TRANSPORT BAG FOR AN OVERHEAD CONVEYOR SYSTEM

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to devices for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system, and methods for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system. Technological background

[0002] In automated warehouses, large-scale production facilities, and more generally in the conveying and transport of goods, overhead conveyor systems have proven to be an efficient means of transporting, buffering, and also long-term storing various types of goods. With overhead conveyor systems, the goods are either suspended directly from individual conveyor elements in a suitable manner, or placed in appropriate transport elements such as transport bags, which in turn are suspended from the conveyor elements.

[0003] Overhead conveyor systems can be implemented as chain conveyors, in which a multitude of conveyor elements form links of a chain that moves along a conveying path. Gravity-driven conveyor systems are also known, in which individual conveyor elements move on corresponding guide rails. Such gravity-driven, rail-guided conveyor systems are known, for example, from US 2017 / 275826 A1, US 2018 / 215547 A1, and US 2017 / 282317 A1.

[0004] The ever-increasing volumes in online retail, in particular, demand efficient handling of goods by retailers, suppliers, and logistics companies, especially regarding the production, provision, and storage of items, as well as order picking and transport to the customer. Overhead conveyor systems with transport elements are particularly suitable for the efficient conveying of heterogeneous goods units, such as workpieces in production processes, spare parts, and consumer goods like books, clothing, shoes, etc. For example, overhead conveyor systems can be used in the logistics centers of mail-order companies to store a large number of goods units of varying sizes and weights, and to pick groups of items according to the respective customer orders—that is, to assemble them into product groups according to specifications and prepare them for shipment.

[0005] WO 2018 / 162123 A1 shows an exemplary procedure for picking goods units in an overhead conveyor system, in which the individual goods are removed from a collection of goods and picked into groups of goods, and made available for further processing in the form of these groups. The assembly of the goods groups is achieved by placing the corresponding goods units into an overhead conveyor pocket of the overhead conveyor system.

[0006] A key aspect of an overhead conveyor system is the simple, smooth, and efficient insertion of goods units into empty transport elements, such as transport bags, and the simple, smooth, and efficient removal of the goods units from the transport elements. Manual insertion and removal of goods units allows for flexible handling of different goods units, but is slow and costly. Therefore, semi-automated or fully automated systems have been developed.

[0007] EP 2130968 A1 shows a loading station for transport bags conveyed in an overhead conveyor system. The transport bags have a stiffened wall in the conveying direction with a suspension hook at one end, which is suspended from a carriage. The wall is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction. A fabric panel is attached to a pivoting frame bracket at the top of the wall and to the bottom of the wall, forming a side-opening bag. The transport bags are continuously conveyed horizontally along the conveyor path. A cam guide pushes the frame bracket, which hangs vertically when the transport bag is empty, upwards into a horizontal position. This opens the side openings of the bag. The goods can then be inserted into the bag through these openings.Top filling is not possible because the upper opening of the transport bag is inaccessible due to the guide rail of the conveyor system.

[0008] US 2018 / 072511 A1 discloses a device for opening a transport bag that can be moved in an overhead conveyor system. The carriage with the transport bag suspended from it is stopped in its forward movement at a predetermined point on the track to allow the transport bag to be opened. The transport bag is opened for loading and / or unloading by an actuator pivoting the frame bracket upwards, thus opening the side openings of the bag and making the contents accessible.

[0009] US 2018 / 0208407 A1 discloses several variations of loading stations for suspended transport bags, in which units of goods are placed into transfer compartments of a transfer device. The transfer device is designed as a wheel or a rotary conveyor. The transfer compartments of the transfer device move synchronously within a transfer area in line with a sequence of opened transport bags. Opening a flap releases a transfer compartment, allowing the unit of goods inside to fall into the transport bag below. Such a device enables the continuous filling of a stream of transport bags.

[0010] EP 2418160 A1 shows another loading station for transport bags conveyed in an overhead conveyor system. The transport bags have a frame suspended from a carriage, to which two ends of a flexible fabric web are attached, forming a bag. A pressure plate is located below the bag's suspension hook. A skid is arranged in the loading station, which, as a transport bag moves through the station, pushes the pressure plate, and thus the transport bag, from an orientation perpendicular to the conveying direction to an orientation parallel to the conveying direction and holds it in this orientation. The shape of the suspension hook is designed so that it is pushed upwards in the support hook of the conveyor element.Simultaneously, the frame bracket, which is rigidly connected to the pressure plate, is pushed outwards from its vertical rest position, perpendicular to the conveying direction, and assumes a position in which the frame bracket is inclined at approximately 45°, thus making an upper pocket opening, defined by the frame bracket, accessible. In this filling position, the transport bag can now be filled from the side through the upper opening. After leaving the area of ​​the skid, the suspension hook slides back on the support hook to a minimum of potential energy, and the bag swings back into the associated orientation perpendicular to the conveying direction. Due to the nature of the force-fit and form-fit fixing of the transport bag in the filling position, the possible load-bearing capacity of a transport bag is limited, as otherwise the transport bag could jam, for example, because the friction between the pressure plate and the skid becomes too great.

[0011] WO 2018 / 142242 A1 discloses a device for automatically rotating empty transport bags or other transport units suspended in a transport system, so that they can be efficiently filled. The carriage has a support hook which allows two or more stable storage positions for the support hook of the transport bag, wherein in a first stable storage position the transport bag is oriented transversely to the conveying direction, and in a second stable storage position parallel to the conveying direction.

[0012] WO 2018 / 078098 A1 describes a loading station for transport bags conveyed in an overhead conveyor system. The transport bag, arranged transversely to the conveying direction, has a stiffened front wall facing the conveying direction. The transport bag is conveyed horizontally and stopped for loading. An actuator lifts the front wall, opening the transport bag. A unit of goods is inserted into the transport bag via a chute. After filling, the now loaded transport bag is conveyed upwards.

[0013] US 2017 / 0369250 A1 shows another loading station for transport bags conveyed in an overhead conveyor system. A circulating conveyor chain of a loop is equipped along its circumference with rail segments of a guide rail. Transport elements with transport bags arranged transversely to the conveying direction are conveyed on a guide rail. The transport elements are then individually placed onto a rail segment of the loop that directly adjoins the incoming guide rail.

[0014] The rotary track, arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction, moves the rail segment one position to a loading position. A front wall of the transport bag is lowered, a unit of goods is placed over the top edge of the lowered front wall into the now open transport bag, and the front wall is raised again. The rotary track then moves the closed transport bag to the next position, where a retractable guide rail connects to the rail segment in the conveying direction, onto which the transport element is transferred.

[0015] US 3045612A discloses a device for transferring goods units into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system, comprising an overhead conveyor system in the form of a rail-guided conveyor system or a chain conveyor system, on which conveying units can be suspended along a continuous conveying path; comprising at least one conveying unit, which has a conveying element with a support hook attached to the conveying element and a transport element with a suspension hook attached to the transport element; wherein the suspension hook is suspended in the support hook; wherein conveying units delivered to an input area of ​​the overhead conveyor system can be made available for further processing, in particular loading and / or unloading;wherein downstream of the said input area in a transfer area of ​​the overhead conveyor system a transfer device is provided, with which goods units can be transferred into and / or out of a conveying unit located in the transfer area, and wherein downstream of the said transfer area in an output area of ​​the overhead conveyor system processed conveying units are available for further use, in particular onward transport; wherein in the transfer area the conveying path runs essentially horizontally;and wherein the absolute orientation of a conveying unit in space is essentially the same in the entry area and in the transfer area, and the relative orientation of said conveying unit with respect to the conveying direction is essentially different in the entry area and in the transfer area, and a first transition area is arranged between the entry area and the transfer area of ​​the overhead conveying system, in which a device is provided with which the orientation of a conveying unit with respect to the conveying direction can be changed; and wherein the absolute orientation of a conveying unit in space is essentially the same in the transfer area and in the exit area, and the relative orientation of said conveying unit with respect to the conveying direction is essentially different in the transfer area and in the exit area;and a second transition area is arranged between the transfer area and the exit area, in which a device is provided with which the orientation of a conveying unit can be changed with respect to the conveying direction.

[0016] US 3045612A also discloses a method for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system, comprising the steps of: - providing an overhead conveyor system in the form of a rail-guided conveyor system or a chain conveyor system with a continuous conveying path for the suspended transport of conveying units; - providing a conveying unit in an entry area of ​​said overhead conveyor system, wherein the conveying unit in said entry area has a first orientation relative to the conveying path, and wherein the conveying unit comprises a conveying element with a support hook attached to the conveying element and a transport element with a suspension hook attached to the transport element; wherein the suspension hook is suspended in the support hook;Transfer of the provided conveying unit in the conveying direction along the conveying path from the entry area to a transfer area of ​​the overhead conveyor system, wherein the conveying unit has a second orientation relative to the conveying path in said transfer area; transfer of at least one unit of goods into and / or from this conveying unit; transfer of the conveying unit in the conveying direction along the conveying path from the transfer area to an exit area of ​​the overhead conveyor system, wherein the conveying unit has a third orientation relative to the conveying path in said exit area; in the transfer area, the conveying path of the conveying unit is essentially horizontal;and the absolute orientation of the conveying unit in space is substantially the same in the entry area and in the transfer area, and the first orientation and the second orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path are substantially different in the entry area and in the transfer area; wherein a device is provided in a first transition area between the entry area and the transfer area of ​​the overhead conveying system with which the orientation of a conveying unit with respect to the conveying direction can be changed; and / or the absolute orientation of the conveying unit in space is substantially the same in the transfer area and in the exit area, and the second orientation and the third orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path are substantially different in the transfer area and in the exit area;wherein in a second transition area between the transfer area and the exit area a facility is provided with which the orientation of a conveying unit can be changed with regard to the conveying direction.

