CONVEYED-GOODS CONTAINER FOR AN OVERHEAD CONVEYOR, AND UNLOADING STATION FOR UNLOADING SAME

The invention relates to an article container (2) for an overhead conveying device for transporting an article (4), with a bag body that can be adjusted between a transport position and a loading and/or unloading position, which bag body comprises a front wall (30) and a rear wall (31) made from a flexible material, a loading and/or unloading opening (34) formed on a first side of the bag body at least in regions between the front and rear wall, a side wall stop (46) formed on a second side of the bag body at least in some regions between the front wall and a rear wall, against which side wall stop (46) the article can be placed. The front wall forms a first front wall section (35a) and a second front wall section (35b) and comprises a base plate (36) in the first front wall section (35a). The rear wall comprises a first rear wall section (45a) and a second rear wall section (45b). The first rear wall section forms a transport rest (75) sloping in the direction of the side wall stop (46) when the bag body is in the transport position. Moreover, the invention relates to an unloading station (104) for automatic unloading of an article container.

The invention relates to an article container for an overhead conveying device and an unloading station for automatic unloading of an article container loaded with at least one article according to the preamble of claims1,16,18and20.

DE 10 2004 018 569 A1, DE 20 2017 106 993 U1 and WO 2018/130712 A2 disclose an article container having a bag body with a front wall and a rear wall, a storage space delimited by the front wall and rear wall, and an unloading opening formed laterally on the bag body at least in some regions between the front and rear wall. The bag body is adjustable between a transport position (closed state), in which the storage space is minimized in volume and the articles can be transported by means of the article container, and a loading or unloading state (opened state), in which the storage space is maximized in volume and the articles can be manually removed from the article container through the unloading opening.

Comparable article containers and associated overhead conveying devices are also known from EP 2 130 968 A1 or EP 2 196 415 A, for example. The article containers described therein consist of flexible materials in the form of a loop in which the articles are held. For loading, these transport bags are opened at the top in order to be able to insert the article into the loop. An unloading is done by the article either being taken or ejected sideways from the loop or the loop being opened at the bottom, for example in accordance with EP 2 130 968 A1.

WO 2014/044601 A1 discloses automatic unloading of articles from an article container, in which the article container, which is suspended on a transport carrier via a suspended support, is tilted about a tilting axis running perpendicular to the overhead conveying device.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved article container. In particular, the article container is to allow safe loading with an article, safe transport of an article and reliable unloading at an automatic unloading station. An object of the invention is to provide an unloading station for automatic unloading of an article container, in which the unloading operation can be carried out reliably at high performance

The object of the invention is achieved in that in the transport position of the bag body, the first rear wall section forms a transport rest between the first side edge and second side edge, which forms a transport rest surface sloping in the direction of the side wall stop.

The quasi predefined “slope” in the direction toward the side wall stop has a particularly favorable effect on loading the article container. For loading, the bag body is initially adjusted into the loading state, and the article is introduced into the storage space between the front and rear walls. The article now rests on the base plate. Afterwards, the bag body is adjusted out of the loading state into the transport position. In this process, the base plate is pivoted, and the article slides on the base plate in the direction toward the first rear wall section if it is not already positioned against the first rear wall section. If the article comes upon the predefined “slope” with an edge, it undergoes a tilting movement in the direction toward the side wall stop before the bag body is fully adjusted into the transport position. If the article container is loaded with an article and the bag body with the article has been adjusted into the transport position, the article rests on the first rear wall section and is held clamped by the base plate and the second rear wall section. The clamping force components are set depending on the weight of the article. In combination with the flexible (non-rigid) material in the first rear wall section and second rear wall section, the material clings particularly well to the article. This prevents a movement of the article, so that during transport of the article container a “sliding movement” along the defined “slope” is prevented. The article can be transported particularly reliably, even if the article is not made to rest against the side wall stop during loading of the article container. It is also not necessarily required that the article hast to rest on the side wall stop for transport, in order to prevent the article from falling out of the article container.

Moreover, a single side wall stop, which is opposite the loading and/or unloading opening, is sufficient. The production effort of the article container can be minimized, and the production cost can be reduced. Likewise, high transport speeds can be realized in the overhead conveying device.

It is also advantageous if the transport rest is formed continuously between the first side edge and second side edge. Thus, the location on the first rear wall section where an article comes to a stop has no undesired effects. Hence, the loading operation can be carried out in an uncomplicated manner by a person for manual loading or by a loading robot for automatic loading. Moreover, the article container is suitable for articles with various different dimensions and is therefore versatile.

It is particularly advantageous if, in the transport position of the bag body, the second rear wall section forms a support wall, which tapers in the direction of the loading and/or unloading opening, between the first side edge and second side edge, so that the article is held clamped between the base plate in the first front wall section and the support wall in the second rear wall section. By this measure, the clamping effect of the base plate and the special support wall (made of non-rigid material) can be improved even further. This allows also transporting articles which have a lower weight.

It may also prove advantageous if in the loading and/or unloading position of the bag body, the first rear wall section has a guide wall, which protrudes beyond the base plate, between the first side edge and second side edge, which guide wall forms a guide wall surface tapering in the direction of the loading and/or unloading opening. This allows an at least temporary lateral guiding of the article during the unloading operation, in particular at the automatic unloading station.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide wall is formed continuously between the first side edge and second side edge. Specifically, the guide wall extends between the side wall stop and the first side edge, and the guide wall surface opens into the loading and/or unloading opening. The guide wall thus does not form any interfering contours on which the article could get caught. This favors the unloading of the article container.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the first rear wall section of the bag body forms a guide wall between the first side edge and second side edge, which guide wall forms a thus designed actuation wall surface, by means of whichthe article is acted upon with a first force component in the horizontal direction (H) and with a second force component in the vertical direction (V), orthe article is acted upon with a first force component in the horizontal direction (H), with a second force component in the vertical direction (V), and with a third force component in a depth direction (T)

if the bag body is adjusted from the transport position into the unloading state.

The guide wall, which forms a material section of the flexible (non-rigid) material of the rear wall, is stretched “abruptly” by the adjustment movement of the bag body from the transport position into the unloading state. Thereby, the guide wall exerts a first force component on the article in the horizontal direction (H), a second force component in the vertical direction (V) and/or a third force component in the depth direction (T). In this process, the article is “thrust” by the and by means of the guide wall onto the base plate, so that no jamming and a central discharging of the article from the article container is possible. The “thrust impulse” onto the article can be influenced by the adjustment movement of the bag body from the transport position into the unloading state. It may prove advantageous that the adjustment speed at the beginning of the adjustment movement is higher than that at the end of the adjustment movement. However, the adjustment speed can principally also be constant. The adjustment movement of the bag body from the transport position into the unloading state is preferably carried out continuously.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the article container further comprisesa suspended support for the suspended transport of the article container on the overhead conveying device,a frame, by means of which the bag body is suspended on the suspended support and by means of which the bag body can be adjusted between the transport position and the loading and/or unloading position.

The frame can be pivoted relative to the suspended support about an axis preferably oriented essentially horizontally without a high exertion of force, whereby the opening operation and the closing operation of the bag body can be carried out in a particularly easy manner

The frame comprises either cross struts or cross struts and longitudinal struts connected thereto, wherein the front wall is arranged, with the second front wall section, on a front cross strut, and the rear wall is arranged on a rear cross strut with the second rear wall section.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the frame hast longitudinal struts and cross struts which are connected to each other. The frame can form a rectangular or an essentially square outer contour. In this context, a rectangular and essentially square outer contour means not only a correct square or rectangular shape, but also an outer contour with rounded corners or positioning means arranged on the cross strut.

