Patent · US Active

Sorting mechanism with dynamic discharge

US9878852B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
6References
31Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 21, 2011
Grant dateJan 30, 2018
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 2, 2033

Classification

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

Abstract

The invention provides a sorting mechanism arranged to empty or discharge a container for carrying a load, e.g. totes in a luggage handling system. The sorting mechanism has a plurality of tilting elements T1-T11 for receiving and transporting the container in a transport direction. The tilting elements T1-T11 are arranged neighboring each other, and they are individually tiltable by controllable tilting actuators, e.g. servo motors. The tilting elements T1-T11 are controlled 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, when the container passes the sorting mechanism. Each tilting element T1-T11 has a length of 30-50% of the container. The tilting elements T1-T11 are stationary, and the container is driven forward by belts on each of the tilting elements T1-T11.

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