Device and method for selecting packs being moved at a high speed

A method for sorting containers, the method comprising:

• transporting of a multitude of container units on a conveyor belt,
• identification of a decor on each container unit conveyed on the conveyor belt by means of an identification device, wherein, by means of the identification device, selection data are generated depending on a respective decor present on a specifically detected container,
• repositioning of individual container units on the conveyor belt depending on the respectively identified decor by means of a selection device,
• wherein the selection device forms a continuous track and has multiple shifting means for shifting the identified container units, wherein the continuous track extends along the conveyor belt in a selection region, wherein each shifting means in the selection region is accelerated to a same speed as the conveyor belt by means of a transport device, thereby being adjacent to a specific and previously identified container unit, wherein control of the transport device takes place depending on the selection data, and the shifting means are couplable with the transport device by magnetic couplings, and
• wherein the repositioning comprises shifting a respective shifting means for shifting an adjacent container unit in a direction that extends at an angle relative to a transport direction of the conveyor belt.

An apparatus for sorting of containers, the apparatus comprising:

• a conveyor belt for transporting a multitude of containers;
• an identification device for identifying a decor on each container conveyed on the conveyor belt, wherein, by means of the identification device, selection data can be generated depending on a respective decor present on a specifically detected container;
• a selection device for repositioning individual containers on the conveyor belt depending on the respectively identified decor, wherein the selection device forms a continuous track and has multiple shifting means for shifting the identified containers, wherein the continuous track extends along the conveyor belt in a selection region, wherein each shifting means in the selection region can be accelerated to a same speed as the conveyor belt by means of a transport device, thereby being assigned to a specific and previously identified container, wherein the transport device is controllable depending on the selection data, wherein a respective shifting means can be actuated for shifting an adjacent container in a direction that extends at an angle relative to a transport direction of the conveyor belt;
• and
• a vacuum device for sucking the individual containers to the conveyor belt, wherein the individual containers can be sucked at least portionally along a main transport path by the vacuum device.