If the cross struts and the longitudinal struts have essentially the same lengths, the storage space is optimized for a broad spectrum of articles. In particular, it is also advantageous that in the unloading state, the unloading opening is widely stretched between the second front wall section and second rear wall section, such that the unloading operation can be carried out particularly reliably and easily via the unloading opening. Reversely, a loading operation of the article container can also be carried out particularly reliably and easily via the loading opening. The unloading opening thus also forms the loading opening. In principle, loading can be carried out from above, through the frame. Loading can be carried out automatically or manually.

It is also advantageous if the front cross strut comprises a first strut shank and a second strut shank, which protrude separately from each other, orthogonally on the longitudinal struts and run towards each other. The suspended support is mounted so as to be pivoted on the front cross strut. The cross strut comprises the first strut shank and second strut shank, each of which are equally provided with a strut head, which serve to axially fix the frame relative to the suspended support.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the second front wall section comprises a loop formed by folding over the material end region, through which loop the front cross strut or the first strut shank and second strut shank of the front cross strut is threaded. The loop serves to receive the front cross strut or the first strut shank and second strut shank in an articulated manner.

According to an embodiment, it is provided that the front wall forms a material cutout on the second front wall section, which material cutout is penetrated by the suspended support. This limits or prevents an undesired shifting of the front wall relative to the frame and achieves a centering of the front wall relative to the frame.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the second rear wall section comprises a loop formed by folding over the material end region, through which loop the rear cross strut is threaded. The loop serves to receive the rear cross strut in an articulated manner.

It is advantageous if the rear cross strut comprises a positioning means, in particular a shaping having a U-shaped design, and the rear wall comprises a material cutout on the second rear wall section, which material cutout is penetrated by the positioning means, in particular the shaping having the U-shaped design. This limits or prevents an undesired shifting of the rear wall relative to the frame and achieves a centering of the rear wall relative to the frame.

In this regard, it proves advantageous if the second rear wall section is provided, in some sections or circumferentially, with at least one reinforcing stop in the edge region bounding the positioning means and bordering on the material cutout. This prevents the loop from being pushed over/pushed on at the positioning means, even if the article container is pivoted about an axis extending in parallel in the transport direction, as is the case in particular at the unloading station described below.

The object of the invention is achieved in that the unloading device comprises an actuation device, by means of which the article container described above along with the bag body can be tilted about a tilting axis extending essentially in parallel to the longitudinal extension of the overhead conveying device between a provisioning position and an unloading position, wherein in the unloading position, the article can be discharged from the article container through the unloading opening.

For unloading articles from the article container

i) in one step, the bag body is adjusted from the transport position (closed state) into the loading and/or unloading position (opened state) by means of the opening and closing device, and

ii) in one step, the article container along with the bag body is tilted about a longitudinal axis extending essentially in parallel to the longitudinal extension of the overhead conveying device from a provisioning position into an unloading position by means of the unloading device, whereby the articles are discharged from the article container through the unloading opening.

The discharge direction of the articles extends in a discharge plane extending transversely to the transport direction of the article container. The articles can hence be transported only across a very short discharge path, which significantly reduces the discharge time as compared to the unloading stations known from the prior art. Moreover, it is possible to place a take-over plane, to which the conveyed material is to be delivered, essentially at the level of the unloading opening, such that a particularly gentle transfer of the conveyed material to the take-over plane is possible. The take-over plane is for example defined by a conveying device. The bag body can be adjusted into the unloading state prior to the tilting of the article container from the provisioning position into the unloading position, or the article container is already adjusted from the provisioning position into the unloading position into the unloading position during the opening operation of the bag body into the unloading state.

It is favorable for the opening and closing device to comprise an actuation device for automatic opening and closing of the bag body, by means of which actuation device the frame can be pivoted about an axis relative to the suspended support such that the bag body can be adjusted between the transport position (closed state) and the loading and/or unloading position (opened state).

The bag body can be adjusted between the transport position and the loading and/or unloading position by means of the frame which is preferably present. This results in a particularly simple structure of the article container. The opening and closing device can also be designed particularly simply.

It also proves to be particularly advantageous if the actuation device comprises a driver mechanism havingan inlet section aligned upstream in a transport direction of the article container,an outlet section aligned downstream in the transport direction of the article container, andan unloading section arranged between the inlet section and the outlet section, wherein the inlet section forms a tilted guide track that can be brought into an abutting contact with the frame such that the frame is pivoted during the transport of the article container into the unloading station, whereby the bag body is adjusted from the transport position into the loading and/or unloading position.

The driver mechanism does not require a drive and is thus structured simply. The inlet section comprises a tilted guide track that can be brought into an abutting contact with the frame such that the frame is adjusted between different tilting states and, in the course of this, the bag body is adjusted from the transport position into the loading and/or unloading position. The adjustment between the transport position and the loading and/or unloading position can be carried out very gently. The article container is handled with care. Moreover, the continuous opening operation of the bag body allows the articles to be centered in the storage space, which facilitates the discharge of the articles from the article container.

It is also advantageous if the unloading section forms an essentially horizontal guide track that can be brought into an abutting contact with the frame such that the frame is held in the pivoted deflection state during the unloading operation, whereby the bag body also remains in the opened state.

The article container can be guided during its tilting movement. The guide track extends in parallel to the transport direction of the article container, as does a tilting axis.

It also proves to be advantageous if the outlet section forms a tilted guide track that can be brought into an abutting contact with the frame such that the frame is pivoted during the transport of the article container out of the unloading station, whereby the bag body is adjusted from the loading and/or unloading position into the transport position.

The outlet section comprises a tilted guide track that can be brought into an abutting contact with the frame such that the frame is adjusted between different tilting states and, in the course of this, the bag body is adjusted from the loading and/or unloading position (opened state) into the transport position (closed state). The adjustment between the loading and/or unloading position and the transport position can be carried out very gently. The article container is handled with care.

It proves to be favorable if the overhead conveying device, for the transport of the article container into the unloading station and for the transport of the article container out of the unloading station, comprises transport carriers movable by means of a drive device or by means of gravity, wherein the transport carrier and the suspended support are coupled to one another in an articulated manner, whereby the suspended support is pivotable about an axis extending essentially in parallel to the overhead conveying device relative to the transport carrier.

The transport carrier can be moved by means of a frictional drive or a form-fit drive. An embodiment in which the transport carriers can be moved autonomously by means of a self-propulsion is also possible. The transport carriers can be transported to the unloading station and away from the unloading station very dynamically, which promotes a high unloading performance.

However, the transport carriers can also be transported by means of gravity if the profile rail on which the transport carriers are moved has a slope. This embodiment is favorable where capital costs are to be kept low.

It can also be provided that a locking device for arresting the transport carrier during an unloading operation of the article container is allocated to the opening and closing device of the unloading station.

The transport carrier is temporally arrested for unloading of the article container, which allows for an unwanted movement of the transport carrier and the article container in the transport direction and/or transversely to the transport direction to be prevented during the tilting movement of the article container. The unloading process can also be carried out particularly reliably for large and/or heavy articles.

It is also possible that the opening and closing device of the unloading station comprises a guide device for laterally guiding the transport carrier during a transport movement of the transport carrier through the overhead conveying device for transporting the article container into the unloading station and transporting the article container out of the unloading station.

For unloading the article container, the transport carrier is guided laterally which prevents unwanted tilting of the transport carrier about an axis extending in the transport direction during the tilting movement of the article container. The unloading process can also be carried out particularly reliably for large and/or heavy articles.

