| 摘要 |
<p>The invention relates to a conveyor for conveying and buffering articles (G) and the like along a vertically extending, substantially helical path. A conveyor belt (8) or conveyor rollers (13) supported by a frame (1) and driven by a drive unit (9; 16) extend along said helical path and convey articles along said path. The substantially helical path is divided into zones (Z), each zone being provided with switch means (18), in such a manner that the conveyor can be switched in each zone between a conveying position, in which the conveying means convey the articles, and a buffering position, in which the articles present in said zone are stationary. Buffering members (12; 14,15) distributed over the length of the conveyor and being present in each zone support the articles in the buffering position. The drive unit (9; 16) and/or the conveyor belt/rollers (8; 13) on the one hand and the buffering members (12; 14, 15) on the other hand are vertically movable with respect to each other in each zone (Z), in such a manner that the articles (G) in question are in contact with the drive unit (9; 16) in the conveying position and with the buffering members (12; 14, 15) in the buffering position in said zone. In this way a simple and reliable buffering system can be realised.</p> |
