DEVICE AND METHOD FOR GROUPING PIECE GOODS

The invention relates to a device for grouping piece goods from a piece goods stream consisting of at least three sub-streams, said device comprising a first separating unit with at least one engagement member engaging the piece goods stream, by means of which engagement member the piece goods can be grouped in the conveying direction, and a drive unit arranged downstream of the separating unit and having driving rods shunting the groups of piece goods in the conveying direction. Said engagement member can be moved through the conveying plane from a non-engaging position into an engagement position grouping the piece goods in the conveying direction. According to the invention, the device comprises a second separating unit, arranged upstream of the drive unit and having a first separating assembly with at least one engagement member active over a first subsection of the width of the piece goods stream and a second separating assembly with at least one engagement member active over a second subsection of the width of the piece goods stream. The engagement members of the second separating unit can be moved through the conveying plane from a non-engaging position in to an engaged position grouping the piece goods in the conveying direction. In addition, the engagement member of the first separating assembly can be controlled independently of the engagement member of the second separating assembly. The device further comprises a combining unit which combines the groups of piece goods.