An advantageous design is also possible if the actuation device of the unloading device comprises a frame structure that can be tilted by means of a drive between an initial position and an actuation position about an axis extending in parallel to the transport direction of the article container and the actuation device of the opening and closing device is mounted on the frame structure.

The opening and closing device is moved together with the frame structure that can be tilted between the initial position and the actuation position, which allows for an opening operation of the bag body and the tilting operation of the article container to be carried out simultaneously and/or for a closing operation of the bag body and the back-tilting operation of the article container to be carried out simultaneously. The unloading operation can hence be accelerated additionally. Moreover, the unloading operation can be carried out without stopping of the transport movement. However, in general, the transport speed of the transport carriers and the article container in the transport movement along the unloading station can vary.

For the purpose of better understanding of the invention, it will be elucidated in more detail by means of the figures below.

First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure, and in case of a change of position, are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

FIG. 1shows a section of an overhead conveyor system comprising an overhead conveying device1for transporting article containers2in a transport direction3. The article container2is designed as a transport bag and/or hanging bag. The article container2can be loaded with an article4. Preferably, a single article4is received in the article container2. In general, more than one article4may also be received in the article container2. The article container2can transport different articles4, which vary in their geometry/dimension. The articles4are for example cardboard boxes, foil bags (so-called “polybags” made from polyethylene or polypropanol) or the like. Such foil bags are predominantly used in the textile industry and are for example used for packaging T-shirts, shirts and the like. The section of the overhead conveyor system inFIG. 1shows the overhead conveying device1for transporting the article containers2into the unloading station and for transporting the article containers2out of the unloading station.

The overhead conveyor system may additionally comprise an unloading station104(see, for example,FIG. 9) for automatic unloading of the article containers2. The overhead conveying device1serves for transporting the article containers2into the unloading station and for transporting the article containers2out of the unloading station.

The overhead conveyor system may additionally comprise a loading station for automatic loading of an article container2, as it is described, for example, in WO 2018/130712A2. With regard to the different embodiments of the loading station for automatic loading of an article container2, the detailed disclosure of WO 2018/130712 A2 is made the subject matter of this disclosure. In general, it is also conceivable that an article container2is loaded manually in the loading station. The overhead conveying device1serves for transporting the article containers2into the loading station and for transporting the article containers2out of the loading station.

On the other hand, the overhead conveying device1serves for transporting the article containers2between the loading station for manual or automatic loading of an article container2and the unloading station104for automatic unloading of an article container2.

According to the embodiment shown, the overhead conveying device1comprises transport carriers7which can be moved along the overhead conveying device1by means of a drive device5.

In the shown exemplary embodiment, the transport carriers7are moved by means of a frictional drive (drive device5). The transport carrier7shown, for example, inFIG. 2acomprises a suspended body8, a (first) roller9rotatably mounted on an axle, and a friction surface10, the latter of which can be brought into frictional contact with an endlessly revolving friction belt11of the overhead conveying device1. The (second) roller9shown in the Figs. is optional and serves for guiding the transport carrier7at a switching point. The transport carrier7is guided on a profile rail12of the overhead conveying device1via the (first) roller9and can be moved into the transport direction3by the friction drive. Such a transport carrier7is for example described in DE 10 2011 080 280 A1, wherein the shown embodiment of the transport carrier in DE 10 2011 080 280 A1 is different in that the suspended body8comprises a pivotal mounting.

According to an embodiment which is not shown, the transport carriers7can be moved by means of a positive engagement drive (drive device5). For this purpose, an endlessly revolving drive belt of the overhead conveying device1can be provided with driver elements protruding thereon, which come into interlocking engagement with the transport carriers7.

A combination of a friction drive and a positive engagement drive is also possible.

The described drive devices5are in no way to be understood restrictively, but only show different possibilities of how a driving force is transmitted to the transport carriers7in order to move them (so as to be driven) on the overhead conveying device1in the transport direction3.

A design in which the transport carriers7comprise a drive device and are moved (so as to be driven) in the transport direction3on the overhead conveying device1is also conceivable.

Independently thereof, a transport movement of the transport carriers7without a drive device, would also be possible in that the transport carriers7are moved (non-driven) by gravity in the transport direction3on the overhead conveying device1.

FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3aand 3bshow the article container2(hanging bag) with a first embodiment of a bag body.FIG. 2ashows the transport position andFIG. 2bshows an opened state, which relates to the loading state if the article container2is to be loaded, or to the unloading state if the article container2is to be unloaded.

In a preferred embodiment, the article container2(hanging bag) comprises a suspended support15, wherein the suspended support15and the transport carrier7are coupled with one another in an articulated manner via a hinged connection such that the suspended support15is pivotable relative to the transport carrier7about an axis16extending essentially in parallel to the overhead conveying device1(and/or essentially in parallel to the transport direction3).

The transport carrier7can be provided with a first coupling element17and the suspended support15can be provided with a second coupling element18, wherein the first coupling element17and second coupling element18can be coupled and form the hinged connection. The first coupling element17comprises a pivotal mounting19and the second coupling element18comprises a pivot bearing axle20. The pivot bearing axle20is formed on a hook.

According to another embodiment which is not shown, the hinged connection between the suspended support15and the transport carrier7comprises an elastic body, in particular of an elastomer material, which is connected to the suspended support15on the one hand and to the transport carrier7on the other hand. The suspended support15and the transport carrier7are connected to one another via the elastic body (the elastic hinged connection) preferably permanently and/or unreleasably.

The shown article container2for transporting an article4is particularly suitable for automatic unloading at the unloading station104to be described below.

The article container2comprises a bag body that is adjustable between a transport position (FIG. 2a) and a loading and/or unloading position (FIG. 2b).

The bag body comprisesa front wall30and a rear wall31,a first side edge32aand a second side edge32balong the front wall30and rear wall31,a loading and/or unloading opening34formed on a first side of the bag body at least in some regions between the front and rear wall30,31,a side wall stop35formed on a second side of the bag body at least in some regions between the front and rear wall30,31, against which side wall stop35the article4can be placed (seeFIG. 3a), anda storage space for storing the article4between the front and rear wall30,31.

In a preferred embodiment, the front wall30and rear wall31are cut from a continuous length of textile, length of film, a braid, a knitted fabric, a woven fabric or the like. A material cutting, in particular the textile cutting is shown inFIG. 8.

The front wall30and rear wall31do not have to be separately interwoven, sewn together, adhered to one another, or be joined in a different manner This saves a further step in the production of the bag body and thus production cost of the article container2.

However, the invention is not limited to this but the front wall30and rear wall31may also be formed as one piece each if need be. For example, the front wall30and rear wall31are each formed separately from a textile, a film or the like, wherein the front wall30and rear wall31are directly interwoven, knitted together, sewn together, adhered to one another or joined in a different manner The front wall30and rear wall31continuously blend into each other.

The front wall30comprises a first front wall section35a,a second front wall section35band a base plate36. The base plate36is provided in the first front wall section35a.In particular, the first front wall section35acomprises the base plate36and/or the first front wall section35aforms the base plate36.

The base plate36is preferably produced separately from the bag body (according to a shown first embodiment) and is arranged in the first front wall section35aand joined, in particular sewn or adhered, to the front wall30. Such a base plate36is preferably arranged on the inside of the bag body in the first front wall section35a.Such a base plate36is made, for example, from plastic and has a thickness of a maximum of 2 mm. In practice, it has been shown that even at a minimum thickness of 1 mm, a sufficient dimensional stability is given, and the loading and/or unloading can take place at an automatic loading device and/or unloading device in a very reliable manner.

