Hanging unit for an overhead conveyor

Abstract

A hanging unit (1) for an overhead conveyor, comprising a pocket (2) for receiving goods, which is fastened to a support frame (4) of the hanging unit (1), wherein the goods can be loaded into the pocket (2) via an upper opening (21) of the pocket (2) and unloaded from the pocket (2) via a lower opening (22) of the pocket (2), wherein the hanging unit (1) further comprises a closure device (3) with a first coupling half (31) and a second coupling half (32), which can be reversibly fastened to one another and are arranged in a closed position such that unloading of the goods through the lower opening (22) is prevented, characterized in that the first coupling half (31) is arranged on a first outer side of the pocket (2), and the second coupling half (32) is arranged on an oscillating element (5) which is fastened to the support frame (4) and which is designed toto move the second coupling half (32) freely relative to the pocket (2) into and / or out of the closed position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of overhead conveyors, i.e., conveyor systems in which goods are moved using overhead conveyor lines and supporting elements, such as bags, pouches, or hooks, guided along them. Such overhead conveyor systems are particularly widespread in intralogistics, warehouse technology, and production and distribution centers. They enable efficient, space-saving, and often automated transport of goods between different stations. A key feature of these systems is that the conveyor lines run above the work area, thus preserving valuable floor space and enabling flexible design of the warehouse and production environment.

[0002] The support elements of overhead conveyors are designed to accommodate different sizes and shapes of goods and to accommodate both manual and automatic loading and unloading. Modern overhead conveyor systems are also equipped with sensors, control, and identification technologies to ensure a smooth, safe, and traceable material flow. The technical area thus encompasses not only the mechanical components such as rails, drives, and support elements, but also the associated control and automation technology.

[0003] The problem with conventional overhead conveyor systems, especially those with pockets whose bottoms are formed by a detachable coupling, is that the goods can become caught in the coupling halves during the unloading process. These coupling halves are typically attached to the lower ends of the flexible pocket walls and, when locked, form the pocket bottom. For unloading, the coupling is released, allowing the pocket walls to separate and the goods to fall out.

[0004] However, the freedom of movement of the coupling halves is severely restricted by their arrangement in the bag base. After the coupling is released, the halves are pushed apart by the weight of the goods, but remain in the direct path of the goods' fall. This results in mechanical interaction between the falling goods and the coupling halves, which significantly increases the risk of snagging. A particularly problematic factor is that the coupling halves often have projections or other exposed elements that are necessary for secure locking, but can also serve as hook points for the goods during unloading. If such snagging occurs, the hanging unit cannot be fully unloaded. In the worst case, this can even cause damage to the goods, the coupling halves, or the bag itself.This problem represents a significant limitation to the operational safety, efficiency and reliability of modern overhead conveyor systems and therefore requires a technical solution that minimizes the risk of jamming and enables a trouble-free unloading process.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hanging unit that enables particularly reliable and flexible securing of the transported goods, supports simple and fast loading and unloading, and ensures increased operational reliability and adaptability to different goods shapes and sizes, thereby improving the efficiency and versatility of overhead conveyor systems.

[0006] This object is achieved by the hanging unit having the features of claim 1. Claim 17 relates to an overhead conveyor. Dependent claims 2 to 16 describe advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0007] Accordingly, a hanging unit for an overhead conveyor is provided, which has a pocket for receiving goods, which is fastened to a support frame of the hanging unit, wherein the goods can be loaded into the pocket via an upper opening of the pocket and unloaded from the pocket via a lower opening of the pocket, wherein the hanging unit further has a closure device with a first coupling half and a second coupling half, which can be reversibly fastened to one another and are arranged in a closed position such that unloading of the goods through the lower opening is prevented. According to the invention, the first coupling half is arranged on a first outer side of the pocket, and the second coupling half is arranged on an oscillating element which is fastened to the support frame and which is designed to guide the second coupling half into the closed position and / or out of the closed position so as to be freely movable relative to the pocket.By positioning the coupling halves on the outside of the pocket and on a swinging element, greater freedom of movement is created, allowing the coupling halves to be more easily deflected during unloading and moved out of the path of the goods. At the same time, the goods remain separated from the exposed elements of the coupling halves at all times. This significantly reduces the risk of snagging and ensures a safe and efficient unloading process.