[0017] There is a general need for progress in this field of technology. Description of the invention

[0018] One object of the invention is to provide a device for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system, which does not have the aforementioned disadvantages or any other disadvantages. In particular, such a transfer device should have a small volume and require little floor space. It should be energy-efficient, have low failure rates, be less prone to errors, and require little maintenance. Its manufacture, operation, and maintenance should be cost-effective.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a method by which units of goods can be transferred into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a transport bag for a suspended conveyor system, which can be used advantageously in a transfer method or transfer device according to the invention.

[0021] These and other problems are solved by the elements of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are also apparent from the dependent claims and the description.

[0022] The inventive solution can be further improved by various embodiments, each advantageous in itself and, unless otherwise stated, arbitrarily combinable with one another. These embodiments and their associated advantages are discussed below.

[0023] In this description, the terms "units of goods" or "goods" are used synonymously and can include, in particular, individual items, but also packaged goods such as parcels, and more generally, individually handleable objects.

[0024] A first aspect of the invention relates to advantageous devices for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveying system.

[0025] An inventive device for transferring goods units into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system comprises an overhead conveyor system on which conveying units can be suspended along a continuous conveying path. The overhead conveyor system is a rail-guided conveyor system or a chain conveyor system.

[0026] In an input area of ​​the overhead conveyor system, conveyed units are available for further processing, in particular loading and / or unloading. Downstream of this input area, a transfer device is provided in a transfer area of ​​the overhead conveyor system, with which goods units can be transferred into and / or out of a conveying unit located in the transfer area. Downstream of this transfer area, processed conveying units are available in an output area of ​​the overhead conveyor system for further use, in particular onward transport. Advantageously, the conveying path in the transfer area runs essentially horizontally.

[0027] The absolute orientation of a conveying unit in the room is essentially the same in the entry area and the transfer area, while the relative orientation of said conveying unit with respect to the conveying direction is essentially different in the entry area and the transfer area. Alternatively or additionally, the absolute orientation of a conveying unit in the room is essentially the same in the transfer area and the exit area, while the relative orientation of said conveying unit with respect to the conveying direction is essentially different in the transfer area and the exit area.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of such a transfer device, the conveying path of the overhead conveyor system in the entrance area and the conveying path of the overhead conveyor system in the transfer area are not aligned and are at a first angle to each other.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the conveying path of the overhead conveyor system in the transfer area and the conveying path of the overhead conveyor system in the exit area are not aligned and are at a second angle to each other.

[0030] In such a transfer device, according to the invention, a first transition area is arranged between the input area and the transfer area of ​​the overhead conveyor system, in which a device is provided with which the orientation of a conveying unit can be changed with respect to the conveying direction.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, in a transfer device according to the invention, a second transition area is arranged between the transfer area and the output area, in which a device is provided with which the orientation of a conveying unit can be changed with respect to the conveying direction.

[0032] Advantageously, in a transfer device, a first transition area is arranged between the entry area and the transfer area of ​​the overhead conveyor system; and / or a second transition area is arranged between the transfer area and the exit area; and a cam guide element is provided which limits a rotational movement of a conveyor unit in the first transition area or in the second transition area.

[0033] In the aforementioned embodiment of a transfer device, a surface of a cam guide element that interacts with a conveying unit in the first transition area or second transition area is essentially a section of a shell plane, wherein the shell plane is defined by the hypothetical path of an outer edge of a conveying unit that is moved downstream along the conveying path in the corresponding transition area, provided that the said conveying unit essentially maintains its absolute orientation in space during this movement.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, in such a transfer device, a stop element serves as a guide element, the surface of which interacts with the conveying unit is essentially parallel to the conveying path in the transfer area and to the vertical.

[0035] Advantageously, in a transfer device, the first angle is ≥ 45°, preferably ≥ 60°, and particularly preferably ≥ 80°.

[0036] Advantageously, in a transfer device, the first angle is ≤ 160°, preferably ≤ 120°, and particularly preferably ≤ 100°.

[0037] Advantageously, in a transfer device, the second angle is ≥ 45°, preferably ≥ 60°, and particularly preferably ≥ 80°.

[0038] Advantageously, in a transfer device, the second angle is ≤ 160°, preferably ≤ 120°, and particularly preferably ≤ 100°.

[0039] In a transfer device, it is particularly advantageous if the first angle and / or the second angle is essentially 90°.

[0040] The suspended conveyor system of a transfer device according to the invention can be a rail-guided conveyor system on which a carriage of a conveyor unit can be moved by rolling and / or sliding motion.

[0041] The overhead conveyor system of a transfer device according to the invention has at least one conveying unit.

[0042] The at least one conveying unit of the overhead conveying system of the transfer device according to the invention comprises a conveying element with a support hook attached to the conveying element and a transport element with a suspension hook attached to the transport element. The suspension hook is suspended within the support hook and can assume at least two stable bearing positions within the support hook. The suspension hook in its first stable bearing position is rotated about an axis by a specific angle relative to the suspension hook in its second stable bearing position.

[0043] According to the invention, the aforementioned axis of rotation is the vertical. The conveying element of the at least one conveying unit of the overhead conveying system of the transfer device according to the invention is advantageously a carriage of a rail-guided conveying system or a conveyor chain link of a transport chain conveying system.

[0044] The transport element of the at least one conveying unit of the overhead conveying system of the transfer device according to the invention is advantageously a transport bag, a clothes hanger, in particular a hanging clothes hanger or a clamping hanger, or a device for holding two or more containers or other items and objects.

[0045] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the inventive transfer device, the support hook of the conveying element of the at least one conveying unit is designed such that, in a specific spatial orientation of the support hook, the suspension hook of the transport element of the at least one conveying unit can assume a first stable bearing position, in which the suspension hook is aligned in a first plane; and, in the same spatial orientation of the support hook, the suspension hook can assume a second stable bearing position, in which the suspension hook is aligned in a second plane; wherein the first bearing position and the second bearing position correspond to local minima of the potential energy of the suspended transport element;and wherein the suspension hook can be moved back and forth between the first stable storage position and the second stable storage position by rotating the suspension hook through a certain angle of rotation.

[0046] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention, the support hook of the conveying element of the at least one conveying unit is designed such that, in a specific first spatial orientation of the support hook, the suspension hook of the transport element of the at least one conveying unit can assume a first stable bearing position, in which the suspension hook aligns itself in a first plane. In a second spatial orientation of the support hook, different from the specific first spatial orientation, the suspension hook can assume a second stable bearing position, in which the suspension hook aligns itself in a second plane. In the specific first spatial orientation of the support hook, the first bearing position corresponds to a minimum of the potential energy of the suspended transport element.In the specific second spatial orientation of the support hook, the second support position corresponds to a minimum of the potential energy of the suspended transport element. The suspension hook can be moved back and forth between the first and second support positions by rotating the support hook through a specific angle.

[0047] In the aforementioned embodiment of a transfer device according to the invention, the suspension hook is advantageously able to be moved back and forth between the first storage position and the second storage position by rotating the conveying element around the axis of the conveying direction.

[0048] A second aspect of the invention relates to advantageous methods for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveying system.

[0049] An inventive method for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveying units of an overhead conveyor system comprises the following steps: Provision of an overhead conveyor system in the form of a rail-guided conveyor system or a transport chain conveyor system with a continuous conveying path for the suspended transport of conveying units; provision of a conveying unit in an entry area of ​​said overhead conveyor system, wherein the conveying unit in said entry area has a first orientation relative to the conveying path, and wherein the conveying unit comprises a conveying element with a support hook attached to the conveying element and a transport element with a suspension hook attached to the transport element; wherein the suspension hook is suspended in the support hook and can assume at least two stable bearing positions in the support hook; and wherein the suspension hook in its first stable bearing position is rotated about a vertical axis by a certain angle relative to the suspension hook in its second stable bearing position;Transfer of the provided conveying unit in the conveying direction along the conveying path from the entry area to a transfer area of ​​the overhead conveyor system, wherein the conveying unit has a second orientation relative to the conveying path in said transfer area; transfer of at least one unit of goods into and / or from this conveying unit; transfer of the conveying unit in the conveying direction along the conveying path from the transfer area to an exit area of ​​the overhead conveyor system, wherein the conveying unit has a third orientation relative to the conveying path in said exit area.

[0050] In the transfer area, the funding path of the funding unit runs essentially horizontally.

[0051] The absolute orientation of the conveying unit in the space in the entrance area and in the transfer area is essentially the same, and the first orientation and the second orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path in the entrance area and in the transfer area are essentially different, with a device being provided in a first transition area between the entrance area and the transfer area of ​​the overhead conveying system with which the orientation of a conveying unit in relation to the conveying direction can be changed.Alternatively or additionally, the absolute orientation of the support unit in the room is essentially the same in the transfer area and in the exit area, and the second and third orientations of the support unit relative to the support path are essentially different in the transfer area and in the exit area, with a facility being provided in a second transition area between the transfer area and the exit area with which the orientation of a support unit can be changed with respect to the direction of support.

