EP2355938B1 - Mail sorting system having several output devices and mail sorting method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sorting system for sorting flat objects, in particular mailpieces, and a method for sorting such articles.

An apparatus having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method having the features of the preamble of claim 14 are made EP 634957 B1 known. Several mailings go through the twice in EP 634957 B1 described sorting plant. After the first pass, the sorting system discharges the mailpieces into one of many output devices of the sorting system. A conveyor transports the mail items back to a feeder of the sorting system. This leads the mail for a second sorting the sorting system.

in the US 6,634,639 B2 a device for stacking upright objects, eg flat mail items, will be described. The objects are transported upright to an output device. This dispenser comprises a bottom plate 2, a stationary side plate 3, a guide 5 and a support plate 4. The support member 4 is movably mounted on a guide rail ("guide barr 6") of the side wall 3. The bottom 2 is sloping inclined to the side wall 3 back. A single stacking flat article is transported between the guide member 5 and the support member 4, by two endless conveyor belts 81, 82. The object slides down the sloping floor 2 until it abuts against the side wall 3. A stack of flat objects grows between the guide element 5 and the support element 4.

In US 6,501,041 B1 a sorting system with a discharge device ("sortation mechanism 18") is described. This ejection device discharges a mail item depending on its delivery address into a path leading to a Slide ("chute 28") leads. From there, the mail items fall into a container ("container 30"). A conveyor transports the filled containers back to a feeder.

In EP 1985380 A1 a system for handling mail containers will be described. The containers are removed from dispensing devices.

In US 7,080,739 B2 For example, a sorting system with a "unit 5 for sorting and recognizing postal articles" and two horizontal rows of output devices ("sort outlets 7 with bins 4") will be described. The rows 6a, 6b are inclined one above the other.

The invention has for its object to provide a device with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method having the features of the preamble of claim 14, which is able to hold a stack of ejected objects in the respective output device without the output devices by side walls from each other need to be separated.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 14. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The solution sorting system is designed to sort flat objects. Each flat object extends in each case an object plane.

• eine Ausschleusvorrichtung und
• eine Anordnung mit mindestens zwei Ausgabeeinrichtungen.

The sorting system includes

• a discharge device and
• an arrangement with at least two output devices.

The output devices of the arrangement are arranged one behind the other as viewed along a longitudinal axis.

The discharge device is configured to discharge each flat object to be sorted into a respective one of the output devices of the arrangement. The discharge device The objects are ejected in such a way that the objects discharged into the same dispenser form a stack. Here, the discharge device discharges each item in the same stacking direction.

Each output device has a bottom in each case. The bottom of each output device of the arrangement increases - seen in a direction of increase - against the horizontal. The initial direction is perpendicular to the stacking direction. The initial direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

An edge occurs between the bottoms of two adjacent dispensers of the assembly. This edge drops - as seen in the direction of approach - vertically or obliquely downward.

The bottoms of the output devices have - seen in the stacking direction - a total of a sawtooth-shaped surface, namely a sawtooth per output device. The contour of each sawtooth includes a longer rising area (formed by the rising bottom of an output device) and a shorter steeply or vertically sloping edge (transition between two output devices). This edge prevents a stack from being moved from one output device to an adjacent output device. This at least one edge eliminates the need to separate two adjacent dispensers by a sidewall.

The flat objects in an output device are rotated by the gravity and the inclined bottom of this output device, about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the object levels of the objects and parallel to the stacking direction. Due to their weight, the objects thus rotated slip over the floor in the opposite direction to the approach direction until they strike the edge of the adjacent dispensing device. As a result, the objects are automatically aligned at two edges, namely at the lower edge and a side edge of each article, without the need for side walls are provided for this purpose.

• Die Abfolge der Ausgabeeinrichtungen erfordert - gesehen entlang der Längsachse - weniger Fläche ("footprint") als Ausgabeeinrichtungen mit Seitenwände, denn eine Seitenwand hat zwangsläufig eine Dicke.
• Jede einzelne Ausgabeeinrichtung lässt sich - gesehen senkrecht zur Stapelrichtung - verbreitern, kann also breitere Gegenstände aufnehmen, ohne dass die Abfolge von Ausgabeeinrichtungen - gesehen entlang der Längsachse - länger wird. Dies wird wiederum erzielt, weil Seitenwände eingespart werden, die eine Dicke haben. Eine breitere Ausgabeeinrichtung vermag ein größeres Spektrum von flachen Gegenständen aufzunehmen.