[0008] A vibrating element within the meaning of the invention is a substantially flexible element on which the second coupling half can be guided in an arc, preferably in a circular arc, into and / or out of the closed position. The vibrating element can be made of a textile material. In particular, the pocket and the vibrating element can be made of the same material. "Reversibly attachable" within the meaning of the invention describes a fastening that can be repeatedly released and re-established without lasting damage. For this purpose, the closure device can have a locking mechanism designed to lock the coupling halves in the closed position and / or to release the closed position. The locking mechanism can be designed to be triggered automatically or manually. The locking mechanism can be a magnetic locking mechanism.The coupling halves can each have a magnet that holds them together in the locked position. To release the locked position, a counter magnet and / or a mechanical lever can be used, which temporarily neutralizes the magnetic field or pushes the halves apart. The locking mechanism can also be a snap lock with a spring mechanism, with at least one of the coupling halves having a spring-loaded nose that engages a recess in the opposite coupling half in the locked position. The locking mechanism can also have an electromechanical lock, a cable pull, or a Bowden cable mechanism.“Freely movable relative to the pocket” means in the sense of the invention that the component in question is not firmly connected to the pocket, but is mounted so as to be movable relative to the pocket in at least one direction of movement, so that it can be moved from its starting position if necessary - in particular during the unloading process.

[0009] The first coupling half is attached to the front outer side of the bag, seen in the conveying direction, and the second coupling half is held in the closed position against the rear outer side of the bag, seen in the conveying direction, so that the bag is clamped in a closing plane between the locking device. The locking device thus forms a type of clamp, with the bag held between the two coupling halves in a defined plane. Because the coupling halves are arranged exclusively on the outer sides of the bag, they are separated from the goods at least by the bag in every state of the hanging unit, thus preventing snagging.The closing plane refers to the spatial position in which the coupling halves, consisting of a first coupling half attached to the outside of the pocket and a second coupling half arranged on an oscillating element, are connected to one another in order to close the lower opening of the pocket.

[0010] The first coupling half can be attached to a front outer side of the pocket in the conveying direction, while the second coupling half is held in the closed position against a rear outer side of the pocket in the conveying direction. The conveying direction refers to the direction in which the hanging unit, together with the pocket attached to it and the goods held therein, is transported through the conveyor system. The front outer side is the side of the pocket ahead of the conveying path, while the rear outer side forms the side behind the conveying path. This creates a specific spatial arrangement of the closing device, whereby a conveying movement on the oscillating element actively supports the movement of the second coupling half into or out of the closed position during unloading.

[0011] The closing plane can be arranged above the lower opening, in particular at least 5 cm above the lower opening. Arranging the closing plane above the lower opening results in an advantageous separation between the area in which the goods are removed or filled and the area in which the closing mechanism operates. In particular, positioning the closing plane at least 5 cm above the lower opening ensures that the closing device is outside the immediate unloading plane of the bag, thereby avoiding any unintentional disruption to the flow of goods when the bag is opened or closed. This makes handling the hanging unit easier because the operator or an automated system has better access to the lower opening and the risk of damage to the closing device from falling goods is reduced.

[0012] The oscillating element can be attached to the support frame on both sides of a rolling carrier of the hanging unit. The term "both sides of a rolling carrier" means that the oscillating element is arranged such that it is attached to the support frame on both sides of a rolling carrier, which typically serves as a carriage or support element for moving the hanging unit along a rail. This creates a symmetrical arrangement that ensures consistent and stable guidance of the oscillating element and the attached coupling half. The attachment on both sides enables the oscillating element to reliably and precisely guide the second coupling half into and / or out of the locked position, as unwanted tilting or twisting of the oscillating element relative to the support frame is minimized. For this purpose, the oscillating element can be attached to the support frame on both sides of the rolling carrier via hinges.