[0052] Advantageously, in such a process, the first orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path and the second orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path differ, advantageously by an angle of 30° to 60° and particularly advantageously by an angle of essentially 90°, while the absolute orientation of the conveying unit in space remains essentially unchanged during the transfer of the conveying unit from the input area to the transfer area.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the second orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path and the third orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path differ advantageously by an angle of 30° to 60° and particularly advantageously by an angle of essentially 90°, while the absolute orientation of the conveying unit in space remains essentially unchanged during the transfer of the conveying unit from the transfer area to the output area.

[0054] The provided overhead conveyor system is advantageously the overhead conveyor system of a transfer device according to the invention, as described above.

[0055] In an advantageous variant of such a method, a change in the orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path is achieved at least partially by at least one actuator.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, in an advantageous embodiment of such a method, a change in the orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path is achieved at least partially by rotating the conveying element about the axis of the conveying direction. Alternatively or additionally, in an advantageous embodiment of such a method, a change in the orientation of the conveying unit relative to the conveying path is achieved at least partially by cam guide elements that interact with the conveying unit.

[0057] In the aforementioned embodiment of a method, a particularly advantageous feature is that the surface of a cam guide element interacting with the conveying unit is essentially a section of a shell plane, wherein the shell plane is defined by the hypothetical path of an outer edge of a conveying unit, which is moved downstream along the conveying path in the corresponding transition area, provided that the said conveying unit essentially maintains its absolute orientation in space during this movement.

[0058] Advantageously, a stop element serves as a guide element whose surface interacting with the conveying unit is essentially parallel to the conveying path in the transfer area.

[0059] A third unclaimed aspect of the invention relates to transport bags for overhead conveyor systems. Such an advantageous transport bag for an overhead conveyor system, in particular a rail-guided conveyor system or a chain conveyor system, comprises a conveying element, in particular a carriage of a rail-guided conveyor system or a conveyor chain link of a chain conveyor system, and a transport bag for receiving one or more units of goods. The transport bag is rotatably suspended from a support element of the conveying element via a suspension means about an axis of rotation. The transport bag has two frame brackets which are pivotably connected to the suspension means. The two frame brackets are essentially rotationally symmetrical to each other in two respects, but not mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0060] The transport bag advantageously has at least one wall which defines the receiving area of ​​the transport bag, and which is pivotably connected at two edges of the wall to an area of ​​one of the two frame brackets facing away from the suspension means.

[0061] The wall can be implemented as a carrying loop in the form of a strip made of a flexible material, for example a textile fabric or a film.

[0062] Alternatively, a rigid first wall and a rigid second wall can be connected by a flexible pocket base.

[0063] Side panels are optional.

[0064] The transport bag is advantageously attached to a support element of the conveying element by means of a suspension device so that it can be rotated around a pivot axis.

[0065] The advantage of such a transport bag is that the two frame brackets are essentially rotationally symmetrical to each other in two ways around a pivot axis, but not mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0066] In an advantageous example of such a transport bag, a first of the two frame brackets has a first engagement area suitable for being engaged by an actuator to pivot the first frame bracket; and a second of the two frame brackets has a second engagement area suitable for being engaged by an actuator to pivot the second frame bracket. The first engagement area of ​​the first frame bracket is arranged rotationally symmetrical about the axis of rotation with respect to the second engagement area of ​​the second frame bracket.

[0067] In a particularly advantageous example of such a transport bag, the transport bag has at least one wall that defines the receiving area of ​​the transport bag and which is pivotably connected at two edges of the wall to a region of one of the two frame brackets facing away from the suspension means. The first engagement area projects forward on a first side, perpendicular to the at least one wall, beyond an outer edge of the at least one wall. The second engagement area projects forward on a second side, opposite the first side, beyond the outer edge of the at least one wall, perpendicular to the at least one wall.

[0068] Advantageously, the first intervention area projects laterally beyond the outer edge of the at least one wall on the first side; and the second intervention area projects laterally beyond the outer edge of the at least one wall on the second side.

[0069] In another particularly advantageous example of such a transport bag, the transport bag has at least one wall that defines the receiving area of ​​the transport bag and which is pivotably connected at two edges of the wall to a region of one of the two frame brackets facing away from the suspension means. The first engagement area projects, perpendicular to the at least one wall, over an outer edge of the at least one wall in a first region on a first side, and over the outer edge of the at least one wall in a second region on a second side opposite the first side. The second engagement area projects over the outer edge in a second region on the first side, and over the outer edge in a first region on the second side.

[0070] An advantage of such transport bags is that the first access area is designed as one or more sections of the first frame bracket; and the second access area is designed as one or more sections of the second frame bracket.

[0071] In an alternative advantageous example, the first engagement area and the second engagement area may be designed as projecting rigid tabs or bolts attached to the frame brackets.

[0072] Such a transport bag is advantageously connected to the conveying element via a swivel joint so that it can rotate around the vertical axis of rotation.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, such a transport bag has a suspension hook; the conveying element has a carrying hook; and the suspension hook is suspended in the carrying hook; wherein the suspension hook can assume at least two stable storage positions in the carrying hook, and wherein the suspension hook in a first stable storage position is rotated by a certain angle relative to the suspension hook in a second stable storage position.

[0074] Examples of such lifting hook suspension hook systems are disclosed in WO 2018 / 142242 A1.

[0075] In the aforementioned example of a transport bag, the supporting hook of the conveying element is advantageously designed such that, in a specific spatial orientation of the supporting hook, the suspension hook of the transport bag can assume a first stable support position, in which the suspension hook is aligned in a first plane; and, in the same spatial orientation of the supporting hook, the suspension hook can assume a second stable support position, in which the suspension hook is aligned in a second plane; wherein the first support position and the second support position correspond to local minima of the potential energy of the suspended transport bag; and wherein the suspension hook can be moved back and forth between the first stable support position and the second stable support position by rotating the suspension hook through a specific angle of rotation.

[0076] Examples of such lifting hook suspension hook systems are also known from WO 2018 / 142242 A1. Brief description of the drawings

[0077] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made below to the drawings. These merely show exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not suitable for limiting the invention to the features disclosed herein. For identical or similarly functioning parts, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the following figures and the accompanying description. Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of an advantageous transport bag conveyor unit for a rail-guided overhead conveyor system, (a) as an empty bag in the closed state and (b) as an empty bag in the open state. Figure 2 schematically shows the carriage and an upper part of the transport bag of the conveyor unit. Figure 1Figure 3 schematically shows another possible carriage of a conveying unit, arranged in the guide rail of an overhead conveyor system. Figure 4 schematically shows in cross-section another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport bag conveying unit for a rail-guided overhead conveyor system, (a) as an empty bag in the closed state and (b) as an empty bag in the open state.Figure 5 schematically shows in cross-section another possible embodiment of an advantageous transport bag conveying unit for a rail-guided overhead conveyor system, (a) as an empty bag in the closed state (solid lines) and in the open state (dashed lines), and (b) as a bag loaded with a unit of goods in the closed state. Figure 6 schematically shows in top view a possible embodiment of a transfer device. Figure 7 schematically shows in side view a transport bag, (a) in the first transition area of ​​the transfer device made of . Figure 6 , and (b) in the second transition area of ​​the aforementioned transfer device. Figure 8 schematically shows another possible embodiment of a transfer device in top view. Figure 9 schematically shows a transport bag in side view, (a) in the first transition area of ​​the transfer device. Figure 8 , and (b)in the second transition area of ​​the aforementioned transfer device. Figure 10 schematically shows a further possible embodiment of a transfer device in a top view. Figure 11 schematically shows a further embodiment of an advantageous transport bag conveyor unit for a rail-guided overhead conveyor system, as an empty bag in the closed state, (a) in a side view and (b) in a front view looking against the conveying direction. Figure 12 schematically shows a generalized embodiment of a transfer device in a top view. Figure 13 schematically shows yet another embodiment of a transfer device in a top view, in the transition area between the input area and the transfer area. Figure 14 schematically shows yet another embodiment of a transfer device in a top view, in the transition area between the transfer area and the output area.Figure 15 schematically shows another embodiment of a transfer device in a top view, in the transition area between the transfer area and the output area. Figure 16 schematically shows an advantageous transport bag, such as is used in particular for the transfer device in the . Figure 14 and 15 suitable, (a) in plan view, and (b) in cross-section. Figure 17 schematically shows an advantageous embodiment of an advantageous transport bag conveying unit analogous to Figure 11 , in a view opposite to the direction of funding. Ways to implement the invention

[0078] An advantageous conveying unit 1, such as can be used in a transfer device according to the invention, is described in the Figure 1 and 2schematically represented. A carriage 20 is arranged to roll and slide on a guide rail 41 of a rail-guided overhead conveyor system. A transport bag 10 is suspended from a support hook 23 of the carriage 20 via a suspension hook 17.

[0079] The carriage 20 has a support structure 22 on which three pairs of rollers 21, 21', 21" are rotatably mounted. In normal operation, the two pairs of rollers 21, 21' roll on corresponding running surfaces of the guide rail 41 (in Figure 2(not shown for clarity) and support the weight of the conveyor unit 1. The pair of rollers 21" is arranged as a guide roller in a guide channel of the guide rail 41 during normal operation and absorbs radial forces when the guide rail curves, thus preventing the carriage 20 from tilting. Lateral engagement bolts 24 are provided on the support structure 22 of the carriage 20, which can be engaged with actuator devices of the conveyor system, such as worm drives, chain drives, or singulation devices, to move, stop, or release the carriage along the guide rail 41.

