Method and apparatus for gripping and transferring pieces of luggage

US8473094B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GRENZEBACH MASCHINENBAU GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Felix Becker · Munich, DE
• Peter Rosenmeyer · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 27, 2008
• Grant date: Jun 25, 2013
• Expiry date: Mar 1, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G47/914
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for automatically removing pieces of luggage that have different surface properties and dimensions and getting the pieces of luggage ready for further transport by means of a gripper that is hingedly connected to a robot arm is described. The method includes: a) moving the gripper and the container that is to be emptied close together; b) determining the first piece of luggage to be removed; (c) gripping the piece of luggage using a horizontal suction elements (3) and withdrawing the luggage horizontally; d) if the vertical suction elements (4) are not yet able to sufficiently grip the luggage, the vertical suction elements (4) are repositioned and turned off, the vertical suction elements (5) are repositioned, and then turned on to re-grip the piece of luggage.