Sorting device

Abstract

Sorting device (1) comprising a conveyor (3) for supporting and transporting products along a conveying direction (X), an unloading system (10, 13) for selectively unloading products from the conveyor (3) at a predetermined position (A) along the conveying direction (X), and a plurality of receiving units (2) comprising respective inlets (6) for receiving products unloaded from the conveyor (3). The inlets (6) are arranged behind each other parallel to the conveyor (3) at a distance from the conveyor (3) and each inlet (6) has an upstream edge (7) and a downstream edge (8) located at a distance from the upstream edge (7) along the conveying direction (X). The sorting device (1) is provided with replaceable guide rails (12, 12', 14, 14') cooperating with the unloading system (10, 13) and at least one of the upstream edges (7) and the downstream edges (8) of the inlets (6) of the respective receiving units (2). Each guide rail (12, 12', 14, 14') has a first position (12, 14) for guiding the unloaded products to the inlet (6) of a selected receiving unit (2), wherein the first position (12, 14) is located between the conveyor (3) and the inlet (6) of the selected receiving unit (2) at least one of the upstream edge (7) and the downstream edge (8) thereof, and a second position (12', 14') for providing the unloaded products with a free passage to another inlet located adjacent to at least one of said upstream edge (7) and downstream edge (8).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a sorting device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The sorting device comprises a conveyor for supporting and transporting products in a conveying direction, a discharge system for selectively discharging products from the conveyor at a predetermined position in the conveying direction, a plurality of receiving units comprising respective inlets for receiving products discharged from the conveyor, the inlets being arranged behind each other parallel to the conveyor at a distance from the conveyor and each inlet having an upstream edge and a downstream edge, the downstream edge being located at a distance from the upstream edge in the conveying direction.

[0003] Such a sorting device is known in the art. The known sorting device is applied for sorting products which have to be sent to different destinations. Each receiving unit can correspond to a determined destination. In order to create a high sorting capacity, the conveyor is usually operated at a high speed. As a result, a product destined for one of the receiving units can already be discharged by the discharge system upstream of the position of the upstream edge of the inlet of the selected receiving unit. After leaving the conveyor, the discharged product moves both in the conveying direction and in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction towards the inlet of the selected receiving unit. The length of each inlet in the conveying direction is based on the expected path followed by the respective discharged product. Continuous variations of parameters such as product size, shape, weight and center of gravity, the position at which the product is placed on the conveyor, the speed of the conveyor and the speed at which the product leaves the conveyor, can result in large variations of the path followed by different products between the conveyor and the inlets, and thus in a need for longer inlets in the conveying direction. This is undesirable from the point of view of the required floor space. SUMMARY

[0004] The invention aims at providing a compact sorting device.

[0005] To this end, the sorting device according to the invention is provided with replaceable guide rails cooperating with the discharge system and at least one of the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the inlet of the respective receiving unit, wherein each guide rail has a first position for guiding the discharged product to the inlet of the selected receiving unit, wherein the first position is located between the conveyor and the inlet of the selected receiving unit at at least one of the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the selected receiving unit, and a second position for providing the discharged product with a free passage to another inlet located adjacent to the at least one of the upstream edge and the downstream edge.

[0006] If the product is destined for a selected receiving unit, the unloading system is able to initiate an unloading action in order to unload the product from the conveyor. It is also able to position the guide rail, which cooperates with at least one of the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the entrance of the selected receiving unit, in its first position in order to guide the unloaded product to the entrance of the selected receiving unit.

[0007] Along the conveying direction, products that are unloaded from the conveyor at a predetermined position and that move relatively fast away from the conveyor can enter the entrance of the selected receiving unit close to its upstream edge. For products that start the unloading action at the same position along the conveying direction to reach the same receiving unit, for example due to different positions on the conveyor, and / or that move relatively slowly from the conveyor towards the entrance in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, there can be a tendency to pass the downstream edge of the entrance and to reach a position downstream of the downstream edge of the entrance of the selected receiving unit, for example a neighbouring entrance located downstream of the entrance of the selected receiving unit; if the guide rail in its first position is located at the downstream edge of the entrance of the selected receiving unit, the product can hit the guide rail, causing it to be forced to move to the corresponding entrance of the selected receiving unit. The guide rail, in its second position, provides an unloaded product with a free passage to the next entrance located downstream of the upstream edge, so that the guide rail does not form an obstacle to a product that has left the conveyor upstream of the next entrance in order to reach this entrance. In this case, the unloaded product is able to pass the guide rail in its second position without being obstructed.

[0008] It is also possible that the guide rail in its first position is located at the upstream edge of the entrance of the selected receiving unit, so that a product that moves relatively fast away from the conveyor and / or that moves relatively fast from the conveyor towards the entrance in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction can hit the guide rail, causing it to be forced to move to the corresponding entrance of the selected receiving unit instead of reaching a position upstream of the upstream edge of the entrance of the selected receiving unit, for example a neighbouring entrance located upstream of the entrance of the selected receiving unit. The guide rail, in its second position, provides an unloaded product with a free passage to the neighbouring entrance located upstream of the upstream edge, so that the guide rail does not form an obstacle to a product that tends to reach this entrance.

[0009] The alternative guide rail provides the opportunity to temporarily extend the range within which an unloaded product can be captured and guided to the desired entrance. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the distance between the upstream edge and the downstream edge of each entrance, so that the entrances can be placed close to each other. This means that the number of entrances along a certain distance of the conveyor can be relatively high, thereby facilitating an efficient use of the floor space.

[0010] Since the guide rail in its first position can obstruct the entry of the discharged product into the other entry positioned adjacent to at least one of the upstream edge and the downstream edge, the guide rail can be switched from the first position to the second position after the product has been delivered to the selected receiving unit. The discharge system can be configured such that when the product is en route to the selected receiving unit, the product en route to the adjacent receiving unit is not discharged as long as the guide rail is still in the first position.

[0011] In the first position of the guide rail, it can extend from at least one of the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the entry of the selected receiving unit in an outward direction of the entry of the selected receiving unit as indicated by the direction of transport. For example, the guide rail can extend from the upstream edge in a direction opposite to the direction of transport. This means that in effect the guide rail extends the entry in the direction of transport in its first position.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, the discharge system is adapted to selectively discharge the product from the conveyor in a transverse direction of the direction of transport, wherein the sorting device comprises a sliding surface positioned between the conveyor and the entry, under operating conditions the discharged product moves on the sliding surface from the conveyor to the entry, wherein in the first position the guide rail is positioned at the respective downstream edge and each guide rail forms an obstruction above the sliding surface for guiding the discharged product moving on the sliding surface to the entry of the selected receiving unit, and wherein in the second position each guide rail provides a free passage for the discharged product on the sliding surface to the other entry positioned downstream of the downstream edge. When the guide rail is in its first position, the discharged product that leaves the conveyor later after the start of the discharge action and / or moves relatively slowly on the sliding surface in the transverse direction of the direction of transport, can hit the guide rail cooperating with the entry of the selected receiving unit, so that the product is forced to move to the corresponding entry of the selected receiving unit. After the product has been delivered to the selected receiving unit, the guide rail can be switched to the second position so that the product that should reach the adjacent entry in the direction of transport is not obstructed by the guide rail when it has already left the conveyor at the upstream position of the guide rail.

[0013] The guide rail can form an extension of the downstream edge in the direction of the conveyor in its first position. The guide rail can be aligned with the respective downstream edge in its first position.

[0014] Each guide rail can be replaceable such that the guide rail protrudes above the sliding surface in its first position and is below the sliding surface or flush with the sliding surface in its second position. This means that when the guide rail is in its second position, the product can effectively use the guide rail sliding surface.

[0015] In a simple embodiment, each guide rail is a flat plate that is upright and extends in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of transport in its first position.

[0016] The plate can be pivotable relative to the sliding surface, wherein the plate has a greater angle relative to the sliding surface in its first position than in its second position.

[0017] Alternatively, the guide rails can be raised through an opening in the sliding surface.

[0018] The plate can be flush with the sliding surface in its second position. This offers the opportunity to create an almost continuous sliding surface in the second position.

[0019] The discharge system can be at least partially provided at the conveyor. This means that at least a part of the discharge system travels with the conveyor. It is possible that a part of the discharge system is static and triggers the discharge system at another part of the conveyor when the product has to be discharged.

[0020] In a practical embodiment, the conveyor comprises a plurality of carriers which are connected to each other by a pivot and which follow a closed loop comprising a curve in at least the horizontal direction. It is also possible that the carriers move in the vertical direction.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the conveyor and the discharge system are formed by a well-known sliding shoe sorter.

[0022] When the discharge system is at least partially provided at the conveyor, it is possible to comprise a discharge member at each carrier.

[0023] The discharge member has different possibilities, for example, the carrier can comprise a tray for supporting the product, which tray can be tilted by the discharge member for discharging the product from the tray, or the carrier can comprise a tiltable tray for supporting the product, which tray has a door at its lower end which can be opened by the discharge member for discharging the product from the tray, or the carrier can comprise a tray for supporting the product and the discharge member comprises a pushing element for pushing the product out of the tray, or the carrier can comprise a cross belt for supporting the product, which cross belt can be driven by the discharge member, or the carrier comprises a tiltable tray which has a closed position for supporting the product and an open position for discharging the product, which tray can be pivoted by the discharge member about a pivot extending transversely relative to the conveying direction, such as in a so-called Mumbai sorter. The discharge member can be activated at fixed positions in the conveying direction, which fixed positions correspond to the inlets of the respective receiving units. For example, the discharge system can comprise controllable guide rails mounted on a frame on which the carriers run, and each carrier comprises an engagement element which cooperates with the controllable guide rails to selectively activate the discharge member when the engagement element is engaged with one of the controllable guide rails.

[0024] The sliding surface can be inclined downwardly in the direction from the conveyor to the inlet, to force the products to incline downwardly after leaving the conveyor. The products can be accelerated in a transverse direction to the conveying direction, so as to follow a curved path on the sliding surface.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, in the first position the guide rail is positioned at the respective upstream edge and the inlet of the receiving unit is positioned below the conveyor. In this case, the products fall freely from the conveyor. Products destined for the selected receiving unit and which leave the conveyor relatively early after the start of the unloading action, can hit the guide rail, which is adapted to guide the products to the inlet of the selected receiving unit in the first position.

[0026] The guide rail can be positioned in its first position such that it at least partially obstructs an adjacent inlet upstream of the upstream edge, and in its second position provides a free passage for the unloaded products to the adjacent inlet upstream of the upstream edge. In this case, the guide rail can extend in its first position from the upstream edge in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, which means that in fact the inlet can be temporarily lengthened at its upstream edge. The guide rail can be a swing member or a swing plate, which extends in its first position from the upstream edge in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, and which extends in its second position perpendicularly from the upstream edge.

[0027] The conveyor can comprise a series of carriers, wherein each carrier is provided with a tiltable tray having a closed position for supporting the products and an open position for unloading the products, the tray being pivotable about a pivot axis extending transversely relative to the conveying direction, for example a so-called Mumbai sortation conveyor.

[0028] Preferably, the upstream edge and the downstream edge adjacent to the inlet coincide, as this also results in an efficient use of space.

[0029] In fact, the receiving unit can comprise a respective chute.

[0030] The application will be elucidated hereinafter with reference to the schematic drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a sortation device according to the application.

[0032] Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a part of the sortation device on a larger scale.

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of Figure 2 part.

[0034] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3a similar view but from a different side.

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the part shown in Figure 4 Fig. 1, showing the guide rail in a first position.

[0036] Figure 6 is a similar view showing the guide rail in a second position. Figure 5

[0037] is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 7 Fig. 2. Figure 6

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 5 Fig. 3.

[0039] Figure 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the sorting device according to the invention.

