Sorting mechanism with dynamic discharge

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 T-Tfor receiving and transporting the container in a transport direction. The tilting elements T-Tare arranged neighbouring each other, and they are individually tiltable by controllable tilting actuators, e.g. servo motors. Hereby, the tilting elements T-Tcan tilt around an axis parallel with the transport direction. A computerized controller serves to individually control the tilting of the tilting elements T-Twith a control algorithm in response to at least one position signal such that a group of at least two tilting elements T-Tperform 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 T-Teach with a length of such as 30-50% of the container or tote to be handled. The tilting elements T-Tare preferably stationary seen in the transport direction, and the container or tote is driven forward by friction drive means FB on each of the tilting elements T-T. Preferably, position sensors on or at each tilting element T-Tserve to provide input to the controller regarding position of the container or tote, thus enabling the control algorithm to generate control signals to control a tilting angle of each of the tilting elements T-Taccordingly to provide a forward propagating wave serving to smoothly support the container in a gradual combined tilting and forward motion.