators. 
         [0004]    Of course, there are mechanical solutions as well. One mechanical solution, for example, is to be seen in rockers (seesaws). Mechanical rockers are disadvantageous in that they do not allow the to-be-accumulated hanging goods to pass due to their dead weight in some cases. For example, if the rocker is used with an inclined discharge bar, on which discharge bar the hanging goods slide to a collection point being located deeper, hanging goods of very light weights, which possibly are not sliding well in general, might not lift the rocker in order to pass the rocker. In this case, the (light) hanging goods are stopped at the rocker and do not reach the actual accumulation region located down-stream relative to the rocker. 
         [0005]    Another disadvantage of conventional mechanical rockers is to be seen in that each of the rockers needs to be adapted to a specific application and needs to be set correspondingly. Particularly in the fashion industry, there are different hanging sides. In some countries the hanging goods are hung from the left onto the overhead conveyor and, thus, are moved “chest in front” (hanging side at the left). In other countries, the conveyor is hung from the right (hanging side at the right). In dependence on the widths of the hanging goods (as seen in a conveying direction), the geometrical lengths of the rockers need to be adapted to the to-be-accumulated hanging goods. This results, under certain circumstances, in that up to 10 or more different rocker lengths need to be on stockage. This is an enormous disadvantage in the light of standardization and warehouse management. It also represents a source of errors during the planning process of the system. Therefore, one often falls back on electrically actuated light sensors although, in this case, the above mentioned disadvantages are present. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved universally applicable occupancy rocker. 
         [0007]    This object is generally solved by an occupancy rocker for indicating an occupied state of an accumulation line for hanging conveying goods, wherein the accumulation line is arranged adjacent downstream to the rocker, wherein a plurality of conveying goods is transported downstream actively or passively in a hanging state, wherein each of the conveying goods hangs on a hanger, comprising: an inquiry sword having a long body, wherein a longitudinal extension of the long body comprises a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a continuous opening is provided in the body, the opening preferably being arranged closer to the second end than to the first free end, wherein the sword is arranged within a region which is crossed by the conveying goods when the conveying goods pass the rocker; and a bearing comprising a socket, which is preferably orientated horizontally, the socket reaching through the opening of the sword, wherein the sword, in a normal state when the sword is not in contact with one of the hangers, is supported in a downwardly hanging manner, and wherein the sword is pivotally supported about the socket for being long-term lifted by means of an accumulated conveying good into the occupied state. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the invention it is disclosed a rocker for indicating an occupancy state of an accumulation line in an overhead-conveyor system configured for transporting hanging conveying goods, wherein the accumulation line is to be arranged downstream adjacent to the rocker, wherein a plurality of the conveying goods is transported downstream actively or passively in a hanging manner, wherein each of the conveying goods hangs on a hanger, the rocker comprising: an inquiry sword having a long body, wherein a longitudinal extension of the long body comprises a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a continuous opening is provided in the body, wherein the sword is to be arranged within a region which is crossed by the conveying goods when the conveying goods pass the rocker; a bearing comprising a socket, the socket reaching through the opening of the sword, wherein the sword, in a normal state when the sword is not in contact with one of the hangers, is supported in a downwardly hanging manner, and wherein the sword is pivotally supported about the socket for being long-term lifted by means of an accumulated conveying good into the occupied state; and a lug which is connected to the second end of the sword and which continues the sword in the longitudinal direction, wherein the lug has a slotted hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the sword. 
         [0009]    According to still another aspect of the invention it is disclosed a rocker for indicating an occupancy state of an accumulation line in an overhead-conveyor system configured for transporting hanging conveying goods, wherein the accumulation line is to be arranged downstream adjacent to the rocker, wherein a plurality of the conveying goods is transported downstream actively or passively in a hanging manner, wherein each of the conveying goods hangs on a hanger, the rocker comprising: an inquiry sword having a long body, wherein a longitudinal extension of the long body comprises a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a continuous opening is provided in the body, wherein the sword is to be arranged within a region which is crossed by the conveying goods when the conveying goods pass the rocker; and a bearing comprising a socket, the socket reaching through the opening of the sword, wherein the sword, in a normal state when the sword is not in contact with one of the hangers, is supported in a downwardly hanging manner, and wherein the sword is pivotally supported about the socket for being long-term lifted by means of an accumulated conveying good into the occupied state, wherein the sword comprises a recess being arranged coaxially relative to the socket. 
