EP0834354A1 - Device and method for transferring parcels to be sorted according to an ordered row - Google Patents

Abstract

The sorted goods (23) are arranged in predetermined sequence in at least two partial rows (22,32). Pick-up elements (12) are moved in succession along a conveyor path past transfer devices (20,30) arranged along the conveyor path, with the number corresponding to the number of partial rows. The pick-up elements move past the transfer devices in a time sequence determined by their transport along the conveyor path to selectively transfer an article. A control device operates the transfer devices in a time sequenced matching the timed sequence of the pick-up elements passing the transfer devices so that the articles of all rows are arranged in the pick-up elements according to the predetermined sequence of rows. Each transfer device has a buffer position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for transferring of addresses having sorting goods into a corresponding ordered in a predetermined order of possible addresses Row, starting from at least two rows in which the items to be sorted are sorted according to the given order are a process that can be carried out as well as the use such a device for sorting addresses in the form of packages with shipping addresses.

Packages are usually delivered in for each post office responsible post office by individual Delivery districts of the postal district in which they are ordered then by one responsible for this delivery district Postmen are delivered. To accelerate delivery it is common for the respective postman to be in his delivery area shipping items to be delivered based on their shipping addresses initially according to the course of the Delivery sorted distance to be traveled. To do this the individual packages according to the order of the delivery addresses ordered along this route.

This before the actual delivery of the packages The process to be carried out is very time-consuming and therefore costly. For this reason, some postal authorities are in favor transferred to major customers, such as newspaper senders, To grant magazines, catalogs or the like, special tariffs, if they already have their packages in a corresponding the one to be returned for delivery by the responsible postman Post the pre-sorted form at the post office, especially the one explained above, before the actual delivery to facilitate the work to be carried out by the postman and accelerate.

However, it has been shown that there is no significant acceleration the sorting to be carried out by the postmen can be achieved if two or more are already pre-sorted Package of packages to be considered in the sorting process are.

Given this problem in the prior art the invention has for its object to provide a device with which the processing of several pre-sorted, for example, partial rows of Sorted goods, especially packages, accelerated can be specified, as well as a procedure that can be carried out with it.

In terms of device, this task by means of a device of the type mentioned at the beginning receiving elements transported along a conveyor path, a number corresponding to the number of sub-rows of arranged at transfer points along the conveyor path Transfer devices on which the receiving elements in a determined by their funding along the funding path Sequence are transported past, and the selectively to the Transfer of one piece of sorted goods to the one assigned to it Partial row of one receiving element each as it is transported past are actuated, and one of the transfer devices in one on the chronological order of the transport past coordinated with the receiving elements on the transfer devices chronological order in which the sorted goods of all sub-rows in the receiving elements according to the given order are arranged, actuating control device.

With the device according to the invention, all Sort goods of all sub-rows along the one behind the other of the conveyor path preferably formed in the form of a conveyor loop pass surrounding receiving elements. This will the formation of a single row from the sorted goods, for example, packages that enable individual sub-rows. This orderly row can then, if it is the Sorted goods are packages, by the responsible Postman for delivery or for another, simplified Processing can be carried out. For transferring the items to be sorted is fed to the receiving elements for each of the Partial rows provided their own transfer device. Thereby becomes an independent control of the transfer of the sorted goods of the individual partial rows. To do this with the Control device of the device according to the invention taking into account the chronological order of the transportation of the Receiving elements on the transfer devices only the chronological sequence are determined in which the transfer facilities for handing over the individual items to be sorted by all Partial rows are to be pressed to select the desired one from the items to be sorted of all sub-rows formed, ordered row in the receiving elements transported one behind the other along the conveying path to manufacture. In this way, the above described problem in the prior art using a simple design device with little Tax expenses can be solved.

To determine the chronological order in which the It is special to operate transfer devices useful if each transfer device at least one for Take over each buffer position serving one piece of sorted goods is assigned to the items to be sorted in the respective partial row to pass one after the other, and the control device the transfer devices depending on the Addresses of the items to be sorted that have been transferred to the buffer positions operated. With this arrangement you have to take advantage of the fact that the sorted goods are already in accordance with the the prescribed order of pre-sorted form is delivered, to determine the chronological sequence of the actuation of the Transfer devices only the addresses of the in the buffer positions taken over sorted goods are taken into account, which further simplifies the control of the invention Device contributes.