[0080] The transport bag 10 comprises a first bag wall 11, a second bag wall 12, and a bag base 13. The two bag walls and the bag base are each laterally enclosed by a bag side wall 14, and together define the interior of the transport bag as a pouch 18 with an opening facing upwards. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bag wall 11 and the second bag wall 12 are essentially rigid, for example, in the form of a sheet of polymer material. It is also possible to design one or both bag walls as a rigid frame, for example, made of wire, which is covered with an elastic and / or flexible, planar material, such as a textile fabric or a mesh. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag base 13 is designed as an elastic and / or flexible film or as a textile sheet that connects the lower ends of the two bag walls 11 and 12.The two pocket side walls 14 are also designed as elastic and / or flexible films or textile surface products. The first pocket wall 11 has an upper area 111 on which the suspension hook 17 is arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension hook 17 is designed as a wire loop of a wire frame of the first pocket wall 11.

[0081] The first pocket wall 11 and the second pocket wall 12 are connected by two pivotally attached frame brackets 15, 16 153, 153a, 163, 163a to the aforementioned pocket walls, so that the second pocket wall 12 can be pivoted and / or moved relative to the first pocket wall 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket side walls 14 are connected at one upper end to the first frame bracket 15.

[0082] In a closed state, the empty transport bag 10, as shown in Figure 1(a)As shown, the second pocket wall 12 is pivoted downwards as far as possible, close to the first pocket wall 11, due to the weight of the second pocket wall 12, the pocket base 13 and the frame brackets 15, 16.

[0083] In an open state, the empty transport bag 10, as shown in Figure 1(b) As shown, the second pocket wall 12 is pivoted upwards and away from the first pocket wall 11, so that the pocket interior 18 becomes accessible through the upper pocket opening 181. The second pocket wall can be raised, for example, by pivoting the first frame bracket 15 and / or the second frame bracket 16, or by lifting a lower end of the rigid second pocket wall 12 (indicated by an arrow).

[0084] The conveying direction of the conveying unit shown can be either left or right. In the left direction, the second pocket wall 12 is the leading wall in the direction of travel, and the first pocket wall 11 is the following wall. In the right direction, the first pocket wall 11 is the leading wall in the direction of travel, and the second pocket wall 12 is the following wall.

[0085] Instead of the transport bag discussed, other functionally similar transport bags can also be used, as discussed below, or transport bags such as those found, for example, in the Figures 1 and 1B shown in WO 2018 / 142242 A1.

[0086] The support hook 23 of the carriage 20 is designed such that in the normal position of the running rail, in a horizontal orientation [shown in Figure 2(a)], in which the axes of rotation of the roller pairs 21, 21' are horizontally aligned, has a single, first stable bearing position 25a in which the suspension hook 17 of the transport bag 10 rests stably. In this first bearing position 25a, the Figure 1 Accordingly, the transport bag is aligned transversely to the conveying direction or longitudinal axis of the running rail (not shown).

[0087] The carriage 20 is rotated by 45° in the conveying direction or in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the guide rail 41 [shown in Figure 2(b) ], then another point of the support hook 23 becomes a second stable support position 25b, in which the suspension hook 17 of the transport bag 10 can rest stably. In this second support position 25a, the transport bag is aligned parallel to the conveying direction or longitudinal axis of the guide rail 41.

[0088] The rotation of the carriage around the axis of the conveying direction is achieved by a corresponding 45° twist of the guide rail, for example, by temporarily rotating a segment of the guide rail around the rail axis on which the carriage is located. Alternatively, the carriage can rotate during conveying along the guide rail by continuously twisting the rail over a certain section.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment of the carriage, which the Figure 5AIn accordance with WO 2018 / 142242 A1, the support hook 23 is designed such that, in the carriage's 45° rotated orientation, both the first stable support position 25a (shown as the suspension hook 17 with a dashed line) and the second stable support position 25b are available, separated by a raised intermediate section. The transfer of the transport bag or the suspension hook 17 between the two stable support positions 25a and 25b can be effected by an actuator device that rotates the transport bag, and thus also the suspension hook, around the vertical.

[0090] If the rotation angle of the carriage shown is greater than 45°, for example 60°, only the second stable bearing position 25b is available, since the first position 25a no longer represents a local minimum of potential energy. If the carriage is rotated from the horizontal orientation (rotation 0°) by such an angle, the suspension hook 17 automatically slides into the new, only stable bearing position 25b due to gravity. Alternatively, instead of choosing a higher rotation angle of the carriage, the support hook can be designed such that only one stable bearing position exists even at smaller rotation angles of the carriage.

[0091] Another exemplary variant of a trolley 20 is in Figure 3The carriage 20 has a stable support structure 22 with three pairs of rollers 21, 21', 21" and two engagement bolts 24. The carriage 20 is adapted to a corresponding guide rail 41 of an overhead conveyor system. The guide rail 41 comprises three channels, with a downward-facing channel 43" in the illustrated, horizontally oriented guide rail 41 serving as a guide channel 43" in which the roller 21" runs as a guide roller. The two pairs of rollers 21, 21' are arranged in the other two channels 43, 43' of the guide rail and run on the underlying side surfaces of these channels in the horizontal arrangement shown. For coupling a transport element, such as a transport bag, to the carriage, a suitable device (not shown), for example a support hook as in the embodiment discussed above, is arranged below the guide roller 21" on the support structure 22.

[0092] The guide rail can be attached to a higher-level structure using suitable fasteners and, in the illustrated embodiment, is made from a folded tubular profile. Manufacturing it as an extruded profile is also cost-effective. More complexly shaped guide rails can also be produced by milling, casting, sintering, or 3D printing.

[0093] Another advantageous conveying unit 1 is in Figure 4 The carriage 20 of the conveyor unit corresponds to the one shown. Figure 1 In contrast, transport bag 10 has a different design compared to the embodiment in Figure 1 only a first frame bracket 15. As a result, the second pocket wall 12 has two degrees of freedom with respect to the first pocket wall 11, and can also rotate freely with respect to the first pocket wall 11 within the limits of what is geometrically possible.

[0094] To remove the empty transport bag from its closed state [ Figure 4(a)] into the open state [ Figure 4(b) To transfer the bag opening, the frame bracket 15 can be pivoted from a substantially vertical orientation to an inclined or horizontal orientation, for example by a suitable actuator device. This opens the bag opening 181 and makes the bag interior 18 accessible.

[0095] Another advantageous conveying unit 1 is in the Figures 5a, 5b The illustration shows the view along the axis of the running rail 41. The carriage 20 and the running rail 41 correspond to the embodiment shown in Figure 3 The lifting hook 23 corresponds to the lifting hook from Figure 2 The guide rail 41 is rotated by a certain angle relative to the horizontal orientation.

[0096] The transport bag 10 includes a suspension hook 17, which rests in the second, stable storage position 25b of the support hook 23, so that the transport bag 10 is aligned parallel to the conveying direction or the axis of the running rail 41.

[0097] At one lower end of the suspension hook 17, a closed rectangular frame bracket 15 is pivotally connected to the suspension hook 17 via a hinge element 151. A first longitudinal edge of a rectangular fabric strip made of a film or a textile surface product is pivotally attached to the frame bracket on the side of the hinge element. The opposite second longitudinal edge of the fabric strip is pivotally attached to the opposite side of the frame bracket 15. The fabric strip integrally forms a carrying loop with a first bag wall 11, a second bag wall 12, and a bag base 13, thus forming a bag 18 of the transport bag. The frame bracket 15 and the two longitudinal edges of the fabric strip of the bag walls 11, 12, 13 define an upper bag opening 181 through which the interior of the bag 18 is accessible.

[0098] Two optional, small-area side walls 14 are arranged at the side edges of the fabric panel 11, 12, 13. These side walls can also be shaped differently or omitted entirely.

[0099] In a closed state, the empty transport bag holds 10 ( Figure 5a , solid line) the pocket wall 11, 12, 13 and frame bracket hang downwards due to their own weight.

[0100] To open the empty transport bag 10, the frame bracket 15 is lifted and swung upwards ( Figure 5a (dashed line), whereby the pocket interior 18 is accessible via the pocket opening 181. A unit of goods 91 can now be inserted into or removed from the pocket bag 18 from above.

[0101] After a unit of goods 91 is placed in the bag 18 of the transport bag 10, the frame bracket 15 is folded down again, thus closing the transport bag 10. The unit of goods 91 slides on the bag wall 11, 12, 13 into a state of minimum potential energy.

[0102] In this position, the side walls 14 prevent the product unit 91 from slipping laterally out of the bag 18 of the transport bag 10. If the fabric panel 11, 12, 13 is elastically designed, the product unit is held in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in the lateral direction by the bag walls, which are elastically deformed due to the weight of the product unit.

[0103] The Figure 6 Figure 1 schematically shows a possible advantageous embodiment of a transfer device 3 according to the invention in a rail-guided overhead conveyor system 4. Figure 7Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the conveying units in the two transition areas 52, 54 of the illustrated transfer device 3, with a view in the conveying direction in the transfer area.

[0104] A guide rail 41, 41', 41" of the overhead conveyor system 4 defines a conveying path that pivots 90° along the x-axis from the left, continues along the y-axis, pivots 90° to the right, and then continues to the right along the x-axis. The guide rail 41 and the carriage 20 of the conveyor units 1 essentially correspond to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 The transport bag 10 and the carrying hook 23 essentially correspond to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 .

