DEVICE FOR LOADING TRANSPORT BAGS

Abstract

An appliance for loading a suspended transport pocket from above with a transport item, in particular with a piece item, including a feed device for feeding the transport item into a transfer region of a suspended conveying device with a guide rail and with transport pockets that are movable along the guide rail. The course of the guide rail is designed such that the transport pocket is conveyed away upwards out of the transfer region in a suspended manner.

Claims

1. An appliance for loading a suspended transport pocket from above with a transport item, comprising a feed device for feeding the transport item into a transfer region of a suspended conveying device with a guide rail and with transport pockets that are movable along the guide rail, wherein: the course of the guide rail is designed such that the transport pocket is conveyed away upwards out of the transfer region in a suspended manner.

2. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises an opening mechanism, by way of which the transport pocket can be opened ahead of or in the transfer region.

3. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail runs towards the transfer region in an inclined manner, so that the transport pocket is movable into the transfer region in a gravity-assisted manner and without a drive.

4. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the transport pocket is actively conveyed into and/or in the transfer region by way of a pusher conveyor.

5. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the feed device forms a conveying surface on which the transport item lies.

6. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the feed device comprises at least one conveying unit that forms a conveying surface, and the at least one conveying unit comprises a driveable circulating conveying element.

7. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the feed device comprises a conveying section that is movable away out of a conveying position for the release of the conveying path of the transport pocket, which is to be conveyed away out of the transfer region.

8. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the transport pocket forms a receiving compartment that runs ahead in the conveying direction and is arranged with this frontally in front of the feed device in the transfer region.

9. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the appliance forms a pocket rest, on which, in the transfer region, the transport pocket bears with a pocket front wall.

10. A method for loading at least one transport pocket with a transport item by way of an appliance according to claim 1, wherein the transport pocket enters into a transfer region in a conveying direction, and the transport item is fed to the transfer region by way of a feed device and is transferred from above into the transport pocket, wherein: the transport pocket is conveyed away upwards in a suspended manner subsequent to the transfer of the transport item into the transport pocket.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the transport pocket is opened upstream of or in the transfer region.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the transport pocket directly subsequent to the transfer region is moved out of the transfer region essentially counter to a transfer direction of the transport item over a conveying stretch section.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the transport pocket is moved through the transfer region with a receiving opening which in the conveying direction runs ahead with respect to the pocket rear wall.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the transport item is transferred into the transport pocket in a manner assisted by gravity.

15. A The method according to claim 10, wherein a conveying section of the feed device is moved away out of a transfer position for the release of the conveying path of the transport pocket, which is to be conveyed away out of the transfer region.

16. A suspended conveying device, comprising a guide rail and at least one transport pocket for suspended transport of a transport item along a conveying path, wherein the at least one transport pocket is connected to a conveying element that is movable along the guide rail via a connection structure, wherein: the connection structure comprises a pivoting body and a connection body, wherein the transport pocket is fastened to the pivoting body, and the connection body is connected to the conveying element and wherein the pivoting body is connected to the connection body via a pivoting connection such that the pivoting body is pivotable in a guided manner transversely to the conveying direction with respect to the connection body.

17. The suspended conveying device according to claim 16, wherein the connection body forms at least one pivoting stop for limiting the pivoting angle of the pivoting body.

18. The suspended conveying device according to claim 16, wherein the connection structure prevents a rotation of the transport pocket about its middle longitudinal axis.

19. The suspended conveying device according to claim 16, wherein the pivoting body is connected to the connection body via a pivot, wherein the pivot is arranged parallel to the conveying direction.

20. The suspended conveying device according to claim 16, wherein the pivoting body forms a bow receiver for a holding bow of the transport pocket, and the transport pocket via the holding bow is pivotably mounted in the bow receiver in and counter to the conveying direction.

21. The suspended conveying device according to claim 16, wherein the pivoting body comprises two constructionally identical joining elements that are connected to one another into the pivoting body amid the formation of a bow receiver for the holding bow, wherein the holding bow is encompassed by the pivoting body over a whole periphery, at least in sections.

