Scalable shipping buffer having an integrated sorting function and corresponding method

US8397898B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Rainer Buchmann · Frankfurt, DE
• Heiko Suess · Graz, AT
• Max Winkler · St Marys, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 21, 2011
• Grant date: Mar 19, 2013
• Expiry date: Jan 21, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G47/5186
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A scalable shipping buffer (22; 50; 88) with an integrated sorting function for preparing a consignment comprising a number of different products (42), wherein the products (42) can be loaded into a transporting vehicle (24) in an ordered sequence and wherein the products (42) are delivered to the shipping buffer (22; 50; 88) in a disordered sequence, comprising: a drawing-off path (30), in particular a central drawing-off path, for conveying the products (42) in a downstream direction to a transfer point (41), at which the products (42) are transferred in the direction of the transporting vehicle (24) according to the ordered sequence, wherein the drawing-off path (30) extends essentially in a longitudinal direction (31); a first buffer path (32; 34), which extends essentially parallel and adjacent to the drawing-off path (30) and has a first number of buffer locations (39); a multiplicity of transfer devices (38), wherein the transfer devices are arranged in such a way that each buffer location (39) of the first buffer path is assigned at least one transfer device (38) for a transfer of one or more products (42) from the first buffer path (32) to the drawing-off path (30); and a …