| 摘要 |
Provided is an improved sorter assembly (12) that is capable of directly receiving articles (17) from multiple upstream sources (14a, 14b) and directly sorting to multiple downstream destinations (16a-16d), and that can sort a wide variety of articles (17), including heavy, bulky articles (17). The sorter assembly (12) includes a carrying conveyor (26) having a conveying surface (28) that carries the articles (17) being sorted. The carrying conveyor (26) carries articles (17) in a longitudinal direction between an upstream end (30) and a downstream end (32) of the carrying conveyor (26). The sorter assembly (12) also includes a diverter (40) that extends perpendicularly from and moves across the conveying surface (28) to define a plurality of diverting orientations (112, 115, 116, 118, 120, 122). While the articles are being conveyed by the carrying conveyor (26), the diverter (40) engages and directs the articles (17) at least partially laterally across the conveying surface (28) toward the articles' destinations (16a-16d). The diverter (40) pivots about an axis (42, 48) of rotation that is perpendicular to the conveying surface (28), and that axis of rotation (42, 48) can be moved laterllay across the conveying surface (28). The axis of rotation (42, 48) of the diverter (40) can also be moved to be proximate to or between the opposite ends (30, 32) of the diverter (40). The diverter (40) can also translate across the conveying surface (28). The ability to translate, rotate and move the axis (42, 48) of rotation allows a single diverter (40) to easily and efficiently divert from multiple upstream sources (14) to multiple downstream destinations (16).
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