In the embodiment of the invention explained above it is particularly useful if the control device for the items to be sorted in the buffer positions in one of the order of the addresses of these items to be sorted corresponding temporal in the given order Sequence release signals generated when in at least one Buffer position of each transfer device transferring items to be sorted a piece of sorted goods has been taken over for which no release signal was generated, and the transfer devices depending on the chronological sequence of the release signals operated. In this way, the time of delivery of the individual items to be sorted long before the Actual transfer effecting the corresponding operation Transfer device can be determined. So is taking into account the chronological order of the transportation of the Receiving elements at the transfer points the receiving element, to which a sorting item for which a release signal is generated has to be handed over long before it is transported past this receiving element on the corresponding Transfer device set. By generating the release signal the corresponding sorting good piece becomes this receiving element assigned to a certain extent.

To ensure the correct handover The release signals are generated for the individual items to be sorted for this at the latest when the Receiving element to which the item to be sorted to be handed over later, the first handover point has been reached. This ensures that the items to be sorted Partial row that corresponds to that in the conveying direction of the Receiving elements of the first transfer point arranged transfer device are to be handed over after generation of the release signal but still on the receiving element defined thereby can be handed over.

For the items to be sorted sorted in the buffer positions an enable signal is only generated if in transferring at least one buffer position of each item to be sorted Transfer device a piece of sorted goods is taken over. This ensures that when the release signals are generated at least one item to be sorted in each row is taken into account can be. With additional consideration of the The fact that the items to be sorted are in the individual sub-rows are already arranged in the specified order and the buffer positions also pass in this order, can be safely excluded in this way that for Sorted goods, their addresses with respect to the given Order one before the addresses of other items to be sorted Take a lying position, only after an enable signal has been generated a release signal for these other items to be sorted is produced. In this way it is achieved that the chronological sequence of the generation of the release signals for the individual items to be sorted in all sub-rows in the sequence of individual items to be sorted in the orderly one to be generated Row corresponds. Based on the time sequence of generation The release signals can then be taken into account the chronological sequence of the receiving elements being transported past at the transfer facilities the chronological sequence of the the transfer of the sorting goods causing actuation of Transfer devices which are used to generate the desired orderly series is required can be determined.

When generating the release signals, the Control device only the items to be sorted in their sub-row transferring transfer devices, i.e. only the transfer facilities, which are still for the transfer of sorted goods, for that have not yet generated an enable signal are required considered. This ensures that the operation of the invention Device can still be continued can, if already for all items to be sorted in a partial row an enable signal has been generated.

In the above-described operation of the invention Device no release signal can be generated if one of the Sorting goods transferred to transfer devices receive a release signal has been generated. In this situation it can next release signal can only be generated if one the one taken over in the buffer positions of this transfer device Pass items to be sorted to a receiving element and the next item to be sorted in the corresponding row, for that a release signal has not yet been generated, into a buffer position this transfer device has been taken over. This can significantly delay the operation of the invention Guide the device.

This shortcoming can be remedied, if at least one of the transfer devices on one in the conveying direction of the receiving elements behind the first transfer point Transfer point is arranged, at least one for intermediate storage each serving a sorting item and between the buffer position and the corresponding transfer point arranged intermediate position. In one The intermediate items can be the sorting items for which already an enable signal has been generated, accepted and buffered will. This makes it possible in this Buffer position the next item to be sorted Partial row for which no release signal has yet been generated is to be recorded so as to generate the next release signal to enable. For those on the first in the conveying direction Transfer point arranged transfer device does not have to be an intermediate position be provided because one in a buffer position Sorting goods taken over this transfer device after generating a release signal for it to the next one, receiving element reaching the first transfer point and then the next item to be sorted Partial row for which no release signal has yet been generated has been transferred to this buffer position. This piece of sorted goods is then available for generating the next one Release signals available.

In the above-described operation of the invention Device it is possible to at each of the transfer devices a sorting item transported past the receiving element to pass when the distance between each Receiving elements transported one behind the other along the conveying path is constant and the number of intermediate positions of the transfer devices that are in the conveying direction of the receiving elements transfer points behind the first transfer point are arranged, in each case at least the quotient from the distance between the respective transfer point and the first transfer point and the distance between each Corresponds to receiving elements. With this arrangement, the Release signals are generated so that for each recording element at the latest when the first handover point is reached Taking into account the time sequence of the transport past the receiving elements on the transfer devices and the Time sequence of the generation of the release signals can be determined is what sort of goods to be sorted in the course of the transport is handed over to the transfer facilities.

