Device, method and system for stabilizing and loading transport bags

Abstract

A device (1) for loading transport bags (2) in an overhead conveyor system (100), in particular in a rail-guided overhead conveyor system, comprises at least one conveying unit (75) having a carriage (72) with a support hook (73) and having a transport bag (2, 2', 2'', 2''') with a suspension hook (26), wherein the transport bag is suspended, by means of the suspension hook, in the support hook of the carriage; and a running rail (71), which defines a conveying path along which the carriage (72) of the at least one conveying unit (75) can be conveyed in a conveying direction (74). The transport bag (2, 2', 2'', 2''') comprises a first bag wall (21), a second bag wall (22), a frame (25) rigidly connected to the suspension hook (26), and a bag opening (23, 23a). The transport bag (2, 2', 2'', 2''') can be transferred from a conveying orientation (31) to a loading orientation (32'). In the conveying orientation (31) the bag opening (23, 23a) of the transport bag is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the conveying direction (74), and in the loading orientation (32') the bag opening (23, 23a) of the transport bag is oriented substantially parallel to the conveying direction (74). The device also comprises a stabilization device (8) for reversibly stabilizing the transport bag (2''), in particular the bag opening (23), in the loading orientation (32'), the stabilization device (5, 8) comprising at least one stabilization element (51, 52, 53-55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 81, 83).

Description

[0001] DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STABILIZING AND LOADING TRANSPORT BAGS

[0002] field of technology

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of transport and conveyor technology. It concerns a device and a method for loading transport bags in an overhead conveyor system, as well as a conveyor system with at least one such device.

[0004] Technological background

[0005] In modern, dynamic intralogistics, conveyor systems, production facilities, warehouses, order picking systems, and other logistics facilities are increasingly subject to complex operating requirements, making complex system technology essential to meet these demands. To meet increasing processing capacities and counteract rising operating costs, these systems are also operated at high conveyor speeds. However, these high conveyor speeds are associated with further problems: conveyor instabilities and a higher risk of collision between the goods being conveyed and their transport containers. Consequently, these systems are more susceptible to malfunctions, delays, or even system downtime.

[0006] In automated warehouses, large production facilities, and more generally for the conveyance of goods, overhead conveyor systems have proven to be an efficient means for the transport, intermediate buffering, and even long-term storage of various types of goods. In overhead conveyor systems, the goods are either suspended directly from individual conveyor units of a conveyor system in a suitable manner, for example, coat hangers with items of clothing suspended from them, or placed in appropriate transport containers such as transport bags or transport racks, which in turn are arranged or stored suspended from the conveyor units. Overhead conveyor systems can be implemented as conveyor chain systems, in which a plurality of conveyor units form links in a chain that are moved along a conveyor path.

[0007] Also known are gravity-fed conveyor systems, in which individual conveyor units roll or slide on corresponding rails. An example of such a gravity-fed, rail-guided conveyor system is known from US 2018 / 0215547 A1.

[0008] Overhead conveyor systems with transport elements in the form of transport pockets are particularly suitable for the efficient conveyance of heterogeneous piece goods, such as workpieces in production processes, spare parts, consumer goods such as books, clothes, shoes, etc. An example of such transport elements with conveyor units is known from US 2019 / 0367282 A1.

[0009] A relevant aspect of an overhead conveyor system is the simple, smooth, and efficient loading of goods into empty transport elements. This allows for the highest possible conveying capacity of the overhead conveyor system. Manually filling provided empty transport elements, such as transport bags, allows for flexible handling of various goods, but is slow and costly. Therefore, there is a need for new solutions to at least partially overcome this problem, with automated solutions being particularly desirable.

[0010] US 2016 / 0159558 A1 describes a transport bag for transporting an article in an overhead conveyor system. The transport bag comprises a bag body with a front wall, a rear wall, and a base therebetween. The front wall has an opening. The bag body can be switched between two positions in which the front wall and the rear wall assume different vertical relative positions to one another. The opening in the front wall is positioned and designed such that, in a first position of the bag body, it is at a suitable distance from a lowest point of the bag body in order to securely accommodate the article in the bag body, and in a second position of the bag body, it reaches the lowest point of the bag body so that, in the second position, the article can slide out of the bag body through the opening by means of gravity.US 2018 / 0229944 A1 discloses a deflection device for transport bags in a loading station of an overhead conveyor system. The deflection device has a baffle plate that rests on a rear wall of the transport bag during loading with the transported goods, wherein a connecting unit enables the baffle plate to be moved. The deflection device is provided in particular in the region of a loading station of the overhead conveyor system. In the loading station, the transport bag is in an open position. If the transported goods are so large that they cannot fall into the transport bag through the bag opening by themselves due to gravity, the movable baffle plate allows the rear wall of the transport bag to deflect, thereby enlarging the bag opening.As soon as the transported goods have fallen through the pocket opening, the impact plate is automatically moved back to its original position, particularly due to the restoring force, thereby returning the pocket opening to its original position. The deflection device operates passively.

[0011] US 2018 / 0086563 A1 relates to a transport bag for an overhead conveyor system to improve bag transport and prevent lateral slippage of the transport bags and / or uncontrolled hooking of the transport bags with one another. For this purpose, the transport bag comprises a front side wall, a rear side wall, and a bottom wall connecting the front side wall to the rear side wall. An adhesive contact surface is provided, at least in some areas, on an outer side of the front side wall and / or on an outer side of the rear side wall to prevent lateral displacement of two adjacent transport bags.

[0012] US 2019 / 0071258 A1 shows a rail-guided overhead conveyor system with transport pockets. The transport pockets have an opening in one wall through which goods can be inserted into the transport pocket. Using an actuator element, the transport pocket can be moved into a configuration in which the opening in the wall of the transport pocket is at its lowest point, allowing the goods in the transport pocket to be conveyed out of the pocket by gravity.

[0013] US 2019 / 0300294 A1 shows transport bags with a fabric panel attached to a pivoting frame at both ends, forming a downward-hanging carrying loop. The pivoting frame, which is guided by pockets formed at the ends of the fabric panel, is pivotable about a pivot axis between a first position in which the transport bag is closed and a second position in which the transport bag is open.

[0014] CH 719108 A2 discloses a rail-guided overhead conveyor system with carriages continuously guided in guide rails and with a suspended transport pocket and with an outwardly projecting coupling element for at least temporary coupling to a movement device for moving the carriages.

[0015] DE 102021207911 A1 relates to a device for the automated unloading of suspended transport bags. The transport bags have a supporting wall, a closure device, an actuating device, and a suspension device. The closure device is arranged on the underside of the transport bag and comprises a front closure bar and a rear closure bar. The closure bars are mechanically detachably coupled to each other. To unload the transport bag, the closure bars are decoupled via a cable pull. Such a device is complex and error-prone.

[0016] DE 202019103105 U1 shows a transport pocket for an overhead conveyor system comprising reversibly coupled closing elements, which are designed as locking strips. The locking strips are arranged at the lower end of the transport pocket and are mechanically coupled to one another. Upon relative rotation of the locking strips relative to one another about their longitudinal axes, the locking strips can be moved outwardly to form a pocket opening at the lower end of the transport pocket through which the goods can be unloaded. Closing such a closing device is complex.

[0017] EP 3442884 B1 describes a transport pocket for an overhead conveyor system, with a closing device arranged at the lower end of the transport pocket. The closing device comprises two closing bars that can be mechanically coupled by pressing them together transversely to the longitudinal direction of the locking bars. The closing device can be opened by sliding the two closing bars in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Closing such a closing device is complex.

[0018] WO 2023 / 194249 A2 discloses a device for filling transport bags in an overhead conveyor system, in which, in one embodiment, the transport bags are temporarily rotated transversely to the conveying direction for filling. A pivoting device with two support arms inclined at 45° is advanced toward the bag and raises the opening frame of the transport bag to an incline of 45°, so that the transport bag is open at the top. Goods units are introduced into the transport bag via a chute. The rear wall of the transport bag can optionally also be supported so that it also has an incline and forms a sliding plane for incoming goods units. Such a system is rather complex and requires precise alignment of the transport bag so that the support arms can correctly grip the opening frame.However, since the transport bag can swing in the conveying direction due to the braking of the transport bag, this can lead to malfunctions.

[0019] There is a general need for advances in this field of technology.

[0020] Description of the invention

[0021] The present invention aims at a solution in which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially counteracted.

[0022] An object of the invention is in particular to provide a device and a method for loading transport bags in an overhead conveyor system, which enable a simple, efficient and reliable introduction of goods into transport bags.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide an efficient closing device for containers, in particular for transport bags for overhead conveyor systems.

[0024] According to the present invention, these and other objects are achieved by the elements of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0025] In this description, the terms "goods" and "unit of goods" are used synonymously and can include, in particular, individual goods and articles, but also packaged goods such as parcels, packages, and shipping bags, and, more generally, individually handled objects, in particular semi-finished products, spare parts, piece goods, production parts, shipping items, or even bundles of articles. The inventive solution can be further improved by various embodiments, each advantageous in itself and, unless otherwise stated, combinable with one another. These embodiments and the associated advantages are discussed below.

[0026] A first aspect of the invention relates to devices for loading transport bags in an overhead conveyor system, in particular a rail-guided overhead conveyor system.

[0027] Such a device according to the invention comprises at least one conveyor unit with a carriage having a support hook and a transport bag with a suspension hook, wherein the transport bag is suspended by the suspension hook in the support hook of the carriage; a guide rail which defines a conveying path along which the carriage of the at least one conveyor unit can be conveyed in a conveying direction; and a filling device for loading the transport bag of the at least one conveyor unit with units of goods. The transport bag has a first bag wall, a second bag wall and a bag opening. The transport bag can be transferred from a conveying orientation to a loading orientation, wherein in the conveying orientation the pocket opening of the transport bag is oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction and in the loading orientation the pocket opening of the transport bag is oriented substantially parallel to the conveying direction.The filling device can be moved transversely to the conveying direction.

[0028] Suitable conveyor units for the present invention are known, for example, from US 2019 / 0367282 A1. The conveyor unit comprises a carriage with a carrying hook, on which a suspension hook of the transport bag can assume two stable positions.

[0029] Advantageously, the filling device of a device according to the invention can be moved at least partially into the pocket opening of a transport bag in the loading orientation

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the filling device of a device according to the invention is advantageously designed as a belt conveyor with a circulating conveyor belt that can be displaced horizontally transversely to the conveying direction of the transport bag. In the context of this description, "transversely to the conveying direction" means an angle of 45° to 135° to the conveying direction, in particular an angle of 90°.

[0031] This has the advantage that the filling device can be moved at least partially into the pocket opening of the transport bag and can thus deposit the goods directly into the pocket receiving space of the transport bag.

[0032] Such a filling device can be realized, for example, by a two- or multi-part belt conveyor in which one or more sections can be moved along the conveyor axis in order to change the length of the belt conveyor.

[0033] The belt conveyor can also be designed to be pivotable, so that, for example, the section that moves into the transport bag can be pivoted downwards at a suitable angle to assist the goods in falling into the transport bag.

[0034] The belt conveyor can also be designed to be rotatable, so that it can be turned, for example, towards the transport bag in order to transfer a product element into the transport bag.

[0035] A deflector plate can also be arranged at the end of the belt conveyor.

[0036] The belt conveyor is advantageously retracted from the pocket opening of the transport bag when the goods reach the end of the belt conveyor in the pocket opening. This solution has the advantage that the goods are positioned deeper in the pocket opening when the center of gravity of the goods element passes over the edge of the belt conveyor and ultimately falls into the pocket interior.

[0037] A device according to the invention advantageously comprises a first action device for transferring a transport bag from the conveying orientation to the loading orientation.

[0038] The first action device can have a twisted conveyor section with a rotation of the guide rail around the conveying direction, for example by 45°.

[0039] As disclosed in US 2019 / 0367282 A1, by rotating the guide rail around the conveying direction and accordingly the carriage running on it, the support hook of the carriage is brought into an orientation in which it has two positions, namely local minima in the vertical, on which the suspension hook of the transport bag can rest stably.

[0040] The suspension hook of the transport bag can now be moved from a first position on the support hook, which corresponds to the conveying orientation of the transport bag, to a second position on the support hook, which corresponds to the loading orientation of the transport bag.

[0041] For this purpose, the action device also has an additional action element, for example a freely rotating disc, a link or a rail, which initiates the rotation of the transport bag by transmitting an angular momentum.