22. The suspended conveying device according to claim 16, wherein the conveying element is a runner vehicle with rollers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0164] The two invention aspects are hereinafter explained in more details by way of embodiment examples, which are represented in the accompanying figures. In each case in a schematic manner are shown in:

[0165] FIG. 1: a perspective view of an appliance according to the invention in the transfer region, according to the first invention aspect;

[0166] FIG. 2a: a perspective view of an opened transport pocket;

[0167] FIG. 2b: a lateral view of the closed transport pocket according to FIG. 2a;

[0168] FIG. 3: a perspective view of a first embodiment variant of a connection structure according to the invention and with runner vehicles, according to the second invention aspect;

[0169] FIG. 4: a perspective view of a second embodiment variant of a connection structure according to the invention and with runner vehicles, according to the second invention aspect;

[0170] FIG. 5a: an exploded view of the connection structure according to the first embodiment variant according to FIG. 3;

[0171] FIG. 5b: a perspective view of the connection structure according to the first embodiment variant according to FIG. 3;

[0172] FIG. 6a: an exploded view of the connection structure according to the second embodiment variant according to FIG. 4;

[0173] FIG. 6b: a perspective view of the second embodiment variant of the connection structure according to the invention and with runner vehicles, according to FIG. 4;

[0174] FIG. 7a: a view of the connection structure according to FIG. 3 or 4 in the conveying direction with a pivoting body which is pivoted to the left in the conveying direction relative to the connection body;

[0175] FIG. 7b: a view of the connection structure according to FIG. 3 or 4 in the conveying direction with a pivoting body which is pivoted to the right in the conveying direction relative to the connection body;

[0176] FIG. 8: a lateral view of the second embodiment according to FIG. 4;

[0177] FIG. 9: a lateral view of a third embodiment variant of a connection structure according to the invention and with runner vehicles, according to the second invention aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0178] Basically in the figures, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Certain features are not represented in the figures for the better understanding of the invention.

[0179] The described embodiment examples are given as examples of the subject-matter of the invention and have no limiting effect. Thus in particular the transport pockets which are shown in the present figures are merely exemplary. Other embodiments of the transport pockets are likewise conceivable.

[0180] The appliance 1 according to the invention and according to FIG. 1 includes a suspended conveying device 20 as well as a feed device 10 that together form a transfer region T.

[0181] The suspended conveying device 20 includes a plurality of transport pockets 21, which each include a holding bow 26. The transport pockets 21 are each connected to a runner vehicle 40 by way of the holding bow 26 via a connection structure 70.2 according to the second embodiment variant. Of course, a connection structure 70.1 according to the first embodiment variant is possible.

[0182] The runner vehicle 40 includes runner rollers 45, via which this rolls along a guide rail 41 of the suspended conveying device 20 for the purpose of conveying the transport pocket 21.

[0183] The suspended conveying device 20 includes a singularisation mechanism 90 with a conveying screw 91 upstream of the transfer region T in the conveying direction F. A pusher conveyor or upwards conveyor 15 connects to the conveying screw 91. The transport pockets 21 are moved into the transfer region T in an individual manner by way of the pusher conveyor 15.

[0184] The pusher conveyor 15 is designed as a rotary dog apparatus, which is operated in a cycled manner. The rotary dog apparatus is characterised by a dog chain, on which a plurality of driver dogs are arranged successively and spaced from one another.

[0185] An accumulation stretch 92, in which the transport pockets 21, which are conveyed towards the singularisation mechanism 90, are held back until their conveying into the transfer region T is formed upstream of the singularisation mechanism 90. The functioning manner of the singularisation mechanism 90 and of the conveying screw 91 has already been explained in the general description part.

[0186] The guide rail 41 and accordingly the conveying path of the transport pockets 21 run horizontally towards the transfer region T. The guide rail 41 forms a bending section in the transfer region, in which bending section the transport pockets 21 are deflected in a curved path from a horizontal movement direction into an obliquely upwardly directed movement direction.

[0187] The feed device 10 includes several conveying units 11, which are arranged successively in the feed direction Z, each with a conveying belt 12. The conveying units 11 form a conveying surface for the transport item 2, which is to be conveyed into the transfer region T.