[0105] The empty conveying units 1 arrive at an input area 51 of the transfer device 3 with a conveying direction 40 to the right. The empty transport bags 10 are oriented in a space-saving transport orientation perpendicular to the guide rail 41 and conveying direction 40. The input area 51 serves to provide the conveying units 1 for the subsequent transfer process.

[0106] One advantage of overhead conveyor systems is the ability to carry out the conveying and intermediate storage of the conveying units at an elevated level, thus eliminating the need for floor space. Therefore, a lowering section (not shown) is advantageously located prior to the entrance area, in which conveying units delivered at a higher level are transported along a sloping or vertical section of the track into the entrance area 51. This conveying can, for example, be gravity-driven and free-running.

[0107] The conveying units 1 within the transfer device 4 are transported at regular intervals between the individual conveying units, using means known for overhead conveying systems, for example, by chain drives, screw drives, or free-running gravity drives. The distances between the successive conveying units in the inlet area 51 do not have to be identical to the distances between the transport elements in the subsequent transfer area 53 and outlet area 55, as shown in Figure 6 This is merely an example. In particular, a narrower distance can be chosen in the entrance area, for instance, in order to efficiently store the still empty transport bags in a space-saving, transverse position to the conveying direction in a buffer storage area.

[0108] In the entrance area 51, the guide rail 41 is arranged in its normal position, i.e., symmetrically to the vertical, so that the guide channel of the guide rail points downwards. In contrast, in a first transition area 52, which includes the curved section of the guide rail connecting the entrance area 51 with the transfer area 53, and in the subsequent transfer area 53, the guide rail 41' is arranged rotated clockwise around the longitudinal axis of the guide rail by a specific angle when viewed in the conveying direction [cf. Figure 7(a) The transition between the unrotated section 41 and the rotated section is advantageously designed to be continuous in order to avoid jerky movements. For clarity, it should be noted that in the curved section of the first transition area 52, the guide rail 41' is therefore both rotated about its longitudinal axis and includes a curve with an angle of W1 = 90°.

[0109] As a consequence of the rotation of the guide rail 41' and thus also of the carriage 20 running on it, as shown above, Figure 2(b) As explained, another location of the support hook 23 provides a second stable storage position in which the suspension hook 17 of the transport bag 10 can rest securely. In this second storage position, the suspension hook with the transport bag would be rotated 90° around the vertical relative to the first storage position, so that the transport bag would be aligned parallel to the conveying direction or longitudinal axis of the guide rail 41'. In this position, access to an upper opening of the transport bag 10 is not obstructed by the guide rail, so that the transport bag can be filled or emptied more easily through the upper opening.

[0110] The transition of the suspension hook (and thus the transport bag) between the first stable storage position and the second stable storage position can be effected by external actuators, as shown in WO 2018 / 142242 A1. However, with even greater rotation of the guide rail, only the second storage position would remain stable, causing the suspension hook and transport bag to slide into the new stable position due to gravity.

[0111] Instead of transferring the transport bag 10 to the new, second stable storage position by external actuators or uncontrolled by its own weight, in the transfer device according to the invention, the transport bag of the conveying unit remains essentially in its original orientation in space when passing through the transfer device, and thus also during the transition between the first stable storage position and the second stable storage position. Instead, the guide rail curves to the left at an angle W1 = 90°, so that a carriage 20 of a conveying unit 1 with its support hook 23 rotates or aligns itself around the vertical by the same angle W1 when passing through the curve.

[0112] This has the advantage, among others, of preventing the transport bag from overshooting during the transition between the first stable storage position and the second stable storage position, and back again. Especially with filled transport bags, this reduces the mechanical stress on the conveying unit, particularly on the carrying hook and the suspension hook. Furthermore, there is no need to wait for damping of the vibration or to force it with additional means, which increases the possible conveying rate and reduces the complexity of the system. The angular momentum of the transport bag also does not need to be changed.

[0113] To keep the transport bag 10 in its original position during the transition from the entrance area to the transfer area, a stop element 31 is arranged in the first transition area 52 of the transfer device shown in the illustrated embodiment. This stop element has a front surface 311 that is oriented essentially parallel to and facing the bag wall 12 of the transport bags 10 approaching from the left [cf. Figure 7(a) In the simplest case, the stop element 31, shown only schematically, is designed as a stable front wall, for example made of sheet metal or smooth plastic. To dampen the impact of the transport bags 10 on the stop element 31 at higher conveying speeds, a damping element can also be provided, for example a layer of foam or a damped spring element, which is arranged between the front wall 311 and a supporting structure behind it.

[0114] The stop element 31 provides spatial limitation for the transport bag 10 as it passes through the transition area 52. This prevents the transport bag from remaining in the first stable support position of the support hook when the guide rail turns into the transfer area 53. In the example shown, the counterforce of the stop element 31 causes the suspension hook 17 with the transport bag 10 to slide over the raised section between the first and second stable support positions of the support hook, without the transport bag itself having to rotate about the vertical. The bag wall 12 rests on the front surface 311. The necessary drive energy is supplied by the drive of the overhead conveyor system. The support hook 23 therefore rotates relative to the suspension hook 17 with the transport bag 10, and not vice versa.

[0115] In an alternative embodiment with a larger rotation angle of the guide rail, in which the transport bag would automatically slide into the new, only stable position on the support hook under its own weight, the stop element 31 also serves as a spatial boundary. In such a case, the build-up of rotational momentum in the transport bag and a subsequent overshooting of its rotational movement are prevented. This is achieved by the front surface 311 blocking rotation of the bag wall 12 around the vertical, so that the transport bag 10 slides downwards on the support hook into the new stable position under its own weight as it passes the stop element 31.

[0116] When the transport bag 10 leaves the transition area 52 and passes into the transfer area 53 in the conveying direction 40, it is now parallel to the running rail 41' in the transfer area 53, in the second stable bearing position of the support hook.

[0117] In transfer area 53, a unit of goods 91 is transferred between the conveying unit and the transfer device 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the unit of goods 91 is transferred into the transport bag 10', thus filling the conveying unit 10'. For this purpose, the transport bag 10' is opened, and a unit of goods 91 is inserted into the bag of the transport bag through an upper opening of the transport bag.

[0118] Various technical solutions are known for such a filling process of a transport bag arranged parallel to the conveying direction, as for example in the Figure 5from US 2008 / 0208407 A1. In the simplest case, an operator manually places a product element 91 into the bag of the transport bag, or the product element falls from a conveyor belt into the bag of the transport bag. The filling of the transport bag 10' in the middle of the transfer area 53, as described in Figure 6 The diagram shown is therefore only schematic. In particular, the transfer area can be significantly longer than depicted. Depending on the process, the transport bag is either stopped for the filling process or moves along the conveying direction 40 during filling.

[0119] For the subsequent logistical processing of the filled conveyor units, it is desirable that the transport bags are again aligned perpendicular to the conveyor direction, as this minimizes the necessary minimum distance between successive conveyor units and thus the space requirement in the conveyor direction.

[0120] In the discussed example of a conveyor unit, the return to the transverse position can be achieved by the guide rail, which has been rotated about its longitudinal axis, returning to its normal position. In this position, only one stable bearing position is available on the support hook—namely, the first stable bearing position. The suspension hook with the transport bag then slides into this stable position on the support hook under its own weight. Alternatively, external actuators can rotate the transport bag back into the transverse position before the guide rail returns to its normal position. In both cases, a rotational impulse is applied to the transport bag, resulting in oscillations around the vertical.

[0121] In this case too, it would be advantageous to be able to do without additional actuators and / or to avoid any oscillating movement of the transport bag. In the exemplary embodiment from Figure 6This is achieved by the fact that in a second transition area 54 adjoining the transfer area 53, the guide rail 41' rotated around the longitudinal axis returns to its normal position, before the guide rail then executes a curve with an angle W2 = 90° in order to then transition into an exit area 55, where the guide rail 41" runs away to the right along the x-axis.

[0122] Figure 7(b)Figure 1 shows a side view of the filled transport bag 10" as it enters the second transition area 54, looking in the direction of conveyance. The guide rail and the carriage 20 mounted on it are still arranged rotated about the longitudinal axis, as in the transfer area 53. The transport bag 10" is still aligned parallel to the conveying direction or guide rail, with the suspension hook 17 in the second stable bearing position of the support hook 23 of the carriage 20. A second stop element 32 with a front surface 321 is arranged parallel to and essentially flush with the bag wall 11 of the transport bag 10". If the guide rail is now moved from the rotated orientation to the unrotated normal position, the first stable bearing position becomes the only stable bearing position. However, since the second stop element 32 rests parallel to and essentially flush with the bag wall 11, the transport bag 10" cannot rotate into this stable bearing position.

[0123] If the carriage 20 now pivots to the right by an angle W2 = 90° on the guide rail in the transition area 54, the support hook 23 is also rotated by the angle W2 around the vertical. Without changing the absolute orientation of the transport bag 10" in space, the suspension hook 17 can thus slide into its first stable storage position on the support hook under its own weight. The support hook 23 therefore rotates relative to the suspension hook 17 with the transport bag 10", and not vice versa.