The solution according to the device saves space, because no side walls are required. By eliminating sidewalls, you can choose to have at least one of the following two benefits:

• The sequence of dispensers requires less area ("footprint"), as viewed along the longitudinal axis, than side-face dispensers because a sidewall necessarily has a thickness.
• Each individual dispensing device can be widened, viewed perpendicular to the stacking direction, so that it can take up wider objects without the sequence of dispensing devices - seen along the longitudinal axis - becoming longer. This is again achieved because side walls are saved which have a thickness. A wider output device can accommodate a wider range of flat objects.

An existing sorting system can be retrofitted by replacing the existing dispensing devices, which still have side walls, with solvent-free dispensing devices without side walls. Further modifications to the sorting system are not required. In particular, an already existing discharge device can continue to be used.

Thanks to the method according to the invention, a stack of flat objects can be transferred from an output device to a conveyor without the stack first having to be transferred to a separate work surface. The stack can be turned. Even without the stack to implement, it is possible to turn the stack, z. B. so far that the stacking direction of the rotated stack parallel to the longitudinal axis (in which the output devices extend) shows and each object plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The rotated stack is easier to transport than a non-rotated stack. In addition, the article that was ejected first is located in the front of the stack after transfer, which is often desired.

Because there are no side walls between the output trays, the area formed by the trays can be used as a work surface. As soon as there is no longer any stack in one dispensing device, a stack which has been discharged into the adjacent dispensing device can be rotated in the direction of advance, and the trays of both dispensing devices are available for turning.

Preferably, the bottom of at least one output device has a scale-shaped surface at least in a partial region. These scales make it difficult to move an item in the approach direction. The edge and the scales thus together hold an object in the dispenser.

Preferably, the bottom of an output device has a steeper and a flatter region, wherein the edge between the two regions is perpendicular to the direction of increase and parallel to the edge between the output device and the adjacent output device. This configuration allows flat objects to be aligned at the edge because the steeper area causes the articles to slide against the edge. The particular center of gravity of an object is above the steeper area, so that the objects rest on the steeper area, not the flatter one. The shallower area reduces the height of the row of dispensers, which is often desired.

Preferably, the articles pass successively through the sorting plant. The sorting system measures for each item what value a given feature will take on that item. The discharge device discharges each object into one of the output devices depending on the measured feature value.

Each item to be sorted extends in an object plane. The discharge device preferably discharges the articles so that those articles which have been discharged into the same discharge device. one Make pile. The stacking direction of this stack is perpendicular to the object planes of the flat objects.

Fig. 1

vier in einer Reihe nebeneinander liegende Ausgabeeinrichtungen;

Fig. 2

zwei Ausgabeeinrichtungen im Querschnitt;

Fig. 3

eine Abwandlung der Ausgestaltung von Fig. 2, bei der der Boden zwei Bereiche aufweist, die unterschiedlich stark geneigt sind;

Fig. 4

den ersten Schritt eines Verfahrens, durch den ein Stapel Postsendungen aus einer Ausgabeeinrichtung auf das Förderband umgesetzt wird;

Fig. 5

den zweiten Schritt des Verfahrens, durch den der Stapel aus der Ausgabeeinrichtung auf das Förderband umgesetzt wird;

Fig. 6

den dritten Schritt des Verfahrens, durch den der Stapel aus der Ausgabeeinrichtung auf das Förderband umgesetzt wird;

Fig. 7

den vierten Schritt des Verfahrens, durch den der Stapel aus der Ausgabeeinrichtung auf das Förderband umgesetzt wird;

Fig. 8

den fünften Schritt des Verfahrens, durch den der Stapel aus der Ausgabeeinrichtung auf das Förderband umgesetzt wird.

Fig. 9

den ersten Schritt beim Zurückziehen des Paddels;

Fig. 10

den zweiten Schritt beim Zurückziehen des Paddels: die Stützfläche wird durch eine Drehung um eine waagrechte Drehachse hochgeklappt;

Fig. 11

den dritten Schritt beim Zurückziehen des Paddels: die Stützfläche wird um eine senkrechte Drehachse gedreht;

Fig. 12

den vierten Schritt beim Zurückziehen des Paddels: das Paddel wird zurückgeschoben;

Fig. 13

den fünften Schritt beim Zurückziehen des Paddels. der Stapel wird aus der Ausgabeeinrichtung hinausgeschoben;

Fig. 14

den sechsten Schritt beim Zurückziehen des Paddels.

In the following the invention will be described with reference to an embodiment. Showing:

Fig. 1

four output devices arranged side by side in a row;

Fig. 2

two output devices in cross section;

Fig. 3

a modification of the embodiment of Fig. 2 in which the floor has two areas that are inclined differently;

Fig. 4

the first step of a method by which a stack of mailpieces is transferred from an output device to the conveyor belt;

Fig. 5

the second step of the method by which the stack is transferred from the dispenser to the conveyor belt;

Fig. 6

the third step of the method by which the stack is transferred from the dispenser to the conveyor belt;

Fig. 7

the fourth step of the method by which the stack is transferred from the dispenser to the conveyor belt;

Fig. 8

the fifth step of the method by which the stack is transferred from the dispenser to the conveyor belt.