         [0010]    According to still another aspect of the invention it is disclosed a rocker for indicating an occupancy state of an accumulation line in an overhead-conveyor system configured for transporting hanging conveying goods, wherein the accumulation line is to be arranged downstream adjacent to the rocker, wherein a plurality of the conveying goods is transported downstream actively or passively in a hanging manner, wherein each of the conveying goods hangs on a hanger, the rocker comprising: an inquiry sword having a long body, wherein a longitudinal extension of the long body comprises a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a continuous opening is provided in the body, wherein the sword is to be arranged within a region which is crossed by the conveying goods when the conveying goods pass the rocker; and a bearing comprising a socket, the socket reaching through the opening of the sword, wherein the sword, in a normal state when the sword is not in contact with one of the hangers, is supported in a downwardly hanging manner, and wherein the sword is pivotally supported about the socket for being long-term lifted by means of an accumulated conveying good into the occupied state; wherein the sword comprises rib-like slots, which are distributed along the longitudinal direction at distances and which allow adaption of a length of the sword by breaking off an undesired part of the sword 
         [0011]    The rocker in accordance with the invention is formed modularly. A sword of the rocker can be arranged both to the left and to the right relative to a discharge bar, but also relative to a conveyor. Thus, it does not matter from which side the conveying goods are hung onto the conveyor. The rocker can be mounted easily and can be adapted on site, for example, with regard to the length of the sword. 
         [0012]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment the rocker further includes a lug which is connected to the second end of the sword and which continuous the sword in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0013]    The lug has several functions. The lug can be used for attaching a balance weight for reducing the effective weight of the sword which acts on passing hangers. The lug can also be used as a trigger for a (proximity) sensor. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the lug has a slotted hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the sword. 
         [0015]    The slotted hole allows simple displacement of a balance weight in order to set a condition faster, in which condition the lug and the sword are almost in balance, wherein the weight of the sword predominates. 
         [0016]    In particular, the sword, or the lug, has a recess, which has preferably a circular-arc shape, the recess being arranged coaxially relative to the socket. The recess can interact with a stationary pin which in turn limits the maximum deflection of the sword so that the sword always returns safely to its rest point and is always safely deflected, or stays deflected, during passage of one of the hangers. 
         [0017]    With another preferred embodiment, the sword, or the lug, is configured to interact with a proximity sensor which detects whether the first free end of the sword is deflected permanently upward due to contact with a resting one of the hangers. 
         [0018]    The proximity sensor is arranged such that the operator can cross the rocker of the occupancy-signaling device without triggering the sensor. The sensor is only triggered by the sword or the lug being typically arranged overhead height. 
         [0019]    With another embodiment, the rocker further comprises a frame, to which frame the proximity sensor and the bearing are fixed, wherein the frame can be fixed to the accumulation line, and wherein the socket is arranged such that the sword is arranged laterally and horizontally displaced relative to the accumulation line. 
         [0020]    The proximity sensor is part of the rocker and can be delivered as a unit so that the sword needs to be mounted on the bearing from the right side on the construction site. 
         [0021]    Preferably, a pin is additionally provided which is stationary attached to the frame, in particular with a horizontal orientation, transversely, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction of the accumulation line, the pin engaging the recess having the circular-arc shape and thus delimiting the maximum deflection of the sword. 
         [0022]    With another advantageous embodiment, the sword comprises rib-like slots along the longitudinal side, the slots being distributed in distances and allowing adaption of a length of the sword by breaking off an undesired part of the sword. 
         [0023]    In particular, the body of the sword is formed like a plate. 
