A sorting device system and a method for providing a sorting device system

Abstract

A vertical sorting device system (101) comprising: a frame (110); a series of trays (105) each having a positioning surface (150) for carrying an object to be conveyed and sorted, wherein each tray (105) is arranged so as to be movable in a conveyance direction; wherein the trays (105) are provided with a pusher mechanism (161) for pushing away an object substantially transverse to the conveyance direction; wherein the sorting device system is a modular system, comprising: a start module (210) and an end module (220), and optionally one or more middle modules (230, 240), wherein the optional middle modules (230, 240) are placed between the start module (210) and the end module (220); wherein each module (210, 220, 230, 240) comprises a respective subframe (211, 221, 231, 241), wherein each pair of adjacent subframes (210, 220, 230, 240) is mutually connected.

Description

[0001]A sorting device system and a method for providing a sorting device system The present invention relates to a sorting device system comprising: a frame; an endless path formed by a first and second endless guide arranged on the frame, wherein the second guide is placed substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first guide; a series of trays each having a positioning surface for carrying an object to be conveyed and sorted, wherein each tray is arranged so as to be movable in a conveyance direction via the first and second guides along the path; wherein the first guide extends in a first substantially vertical plane and the second guide extends in a second substantially vertical plane, such that the endless path has an upper track in which the trays can be conveyed substantially horizontally for conveying an object, and the path has a lower track that extends substantially underneath the first track; wherein the trays are provided with a pusher mechanism for pushing away an object substantially transverse to the conveyance direction, wherein the pusher mechanism is operable via an engagement member attached to the tray; at least one exchange system arranged on the frame, which exchange system comprises an operation member that when operated engages the engagement member attached to the tray for driving the pusher mechanism, a drive system which extends substantially parallel to the path, comprising driving elements, that are mutually hinged to each other forming at least one closed loop; a drive adapted for transferring a drive power onto the drive elements; wherein the trays are connected to the drive elements. Such a sorting device system is disclosed in WO 2015 / 174843 A1. The trays are usually designed as carriers having a substantially rectangular shape, which carriers are provided with a positioning surface on which an object to be conveyed and sorted can be placed. To each tray a pusher mechanism is attached suitable for pushing away an object laterally relative to the conveyance direction, the object in this application weighing roughly between 0.1 kg and 50 kg. As such it is the intention of such a sorting device to sort packages, such as cardboard boxes, plastic boxes and containers, goods wrapped in plastic film, such as goods made of paper, for example magazines, and such as clothing. It will be advantageous in such cases to manufacture the trays with a linear measure of at least 200 mm, preferably up to 600 mm, extending parallel to the conveyance direction, and with a breadth of at least 300 mm, preferably up to for instance 800 mm, extending transverse to the conveyance direction. There is aa desire to provide a sorting system which is easy to produce, transported and / or assembled, and / or which can easily be expanded or reused at a different location. To this end, a sorting device system according to the preamble is characterized in that the sorting device system is a modular system, comprising: a start module and an end module, and optionally one or more middle modules, wherein the optional middle modules are placed between the start module and the end module; wherein each module comprises a respective subframe, wherein each pair of adjacent subframes is mutually connected; wherein the start module comprises a trailing end section of the guides of the upper track of the path and a leading end section of the guides of the lower track of the path, and the upward bend formed in the first and second guides (103, 104; wherein the end module comprises a leading end section of the guides of the upper track of the path and a trailing end section of the guides of the lower track of the path, and the downward bend formed in the first and second guides; wherein at least one of the start module, the end module and the one or more optional middle modules is provided with said drive; and wherein the optional middle modules comprise horizontal sections of the guides of the upper track of the path and of the lower track of the path. In this manner the sorting device system is divided in standard modules which hold virtually all the necessary components of the sorting device, wherein each module holds both an upper track section and a lower track section, and which can be easily transported and assembled. The system can be quickly delivered from stock and can be easily expanded by adding middle modules as required, and all the modules of the system can be easily be reused at different locations. This makes the system also very suitable to be delivered under a lease or rent contract. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises one or more of said middle modules, wherein said middle modules are each provided with at least one of said exchange system arranged on the subframe, which exchange system comprises an operation member that when operated engages the engagement member attached to the tray for driving the pusher mechanism. Preferably, one or more middle modules are provided with a drive. Preferably, said start module and / or said end module is provided with at least one of said exchange system arranged on the subframe, which exchange system comprises an operation member that when operated engages the engagement member attached to the tray for driving the pusher mechanism. Preferably, each subframe is provided with engagement means for a forklift. Preferably, each subframe is provided with height adjustable legs arranged to rest on a floor. Preferably, each subframe is provided near each corner with a telescopic retractable caster wheel, arranged to lift the subframe from a floor in order to move said subframe over the floor. Preferably, the mutually facing outer ends of the subframes of each module are provided with mutually co-operating connection means for mechanically connecting the subframes to each other. Preferably, one of said mutually facing outer ends of each of said subframes is provided with a hook of a hook-type toggle clamp, on both the front and back side, and the other one of said mutually facing outer ends of each of said subframes is provided with a co-operating handle part of such hook-type toggle clamps, on both the front and back side. Preferably, one of said mutually facing outer ends of each of said subframes is provided with a bumper so as to form a compressible connection between the subframes. Preferably, a fixation means is provided on each subframe for fixing the tray driving elements to their respective subframe during transport of separated modules. Preferably, the mutually facing outer ends of the subframes of each module are provided with mutually co-operating alignment means for aligning the guide elements of the subframes to each other. Preferably, the outer ends of guide sections are tapered diagonally, seen from above, so as to form an expansion type joint with a smooth guide surface. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for providing a sorting device system, said system comprising: a frame; an endless path formed by a first and second endless guide arranged on the frame, wherein the second guide is placed substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first guide, a series of trays each having a positioning surface for carrying an object to be conveyed and sorted, wherein each tray is arranged so as to be movable in a conveyance direction via the first and second guides along the path; wherein the first guide extends in a first substantially vertical plane and the second guide extends in a second substantially vertical plane, such that the endless path has an upper track in which the trays can be conveyed substantially horizontally for conveying an object, and the path has a lower track that extends substantially underneath the first track; wherein the trays are provided with a pusher mechanism for pushing away an object substantially transverse to the conveyance direction, wherein the pusher mechanism is operable via an engagement member attached to the tray; at least one exchange system arranged on the frame, which exchange system comprises an operation member that when operated engages the engagement member attached to the tray for driving the pusher mechanism, a drive system which extends substantially parallel to the path, comprising driving elements, that are mutually hinged to each other forming at least one closed loop; a drive adapted for transferring a drive power onto the drive elements; wherein the trays are connected to the drive elements;, wherein the sorting device system is provided as a modular system, wherein first the following is provided at a first location: a start module and an end module, and optionally one or more middle modules, wherein each module comprises a respective subframe; wherein the start module (210 comprises a trailing end section of the guides of the upper track of the path and a leading end section of the guides of the lower track of the path, and the upward bend formed in the first and second guides; wherein the end module comprises a leading end section of the guides of the upper track of the path (102 and a trailing end section of the guides of the lower track of the path, and the downward bend formed in the first and second guides; wherein at least one of the start module, the end module and the one or more optional middle modules is provided with said drive; and wherein the optional middle modules comprise horizontal sections of the guides of the upper track