Fig. 9

the first step in retracting the paddle;

Fig. 10

the second step in retracting the paddle: the support surface is folded up by a rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation;

Fig. 11

the third step in retracting the paddle: the support surface is about a vertical axis of rotation turned;

Fig. 12

the fourth step in retracting the paddle: the paddle is pushed back;

Fig. 13

the fifth step in retracting the paddle. the stack is pushed out of the dispenser;

Fig. 14

the sixth step in retracting the paddle.

In the exemplary embodiment, the sorting system is used to sort flat mail items (in particular standard letters, large letters, postcards and / or catalogs). Each mail item extends in an object plane and has a front side and a back side. On one side of each mail item, information about a delivery address to which the item of mail is to be transported is displayed, in a form that can be read by a human, and / or in the form of a bar code or other form Encoding.

• eine Zuführeinrichtung ("feeder") mit einem Vereinzeler,
• eine Transporteinrichtung,
• eine Leseeinrichtung,
• eine Ausschleusvorrichtung,
• eine Vielzahl von Ausgabeeinrichtungen,
• eine Fördereinrichtung und
• eine Maschinensteuerung.

The sorting plant comprises the following components:

• a feeder with a separator,
• a transport device,
• a reading device,
• a discharge device,
• a variety of output devices,
• a conveyor and
• a machine control.

A stack of mailpieces to be sorted is fed to the feeder. The mail pieces are upright when being fed. A conveyor of the feeder transports the mail to the separator. This singler separates the stack with the mail items by successively withdrawing one mail item each from the stack. Generated thereby the singler a sequence of upright mail items, which are spaced from each other.

The transport device transports the sequence of mutually spaced and upright mail items through the sorting system. Preferably, the transport device comprises a system of a plurality of vertically arranged endless conveyor belts, of which two each an upright postal item temporarily sandwiched between them and rotate at the same speed.

During transport, the mail passes through the reader. The reading device in each case generates a digital image of that side of a mail item on which the information about the delivery address has been applied. The reading device evaluates this image and first tries to automatically decipher the delivery address, z. B. by "Optical Character Recognition" (OCR) or by "bar code reading". If this is not successful, the image is displayed on a screen of a video coding station. An editor reads the delivery address and enters it into a keyboard or similar.

The machine control evaluates a computer-available sorting plan. This sorting plan assigns each output address of a mail item to an output device. As a result, the sorting plan determines that mail items with which delivery addresses are to be delivered to which output device. In the exemplary embodiment, there are considerably more possible delivery addresses than output devices, so that the sorting plan usually assigns a plurality of delivery addresses to an output device. It is possible that the sorting plan reserves individual output devices for only one delivery address at a time, because many postal items are addressed to this delivery address. For example, an output device functions as an overflow compartment and a further output device as a compartment for postal items which prove to be non-machine-capable.

The transport device transports the mail item further to the discharge device. This preferably comprises a sequence of points, namely in each case at least one switch per output device. In each case a Ausschleusungspfad connects the transport path with the output device. The switch selectively redirects a mail item into the removal path or leaves the item of mail in the transport path.

The actual transport speed of each transport path is measured. The machine control therefore "knows" at what time each item of mail is at which point in the transport device. In addition, the machine controller "knows" the respective delivery address of each mailpiece after the reader has deciphered that delivery address. The machine controller controls that switch which connects the transport path with the discharge path which leads to the output device into which the mail item is to be removed in accordance with the read delivery address and the sorting plan. The mail item is removed from the transport path with the aid of the switch and transported to the discharge device on the discharge path.

The plurality of dispensers are arranged one behind the other as viewed along a longitudinal axis. In the exemplary embodiment, "longitudinal direction" refers to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis which points away from the feed device. It is possible that the output devices are mounted in several rows and the rows are arranged vertically or obliquely one above the other. It is also possible that two rows of dispensers lie in one plane and the dispenser is between the two rows of dispensers. Each row extends along the longitudinal direction L.

Fig. 1 shows four in a row adjacent output devices 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 and a conveyor belt 1. The four output devices shown 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 extend one behind the other in a longitudinal direction L. The endless conveyor belt 1 is adapted to an object in the transport direction T to transport when the object is on the conveyor belt, and is guided, inter alia, around a guide roller 6 around.