         [0024]    Further, an overhead conveyor having an accumulation line is disclosed, wherein the occupancy rocker of the present invention is provided at an upstream end of the accumulation line. 
         [0025]    It is clear that the above mentioned and still to be explained features are not only applicable in the respectively given combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0026]    Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of a “free” rocker ( FIG. 1A ) in accordance with the invention, and a side view of an “occupied” rocker ( FIG. 1B ) in accordance with the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a side view ( FIG. 2A ) and a front view ( FIG. 2B ) of a drag conveyor having a rocker in accordance with the invention, if one looks in an upstream direction at the rocker along the conveying direction; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a side view ( FIG. 3A ) and a front view ( FIG. 3B ) of a clip conveyor having a rocker in accordance with the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  shows a sword of a rocker in accordance with the invention in a side view ( FIG. 4A ), an enlarged view in detail ( FIG. 4B ) within a circle being designated by “B” in  FIG. 4A , and a sectional view along a line IV-C-IV-C ( FIG. 4C ); 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  shows a lug of the rocker in accordance with the invention in a side view ( FIG. 5A ) and a front view ( FIG. 5B ); and 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  shows a bearing of the rocker in accordance with the invention in a side view ( FIG. 6A ) and a front view ( FIG. 6B ). 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]      FIG. 1A  shows a side view of a “free” rocker  10  in accordance with the present invention. Here, the rocker  10  is used at a discharge bar  12  which in turn can be part of an overhead-conveyor system. Discharging bars  12  are used in particular for sorting purposes by arranging the discharge bars  12  laterally relative to a main conveying line, wherein conveying goods  16  are discharged from the main line into or onto the corresponding discharge bars  12 . The discharge bars  12  are typically inclined slightly. This is indicated in  FIG. 1A  by means of an angle α. Conveying goods  16 , which have been sorted out, are sliding independently, i.e. only due to gravity, downwards on the bar  12  as indicated by an arrow orientated to the left. The discharge bars  12  can be used for collecting different conveying goods  16  which have been discharged onto a corresponding one of the discharge bars  12 , for example, in accordance with a picking order. The conveying goods  16  (e.g., garments) are typically hanging on hangers  18 . The more conveying goods  16  are discharged to the discharge bar  12 , the more conveying goods  16  are collected and accumulated. Since each discharge bar  12  has a limited capacity, the discharge bar  12  steadily fills up to a certain point when no additional conveying goods  16  can be received any more without risking collision of the accumulated conveying goods  16  with such conveying goods  16  being transported on the main conveying line. An accumulation line (region on the discharge bar  12 ) is indicated in  FIG. 1A  by means of reference numeral  14 , an upstream end of the accumulation line being indicated by means of a vertically-orientated line of dots. In  FIG. 1A  already five conveying goods  16  are collected in the accumulation line  14 . There is only little space for receiving additional conveying goods  16  until the upstream end of the accumulation line  14  is reached. 
         [0034]    The rocker  10  in accordance with the invention is used for allowing detection of the filling state of the accumulation line  14 . The rocker  10  comprises an (inquiry) sword  20 . The rocker  10  can comprise a lug  22  preferably extending oppositely relative to the sword  20 . The sword  20  can be supported pivotally about a pivotal axis  24  which is realized by a (bushing-type) bearing  26  (cf. also  FIG. 1B ). The sword  20  (and the lug  22 ) are rotated clockwise around the pivotal axis  24  in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , as soon as the remaining residual space of the accumulation line  14  is occupied by additional conveying goods  16 , as indicated in  FIG. 1B . The side view of  FIG. 1B  shows the discharge bar  12  including the rocker  10  of  FIG. 1A  at a later time. Two additional conveying goods  16  have filled the accumulation line  14  at this time. These two new conveying goods  16  are responsible for lifting the sword  20  and let the sword  20  perform a pivotal movement  28 , as indicated in  FIG. 1B  by means of an arrow. Deepest point  30  of a contour of the sword  20  (cf.  FIG. 1A ) is lifted above the level of the discharge bar  12 . In this context, the sword  20  rotates in a clockwise direction. The same applies with regard to the lug  22  which can be located, relative to the pivotal axis  24 , oppositely to the sword  20 . The lug  22  be used for activating a sensor, which is not shown in further detail in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the sensor in turn detecting the filled condition of the accumulation line  14  and outputting a corresponding signal to a superordinated (not shown) material flow computer. 
