Patent · US Active

Sorting mechanism with dynamic discharge

US10494193B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
11References
37Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 11, 2017
Grant dateDec 3, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 11, 2037

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65G2201/0264
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention provides a high speed sorting mechanism arranged to empty or discharge a container for carrying a load, e.g. totes in a luggage handling system. The sorting mechanism as a plurality of tilting elements T1-T11 for receiving and transporting the container in a transport direction. The tilting elements T1-T11 are arranged neighbouring each other, and they are individually tiltable by controllable tilting actuators, e.g. servo motors. Hereby, the tilting elements T1-T11 can tilt around an axis parallel with the transport direction. A computerized controller serves to individually control the tilting of the tilting elements T1-T11 with a control algorithm in response to at least one position signal such that a group of at least two tilting elements T1-T11 perform a coordinated tilting motion in response to the position signal so as to tilt the container for emptying or discharging its load, upon the container passing the sorting mechanism in the transport direction. A row of such as 10-20 identical tilting elements T1-T11 each with a length of such as 30-50% of the container or tote to be handled. The tilting elements T1-T11 are preferably stationary seen in the transport …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.