[0042] In the conveying orientation, the pocket opening and the suspension hook of the transport pocket are oriented essentially transversely to the conveying direction. In the loading orientation, the pocket opening and the suspension hook of the transport pocket are oriented essentially parallel to the conveying direction.

[0043] A device according to the invention advantageously comprises a second action device for transferring a transport bag from the loading orientation to the conveying orientation.

[0044] The second action device can comprise a twisted conveyor section with a reverse rotation of the guide rail around the conveying direction, for example, by -45°, so that a passing carriage returns to its normal orientation. Accordingly, the carriage's support hook returns to its original orientation, in which it has only one position in which the suspension hook of the transport bag can rest securely. Gravity-driven, the suspension hook slides along the support hook into the now only stable position, and the transport bag rotates back to the conveying orientation.

[0045] Alternatively, the second action device also contains an additional action element which supports the initiation of the rotation of the transport bags and / or dampens the rotational movement.

[0046] A device according to the invention advantageously also comprises a stabilizing device for stabilizing the transport bags before and / or during loading by the filling device. During loading of the transport bags with goods, the stabilizing device ensures that the suspended transport bags remain in a defined rest position and do not swing or move unintentionally. This has the advantage of minimizing the likelihood of an incorrect loading process.

[0047] In the context of this disclosure, the term "stabilizing the transport bag" means that the transport bag should be prevented from moving further, in particular from swinging, pivoting, and twisting. This includes swinging in the conveying direction, as well as swinging transversely to the conveying direction, and rotating the bag around the vertical. Stabilizing the transport bag can assist filling the transport bag, especially when the filling device moves at least partially into the bag opening.

[0048] However, the transport bag can also be filled while it is being conveyed, i.e., while the transport bag is moving, especially while it is moving slowly. In this case, it can be advantageous if the opening of the transport bag is not aligned exactly parallel to the conveying direction.

[0049] The stabilizing device serves to stabilize the transport bags in the intended loading position during loading, whereby the transport bags are in the intended loading position in the loading orientation.

[0050] The stabilizing device can advantageously also serve to at least partially open the pocket opening of the transport bag so that the filling device can be moved at least partially into the pocket opening and the goods can be unloaded into the pocket receiving space of the transport bag.

[0051] Advantageously, the filling device and the stabilizing device of a device according to the invention are connected to each other in terms of control technology.

[0052] This has the advantage that the operation of the two devices can be optimally coordinated. The stabilization and loading of the transport bags can be efficiently automated.

[0053] The stabilizing device of a device according to the invention advantageously comprises at least one suction gripper. The at least one suction gripper is advantageously configured such that it can suction onto a first pocket wall and / or a second pocket wall of the transport bag. The pocket opening of the transport bag can thus be at least partially opened for loading with goods, while simultaneously spatially fixing the transport bag and thus stabilizing it.

[0054] Particularly advantageously, the stabilizing device comprises two suction grippers which can suck the transport bag onto both bag walls.

[0055] In this way, the bag opening can be opened as wide, stable and reliable as possible.

[0056] The suction grippers can directly suck up the bag material or alternatively suck up the bag wall at suitable counterparts, such as airtight plastic elements.

[0057] In a device according to the invention, the stabilizing device advantageously comprises at least one magnetic gripper.

[0058] The at least one magnetic gripper is configured to magnetically hold a first pocket wall and / or a second pocket wall of the transport bag. The opening of the transport bag can thus be at least partially opened for loading with goods, while simultaneously spatially fixing the transport bag and thus stabilizing it.

[0059] The magnetic gripper has a similar operating principle to the suction gripper, but instead of suction force, magnetic attraction force is used.

[0060] The magnetic grippers can interact with corresponding ferromagnetic metal elements on the transport bags or with counter magnets that are arranged directly on the bag walls of the transport bags.

[0061] The magnetic grippers are particularly advantageous when implemented with electromagnets. These have the advantage of being easy to switch on and off.

[0062] In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stabilizing device comprises at least one stabilizing cam or at least one clamping element. The transport pocket can be stabilized parallel to the conveying direction using the at least one stabilizing cam or the at least one clamping element.

[0063] The at least one stabilizing cam is advantageously arranged upstream of the transport bag in its loading position along the conveyor line, so that in addition to stabilizing the transport bag, the transport bag cannot be guided past the loading area unintentionally.

[0064] In a further advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the stabilizing device comprises at least one cam track, wherein the cam track has a belt drive and a belt with at least one cam.

[0065] Particularly advantageously, the at least one cam of the at least one cam track can be arranged downstream and / or upstream of a loading position of the transport bag, and said at least one cam can stabilize the transport bag during loading by the filling device with at least one unit of goods substantially parallel to the conveying direction.

[0066] The belt drive advantageously comprises a closed belt tensioned over two pulleys whose axes are parallel and whose direction of rotation is the same. At least one cam, preferably several cams, are arranged on the outer side of the belt. The cams can be rubberized to provide better adhesion.

[0067] Advantageously, the cam concentricity has four cams so that the transport pockets are in contact with the cams on both sides of the pockets aligned transversely to the conveying path in the loading position.

[0068] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of such a device, the belt of the at least one cam track contacts the transport pocket parallel to the conveying direction on a pocket wall and stabilizes the transport pocket transversely to the conveying direction.

[0069] Particularly advantageously, the belt of the at least one cam track contacts the transport bag parallel to the bag wall opposite the bag wall with the bag opening. In another possible embodiment of a device according to the invention, the stabilizing device comprises at least one brush element.

[0070] In an advantageous variant, the at least one brush element is designed as a brush.

[0071] In another advantageous variant, the at least one brush element is designed as a brush wheel which has radially aligned bristles on the circumferential surface of the brush wheel.

[0072] The brush wheel can be rotating, so that the wheel rotates as the transport bags are conveyed, or it can be fixed, so that the bristles arranged on the circumference gradually stop the transport bag.

[0073] The brush wheel can also be driven, which has the advantage that it can brake the carrying bag better, especially if the direction of rotation of the brush wheel counteracts the direction of movement of the carrying bag.

[0074] Advantageously, with such a brush element, the bristles of the brush element engage with a hanging hook of a carrying bag.

[0075] The bristles of the brush element engage particularly advantageously with the hanging hooks of the transport bags.

[0076] The bristles also engage in the middle area of ​​the hanging hooks and prevent the hanging hooks from accidentally losing their loading alignment.

[0077] The at least one brush element is advantageously configured to decelerate the transport bags in a deceleration zone before the rotation zone and stabilize them during loading by the filling device. The brush element advantageously contacts the incoming transport bags in the area of ​​the suspension hook, thereby gradually decelerating or braking them.

[0078] The brush element advantageously comprises a strip which, in the upstream deceleration zone, has a curve for gently decelerating the transport pockets. The curve approaches the guide rail in the conveying direction. The first zone of the brush element is thus an inlet zone for the transport pockets. The curve of the inlet zone ends before the loading position of the transport pockets, so that the brush element runs parallel to the conveying direction in the loading zone. Due to the curvature of the brush element, the deceleration effect of the brush element gradually increases in the conveying direction, so that the transport pockets are not decelerated abruptly, thus avoiding unwanted vibrations.

[0079] A brush element according to the invention can be implemented both actively and passively in order to either actively exert a deflecting force on the transport pocket or merely passively support the deflection of the transport pocket from the conveying orientation to the loading orientation.

[0080] In a further advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the stabilizing device has a rotating tine wheel device, a gripping device with pivotable hooks and / or a clamping device.

[0081] The filling device of a device according to the invention advantageously has a detection means which is designed to determine at least one of the following properties: fill level of the transport bag, distance of the filling device from the transport bag, position of the transport bag, position of a unit of goods in relation to the filling device, presence of a unit of goods in the filling device.

[0082] Advantageously, in a device according to the invention, the pocket opening of the transport bag is formed by a rigid frame and defined by the plane of the frame.

[0083] Corresponding transport bags are known, for example, from US 2019 / 0300294 A1.

[0084] When the swing frame is closed, the transport pocket is moved along the guide rail in the conveying direction. When the swing frame is open, the conveyor unit with the transport pocket can be stopped, and the opened transport pocket can be loaded or unloaded from one side or the other.

[0085] A device according to the invention can advantageously have a first rotational area arranged upstream of the loading area, in which a transport pocket can be rotated from the conveying orientation to the loading orientation. Particularly advantageously, in such a device, the action device in the first rotational area comprises a freely rotating disc.

[0086] In a device according to the invention, a pocket opening of the transport bag can be formed by an opening in the first pocket wall or in the second pocket wall.

[0087] In yet another advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the transport bag comprises a closing device which reversibly closes the transport bag downwards and forms a reversibly openable bottom opening of the transport bag.

[0088] Such a locking device is advantageously a locking device according to the invention.

[0089] In a special embodiment of the invention, the transport bag is slowly guided past the filling device during loading. The opening of the transport bag can be aligned parallel to the conveying direction.

[0090] The opening of the transport bag can also be guided past the filling device at an angle to the conveying direction. The angle can be between +25° and -25° to the conveying direction, in particular, the angle can be between +15° and -15° to the conveying direction. In a special embodiment, the angle can be between +10° and -10° to the conveying direction.

[0091] The conveyor units can be moved in the loading area by means of a drive. The conveyor units can be driven by a carrier conveyor, as disclosed, for example, in publication CH 719108 A1.

[0092] As stated above, an advantageous transport bag consists of a flexible fabric material, an opening with a rigid frame and a suspension hook which hooks into the carrying hook of the conveyor unit. Since the flexible fabric alone does not provide any stability to the transport bag, the rigid frame ensures that the transport bag and the bag opening remain constant in shape and readiness for use. The frame can have a square, rectangular, round or other suitable geometry, provided that the belt conveyor of the filling device can move at least partially into the bag opening. The first bag wall can also be referred to as the bag front wall because it is arranged in front of the second bag wall. The second bag wall can also be referred to as the bag rear wall because it is arranged behind the first bag wall.

[0093] The first and second bag walls can be equipped with side walls. These side walls can at least partially close the carrying bag, particularly in the lower area of ​​the carrying bag. The side walls can be arranged in the lower area of ​​the carrying bag.

[0094] In a special embodiment, the transport bag can also have only one side wall.

[0095] The bag receiving space for the goods, accessible through the bag opening, is formed in the open position of the transport bag. The bag receiving space can be positioned forward of the bag's rear wall in the conveying direction of the transport bag.

[0096] However, the pocket receiving space can also be arranged downstream of the pocket's rear wall in the conveying direction of the transport pocket. If the pocket receiving space is arranged downstream of the pocket's rear wall, the pocket opening is also arranged downstream of the pocket's rear wall.

[0097] The transport bag is located in the loading area during the transfer of at least one item. The transport bag is either in an open position or is opened in the loading area. The bag receiving space of the transport bag forms a receiving space for the goods.

[0098] In a special embodiment, the transport bag is not opened during the filling process with the at least one item of goods. Instead, during the filling process, the filling device opens the transport bag as it moves into the transport bag through the bag opening. The goods are conveyed into the transport bag and fall into the bag receiving space.

[0099] A device according to the invention advantageously also comprises a reversing area or second rotating area arranged downstream of the loading area, in which the transport pockets can be rotated from the loading orientation back to the conveying orientation. A first action device can be arranged in the rotating area and in the reversing area to assist in the new orientation of the transport pockets.

[0100] In one possible embodiment, the impact device comprises a freely rotating disc in the rotation area before loading the transport pockets, whereby the disc assists in the rotation of the transport pockets. During the realignment, the freely rotating disc contacts an outer part of the leading pocket wall, so that the transport pockets are aligned parallel to the conveying direction.

[0101] Alternatively or complementarily, it is also possible for a second action device to be arranged in the reversing area to assist the reversing of the transport pockets into the conveying orientation.

[0102] The device advantageously comprises a storage area arranged upstream of the rotating area, in which transport pockets to be loaded can be stored in the conveying direction. Thus, at least one transport pocket is always available in the storage area for loading with goods, so that delays between loading operations can be minimized.

[0103] The accumulation area is also designed to release accumulated transport bags individually for loading. This prevents disruptions during loading and ensures continuous operation of the conveyor system. In the event of a disruption in the loading area, the accumulated transport bags can be retained.