         [0035]    It is clear that the length of the accumulation line  14  can influence the length of the sword  20 . It is further clear that the length of the sword  20  is dependent on the width of the conveying goods  16  in the direction X. If the conveying goods  16  (in the direction X) are very broad, a relative distance between neighboring hangers  18  is correspondingly big. Thus, it can be imaged that, at a very big distance, neighboring hangers  18  do not deflect the rocker  10 , or the sword  20  thereof, because the sword  20  engages the space between the neighboring hangers  18  without being lifted although the accumulation line  14  is already filled up. This means that the length of the sword  20  becomes bigger and bigger, the broader the to-be-accumulated conveying goods  16  are. However, the length of the sword  20  can be set with the present invention in a simple manner by cutting the sword  20  on the construction site correspondingly, as will be explained in more detail below. For this purpose, the sword  20  comprises, for example, regularly distanced slots  78  being orientated transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the sword  20 . 
         [0036]    The  FIGS. 2A and 2B  show the rocker  10  with a drag conveyor  32  trans-porting the hangers  18  on a transportation rail  34  along a transporting direction  36 .  FIG. 2A  shows a side view and  FIG. 2B  shows a front view, if one looks upstream at the rocker  10  in the conveying direction  36 . The subsequent part of the description relates to the  FIGS. 2A and 2B  in common. 
         [0037]    The rocker  10  comprises a frame  38  which in the present case, for example, comprises a C-shaped cross section (cf.  FIG. 2B ), for positioning, in particular, the components  20 ,  22  and  26  of the rocker  10  laterally relative to the transportation rail  34 . The frame  38  can also be used for supporting the transportation rail  34 . 
         [0038]    The rocker  10  further comprises a sensor  40  in terms of a proximity switch, or proximity sensor,  42  which is also arranged at the frame  38 . The proximity sensor  42  uses one or more sensors which respond, preferably in a non-contacting manner, to an approach, i.e. without direct contact in particular. Proximity switches are used in the field of overhead conveyors for detecting positions (in the present case, for example, of the lug  22 ) and also as triggers of safety measures. There are different types of proximity switches. Inductive proximity switches exist which respond to the occurrence of an eddy current in the context of both ferromagnetic and also non-magnetic, but metallic, objects. Capacitive proximity switches exist which also respond to non-conductive materials. Magnetic proximity switches exist (e.g., Reed switches or Reed contacts) responding to a magnetic field. Optical proximity switches exist responding to light reflections. Further, light barriers exist. Supersonic proximity switches receive reflections of a supersonic signal. With electromagnetic proximity switches a resonant frequency of an oscillating circuit changes under approximation so that it can respond to both conductive and also non-conductive materials. 
         [0039]    In the present example of  FIG. 2  the proximity sensor  42  responds, for example, inductively to an upper corner  44  of the lug  22 . It is clear that the lug  22  is not necessarily required. If the lug  22  is not part of the rocker  10 , the proximity sensor  42  could be arranged in a region so that the proximity sensor  42  interacts with the sword  20 . It is clear that also sensors which respond to contact can be used. 
