Method and device for conveying unit loads

Abstract

For conveying piece goods, holding devices ( ) are utilised for holding individual articles ( ), which holding devices ( ) are mounted on displaceable conveying devices ( ) and are closed for the purpose of conveying the articles ( ). For loading articles ( ) onto essentially continuously conveyed, opened holding devices ( ) and/or for unloading articles ( ) from essentially continuously conveyed, opened holding devices ( ), pairs of article guides ( ) and article pushers ( ) are conveyed through a loading zone (L) or unloading zone, in parallel to and in synchronism with the holding/conveying devices ( ). The article guides are stationary relative to the holding/conveying devices and, in a displacement direction essentially transverse to the conveying direction (F), are aligned with the holding devices. For loading, articles ( ) are pushed by the article pushers from the article guides ( ) into the opened holding devices ( ). For unloading, articles are pushed out of the opened holding devices into the article guides ( ). The holding devices are designed as guides in the displacement direction. In the loading/unloading zone (L) a drum-like arrangement with horizontal axis of rotation (A) is provided, on which a plurality of pairs of article guides ( ) and axially displaceable article pushers ( ) are arranged. The drum-like arrangement is also provided with devices for guiding and, if so required, for driving the holding/conveying devices ( ).