[0013] A second side of the pocket opposite the first outer side can be at least partially divided in two by a slit. The slit can run vertically upwards, in particular along the second side, from the lower opening. The slit is designed as an elongated opening which extends over at least part of the second side and divides it into two sections. This configuration achieves targeted flexibility of the pocket structure in that the two sections formed by the slit are movable relative to one another. The slit enables local yielding or deflection of the pocket wall in the region of the second side, whereby the shape of the pocket can adapt to the goods held therein. The pocket therefore has greater flexibility with regard to the geometry of the goods.This is made possible by the oscillating element, which compensates for the lack of mechanical stability of the bag when closed and ensures safe transport.

[0014] At least one weight can be attached to the lower opening of the pocket. The at least one weight can be held in loops at the lower opening. The weight acts as a passive means that exerts a constant tensile force on the lower opening of the pocket and thereby brings or holds the opening in a defined position. This arrangement ensures that the pocket always returns to a closed or at least a predefined closed position when unloaded, which is particularly advantageous for the automated operation of overhead conveyors. The gravitational effect of the weight reliably pulls the lower opening of the pocket downwards, thereby preventing the pocket from becoming accidentally caught or twisted in the area of the unloading device or along the conveyor path.

[0015] The bag can have a thickened portion at an end facing away from the support frame, particularly at the bottom. The opening serves to prevent accidental removal of the bag during unloading when the coupling halves are connected to one another, by allowing the bag to catch on the connected coupling halves with the opening. In particular, it can prevent the bag from being pulled through the support frame if, for example, a large item, such as a parcel, becomes caught on the bag, for example, if the item gets caught in the slot in the second side of the bag described above.

[0016] The oscillating element can have a stiffener that increases the stiffness of the oscillating element against bending and / or twisting. The stiffener can be designed as a cable duct. At least one signal line and / or one electrical line for a power supply can be routed in the cable duct. The signal line and / or the electrical line for the power supply can be connected to an electromechanical lock of the locking device.

[0017] The oscillating element can have a stiffening plate, preferably a friction lining. The stiffener, preferably designed as a cable duct, and the stiffening plate can be arranged on opposite side walls of the pocket.

[0018] The oscillating element in the hanging unit performs the function of keeping the second coupling half movable so that it can be brought closer to and removed from the first coupling half on the pocket. The stiffener is a structural element that is integrated into or attached to the oscillating element in order to specifically influence its mechanical properties. A stiffener is an element or structure that stabilizes the shape of the oscillating element and increases its resistance to external loads, such as those that occur during loading and unloading of the pocket or during transport along the conveyor. Stiffness refers to the ability of the oscillating element to maintain its shape under the application of force and not to bend or twist undesirably (torsion).The stiffening can be realized, for example, as a rib, profiling, material reinforcement or by selecting a stiffer material.

[0019] The stiffener can extend in a Y-shape along the oscillating element from the support frame to the second coupling half. Due to the Y-shaped design of the stiffener, it has two arms that preferably extend from two attachment points on the support frame towards the second coupling half and converge or end there. This special geometry ensures that forces that occur when closing or opening the locking device are distributed and dissipated more efficiently, thereby preventing undesired deformation or twisting of the oscillating element. In particular, this design ensures that the second coupling half can be guided precisely and repeatably into and out of the closed position without tilting or impairing functionality.

[0020] The oscillating element can have a cable duct extending from the support frame to the second coupling half. At least one signal line can be routed in the cable duct. Alternatively or additionally, at least one electrical conductor for the power supply of an electromechanical lock of the locking device, in particular of the second coupling half, can be routed in the cable duct.

[0021] A first end of the oscillating element, facing the second coupling half, can be wider than a second end of the oscillating element, facing the support frame. The widening of the oscillating element in the area of the second coupling half creates a larger contact and coupling surface, which facilitates the guidance and engagement of the coupling halves when closing the locking device and enables a more reliable and stable connection. At the same time, the narrower design of the end of the oscillating element facing the support frame increases the mobility and flexibility of the oscillating element in the area of its attachment to the support frame, enabling the oscillating element to move the second coupling half into and out of the closed position precisely and with minimal force.