         [0040]    The rocker  10  of  FIG. 2  further comprises a pin  46 . The pin  46  is orientated horizontally and is fixed to the frame  38 . The pin  46  engages a recess  48  in the sword  20 . The recess  48 , which preferably has a circular-arc shape and which is arranged coaxially relative to the pivotal axis  24 , limits the deflections of the sword  20  possible at maximum. In  FIG. 2A  the rocker  10 , or the sword  20  thereof, is shown in a “free” position (cf.  FIG. 1A ), in which free position the sword  20  hangs beneath a conveying level of the hangers  18  (top side of the transportation rail  34  in the present case). The pin  46  abuts against the right edge of the recess  48  which is penetrated by the pin  46 . In this manner, the sword  20  is prevented from hanging perpendicularly downward. The right edge of the recess  48  therefore defines a normal position. The left edge of the recess  48  delimits the deflection of the sword  20 , which is possible at maximum, if one of the hangers  18  passes the sword  20  and thus lifts the sword  20 . In practice, it can happen that the hangers  18  are conveyed at very high velocities so that high carry-over of energy to the sword  20  can happen during passage of the hanger  18 . In order to avoid that the sword  20  rests in the upper region of the rocker  10  (e.g., stands perpendicularly upward) and does not return to its measuring position, or rest point, the left edge of the recess  48  delimits this error state. 
         [0041]    The lug  22  can comprise a slotted hole  50  which is suitable for receiving a tare weight (not illustrated). The slotted hole  50  extends, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the sword  20 . The balance weight (not shown) in the slotted hole  50  can be arranged such that only a fraction of the weight of the sword  20  acts on the hanger  18 , in order to reduce the weight of the sword  20  which effectively acts on the hanger  18 . In this case, at the side of the lug  22 , so many weights are attached until almost an equilibrium is generated, similarly as with a conventional pendulum scale, wherein the side of the sword  20 —relative to the pivotal axis  24 —is still heavier. 
         [0042]    The sword  20  is arranged with its deepest point  30  of the contour of the sword  20  in a passage region  52  which is always crossed by the passing hangers  18  and which causes lifting of the sword  20  if one of the hangers  18  passes the sword  20 . 
         [0043]    Both the pin  46  and the bearing  26 , at which bearing  26  the sword  20  and the lug  22  rest freely rotatable, can be threaded for being connected stationary to the frame  38  by means of nuts  46 . The sword  20  and the lug  22  can be connected rigidly to each other by means of nut-screw-connections  54 ,  56 . Alternatively, the sword  20  and the lug  22  can be formed integrally. 
         [0044]    The use of the rocker  10  in the context of a clip conveyor  60  will be explained below with common reference to the  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The clip conveyor  60  comprises a supporting section  62 , by which supporting section a (not shown) conveying chain is guided. The clip conveyor comprises a plurality of clip drivers  64  transporting hangers  18  ( FIG. 3B ) in a laying manner on a transportation rail  34 . The sword  20  of the rocker  10  is arranged laterally relative to the transportation rail  34  such that a passing hanger  18  definitely deflects the sword  20 . The sword  20  is arranged at a level of the conveying level  66  of the hangers  18 . 
         [0045]    With common reference to the  FIGS. 4A to 4C  a sword  20  of the rocker  10  is explained isolatedly below.  FIG. 4A  shows a side view.  FIG. 4B  shows a region in an enlarged illustration of  FIG. 4A  being enclosed by a circle “B”.  FIG. 4C  shows a sectional view along a line IV-C/IV-C through a body  70  of the sword  20 . 
         [0046]    The body  70  of the sword  20  comprises a first end  72  and a second end  74  being arranged oppositely in a direction of a longitudinal extension  76  of the body  70 . The first end  72  is the free end of the sword  20  and serves for inquiring the hangers  18 . The second end  74  serves for receiving the bearing  26 . A substantial part of the body  70  is formed like a plate having slots  78  (cf. sectional view of  FIG. 4C ) which extend trans-versely relative to the longitudinal direction  76 , preferably at regular distances, and being formed continuously, wherein this substantial part of the of the body  70  extends from the free end  72  towards the second end  74 . The shape, the position and the orientation of the slots  78  can be chosen arbitrarily. The slots  78  allow simple and fast adaption of the length of the sword  20  during installation of the rocker  10  on the construction site. Lengths of the body  70 , which are not required, can be broken off or cut away easily, for example, in the region of the slots  78 . 