[0104] In one possible embodiment, the transport bag can, alternatively or in addition to the first opening, have a second opening in the first wall or in the second wall, into which the filling device can be at least partially inserted. Thus, the transport bag can be closed from above and only allow goods to be inserted through the opening in the first wall or the second wall. This can be particularly useful for smaller goods and transport bags that are not fully filled.

[0105] Transport bags can also have more than one opening, for example, with different sizes for goods of different sizes. A second aspect of the invention relates to devices for loading transport bags in an overhead conveyor system, in particular a rail-guided overhead conveyor system.

[0106] Such a device according to the invention comprises at least one conveyor unit with a carriage having a support hook and a transport pocket with a suspension hook, wherein the transport pocket is suspended by the suspension hook in the support hook of the carriage; and a guide rail which defines a conveying path along which the carriage of the at least one conveyor unit can be conveyed in a conveying direction. The transport pocket has a first pocket wall, a second pocket wall, a frame rigidly connected to the suspension hook, and a pocket opening. The transport pocket can be transferred from a conveying orientation to a loading orientation, wherein in the conveying orientation the pocket opening of the transport pocket is oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction and in the loading orientation the pocket opening of the transport pocket is oriented substantially parallel to the conveying direction.The device further comprises a stabilizing device for reversibly stabilizing the transport bag, in particular the bag opening, in the loading orientation, wherein the stabilizing device comprises at least one stabilizing element.

[0107] Such a stabilizing element can be, for example, a suction gripper or a magnetic gripper, or stabilizing cams on a cam track, or a brush element, or a tine wheel device, or a gripping device, or a clamping device, as discussed above in the context of the first aspect of the invention, or combinations thereof.

[0108] In an advantageous embodiment of such a device according to the invention, the stabilizing device comprises as the at least one stabilizing element at least one stabilizing holder which is designed to reversibly fix the frame and / or the suspension hook in a form-fitting manner in the conveying direction.

[0109] Suitable conveyor units for the present invention are known, for example, from US 2019 / 0367282 A1. The conveyor unit comprises a carriage with a carrying hook, on which a suspension hook of the transport bag can assume two stable positions. Such bags have solid front and rear walls, for example made of sturdy plastic, in particular hollow-chamber panels, which are pivotally connected to one another via a wire frame. These so-called "hard pouches" are particularly suitable for heavier loads. The bag opening is defined by the opening of the wire frame.

[0110] Alternatively, transport bags of a lighter design can also be used in such conveyor units, as described in the figures and known from US 2019 / 0300294 A1. Such so-called "soft pouches", which are particularly suitable for lighter loads, have a closed frame, for example a closed wire frame, which is rigidly connected to the suspension hook at an upper edge. The suspension hook can also be designed as a projection of the closed frame. The rear wall, the bottom, and the front wall of the transport bag are formed by a flexible fabric web or other flexible sheet product, which is connected to the upper edge of the frame on one long side and to the lower edge of the frame on the other long side. If necessary, side walls can also be provided in the area of ​​the bag bottom. The bag opening is defined by the opening of the closed frame.

[0111] As already explained above, the term "stabilizing the transport bag" is to be understood as preventing the transport bag from moving further, particularly from swinging, pivoting, and twisting. This includes swinging in the conveying direction, as well as swinging perpendicular to the conveying direction, and rotating the bag around the vertical.

[0112] This is achieved very effectively by the stabilizing device of the device according to the invention, which can firmly fix the frame of the transport bag in all three spatial axes. In the stabilizing position, the stabilizing holder positively fixes the frame and / or the suspension hook rigidly connected to the frame. During loading of the transport bags with goods, the stabilizing device thus ensures that the suspended transport bags are in a defined position and do not swing or move unintentionally. This has the advantage of minimizing the likelihood of an incorrect loading process. Stabilizing the transport bag can thus assist filling the transport bag, particularly when the filling device retracts at least partially into the bag opening.After the loading process is completed, the stabilizing holder of the stabilizing device releases the frame again. In the context of this disclosure, the term "loading orientation" also refers to a loading position of the transport bag, in particular when the transport bag is stopped.

[0113] Advantageously, in a device according to the invention, the stabilizing holder of the stabilizing device comprises a first holding element and a second holding element, wherein the two holding elements abut along an edge, and wherein the edge is aligned substantially parallel to the conveying direction.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, in a device according to the invention, the stabilizing holder of the stabilizing device is advantageously designed such that it can reversibly fix the frame of the transport bag in a form-fitting manner to the side of the suspension hook transversely to the conveying direction.

[0115] The stabilizing holder can also be wider than the carrying bag.

[0116] Advantageously, in a device according to the invention, the stabilizing device comprises an actuator which is configured to move the stabilizing holder back and forth between a release position and a stabilizing position, wherein the stabilizing holder does not interact with the frame of the transport bag in the release position, and in the stabilizing position fixes the frame in a form-fitting manner in the conveying direction and deflects it transversely to the conveying direction away from the guide rail.

[0117] Particularly advantageously, the stabilizing device comprises a stop plate which is arranged on the side of the conveyor rail opposite the actuator and which is designed such that in the stabilizing position of the stabilizing holder, the frame of the transport bag is positively fixed between the stabilizing holder and the stop plate.

[0118] Even more advantageously, in the device according to the invention, the transport pocket is designed such that the pocket opening does not lie directly against the first pocket wall or the second pocket wall when the stabilizing holder of the stabilizing device is in the stabilizing position and deflects the frame transversely to the conveying direction away from the guide rail.

[0119] The transport pocket can be designed such that the pocket opening has a non-zero area in a projection along the vertical when the stabilizing holder of the stabilizing device is in the stabilizing position and deflects the frame transversely to the conveying direction away from the guide rail.

[0120] Advantageously, in a device according to the invention, a pocket opening of the transport bag is formed by a rigid frame and defined by the plane of the rigid frame.

[0121] Corresponding transport bags are known, for example, from US 2019 / 0300294 A1.

[0122] When the swing frame is closed, the transport pocket is moved along the guide rail in the conveying direction. When the swing frame is open, the conveyor unit with the transport pocket can be stopped, and the opened transport pocket can be loaded or unloaded from one side or the other.

[0123] In a device according to the invention, a pocket opening of the transport bag is advantageously formed by an opening in the first pocket wall or in the second pocket wall.

[0124] In a device according to the invention, the transport bag advantageously comprises a closing device which reversibly closes the transport bag downwards and forms a reversibly openable bottom opening of the transport bag.

[0125] Such a locking device is advantageously a locking device according to the invention.

[0126] In a special embodiment of the invention, the transport bag is slowly guided past the filling device during loading. The opening of the transport bag can be aligned parallel to the conveying direction.

[0127] The opening of the transport bag can also be guided past the filling device at an angle to the conveying direction. The angle can be between +25° and -25° to the conveying direction, in particular, the angle can be between +15° and -15° to the conveying direction. In a special embodiment, the angle can be between +10° and -10° to the conveying direction.

[0128] The conveyor units can be moved in the loading area by means of a drive. The conveyor units can be driven by a flighted conveyor, as disclosed, for example, in publication CH 719108 A1. As described above, an advantageous transport bag consists of a flexible fabric material, an opening with a rigid frame, and a suspension hook that hooks into the support hook of the conveyor unit. Since the flexible fabric alone does not provide stability to the transport bag, the rigid frame ensures that the transport bag and the bag opening remain constant in shape and readiness for use. The frame can have a square, rectangular, round, or other suitable geometry, provided that the belt conveyor of the filling device can move at least partially into the bag opening.

[0129] The first pocket wall can also be called the front pocket wall, as it is positioned in front of the second pocket wall. The second pocket wall can also be called the back pocket wall, as it is positioned behind the first pocket wall.

[0130] The first and second bag walls can be equipped with side walls. These side walls can at least partially close the carrying bag, particularly in the lower area of ​​the carrying bag. The side walls can be arranged in the lower area of ​​the carrying bag.

[0131] In a special embodiment, the transport bag can also have only one side wall.

[0132] The bag receiving space for the goods, accessible through the bag opening, is formed in the open position of the transport bag. The bag receiving space can be positioned forward of the bag's rear wall in the conveying direction of the transport bag.

[0133] However, the pocket receiving space can also be arranged downstream of the pocket's rear wall in the conveying direction of the transport pocket. If the pocket receiving space is arranged downstream of the pocket's rear wall, the pocket opening is also arranged downstream of the pocket's rear wall.

[0134] The transport bag is located in the loading area during the transfer of the at least one item of goods. The transport bag is accordingly in an open position or is opened in the loading area. The bag receiving space of the transport bag forms a receiving space for receiving goods. In a special embodiment, the transport bag is not opened during the filling process when the transport bag is filled with the at least one item of goods. Instead, during the filling process, the filling device opens the transport bag as it moves into the transport bag through the bag opening. The goods are conveyed into the transport bag and fall into the bag receiving space.

[0135] A device according to the invention advantageously also comprises a reverse rotation area or second rotation area arranged downstream of the loading area, in which the transport pockets can be rotated from the loading orientation back into the conveying orientation.

[0136] A first action device can be arranged in the rotation area and in the reverse rotation area in order to support the new alignment of the transport bags.

[0137] In one possible embodiment, the impact device comprises a freely rotating disc in the rotation area before loading the transport pockets, whereby the disc assists in the rotation of the transport pockets. During the realignment, the freely rotating disc contacts an outer part of the leading pocket wall, so that the transport pockets are aligned parallel to the conveying direction.

[0138] Alternatively or complementarily, it is also possible for a second action device to be arranged in the reversing area to assist the reversing of the transport pockets into the conveying orientation.

[0139] The device advantageously comprises a storage area arranged upstream of the rotating area, in which transport pockets to be loaded can be stored in the conveying direction. Thus, at least one transport pocket is always available in the storage area for loading with goods, so that delays between loading operations can be minimized.

[0140] The accumulation area is also intended to release accumulated transport bags individually for loading. This can prevent disruptions during loading and ensure continuous operation of the conveyor system. In the event of a disruption in the loading area, the accumulated transport bags can be retained. In one possible embodiment, the transport bag can have, alternatively or in addition to the first bag opening, a second pocket opening in the first bag wall or in the second bag wall, into which a filling device can be at least partially inserted. The transport bag can therefore be closed from above and only allow goods to be introduced through the pocket opening in the first bag wall or the second bag wall. This can be particularly useful for smaller goods and transport bags that are not completely filled.

[0141] Transport bags can also have more than one pocket opening, for example with different sizes for different sized goods.

[0142] In an advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the device has a filling device which is suitable for loading the transport pocket of the at least one conveyor unit with units of goods.

[0143] It is particularly advantageous in such a device that the filling device can be moved transversely to the conveying direction.

[0144] Alternatively or additionally, in such a device, the filling device is advantageously designed as a belt conveyor with a rotating conveyor belt.

[0145] In such a device according to the invention, the filling device can advantageously be moved at least partially into the pocket opening of a transport pocket in the loading orientation when the stabilizing holder is in the stabilizing position and deflects the frame transversely to the conveying direction away from the guide rail.

[0146] Particularly advantageously, the filling device is designed as a belt conveyor with a rotating conveyor belt that can be moved horizontally transversely to the conveying direction.

[0147] This has the advantage that the filling device can be moved at least partially into the pocket opening of the transport bag and can thus deposit the goods directly into the pocket receiving space of the transport bag.

[0148] Such a filling device can be realized, for example, by a two- or multi-part belt conveyor in which one or more sections can be moved along the conveyor axis in order to change the length of the belt conveyor.

[0149] The belt conveyor can also be designed to be pivotable, so that, for example, the section that moves into the transport bag can be pivoted downwards at a suitable angle to assist the goods in falling into the transport bag.

[0150] The belt conveyor can also be designed to be rotatable, so that it can be turned, for example, towards the transport bag in order to transfer a product element into the transport bag.

[0151] A deflector plate can also be arranged at the end of the belt conveyor.

[0152] The belt conveyor is advantageously retracted from the pocket opening of the transport bag when the goods reach the end of the belt conveyor in the pocket opening. This solution has the advantage that the goods are positioned deeper in the pocket opening when the center of gravity of the goods element passes over the edge of the belt conveyor and ultimately falls into the pocket interior.

[0153] The filling device and the stabilizing device are advantageously connected to each other in terms of control technology.

[0154] This has the advantage that the operation of the two devices can be optimally coordinated. The stabilization and loading of the transport bags can be efficiently automated.