The control of the device according to the invention can done particularly easily if the distance between each Transfer points the distance between the individual receiving elements corresponds. With this arrangement, the invention Device ensuring the highest possible Processing speed is also special be made compact if for each transfer device the sum of the number of buffer positions and the number the intermediate positions of the position of the respective transfer point along the conveyor path. It means that then if each transfer device has only one buffer position has, in this embodiment, the first transfer device none, the second transfer device one that third transfer device has two etc. intermediate positions, in which the sorted goods after generation of a Release signals for this can be buffered before they are finally handed over to one of the receiving elements.

In the embodiment of the invention explained above it is also possible that the intermediate positions also have the function of a buffer position. The means that those in these intermediate positions are also transferred Sorted items for which no release signal has yet been generated in the generation of the following release signals can be taken into account.

When using the intermediate positions explained above must be used as buffer positions when generating the release signals for the items to be sorted in addition to the addresses of the in the items to be sorted that have been transferred to the buffer positions those of the sorted goods taken over in the intermediate positions be taken into account. Ensuring the highest possible processing speed of the invention Device can simpler control or generation of release signals can be achieved if at least one of the transfer devices on in the conveying direction of the Pick-up elements behind the first transfer point Transfer points are arranged with a transport device at least two arranged one behind the other in their transport direction and can be operated independently Has transport elements, of which in the transport direction considers front with at least one buffer position and the rear in the direction of transport with at least one intermediate position is provided. When using Such a transport device can sort the items to be sorted immediately after the release signals for it have been generated passed on from the buffer position to the rear transport element become independent of the operation of the front Transport element transported and to one of the receiving elements be handed over. In the free buffer position can then immediately find the next item to be sorted Partial row for which no release signal has been given before has been generated. For this the in the Buffer positions of the front transport elements taken over Sorted goods in response to the release signals generated for them to the intermediate positions of the rear transport elements passed on. In this way it is possible for the generation of the release signals from each row only one taken over in the corresponding buffer position Sorted goods must be taken into account.

To capture the addresses of the items to be sorted remembered that at least one of the transfer facilities a reading device for automatically reading the addresses of the assigned to sorted items transferred to their buffer position is.

If the sub-rows are in the form of according to the given Ordered sorted stacks of sorted goods it is advisable if at least one of the A feed device is assigned to transfer devices, with which the items to be sorted are successively removed from the stack of items to be sorted deducted and fed to the transfer device will.

When using such feeders, it has proved to be useful if the reading device between arranged the feed device and the transfer device is. Then the addresses can be added during the feeding of the Sorted goods to the transfer device or to the first buffer position the transfer device can be detected.

The transport devices and / or the feed devices the device according to the invention can be particularly simple in the form of independently operable, endless revolving conveyor belts are formed. The buffer and / or intermediate positions can be of individual Sections of the conveyor belts are provided.

If the transfer device according to the invention of sorting goods in the form of with addresses in the form of Shipping addresses provided shipping items in an orderly Series is used, it has proven to be particularly advantageous proven when the packages are in the form of batches of packages supplied partial rows essentially upright stand, i.e. if their main faces are arranged in vertical planes are. For processing mailpieces supplied in this way it is particularly advantageous if the main surfaces of the used to educate the transport and / or feeding devices Conveyor belts arranged essentially in vertical planes are.

A particularly reliable operation of the invention Device can be achieved if the receiving elements and those formed in the form of transport devices Transfer devices can be operated in cycles, with each Clock the recording elements by the distance between them appropriate route to be transported and at least some the items to be sorted to the next buffer and / or intermediate position eligible or to one of the receiving elements are transferable.

1. Falls gilt: k<i und 0<k≤i-n_i erfolgt die Betätigung der an der k-ten Übergabestelle angeordneten Übergabeeinrichtung zur Übergabe des auf die n_i vorrangigen Sortierqutstücke folgenden Sortiergutstücks i-n_i-k Takte vor der Übergabe des ersten der n_i vorrangigen Sortiergutstücke.

2. Falls gilt: k<i und i-n_i<k<i erfolgt die Betätigung der an der k-ten Übergabestelle angeordneten Übergabeeinrichtung zur Übergabe des auf die n_i vorrangigen Sortiergutstücke folgenden Sortiergutstücks k+n_i-i Takte nach der Übergabe des ersten der n_i vorrangigen Sortiergutstücke.

3. Falls gilt: k>i erfolgt die Betätigung der an der k-ten Übergabestelle angeordneten Übergabeeinrichtung zur Übergabe des auf die n_i vorrangigen Sortiergutstücke folgenden Sortiergutstücks n_i+k-i+1 Takte nach der Übergabe des ersten der n_i vorrangigen Sortiergutstücke.