[0022] The pocket can be essentially funnel-shaped. The cross-section of the pocket can taper from the top opening to the bottom opening. The funnel-shaped design supports targeted guidance of the goods placed in the pocket by encouraging slippage and centered alignment of the goods within the pocket. This significantly reduces the risk of jamming or sideways movement of transported goods, which is particularly important in automated unloading processes. The tapered cross-section contributes to the reliable collection of the goods in the area of the bottom opening and their preparation for controlled removal.

[0023] The bag can have weight sensors and / or volume sensors. In particular, a fabric of the bag can have weight sensors and / or volume sensors. These sensors are designed to preferably continuously record data on the weight and / or volume of the goods in the bag and to transmit this information to a central control unit or a higher-level control system. This enables automated monitoring and control of the loading status of each individual hanging unit. One advantage of this design is that overloading or incorrect loading can be detected at an early stage, which increases the operational reliability and efficiency of the conveyor system. Furthermore, the volume sensors can ensure optimal utilization of the bag volume, which contributes to improved logistics planning and resource utilization.The communication mechanisms between the sensors and the control system can be wireless or wired, for example, with the sensors connected either directly to a local evaluation device or via a bus system to a central control system. The acquired data can be used not only for monitoring but also for controlling downstream processes, such as automated unloading or sorting of goods. The weight sensors and / or volume sensors can, for example, be implemented as strain gauges and / or capacitive elements embedded in and / or applied to the bag fabric.

[0024] The bag can be made at least partially of a fabric or material that is transparent and / or sensor-permeable. A transparent fabric is defined as a material that is permeable to electromagnetic radiation, particularly visible light, so that the contents of the bag remain visible from the outside. A sensor-permeable fabric is characterized by the fact that it enables the transmission of signals or measured variables, for example in the form of electromagnetic waves, RFID signals, or other sensory detection methods, without the fabric itself significantly impeding the detection or communication between an object located inside the bag and a sensor unit located outside.The use of such a material offers several advantages: Firstly, it facilitates visual inspection of the bag's contents, which is particularly useful for automated or manual identification, inventory, or quality control of goods in the logistics process. Secondly, the sensory permeability of the material enables efficient communication between goods in the bag, which may be equipped with RFID tags or other identification devices, and external readers or sensors, without having to open the bag or remove the goods. This improves traceability and process reliability in the flow of goods, as continuous monitoring and identification of the transported goods can be ensured. The material can be, for example, a TPU, PVC, or PE film.Alternatively, the bag material can be a mesh fabric or an e-textile, for example, or fabric with integrated sensor fibers. The bag can be made entirely of the fabric or only in sections. For example, the bag can have a viewing window made of transparent and / or sensor-permeable fabric, allowing a view of the goods contained in the bag.

[0025] The bag can be made, at least in part, of an antibacterial material. The term "antibacterial material" refers to a material that has a finish or an intrinsic property that inhibits or prevents the growth or proliferation of bacteria on the surface of the bag. This can be achieved, for example, by using fibers with embedded silver ions, by a special coating, or by selecting plastics with antimicrobial additives. The interaction between the components of the hanging unit, in particular between the bag, the support frame, and the closure device, remains functional; however, the choice of material for the bag creates an additional protective function against microbial contamination.The antibacterial design of the bag offers the advantage of reducing cross-contamination, especially during repeated use of the hanging unit in logistics processes where different goods are transported and direct contact with the bag surface cannot be ruled out. A further advantage is that the maintenance effort for the bag can be reduced, as the risk of bacterial contamination and associated odor formation or material damage is reduced.

[0026] A further aspect of the invention relates to an overhead conveyor comprising at least one overhead unit as described above. The overhead conveyor may further comprise, for example, a conveyor line, carriages, drive units, deflection devices, buffer storage, loading stations, unloading stations, identification devices, and / or control devices.