[0155] In a further advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the filling device has a detection device which is designed to determine at least one of the following properties: fill level of the transport bag, distance of the filling device from the transport bag, position of the transport bag, position of a unit of goods in relation to the filling device, presence of a unit of goods in the filling device.

[0156] A device according to the invention advantageously comprises a first action device for transferring a transport bag from the conveying orientation to the loading orientation. The first action device can comprise a twisted conveyor section with a rotation of the guide rail around the conveying direction, for example, by 45°.

[0157] As disclosed in US 2019 / 0367282 A1, by rotating the guide rail around the conveying direction and accordingly the carriage running on it, the support hook of the carriage is brought into an orientation in which it has two positions, namely local minima in the vertical, on which the suspension hook of the transport bag can rest stably.

[0158] The suspension hook of the transport bag can now be moved from a first position on the support hook, which corresponds to the conveying orientation of the transport bag, to a second position on the support hook, which corresponds to the loading orientation of the transport bag.

[0159] For this purpose, the action device also has an additional action element, for example a freely rotating disc, a link or a rail, which initiates the rotation of the transport bag by transmitting an angular momentum.

[0160] In the conveying orientation, the pocket opening and the suspension hook of the transport pocket are oriented essentially transversely to the conveying direction. In the loading orientation, the pocket opening and the suspension hook of the transport pocket are oriented essentially parallel to the conveying direction.

[0161] A device according to the invention advantageously comprises a second action device for transferring a transport bag from the loading orientation to the conveying orientation.

[0162] The second action device can comprise a twisted conveyor section with a reverse rotation of the guide rail around the conveying direction, for example, by -45°, so that a passing carriage returns to its normal orientation. Accordingly, the carriage's support hook returns to its original orientation, in which it has only one position in which the suspension hook of the transport bag can rest securely. Driven by gravity, the suspension hook slides on the support hook into what is now the only stable position, and the transport bag rotates back into its conveying orientation. Alternatively, the second action device also contains an additional action element that supports the initiation of the rotation of the transport bags and / or dampens the rotational movement.

[0163] Advantageously, in a device according to the invention, a first rotation area is provided which is arranged upstream of the loading area and in which a transport pocket can be rotated from the conveying orientation into the loading orientation.

[0164] Particularly advantageously, the action device comprises a freely rotating disc in the first rotation area.

[0165] A third aspect of the invention relates to a conveyor system for the guided hanging transport of transport bags, in particular a rail-guided hanging conveyor system.

[0166] Such a conveyor system according to the invention comprises at least one device according to the invention for loading transport bags.

[0167] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for loading transport bags in an overhead conveyor system, in particular a rail-guided conveyor system.

[0168] Such a method according to the invention comprises the steps of: providing a device according to the invention for loading transport bags; feeding a conveyor unit with a transport bag along a guide rail, wherein the transport bag is in a conveying orientation in which the pocket opening of the transport bag is oriented substantially transversely to a conveying direction; transferring the transport bag from the conveying orientation into the loading orientation in which the pocket opening of the transport bag is oriented substantially parallel to the conveying direction; stabilizing the transport bag by means of a stabilizing device; and loading the transport bag with at least one item of goods by means of a filling device.

[0169] In the method according to the invention, the filling device is advantageously displaced transversely to the conveying direction.

[0170] Alternatively or additionally, in an advantageous variant of the method according to the invention, the stabilizing device fixes the transport bag in all three spatial axes. The loaded transport bag can later be advantageously unloaded downwards by gravity. The transport bag is advantageously unloaded by opening a reversibly opening closing device at the lower end of the bag.

[0171] In an advantageous variant of the method according to the invention, the filling device is moved at least partially into a pocket opening of a transport bag in the loading orientation.

[0172] Advantageously, a control system is provided which is designed to coordinate the various functions and processes of a device according to the invention, in particular the operation of the filling device and the stabilization of the transport bag.

[0173] Turning the carrying bag also means pivoting or swiveling the carrying bag.

[0174] In the conveying orientation of the transport pocket, the pocket opening is oriented essentially transversely to the conveying direction, and in the loading orientation of the transport pocket, the pocket opening is oriented essentially parallel to the conveying direction.

[0175] "Substantially parallel to the conveying direction" means that the angle between the pocket opening and the conveying direction is between +25° and -25°; in particular, the angle can be between +15° and -15°. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the angle can be between +10° and -10°.

[0176] After loading the transport pockets, the filling device transfers the transport pockets from the loading orientation back to the conveying orientation in a subsequent reversing area and then conveys them further along the overhead conveyor system. Advantageously, a plurality of transport pockets are provided in an embanked arrangement.

[0177] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the transport bags come from an empty bag storage area or a buffer point for empty transport bags and are fed to the device according to the invention. When the transport bags arrive at the device according to the invention, they are stopped by a stop element in the accumulation area before loading and released individually by the stop element so that the individual transport bags can be conveyed further downstream towards the loading area. In the rotation area, the transport bag is brought into the loading orientation or position by means of the engagement element and the guide rail rotated in the rotation area. After the transport bag has been filled with goods by the filling device, the transport bag is conveyed further and brought back from the loading orientation to the conveying orientation by means of the reversing rotation of the guide rail and possibly another engagement element.Downstream of the reversing area, the transport bags are removed, for example to a sorting system on the conveyor system or to a shipping point.

[0178] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a closing device for reversibly closing a container, in particular a transport bag for use in an overhead conveyor system, in particular a rail-guided overhead conveyor system.

[0179] Such a closing device according to the invention comprises two closing elements which reversibly close a discharge opening of the transport bag, wherein in a closed state of the closing device the two closing elements are fixed to one another in a force-fitting manner and thus close the discharge opening, and in an open state of the closing device the two closing elements are spaced apart from one another and thus release the discharge opening.

[0180] A locking device according to the invention has the advantage that it can be opened and closed as often as desired.

[0181] The closing device is advantageously located at a lower end of the transport bag, away from the suspension hook. This has the advantage that the emptying of the transport bag, i.e., the unloading of the goods contained in the transport bag, can be carried out automatically downwards by gravity after the unloading opening is opened.

[0182] The structure of a locking device according to the invention is less complex than known from the prior art, since no complex mechanical elements are necessary for the positive connection of the two locking elements.

[0183] In a locking device according to the invention, the two locking elements are advantageously designed as two locking bars, with two or more permanent magnets arranged along a longitudinal axis on each of the two locking bars. The force-locking connection between the two locking elements is thus achieved by the magnetic force of attraction.

[0184] After the transport bag has been emptied, the discharge opening of the transport bag closes automatically, as the two locking bars of the locking device align themselves with each other.

[0185] The permanent magnets can be, for example, ferrite magnets or neodymium magnets.

[0186] In such a locking device according to the invention, the permanent magnets of the two locking bars are advantageously arranged opposite each other in pairs.

[0187] Due to the mutual attraction of the opposing permanent magnets of the two locking bars, the locking bars attract each other and are reversibly and detachably coupled to each other.

[0188] In such a locking device according to the invention, it is advantageous for the pairs of opposing permanent magnets of the two locking bars to have a magnetic north pole facing a magnetic south pole.

[0189] In an advantageous locking device according to the invention, the magnetic pole axes of the two or more permanent magnets are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking bar.

[0190] A north pole of a permanent magnet on one locking bar and a south pole of a permanent magnet on the other bar can thus attract each other and generate a closing force that holds the locking bars together and thus keeps the locking device closed. Advantageously, in a locking device according to the invention, the two or more permanent magnets are arranged in pairs along the longitudinal axis on a locking bar.

[0191] Advantageously, in a locking device according to the invention on a locking bar, the magnetic pole axes of two adjacent permanent magnets are each aligned oppositely.

[0192] The permanent magnets are thus arranged along the locking bar with alternating polarity. Thus, a permanent magnet with a south-north orientation is followed by a permanent magnet with a north-south orientation. The locking device can be opened by sliding or moving the locking bars against each other along their longitudinal axis. This causes the permanent magnets of the two locking bars with the same polarity to interact and repel each other.

[0193] In another advantageous embodiment of a locking device according to the invention, the magnetic pole axes of the two or more permanent magnets are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking bar.

[0194] In this case too, the permanent magnets of one locking bar interact with corresponding inversely aligned permanent magnets of the other locking bar, whereby in this case the force of attraction is lower because the north pole and south pole of interacting permanent magnets in the two locking bars are not directly opposite each other, but the interacting permanent magnets with reversed polarity are parallel to each other.

[0195] The locking strips are preferably made of a non-magnetic material, in particular aluminum, brass or plastic.

[0196] The permanent magnets can, for example, be cast into the plastic of the locking bar.

[0197] In a locking device according to the invention, the two locking elements can be designed independently of each other, i.e., not directly connected via other elements. Such a solution has the advantage of simplifying the design of the locking device.

[0198] Alternatively, in a locking device according to the invention, the two locking elements can be functionally coupled to one another. In particular, the two locking elements can be functionally connected to one another.

[0199] The two locking elements can be functionally linked to each other via suitable elements, particularly mechanical elements. Such a solution has the advantage, for example, that the alignment of the two locking devices relative to each other in space is precisely defined at all times, which simplifies the opening or closing process of the locking device.

[0200] Such elements for the functional coupling of the two locking elements can, for example, be designed as articulated connections that movably connect the two locking elements. In particular, locking connections designed as locking bars can be coupled to each other at their two longitudinal ends via mechanical elements. For example, a rod can be mounted at each of the longitudinal ends of the locking bars so that it can pivot about the longitudinal axis of the locking bar, with the opposing rods of the locking bars in turn being pivotally connected to each other.

[0201] Spring elements can also be provided which force-lock the locking elements together when the locking device is in the closed state.

[0202] In addition, spring elements can also be provided which support, in particular accelerate, the opening process and / or the closing process of a locking device according to the invention.

[0203] Spring elements can also be provided which apply a spring force to the locking device, which supports the opening process of the locking device, wherein in a closed state of the locking device this spring force is overcome by the force-fitting fixation of the two locking elements.

[0204] A sixth aspect of the invention relates to an advantageous transport bag for use in an overhead conveyor system, in particular a rail-guided overhead conveyor system.

[0205] Such a transport bag according to the invention comprises a first pocket wall and a second pocket wall, and a closing device according to the invention arranged at one end of the first pocket wall and second pocket wall in order to reversibly releasably close the first pocket wall and the second pocket wall at said end of the first and second pocket walls.

[0206] The locking device can be opened temporarily to unload the transport bag and then closes again.

[0207] Advantageously, the locking device is arranged at a lower end of the transport bag, facing away from a hanging hook of the transport bag.

[0208] This has the advantage that the emptying of the transport bag, i.e., the unloading of the goods contained in the transport bag, can take place automatically and downwards from the discharge opening by gravity after the closing device has been opened. The transport bag can, in particular, comprise an opening device or cooperate with one by means of which the closing device can be opened.

[0209] The first pocket wall and the second pocket wall are advantageously movable relative to each other for opening and closing the transport bag.

[0210] Character description

[0211] To better illustrate the present invention, reference is made below to the drawings. These merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to the features disclosed herein. The same or similar reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent parts in the following figures and the associated description.

[0212] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a device according to the invention for loading transport bags.

[0213] Figure 2 shows schematically a perspective view of a conveyor unit of a device according to the invention with a carriage and a transport container suspended thereon, (a) in the conveyor orientation, and (b) in the loading orientation.

[0214] Figures 3a-3c show a schematic side view of a transport bag and a stabilizing device of a device according to the invention during loading with a unit of goods.

[0215] Figures 4a-4c show schematically a perspective view of a transport bag and a stabilizing device of a device according to the invention, during loading with a unit of goods by means of a filling device of a device according to the invention.

[0216] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of another device according to the invention for loading transport bags. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a stabilizing device of a device according to the invention, in the form of a brush element, (a) in a side view transverse to the conveying direction, (b) in a side view parallel to the conveying direction, and (c) in a plan view of only the brush element.

[0217] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a stabilizing device of a device according to the invention, in the form of a tine wheel, (a) in side view transverse to the conveying direction, (b) in plan view of the tine wheel, and (c) in plan view of an alternative embodiment of the tine wheel.

[0218] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a stabilizing device of a device according to the invention, in the form of an engaging hook, (a) in a side view transverse to the conveying direction, (b) in a side view parallel to the conveying direction, (c) in a detailed view of the engaging hook, and (d), (e) in a detailed view of two alternative embodiments of the engaging hook.