Assuming that during the operation of the device at the i-th transfer point n _i in the conveying direction of the receiving elements, priority must be given to all the sorting items still to be transferred with respect to the predetermined sequence and the sorting item that follows in the conveying direction with respect to the predetermined sequence the receiving elements must be handed over to the k-th transfer point, the time sequence in which the transfer devices arranged at the i-th and k-th transfer points are to be actuated to produce the arrangement of the items to be sorted in the receiving elements in accordance with the predetermined sequence then be determined according to the following criteria:

1. If the following applies: k <i and 0 <k≤in _i , the transfer device arranged at the k-th transfer point is actuated to transfer the sorting item following the n _i priority sorting items in _i -k cycles before the transfer of the first of the n _i priority items.

2. If the following applies: k <i and in _i <k <i the transfer device arranged at the k-th transfer point is actuated for transferring the sorting item k + n _i -i following the n _i priority items after the transfer of the first of the n _i priority items to be sorted.

3. If: k> i, the transfer device arranged at the k-th transfer point is actuated to transfer the sorting item following the n _i priority items n _i + k-i + 1 cycles after the transfer of the first of the n _i priority items .

Using these criteria, the Control device necessary for the production of the ordered row chronological sequence of the operation of all transfer devices be determined.

In the above embodiments, which allow the highest possible processing speed, it is particularly useful if an additional in every bar Release signal is generated.

For further processing of the receiving elements The items to be sorted can be given to the receiving elements Transport device can be assigned to which it transferred items to be sorted are handed in one after the other, and with which the items to be sorted that are produced from the sub-rows ordered row transported in the given order will.

As explained above, the Device according to the invention a method for transferring Sorting items with addresses in a corresponding ordered in a predetermined order of possible addresses Row executable, in which the items to be sorted starting from at least two ordered according to the given order Partial rows with a number corresponding to the number of partial rows Number of transfer devices along a conveyor path of receiving elements transported one behind the other Transfer points are arranged in a timed manner Sequence of the transport of the receiving elements to the Transfer devices selectively timed sequence are passed to the receiving elements so that the items to be sorted all sub-rows according to the given order be arranged in the receiving elements.

Fig. 1a bis 1f jeweils eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung und

Fig. 2a bis 2h jeweils eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, to which reference is expressly made with regard to all details essential to the invention and not further emphasized in the description. The drawing shows:

1a to 1f each show a plan view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention and

2a to 2h each a plan view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

To explain the first embodiment of the invention is first of all the constructive below with reference to FIG Structure of this embodiment explained. The operation is then based on FIGS. 1b to 1f this device explained. To improve clarity are the individual elements of the first embodiment the invention in Figs. 1b to 1f not with those in Fig. 1a provided reference numerals.

The device shown in Fig. 1a has one Conveyor 10 with a number in the direction of the arrow 14 designated conveying direction in succession along a in Form of a closed conveyor loop formed conveyor path circumferential receiving elements 12. The distance between the Recording elements 12 is constant. On along the conveyor loop lying transfer points 21 and 31 are two transport devices 20 or 30 in the form of endless revolving conveyor belts 26 and 36 arranged. With these transport facilities 20 and 30 can sort goods in the form of with shipping addresses provided packages 23 that the device in the form of possible according to a predetermined order Shipping addresses presorted packages 22 and 32 are supplied, transported to the conveyor 10 and at the transfer points 21 and 31 to one of each Receiving elements 12 are passed. Each at the conveyor 10 facing end of the conveyor belts 26 and 36 arranged transfer points 21 and 31 are one behind the other in the distance between the individual receiving elements 12 appropriate distance along the conveyor loop.

The conveyor belt 26 with which the packages 23 of the Package stack 22 at the transfer point 21, which with respect the direction of conveyance indicated by the arrow 14 Receiving elements 12 is arranged in front of the transfer point 31, has a length which is approximately the length of the packages 23 corresponds. In contrast, the conveyor belt 36 with the the packages 23 of the package stack 32 at the rear the transfer point 21 arranged transfer point 31 to the Receiving elements 12 can be passed, a length on, which corresponds to approximately twice the length of the packages 23. In this way, the conveyor belt 26 only a buffer position for the packages 23 of the package stack 22 provided while using the conveyor belt 36 two buffer positions or one buffer position and one intermediate position for the packages transported with it 23 of the package stack 32 are provided.