[0124] In the exit area 55, which adjoins the transition area 54, the transport pockets 10" are again arranged in a space-saving transverse position to the conveying direction 40 of the guide rail 41". The exit area serves to provide the now filled conveying units 1 for further logistical processing in the overhead conveyor system 4, for example for storage in a warehouse system or for sorting in a picking system.

[0125] Advantageously, a climbing area (not shown) follows the exit area 55, in which the running rail rises diagonally or vertically, and the conveying units running on it are conveyed to another level, for example by means of a chain conveyor.

[0126] In the Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment of a transfer device 3, empty transport bags arrive at the input area 51, are filled with a product unit 91 in the transfer area 53, and leave the transfer device 3 in a filled state at the output area 55. In a possible alternative embodiment of such a transfer device, filled transport bags are instead fed into the input area, from which the product units are then removed in the transfer area, i.e., the transport bags are emptied, before the empty transport bags leave the transfer device for reuse in the overhead conveyor system.

[0127] If the transport bags are filled at the beginning, then the transport bags are advantageous, as shown below. Figure 8 and 9 In the context of another design variant, it is explained that the pocket wall is arranged rotated 180° on the conveying unit, so that the pocket wall that is not moved when the transport pocket opens runs ahead in the conveying direction and comes into contact with the first stop element. In this way, the position of the pocket wall in relation to the stop element is clearly defined even when the transport pockets are filled to different levels.

[0128] Another advantageous embodiment of a transfer device 3 is described in the Figure 8 and 9 shown. Unless otherwise described below, the various elements of the transfer device 3 and their configuration correspond to the transfer device from Figure 6 and 7essentially agree, so a further detailed description is omitted here and reference is made instead to the preceding statements.

[0129] The transport pockets 10 are arranged on the conveying units such that the pocket wall 11 runs ahead in the conveying direction 40 and comes into operative contact with the first stop element 31 in the first transition area 52 [cf. Figure 9(a) ], which is not moved when the transport bag is opened. The bag wall 12 therefore trails in the conveying direction 40.

[0130] Since the bag wall 12 is located on the left in transfer area 53, the transport bag 10' is also opened to the left as shown, before the goods unit 91 is transferred into the transport bag 10'.

[0131] Since, depending on the size of the goods unit 91, a varying distance may exist between the second pocket wall 12 and the first pocket wall 11 after the filled transport bag 10' is closed, the resulting different position of the second wall 12 in relation to the guide rail 41' must be taken into account. For this purpose, the second stop element 32 is arranged to be displaceable along the x-axis in the second transition area 54, as schematically indicated by the double arrow. The stop element 32 is positioned so that the front surface 321 comes into operative contact with the second pocket wall 12 [cf. Figure 9(b) ].

[0132] The appropriate positioning of the second stop element 32 can be achieved in various ways. For example, optical means, such as light barriers or cameras, can be used to determine the position of the pocket wall 12 in order to determine the corresponding position of the stop element 32 and move it to the appropriate position. It is also possible to arrange distance sensors or contact sensors on the stop element 32.

[0133] In yet another embodiment, the transport bag 10' is held fully open along the conveying path after filling until it reaches the transition area 54. In this way, the position of the bag wall 12 is defined by the fixed geometry of the fully opened transport bag.

[0134] Optionally, the second stop element 32 can also travel a short distance with the conveying unit 1 in the conveying direction when the latter pivots onto the outgoing guide rail 41" in the transition area 54. The travel speed of the stop element 32 along the x-axis advantageously corresponds to the velocity vector component of the carriage along the x-axis, so that the transport bag is continuously supported by the front surface 321 of the stop element 32 over the corresponding distance during the pivoting of the carriage.

[0135] Another possible embodiment of a transfer device is described in Figure 10 As shown below. Unless otherwise described below, the various elements of the transfer device 3 and their configuration correspond to the transfer device from Figure 8 and 9 essentially agree, so reference is made here to the preceding statements.

[0136] As in the exemplary embodiment in Figure 8 The pocket wall 11 runs ahead in the conveying direction 40 and engages with the stop element 31 in the transition area 52. Figure 9(a) is accordingly also for Figure 10 applicable. In transfer area 53, the transport bag 10' is also opened to the left.

[0137] As opposed to Figure 8In the exit area 55, the guide rail runs to the left. The carriage 20 therefore pivots to the left in a 90° curve in the transition area 54. Accordingly, the second stop element 32 is located on the right side, where, as in the first transition area 52, it engages with the first pocket wall 11. This has the advantage that the position of the pocket wall 11 is clearly defined in both transition areas 31 and 32, regardless of the filling status and the size of the goods element 91 in the transport pocket, thus allowing for a static arrangement of the stop elements.

[0138] Such a transfer device can also be used to unload conveying units without requiring any changes to the configuration, except, of course, for the equipment in the transfer area.

[0139] In the previously discussed embodiments of a transfer device, the static first and second stop elements 31, 32 can be designed such that they follow the movement of the transport bags along the x-axis when the carriage pivots in the first or second transition area 52, 54. Such movement can be achieved without a linear drive by, for example, applying a spring force to the stop element 31, 32 in one direction along the x-axis, which presses the stop element against a support element that defines a home position. A suitably shaped rotating cam disk presses against the spring force in the x-direction on the stop element and thus moves the stop element 31, 32 from the home position to the desired working position.The rotational movement of the cam disc is advantageously fixed to the drive of the carriages 20 of the conveyor units 1 in the transition area, so that the movement of the stop element 31, 32 is exactly synchronized with the movement of the carriage 20 in the transition area, without the need for complex control.

[0140] Instead of the carrying hook-suspension hook system used in the above-discussed variants of transfer devices, alternative systems that are not part of the invention can also be used, such as those found, for example, in the Figures 6 to 9This is described in WO 2018 / 142242 A1. In such a case, no rotation of the guide rail is necessary. The stop element 31 in the first transition area 52 then serves to prevent rotation of the transport bags when the carriages pivot 90° on the guide rail, so that the support hook rotates around the vertical, while the suspension hook with the transport bag essentially maintains its orientation in space. In the second transition area 54, an actuator may be necessary to rotate the transport bag.

[0141] In the disclosed transfer devices, two transition zones were used in which the carriage traveled a curve. In an unclaimed alternative, it is also possible to omit the first or second transition zone, in which case the transport pockets are rotated by external actuators or by their own weight with respect to the conveying direction.

[0142] In the embodiment of the transfer device 3 as shown in Figure 10 As explained, after passing through the second transition area 54, the transport bag 10 changes its direction of travel. This means that the bag wall, which originally ran ahead in the conveying direction in the entry area 51, becomes the following bag wall in the exit area 55, and vice versa.

[0143] For the transport bags discussed so far, this leads to a complication regarding their further processing in the overhead conveyor system, as these bags can be oriented in two different ways perpendicular to the conveying direction (first 11 or second 12 bag wall as the leading wall). A control system can account for this by storing the current orientation of all transport bags in the overhead conveyor system with respect to the conveying direction, thus enabling correct processing of each individual bag.

[0144] In an advantageous variant, all filled transport bags have the same specific orientation, and all empty transport bags have the opposite orientation.

[0145] Alternatively, devices can be provided that rotate the conveyor units, or, depending on the design of the support hook-suspension hook system, only the transport bags, by 180° around the vertical, for example, before or after the transfer process. It is advantageous to rotate the empty conveyor units or transport bags, as this reduces the mass that needs to be moved.

[0146] The following can be advantageously determined based on Figure 10 The described transfer device according to the invention can be operated without additional control or handling effort.

[0147] The Figures 11a and 11bshow a conveying unit 1 with an advantageous embodiment of a transport bag 10, which can be operated identically from both sides, so that the orientation of the transport bag with respect to a conveying direction is irrelevant.

[0148] A carriage 20 is mounted on a running rail 41 of a conveyor system.

[0149] The carriage 20 and the running rail 41 correspond to the carriage and the running rail from Figure 3 , although other overhead conveyor systems can also be used, for example the one from Figure 1 and 2 .

[0150] On the carriage 20, a support hook 23' is arranged on the underside facing away from the running rail 41, in which a suspension hook 17' of the transport bag 10 is rotatably mounted, so that the support hook and the suspension hook together form a pivot joint 26. The pivot joint has two or more stable positions, as shown, for example, in the Figures 6 to 9known in WO 2018 / 142242 A1.

[0151] The transport bag 10 can be positioned perpendicular to the conveying direction or running rail 41 to save space, as shown in Figures 11a, 11b shown, or (not shown) parallel to the conveying direction or running rail 41, analogous to the transport pockets discussed so far.

[0152] Two hinge elements 151, 161 are arranged on the suspension hook 17', in each of which a frame bracket 15a, 15b is pivotably arranged about a horizontal pivot axis. At the end of the two frame brackets 15a, 15b opposite the hinge element 151, 161, the two edges of a strip of flexible material, for example a textile fabric or a film, are arranged at the longitudinal ends and connected to one of the two frame brackets 151, 161. Advantageously, the frame bracket is pivotably arranged in a tab 153, 163 at one longitudinal end of the strip of wall. The fabric strip thus forms a first bag wall 11 and a second bag wall 12 and a bag base connecting them, which together form a bag 18 of the transport bag 10. A unit of goods is arranged in this interior 18 of the transport bag during a transport operation.

[0153] When the transport bag 10 is empty, the frame brackets 15a, 15b and the bag wall hang straight down due to their own weight, as shown in Figure 11a as is evident.