Alternatively, the first front wall section35aitself may form the base plate36(according to a second embodiment that is not shown). For example, the first front wall section35ais designed to have a greater material thickness or a higher material density compared to the second front wall section35b.According to these measures, multiple material layers of the base material (textile or film) for the front wall30are laid on top of each other, and some of the material layers (at least the outer material layers, if the base material is laid on top of each other in more than two layers) are joined together, in particular sewn together or adhered to one another, in order to ultimately form the base plate36, or the base material (textile) for the front wall30is woven in a close-meshed manner in the first front wall section35a,in order to ultimately form the base plate36. However, the base material (textile carrier material) for the front wall30may, for example, also be provided with a plastic material coating in the first front wall section35ain order to ultimately form the base plate36.

According to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the base plate36(and/or reference may be made to a “base structure”) overall leads to the front wall30being formed with a greater rigidity and/or dimensional stability in the first front wall section35athan in the second front wall section35b.In other words, the first front wall section35ais designed to be more rigid and/or more dimensionally stable compared to the second front wall section35b.

Lastly, a combination of the embodiment mentioned above is also possible to obtain the desired relative rigidity of the first front wall section35acompared to the second front wall section35b.

The base plate36and/or “base structure” is dimensionally stable, leading to the base plate36and/or “base structure” being deformed little to not at all under the application of force (weight force of the article4when resting on the base plate36and/or “base structure”). The base plate36(base structure) is designed as a square. In general, it may also be rectangular.

As depicted inFIG. 2b, the base plate36(base structure) comprisesa first longitudinal edge37a,a second longitudinal edge37bextending at a distance from the first longitudinal edge37a,a first end edge38aextending between the first longitudinal edge37aand the second longitudinal edge37b,a second end edge38bextending between the first longitudinal edge37aand the second longitudinal edge37b,anda support and rest surface39, which faces the storage space.

The base plate36(base structure) essentially borders on the first side edge32awith the first end edge38aand essentially borders on the second side edge32bwith the second end edge38b.

The second front wall section35badjoins the first longitudinal edge37a,and the first rear wall section45aadjoins the second longitudinal edge37b.

It is also advantageous if the first longitudinal edge37aforms a first folding edge, and the second longitudinal edge37bforms a second folding edge. The folding edges serve as material hinges to which the second front wall section35band the first rear wall section45ais hinged (according to the embodiment inFIGS. 2a, 2b, 3aand 3b), and allow a relative shift between the front wall30and rear wall31.

The support and rest surface39has a double function. On the one hand, the base plate36(base structure) may serve to support the article4when the bag body is adjusted into the transport position and the article4is held clamped between the front wall30and rear wall31. On the other hand, the base plate36(base structure) may serve for the article4to rest on when the bag body is adjusted into the loading and/or unloading position and the article container2is being loaded or unloaded.

It also proves advantageous if the support and rest surface39of the base plate36(base structure) opens into the loading and/or unloading opening34. The base plate36(base structure) may also serve as a “slide” when the bag body is adjusted into the unloading state, as will be described below. If the support and rest surface39is designed as a sliding surface, the (automatic) unloading of the article4in particular may be favored.

The rear wall31comprises a first rear wall section45aand a second rear wall section45b. The first rear wall section45aadjoins the first front wall section35a,the latter being provided with the base plate36(base structure).

The rear wall31is formed with a lower rigidity and/or dimensional stability in the first rear wall section45athan in the first front wall section35a.In other words, the first front wall section35ais designed to be more rigid and/or more dimensionally stable compared to the first rear wall section45a.

As described above, the front wall30and rear wall31are made from a flexible (non-rigid) material, in particular a textile material, and exclusively the first front wall section35ais designed to be stiffened/reinforced by the base plate36(base structure). The flexible (non-rigid) material is preferably supple and can, if applicable, have elastic properties. In this way the article4can be surrounded at least in some regions, for example at corners and edges, in a tightfitting manner by the flexible (non-rigid) material. In this way a form and/or friction fit for holding the article4within the article container2can be caused.

The second front wall section35b,first rear wall section45aand second rear wall section45bare produced from a flexible (non-rigid) material, in particular a textile material. An additional stiffening of the flexible (non-rigid) material is not necessary and also not provided.

As can be seen inFIG. 2a, the front wall30and rear wall31are approximated to one another in the transport position. In the transport position, the horizontal distance is smaller than the corresponding horizontal distance in the loading and/or unloading position. The horizontal distance is reduced to a minimum and results from the geometry/dimensions of the article4, which is accommodated in the storage space for transport. In the transport position of the bag body, the storage space is minimized in volume. Usefully, the support and rest surface39is oriented essentially vertically in the transport position. The article4is accommodated between the front wall30and rear wall31in the storage space. As can be seen inFIG. 3a, 3b, the article4is held clamped by the base plate36(base structure) and the second rear wall section45bwhen the bag body is in the transport position. Additionally, the article4rests on the first rear wall section45aand/or the transport rest described below.

As can be seen inFIG. 2b, the front wall30and rear wall31are moved away from each other, and the loading and/or unloading opening34is delimited by the front wall30and rear wall31and borders on the first end edge38aof the bag body36(base structure) when the bag body is in one of the opened states, which relates to the loading state if the article container2is to be loaded, or to the unloading state if the article container2is to be unloaded (loading and/or unloading position). In the loading and/or unloading position, the horizontal distance is greater than the corresponding horizontal distance in the transport position. The horizontal distance is preferably enlarged to a maximum in order to reliably unload the article4from the storage space and/or to reliably load the article container2. In particular, the bag body comprises a loading and/or unloading opening34delimited by the first side edge32aand formed at least in some regions between the front and rear wall30,31.

Although it is provided that the loading and/or unloading opening34borders on the first end edge38a,this does not exclude that a side wall extends between the front wall30and rear wall31above the loading and/or unloading opening34. It must merely be ensured that the loading and/or unloading opening34is sized in such a way that the largest article4can be moved through the loading and/or unloading opening34without colliding with the side wall. In the loading and/or unloading position, the storage space is maximized in volume. Usefully, the support and rest surface39is oriented essentially horizontally in the loading state. This allows the loading operation to be carried out in a simple manner Preferably, depending on the geometry/dimensions of the article4, the bag body is always adjusted into the same opened state, which allows for a particularly simple structure of the unloading station described below.

In a preferred embodiment, the article container2can be loaded (manually or automatically) with the article4via the loading and/or unloading opening34. Alternatively, an article4, which loads the support and rest surface39after the bag body has been adjusted, may be unloaded (manually or automatically) via the loading and/or unloading opening34.

As can be seen well inFIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, the bag body comprises a side wall stop46on its second side, which is formed at least in some regions between the front and rear wall30,31, against which side wall stop46the article4can be placed. Specifically, the bag body comprises a side wall stop46bordering on the second side edge32band formed at least in some regions between the front and rear wall30,31, against which side wall stop46the article4can be placed. Preferably, the bag body comprises exclusively this (only) side wall stop46.

In the present case, the (stretched) side wall stop46is formed as a triangle and adjoins the first front wall section35a,first rear wall section45aand second rear wall section45b.Preferably, the side wall stop46extends approximately up to half, preferably approximately up to a third, of the first front wall section35aand tapering from the first front wall section35avertically upwards, approximately up to half of the second rear wall section45b.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the side wall stop46is formed as a rectangle and adjoins the first front wall section35a,second front wall section35b,first rear wall section45aand second rear wall section45b.

Such a side wall stop46is especially cut from a separate material web and joined with the at least one material web for the front wall30and rear wall31, in particular sewn to the front wall30and rear wall31.