Each output device 2.1, 2.2, ... comprises a bottom. This ground rises - seen in a rising direction A - against the horizontal. For example, the ground rises at an angle of 2 degrees to 4 degrees to the horizontal.

"Initial direction" of an output device 2.1, 2.2,... Is understood in the exemplary embodiment to mean a projection of a straight line or a train path onto a horizontal plane. This straight line or this line is located on the bottom of the output device 2.1, 2.2, ... and runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The projection is formed by a vertical projection, which is also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

In one embodiment, the starting direction A runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L, ie also away from the feed device. In an alternative embodiment, the approaching direction A runs counter to the longitudinal direction L and counter to the transport direction T, ie towards the feed device. In the figures, this alternative embodiment is shown and indicated by an arrow A.

In one embodiment, the sorting system has two rows of output devices lying vertically or obliquely one above the other. Such a sorting system is z. In US 7080739 B2 described. It is possible that the bottoms of all output devices are inclined as just described.

It is also possible that only the bottoms of the lower row are inclined and the dispensers of the upper row have flat bottoms and side walls. Only the bottom row dispensers can be reached so well that their bottoms can be used as work surfaces to turn a stack.

Between the bottoms of each two adjacent dispensers an edge occurs. This edge falls - seen in the direction of approach A - vertically or obliquely downwards. As a result, the bottoms of the dispensers of a row have an upper end edge which, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, has a saw-toothed contour has, namely one sawtooth per output device.

The rising in the direction of increase A ground causes the mail to be rotated about an axis which is parallel to the stacking direction SR and is perpendicular to the article axis of each mail item. As a result, the mail items in an output device 2.1, 2.2,... Slip downwards counter to the initial direction A until they abut against the edge to the adjacent output device. As a result, the mail items are aligned at their lower edges and at a lateral edge.

Preferably, each floor - seen in the direction of increase A - increases as much as the subsequent edge drops. As a result, the bottoms of the dispensers 2.1, 2.2, ... are a row "on average" at the same height. But it is also possible that the output device - seen in the longitudinal direction L - increase or decrease "on average".

In the embodiment, each floor has an area 3.1, 3.2, ..., in which the surface looks like the scales of a fish or the tiles of a house roof. This scaly area 3.1, 3.2, ... extends in the exemplary embodiment - seen in the stacking direction SR - over the entire width of the soil. The steep edges of these scales or bricks point in the opposite direction of the A direction. These scales or bricks are thereby arranged so that they make it difficult to move an object in the direction of increase A.

In the example of Fig. 1 The four output devices 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 each have a shingled region 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4. These shingled areas make it difficult to move an item to the right in the approach direction A. A non-scaly area 4.1, 4.2,... Is located in the exemplary embodiment between the scaly area 3.1, 3.2,... And the conveying device 1.

In the figures, it can be seen that each floor - as seen in the stacking direction SR - initially has in each case a shingled area 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, which is adjoined by a non-shingled area 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4. This embodiment has the effect that the dandruff makes it difficult to move a mail item while the mail item is being ejected. By contrast, after the mail item has hit the stack, the friction between the mailpieces of the stack already makes it difficult to move a single item of mail.

Fig. 2 shows the two output devices 2.1 and 2.2 in cross section. The conveyor belt 1 is located - seen in the viewing direction of Fig. 2 behind the two output devices 2.2 and 2.3. Depicted are the scales on the bottoms of the two dispensers 2.2 and 2.3, including the two scales 8.2 and 8.3. Furthermore, the edge 9.2 between the adjacent output devices 2.1 and 2.2 and the edge 9.3 between the adjacent output devices 2.2 and 2.3 can be seen.

A support component 5.3 is moved towards the discharge device by a return component counter to the stacking direction SR. As a result, the support component 5.3 supports a stack in the output device 2.3. The stack St.3 is located - seen in the viewing direction of Fig. 2 - Before the support component 5.3 of the output device 2.3.

The stacking direction SR is perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 2 , And the stack St.3 presses the support component 5.3 on the conveyor belt 1 and away from the viewer of Fig. 2 ,

In the in Fig. 2 In the embodiment shown, the bottom of each dispenser forms a flat and scaly area. In a further development of this embodiment, the bottom of each output surface is subdivided into two regions which, viewed in the initial direction A, lie one behind the other, ie, side by side in the stacking direction SR: a steeper region and a flatter region. At the edge between the dispenser and the adjacent dispenser joins - as viewed in the direction of approach A - first an area that is more inclined to the horizontal, and then an area that is less inclined or even horizontal.

Fig. 3 shows schematically this modification of the embodiment of Fig. 2 , In Fig. 3 The soil has two areas that are inclined at different degrees. Shown is the bottom of the output device 2.3, which is divided into a steeper area 11.2 and a shallower area 11.2. The inclination against the horizontal is exaggerated for clarity. This embodiment has the effect that mail items in the output device 2.3 are aligned even better at the edge 9.4. The steep area 11.1 causes the mail to slide against the approach direction A over the bottom of the output device 2.3 until they hit the edge 9.4. However, there is often not enough space - seen in the vertical direction - to tilt the entire floor so far against the horizontal that good alignment is achieved. Therefore, the area 11.1 is followed by the flatter area 11.2.

The bottom of the output device 2.3 is divided into the two areas 11.1 and 11.2 such that the center of gravity of each mail item is above the steeper area 11.1. This causes the lower edges to be aligned at the steeper area 11.1 and not at the shallower area 11.2.

As already stated, several flat mail items are usually discharged into the same output device - namely all mail items whose delivery addresses are assigned to this output device. Those flat mail items that have been discharged into the same output device each form a stack. The stacking direction SR of this stack is perpendicular to the object plane and in the exemplary embodiment also perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In the example of the figures, those mail items which have been discharged into the output device 2.3 form the stack St.3. Each mail item is discharged in a stacking direction SR in the respective output device. This stacking direction SR is perpendicular to the transport direction T and the direction of increase A.

In Fig. 1 a smaller mail item Ps-1 is first ejected into the output device 2.3, followed by a larger mail item Ps-2, then further mailpieces. It is indicated that also further mail items of the resulting stack St.3 are of different sizes. Furthermore, it is indicated that the inclination of the bottom of the output device 2.3 causes the mailpieces of the stack St.3 are aligned at the edge 9.4, wherein the edge 9.4 runs between the adjacent output devices 2.3 and 2.4.

Each output device also has an output device support component, respectively. This support component comprises a support surface, a fixedly connected to the support surface connecting member and a guide rail. The support surface and the connecting member have in the embodiment together the shape of a paddle. The guide rail runs parallel to the stacking direction SR. The connecting member is fixedly connected to the support surface and is able to slide back and forth in the guide rail.

The figures show the paddles 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 as well as the guide rails 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 of the output devices 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4. The paddle 5.1 is reciprocable along the guide rail 7.1 in the stacking direction SR and in the opposite direction, and the corresponding applies to the other three paddles shown 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4.

In Fig. 2 the paddle 5.2 with the support surface 12.2 and the connecting member 13.2 and the paddle 5.3 with the support surface 12.3 and the connecting member 13.3 are shown.

The dispenser support component prevents the stack of mailpieces in the dispenser from tipping over. The mail items are directed against the paddle into the dispenser discharged. The growing stack moves the paddle in the stacking direction SR away from the switch on the conveyor belt 1 and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

The connecting member is connected to a Rückholkomponente, preferably a spring. The growing stack shifts the paddle against the force of the return component. The paddle therefore pushes the stack back to the switch. This prevents the stack from falling over.

Because the bottom of each dispenser increases in the direction of increase A and also has a scale-shaped surface, the shifting of a stack transversely to the stacking direction SR against the longitudinal direction L is made more difficult. The stack would have to be moved up the slope and over the steep edges of the scales. The steep edges between the dispensers prevent the stack from being displaced from one dispenser in the longitudinal direction L to the adjacent dispenser.

To the series or rows of output devices adjacent to a conveyor so that the distance between the output devices 2.1, 2.2, ... and the conveyor is low, z. B. less than 10 cm. The distance is so small that a stack of mailpieces can be easily transferred from the row of dispensers to the conveyor.

The conveyor comprises the horizontal endless conveyor belt 1. This conveyor belt 1 extends in the longitudinal direction L along a series of output devices. The conveyor belt 1 is configured to transport a stack of mail items from an output device counter to the longitudinal direction L back to the feed device, namely in the transport direction T. This enables the sorting system to carry out an "n-pass sorting", that is to say the mailpieces in several sorting runs sort by. By sorting the sorting system in several sorting runs, the sorting system can sort to significantly more delivery addresses, as the sorting system has output facilities. method For "n-pass sorting" z. In EP 948416 B1 . EP 1425113 B1 and US 2005/0205473 A1 described.

• Die Ausgabeeinrichtung ist bis zu einem vorgegebenen Füllstand mit Postsendungen angefüllt.
• Ein vorgegebener Zeitpunkt ist erreicht, der von einem Zeitplan für den Weitertransport oder die Auslieferung von Postsendungen abhängt.

A stack of mailpieces must then be removed from an output device 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,... And converted to the conveyor belt 1 if at least one of the following two conditions is met:

• The dispenser is filled to a predetermined level with mail.
• A predetermined time is reached, which depends on a timetable for the onward transport or the delivery of mail.