[0040] Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but showing a different situation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a sorting device 1 according to the invention as shown above, Figures 2 to 8 shows a detailed part thereof. The sorting device 1 is provided with a receiving unit 2 adapted to sort products by destination and to distribute them in a controlled manner onto respective destinations. The sorting device 1 comprises a conveyor 3 adapted to support and transport products in a conveying direction X. The conveyor 3 comprises a plurality of separate carriers 4 running on a frame 5. The carriers 4 are connected to each other by means of a pivotal link, thus forming a circular column of carriers 4 running along a closed track in an operating condition. The closed track comprises a horizontal direction bend. As Figure 1 shown, the carriers 4 are separated in the bend and come together again in a straight track portion after the bend.

[0042] The sorting device 1 is provided with a drive device (not shown) for driving the column of carriers 4. The drive device can comprise drivable rollers along the track, which rollers engage and drive one or more passing carriers 4 by means of friction between the rollers and the carriers 4, but many alternative devices for driving the carriers 4 can be envisaged. For example, the carriers 4 can be connected to each other by means of a drivable belt or chain. Each carrier 4 is capable of receiving a product and selectively discharging it to a predetermined location.

[0043] ​The sorting device 1 can comprise one or more loading stations (not shown) in which the products to be sorted are placed on the carriers 4, optionally manually. The receiving units 2 comprise respective chutes and boxes to which the products are discharged. These boxes can also be replaced by other types of containers, such as bags, etc. Each receiving unit 2 has an inlet 6 for receiving the products discharged from the carriers 4. The inlets 6 are arranged one behind the other along the track and each inlet 6 has an upstream edge 7 and a downstream edge 8 located at a certain distance from the upstream edge 7 in the conveying direction X. In the embodiment shown, the upstream edges 7 and the downstream edges 8 of adjacent inlets 6 coincide and form respective upright walls between the adjacent inlets 6.

[0044] Each carrier 4 comprises a tray 9 for supporting the products and an unloading member in the form of a push element 10 for pushing the products out of the tray 9. The push element 10 is part of an unloading system for selectively discharging the products from the carriers 4 in the transverse direction to the conveying direction X at predetermined positions of the track in the conveying direction X. The push element 10 is activatable at predetermined positions of the track corresponding to the respective receiving units 2. Two of these positions are indicated by the letter A in Figure 2 The push element 10 of the carrier 4 starts moving at these positions A. The unloading system can also comprise a guide system mounted below the frame 5 of the column of carriers 4, which is able to selectively activate and guide the push element 10 of the carrier 4 when the carrier 4 passes through one of the positions A, i.e. when the product on the carrier 4 has to be discharged close to the inlet 6 of the desired receiving unit 2. Figure 2 It is shown that the positions A are located upstream of the upstream edges 7 of the corresponding inlets 6 to which the products should arrive.

[0045] It is noted that in alternative conveyors the start of the unloading action and the speed at which the articles are removed from the carriers can be variable.

[0046] The sorting device 1 is also provided with a sliding surface 11 located between the conveyor 3 and the inlets 6. The sliding surface 11 is inclined downwardly in the direction from the conveyor 3 to the inlets 6. In this case, the sliding surface 11 is the upper surface of a planar panel which is also located at the chutes of the receiving units 2.

[0047] Under operating conditions, when a product leaves one of the carriers 4, it slides down the sliding surface 11 towards the entrance 6 of the selected receiving unit 2. Due to the speed of the carriers 4 in the conveying direction X and the speed of the products on the tray 9 in the transverse direction, caused by the pushing elements 10 and the inclined sliding surface 11, the products can follow a curved path on the sliding surface 11. Products that leave the carriers 4 relatively early after the activation of the pushing elements 10 and / or that have a higher speed in the transverse direction of the conveying direction X can enter the entrance 6 of the selected receiving unit 2, as indicated along the conveying direction X, just beyond the upstream edge 7 of the entrance 6. Products that leave the carriers 4 relatively late after the activation of the pushing elements 10 and / or that have a lower speed in the transverse direction of the conveying direction X can tend to pass the downstream edge 8 of the entrance 6 of the selected receiving unit 2, as indicated along the conveying direction X.