         [0047]    In the region of the second end  74  the plate-like body  70  transists to a connecting and bearing region, which is not designated in more detail, being illustrating enlarged in  FIG. 4B . This region comprises an opening  80  formed and adapted to receive the bearing  26 . Further, exemplarily four additional openings  82  are provided, serving for connecting the sword  20  to the lug  22 . A region  84  indicated by means of a square represents a contact area of the sword  20  to the lug  22 . 
         [0048]    The recess  48  is arranged coaxially relative to the pivotal axis  24 . It is clear that the recess  48  does not necessarily need to be formed like a circle. Merely the edges of the recess  48  in a circumferential direction are significant because these edges, together with the pin  46 , delimit the maximum deflection of the sword  20 . 
         [0049]    With common reference to the  FIGS. 5A and 5B  hereinafter a possible embodiment of a lug  22  is described.  FIG. 5A  shows a side view of the lug  22 .  FIG. 5B  shows a top view of the lug  22 . 
         [0050]    In the top view of  FIG. 5B , a Z-shaped embodiment of the lug  22  can be recognized well. The lug  22  comprises a first leg  86 - 1  and a third leg  86 - 3 , which are orientated in the longitudinal direction X and which are connected to each other by means of a second leg  86  which in turn is orientated in the transverse direction Z. It is clear that the lug  22  can also be provided without the second leg so that the lug  22 , in this case, would only extend in the longitudinal direction X. Other orientations are also possible. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6A  shows a side view of the bearing  26 .  FIG. 6B  shows a front view of the bearing  26  if one looks upstream (or downstream) at the bearing  26  in the conveying direction  36 . 
         [0052]    The bearing  26  comprises a base plate  88  and a socket  90 , which is preferably orientated perpendicular thereto. The base plate  88  can have additional openings  82 ″ which are arranged such that they map the openings  82  and  82 ′ of the sword and the lug  22 , in order to connect the sword  20 , the lug  22  and the base plate  88  rigidly to each other by means of nut-screw connections  54 - 56 . In this case, the right end of the socket  90  (cf.  FIG. 6B ) is supported freely rotatable in the frame  38 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 4 to 6  show that the sword  20  can be used universally at both sides of a conveying line. The applications of the  FIGS. 2 and 3  show the sword on the right hand side (cf.  FIGS. 2B and 3B ). However, it is clear that by simply replugging the bearing  26  relative to the sword, also a left-orientated arrangement of the sword  20  relative to the conveying line is possible. This orientation can also be executed only during the installation process on the construction site. In this sense, there are no “left” and “right” rockers  10 . The rocker  10  in accordance with the present invention has a modular design and can be used universally. The sword  20 , in this sense, is formed symmetrically so that the bearing  26  can be inserted from both sides. The problem of the mounting side, as mentioned at the outset, is not present. At the same time, it is possible to use the rocker  10  with both discharging bars  10  and driven conveyors  32  and  60 . 
         [0054]    A base module of the sword  20  has a maximum length for providing different required lengths of the sword  20 . This length is perforated, preferably in regular distances, by means of the slots  78  so that on the construction site a suitable rocker  10  can simply be formed of a rocker  10  which might be too long. The problem of a too high dead weight of the sword  20  (undesired accumulation of light conveying goods  16 ) can be solved by means of the lug  22  by attaching additional balance weights thereto. 
         [0055]    With the above given description of the invention, identical parts and features have been designated by the same reference numerals, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be roughly transferred to parts and features having identical reference numerals. Attitudes such as “above”, “below”, “lateral”, “vertical”, “horizontal” etc. refer to the immediately described figures and are to be roughly transferred to new attitudes, if position changes. 
         [0056]    Further, it is to be noted that indications of directions and orientations have been used which refer to designations typically used in (intra) logistics. Hence, the length direction (conveying direction) is designated by “X”, the depth (width) is designated by “Z” and the (logical) height is designated by “Y”. The figures respectively show a corresponding (Cartesian) coordinate system X, Y, Z. 
         [0057]    Therefore, what is claimed is: