Method for conveying unit loads and conveyor system for implementing said method

Abstract

In a conveying system with rail-like guide means ( ) and conveying means ( ) movable along the guide means ( ) independently of one another, a displaceable rail element ( ) is provided for a changeover from serial to parallel conveyance. The displaceable rail element ( ) connects in a first position with an essentially stationary rail element ( ). In this first position it is filled with conveying means ( ) being supplied in series along the stationary rail element ( ). The conveying means ( ) are then blocked on the displaceable rail element ( ) and the displaceable rail element ( ) is displaced in essence transverse to its length, thereby conveying the conveying means in parallel. For a changeover from parallel to serial conveyance, the displaceable rail element ( ) is brought into a second position once again transverse to its own length, in which second position it again connects with an essentially stationary rail element ( ′) and the conveying means ( ) are unblocked and conveyed away in series from the displaceable rail element ( ) along the stationary rail element ( ′). Advantageously, a plurality of displaceable rail elements ( ) is arranged in parallel and displaced simultaneously along a closed in itself displacement path. During parallel conveyance, conveying means ( ) are loaded with objects ( ), objects are unloaded from conveying means and/or objects ( ) loaded on conveying means ( ) are processed, buffered or intermediately stored.