[0048] The latter situation can be avoided by means of an alternative guide in the form of a pivotable plate 12, 12' at the sliding surface 11, which guide cooperates with the discharge system and the respective downstream edge 8 of the entrance 6. Each plate has a first position, indicated by reference numeral 12, and a second position, indicated by reference numeral 12'. In the first position, the plate 12 stands upright and extends in a transverse direction with respect to the conveying direction X and forms an obstruction above the sliding surface 11 at the downstream edge 8 of the entrance 6 of the selected receiving unit 2, thereby forcing the products discharged on the sliding surface 11 to move to the selected entrance 6. In the second position, the plate 12' provides a free passage for the products discharged on the sliding surface 11. In the latter case, the plate 12' is flush with the sliding surface 11.

[0049] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The functioning of the sorting device 1 is illustrated. Each figure shows a successive step of the advancement of the conveyor 3 in a single figure. Two different situations at two different receiving units 2 are shown in the figures. In both situations, the pushing elements 10 of the carriers 4 are activated at the same position A upstream of the upstream edge 7 of the entrance 6 corresponding to the selected receiving unit 2. In the situation of the left-hand side in Fig. 1, the product leaves the carrier 4 earlier and moves faster to the entrance 6 of the transport than in the situation of the right-hand side. The situation of the left-hand side is represented by the hypothetical path B of the product, the situation of the right-hand side is represented by the hypothetical path C of the product. Due to the product following the hypothetical path C, the product also reaches the intended receiving unit 2, the length of the entrance 6 in the conveying direction X can be relatively short. It is noted that the hypothetical paths B, C are not drawn to scale. Figure 2 In the situation of the left-hand side in Fig. 1, a product of similar size and shape is shown, in the situation of the right-hand side a product of similar size and shape is shown, but in reality can be a mixture of various products. Figure 2 In the situation of the left-hand side in Fig. 2, a product of similar size and shape is shown, in the situation of the right-hand side a product of similar size and shape is shown, but in reality can be a mixture of various products.

[0050] The plates 12' located at the upstream edge 7 of the corresponding transport's inlet 6 are flush with the sliding surface 11 in the second position, so that the products can pass over these plates 12' without obstruction in both cases. This allows the unloading system to have unloaded the products from the conveyor before reaching the inlet 6 of the selected receiving unit 2. For example, the second position of the plates 12' is shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 .

[0051] The plates 12 located at the downstream edge 8 of the transport's inlet 6 are upright and obstruct the access of the products, and force the products to enter the transport's inlet 6. For example, the first position of the plates 12 is shown in Figure 5 and Figure 8 . After having guided the products to the transport's inlet 6, the plates 12 can return to their second position. Figures 1 to 4 It is shown that in the first position, the plates 12 are aligned with the corresponding downstream edge 8, and in this case also with the upstream edge 7, since the two adjacent upstream edge 7 and downstream edge 8 of the inlet 6 coincide.

[0052] When the plates 12 at the downstream edge 8 of the inlet 6 of the selected receiving unit 2 are in the first position, the unloading system will avoid unloading the products that tend to go to the adjacent inlet 6 along the transport direction X.

[0053] The unloading system can be adjusted so that, in operating conditions, the movement of the plates 12, 12' from the second position to the first position is synchronized with the start of the movement of the pushing element 10 of the carrier 4 that supports the products to be delivered at the inlet 6 of the downstream edge 8 where the plates 12, 12' are located. Similarly, the unloading system can also be adjusted so that, in operating conditions, the movement of the plates 12, 12' from the first position to the second position is synchronized with the start of the movement of the pushing element 10 of the carrier 4 that moves from the products having been delivered at the inlet 6 of the downstream edge 8 where the plates 12, 12' are located to their initial position, but the movement of the plates 12, 12' from the first position to the second position can be faster, for example, directly after detecting that the products have entered the inlet 6 of the selected receiving unit.

[0054] In alternative embodiments, each carrier can comprise a tray tiltable about an axis that extends in the transport direction through the unloading member for unloading the products from the tray, or each carrier can comprise a cross belt for supporting the products, which is drivable by the unloading member. In these embodiments, the position of the products in the transverse direction to the transport direction X can have a greater influence on the position along the track of the products leaving the carrier after starting the unloading action at the same position along the conveyor track.