[0027] Further details of the invention are explained with reference to the following figures. Fig. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a hanging unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 a first rear view of the hanging unit according to the invention; and Fig. 3 a second rear view of the hanging unit according to the invention, in which the oscillating element is hidden.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows an isometric front view of an embodiment of a hanging unit 1 for an overhead conveyor according to the invention. The hanging unit has a pocket 2 for receiving goods, which is fastened to a support frame 4 of the hanging unit 1. The goods can be loaded via an upper opening 21 of the pocket 2 and unloaded via a lower opening 22 of the pocket 2. The hanging unit 1 further has a closure device 3 with a first and a second coupling half 32, which can be reversibly fastened to one another and are arranged in a closed position such that unloading of the goods through the lower opening 22 is prevented. In the illustration in Fig. 1, the hanging unit 1 is located shortly before or after reaching the closed position. According to the invention, the first coupling half 31 is arranged on a front outer side 23 of the pocket 2, and the second coupling half 32 is arranged on a swinging element 5 which is fastened to the support frame 4. The swinging element 23 is designed to guide the second coupling half 32 into and / or out of the closed position relative to the pocket 2. As a result, the second coupling half 32 is connected to the hanging unit 1 so that it can move freely relative to the pocket, so that when the goods are unloaded, it swings the second coupling half 32 out of the falling path of the goods. This prevents the goods from becoming caught on the coupling half 31 during the unloading process. The swinging element thus ensures a safe and trouble-free material flow when unloading the pocket 1.

[0029] The first coupling half 31 is attached to a front outer side of the pocket 2 in the conveying direction. The second coupling half 32 is held in the closed position against a rear outer side of the pocket 2 in the conveying direction. As a result, when the closing device 3 is in the closed position, the pocket is clamped in a closing plane between the closing device 3, and the goods inside the pocket 4 are secured against falling out through the lower opening 22. The closing plane is arranged above the lower opening 22. As a result, the coupling halves 31, 32 are located outside the immediate fall path of the goods when opened. This reduces the risk of the goods becoming caught on the coupling halves 31, 32 during the unloading process and enables safe and unhindered emptying of the pocket 1.

[0030] The weights 7 are attached within loops at the lower ends of the bag and serve to pull the bags 1 downward when the coupling halves 31, 32 are opened. This reliably and completely releases the lower opening of the bag 1, allowing the goods to be unloaded from the bag 1 without hindrance.

[0031] The pocket 2 is essentially funnel-shaped. As a result, the cross-section of the pocket 2 tapers from the upper opening 21 to the lower opening 22. This funnel shape facilitates the targeted and complete discharge of the goods during the unloading process, as the goods are automatically guided to the lower opening 22. At the same time, the funnel shape also simplifies loading the pocket, as the goods are guided by the sloping inner walls towards the center and thus into the optimal position inside the pocket. The pocket 2 is made of a material that is sensor-permeable, allowing measurement signals - for example from optical sensors - to pass through the material unhindered. This enables the fill level, volume and / or weight of the pocket contents to be recorded without the pocket 2 having to be opened.

[0032] Further details of the oscillating element 5 are shown in the Fig. 2. An isometric rear view of the hanging unit 1 according to the invention is shown. The oscillating element 5 is attached to the support frame 4 on both sides of a rolling carrier 6 of the hanging unit 1. The oscillating element is received in two hinges on both sides of the rolling carrier 6. A first end of the oscillating element, facing the second coupling half 32, is wider than a second end of the oscillating element 5, facing the support frame 4. The oscillating element 5 has a cable duct, which also increases the rigidity of the oscillating element 5 against bending and twisting. At least one signal line or an electrical line for a power supply of the locking device can be routed in the cable duct. The stiffening extends along the oscillating element 5 in a Y-shape from the support frame 4 to the second coupling half 32.Two arms of the stiffener join at the upper opening 22 of the bag 2 and extend from there to a loop in which the second coupling half 32 is accommodated. The stiffener is applied to the oscillating element 5 and serves to stabilize certain areas of the oscillating element and, when closed, also the shape of the bag 2. This prevents the bag 2 from collapsing or deforming uncontrollably, whether loaded or unloaded. The stiffener thus ensures a consistent opening width and facilitates both loading and emptying the bag.