of the path and of the lower track of the path; wherein the modules are transported to a second location, which is different than the first location; wherein at said second location the start module and the end module are placed on a floor with their respective trailing end sections and leading end sections facing each other, and wherein the optional middle modules are placed between the start module and the end module; wherein at said second location each pair of adjacent subframes is mutually connected; and wherein at said second location the unconnected outer ends of the drive elements which are connected to the trays provided on each subframe are mutually hingedly connected so as to form the endless drive system. Preferably, the modules hold the trays and the driving elements during transport from the first location to the second location. The present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the drawing where Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a fully assembled sorting device; Fig. 1B shows a perspective view of a partially assembled sorting device; Fig. 1C shows a perspective view of a disassembled sorting device; Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of an end module of the sorting device; Fig. 2B shows a front view of an end module of the sorting device; Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a middle module of the sorting device; Fig. 3B shows a front view of the middle module of the sorting device; Fig. 3C shows a side view of the middle module of the sorting device at its trailing side; Fig. 3D shows a side view of the middle module of the sorting device at its leading side; Fig. 3E shows a perspective view of the middle module of the sorting device in a movable state; Fig. 3F shows a detail of the perspective view of the middle module of the sorting device in a fixed state; Fig. 3G shows a detail of the perspective view of the middle module of trailing side of the sorting device in the movable state; and Fig. 3H shows a detail of the perspective view of the middle module of leading side of the sorting device in the movable state. Figures 1A-C show a modular vertical sorting device 101 according to the invention in respective fully assembled, partially assembled and disassembled states. In the assembled state, and unless the current description mentions otherwise, the construction and operation of the vertical sorting device is substantially equal to the vertical sorting device as shown and described in the published international patent application WO 2015 / 174843 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference for that purpose. In the assembled state as shown in Figures 1A and 1B the sorting device 101 comprises a chassis or a frame 110, on which an endless path has been formed. The path is intended to be traversed by several trays 105 each having a positioning surface 150 on which an object to be conveyed and sorted can be placed. The objects to be conveyed and sorted are not shown in the figures. An object to be sorted may be a cardboard or plastic box or a container, goods wrapped in plastic film, such as clothing, such as goods made of paper, for example magazines, but also individual, unwrapped objects such as shoes. It will be advantageous in such cases to manufacture the trays with a linear measure of at least 200 mm, preferably up to 600 mm, extending parallel to the conveyance direction, and with a breadth of at least 300 mm, preferably up to for instance 800 mm, extending transverse to the conveyance direction. The object that can be conveyed and sorted using the sorting device 1 according to the invention usually roughly weighs between 0.1 kg and 50 kg. The sorting device comprises a first and second endless guide 103, 104, arranged on the frame 110, wherein the second guide 104 extends substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first guide 103. The first guide 103 extends in a first substantially vertical plane and the second guide 104 extends in a second substantially vertical plane. The path 102 has a first upper track and a second lower track, in which the trays 105 can be conveyed substantially horizontally, wherein the second track extends substantially underneath the first track. From a point indicated by reference number 101 in figures 1A and 1B, a rear view transverse to the sorting device 101 is possible, which rear view is considered from a vertical plane that is substantially parallel to the first and second vertical plane, wherein in this rear view the endless guides 103, 104 substantially coincide. Several trays 105 forming a series of trays 105, wherein each tray 105 is arranged so as to be movable in a conveyance direction via the first and second guides 103, 104 along the path 102. The trays 105 are provided with rollers or wheels with which each tray 105 supports on the first and second guides 103, 104, respectively, and during operation follows the direction of the first and second guide 103, 104, respectively. As soon as during operation a tray 105 has arrived at the end of the upper track, the tray 105 is guided towards the lower track by a downward bend formed in the first and second guides 103, 104. As