Patent ID: 8182191
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: B07C,B65G,B65H

Abstract:
1. A device for unloading an open-top tray filled with flat articles placed in a stack on the bottom of the tray, the device comprising a pivot member suitable for taking hold of the tray and for tilting its opening downwards; a shuttle box suitable for being moved by a conveyor in both directions along a conveying axis between the pivot member and a box unloading zone remote from the pivot member, the shuttle box having a bottom with opposite back and front side walls along the conveying axis, which walls are retractable or removable relative to the bottom; a moving pusher suitable for holding the flat articles at the bottom of the tray when the tray is tilted by the pivot member and for moving the flat articles from the tray to the shuttle box; a box tilting device suitable for tilting the shuttle box into a tilted position immediately below the tray, and an opening device suitable for retracting the back wall of the tilted shuttle box and then for repositioning the back wall of the box on the box; and a moving paddle mounted on an articulated arm, which paddle is firstly suitable for being moved vertically by pivoting of the articulated arm from a low position at the same level as the bottom of the box to a high position above the box, and secondly suitable for being moved horizontally by sliding along a rail, the paddle being designed in such a manner as to retract the front wall of the box and as to be inserted between the back wall of the box and the stack of flat articles.