As depicted only inFIG. 2b, the side wall stop46may form a material cutout47, which is arranged in the region of the first rear wall section45a.The material cutout47serves the purpose that liquid accumulating in the bag body can flow out of the article container2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the article container2comprises the suspended support15for suspended transport on the overhead conveying device1(seeFIG. 1) and an (optional) frame60, by means of which the bag body is suspended on the suspended support15, and by means of which the bag body can be adjusted between the transport position and the loading and/or unloading position. By different inclined positions of the frame60, a horizontal distance between the front wall30and rear wall31can be changed.

At this point, it should also be noted that, as an alternative to the embodiment described above, the article container2may also be loaded through the frame60and from above if the bag body is adjusted into the loading and/or unloading position. According to this embodiment, the frame60forms the loading opening. However, the article container2is still unloaded via the unloading opening34. In other words, it is not absolutely necessary that the bag body forms both the loading opening34for loading the article container2and the unloading opening34for unloading the article container2(thus, a common loading and unloading opening34) on the first side, but only the unloading opening34.

The frame60is mounted so as to be pivotable on and relative to the suspended support15, about an axis61that is preferably oriented essentially horizontally. The axis61is preferably arranged closer to the front wall30than to the rear wall31.

The frame60forms cross struts63extending in parallel at a mutual distance and longitudinal struts64extending between the cross struts63in parallel at a mutual distance. The frame60forms an essentially rectangular or an essentially square outer contour. Preferably, a wire frame is used as the frame60.

As can be seen inFIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, the front wall30is mounted, with the second front wall section35b,on a front cross strut63in an articulated manner (first pivot bearing), and the rear wall31is mounted, with the second rear wall section45b,on a rear cross strut63in an articulated manner (second pivot bearing). The first front wall section35ais thus arranged at a distance from the front cross strut, and the first rear wall section45ais thus arranged at a distance from the rear cross strut.

The second front wall section35bforms a loop formed by folding over the material end region, through which loop the front cross strut is threaded. The second rear wall section45bforms a loop formed by folding over the material end region, through which loop the rear cross strut is threaded.

It can be seen that by means of the first pivot bearing, second pivot bearing, the first longitudinal edge37a(first folding edge) and second longitudinal edge37b(second folding edge), a four-bar linkage is formed, whereby the bag body can be adjusted between the transport position and loading and/or unloading position particularly easily.

It may also be provided, as shown in more detail inFIG. 7, that the front cross strut63comprises a first strut section65aand a second strut section65b,which protrude separately from each other, in each case orthogonally on the longitudinal struts64, and run towards each other. In particular, the first strut section65aand second strut section65bare arranged coaxially.

The first strut section65acomprises a cylindrical strut shank66aand a first strut head67aat its free end. The strut head67aprotrudes in the radial direction on an outer contour of the cylindrical strut shank66aand is preferably produced as one piece with the strut shank66a.The strut head67ais formed by upsetting material, for example.

The second strut section65bcomprises a cylindrical strut shank66band a second strut head67bat its free end. The strut head67bprotrudes in the radial direction on an outer contour of the cylindrical strut shank66band is preferably produced as one piece with the strut shank66b.The strut head67bis formed by upsetting material, for example.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the suspended support15comprises a first bearing section68a,a first strut head receptacle69a,a second bearing section66band a second strut head receptacle69b.The suspended support15may comprise a first suspended support half and a second suspended support half, which are preferably permanently joined. For example, the first suspended support half and second suspended support half are joined via coupling elements cooperating in a positively locking and/or force-fitting manner or via a material bonded connection.

If the suspended support15is assembled from the first suspended support half and second suspended support half, the first bearing section68a,the first strut head receptacle69a,the second bearing section66band the second strut head receptacle69bare formed mirror-symmetrically relative to a parting plane and are divided by the parting plane. Thus, one half of the bearing section68ais formed at the first suspended support half and the other at the second suspended support half. When the first suspended support half and second suspended support half are connected to form the suspended support15, a first bearing section half and a second bearing section half form the first bearing section68a.Thus, the parting plane of the suspended support15is placed such that the first bearing section68ais parted in the middle by the parting plane. The same is to be transferred to the first strut head receptacle69a,the second bearing section66band the second strut head receptacle69b.

The first bearing section68aand second bearing section68bare arranged coaxially and have the (common) axis61. The first strut shank66aand first bearing section68aare arranged coaxially. The second strut shank66band second bearing section68bare arranged coaxially.

The first strut head67ais arranged inside the first strut head receptacle69ain order to hold the first strut section65a,which is pivotable relative to the first bearing section68aand the first strut head receptacle69a,positioned in the axial direction.

The second strut head67bis arranged inside the second strut head receptacle69bin order to hold the second strut section65b,which is pivotable relative to the second bearing section68band the second strut head receptacle69b,positioned in the axial direction.

It should be noted that the invention is in no way to be understood to be limited to this advantageous embodiment of the frame60. In fact, the frame60may comprise and/or form a (circumferential) closed frame structure. Otherwise, the frame60may also be designed according to the different embodiments as described in DE 10 2004 018 569 A1.

Independently of the design of the suspended support15and the frame60, this embodiment provides that the frame60can be pivoted with the front cross strut63about the horizontally oriented axis61, on and relative to the suspended support15, so that the bag body can be adjusted between the transport position and the loading and/or unloading position.

As depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8, the front wall30may form a material cutout70on the second front wall section35b,which material cutout70is penetrated by the suspended support15. This limits or prevents an undesired shifting of the front wall30relative to the frame60and achieves a centering of the front wall30relative to the frame60.

As depicted inFIGS. 6 and 8, the rear cross strut63may be provided with an (optional) positioning means. Preferably, the positioning means is arranged about halfway between the longitudinal struts64. The positioning means is, for example, a shaping71, which preferably has a U-shaped design. Instead of the shaping71, a stop body, which is fixedly connected to the rear cross strut63, may be provided on the rear cross strut63as a positioning means. The stop body is, for example, a plastic disc. The rear wall31forms a material cutout72, which is penetrated by the positioning means (specifically the shaping71), on the second rear wall section45b.By means of the positioning means, an undesired shifting of the rear wall31relative to the frame60is limited or prevented, and a centering of the rear wall31relative to the frame60is achieved.

It has also proven advantageous if the second rear wall section45bis provided, in some sections or circumferentially, with at least one reinforcing stop73in the edge region bounding the positioning means and bordering on the material cutout72. Preferably, the reinforcing stop73is formed by a weld seam, bond seam or rivets or the like. As depicted exclusively inFIGS. 3aand6, one weld seam each is provided in the mentioned edge region on both sides of the shaping71having in particular a U-shaped design. Due to the weld seams, the material becomes more rigid and they reinforce the material in the mentioned edge region. The weld seams are for example line welds or spot welds and thus form reinforcing stops73. Otherwise, only a continuous weld seam could be provided in the mentioned edge region, which weld seam has an essentially U-shaped design and is adapted to the outer contour of the particularly U-shaped shaping71.

If a shifting of the rear wall31relative to the rear wall60can barely be prevented, the shifting is in any case limited by the positioning means. This may be the case, for example when the article container2is being loaded or unloaded. Specifically, the edge region (with or without the reinforcing stop73) of the second rear wall section45bbordering on the material cutout72may be placed against the positioning means.