[0188] The feed device 10 in the transfer region T includes a terminating conveying unit 13 in the form of a roller track, over which the transport item 2 can roll and slide or slip from above into the transport pocket 21.

[0189] The transport pocket 21 includes a pocket rear wall 24, which is trailing in the conveying direction F, and a leading pocket front wall 27 and these are connected to one another via pocket side walls 28.1, 28.2 as well as via a pocket base 29.

[0190] In the open position, the pocket rear wall 24 and the pocket front wall 27 together with the pocket side walls 28.1, 28.1 and the pocket base 29 form a receiving compartment 23 that is open to the top with a corresponding receiving opening 22 (see also FIGS. 2a and 2b).

[0191] The transport pocket 21 further towards the runner vehicle 40 forms an extended rear wall section 24.1, on which the holding bow 26 is arranged.

[0192] The pocket rear wall 24 as well as the pocket front wall 27 is designed in an intrinsically stable, i.e., self-supporting manner.

[0193] The transport pocket 21 includes a frame of wire, which is spanned with a fabric for forming the walls 24, 27, 28.1, 28.2.

[0194] The transport pocket 21 according to the present embodiment can be folded open from a closure position (FIG. 2b), in which the pocket front wall 27 is set back towards the pocket rear wall 24, into an open position (FIG. 2a), in which the receiving compartment 23 is formed, and vice versa.

[0195] The transport pocket 21 further includes cam rollers 30 that, on interacting with an opening mechanisms such as a cam guide (not shown), serve for the opening of the transport pocket 21.

[0196] The transport pocket 21 is connected to a runner vehicle 40 via the holding bow 26. For this, the holding bow 26 is fastened with a bow section to a connection structure 70.2 that, in turn, is connected to the runner vehicle 40.

[0197] The connection structure 70.2 and 70.1 is described in more detail in the context of FIGS. 3 to 7 within the framework of the second invention aspect.

[0198] On carrying out the method according to the invention, an individual transport pocket 21 is moved in the conveying direction F along a feeding conveying stretch into the transfer region T with the receiving compartment 23 running ahead in the conveying direction F.

[0199] The transport pocket 21 is actively opened by way of an opening mechanism (not shown) upstream of or in the transfer region T.

[0200] In the transfer region T, the transport pocket 21 bears with its pocket front wall 27 on the terminating conveying unit 13 of the feed device 10, which consequently forms a pocket rest.

[0201] As soon as the transport pocket 21 has reached the transfer region T, the conveying of the transport pocket 21 is stopped for the purpose of the transfer of a transport item 2. As a result of this, the transport pocket is not involved in a conveying movement on transfer of the transport item 2 into the transport pocket 21.

[0202] A transport item 2, which lies on the conveying surface of the conveying units 11, is fed to the transfer region T via the feed device 10. The transport item 2 slides over the roller track of the terminating conveying unit 13 in a transfer direction R through the receiving opening 22 into the receiving compartment 23.

[0203] After the transfer of the transport item 2 into the transport pocket 21, the transport pocket 21 with the transport item 2 is moved by way of the pusher conveyor 15 along the bending section of the conveying rail along a curved track out of the horizontal conveying obliquely upwards out of the transfer region T. With this procedure, the transport pocket 21 rolls with its pocket front wall 21 on the roller track of the terminating conveying unit 13.

[0204] The terminating conveying unit 13 with the roller track can be pivoted away out of its conveying position for releasing the conveying path for the transport pocket 21, which is loaded with the transport item 2.

[0205] As soon as the transport pocket 21, which is loaded with the transport item 2, is conveyed away upwards out of the transfer region T, a subsequent transport pocket 21 can be conveyed into the transfer region T.

[0206] This is the case when the transport pocket 21, which is loaded with the transport item 2, is moved out of the transfer region T at least by one a pocket length.

[0207] FIG. 3 as well as FIGS. 5a and 5b each show a first embodiment variant of a connection structure 70.1 according to the second invention aspect.