[0154] Each of the two frame brackets 15a, 15b, viewed perpendicular to the corresponding bag wall 11, 12, has a section 152, 162 of the frame bracket projecting laterally beyond the outer edge of the bag wall 11, 12 on its right side, while on its left side the frame bracket does not project laterally beyond the outer edge of the bag wall. These two projecting frame bracket sections 152, 162 are provided as the engagement area for an actuator device with which the frame brackets 15a, 15b can be temporarily pivoted about their axis of rotation on the joint element 151, 161. In this way, pivoting one of the frame brackets 15a, 15b exposes a top or side opening of the bag through which the transport bag can be loaded or unloaded.

[0155] Due to the advantageous design of the frame brackets 15a, 15b and their engagement areas 152, 162, the transport bag 10 exhibits twofold rotational symmetry, namely about the vertical axis of rotation of the pivot joint 26, but not mirror symmetry. As a result, the transport bag can be arranged in two orientations for all relative configurations of the transport bag with respect to the conveying direction, differing only in the identity of the two frame brackets 15a, 15b and the bag walls 11, 12. This has the advantage that an actuator device can be designed to treat the two frame brackets differently, regardless of which of the two possible orientations of the transport bag is present. For example, an actuator device can selectively pivot one frame bracket upwards, while the other frame bracket is not actuated or is optionally fixed or pivoted backwards.This can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that a gripping element of an actuator can only grasp the protruding engagement area of ​​the frame bracket.

[0156] The in the Figures 11a, 11b The depicted configuration of the engagement areas 152, 162 is only one possibility. Those skilled in the art will recognize further variants, which also exhibit twofold rotational symmetry and allow for targeted actuation of the frame brackets.

[0157] For example, with respect to the pocket wall on the right side, an upper area of ​​a frame bracket 15, 16 can be configured as a projecting engagement area 152, 162, and on the left side, a lower area of ​​the same frame bracket, different from the upper engagement area, can be configured as a projecting engagement area 152, 162'. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 17The diagram is shown schematically, with a view of the first frame bracket 15. The second frame bracket 16 (shown with a dashed line for better differentiation) is located behind it in the direction of view. This advantageous design allows simultaneous operation of each frame bracket on both sides, which is mechanically advantageous, especially with heavier bag contents, due to the lower shear forces.

[0158] The wall of such an advantageous transport bag can also be rigid over certain areas, while the transport bag still essentially exhibits twofold rotational symmetry. For example, a rigid first wall and a rigid second wall can be connected by a flexible bag base.

[0159] Even though the previously discussed advantageous transport bags are of course suitable for the transfer device 3 Figure 10These transport bags are particularly advantageous because they can also be used for other transfer devices.

[0160] The basic principle of the transfer devices discussed so far, according to which the orientation of the transport bags with respect to space remains essentially the same, while the orientation of the carriage of the conveying unit changes due to the arrangement of the running rail, can also be implemented with a schematically generalized transfer device according to Figure 12 to be realized.

[0161] Analogous to the Figure 6 and 8Transport bags 10 enter an input area 51 from the left along a conveyor path 48 along the x-axis, pass through a first transition area 52 in which the conveyor path of the conveying units turns 90° to the left until the conveyor path 48' runs along the y-axis in a transfer area 53. After the transfer process has taken place there, the conveyor path 48' turns 90° to the right in a subsequent second transition area 54 until finally the conveyor path 48" runs along the x-axis again in an output area 55.

[0162] In the Figure 12 The transport bags 10 of the conveying units 1 are shown only schematically. In particular, filled and empty transport bags are not distinguished. The transfer area 53 is shown in a highly foreshortened direction along the y-axis.

[0163] The dashed lines 44a, 44b show a hypothetical outer envelope of the transport pockets 10 if they were to move in the conveying direction 40 along the conveying path 48, 48', 48" while maintaining their relative orientation to the conveying path. The curves 44a, 44b are essentially defined by having the same center point as the circular curve of the conveying path 48, a curve 44a and a curve 44b respectively, with curve radii R + d / 2 and R - d / 2 respectively, where R is the curve radius of the conveying path curve and d is the width of the transport pockets.

[0164] The dotted lines 45a and 45b, in turn, show a hypothetical outer envelope of the transport bags 10 if they were to move in the conveying direction 40 along the conveying path 48, 48', 48" while maintaining their absolute orientation in space parallel to the y-axis. The curves 45a and 45b are essentially defined by the fact that, with the same radius R as the curve of the conveying path 48, a curve 45a and a curve 45b are defined, respectively, where this center point is shifted downwards and upwards in the y-direction by d / 2 in the y-direction, respectively, relative to the center point of the conveying path curve.

[0165] In this general example, the conveying units are also designed in such a way that the carrying hook has more than one stable storage position for the suspension hook with the transport bag, analogous to the previously discussed examples of carrying hook-suspension hook systems.

[0166] If a guide element is now arranged in the transition area 52 along at least part of the right-hand envelope 45a, a spatial boundary is created for the transport bag, namely for the right outer edge of the transport bag 10 as seen in the conveying direction 40. Such a guide element can be implemented, for example, as a sequence of vertical, freely rotating or driven rollers, or as a guide plate or guide rail. When passing through the transition area, the guide element exerts a counterforce against the x-axis on the right outer edge of the transport bag, so that the transport bag is necessarily kept in the same orientation in space, while at the same time the transport bag is rotated relative to the carriage or the conveying path. Finally, the transport bag 10' is parallel to the conveying path, in the second stable bearing position of the support hook.

[0167] The first stop element 31 from the already discussed design variants is essentially a variant of such a guide element along the upper part of the right envelope 45a and with a comparatively narrow curve radius in the transition area.

[0168] Once a guide element along the right-hand curve 45a has caused a certain rotation angle of the transport bag relative to the carriage or the support hook, a guide element along the opposite left-hand curve 45b can optionally exert a counterforce on the left outer edge of the transport bag, thus causing a rotation of the transport bag relative to the carriage. Since the left outer edge leads, such a guide element should prevent tilting. A smooth guide plate, for example, is suitable for this purpose.

[0169] Due to the angle of attack, in a first area of ​​the curve in the transition area 52 a guiding element along the right envelope 45a is more effective, and in a subsequent second area of ​​the curve a guiding element along the left envelope 45b is more effective.

[0170] A specific embodiment of a transfer device with guiding elements is described in Figure 13 The conveyor units 1 with carriages 20 and empty transport bags 10 arrive at the entrance area from the left along the x-axis before entering the first transition area (beginning 46 of the transition area marked by a dashed line). There, the guide rail 41 runs along a 90° curve before entering the transfer area (beginning 46' marked by a dashed line), and continues straight along the y-axis 41'.

[0171] An outer guide element 31a in the form of a guide plate is positioned along a right-hand envelope analogous to curve 45a in Figure 12 arranged and continuously exerts a counterforce on the right outer edge of the transport bag 10 as it passes the conveyor unit 1, so that it continuously rotates around the vertical relative to the guide rail 41 and the carriage 20 while maintaining a constant orientation in space, until finally the suspension hook has reached the second stable bearing position of the support hook and the transport bag 10 is parallel to the guide rail 41'.

[0172] An inner guide element 31b in the form of a guide plate is located along a left-hand envelope analogous to curve 45b in Figure 12 arranged and exerts a counterforce on the left outer edge of the transport bag 10 when passing the conveyor unit.

[0173] The inner guide plate 31b is redundant in the configuration shown, and therefore optional. However, a combination of inner guide plate 31b and outer guide plate 31a has the advantage that the force acting on the transport bag is more symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis of rotation through the support hook, and is better controlled than with just one guide plate.

[0174] If the conveyor unit in Figure 12As the transport unit leaves the transfer area 53 and enters the second transition area 54, the support hook of the carriage is brought into a configuration, as in the preceding embodiments, in which the suspension hook with the transport bag slides back into the first stable bearing position under its own weight. In this case, guide elements along the envelopes 45a and 45b serve as spatial boundaries. The guide elements exert a counterforce on the transport bags, ensuring that the rotational movement of the transport bags is not uncontrolled and that the transport bag maintains its absolute orientation in space. A guide element along the right envelope 45a can, for example, be designed as a guide plate or guide rail, or as an arrangement of vertically rotating rollers.A guide element along the left envelope 45b is advantageously designed as a smooth guide plate to avoid tilting of the leading left outer edge of the transport bag 10".

[0175] Finally, at the exit of the transition area 54, the transport bag 10" is again in a stable position perpendicular to the conveyor path 48" and transitions into the exit area 55.

[0176] The second stop element 32 from the already discussed design variants is essentially a variant of such a guide element along a lower area of ​​the right envelope 45b and with a comparatively narrow curve radius in the transition area.

[0177] A specific embodiment of such a transfer device is shown in Figure 14schematically represented. Coming from the transfer area, the guide rail 41' runs along the y-axis and enters a second transition area (beginning 47 marked with a dashed line), in which the guide rail makes a 90° turn to the right. Finally, the guide rail 41" enters the exit area (beginning 47' marked by a dashed line), where it runs off to the right along the x-axis.

[0178] At the beginning 47 of the second transition area, the guide rail 41' changes from the twisted orientation to the normal position, so that the support hook of a passing carriage 20 is again positioned in such a way that only a stable storage position of the suspension hook and the associated transport bag is possible, namely perpendicular to the guide rail.