[0055] Figure 9 and Figure 10An alternative embodiment of a sorting device according to the application is shown. Its components correspond to those of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8 The figures show successive steps of the advancement of the conveyor 3 in a single figure. In this case, the carriers 4 of the conveyor 3 also form a circular column, which runs along a closed track in the operating condition. Each carrier 4 has a tiltable tray 13, which can be pivoted about a respective pivot extending transversely to the direction of advancement X. When the tray 13 is in the closed position, a support surface is formed for supporting products. When the tray 13 is opened, the products on the tray 13 are discharged. The discharge system can comprise a guide system, which is able to selectively open and close the trays 13 of the carriers 4 when the carriers 4 pass through one of the positions A, i.e. when the carriers 4 approach the inlets 6 of the selected receiving units 2, to which the products on the carriers 4 should be delivered. This type of conveyor is commonly applied in the well-known bombay sorters.

[0056] The receiving units 2 comprise respective inlets 6 for receiving the products discharged from the conveyor 3. In this case, the inlets 6 are arranged below the conveyor 3, since the products, after being thrown out, fall freely downwards. The upstream edge 7 and the downstream edge 8 of two adjacent inlets 6 coincide. As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown in the embodiment, the alternative guide rails have the form of a swing member 14, 14', which cooperates with the discharge system and the upstream edge 7 of the inlet 6 of the respective receiving unit 2. The swing member 14, 14' can be pivoted about an axis extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the direction of advancement (X).

[0057] Each swing member has a first position, indicated by 14 in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , and a second position, indicated by 14' in Figure 9 and Figure 10 . In the first position, the swing member 14 is positioned between the conveyor 3 and the inlet 6 of the selected receiving unit 2 at the upstream edge 7, so that the swing member 14 is able to guide the discharged products to the inlet 6 of the selected receiving unit 2. In the situation as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the swing member is oriented in its first position so that it partially obstructs the next inlet 6 positioned adjacent to the upstream edge 7 of the inlet 6 of the selected receiving unit 2. After the delivery of the products, the swing member 14 is able to return to its second position 14', in which it provides a free passage for the discharged products to the next inlet 6 positioned adjacent to the upstream edge 7.

[0058] In Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the start of the discharge action is indicated at the position A. Figure 9 The situation is shown in which small products are discharged,Figure 10 The situation is shown in which a large product is unloaded. It can be seen that a small product leaves the conveyor 3 earlier than the large product. Since the swing member 14, 14' is in the first position, the small product is prevented from being delivered to the inlet 6 upstream of the inlet 6 at the selected receiving unit 2.

[0059] The unloading system can be adjusted such that, under operating conditions, the movement of the swing member 14, 14' from the second position to the first position is synchronized with the start of opening of the tray 13 of the carrier 4 that supports the product to be delivered at the inlet 6 of the upstream edge 7 in which the swing member 14, 14' is located. Similarly, the unloading system can also be adjusted such that, under operating conditions, the movement of the swing member 14, 14' from the first position to the second position is synchronized with the start of closing of the tray 13 of the carrier 4 in which the product has already been delivered at the inlet 6 of the upstream edge 7 in which the swing member 14, 14' is located.

[0060] It is clear from the foregoing that the present invention provides the opportunity to have a relatively short inlet in the conveying direction.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings and described herein before, but can vary in different ways within the scope of the claims and technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A sorting device, comprising: A conveyor, used to support and transport products along the conveying direction; A discharge system for selectively discharging products from a conveyor at predetermined positions in the conveying direction; a plurality of receiving units comprising respective inlets for receiving products discharged from the conveyor, the inlets being arranged parallel to each other at a distance from the conveyor, and each inlet having an upstream edge and a downstream edge, the downstream edge being located at a distance from the upstream edge along the conveying direction, characterized in that the sorting device is provided with replaceable guide rails cooperating with at least one of the upstream edge and downstream edge of the discharge system and the inlet of the respective receiving unit, wherein each guide rail has a first position and a second position, the first position for guiding the discharged products to the inlet of the selected receiving unit, wherein the first position is located between the conveyor and the inlet of the selected receiving unit at at least one of the upstream edge and the downstream edge, and the second position for providing the discharged products with free passage to another inlet located adjacent to at least one of the upstream edge and the downstream edge.

2. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The guide rail extends at its first position from at least one of the upstream and downstream edges of the inlet of the selected receiving unit in an outward direction as indicated by the transport direction.

3. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein, The unloading system is adapted to selectively unload products from the conveyor in a transverse direction along the conveying direction, wherein the sorting device includes a sliding surface located between the conveyor and the inlet, wherein, under operating conditions, the unloaded products move from the conveyor to the inlet on the sliding surface, wherein, in a first position, the guide rails are located at corresponding downstream edges, and each guide rail forms an obstruction above the sliding surface to guide the unloaded products moving on the sliding surface to the inlet of the selected receiving unit, and wherein, in a second position, each guide rail provides a free passage for the unloaded products on the sliding surface to another inlet located downstream of the downstream edge.

4. The sorting device according to claim 2, wherein, The unloading system is adapted to selectively unload products from the conveyor in a transverse direction along the conveying direction, wherein the sorting device includes a sliding surface located between the conveyor and the inlet, wherein, under operating conditions, the unloaded products move from the conveyor to the inlet on the sliding surface, wherein, in a first position, the guide rails are located at corresponding downstream edges, and each guide rail forms an obstruction above the sliding surface to guide the unloaded products moving on the sliding surface to the inlet of the selected receiving unit, and wherein, in a second position, each guide rail provides a free passage for the unloaded products on the sliding surface to another inlet located downstream of the downstream edge.

5. The sorting device according to claim 3, wherein, Each guide rail is replaceable, such that the guide rail protrudes from the sliding surface in a first position and is lower than or flush with the sliding surface in a second position.

6. The sorting device according to claim 4, wherein, Each guide rail is replaceable, such that the guide rail protrudes from the sliding surface in a first position and is lower than or flush with the sliding surface in a second position.

7. The sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, Each guide rail is an upright flat plate extending in a transverse direction relative to the conveying direction in its first position.

8. The sorting device according to claim 7, wherein, The plate is pivotable relative to the sliding surface, wherein the plate has a larger angle relative to the sliding surface in its first position than in its second position.

9. The sorting device according to claim 8, wherein, The plate is flush with the sliding surface at its second position.

10. The sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The unloading system is located at least partially at the conveyor.

11. The sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The conveyor includes multiple carriers that are pivotally connected to each other and follow a closed loop including curves in at least the horizontal direction.

12. The sorting device according to claim 11, wherein, The unloading system includes an unloading component at each of the carriers.

13. The sorting device according to claim 12, wherein, The carrier includes a tray for supporting products, the tray being tiltable via the unloading member for unloading products from the tray; or wherein the carrier includes a tray for supporting products and the unloading member includes a pushing element for pushing the products out of the tray; or the carrier includes a cross belt for supporting products, the cross belt being driven via the unloading member; or the carrier includes a tiltable tray having a closed position for supporting products and an open position for unloading products, the tray being pivotable via the unloading member about a pivot extending laterally relative to the conveying direction.

14. The sorting device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The sliding surface is inclined downwards in the direction from the conveyor to the inlet.

15. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the first position, the guide rail is located at the corresponding upstream edge, and the inlet of the receiving unit is located below the conveyor, wherein the guide rail in its first position can be positioned such that it at least partially obstructs the adjacent inlet located upstream of the upstream edge, and wherein the guide rail in its second position provides a free passage for the unloaded product to the adjacent inlet located upstream of the upstream edge.

16. The sorting device according to claim 15, wherein, The conveyor includes a series of carriers, each of which is provided with a tiltable tray having a closed position for supporting products and an open position for unloading products, the tray being pivotable about a pivot that extends laterally relative to the conveying direction.

17. The sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The upstream and downstream edges of the adjacent entrance coincide.

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