[0208] FIGS. 4, 6a, 6b and 8 each show a second embodiment variant of a connection structure 70.2 according to the second invention aspect.

[0209] FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment variant of a connection structure 170 according to the second invention aspect. The third embodiment variant basically corresponds to the second embodiment variant and differs from this merely in the design of the bow receiver 74.3 for the holding bow 26. Accordingly, the third embodiment variant, with the exception of the design of the bow receiver, includes all features of the second embodiment variant, even if these are not all represented in the single FIG. 9.

[0210] According to the three embodiment variants, the connection structure 70.1, 70.2, 70.3 includes a pivoting body 71.1, 71.2, 71.3 that is connected to a connection body 72 via a pivot 73.

[0211] The pivoting body 71.1, 71.2, 71.3 is an injection moulded part of plastic or metal, which includes reinforcement ribs for increasing the strength.

[0212] The pivoting body 71.1, 71.2, 71.3 includes so-called pivoting limitation surfaces 76 in a pivoting body section that is directed to the connection body 72, the pivoting limitation surfaces abutting on a pivoting stop 75 on the connection body 72 on reaching a maximally allowable deflection.

[0213] The connection body 72 is designed in a U-shaped manner and includes two lateral guide walls 77.1, 77.2 that are connected to one another via a connection wall 78 and form a pivoting space 79.

[0214] A pivoting body section of the pivoting body 71.1, 71.2, 71.3 is arranged in the pivoting space 79 of the connection body 72 and is flanked by the two guide walls 77.1, 77.2.

[0215] The guide walls 71.1, 77.2 form a guide for the pivoting body 71.1, 71.2, 71.3. The connection wall 78 forms the pivoting stop 75 for the pivoting limitation surfaces 76.

[0216] A pivot 73, which is orientated parallel to the conveying direction F, is led through the two guide walls 77.1, 77.2 and the pivoting body section, which is arranged between these. The pivot 73 connects the pivoting body 71.1, 71.2, 71.3 to the connection body 72. Furthermore, the pivot 73 forms a pivoting mounting for the pivoting body 71.1, 71.2, 71.3 on the connection body 72.

[0217] The pivot 73 includes a screw thread that permits the fastening of the pivot 73 on the connection body 72 by way of a screw nut 82.

[0218] The connection body 72 is connected to a runner vehicle 40 via the connection wall 78. The connection is a releasable screw connection with screw nuts 83.

[0219] The pivoting body 71.1, 71.2, 71.3 forms a bow receiver 74.1, 74.2, 74.3 for receiving a holding bow 26 or a holding bow section. The length L of the bow receiver 74.1, 74.2, 74.3, the bow receiver extending transversely to the conveying direction F in the operational position, is a multiple of the largest diameter D of the bow receiver 74.1, 74.2, 74.3, which is measured parallel to the conveying direction.

[0220] According to a first embodiment variant according to FIG. 3 as well as FIGS. 5a and 5b, the pivoting body 71.1 is designed in a single-part manner and includes a slot-like bow receiver 74.1 for the holding bow 26, the bow receiver being open to the connection body 72 and running transversely to the conveying direction F.

[0221] A holding bow section is inserted into the slot-like bow receiver 74.1, which is open at one side, before the assembly of the pivoting body 71.1 on the connection body 72, for fastening the holding bow 26 to the pivoting body 72.

[0222] The holding bow 26 and with this the transport pocket 21 is pivotably mounted in the bow receiver 74.1 of the pivoting body 71.1 relative to the pivoting body 71.1 in and counter to the conveying direction F.

[0223] The bow receiver 74.1 includes a trough-like receiving base, which is designed in an equal but opposite manner to the rest cross section of the in particular circularly-cross-section-shaped holding bow 26. This geometry ensures an extensive contact of the holding bow 26 in the bow receiver 74.1.

[0224] The holding bow 26 is furthermore mounted transversely to the conveying direction F in a rigid or non-movable manner, so that a pivoting in the bow receiver 74.1 transverse to the conveying direction F is not possible.

