Method and device for conveying unit loads

Abstract

For conveying piece goods, holding devices (2) are utilised for holding individual articles (1), which holding devices (2) are mounted on displaceable conveying devices (3) and are closed for the purpose of conveying the articles (1). For loading articles (1) onto essentially continuously conveyed, opened holding devices (2) and/or for unloading articles (1) from essentially continuously conveyed, opened holding devices (2), pairs of article guides (5) and article pushers (6) are conveyed through a loading zone (L) or unloading zone, in parallel to and in synchronism with the holding/conveying devices (2/3). The article guides are stationary relative to the holding/conveying devices and, in a displacement direction essentially transverse to the conveying direction (F), are aligned with the holding devices. For loading, articles (1) are pushed by the article pushers from the article guides (5) into the opened holding devices (2). For unloading, articles are pushed out of the opened holding devices into the article guides (5). The holding devices are designed as guides in the displacement direction. In the loading/unloading zone (L) a drum-like arrangement with horizontal axis of rotation (A) is provided, on which a plurality of pairs of article guides (5) and axially displaceable article pushers (6) are arranged. The drum-like arrangement is also provided with devices for guiding and, if so required, for driving the holding/conveying devices (2/3).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.