soon as during operation a tray 105 has arrived at the end of the lower track, the tray 105 is guided towards the upper track by an upward bend formed in the first and second guide 103, 104. For driving the series of trays 105, a drive system has been arranged on the frame 110. The drive system forms closed loops built up out of first elongated driving elements 107 and second elongated driving elements 108 in the form of mutually pivotably connected rods, the loops extending substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the path 102, at boh sides thereof. The loops are assembled from alternately arranged driving elements 107, 108 that are mutually connected to each other so as to hinge, for a movement of the drive system that is directed substantially parallel to the conveyance direction, wherein the drive system, considered in a cross-section transverse to the conveyance direction, is arranged substantially adjacent to the path 102, or wherein the drive system is placed laterally relative to the intermediate space extending between the first and second guide 103, 104. The driving elements 107, 108 are elongated and have a substantially rectangular cross-section, provided with a toothed gear rack on one side for engagement by a driven gear wheel. In this example the driving elements have a substantially square cross-section. To enable a movement of the drive system wherein the trays 105 move in an endless loop along the path 102, each first driving element 107, 108 is coupled to a second driving element 107, 108 so as to hinge to such an extent that the centre line of a joint hinge pin of the first and the second driving element 107, 108 extends substantially transverse to the conveyance direction and runs substantially parallel to the positioning surface 150 of the tray 105. In the vertical plane the drive system thus forms two endless loops which, considered in the rear view transverse to the sorting device 101, have a substantially similar shape as the endless first and / or the second guide 103, 104 and in this example substantially coincides therewith. To set the drive system into motion and / or keep it in motion, one or more drives 179 has been arranged on the frame 110, wherein each drive 179 is adapted for transferring a drive power onto the respective driving elements 107, 108 of the drive system, which power is directed substantially parallel to the conveyance direction. In this example the drives 179 are electro motors having a toohed drive wheel which in this example engage a part of the drive system that is situated in or near the lower track. As long as the length of the first track is shorter than 10 to 25 metres, a single drive 179 for exerting the pulling motion of the drive system will suffice. In case of longer tracks a proportional number of drives can be placed on the frame such that sufficient distance is kept from one drive to the next, such as a distance of for instance between 10 and 25 metres. In order to set the trays 105 into motion and / or keep them in motion, the trays 105 are connected to the drive system such that each tray 105 is coupled to one of the driving elements 107, and such that per driving element 107 at most one tray 105 is coupled. When exerting the drive power onto the drive system by means of traction, the trays 105 follow the motion of the drive system, and in particular the motion of the driving elements 107, 108 wherein the trays 105 are guided by the first and second guide 103, 104 while traversing the path 102. The sorting device 101 described above is used for conveying an object positioned on the positioning surface 150 of the tray 105 over at least a part of the upper track, wherein, during operation, the object is pushed laterally from the tray 105 at a predetermined point in time to a target position, located adjacent to the sorting device 101, the target position for instance being a container or platform for collecting at least the object. For pushing away an object substantially transverse to the conveyance direction, the tray 105 is provided with a pusher mechanism. The pusher mechanism comprises a pusher arm 161 that is situated above the positioning surface 150 of the tray 105 and can be guided transverse to the conveyance direction by means of a pusher guide 262 arranged below the tray 105. In this example the pusher arm 161 is situated near the first guide 103 in a first position. The pusher arm 161 is in a first position when the tray 105 is situated in a first part of the upper track, during the conveying movement. The pusher arm 161 is movable along the pusher guide, from the first position to the second position, in which second position the pusher arm 161 is situated once an object positioned on the tray 105 has been pushed from the tray. For moving the pusher arm 161 from the first position to the second position an exchange system has been arranged on the frame 110. A first exchange element has been arranged between the first and the second guide 103, 104 in the upper track, which element considered from above, relative to the conveyance direction, is arranged diagonally from the first guide 103 to the second guide 104, along which an engagement