[0033] Fig.2 is a further rear view of the embodiment according to the invention. For reasons of clarity, the oscillating element 5 has been hidden. This shows that a second side 24 of the pocket 2, opposite the first outer side 23, is partially divided in two by a slot 25. The slot 25 runs vertically upwards along the second side 24 from the lower opening 22. The slot 25 allows flexible expansion or deformation of the pocket 2 in the region of the slot 25. This allows the pocket to better adapt to the individual shape of the goods it contains during loading or transport. This improves the reception of differently shaped goods and ensures a secure hold and gentle transport of the pocket contents.This is made possible by the oscillating element 25, which, in the closed position, overlaps the slot 21 to the area surrounding the hanging unit 1 and provides sufficient mechanical support to prevent the goods from falling out through the slot. It is particularly advantageous that the stiffener is arranged directly above the slot 25 in the closed position and limits the interior of the bag. List of reference symbols 1 hanging unit 2 bags 3 locking device 4 supporting frames 5 Oscillating element 6 roll carriers 7 Thickening 21 Upper opening 22 Lower opening 23 First outside 24 Second outside 25 slot 31 First coupling half 32 Second coupling half 51 Cable duct / stiffener

Claims

[1] A hanging unit (1) for a hanging conveyor, comprising a pocket (2) for receiving goods, which is fastened to a support frame (4) of the hanging unit (1), wherein the goods can be loaded into the pocket (2) via an upper opening (21) of the pocket (2) and unloaded from the pocket (2) via a lower opening (22) of the pocket (2), wherein the hanging unit (1) further comprises a closure device (3) with a first coupling half (31) and a second coupling half (32), which can be reversibly fastened to one another and are arranged in a closed position such that unloading of the goods through the lower opening (22) is prevented, characterized byin that the first coupling half (31) is arranged on a first outer side of the pocket (2), and the second coupling half (32) is arranged on an oscillating element (5) which is fastened to the support frame (4) and which is designed to guide the second coupling half (32) relative to the pocket (2) freely movable into the closed position and / or out of the closed position. [2] Hanging unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the closed position the second coupling half (32) is held against a second outer side of the pocket (2) opposite the first outer side, so that the pocket (2) is clamped in a closing plane between the coupling halves (31, 32) of the closure device (3). [3] Hanging unit (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first coupling half (31) is attached to a front outer side (23) of the pocket (2) in the conveying direction and the second coupling half (32) is held in the closed position against a rear outer side (24) of the pocket (2) in the conveying direction. [4] Hanging unit (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the closing plane is arranged above the lower opening (22), in particular at least 5 cm above the lower opening (22). [5] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the oscillating element (5) is fastened to the support frame (4) on both sides of a roller carrier (6) of the hanging unit (1). [6] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second side (24) of the pocket (2) opposite the first outer side (23) is at least partially divided into two by a slot (25). [7] Hanging unit (1) according to claim 6, wherein the slot (25) extends vertically upwards along the second side (24) from the lower opening (22). [8] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pocket (2) has a thickening (7) at a lower end facing away from the support frame (4). [9] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the oscillating element (5) has a stiffener (51) which increases a stiffness of the oscillating element (5) against bending and / or twisting, wherein the stiffener (51) is preferably designed as a cable duct. [10] Hanging unit (1) according to claim 9, wherein the stiffener (51) and / or the cable duct extends along the oscillating element (5) in a Y-shape from the support frame (4) to the second coupling half (32). [11] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first end of the sway bar element (5) facing the second coupling half (32) is wider than a second end of the sway bar element (5) facing the support frame (4). [12] Hanging unit according to one of claims 5 to 11, wherein in the closed position the oscillating element (5), preferably the stiffener (51), in particular a cable duct, overlaps the slot (25). [13] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pocket (2) is substantially funnel-shaped and a cross-section of the pocket (2) tapers from the upper opening (21) to the lower opening (22). [14] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pocket (2) comprises a weight sensor and / or volume sensor. [15] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pocket (2) consists at least partially of a material which is transparent and / or sensory permeable. [16] Hanging unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pocket (2) consists at least partially of a material which is antibacterial. [17] Overhead conveyor comprising at least one hanging unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16.

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