[0179] A guide element 32a in the form of a series of rollers freely rotating around the vertical along a curve analogous to the right envelope 45a in Figure 12This defines a spatial limit for the rotational movement of the filled transport bag. The right outer edge of the leading bag wall 11 of the filled transport bag 10" slides on the roller conveyor 32a, whereby the rotational movement of the transport bag and its vertical position are always limited to such an extent that the orientation of the transport bag 10" in space remains constant. This prevents the build-up of angular momentum and the oscillation of the transport bag.

[0180] Since the pocket wall 11 interacts with the guide element 32a which is not moved when the transport pocket is opened and closed, the fill status of the conveying element is not relevant for the function of the inner guide element 32a.

[0181] Another advantageous embodiment of a transfer device is described in Figure 15 illustrated. Analogous to the previous example in Figure 14a guiding element the rotational movement of the transport bag 10', whereby this time the guiding element 32b acts as a guide plate along a curve analogous to the left envelope 45b in Figure 12 is designed.

[0182] The transport bag is mounted on the carriage rotated by 180° so that the bag wall 11 trails in the conveying direction 40. In this configuration, the left outer edge of the bag wall 11 slides on the outer guide plate 32b.

[0183] In Figure 16An advantageous variant of a transport bag 10 is shown, which is particularly suitable for use in a transfer device with guide plates 32a, 32b. Four rollers 112 are arranged on the two outer edges of the bag wall 11 of the transport bag 10, which can rotate freely about the vertical. These rollers are arranged with respect to the bag wall 11 such that the rollers 112 roll on the guide plates 32a, 32b. This protects the outer edges of the transport bag 10, which increases the service life of the transport bag.

[0184] The present invention is not limited in scope to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, the description and accompanying figures will reveal to the person skilled in the art various further modifications of the present invention, in addition to the examples disclosed herein, which also fall within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the description cites various references, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated into the description in its entirety by reference.

Claims

1. A device (3) for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveyor units of a suspended conveyor system, with a suspended conveyor system (4) in the form of a rail-guided conveyor system or a transport chain conveyor system, on which conveyor units (1) can be conveyed in a suspended manner along a continuous conveyor path (48, 48', 48"); and with at least one conveyor unit (1), which has a conveyor element (20) with a carrier hook (23) attached to the conveyor element, and a transport element (10) with a suspension hook (17) attached to the transport element; wherein the suspension hook is suspendedly supported in the carrier hook and can assume at least two stable bearing positions (25a, 25b) in the carrier hook; and wherein the suspension hook in its first stable bearing position (25a) is rotated relative to the suspension hook in its second stable bearing position (25b) by a certain angle about a vertical axis; wherein in an entry region (51) of the suspended conveyor system, supplied conveyor units (1) can be provided for further processing, in particular loading and / or unloading; wherein downstream from said entry region in a transfer region (52) of the suspended conveyor system, a transfer device is provided, with which units of goods (91) can be transferred into and / or out of a conveyor unit located in the transfer region, and wherein downstream from said transfer region in an exit region (53) of the suspended conveyor system, processed conveyor units can be provided for further use, in particular for further transport; wherein in the transfer region, the conveyor path (48') extends substantially horizontally; and wherein the absolute alignment of a conveyor unit in space in the entry region and in the transfer region is substantially the same, and the relative alignment of the said conveyor unit with respect to the conveying direction (40) in the entry region and in the transfer region is substantially different; and a first transition region (52) is arranged between the entry region (51) and the transfer region (53) of the suspended conveyor system (4), in which a mechanism is present by which the alignment of a conveyor unit (1) with respect to the conveying direction (40) can be changed; and / or the absolute alignment of a conveyor unit in space in the transfer region and in the exit region is substantially the same, and the relative alignment of said conveyor unit with respect to the conveying direction (40) in the transfer region and in the exit region is substantially different; and a second transition region (54) is arranged between the transfer region (53) and the exit region (55), in which a mechanism is present by which the alignment of a conveyor unit (1) with respect to the conveying direction (40) can be changed.

2. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor path (48) of the suspended conveyor system in the entry region and the conveyor path (48') of the suspended conveyor system in the transfer region are not aligned to each other and are at a first angle (W1) to each other; and / or the conveyor path (48') of the suspended conveyor system in the transfer region and the conveyor path (48") of the suspended conveyor system in the exit region are not aligned to each other and are at a second angle (W2) to each other.

3. The transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the first angle (W1) is ≥ 45°, preferably ≥ 60°, and particularly preferably ≥ 80°; and / or the first angle (W1) is ≤ 160°, preferably ≤ 120°, and particularly preferably ≤ 100°.

4. The transfer device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second angle (W2) is ≥ 45°, preferably ≥ 60°, and particularly preferably ≥ 80°; and / or the second angle (W2) is ≤ 160°, preferably ≤ 120°, and particularly preferably ≤ 100°.

5. The transfer device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first angle and / or the second angle is substantially 90°.

6. The transfer device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first transition region (52) is arranged between the entry region (51) and the transfer region (53) of the suspended conveyor system (4); and / or a second transition region (54) is arranged between the transfer region and the exit region (55); and wherein a link guide element (31, 31a, 31b, 32, 32a, 32b) is provided, which limits a rotational movement of a conveyor unit (1) in the first transition region, or in the second transition region, respectively.

7. The transfer device according to claim 6, wherein a surface of a link guide element (31, 31a, 31b, 32, 32a, 32b) interacting with a conveyor unit (1) in the first transition region (52), or in the second transition region (54), respectively, is substantially a section of an envelope plane (45a, 45b), wherein the envelope plane is defined by the hypothetical path of an outer edge of a conveyor unit that is displaced downstream along the conveyor path (4) in the corresponding transition region when said conveyor unit substantially maintains its absolute alignment in space during this displacement.

8. The transfer device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a stop element (31, 32) serves as the link guide element, the surface of which interacting with the conveyor unit (1) is oriented substantially parallel to the conveyor path (48') in the transfer region (53) and to a vertical line.

9. A method for transferring units of goods into and / or out of conveyor units of a suspended conveyor system, comprising the steps of: - Providing a suspended conveyor system (4), in the form of a rail-guided conveyor system or a transport chain conveyor system, with a continuous conveyor path (48, 48', 48") for the suspended transport of conveyor units (1); - Providing a conveyor unit (1) in an entry region (51) of said suspended conveyor system, wherein the conveyor unit in said entry region has a first alignment relative to the conveyor path (48), and wherein the conveyor unit (1) has a conveyor element (20) with a carrier hook (23) attached to the conveyor element and a transport element (10) with a suspension hook (17) attached to the transport element; wherein the suspension hook is suspended in the carrier hook and can assume at least two stable bearing positions (25a, 25b) in the carrier hook; and wherein the suspension hook in its first stable bearing position (25a) is rotated by a certain angle about a vertical axis relative to the suspension hook in its second stable bearing position (25b); - Transferring the conveyor unit (1) in the conveying direction (40) along the conveyor path (48', 48") from the transfer region to an exit region (55) of the suspended conveyor system, wherein the conveyor unit in said exit region has a third alignment relative to the conveyor path (48"); - Transferring at least one unit of goods (91) into this conveyor unit and / or out of this conveyor unit; - Transferring the conveyor unit (1) in the conveying direction (40) along the conveyor path (48', 48") from the transfer region to an exit region (55) of the suspended conveyor system, wherein the conveyor unit in said exit region has a third alignment relative to the conveyor path (48"); in the transfer region, the conveyor path (48') of the conveyor unit extends substantially horizontally; and the absolute alignment of the conveyor unit in space in the entry region and in the transfer region is substantially the same, and the first alignment and the second alignment of the conveyor unit relative to the conveyor path in the entry region and in the transfer region are substantially different; wherein in a first transition region (52) between the entry region (51) and the transfer region (53) of the suspended conveyor system (4), a mechanism is provided by which the alignment of a conveyor unit (1) with respect to the conveying direction (40) can be changed; and / or the absolute alignment of the conveyor unit in space in the transfer region and in the exit region is substantially the same, and the second alignment and the third alignment of the conveyor unit relative to the conveyor path in the transfer region and in the exit region are substantially different; wherein in a second transition region (54) between the transfer region (53) and the exit region (55), a mechanism is provided by which the alignment of a conveyor unit (1) with respect to the conveying direction (40) can be changed.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first alignment of the conveyor unit relative to the conveyor path (48) and the second alignment of the conveyor unit relative to the conveyor path (48') differ, advantageously by an angle of 30° to 60°, and particularly advantageously by an angle of substantially 90°, while the absolute alignment of the conveyor unit in space remains substantially unchanged during the conveyance of the conveyor unit from the entry region to the transfer region; and / or the second alignment of the conveyor unit relative to the conveyor path (48') and the third alignment of the conveyor unit relative to the conveyor path (48") differ, advantageously by an angle of 30° to 60°, and particularly advantageously by an angle of substantially 90°, while the absolute alignment of the conveyor unit in space remains substantially unchanged during the conveyance of the conveyor unit from the transfer region to the exit region.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the provided suspended conveyor system is the suspended conveyor system (4) of a transfer device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

12. The method according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a change in the alignment of the conveyor unit (1) relative to the conveyor path (48, 48', 48") is achieved at least partially by at least one actuator, and / or by a rotation of the conveyor element (20) about the axis of the conveying direction (40), and / or by link guide elements (31, 31a, 31b, 32, 32a, 32b) that interact with the conveyor unit.