Abstract: A charging device comprising a receiving hopper with an outlet through which passes a rod carrying a bell adapted to close the outlet of a hopper located above a furnace. Mounted on the receiving hopper from below is an appliance for adjusting the cross-sectional area and shape of the hopper outlet, the appliance including sector shields fixed in guideways, forming a hopper-shaped surface and associated with their longitudinal transfer drive. A rod is provided along the axis of said hopper with guard rings, one of which rings is tapered and disposed at the bottom edge of the sector shields.