FIGS. 6a, 6bshow an embodiment, according to which the second rear wall section45bis provided circumferentially with at least one reinforcing stop in the edge region bounding the positioning means and bordering on the material cutout72. The reinforcing stop is referenced with73′ and preferably comprises a first reinforcing stop half and a second reinforcing stop half, which are permanently joined. For example, the first reinforcing stop half and second reinforcing stop half are joined via coupling elements85cooperating in a positively locking and/or force-fitting manner or via a material bonded connection. In the embodiment shown, the coupling elements85are formed by a latching connection between the first reinforcing stop half and second reinforcing stop half. Due to the reinforcing stop73′ being formed of two halves, a simpler installation on the rear cross strut63is possible.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing stop73′ comprises a first bearing section86aand a second bearing section86b,wherein the rear cross strut63is borne, with a first strut section87a,in the first bearing section86a,and with a second strut section87bin the second bearing section86b.The first bearing section86aand second bearing section86bare arranged coaxially and have a common axis. The first strut section87aand first bearing section86aare arranged coaxially. The second strut section87band second bearing section86bare arranged coaxially.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing stop73′ comprises a material cutout88between the first bearing section86aand the second bearing section86b,inside which material cutout88the positioning means (specifically the shaping71) is arranged. The reinforcing stop73′ shown is designed to be approximately U-shaped.

As described already inFIG. 6, the rear cross strut63may be provided with an (optional) positioning means according to this embodiment, as well. Preferably, the positioning means is arranged about halfway between the longitudinal struts64. The positioning means is, for example, a shaping71, which preferably has a U-shaped design. Instead of the shaping71, a stop body, which is fixedly connected to the rear cross strut63, may be provided on the rear cross strut63as a positioning means. The stop body is, for example, a plastic disc.

It may also prove advantageous if the first reinforcing stop half and the second reinforcing stop half form fixing pins89and delimiting webs90projecting on their inner surfaces facing one another. The fixing pins89of the first reinforcing stop half and the fixing pins89of the second reinforcing stop half are arranged distributed across the inner surfaces and offset to each other. Located opposite the fixing pins89of the first reinforcing stop half are bores/recesses91in the second reinforcing stop half. Preferably, each fixing pin89has a point which can penetrate the material of the rear wall31and/or can pierce the material. The delimiting webs90are provided along an arrangement line adapted to the material cutout72in the second rear wall section45band form a stop edge facing the material cutout72, as depicted inFIG. 6b.

In general, the fixing pins89may also be provided on one of the inner surfaces facing one another of the first reinforcing stop half and second reinforcing stop half. Likewise, the delimiting webs90may also be provided on one of the inner surfaces facing one another of the first reinforcing stop half and second reinforcing stop half.

Also, according to this embodiment, the rear wall31forms a material cutout72on the second rear wall section45b,which material cutout72is penetrated by the positioning means (specifically the shaping71) but does not immediately border on the positioning means.

The rear wall31is inserted between the first rear wall half and second reinforcing stop half with a material section (edge region) bordering on the material cutout72. In doing so, the material cutout72may be positioned against the delimiting webs90. The delimiting webs90prevent that the material section projects out of the contour of the material cutout88in the reinforcing stop73′. If the first reinforcing stop half and second reinforcing stop half are connected to each other by means of the cooperating coupling elements85, the fixing pins89become effective and fix the material section (edge region) in place relative to the reinforcing stop73′.

The positioning means and the reinforcing stop73′ cooperate such that an undesired shifting of the rear wall31relative to the frame60is limited or prevented, and a centering of the rear wall31relative to the frame60is achieved. In particular, a shifting motion of the reinforcing stop73′ relative to the frame60is limited by the positioning means (specifically the shaping71).

FIGS. 2a, 3aand 3bshow a bag body in its transport position, in which the first rear wall section45aforms a transport rest75extending between the first side edge32aand second side edge32b,which transport rest75comprises a transport rest surface76slanting in the direction of the side wall stop46(thus extending inclined downwards). The transport rest surface76borders on the side wall stop46.

The transport rest surface76and/or transport rest75slanting in the direction of the side wall stop46is preferably formed continuously between the first side edge32aand second side edge32b.Specifically, the transport rest75extends between the side wall stop46and the first side edge32a,and the transport rest surface76opens into the loading and/or unloading opening34.

FIGS. 4a, 4band 4cshow the article container2(hanging bag) with a second embodiment of a bag body.FIG. 4ashows the transport position,FIG. 4b(top view) andFIG. 4c(perspective view) show one of the opened states, which relates to the loading state if the article container2is to be loaded, or to the unloading state if the article container2is to be unloaded.

The article container2according toFIGS. 4a, 4band 4cis different from the first embodiment in that the bag body comprises a guide wall77described below.FIG. 4cshows a bag body in its loading and/or unloading position, in which the first rear wall section45aforms a guide wall77(hatched first part of the wall section) extending between the first side edge32aand second side edge32band projecting upwards relative to the base plate36(base structure). The guide wall77comprises in a first part of the wall section a guide wall surface78tapering in the direction of the loading and/or unloading opening34. The guide wall surface78is essentially flat. This means that, in the loading and/or unloading position, a (rear) opening width between the second front wall section35band the first rear wall section45aon the second side edge32bis greater in size than a (front) opening width between the second front wall section35band the first rear wall section45aon the first side edge32a.

The side wall stop46is connected, in particular sewn or bonded, to the first rear wall section45a,second rear wall section45band first front wall section35a,such that, in the loading and/or unloading position, the first rear wall section45aforms a folding edge79extending from the second side edge32b(and/or side wall stop46) in the direction toward the first side edge32a,which folding edge79divides the first rear wall section45ain the (hatched) first part of the wall section and the (not hatched) second part of the wall section. The longitudinal edge36a,folding edge79, the first side edge32aand second side edge32b(and/or side wall stop46) span between them the (not hatched) second part of the wall section. The second part of the wall section extends in the vicinity of the base plate36(base structure) and a plane extending essentially in parallel to the base plate36(base structure).

FIG. 4dshows the article container2(hanging bag) with a third embodiment of a bag body in one of the opened states, which relates to the loading state if the article container2is to be loaded, or to the unloading state if the article container2is to be unloaded.

The article container2according toFIG. 4dis different from the first embodiment in that the bag body comprises a guide wall77described below.

FIG. 4dshows a bag body in its loading and/or unloading position, in which the first rear wall section45aforms a guide wall77extending between the first side edge32aand second side edge32band projecting upwards relative to the base plate36(base structure). The guide wall77comprises (in a part of the wall section) a guide wall surface78tapering in the direction of the loading and/or unloading opening34. This means that, in the loading and/or unloading position, a (rear) opening width between the second front wall section35band the first rear wall section45aon the second side edge32bis greater in size than a (front) opening width between the second front wall section35band the first rear wall section45aon the first side edge32a.

According to this embodiment, a first surface line80aand a second surface line80bof a circular cone or frustum span between them the (hatched) guide wall surface78. The second longitudinal edge37band first surface line80apreferably extend congruently. The first rear wall section45ais designed having a first radius at its (rear) cross-sectional end located closer to the second side edge35band having a second radius at its (front) cross-sectional end located closer to the first side edge35a,wherein the first radius is greater in size than the second.

The side wall stop46is connected, in particular sewn or bonded, to the first rear wall section45a,second rear wall section45band first front wall section35a,such that, in the loading and/or unloading position, the first rear wall section45aforms the described guide wall surface78.

The guide wall surface78and/or guide wall77tapering in the direction of the loading and/or unloading opening34is preferably formed continuously between the first side edge32aand second side edge32b.Specifically, the guide wall77extends between the side wall stop46and the first side edge32a,and the guide wall surface78opens into the loading and/or unloading opening34.