[0225] Amongst other things, roll pins 81, which are let into the pivoting body 7.1 and are led transversely through the slot-like bow receiver 74.1, ensure the rigid mounting of the holding bow 26 transverse to the conveying direction F. The roll pins 81 consist of spring steel and are clamped on the pivoting body 71.1 in through-openings.

[0226] The roll pins 81 prevent a displacement of the holding bow 26 in the direction of the connection body 72.

[0227] According to the second and third embodiment according to FIGS. 4, 6a, 6b, 8 and 9 the pivoting body 71.2, 71.3 is designed in a two-part manner and includes a first, shell-like joining element 80.1, 180.1 as well as a second shell-like joining element 80.2, 180.2.

[0228] The joining elements 80.1, 80.2; 180.1, 180.2 are designed in a constructionally identical manner with regard to their geometry and are designed such that these can be joined into a pivoting body 71.2, 71.3 amid the formation of a bow receiver 74.2, 74.3 for the holding bow 26, the bow receiver running transversely to the conveying direction F.

[0229] For fastening the holding bow 26 to the pivoting body 72, a holding bow section is inserted between the two joining elements 80.1, 80.2; 180.1, 180.2 in the region of the bow receiver that is to be formed, before the assembly of the pivoting body 71.2, 71.3, i.e., before joining together the joining elements 80.1, 80.2; 180.1, 180.2.

[0230] The holding bow 26 and with this the transport pocket 21 is pivotably mounted in the bow receiver 74.2, 74.3 of the pivoting body 71.2, 71.3 in and counter to the conveying direction F.

[0231] According to the second embodiment variant according to the FIGS. 4, 6a, 6b and 8, the holding bow 26 is mounted transversely to the conveying direction F in a rigid or unmovable manner, so that a pivoting in the bow receiver 74.1 transverse to the conveying direction F is not possible.

[0232] Amongst other things, this is achieved by way of the holding bow 26 in the bow receiver 74.2 being encompassed by the pivoting body over the complete periphery, in particular in an essentially positive manner, at the lateral end sections of the pivoting body 71.2. Hereby, the holding bow is held in the bow receiver 74.2 only with a slight play, and this permits an uninhibited pivoting movement of the pocket in and counter to the conveying direction.

[0233] The joining elements 80.1, 80.2 according to the second embodiment variant further include connection openings and diametrically opposed connection pins that, on joining together the joining elements 80.1, 80.2, positively grip into the connection openings and therefore connect the two joining elements 80.1, 80.2 to one another into the pivoting body 71.2. The connection pins moreover likewise ensure a restriction of the movement of the holding bow 26 in the direction of the connection body 72.

[0234] According to the third embodiment variant according to FIG. 9, the pivoting body 71.3 in the lateral end sections each includes a bow receiver 74.1 whose cross-sectional area is a multiple of the cross-sectional area of the bow that is to be received. The bow receiver 74.3 forms a V-shaped receiving section whose inclined side flanks in the operational position run together downwards, i.e., in the gravitational direction. The bow receiver 74.3 furthermore above the V-shaped receiving section forms a further rectangular receiving section that together with the V-shaped receiving section forms the bow receiver 74.3.

[0235] The V-shaped receiving section in the region of the coinciding lateral flanks forms a defined conveying rest for the holding bow.

[0236] The joining elements 180.1, 180.2 according to the third embodiment can likewise include an arrangement of connection openings and diametrically opposed connection pins for joining together the joining elements 180.1, 180.2 in the manner that is described above.

[0237] The FIGS. 7a and 7b show the maximum lateral deflection of the pivoting body 71.2 with respect to the connection body 72, the maximum lateral deflection being defined by the pivoting stop 75 of the connection body 72 and of the pivoting limitation surfaces 76 of the pivoting body 71.2.

[0238] The pivoting body 71.2 is each laterally deflectable out of a vertical V by half the maximal pivoting angle W/2 in a pivoting direction S, which is orientated transversely to the conveying direction F. In the maximal lateral deflection, the pivoting body 71.2 with a pivoting limitation surface 76 hits the pivoting stop 75 on the connection body 72.

[0239] Of course, the representation according to FIGS. 7a and 7b also applies to the first embodiment variant according to FIG. 3.