[0219] Figure 9 shows schematically a perspective view of a stabilizing device of a device according to the invention, in the form of a driven clamping device.

[0220] Figures 10a-10c show schematically a perspective view of a transport bag and a stabilizing device of a device according to the invention, during loading with a unit of goods by means of a filling device of a device according to the invention.

[0221] Figures 11a-11c schematically show a perspective view of a side-wall-less transport bag with a closing device according to the invention during loading with a unit of goods by means of a filling device of a device according to the invention, and after emptying by opening the closing device.

[0222] Figure 12 schematically shows an advantageous embodiment of a closing device according to the invention. Figures 13a-13c schematically show the emptying of a transport bag with a closing device according to the invention.

[0223] Figure 14 shows schematically a transport bag and a stabilizing device of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention, (a) in side view transverse to the conveying direction, (b) in side view parallel to the conveying direction before activation of the stabilizing device, and (c) in side view parallel to the conveying direction after activation of the stabilizing device during insertion of a unit of goods.

[0224] Figure 15 shows schematically a transport bag and a stabilizing device of yet another embodiment of a device according to the invention, (a) in side view transverse to the conveying direction, (b) in side view parallel to the conveying direction before activation of the stabilizing device, and (c) in side view parallel to the conveying direction after activation of the stabilizing device during insertion of a unit of goods.

[0225] Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention for loading transport bags with a stabilizing device as shown in Figure 15 and a filling device.

[0226] Figure 17 shows a schematic side view of another device according to the invention analogous to Figure 16, in which the filling device is coupled upstream to a tilting tray conveyor.

[0227] Implementation of the invention

[0228] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention for loading conveyor units 75 in a suspended conveyor system 100, with transport containers in the form of transport pockets 2.

[0229] The carriages 72 are mounted on the guide rail in a form-fitting manner and can be moved along the guide rail 71 in the conveying direction 74. The transport pockets 2 are suspended from a support hook 73 of the carriages 72 via a suspension hook 26. They have a first pocket wall or front wall 21 and a second pocket wall or rear wall 22. The front wall runs ahead in the conveying direction 74.

[0230] The rear wall 22 has a pocket opening 23 which is designed as a frame construction 25.

[0231] The transport bags 2 are conveyed along a guide rail 71 of the overhead conveyor system 100 in a conveying direction 74 and reach a storage area 13. The storage area 13 is provided so that a supply of unfilled transport bags 2 can always be kept ready for later filling.

[0232] In the accumulation area 13, a stop element 131 is advantageously arranged, which stops the transport pockets 2. By clearing the conveying path by the stop element 131, the transport pockets 2 are released individually and, driven by gravity, reach a first rotation area 11 following in the conveying direction 74.

[0233] The rotation area 11 is provided so that the transport pockets 2 can be transferred from a conveying orientation 31, in which they are aligned perpendicular to the conveying direction 74 in a space-saving manner, into a loading orientation 32.

[0234] An engaging device 3 is provided for transferring a transport bag 2' in the rotation area 11 from the conveying orientation 31 to the loading orientation 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging device 3 consists of several interacting elements.

[0235] In the illustrated embodiment of the device 1, a rotation of the guide rail 71 along its longitudinal axis by 45° is provided in a first rotation section 33 in the rotation area 11, so that the carriage 72 is also rotated by 45° around the longitudinal axis of the guide rail 71 during conveyance along the conveying direction. In this position, the support hook 73 of the carriage 72 has two positions in which a suspension hook of the transport bag can rest securely. Such a system is disclosed in particular in Figure 5 of US 2019 / 0367282 A1.

[0236] The transport bag 2 can now be mechanically transferred from the conveying position 31 to the loading position 32. For this purpose, a mechanical obstacle in the form of a freely rotating disc 34 is provided. During conveying along the conveying direction 74, the transport bag 2' strikes the disc 34.

[0237] Due to the obstacle 34, the suspension hook of the transport bag 2' on the support hook 73 is moved from a first stable position, in which the transport bag is in the conveying orientation 31, to a second stable position, in which the transport bag is in the loading position 32. The transport bag 2' is thus rotated 90° clockwise around the vertical.

[0238] The rear wall 22 of the transport bag 2" is now directed to the left in Figure 1 in the conveying direction 74, facing the filling device 4, and the front wall 21 to the right.

[0239] The freely rotating disc 34 can also be designed as a freely rotating roller or ball.

[0240] A freely rotating disc 34 as an action device 3 has the advantage that the mechanical friction between the disc 34 and the front wall 21 of the transport bag is kept low.

[0241] Alternatively, the impact device 3 can also be designed as a rigid or flexible obstacle, for example, as a deflection element in the form of a plate, a spring plate, or a rod. In such a case, the obstacle advantageously has low friction.

[0242] In the example shown, the action device 3 comprises the rotating section 33 of the guide rail 71, the freely rotating disc 34 and the conveyor drive 90, designed here as a spindle conveyor 91, of the transport pocket 2', whether the drive is passively driven by gravity or actively implemented by an actuator.

[0243] After the turning area 11, the loading area 14 follows downstream in the conveying direction 74. The loading area 14 is intended for loading the transport bag 2" with one or more goods units 6.

[0244] The conveyance of the transport pockets in the loading area 14 is advantageously carried out actively by actuators 90, for example as shown here by means of a spindle conveyor 91, which interacts with engagement elements (not shown) of the carriage 72 and thus conveys the carriage 72 with the attached transport pocket in the conveying direction 74 at a defined speed.

[0245] In the loading area 14, the transport pocket 2" is in the loading orientation 32, in which the pocket opening 23 of the transport pocket 2" is oriented essentially parallel to the conveying direction 74.

[0246] The transport bag 2" is stabilized in the loading area 14 by a stabilizing device 5 in the loading orientation 32. This stabilization has the advantage that the spatial position of the transport bag 2" is as well defined as possible during a loading process in order to enable problem-free loading.

[0247] In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing device 5 is designed in the form of a cam track 53. The cam track 53 comprises a belt 55.1, which is stretched between two rollers of a belt drive 55. Three radially projecting cams 54 are arranged on the belt 55.1. The distance between two adjacent cams 54 on the belt 55.1 is slightly greater than the width of a 2" transport bag.

[0248] The movement of the belt 55.1 of the cam track 54 is advantageously synchronized with the movement of the transport pocket 2" in the loading area such that the transport pocket 2" is always located between two cams 54 in the loading area 14, as shown in the figure. The cams 54 of the cam track 53 stabilize the transport pocket 2" in the forward and backward direction of conveyance 74. Rocking of the transport pocket in the conveyance direction 74 is thus prevented.

[0249] If the transport pocket is actively conveyed by a conveyor drive 90 as shown in the example, a spindle conveyor 91, the movement of the cam concentricity is advantageously coupled directly to the conveyor drive 90 of the transport pocket, so that a separate drive and a control for the cam concentricity 54 can be omitted.

[0250] Rocking of the 2" transport bag across the conveying direction is minimized by the belt 55.1.

[0251] Additionally, a guide rail can be provided, for example, parallel to the guide rail 71 on a side of the carrying bag 2" opposite the cam track 54. The cams 54 are advantageously rubberized or padded to cushion the impact of a carrying bag and to dissipate any kinetic energy of a rocking carrying bag as quickly as possible.

[0252] Advantageously, several cam tracks 54 can be arranged one above the other. Likewise, instead of cams, the cam track can have ribs arranged vertically, parallel to the force of gravity.

[0253] In the loading area 14, the conveying speed of the transport pocket 2" is advantageously reduced, or the transport pocket 2" is temporarily stopped completely.

[0254] By suitable means, the transport bag 2" is transferred into an open state so that a unit of goods 6 can be inserted into the transport bag 2". If the transport bag is, for example, of a type as shown in US 2019 / 0367282 A1, the front wall 21 of the transport bag can be raised by means of an actuator device, as shown there, so that the transport bag is open upwards.

[0255] A filling device 4 of the device 1 can now be moved at least partially into the pocket opening 23 of the transport bag 2" in order to load the transport bag 2" with goods 6 through the pocket opening 23.

[0256] In the embodiment shown, the filling device 4 comprises a conveying means in the form of a belt conveyor 40. The belt conveyor 40 can be advanced and retracted in the horizontal direction 47 transverse to the conveying direction 74 by means not shown, for example by a pneumatic actuator.

[0257] A unit of goods 6 can be provided on the belt conveyor 40, as shown in the figure. Once the transport bag 2" is in the loading position, the belt conveyor 40 is advanced until a front roller 46 of the belt conveyor 40 is located in or above the bag opening 23. The goods 6 are conveyed on the belt conveyor 40 toward the transport bag 2" and finally fall through the bag opening 23 into the bag receiving space 24 of the transport bag 2".

[0258] Advantageously, the goods unit 6 is already advanced while the belt conveyor 40 is being advanced. This allows for a faster absolute conveying speed. Advantageously, the belt conveyor 40 is also retracted shortly before the goods 6 reach the front edge 45 of the belt conveyor 40.

[0259] With the above measures, the time required for a filling process can be minimized and thus the cycle speed can be increased.

[0260] Particularly advantageously, the retraction speed of the belt conveyor 40 corresponds to the (opposite) conveying speed of the belt conveyor 40, so that the goods unit 6 has no horizontal speed component when it finally falls into the transport pocket 2". In addition to further saving time, this also has the advantage that the filling of the transport pocket 2" takes place and the goods 6 do not bounce into the inside of the front wall 21 of the transport pocket 2".

[0261] In the illustrated embodiment of the device according to the invention, a detection device 41 in the form of a camera is also provided. This can advantageously monitor the spatial position of the goods unit 6, the belt conveyor 40, and / or the transport bag 2, so that a control unit (not shown) of the device 1 can ensure the correct loading of the transport bag 2.

[0262] After the transport bag has been loaded, it is conveyed further in the conveying direction 74 and passes from the loading area 14 into a reverse rotation area 12. Analogous to the first rotation area 11, this second rotation area 12 is intended for rotating the transport bag 2", but this time in the opposite direction.

[0263] For this purpose, a second action device 3a is provided in the reversing region 12. This comprises a second rotation section 33a of the guide rail 71, in which the guide rail 71 is rotated by -45° about its longitudinal axis, so that after the reversing section 33a, it returns to the original configuration prior to the first rotation section 33.

[0264] The conveyance of the transport bag in this second twisting section 33a is advantageously carried out by gravity.

[0265] When using the overhead conveyor system in Figure 5 of US 2019 / 0367282 A1, the support hook 73 of the carriage 72 has only one position after the return rotation section 33a, in which a suspension hook of the transport bag 2"' can rest securely in the support hook. In this single stable position, the transport bag 2"' is again in the conveying orientation 31, in which the front wall 21 of the transport bag 2"' leads in the conveying direction 74. When passing the second rotation section 33a, the suspension hook of the transport bag continuously slides due to gravity into the now single stable position of the support hook 73. As a result, the transport bag 2"' automatically rotates back into the conveying orientation 31.

[0266] For the return of the transport pocket from the loading orientation 32 at the beginning of the return rotation range 12 by 90° in a counterclockwise direction to the conveying orientation 31 at the end of the return rotation range 12, no additional action on the transport pocket 2"' is necessary.

[0267] Optionally, however, additional elements can be provided in the second action device which support this rotational movement of the transport bag 2"' and / or dampen the rotational movement in order to prevent over-rotation of the transport bag 2"'. The aim is to achieve a controlled state of the transport bag 2"' as quickly as possible, in which the now filled transport bag 2"' can be conveyed efficiently and smoothly by the overhead conveyor system 100 for further use.

[0268] Figure 2 shows another conveyor unit 75, as known from US 2019 / 0367282 A1, which can be advantageously used in a device according to the invention. A carriage 72 is mounted so as to be movable in a rolling manner on the guide rail 71. The support hook 73 mounted beneath the carriage 72 has two positions in which the suspension hook 26 of the transport bag 2 can be stably mounted. In Figure 2(a), the transport bag 2 is in the conveying orientation 31, in which the suspension hook 26 is substantially transverse to the conveying direction 74. In Figure 2(b), the transport bag 2 is in the loading orientation 32, so that the suspension hook 26 is substantially parallel to the conveying direction 74.

[0269] When using such a transport bag 2 in a device 1 according to the invention, the first action device 3 in the first rotational area 11 does not comprise a rotational section 33 on the guide rail 71. Likewise, the second action device 3a in the second rotational section 12 does not comprise a rotational section on the guide rail 71. The guide rail 71 therefore remains permanently in the standard configuration.