An embodiment is possible, according to which the first rear wall section45aforms the guide wall77extending between the first side edge32aand second side edge32band projecting upwards relative to the base plate (base structure), which guide wall77forms, in a part of the wall section, a thus designed actuation wall surface, by means of whichthe article4is acted upon with a first force component in the horizontal direction (H) and with a second force component (for example according to an embodiment according toFIGS. 4a, 4band 4c) in the vertical direction (V), orthe article4is acted upon with a first force component in the horizontal direction (H), with a second force component in the vertical direction (V), and with a third force component (for example according to an embodiment according toFIG. 4d) in a depth direction (T),

if the bag body is adjusted from the transport position into the unloading state.

The actuation wall surface may be formed by the guide wall surface78described above according to the embodiment inFIGS. 4a, 4band 4corFIG. 4d.

FIGS. 5a, 5bshow the article container2(hanging bag) with a fourth embodiment of a bag body in the transport position. It also proves advantageous if, in the transport position of the bag body, the second rear wall section45bforms a support wall81, which tapers in the direction of the loading and/or unloading opening34, between the first side edge32aand second side edge32b.Thereby, the article4can be held clamped between the base plate36(base structure) in the first front wall section35aand the support wall81in the second rear wall section45b.The rear wall31is made of flexible (non-rigid) material, so that the second rear wall section45bclings closely to the article4, in particular to the corner and edge. The article4is held by means of a form and friction fit.

At this point, it should be noted that each of the different embodiments of the bag body may form an independent invention on its own. To that end, it should also be noted that according to the second, third and fourth embodiment of the invention, the bag body may also form in its transport position a transport rest75between the first side edge32aand second side edge32b,which transport rest75comprises a transport rest surface extending essentially horizontally, as is represented in more detail.

However, it proves advantageous of the first, second, third and fourth embodiment of the bag body are combined. However, a combination of the first embodiment and only one of the second, third and fourth embodiments is also possible.

FIG. 8shows a cutting from a material web with a view onto the inner side of the front wall30and rear wall31of a bag body, in particular according to the embodiment inFIG. 4dor according to an embodiment of a combination ofFIG. 4dandFIGS. 5a,5b.

As already described above, the front wall30comprises the first front wall section35aand second front wall section35b,wherein the base plate36(base structure) is provided in the first front wall section35a.The base plate36(base structure) is designed approximately as a square. The rear wall31comprises the first rear wall section45aand second rear wall section45b,wherein the first rear wall section45aborders on the first front wall section35a.The material cutouts70,72are also depicted.

In the first front wall section35a,the longitudinal edge sections of the longitudinal edges32a,32bextend in parallel and have the same length. In the second front wall section35b,the longitudinal edge sections of the longitudinal edges32a,32bextend either in a parallel manner (solid lines) or inclined towards one another (dot-dashed lines), according to the latter embodiment, the second front wall section35btapers with increasing distance from the front wall section35a.The longitudinal edges32a,32bhave the same length.

In the first rear wall section45a,the longitudinal edge sections of the longitudinal edges32a,32bhave different lengths. Specifically, the length of a first longitudinal edge section on the first longitudinal edge32ain the first rear wall section45ais approximately zero or is zero. In any case, a second longitudinal edge section on the second longitudinal edge32bis longer than the first longitudinal edge section on the first longitudinal edge32a.

In the second rear wall section45a,the longitudinal edge sections of the longitudinal edges32a,32bextend in parallel and have different lengths. Specifically, the length of the first longitudinal edge section on the first longitudinal edge32aon the first side (near the loading and/or unloading opening) is smaller in size than the length of the second longitudinal edge section on the second longitudinal edge32bon the second side (near the side wall stop46). The second rear wall section45aextends at an angle relative to the first front wall section35a.

The side wall stop46is especially cut from a separate material web and joined with the at least one material cutting for the front wall30and rear wall31, in particular sewn to the front wall section35a,first rear wall section45aand second rear wall section45b.

As schematically adumbrated in dashed lines inFIG. 8, an inner contour of the frame60is adapted to an outer contour of the base plate36(base structure) such that the base plate36(base structure) can be threaded through the frame60in an essentially undeformed condition if the bag body is adjusted into the loading and/or unloading position by means of the frame60. The bag body can be turned inside out, so that the inner side of the bag body becomes the outer side of the bag body. The article container2can still be used in the same manner, it is only to be hung on the overhead conveying device rotated by 180°. In this regard, it may prove advantageous if the first front wall section35ahas different material properties, preferably friction coefficients, on the inner side of the bag body and on the outer side of the bag body. This is given, for example, when the base plate36(base structure) is provided in the first front wall section35a,which base plate36faces the inner side of the bag body, while the outer side does not provide a base plate36in the first front wall section35a. The material property in the first front wall section35ais then determined by the flexible (non-rigid) material used.

FIGS. 9, 16aand16bshow the unloading station104in different views. It comprises the overhead conveying device1for transporting the article container2into the unloading station104and for transporting the article container2out the unloading station104, an opening and closing device139for adjusting the bag body between the transport position and the loading and/or unloading position, and an unloading device140for unloading the bag body adjusted into the opened state.

The opening and closing device139comprises an actuation device for automatic opening and closing of the bag body, by means of which actuation device the frame60can be pivoted about the axis61relative to the suspended support15such that the bag body can be adjusted between the transport position and the loading and/or unloading position.

According to a possible embodiment, the actuation device comprises a driver mechanism for automated opening and closing of the bag body. The driver mechanism preferably comprises a first driver mechanism141and a second driver mechanism142which are arranged on both sides and below the overhead conveying device1for transporting the article container2into the unloading station104and transporting the article container2out of the unloading station104. In particular, the first driver mechanism141and the second driver mechanism142are arranged symmetrically to one another with respect to the article container2, in particular the frame60. However, in general, only one of the driver mechanisms141can be provided.

The first driver mechanism141is affixed to a first support frame143and the second driver mechanism142is affixed to a second support frame144. The first support frame143and the second support frame144are parts of the actuation device.

In the shown exemplary embodiment, the first driver mechanism141comprises a lower guide assembly and an upper guide assembly, the second driver mechanism142also comprises a lower guide assembly and an upper guide assembly. The lower guide assembly and the upper guide assembly are arranged on top of one another at a distance such that between the lower guide assembly and the upper guide assembly of the first driver mechanism141and between the lower guide assembly and the upper guide assembly of the second driver mechanism142, in each case, one of the longitudinal struts64can be accommodated. The distance essentially corresponds to the diameter of the longitudinal strut64. However, the first driver mechanism141and/or the second driver mechanism142can also comprise just the lower guide track.

The lower guide assembly and, if provided, the upper guide assembly of the first driver mechanism141and, if provided, of the second driver mechanism142comprise an inlet section145located upstream of the article container2in the transport direction3, an outlet section146located downstream thereof, and an unloading section147located between the inlet section145and the outlet section146. The lower guide assembly and, if provided, the upper guide assembly of the first driver mechanism141and/or of the second driver mechanism142extend in parallel to the transport direction3of the article container2.

The inlet section145forms a tilted guide track148that can be brought into an abutting contact with the frame60, in particular the longitudinal struts64, such that the frame60is pivoted during transport of the article container2into the unloading station104, whereby the bag body is adjusted from the transport position in the direction of the loading and/or unloading position (FIG. 10).

The unloading section147forms a guide track149which is essentially horizontal and which can be brought into an abutting contact with the frame60, in particular the longitudinal struts64, such that the frame60is held in the pivoted deflection position during the unloading operation whereby the bag body also remains in the opened state (FIG. 11).