member can be guided, which engagement member is attached at a side facing away from the positioning surface 150, in this case the bottom side, of the tray 105, wherein transverse to the conveyance direction, the pusher arm 161 moves along towards the second position. At a side of the first exchange element oriented towards the first guide 103, several electrically operated operation members have been arranged on the frame 110, which members have a protruding part that, when operated, ends up in the path of the engagement member of the tray 105, wherein the operation member sets the pusher mechanism in motion, wherein the pusher arm 161 is guided from the first position to the second position. In order to sort an object on a target position, the sorting device 101 is provided with a control system that is electrically connected to the operation members, which determines which operation member needs to be operated at what moment in order to push the object from the tray 105 in time. After pushing an object from the tray 105, the pusher arm 161 is in the second position and it remains in this position until the engagement member of the tray 105 collides with a second exchange element placed in the lower track. Considered from above, relative to the movement direction of the trays 105 in the upper track, the second exchange element is arranged diagonally from the second guide 104 towards the first guide 103, along which second exchange element the engagement member of the tray 105 attached to a side the tray 105 facing away from the positioning surface 150, can be guided for a returning motion of the pusher arm towards the first position. As shown in Figure 1B, at the leading end of the sorting device 101 a top loading conveyor 181 which feeds the objects to be sorted onto a tray 105 at the beginning of the upper track. At the trailing end of the sorting device 101 an end chute conveyor 182 is located to collect objects that were not pushed from the trays 105. Near both ends of the frame 110 a light tower 180 with a warning light and a acoustic speaker is provided. As shown in Figure 1A a multitude of chutes 183 are located at each side of the upper track along the length thereof at each target location to collect objects that are pushed from the trays 105 by the pusher arms 161 of the trays 105. Safety fencing 184, 185 is provided at both ends around the top loading conveyor 181 and the end chute conveyor 182. As shown in Figure 1C the sorting device system 101 is a modular system, comprising a start module 210, an end module 220, and optionally one or more middle modules 230 without a drive 179 and optionally one or more middle modules 240 provided with a drive 179, wherein the middle modules 230, 240 are placed between the start module 210 and the end module 220. The modules 210, 220, 230, 240 have a width of less than 1.17 m, a length of less than 5.90 m, and a height of less than 2.28 m, such that the modules 210, 220, 230, 240 fit side by side in a ISO sized trailer or shipping container. The loading conveyor 181, the end chute conveyor 182, the safety fencing 184 and the chutes 183 may be provided as separate modules. Each module 210, 220, 230, 240 comprises a respective subframe 211, subframe 221, subframe 231 and subframe 241. In order to assemble the sorting device each pair of adjacent subframes 211, 221, 231, 241 is mechanically and electrically connected by means of connection means in the form of mechanical clamps and electrical connectors as described below, which can be easily operated by hand without tools. The start module 210 comprises a trailing end section of the guides 103, 104 of the upper track of the path 102 and a leading end section of the guides 103, 104 of the lower track of the path 102, and the upward bend formed in the first and second guides 103, 104. The start module 210 also comprises one of the light towers 180, and one of the drives 179. The start module 210 in this example holds 18 trays 105. The end module 220 comprises a leading end section of the guides 103, 104 of the upper track of the path 102 and a trailing end section of the guides 103, 104 of the lower track of the path 102, and the downward bend formed in the first and second guides 103, 104. The end module 220 also comprises one of the light towers 180, and one of the drives 179. The end module 220 in this example also holds 18 trays 105. The middle modules 230, 240 comprise horizontal sections of the guides 103, 104 of the upper track of the path 102 and of the lower track of the path 102. The middle modules 230, 240 in this example each hold 16 trays 105 (8 trays in the upper track and 8 trays in the lower track). In the middle module 240 which is provided with a drive 179, the drive 179 is arranged to drive the driving elements 107, 108 in the upper track, whereas in the start module 210 and the end module 220 the drive 179 is arranged to drive the driving elements 107, 108 in the lower track. When the modules 210, 220, 230, 240 are in their disassembled state, for instance if they are transported to a distribution centre, they hold the trays 105 and the driving elements 107, 108 as shown in the figures. In a small configuration the