METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING AND BUFFERING OBJECTS BETWEEN CONVEYORS

摘要

A method and an apparatus (1) arranged for transferring and buffering objects between conveyors cooperating with a first conveyor that defines a first path of conveyance (11) and with at least one second conveyor that defines a second path of conveyance (15). The first conveyor transports objects in a first direction (13) and the at least one second conveyor transports objects in a second direction (17). A transfer conveyor (7) with a transfer path interferes with the first path of conveyance (11) to form a receiving interface and with the second path of conveyance (15) to form a release interface at the transfer conveyor (7). The transfer conveyor (7) transfers objects from the receiving interface toward the release interface. Objects are selectively released to the at least one second conveyor at the release interface of the transfer conveyor. Buffering means (97) are provided for accumulating at least one object. Objects moving from the receiving interface to the release interface can be taken out from the transfer conveyor (7) for temporary buffering outside of the transfer path by the buffering means (97) and buffered objects can selectively be removed from the buffering means (97) for dispatch to the release interface. The apparatus (1) includes the transfer conveyor (7) and at least one buffering station (68, 68A-C) that temporarily accumulates a selected object outside of the transfer path.