In the exemplary embodiment, for this purpose, each stack is rotated so that the stack after turning in the longitudinal direction L shows, and implemented after turning on the conveyor belt 1.

In a first embodiment, the stack is implemented in such a way that the item of mail that was ejected as the last item of mail into the delivery device is in the forward direction after being transferred in the transport direction T and therefore reaches the delivery device first. This causes the mailpieces in the reverse order to reach the feeder in which they have been discharged into the dispenser.

Fig. 4 to Fig. 8 illustrate the implementation according to this first embodiment. The stack St.3 is converted from the output device 2.3 on the conveyor belt 1. The mail item Ps-1 which was first ejected into the output device 2.3 is located after the transfer at the end of the stack St.3, ie is - as seen in the transport direction T - the last postal item of the stack St.3. For conversion, the output device 2.2 is additionally used.

In this first embodiment, the starting direction A points in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L, ie towards the feed device. The method described below, in order to empty an output device 2.3, assumes that the output device 2.2 is empty, which - seen in the approach direction A - immediately after 2.3 lies. The stack St.3 with mail items is taken from the output device 2.3 as follows: The stack St.3 is picked up from both sides, either by a processor or an automatic handling machine. The stack St.3 is rotated about a vertical axis of rotation, which preferably extends approximately centrally through the first discharged mail item of the stack St.3. The stack St.3 is rotated so that a rear portion of the stack St.3 passes to the adjacent output device 2.2. In this case, the stack St3 slides in the direction of approach A over the bottom of the two output devices 2.2 and 2.3 away. The force with which the rotation is performed is sufficient to push stack ST3 over the area with the scaly surface. The edge 9.3 between the two dispensers 2.3 and 2.2 does not hinder the rotation because the stack St.3 is rotated in the direction in which the edge 9.3 falls. The stack St.3 is thus brought onto the conveyor belt 1 by the rotation, that - as seen in the transport direction T - the first rejected mail item at the back and the last rejected item of mail lies at the front on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt 1 transports the stack St.3 to the feeder.

On the other hand, in a second embodiment, the stack St.3 is converted such that the mail item that has been ejected first is in the forward direction after being transferred in the transporting direction T and first reaches the feeding device. This causes the mailpieces to reach the feeder in the same order as they were discharged into the dispenser. In this second embodiment, the initial direction A in the longitudinal direction L, ie away from the feeder. In this embodiment, in turn, the bottom of an adjacent output device for the rotation is used, which - seen in the direction of increase A - is located immediately after 2.3. However, this adjacent output device lies - as seen in the longitudinal direction L - also behind 2.3. The rotation is performed as described above.

The output devices 2.1, 2.2,... Are arranged one behind the other as seen in the longitudinal direction L. They are preferably emptied in the sequence which is predetermined by the longitudinal direction L, that is to say in such a way that first the first dispensing device 2.1 seen in the longitudinal direction L is emptied, then the second dispensing device 2.2 and so on. Accordingly, first, the output device 2.1 is emptied, then the output device 2.2, then the output device 2.3 and so on. The output device 2.2 is then already empty when the output device 2.3 is emptied as just described. In order also to be able to empty the first dispensing device 2.1 as just described, a flat working surface 10 is preferably arranged in front of the first dispensing device 2.1, as seen in the longitudinal direction L. This work surface 10 is narrower than the first output device 2.1, namely only so wide that the stack St.1 can be rotated from the first output device 2.1.

As stated above, a growing stack St.3 shifts a support component in the form of a paddle, e.g. B. the paddle 5.3 of the output device 2.3, in the stacking direction SR on the conveyor belt 1 of the conveyor to. When converting the stack St.3 the paddle 5.3 would be in the way. Therefore, the paddle is moved before the transfer of the stack in a position in which the paddle - seen in the stacking direction SR - is behind the stack St.3, so the stack St.3 is located between the paddle and the conveyor belt 1 and the paddle is between the stack and the discharge device.

Each paddle comprises a support surface and a link fixedly connected to the support surface. The link slides in a guide rail back and forth. A return component strives to move the paddle against the stacking direction SR away from the guide belt 1, so that the paddle is pressed against a stack St.3.

FIG. 9 to FIG. 14 show a preferred embodiment, as a paddle 5.1, 5.2, ... is withdrawn. This is explained using the example of the paddle 5.3 with the support surface 12.3 and the connecting member 13.3.

In the preferred embodiment, the support surface 12.3 is rotatable about two axes of rotation relative to the connecting member 13.3: about a horizontal axis of rotation D1, which is parallel to the stacking direction SR, and about a vertical axis of rotation, D2, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation D1 and on the stacking direction SR ,

Like a comparison of Fig. 9 With Fig. 10 shows, the support surface 12.3 of the paddle 5.3 is first folded up by the support surface 12.3 is rotated relative to the connecting member 13.3 about the horizontal axis of rotation D1. The paddle 5.3 is still located between the stack St.3 and the conveyor belt. 1

Subsequently, the support surface 12.3 is rotated relative to the connecting member 13.3 about a vertical axis of rotation D2. This situation shows Fig. 11 , The surface of the support surface 13.3 now points in the stacking direction SR. Because the support surface 12.3 was previously rotated about the horizontal axis of rotation D1, the stack St3 in the output device 2.3 does not hinder rotation about the vertical axis of rotation D2.

Subsequently, the paddle 5.3 is pushed back against the stacking direction SR. In this case, the connecting member 13.3 slides in the guide rail. The return component in this case moves the connecting member 13.3. Fig. 12 shows the pushed back paddle 5.3. The paddle 5.3 is now located between the stack St.3 in the output device 2.3 and the stack St.4 in the adjacent output device 2.4.

Now, the stack St.3 is moved out of the output device 2.3, starting with a linear movement in the stacking direction SR. The result of this move shows Fig. 13 ,

Now, the support surface 12.3 is returned to the starting position relative to the connecting member 13.2. For this purpose, the support surface is about both the horizontal axis of rotation D1 and to the vertical axis of rotation D2 moved. After that arises the in Fig. 14 shown situation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

reference numeral importance 1 Conveyor belt of the conveyor 2.1, 2.2, ... output devices 3.1, 3.2, ... Scaled areas of the floors of the dispensers 2.1, 2.2, ... 4.1, 4.2, ... non-scaly areas of the floors of the dispensers 2.1, 2.2, ... 5.1, 5.2, ... Paddles of dispenser support components 6 Guide roller of the conveyor belt 1 7.1, 7.2, ... Guide rails of the dispenser support components 8.1, 8.2 Scales in the scaly areas 3.1, 3.2, ... 9.1, 9.2 Edges between the bottoms of two adjacent dispensers 10 level work surface next to the first output device 2.1 11.1 steeper area of the bottom of the dispenser 2.3 11.2 flatter area of the bottom of the dispenser 2.3 12.1, 12.2, ... Support surfaces of the paddles 5.1, 5.2, ... 13.1, 13.2, ... Connecting links of the paddles 5.1, 5.2, ... A Ansteigerichtung D1 horizontal axis of rotation about which the support surface 12.3 is rotatable relative to the connecting member 13.3 D2 vertical axis of rotation about which the support surface 12.3 is rotatable relative to the connecting member 13.3 L Longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Ps-1 that postal item of the stack St.3, which was first discharged into the output device 2.3 Ps-2 that postal item of the stack St.3, which was discharged as the second in the output device 2.3 SR stacking direction St.3 Stack with flat mail that was discharged into the output device 2.3 T Transport direction, in which the conveyor belt 1 transports a stack

Claims (14)

1. Sorting installation for sorting flat articles,
   wherein the sorting installation has

   - a discharging apparatus and

   - an arrangement with at least two output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.),

   and

   - each output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) has a base,

   - the output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) of the arrangement are arranged one behind the other, as seen along a longitudinal axis (L), and

   - the discharging apparatus is configured in order for each flat article which is to be sorted to be discharged into in each case one of the output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) such
   that the articles discharged into the same output means (2.3) form a stack (St.3) which extends in a stacking direction (SR),

   characterized in that

   - the base of each output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) of the arrangement slopes up in relation to the horizontal - as seen in a direction of upward slope (A),
   wherein the direction of upward slope (A) is perpendicular to the stacking direction (SR) and runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), and

   - there is an edge (9.2, 9.3) present between the bases of two adjacent output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) of the arrangement,
   wherein this edge (9.2, 9.3) slopes vertically or obliquely downward - as seen in the direction of upward slope (A).
2. Sorting installation according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the base of at least one output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) has a region (3.1, 3.2, etc.) in which the surface is configured in the form of scales,
   wherein the scales of this region (3.1, 3.2, etc.) are arranged such
   that the scales make it difficult for an article located in the output means to be displaced in the direction of upward slope (A) .
3. Sorting installation according to Claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the base of this output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) has

   - in the first instance the scale-like region (3.1, 3.2, etc.), and

   - then a region (4.1, 4.2, etc.) with a smooth surface, as seen in the stacking direction (SR).
4. Sorting installation according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that
   the base of at least one output means (2.3) has a relatively steep region (11.1) and a relatively flat region (11.2), wherein

   - the relatively flat region (11.2) is located behind the relatively steep region (11.1) - as seen in the direction of upward slope (A), and