sorting device 101 comprises only a start module 210 and an end module 220 which are mutually connected, providing for instance 10 target locations with chutes at each side. In a large configuration the sorting device may comprise a start module 210, an end module 220, one or more middle modules 240 with a drive 179, and for instance 13 middle modules 230, which are mutually connected, and which provides for instance 150 target locations with chutes at each side. With reference to Figures 2A / B and 3A-G, further details of the modular sorter system will be described. Each subframe 211, 221, 231, 241 is provided with engagement means for a forklift, in the form of sleeves 252, which are mounted to the bottom of the frame in lateral direction at for instance 0.80 meters apart. Near the corners of each subframe height adjustable legs 251 are provided which are arranged to rest on a floor, and which can if necessary mounted to a floor by means of screws. The legs 251 are height adjustable to accommodate uneven flooring. In order to allow easy transport once the modules are unloaded at the assembly location, as well as providing a precise mutual assembly of the modules, each subframe 211, 221, 231, 241 is provided near each corner with a telescopic retractable caster wheel 250, which is arranged to lift the subframe 211, 221, 231, 241 from a floor in order to move said subframe 211, 221, 231, 241 over the floor. Such retractable caster wheels as such are well known from trailers and caravans. In order to firmly connect each subframe to each other clamps 257,258 are provided. To that end, one end of each subframe 231, 241 of the middle modules 230, 240 is provided with a hook 257 of a hook-type toggle clamp, on both the front and back side, and the other end of each subframe 231, 241 is provided with co-operating handle parts 258 of such hook-type toggle clamps. Also the connecting ends of the subframes 211, 221 of the start module 210 and end module 220 are provided with co-operating hooks 257 or handle parts 258 of such hook-type toggle clamps. Furthermore one end of each subframe 231, 241 of the middle modules 230, 240 is provided with a bumper 253, one near each clamp 258, and the other end of each subframe 231, 241 is provided with a cylindrical receiving part 254 for the bumper. Also the connecting ends of the subframes 211, 221 of the start module 210 and end module 220 are likewise provided with either bumpers 253 or cylindrical receiving parts 254. When assembling the modules 210, 220, 230, 240 the pins of the hinges between outer ends of the unconnected drive elements 107, 108 are inserted so as to connect these outer ends and form the endless drive system. A bracket 299 with a pinhole is provided on each subframe 211, 221, 231, 241, at least at one end of at least one of the front or back guide elements 103, 104, for fixing the hinge pin of one of the tray driving elements 107, 108 to their respective guide elements 103, 104 during transport. With reference to Figures 3F-H, for precisely aligning the guide elements 103, 104, one end of each subframe 231, 241 of the middle modules 230, 240 is provided with a centering pin 255 (as shown in Figure 3H) with a tapered surface in both horizontal and vertical directions, which pin extends in the transport direction towards the neighbouring module, and the other end of each subframe 231, 241 is provided with co-operating receiving cavity formed a the outer end of a tube 256 which also extends towards the neighbouring module. Also the connecting ends of the subframes 211, 221 of the start module 210 and end module 220 are provided with co-operating centering pins 255 or receiving cavities 256. In order to provide a smooth guide surface between the modules, the outer ends of guide sections 103, 104 are tapered diagonally (seen from above, and as shown in figures 3C, 3F, 3G, and 3H), so as to form a expansion joint, which are for instance known from railway tracks (a.k.a. breather switch). The invention has thus been described by means of a preferred embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that this disclosure is merely illustrative. Various details of the structure and function were presented, but changes made therein, to the full extent extended by the general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed, are understood to be within the principle of the present invention. The description and drawings shall be used to interpret the claims. The claims should not be interpreted as meaning that the extent of the protection sought is to be understood as that defined by the strict, literal meaning of the wording used in the claims, the description and drawings being employed only for the purpose of resolving an ambiguity found in the claims. For the purpose of determining the extent of protection sought by the claims, due account shall be taken of any element which is equivalent to an element specified therein. An element is to be considered equivalent to an element specified in the claims at least if said element performs substantially the same function in substantially the same way to yield substantially the same result as the element specified in the claims.