The outlet section146forms a tilted guide track150that can be brought into an abutting contact with the frame60, in particular the longitudinal struts64, such that the frame60is pivoted during transport of the article container2out of the unloading station104, whereby the bag body is adjusted from the loading and/or unloading position in the direction of the transport position (FIG. 14).

As can be seen in the Figures, the unloading device140comprises an actuation device156, by means of which the article container2along with the bag body can be tilted about a tilting axis157extending essentially in parallel to the longitudinal extension of the overhead conveying device1between a provisioning position158(FIGS. 11, 16a) and an unloading position159(FIGS. 12, 16b), wherein in the unloading position159, the article4can be discharged from the article container2through the loading and/or unloading opening34. The articles4are preferably loaded into a container not depicted or on a conveying device not depicted, for example a belt conveyor. This container can also represent the shipping cardboard box.

In a preferred first embodiment, the article container2, along with the bag body adjusted into the opened state (unloading state), is tilted about the tilting axis157between a provisioning position158(FIGS. 11, 16a) and a unloading position159(FIGS. 12, 16b). In other words, the bag body is adjusted into the unloading state in a precursory first step i) before the unloading—the article container2is now in the provisioning position158, and in a subsequent second step ii), the article container2, along with the bag body adjusted into the unloading state, is pivoted about the tilting axis157—the article container2is now in the unloading position159.

After the unloading, the article container2, along with the bag body adjusted into the unloading state, is tilted back from the unloading position159(FIGS. 12, 16b) into the provisioning position158(FIG. 11, 16a) about the tilting axis157. Afterwards, the article container2is transported away by means of the overhead conveying device1.

According to a second embodiment, the article container2is tilted, still during the adjustment movement of the bag body between the transport position and the unloading state, about the tilting axis157between the provisioning position158and the unloading position159. In other words, for unloading, the article container2is tilted from the provisioning position158into the unloading position159about the tilting axis157, still during the opening operation of the bag body from the transport position in the direction of the unloading state. Likewise, the article container2can be tilted from the unloading position159into the provisioning position158about the tilting axis157after unloading and during the closing operation of the bag body from the unloading state in the direction of the transport position.

The actuation device156of the unloading device140comprises a frame structure161which can be tilted by means of a drive160between an initial position and an actuation position about an axis extending in parallel to the transport direction3of the article containers2. The drive160is for example a fluid cylinder.

In the depicted embodiment, the frame structure161is mounted on a stationary support construction163via guide assemblies162. Each of the guide assemblies162comprises a guide track164and guide rollers165,166(FIGS. 9, 16a) which rest thereon in a rollable manner The guide tracks comprise the (left) first guide track164and the (right) second guide track164. The first guide track164is affixed to a first support frame167and the second guide track164to a second support frame168. The frame structure161has frame sides opposing one another, wherein the guide rollers165,166are arranged on the first frame side and the guide rollers165,166are arranged on the second frame side.

As is shown in dashed lines exclusively inFIG. 16bfor reasons of clarity, the actuation device of the opening and closing device139is mounted on the tiltable frame structure161.

Specifically, the first driver mechanism141with the first support frame143and the second driver mechanism142with the second support frame1441is affixed to the frame structure161via frame connections169

Hence, the opening and closing device139is tilted together with the frame structure161, and the article container2is held essentially fixed also in the unloading position159(between the lower guide assembly and the upper guide assembly of the first driver mechanism141and, if available, between the lower guide assembly and the upper guide assembly of the second driver mechanism144, one of the longitudinal struts64each).

InFIGS. 16a, 16b, the unloading station104is shown with the opening and closing device139. InFIG. 16a, the article container2is in the provisioning position158and the bag body in its unloading state and/or opened state (also seeFIG. 11). InFIG. 16b, the article container2is in the unloading position159and the bag body in its unloading state and/or opened state (also seeFIG. 12).

According to this embodiment, the unloading station104additionally comprises a locking device170for arresting the transport carrier7during an unloading operation of the article container2.

The locking device170comprises an arresting element172, for arresting the transport carrier7, movable between an ineffective initial position (16a) and an effective actuation position (FIG. 16b) by means of a drive171. The arresting element172comprises, for example, a stop, against which a profile web173of the transport carrier7runs and positions the transport carrier7in the transport direction3.

The unloading station104can further comprise a guide device175extending in parallel to the transport direction3for laterally guiding the transport carrier7during a transport movement of the transport carrier7through the overhead conveying device1for transporting the article container2into the unloading station104and transporting the article container2out of the unloading station104. Moreover, the guide device175is effective during the unloading operation and when the article container2is tilted between the provisioning position158and unloading position159about the tilting axis157, by means of the transport carrier7being fixed against a lateral movement (transversely with respect to the transport direction3) and/or a lateral movement (transversely with respect to the transport direction3) being limited.

The method for unloading an article4out of an article container2is described in AT 2018/50320 is made the subject matter of this disclosure.

Even though the article container2described above is particularly suitable for automatic loading and automatic unloading, it is equally possible to load the article container2manually and to unload it manually. Manual loading and automatic unloading or vice versa is also possible.

It should also be pointed out that the article container2does not necessarily have to comprise a frame60and in particular a “circumferential” frame60. The suspended support15, the overhead conveying device1, the loading station and/or unloading station may also be designed according to a different embodiment, as described, for example, in WO 2016/120031 A1. According to this embodiment, the article container2comprises a bag body adjustable between a transport position and a loading and/or unloading position. Instead of the frame described above, cross struts separated from each other are used, wherein the front wall is arranged on a front cross strut and the rear wall on a rear cross strut, both in an articulated manner. Longitudinal struts, which are connected to the front cross strut and rear cross strut, are not provided. Likewise, the adjustment of the bag body between a transport position and a loading and/or unloading position is carried out by actuation mechanisms arranged separate from the article container, which actuation mechanisms can cooperate with the front cross strut and/or rear cross strut. The article container disclosed in WO 2016/120031 A1 may also comprise the bag body described in the different embodiments without departing from the teaching of the inventions.

It should also be mentioned that the front wall30may be provided with a base plate36and reinforcing elements100in the first front wall section35a,as schematically and exclusively depicted inFIG. 8. This modification can be applied to all of the embodiments described above for the bag body and/or article container.

If the base plate36(according to the first embodiment) is produced separately from the bag body, as described above, the base plate36is arranged in the first front wall section35apreferably on the inside of the bag body, while the reinforcing elements100are arranged in the first front wall section35apreferably on the outside of the bag body. According to the embodiment shown, the reinforcing elements100comprise a first receiving channel101aextending in parallel to the first side edge32aand a wire rod102ainserted in it and a second receiving channel101bextending in parallel to the second side edge32b,and a second wire rod102binserted in it. The first receiving channel101ais formed in a first textile strip, which is sewn or bonded to the bag body in the first front wall section35a,and the second receiving channel101bis formed in a second textile strip, which is sewn or bonded to the bag body in the first front wall section35a.In general, however, the base plate36could also form the first receiving channel101aand the second receiving channel101b.This allows the base plate36to be formed in a particularly thin manner, in particular with a thickness of a maximum of 1 mm. Loading and/or unloading at an automatic loading device and/or unloading device can take place in a particularly reliable manner

However, the reinforcing elements100may also be formed by a greater material thickness or higher material density, for example according to the embodiment described above, where the base plate36is not produced separately from the bag body. This measure also leads to a particularly dimensionally stable base plate36.

Finally, it should also be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be adduced for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

In particular, it should also be noted that the article containers2shown may in reality comprise more or fewer components than those shown. In some cases, the shown article containers2and/or their components may not be depicted to scale and/or be enlarged and/or reduced in size.