IP Library › Granted Patent US 10,358,299
Granted Patent B2
US 10,358,299 · App. 15/877,596 · Granted Jul 23, 2019

Loading device

Inventors: Martin Ruge (Starrkirch-Wil, CH); Markus Felix (Richterswil, CH)
Assignee: FERAG AG
B65G47/61B65G9/002B65G9/004B65G17/20B65G19/025B65G29/02B65G47/846B65G2201/0261
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,358,299
App. No.
15/877,596
Granted
Jul 23, 2019
Kind
B2
Abstract

A loading device ( 10 ) for continuously loading receiving units ( 4.1 - 4.8 ) with transport goods (T), wherein the loading device ( 10 ) comprises a plurality of receiving units ( 4.1 - 4.8 ), a conveyor device ( 2 ), in which the receiving units ( 4.1 - 4.8 ) can be conveyed, a supply device ( 3 ) for supplying transport goods (T) and a transfer device ( 1 ), which is designed to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply device ( 3 ), as well as to convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4.1 - 4.8 ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 ) and the receiving units ( 4.1 - 4.8 ) can be moved in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T).

Claims (71)

1. A loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) for continuously loading receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) with transport goods (T) comprising:

a plurality of receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d );

a conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), in which the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are conveyed;

a supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) for supplying transport goods (T); and

a transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ), as well as convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T), and wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) includes transfer compartments ( 12 , 12 a , 12 b , 12 d ) for accommodating the transport goods (T).

2. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in a synchronous fashion during the transfer of the transport goods (T).

3. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) features a conveying section ( 5 , 5 a , 5 c ) and a transfer section ( 6 , 6 a , 6 c , 6 d ), which at least partially overlap one another.

4. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 3 , wherein the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ) is discontinuous or continuous in the transfer section ( 6 , 6 a , 6 c , 6 d ).

5. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 3 , wherein the conveying speed of the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) in the transfer section ( 6 , 6 a , 6 c , 6 d ) is adaptable to the conveying speed of the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) in the conveying section ( 5 , 5 a , 5 c ).

6. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) is configured to acquire the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) from the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), to convey the receiving units synchronous with the transport goods (T) in the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and to load the receiving units with the transport goods (T), as well as to transfer the loaded receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ).

7. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) include a transport unit ( 41 . 1 - 41 . 8 , 41 a - d ) and at least one bag ( 42 . 1 - 42 . 8 , 42 a - d ) for accommodating the transport goods (T), which are permanently or releasably connected to one another, wherein the transport unit ( 41 . 1 - 41 . 8 , 41 a - d ) is conveyed in the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ) and/or the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ).

8. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 7 , wherein the conveyor device is an overhead conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ) with a track rail ( 21 , 21 a - d ), wherein a plurality of transport units are configured in the form of carriages ( 41 . 1 - 41 . 8 , 41 a - d ) that are conveyable along the track rail ( 21 , 21 a - d ) at variable distances from one another.

9. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 7 , wherein the loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) is configured to align the orientation of the at least one bag ( 42 . 1 - 42 . 8 , 42 a - d ) before and/or during and/or after the transfer of the transport goods (T) to the at least one bag ( 42 . 1 - 42 . 8 , 42 a - d ).

10. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) includes engaging elements ( 11 ), which are capable of functional connection to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ).

11. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer compartments ( 12 , 12 a , 12 b , 12 d ) include guiding elements ( 13 . 2 , 13 . 2 a , 13 . 2 b ) configured to guide the transport goods (T).

12. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer compartments ( 12 , 12 a , 12 b , 12 d ) include stopping elements ( 14 , 14 d ), that are moveable between a closed position and an open position and that hold the transport goods (T) in a respective one of the transfer compartments ( 12 , 12 a , 12 b , 12 d ) in the closed position, wherein the stopping elements ( 14 , 14 d ) are controllable.

13. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 12 , wherein the stopping elements ( 14 , 14 d ) form in the open position a guide for acquisition of the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) and/or for transfer of the transport goods (T) to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ).

14. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 12 , wherein the stopping elements ( 14 , 14 d ) are configured to open and/or hold open a receiving opening ( 43 . 1 , 43 . 2 , 43 . 3 , 43 a ) of the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to be loaded during motion from the closed position into the open position.

15. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer device is endlessly revolving and includes a wheel ( 1 , 1 a , 15 . 1 b , 15 . 2 b , 1 c ) for conveying the transport goods (T) and/or the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ).