Claims

C L A I M S 1. A sorting device system (101) comprising: a frame (110); an endless path (102) formed by a first and second endless guide (103, 104) arranged on the frame (110), wherein the second guide (104) is placed substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first guide (103); a series of trays (105) each having a positioning surface (150) for carrying an object to be conveyed and sorted, wherein each tray (105) is arranged so as to be movable in a conveyance direction via the first and second guides (103, 104) along the path (102); wherein the first guide (103) extends in a first substantially vertical plane and the second guide (104) extends in a second substantially vertical plane, such that the endless path (102) has an upper track (121) in which the trays (105) can be conveyed substantially horizontally for conveying an object, and the path (102) has a lower track (122) that extends substantially underneath the first track (121); wherein the trays (105) are provided with a pusher mechanism (161) for pushing away an object substantially transverse to the conveyance direction, wherein the pusher mechanism (161) is operable via an engagement member attached to the tray (105); at least one exchange system arranged on the frame, which exchange system comprises an operation member that when operated engages the engagement member attached to the tray (105) for driving the pusher mechanism (161), a drive system which extends substantially parallel to the path (102), comprising driving elements (107, 108), that are mutually hinged to each other forming at least one closed loop; a drive (179) adapted for transferring a drive power onto the drive elements (107, 108); wherein the trays (105) are connected to the drive elements (107, 108); characterized in that the sorting device system is a modular system, comprising: a start module (210) and an end module (220), and optionally one or more middle modules (230, 240), wherein the optional middle modules(230, 240) are placed between the start module (210) and the end module (220); wherein each module (210, 220, 230, 240) comprises a respective subframe (211, 221, 231, 241), wherein each pair of adjacent subframes (210, 220, 230, 240) is mutually connected; wherein the start module (210) comprises a trailing end section of the guides (103, 104) of the upper track of the path (102) and a leading end section of the guides (103, 104) of the lower track of the path (102), and the upward bend formed in the first and second guides (103, 104; wherein the end module (220) comprises a leading end section of the guides (103, 104) of the upper track of the path (102) and a trailing end section of the guides (103, 104) of the lower track of the path (102), and the downward bend formed in the first and second guides (103, 104); wherein at least one of the start module (210), the end module (220) and the one or more optional middle modules (230, 240) is provided with said drive (179); and wherein the optional middle modules (230, 240) comprise horizontal sections of the guides (103, 104) of the upper track of the path (102) and of the lower track of the path (102).

2. The sorting device system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises one or more of said middle modules (230, 240), wherein said middle modules (230, 240) are each provided with at least one of said exchange system arranged on the subframe (231, 241), which exchange system comprises an operation member that when operated engages the engagement member attached to the tray (105) for driving the pusher mechanism (161).

3. The sorting device system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more middle modules (240) are provided with a drive (179).

4. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said start module (210) and / or said end module (220) is provided with at least one of said exchange system arranged on the subframe (231, 241), which exchange system comprises an operation member that when operated engages the engagement member attached tothe tray (105) for driving the pusher mechanism (161).

5. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each subframe (211, 221, 231, 241) is provided with engagement means for a forklift.

6. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each subframe is provided with height adjustable legs (251) arranged to rest on a floor.

7. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each subframe (211, 221, 231, 241) is provided near each corner with a telescopic retractable caster wheel (250), arranged to lift the subframe (211, 221, 231, 241) from a floor in order to move said subframe (211, 221, 231, 241) over the floor.

8. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mutually facing outer ends of the subframes (211, 221, 231, 241) of each module (210, 220, 230, 240) are provided with mutually co-operating connection means (257, 258) for mechanically connecting the subframes (211, 221, 231, 241) to each other.

9. The sorting device system according to claim 8, wherein one of said mutually facing outer ends of each of said subframes (211, 221, 231, 241) is provided with a hook (257) of a hook-type toggle clamp, on both the front and back side, and the other one of said mutually facing outer ends of each of said subframes (211, 221, 231, 241) is provided with a co-operating handle part (258) of such hook-type toggle clamps, on both the front and back side.

10. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of said mutually facing outer ends of each of said subframes (211, 221, 231, 241) is provided with a bumper (253) so as to form a compressible connection between the subframes (211, 221, 231, 241).

11. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a fixation means (299) is provided on each subframe(211, 221, 231, 241) for fixing the tray driving elements (107, 108) to their respective subframe (211, 221, 231, 241) during transport of separated modules (210, 220, 230, 240).

12. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mutually facing outer ends of the subframes (211, 221, 231, 241) of each module (210, 220, 230, 240) are provided with mutually co-operating alignment means (255, 256) for aligning the guide elements (103, 104) of the subframes (211, 221, 231, 241) to each other.

13. The sorting device system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer ends of guide sections (103, 104) are tapered diagonally, seen from above, so as to form an expansion type joint with a smooth guide surface.

14. A method for providing a sorting device system (101), said system comprising: a frame (110); an endless path (102) formed by a first and second endless guide (103, 104) arranged on the frame (110), wherein the second guide (104) is placed substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first guide (103), a series of trays (105) each having a positioning surface (150) for carrying an object to be conveyed and sorted, wherein each tray (105) is arranged so as to be movable in a conveyance direction via the first and second guides (103, 104) along the path (102); wherein the first guide (103) extends in a first substantially vertical plane and the second guide (104) extends in a second substantially vertical plane, such that the endless path (102) has an upper track (121) in which the trays (105) can be conveyed substantially horizontally for conveying an object, and the path (102) has a lower track (122) that extends substantially underneath the first track (121); wherein the trays (105) are provided with a pusher mechanism (161) for pushing away an object substantially transverse to the conveyance direction, wherein the pusher mechanism (161) is operable via an engagement member attached to the tray (105);at least one exchange system arranged on the frame, which exchange system comprises an operation member that when operated engages the engagement member attached to the tray (105) for driving the pusher mechanism (161), a drive system which extends substantially parallel to the path (102), comprising driving elements (107, 108), that are mutually hinged to each other forming at least one closed loop; a drive (179) adapted for transferring a drive power onto the drive elements (107, 108); wherein the trays (105) are connected to the drive elements (107, 108); characterized in that the sorting device system is provided as a modular system, wherein first the following is provided at a first location: a start module (210) and an end module (220), and optionally one or more middle modules (230, 240), wherein each module (210, 220, 230, 240) comprises a respective subframe (211, 221, 231, 241); wherein the start module (210 comprises a trailing end section of the guides (103, 104) of the upper track of the path (102) and a leading end section of the guides (103, 104) of the lower track of the path (102), and the upward bend formed in the first and second guides (103, 104); wherein the end module (220) comprises a leading end section of the guides (103, 104) of the upper track of the path (102 and a trailing end section of the guides (103, 104) of the lower track of the path (102), and the downward bend formed in the first and second guides (103, 104); wherein at least one of the start module (210), the end module (220) and the one or more optional middle modules (230, 240) is provided with said drive (179); and wherein the optional middle modules (230, 240) comprise horizontal sections of the guides (103, 104) of the upper track of the path (102) and of the lower track of the path (102); wherein the modules (210, 220, 230, 240) are transported to a second location, which is different than the first location; wherein at said second location the start module (210) and the end module (220) are placed on a floor with their respective trailing end sections and leading end sections facing each other, and wherein theoptional middle modules (230, 240) are placed between the start module (210) and the end module (220); wherein at said second location each pair of adjacent subframes (210, 220, 230, 240) is mutually connected; and wherein at said second location the unconnected outer ends of the drive elements (107, 108) which are connected to the trays (105) provided on each subframe (211, 221, 231, 241) are mutually hingedly connected so as to form the endless drive system.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the modules (210, 220, 230, 240) hold the trays (105) and the driving elements (107) during transport from the first location to the second location.

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