[0270] Since the rotation of the transport pocket 2"' back into the conveying orientation in the second rotation range 12 can no longer be carried out due to gravity, an actuator must be provided for the second action device 3a, which acts mechanically on the transport pocket 2"' in order to give it a rotational impulse about the vertical and thus to move the transport pocket 2"' from the loading orientation 32 back into the conveying orientation 31.

[0271] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show the loading of a further advantageous transport bag 2" with a product 6 in a device 1 according to the invention.

[0272] The carriage 72 with support hook 73 corresponds to the carriage 72 as used in Figure 1. The guide rail (not shown) is rotated by 45° around its longitudinal axis, so that the support hook 73 of the carriage 72 has two stable support positions for the suspension hook 26 of the 2" transport bag. The 2" transport bag is in the loading orientation 32.

[0273] The transport bag 2" consists of a flexible fabric, which forms a rear wall 22, a front wall 21, and a bag base 20 located therebetween. Two side walls 20a are arranged in a lower area. A rectangular, rigid frame 25 is pivotally connected to the suspension hook 26. The front wall 21 and the rear wall 22 are pivotally connected to the frame 25. The frame 25 defines a bag opening 23.

[0274] Figure 3a shows the transport bag 2" in an unfilled state. By pivoting the rigid frame 25 upwards, the transport bag 2" can be transferred into an open state (shown in dashed lines), in which the transport bag 2" can be filled from above.

[0275] In Figure 3b, a stabilizing device 5 with two suction grippers 51 contacts the transport bag 2" at the front wall 21 and at the rear wall 22. The suction grippers 51 can reversibly hold the flexible fabric of the transport bag 2" by temporarily applying a negative pressure to a suction nozzle. This fixes the transport bag 2" and thus stabilizes it.

[0276] If the suction grippers 51 are then moved apart, and thus also the front wall 21 and the rear wall 22 of the transport bag, the pocket opening 23 of the transport bag 2" is at least partially opened, as shown in the figure. A unit of goods 6 can now be introduced through the pocket opening 23 into the bag receiving space 24. After the transport bag 2" has been successfully filled with the goods 6, the suction grippers 51 are decoupled from the walls 21, 22 of the transport bag by simply turning off the vacuum, as shown in Figure 3c. The loaded transport bag 2 can now be conveyed further.

[0277] Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show a similar transport bag 2" during loading with a product 6 by means of a filling device 4 in a device according to the invention. Here, the stabilizing device 5 is realized as a single magnetic gripper 52.

[0278] The magnetic gripper 52 is advantageously provided with an electromagnet that can be switched on and off. To enable gripping of the non-magnetic fabric of the front wall 21 of the transport bag 2", a corresponding counter-element to the magnetic gripper must be provided on the front wall 21. For example, a cost-effective ferromagnetic element (not shown), for example in the form of an iron sheet, can be attached to the front wall 21.

[0279] With the electromagnet activated, the magnetic gripper 52 can fix the iron element to the front wall 21 and thus grip the transport bag 2 at the front wall 21. Due to the flexible fabric of the transport bag 2, it is sufficient to fix the transport bag 2 to only one bag wall 21 and pull the magnetic gripper 52 outward so that the bag opening 23 opens at least partially, as shown in Figure 4b.

[0280] The filling device 4 with belt conveyor 40 is moved into the pocket opening 23 in Figure 4b until the front edge 45 of the belt conveyor 40 is located within the transport pocket 2". Subsequently or simultaneously, the belt conveyor 40 conveys a product unit 6 in the direction of the pocket opening 23.

[0281] If the goods unit 6 is located above or within the goods opening 23, the belt conveyor 40 of the filling device 4 is retracted again (Figure 4c), while the belt conveyor 40 continues to convey the goods unit 6 in the direction of the transport pocket 2".

[0282] To ensure that the goods unit 6 always falls into the pocket receiving space 24, the front edge 45 of the belt conveyor 40 is advantageously only retracted over the front end 251 of the frame 25 when the goods unit 6 has fallen into the transport pocket 2. In this way, loading times can be further minimized and the next transport pocket 2" can be prepared as quickly as possible for loading with goods 6.

[0283] Figure 5 shows another example of a device 1 according to the invention, similar to the embodiment in Figure 1.

[0284] Conveyor units 75 with carriage 72 and empty transport bag 2 attached to it, which are conveyed by gravity on the guide rail 71, are stopped and accumulated in a storage area 13 by the stop element 131.

[0285] If an empty transport bag is required for filling, the stop element 131 releases a single transport bag 2, which then runs, driven by gravity, in the conveying direction 74 in a first rotation area 11 over a rotation section 33 of a first action device 3. The carriage 72 is rotated by 45° about the longitudinal axis of the guide rail 71. As a result, the suspension hook 26 of the transport bag 2' again has two stable positions on the support hook 73 of the carriage 72.

[0286] An obstacle in the form of a freely rotating disc 34 of the impact device 3 imparts a rotational momentum around the vertical to the passing transport bag 2', which is sufficient to move the suspension hook 26 in the support hook from the first stable position to the second stable position. The transport bag 2' rotates into the loading orientation 32.

[0287] The disc 34 can be rubberized, made of foam, have bristles or have other features known to those skilled in the art which support the rotation of the transport bag 2'.

[0288] Downstream of the first rotation area 11 there is a loading area 14 in which the transport bag 2" can be filled with one or more goods units 6 using a filling device (not shown).

[0289] The filling device can, for example, be designed analogously to the embodiment in Figure 1.

[0290] The conveyance of the transport pockets 2" in the loading area 14 is again advantageously carried out actively by means of a conveying device (not shown) in order to have full control over the movement of the transport pocket 2" in the conveying direction 74. To ensure trouble-free filling, a stabilizing device 5 is provided for the transport pocket 2". In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing device 5 is realized with two extendable cams 54, which positively fix the transport pocket 2" in the loading orientation 32 in the conveying direction 74 and thus stabilize it.

[0291] Following the loading area 14 is a second rotation area 12, in which the now filled transport bag 2"' is to be brought back into the conveying orientation 31. Analogous to Figure 1, the second action device 3a comprises a second rotation section 33a of the guide rail 71, in which the carriage 72 with the support hook 73 returns to its original configuration. The suspension hook slides, driven by gravity, into the now only stable position, and the filled transport bag 2"' rotates back into the conveying orientation 31.

[0292] The transport bag 2, 2', 2", 2"' shown in Figure 5 has a dimensionally stable frame 25, for example made of wire, which also forms the hanging hook 26. A flexible web of fabric or film is pivotally attached to an upper end of the frame 25 and to a lower end of the bracket frame 25. This web thus forms a front wall 21, a bottom, and a rear wall 22 of the transport bag 2, 2', 2", 2"'. The frame 25 also defines the bag opening 23 through which the transport bag 2, 2', 2", 2"' can be filled.

[0293] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a stabilizing device 5 in the form of a brush element 56. In Figure 6(a) and (b), a transport pocket 2" of the conveyor unit 75 is in the loading orientation 32. The guide rail 71 is in its standard configuration, i.e., not twisted.

[0294] The brush element 56 of the stabilizing device 5 consists of a brush 561 that has a bend upstream in the conveying direction. The brush 561 is arranged at the level of the suspension hook 26 of the transport bag 2" such that the bristles of the brush 561 engage the suspension hook 26 to dampen any swinging of the transport bag 2" in the conveying direction 74.

[0295] The bend of the brush 561 allows for a gradual deceleration of an incoming empty transport pocket 2. This curved area is designed as an inlet point. Thus, the transport pockets 2 are not brought to an abrupt stop, as an abrupt stop could potentially damage the transport pocket 2 and carriage 72. Instead, the conveyor units 75 are gently decelerated by the brush element 56, resulting in minimal or no oscillation of the transport pocket 2" in the conveying direction 74.

[0296] The disclosed embodiment of the transport bag 2" is formed by a flexible fabric, analogous to Figures 4a-4c. The transport bag 2" has an engagement means 27 on the front wall 21. This engagement means 27 can, for example, be a plate or a plastic film that facilitates the suction of the transport bag 2" by a suction gripper 51 as described in Figures 3a-3c. Alternatively, the engagement means can be a ferromagnetic element, for example, a thin iron sheet, which can be attracted by a stabilizing device 5 in the form of a magnetic gripper 52, as described in Figures 4a-4c.

[0297] Other solutions are of course also possible. Not shown in Figures 6a-6c is an optional adjustment device that allows the brush element 56 to be retracted and extended transversely to the conveying direction in order to contact or release the suspension hook 26.

[0298] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of an advantageous stabilizing device 5 for a device 1 according to the invention, in the form of a tine wheel device 57.

[0299] The transport bag 2" corresponds to the one in Figure 5.

[0300] The tine wheel device 57 has a wheel rotating about a vertical axis with at least one tine 57.1. Advantageously, the tine wheel device 57 has more than one tine 57.1. Figures 7(b) and 7(c), for example, show a tine wheel device 57 with three and two tines 57.1, respectively.

[0301] In the loading area of ​​a device according to the invention, the tine wheel device 57 is arranged downstream of the transport pocket 2" in the loading position in order to fix the transport pocket 2" in the conveying direction 74. The tine 57.1 of the tine wheel device 57 contacts the rigid frame 25 of the transport pocket 2" and stabilizes it at least on one side.

[0302] After the transport pocket 2" has been loaded, the tine wheel 57 is rotated clockwise as viewed from above. The tine 57.1 releases the frame 25 of the transport pocket 2". The transport pocket 2" is released for further conveyance into the subsequent twisting section 33a and is conveyed by gravity into the second twisting section 33a.

[0303] The tine wheel 57 continues to rotate until the next tine is in position and can spatially fix and stabilize a newly arriving, empty transport bag 2" at the loading position.

[0304] Figures 8(a) and (b) show a further embodiment of an advantageous stabilizing device 5 for a device 1 according to the invention, in the form of a gripping device 58 with hooks 58.1.

[0305] When the transport bag 2" is in the loading position as shown in Figure 8(a), the gripping device is pivoted downwards, as shown in Figure 8(b). The hooks 58.1 of the gripping device 58 engage in the upper part of the rigid frame 25 of the transport bag 2". The bag is now spatially fixed both in the conveying direction 74 and transversely to the conveying direction 74 and thus stabilized, although the frame 25 of the transport bag 2" can still be pivoted to open the transport bag 2". The transport bag 2" can now be filled.

[0306] After the transport bag 2" has been loaded, the gripping device 58 of the stabilizing device 5 is pivoted upwards again. The transport bag is released for further transport into the second twisting section 33a.

[0307] In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping device 58 comprises two hooks 58.1 which engage in the rigid frame 25 of the transport bag 2" on both sides of the suspension hook 26.

[0308] Figures 8(c), (d), and (e) show various alternative embodiments of the hook 58.1 of a gripping device 58. In Figure 8(c), the hook 58.2 has a flexible clamping element made of spring steel sheet for receiving the frame 25. In Figure 8(d), the hook 58.3 has two pins for clamping the frame 25. The hook 58.4 shown in Figure 8(e) has an elastic element that can fix the frame 25 of the transport bag 2" in a frictionally locking and damping manner.

[0309] Figure 9 shows a further advantageous embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. From the left, in the conveying direction 74, conveying units 75 with carriages 72 and transport pockets 2 suspended therefrom reach a stop element (not shown) by gravity and are accumulated by the latter in the accumulation area 13. The transport pockets 2 are aligned in the conveying direction 31 such that a first pocket wall 21 is in the leading position in the conveying direction 74, while a second pocket wall 22 with a pocket opening 23 is directed rearward.

[0310] After a conveyor unit is released by the stop element, the transport pocket 2' passes through a rotation section 33 in the first rotation area 11. In this regard, particular reference is made to the explanations of Figure 1 and Figure 5. In the first rotation area 11, the transport pocket 2' encounters a freely rotatable disc 34 arranged laterally of the conveyor path, which transfers the suspension hook 26 in the support hook (not visible) from the first stable position to the second stable position, causing the transport pocket 2' to rotate by 90° into the loading orientation 32.

[0311] The transport bag 2" is located in loading orientation 32 in the loading section 13 and is actively conveyed to a loading position where it is fixed in conveying direction 74 by a stabilizing device 5.

[0312] The stabilizing device 5 is implemented as a driven clamping device 59.