16. The loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 , wherein the loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) includes opening devices ( 44 a ), which are configured to open and/or hold open a receiving opening ( 43 . 1 , 43 . 2 , 43 . 3 , 43 a ) of the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to be loaded.

17. A conveyor system with a loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) according to claim 1 .

18. The conveyor system according to claim 17 , wherein the conveyor system includes a control unit, which controls the transfer of the transport goods (T) to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ).

19. A method for operating a loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) for continuously loading receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) with transport goods (T), comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d );

providing a conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), in which the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are conveyed;

providing a supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) for supplying transport goods (T);

providing a transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ), as well as convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T), and wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) includes transfer compartments ( 12 , 12 a , 12 b , 12 d ) for accommodating the transport goods (T);

supplying the transport goods (T) with the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d );

acquiring, the transport goods (T) with the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d );

conveying the transport goods (T) in the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d );

supplying the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to be loaded by the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ); and

transferring the transport goods (T) to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) while the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) move in the same direction.

20. The method according to claim 19 , wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) moved in a synchronous fashion during the transfer of the transport goods (T) to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ).

21. The method according to claim 19 , wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) acquires the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to be loaded from the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), conveys the receiving units synchronous with the transport goods (T) in the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ), loads the receiving units with the transport goods (T) and transfers the loaded receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ).

22. A loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) for continuously loading receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) with transport goods (T) comprising:

a plurality of receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d );

a conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), in which the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are conveyed;

a supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) for supplying transport goods (T); and

a transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ), as well as convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T), and wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) is configured to acquire the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) from the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), to convey the receiving units synchronous with the transport goods (T) in the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and to load the receiving units with the transport goods (T), as well as to transfer the loaded receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ).

23. A loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) for continuously loading receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) with transport goods (T) comprising:

a plurality of receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d );

a conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), in which the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are conveyed;

a supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) for supplying transport goods (T); and

a transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ), as well as convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T), and wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) includes engaging elements ( 11 ), which are functionally connected to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ).

24. A loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) for continuously loading receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) with transport goods (T) comprising:

a plurality of receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d );

a conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), in which the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are conveyed;

a supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) for supplying transport goods (T); and

a transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ), as well as convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T), and wherein the transfer device is endlessly revolving and includes a wheel ( 1 , 1 a , 15 . 1 b , 15 . 2 b , 1 c ) for conveying the transport goods (T) and/or the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ).

25. A loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) for continuously loading receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) with transport goods (T) comprising:

a plurality of receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d );

a conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), in which the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are conveyed;

a supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) for supplying transport goods (T); and

a transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ), as well as convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T); and

opening devices ( 44 a ), which are configured to open and/or hold open a receiving opening ( 43 . 1 , 43 . 2 , 43 . 3 , 43 a ) of the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to be loaded.

26. A conveyor system comprising:

a loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ) for continuously loading receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) with transport goods (T) comprising:

a plurality of the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d );

a conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), in which the receiving units 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are conveyed;

a supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) for supplying the transport goods (T); and

a transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ), as well as convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T); and

a control unit, which controls the transfer of the transport goods (T) to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ).

27. A method for operating a loading device ( 10 , 10 a - d ), for continuously loading receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) with transport goods (T), the method comprising the steps of:

providing a conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), in which the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are conveyed;

providing a supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ) for supplying transport goods (T);

providing a transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) to acquire the transport goods (T) from the supply conveyor ( 3 , 3 a - d ), as well as convey and transfer the transport goods to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ), wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) are moveable in the same direction during the transfer of the transport goods (T);

supplying the transport goods (T) with the supply conveyor 3 a - d );

acquiring the transport goods (T) with the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d );

conveying the transport goods (T) in the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d );

supplying the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to be loaded by the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ); and

transferring the transport goods (T) to the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) while the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) and the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) move in the same direction, wherein the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ) acquires the receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to be loaded from the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ), conveys the receiving units synchronous with the transport goods (T) in the transfer device ( 1 , 1 a - d ), loads the receiving units with the transport goods (T) and transfers the loaded receiving units ( 4 . 1 - 4 . 8 , 4 a - d ) to the conveyor device ( 2 , 2 a - d ).

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 25, 2018
From: RUGE, MARTIN; FELIX, MARKUS
To: FERAG AG
Reel/Frame 045176/0444 →
Priority Claims (1)
CH 0085/17 · Jan 26, 2017 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20180208407A1 · Jul 26, 2018
Cited By (1)
US 12,637,305