   - the relatively steep region (11.1) is inclined in relation to the horizontal to a more pronounced extent than the relatively flat region (11.2).
5. Sorting installation according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that
   the sorting installation additionally has

   - a conveying means (1) and

   - a feeding means,

   and
   the feeding means is configured in order to feed articles to the sorting installation, and
   the conveying means (1) is configured in order to transport a stack (St.3) of flat articles to the feeding means.
6. Sorting installation according to Claim 5,
   characterized in that
   the conveying means (1)

   - extends along the longitudinal axis (L) and

   - is adjacent to the bases of the output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.).
7. Sorting installation according to one of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that
   the base of the at least one output means slopes up in relation to the horizontal by 2 degrees to 6 degrees - as seen in the direction of upward slope (A).
8. Sorting installation according to one of Claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that
   the sorting installation additionally has a planar work surface (10), and
   the work surface (10)

   - is arranged in front of the first output means (2.1) or behind the final output means and

   - is adjacent to, and flush with, the base of the first output means (2.1) or final output means,
   as seen along the longitudinal axis (L).
9. Sorting installation according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

   - at least one output means (2.3) comprises a supporting component (5.3),

   - the supporting component (5.3) can be displaced back and forth along a displacement path which is located between the base of the output means (2.3) and the base of an adjacent output means (2.4) of the arrangement, and

   - the supporting component (5.3) has a supporting surface (12.3) which extends in a supporting plane, and

   the supporting surface (12.3) can be moved into a supporting position,

   - in which the supporting plane as the supporting surface (12.3) is perpendicular to the stacking direction (SR) and

   - the supporting surface (12.3) is located behind a stack (St.3) in the output means (2.3) - as seen in the stacking direction (SR).
10. Sorting installation according to Claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the supporting component (5.3) has a connecting member (13.3),
    the connecting member (13.3) can be displaced back and forth in the displacement path, and
    the supporting surface (12.3)

    - can be pivoted relative to the connecting member (13.3) and

    - can be moved by pivoting relative to the connecting member (13.3) out of the supporting position into a displacement position,
    in which the supporting surface (12.3) can be pushed past a stack (St.3) in the output means (2.3) to which the supporting component (5.3) belongs.
11. Sorting installation according to Claim 10,
    characterized in that
    the supporting surface (12.3) is connected mechanically to the connecting member (13.3) such
    that the supporting surface (12.3) can be rotated relative to the connecting member (13.3) about a vertical axis of rotation (D2) such
    that the supporting plane of the supporting surface (12.3) is arranged parallel to the stacking direction (SR) following rotation,
    wherein the vertical axis of rotation (D2) is perpendicular to the stacking direction (SR).
12. Sorting installation according to Claim 10 or Claim 11,
    characterized in that
    the supporting surface (12.3) is connected mechanically to the connecting member (13.3) such
    that the supporting surface (12.3) can be rotated relative to the connecting member (13.3) about a horizontal axis of rotation (D1),
    wherein the horizontal axis of rotation (D1) runs parallel to the stacking direction (SR).
13. Use of a sorting installation according to one of Claims 1 to 12
    for sorting flat items of mail.
14. Method of sorting flat articles, wherein

    - the method is implemented using a sorting installation,

    - the sorting installation has a conveying means (1) and an arrangement with at least two output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.),

    - each output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) of the arrangement has a base and

    - the output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) are arranged one behind the other - as seen along a longitudinal axis (L),

    where the method comprises the steps where
    each flat article that is to be sorted is discharged by the sorting installation into in each case one of the output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) such
    that the articles discharged into this output means (2.3) form a stack (St.3) which extends in a stacking direction (SR),
    each resulting stack (St.3) of flat articles is moved out of the respective output means (2.3) onto the conveying means (1), and
    the conveying means (1) transports each stack (St.3) of flat articles away,
    characterized in that
    the base of each output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) of the arrangement slopes up in relation to the horizontal - as seen in the direction of upward slope (A),
    wherein the direction of upward slope (A) is perpendicular to the stacking direction (SR) and runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (L),
    there is an edge (9.2, 9.3) present between the bases of two adjacent output means (2.1, 2.2, etc.) of the arrangement,
    the edge sloping vertically or obliquely downward - as seen in the direction of upward slope (A), and
    the step of moving a stack (St.3) onto the conveying means (1) comprises the sub-steps where

    - the stack (St.3) is rotated about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the stacking direction (SR),

    - wherein , for the rotation of the stack St.3), use is made of the base of the adjacent output means (2.2) - as seen in the direction of upward slope (A) - and

    - the rotated stack (St.3) is displaced onto the conveying means (1) by a linear movement.

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