[0313] The clamping device 59 is arranged in the loading area 14 on the side of the rear wall 22 and thus allows free access of a filling device (not shown) to the pocket opening.

[0314] The filling device (not shown) can, for example, be designed analogously to the embodiment in Figure 1.

[0315] The clamping device 59 comprises two belt tracks 59.1. Two clamping elements 59.3 are arranged on each of the belt tracks 59.1 and 59.2. The two belt tracks 59.1 and 59.2 each comprise a drive 59.4 in the form of an electric motor, which is controlled by the same control system 59.5.

[0316] When the transport pocket 2" arrives at the intended loading position, the conveyor drive is stopped. The two belt conveyors 59.1, 59.2 are moved in opposite directions so that on each side of the transport pocket 2" a clamping element 59. contacts one side of the frame 25 of the transport pocket 2". The transport pocket 2" is now held in a form-fitting manner in the conveying direction 74 on both sides by a clamping element 59.3 and is thus stabilized. After the transport pocket 2" has been loaded, the two belt conveyors 59.1, 59.2 are moved in the opposite direction and the two clamping elements 59.3 release the transport pocket.

[0317] The transport bag 2"' is then conveyed in a second rotation area 12 via a second twisting section 33a of the guide rail 71 and returns to the conveying position 31.

[0318] Alternatively, the two belt guides 59.1, 59.2 can be driven by a common drive. However, two separate drives offer the advantage that the clamping elements 59.3 of the two belt guides 59.1, 59.2 can be moved independently of each other. This allows for more flexible stabilization of the transport bag.

[0319] Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show the loading of an advantageous transport bag 2 with a lateral bag opening 23a in a device according to the invention.

[0320] The stabilization of the transport bag 2" with a magnetic gripper 52 and the loading with the filling device with a forward-moving belt conveyor corresponds to Figures 4a-4c, and reference is made to the corresponding description.

[0321] The transport bag 2" consists of a closed web of flexible fabric or film, which is connected at an upper end to a suspension hook 26, shown only schematically. This is suspended from a schematically shown support hook 73 of a carriage 72. Side walls 20a are provided in a lower area.

[0322] On a first front wall 21 of the transport bag 2", a rectangular pocket opening 23a is arranged in an upper region. This can be realized, for example, by cutting out an opening in the front wall 21.

[0323] Such an embodiment of a transport bag 2 has the advantage that a rigid frame is not required. This reduces the weight of the transport bag. Such a transport bag can also be manufactured more cost-effectively.

[0324] Figures 11a, 11b and 11c show another transport bag 2" being loaded with a product 6 by means of a filling device 4. In this embodiment, a stabilizing device is omitted, since the filling of the transport bag 2" takes place during conveying. The transport bag 2" is slowly guided past the filling device 4 in the loading orientation. The belt conveyor 40 of the filling device 4 is moved forward transversely to the conveying direction 74 to the transport bag 2" and the product 6 is introduced through the bag opening 23 into the bag receiving space 24. The conveyor 40 can be moved at least partially into the pocket opening 23 of the transport bag 2". Due to the flexible fabric of the transport bag 2, the conveyor 40 can easily push the second pocket wall 22 out of the way and release the pocket opening 23 for filling.

[0325] The disclosed advantageous embodiment of a transport bag 2" has a closing device 15 according to the invention at the lower end of the transport bag 2". The closing device 15 consists of a closing strip 16, 16' at each of the two lower ends of the two bag walls 21, 22.

[0326] The two locking strips 16, 16' can be reversibly and detachably coupled to each other, thus connecting the two bag walls 21, 22. In this case, the closed locking device 15 forms part of the bottom of the transport bag 2".

[0327] In a locking bar 16, 16', several permanent magnets 17 are arranged alternately along the locking bars 16, 16'. Such a locking device 15 according to the invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figure 12.

[0328] Alternatively, the locking strips 16 may have locking means in the form of hooks, clamps, extendable pins or bolts with receiving holes and / or other locking means instead of permanent magnets.

[0329] In order to empty the transport bag 2", the closed closing device 15 can be opened again by means of an opening device (not shown here), so that a further bag opening 29 is created at the lower end of the transport bag 2", as shown in Figure 11c. By opening the closing device 15, a bottom opening 29 of the transport bag 2" is released and the goods 6 fall downwards out of the transport bag 2".

[0330] After the goods unit 6 has fallen out of the lower pocket opening, the two locking strips 16 align themselves correctly and couple to each other with a force fit. The bottom opening 29 of the transport pocket 2 is closed again. The transport pocket 2 can be refilled. This will be discussed below with reference to Figure 13.

[0331] Figure 12 shows an advantageous embodiment of a locking device 15 according to the invention.

[0332] The closing device 15 comprises two closing strips 16, 16', which are shown schematically with a view of the facing inner sides 18, 18' of the closing strips.

[0333] A locking bar 16, 16' is made of sturdy plastic or non-magnetic metal, such as brass or aluminum, or another suitable non-magnetic material.

[0334] Ten permanent magnets 17 are arranged in pairs along the longitudinal axis 19 of the locking bars 16, 16', with one magnetic pole of each permanent magnet 17 facing the inner side 18, 18' of the respective locking bar 16, 16'. North and south poles alternate along a locking bar 16, 16'.

[0335] The length of the two locking bars 16, 16' is equal. However, in the closed state, the two locking bars 16, 16' are offset along the longitudinal axis 19 by a distance D, which corresponds to the distance D of the permanent magnets 17 in the paired arrangement.

[0336] The poles of the permanent magnets 17 of the two locking bars 16, 16' are arranged opposite each other, so that a north pole on the inner side 18 of one locking bar 16 faces a south pole on the inner side 18' of the other locking bar 16', and vice versa.

[0337] When the inner sides 18, 18' of the two locking bars 16, 16' are in contact, the permanent magnets 17 attract each other. The two locking bars 16, 16' are releasably connected to each other by force, and the locking device 15 is thus closed.

[0338] Opening a locking device 15 can be achieved by shifting or moving the locking bars 16, 16' relative to each other along the longitudinal axis 19 of the locking bars by a distance D. This shifts the permanent magnets along the longitudinal axis 19 of the locking bars by one position, so that in one half of the permanent magnets 17 of the two locking bars 16, 16', permanent magnets with the same polarity (north pole N) are now facing each other and repelling each other. The other half of the permanent magnets faces the non-magnetic locking bar material of the other locking bar with its south pole, so that no attractive force results.

[0339] The illustrated locking device 15 can be opened, for example, by an actuator, such as a gripper, exerting a force along the longitudinal axis 19 toward the center at both longitudinal ends of the closed locking device 15. As a result, the actuator exerts a force only on the locking bar with the protruding end, resulting in a relative shear force along the longitudinal axis 19, which overcomes the attraction of the opposing permanent magnets 17 and offsets the locking bars by the distance D.

[0340] The various steps of emptying a transport bag according to the invention with a closing device according to the invention are shown in Figures 13a-13c.

[0341] Figure 13a shows a loaded transport bag 2, with a suspension hook 26, to which a flexible first bag wall 21 and an open rigid frame 25 with a flexible second bag wall 22 are attached, similar to Figure 11. A merchandise element 6 is arranged in the bag receiving space 24.

[0342] At each end of the bag walls 21, 22 facing away from the suspension hook 26, a locking strip 16, 16' of the locking device 15 is arranged. The transport bag 2 is closed.

[0343] If the closing strips 16, 16' are displaced longitudinally (perpendicular to the image plane) against each other by a suitably designed opening device (not shown), a bottom opening 29 of the transport bag 2 is created by the mutual repulsion of the closing strips 16, 16'. The goods unit 6, pulled downward by gravity, pushes the closing strips 16, 16' further apart. The goods unit falls downward out of the transport bag 2, as shown in Figure 13b.

[0344] After the goods unit 6 has fallen out of the lower pocket opening 29, the two closing strips 16, 16' automatically realign themselves correctly, since the pocket walls 21, 22 of the loaded pocket hang straight down, as shown in Figure 13c. The two closing strips 16, 16' attract each other and couple to each other with a force fit. The bottom opening 29 of the transport pocket 2 is closed again. The transport pocket 2 can now be refilled.

[0345] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, various further modifications of the present invention, in addition to the examples disclosed herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying figures, which modifications also fall within the scope of the claims. In addition, various references are cited in the description, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0346] A further embodiment of a device according to the invention with an advantageous stabilizing device 8 is shown in Figure 14. Figure 14(a) shows the conveyor unit 75 in the loading area of ​​the guide rail 71, wherein the transport pocket 2" is positioned transversely to the conveyor alignment 31 after the first rotation area (not shown) of the guide rail 71. Reference is made to the corresponding discussion on Figure 8.

[0347] A first holding element 831 of the stabilizing holder is visible from the stabilizing device 8, as well as the stop plate 81 in plan view.

[0348] The operating principle of the stabilizing device is explained using Figures 14(b) and 14(c). Initially, the transport bag 2" is in an orientation transverse to the conveying direction, as shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b). The transport bag, consisting of a rear wall 22 and a front wall 21 made of a flexible fabric or film web, and a frame 25 rigidly connected to the suspension hook 26, hangs vertically from the support hook 73.

[0349] The stabilizing device 8 comprises an actuator 82, for example, a pneumatic drive or an electric linear drive. The stabilizing holder 83 is arranged on the movable part of the actuator, facing the transport bag. The stabilizing holder 83 of the stabilizing device 8 is located in a release position 841, in which it does not interact with the transport bag 2".

[0350] The stabilizing bracket 83 comprises a first support element 831 in the form of a horizontal triangular plate and a second support element 832 in the form of a vertical rectangular plate. The second support element 832 is connected to the actuator 82, while the first support element 831 is integrally formed with the second support element at an edge 833. The edge 833 is aligned parallel to the conveying direction or to the guide rail 71.

[0351] The actuator 82 of the stabilizing device 8 now pushes the stabilizing holder 83 horizontally toward the transport bag 2", perpendicular to the conveying direction 74. First, the tip of the first holding element 831 slides into the gap of the suspension hook 26 until the second holding element 832 strikes the frame 25 and the suspension hook 26. The triangular shape of the first holding element 831 in interaction with the suspension hook 26 serves to center the transport bag, which may still be swinging.

[0352] In this position of the stabilizing holder 83, the suspension hook 26 and thus the rigidly connected frame 25 of the transport bag 2" are positively fixed in the direction of the conveying direction 74 because the first holding element is located flush between the two vertical bars of the suspension hook 26. Pivoting or swinging of the transport bag 2" in the conveying direction is thereby effectively prevented, and the transport bag is also positively fixed in the direction of the actuator.

[0353] In principle, the transport bag 2" could now already be filled, analogous to the device in Figure 8. However, the actuator 82 pushes the stabilizing holder 83 further forward transversely to the conveying direction 4, so that the suspension hook 26 and the rigidly connected frame 25 of the transport bag 2" are pushed outwards and, rotating in the carrying hook, are pivoted from the vertical until the frame 25 strikes the stop plate 81. The stabilizing holder 83 is now in the stabilizing position as shown in Figure 14(c), and the transport bag 2" is in a loading orientation 32'. In this loading orientation 32', the frame 25 of the transport bag 2" is now fixed transversely to the conveying direction between the stabilizing holder 83 and the stop plate 81, inclined by a certain angle to the vertical. The transport bag is thus positively fixed in all three spatial axes.

[0354] Advantageously, the actuator 82 is flexibly suspended or mounted so as to be slightly pivotable upwards, so that the mechanical load on the stabilizing device 8 and the transport bag 2" remains minimal due to the different geometric arrangement of the parts in the release position and the stabilizing position of the stabilizing holder. In the loading orientation 32', the bag opening 23 defined by the frame 25 is no longer aligned vertically, but is inclined towards the vertical. As a result, there is now a certain distance between the bag opening 23 and the rear wall 22, which continues to hang vertically, and the bag opening is also open upwards to a certain extent, so that a unit of goods 6 can be safely inserted. The transport bag 2" can now be filled.

[0355] After the transport pocket 2" has been loaded, the stabilizing holder 83 of the stabilizing device 8 is moved back into the release position by the actuator 82. The conveyor unit with the transport pocket 2" is released for further transport into the second twisting section 33a. After the conveyor unit has passed the second twisting section 33a, the transport pocket 2" is again in the conveying orientation 31.

[0356] A further variant of such an advantageous stabilizing device 8 is shown in Figure 15.

[0357] The stabilizing device 8 has an actuator 82 which is configured to advance a stabilizing holder 83 from the release position 841, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), to the stabilizing position 842, as shown in Figure 15(c), and later to retract it back to the release position.

[0358] The actuator 82 is arranged at an angle downward relative to the horizontal, for example, at a 45° angle, so that the stabilizing holder 83 approaches the suspension hook 26 obliquely from above when moving from the release position. The actuator 82 can advantageously be mounted so that it can pivot upwards in order to adapt to a changing geometry. The stabilizing holder 83 comprises a first holding element 831 and a second holding element 832, which are connected to one another at an acute angle at an edge 833. The first holding element 831 has a recess.

[0359] During the conveying of the conveyor unit 75 along the conveying direction 74, the transport pocket 2" is rotated by 90° around the vertical from the conveying orientation by an upstream actuator (not shown) or by a passive element such as a freely rotating turntable analogous to the turntable 34 in Figure 5 or Figure 9. This orientation does not have to be stable, since the transport pocket will subsequently be fixed by the stabilizing device 8. The conveying of the conveyor unit 75 is interrupted, and the stabilizing holder 83 is advanced from the release position 841 into the stabilizing position 842.

[0360] The trapezoidal recess of the first holding element 831, the width of which at the edge 833 corresponds to the width of the suspension hook 26, ensures that when the stabilizing holder is pushed forward, the suspension hook 26 of the possibly still swinging transport bag 2" has sufficient space and does not collide with the outer edge of the first holding element 831. A swinging movement of the transport bag is dampened and greatly restricted, and the suspension hook is centered in the recess.

[0361] By further advancing the stabilizing holder 83 into the stabilizing position 842, as shown in Figure 15(c), the suspension hook 26 and the frame 25 are pivoted outward. Due to the shape of the stabilizing holder 83, the upper part of the frame 25 is also clamped between the two holding elements 831, 832. The frame 25 of the transport bag 2" is now held in a form-fitting manner by the stabilizing holder 83 both in the conveying direction 74 and transversely to the conveying direction.

[0362] The transport pocket is now positively secured both in the conveying direction and transversely to the conveying direction and cannot swing or rotate. The transport pocket is positively secured in all three spatial axes. The transport pocket 2"' is now in the loading orientation 32'. The transport pocket 2" can be loaded with a goods unit 6.

[0363] After retracting the stabilizing holder 83 into the release position 841, the transport pocket 2" is released again for further transport. The conveyor unit 75 is conveyed further.

[0364] With a suitable design of the carrying hook, the transport bag 2"' automatically rotates back into the conveying orientation during further conveyance along the conveying direction 74. This is the case when the suspension hook 26 of the transport bag is located in the carrying hook 73 at a stable minimum of potential energy only in the conveying orientation. When the transport bag is released by the stabilizing device 8, the transport bag then rotates around the vertical, driven by gravity, until the suspension hook in the carrying hook is again at a minimum of potential energy. The transport bag is then again in the conveying orientation. Alternatively, the suspension hook can be located in the loading orientation at a local minimum above the local minimum in the conveying orientation.If the transport bag is released again, a small amount of force is applied to the transport bag, for example by the gravity-driven pivoting back of the frame of the transport bag after release, by the resumption of conveying of the conveyor unit, or by a suitable actuator, for example an air jet directed asymmetrically to the axis of rotation onto the transport bag, which causes the suspension hook to overcome the local minimum and then rotate it back into the conveying orientation.

[0365] Figure 16 shows a device according to the invention with a stabilizing device 8 as shown in Figure 15 with a filling device 4 for automatically loading the transport bag 2" with goods units 6. The transport bag 2" is located in the loading position 32'.

[0366] The conveyor units 75 are propelled in the conveying direction by an actuator 90 in the form of a spindle drive 91, analogous to Figure 1. A reading device 59.5 is provided to determine the identity of the conveyor unit 75 by reading a corresponding data element, for example a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID element. In the example shown, a camera 59.5 reads a QR code on the carriage 72 of the conveyor unit 75.

[0367] A belt conveyor 40 with drive 401 is configured to insert a product unit 6 located thereon into the pocket opening 23 of the transport pocket 2". In order to functionally decouple this process from the feeding of further product units 6'Z, a further belt conveyor 42 with drive 421 is arranged upstream of the belt conveyor 40. In order to be able to precisely track the position of a product unit 6 on the belt conveyor 40 and thus precisely control the insertion into the pocket, sensors are arranged at the beginning and end of the belt conveyor, in the example shown two light barriers 402, 403. These sensors 403, 403 are configured to detect the passage of the product unit 6.

[0368] The conveyor drive 90, the stabilizing device 8, the readout device 59.6, the sensors 402, 403, and the drives 401, 421 of the belt conveyors 40, 42 are controlled or read out by a common control device 59.5. In this way, the loading process can be controlled and carried out precisely and reliably. Another variant of such a device according to the invention is shown in Figure 17. The device corresponds in many respects to that of Figure 16. Accordingly, reference is made to the explanations therein. The drives of the belt conveyors 40, 42 are not shown.

[0369] The goods units 6' to be loaded into the transport pockets are conveyed via a suitable horizontal conveyor to the loading device 1 and transferred there. In the example shown, a conventional tilt-tray conveyor 49 conveys the goods units, and its tilt trays 491 allow them to slide onto the upstream, unoccupied belt conveyor 42. At the same time, a tilt tray 49T located behind it can transfer a goods unit to another loading device (not shown).

[0370] A sensor in the form of a light barrier 422 detects the passing goods unit 6'. The goods unit 6' now ready on the belt conveyor 42 is transferred to the belt conveyor 40 as soon as it is unoccupied again and can be transferred into the next transport bag ready for loading.

[0371] In this case, too, all processes are controlled by the common controller 59.6. This controller also communicates with the controller 492 of the tilt-tray conveyor and a higher-level material flow computer 500, which controls and monitors the transport of all goods units in a higher-level intralogistics system.

[0372] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, various further modifications of the present invention, in addition to the examples disclosed herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying figures, which modifications also fall within the scope of the claims. In addition, various references are cited in the description, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for loading transport bags (2) in an overhead conveyor system (100), in particular a rail-guided overhead conveyor system, comprising at least one conveyor unit (75) with a carriage (72) with a support hook (73) and a transport bag (2, 2', 2", 2"') with a suspension hook (26), wherein the transport bag is suspended by the suspension hook in the support hook of the carriage; and a guide rail (71) which defines a conveying path along which the carriage (72) of the at least one conveyor unit (75) can be conveyed in a conveying direction (74); wherein the transport bag (2, 2', 2", 2"') has a first bag wall (21), a second bag wall (22), a frame (25) rigidly connected to the suspension hook (26), and a bag opening (23, 23a);and wherein the transport pocket (2, 2', 2", 2"') can be transferred from a conveying orientation (31) to a loading orientation (32'), wherein in the conveying orientation (31) the pocket opening (23, 23a) of the transport pocket is oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction (74) and in the loading orientation (32') the pocket opening (23, 23a) of the transport pocket is oriented substantially parallel to the conveying direction (74); and a stabilizing device (5, 8) for reversibly stabilizing the transport pocket (2"), in particular the pocket opening (23), in the loading orientation (32'); wherein the stabilizing device (5, 8) has at least one stabilizing element (51, 52, 53-55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 81, 83).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizing device (8) comprises as the at least one stabilizing element at least one stabilizing holder (83) which is designed to reversibly fix the frame (25) and / or the suspension hook (26) in a form-fitting manner in the conveying direction (74).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stabilizing holder (83) of the stabilizing device (8) comprises a first holding element (831) and a second holding element (832), wherein the two holding elements (831, 832) abut each other along an edge (833), and wherein the edge (833) is aligned substantially parallel to the conveying direction (74).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stabilizing holder (83) of the stabilizing device (8) is designed such that it can reversibly fix the frame (25) of the transport bag (2, 2', 2", 2"') laterally of the suspension hook (26) transversely to the conveying direction (74) in a form-fitting manner.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stabilizing device (8) comprises an actuator (82) which is configured to move the stabilizing holder (83) back and forth between a release position (841) and a stabilizing position (842), wherein the stabilizing holder (83) does not interact with the frame (25) of the transport bag (2") in the release position, and in the stabilizing position (842) fixes the frame (25) in a form-fitting manner in the conveying direction (74) and deflects it away from the guide rail (71) transversely to the conveying direction (4).

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the stabilizing device (8) comprises a stop plate (81) which is arranged on the side of the conveyor rail (71) opposite the actuator (82) and which is designed such that in the stabilizing position (842) of the stabilizing holder (83), the frame (25) of the transport bag (2") is positively fixed between the stabilizing holder (83) and the stop plate (81).

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the transport pocket (2, 2', 2", 2"') is designed such that the pocket opening (23, 23a) does not lie directly against the first pocket wall (21) or the second pocket wall (22) when the stabilizing holder (83) of the stabilizing device (8) is in the stabilizing position (842) and deflects the frame (25) transversely to the conveying direction (4) away from the guide rail (71).

8. Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the transport pocket (2, 2', 2", 2"') is designed such that the pocket opening (23, 23a) has a non-zero area in a projection along the vertical when the stabilizing holder (83) of the stabilizing device (8) is in the stabilizing position (842) and deflects the frame (25) transversely to the conveying direction (4) away from the guide rail (71).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pocket opening (23) of the transport bag (2) is formed by a rigid frame (25) and defined by the plane of the rigid frame.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pocket opening (23a) of the transport bag (2) is formed by an opening in the first pocket wall (21) or in the second pocket wall (22).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport bag (2, 2', 2", 2"') comprises a closing device (15) which reversibly closes the transport bag downwards and forms a reversibly openable bottom opening (29) of the transport bag.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a filling device (4) which is suitable for loading the transport bag (2") of the at least one conveyor unit (75) with goods units (6).

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein the filling device (4) is displaceable transversely to the conveying direction (74).

14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the filling device (4) is designed as a belt conveyor (40) with a circulating conveyor belt.

15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the filling device (4) can be moved at least partially into the pocket opening (23, 23a) of a transport pocket (2") in the loading orientation (32') when the stabilizing holder (83) is in the stabilizing position (842) and deflects the frame (25) transversely to the conveying direction (4) away from the guide rail (71).

16. Device according to claim 15, wherein the filling device (4) is designed as a belt conveyor (40) with a circulating conveyor belt which is displaceable in the horizontal direction transverse to the conveying direction (74).

17. Device according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the filling device (4) and the stabilizing device (8) are connected to one another in terms of control technology.

18. Device according to one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the filling device (4) has a detection device (41) which is configured to determine at least one of the following properties: fill level of the transport bag (2"), distance of the filling device (4) to the transport bag (2"), position of the transport bag (2"), position of a unit of goods (6) with respect to the filling device (4), presence of a unit of goods (6) in the filling device (4).

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a first action device (3) for transferring a transport bag (2, 2', 2", 2"') from the conveying orientation (31) into the loading orientation (32').

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a first rotation area (11) arranged upstream of the loading area (14), in which a transport pocket (2') can be rotated from the conveying orientation (31) into the loading orientation (32').

21. Device according to claim 20, wherein the action device (3) comprises a freely rotating disc (34) in the first rotation region (11).

22. Conveyor system (100) for the suspended transport of transport bags (2), in particular a rail-guided suspended conveyor system, with at least one device (1) for loading transport bags according to one of claims 1 to 21.

23. Method for loading transport bags (2) in an overhead conveyor system (100), in particular a rail-guided overhead conveyor system, comprising the steps: Providing a device (1) for loading transport bags according to one of claims 1 to 21; Feeding a conveyor unit (75) with a transport pocket (2) along a guide rail (71), wherein the transport pocket (2) is in a conveying orientation (31) in which the pocket opening (23, 23a) of the transport pocket (2) is oriented substantially transversely to a conveying direction (74); Transferring the transport pocket (2') from the conveying orientation (31) to the loading orientation (32'), in which the pocket opening (23, 23a) of the transport pocket (2) is oriented substantially parallel to the conveying direction (74); Stabilizing the transport bag (2") by means of a stabilizing device (8); and Loading the transport bag (2") with at least one unit of goods (6) by means of a filling device (4).

24. Method according to claim 23, wherein the filling device (4) is displaced transversely to the conveying direction (74).

25. Method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the stabilizing device (8) fixes the transport bag (2") in all three spatial axes.

Images