For transferring the packages 23 to the receiving elements 12 they are individually and successively with a feed device in the form of a conveyor belt 24 or 34 from the stack of packages 22 and 32 deducted and the transport facilities 20 or 30 fed. The shipping addresses of the packages with an automatic reading device 28 and 38 read and a control device (not shown) entered. Then the packages then with those under the control of the control device independently operable conveyor belts 26 or 36 according to the predetermined order in the order given by the Arrows 27 and 37 denote the direction of the conveyor 10 transported and in such a chronological order the receiving elements 12 are passed that the packages 23 both packages 22 and 32 according to the predetermined Order arranged in the receiving elements 12 will.

The shipping items transferred to the receiving elements 12 23 are then delivered to a conveyor belt 40 and in shape in the direction indicated by arrow 42 transported in an ordered order according to the given order.

The device shown in Fig. 1 is for processing of packages of packages that stand upright Letters are formed, thought. Accordingly, the Main surfaces of the conveyor belts 24, 26, 34, 36 and 40 essentially in vertical planes. The main surfaces of the packages are on the conveyor belts for transport.

The conveyor 10 and the conveyor belts 24, 26, 34 and 36 can be operated in cycles, with each cycle first the receiving elements 12 by a distance between the corresponding receiving elements 12 promoted route and then the conveyor belts 24, 26, 34 and 36 a transport of the adjacent shipping items by about cause a package length. In this embodiment the transport takes place in one cycle with the conveyor belts the control of the control device only if so a package at the corresponding transfer point 21 or 31 to be transferred to one of the receiving elements 12. That means, that the transport with the conveyor belts 24 and 26 only then occurs when one of the packages is in the appropriate cycle 23 to be handed over at the transfer point 21 while the transport with the conveyor belts 34 and 36 only then occurs when one of the packages is dispatched at the appropriate rate 23 to be handed over at the transfer point 31.

The following is the operation of the invention Device explained with reference to FIGS. 1b to 1f. In these figures give the Roman numerals in the packages temporal sequence of the generation of the release signals for the Packages, while the Arabic numerals in the packages the position of the shipping address of the person concerned Designate the package in the order given. The Roman numerals in the receiving elements 12 denote them Arrangement along the conveyor loop. Furthermore, the Roman correspond Numbers in the receiving elements 12 the Roman numerals in the packages which are responsive to the generation a release signal for it to be handed over to it. On this is shown in the figures using the Roman numerals illustrates which receiving element 12 a shipping item by generating a release signal for it, so to speak is assigned.

In Fig. 1b, a state is shown by achieved a start-up operation of the device according to the invention becomes. In this state, the first lies on the conveyor belt 26 Package of the package stack 22, while on the Conveyor belt 36 the first two packages in a row of the stack of packages 32 are present. The corresponding areas of the conveyor belts form buffer positions of the first embodiment the invention. That means that through that Conveyor belt 26 formed transport device 20 a buffer position and the transport device formed by the conveyor belt 36 30 has two buffer positions.

In this condition, you can now take the package under the packages taken over in the buffer positions, whose Shipping address regarding the given order under the shipping addresses of all those included in the buffer positions Packages for which no release signal has yet been generated has been in the first place, an enable signal be generated. In this case, the release signal for the on the conveyor belt 26 adjacent shipping item, its shipping address in the given order in the first place is generated, as indicated by the Roman numeral II, to arrange for this package to be attached to the the next conveying cycle to the transfer point 21 receiving element II is handed over. In other words, means that the abutting on the conveyor belt 26 through the generation of a release signal for the receiving element II is assigned.

In the initial state shown in Fig. 1b already for that in the transport direction shown by arrow 37 of the conveyor belt 36 viewed rear package of the two packages lying on the conveyor belt 36 generates an enable signal as indicated by the Roman numeral I hinted at in order to cause this package to the one coming to the transfer point 31 with the next cycle Transfer receiving element I or assigned to it.

In Fig. 1c the state is shown, which is starting from the state shown in FIG. 1b to the next Clock is reached. The receiving element arrives at this cycle I to the transfer point 31 and the receiving element II to Transfer point 21 and these conveyor elements through the generation corresponding release signals for this previously assigned Packages are handed over to it. At the same time with the conveyor belt 24 the next package of the package stack 22 to the conveyor belt 26 and to the conveyor belt 34 the next package of the package stack 32 to the Pass conveyor 36. During this handover, the Shipping addresses of the packages with the automatic reading devices 28 and 38 read. Then for the Parcel under those adjacent to conveyor belts 26 and 36 Packages, i.e. among those in the buffer positions accepted packages, whose shipping address under the Shipping addresses of these packages with respect to the given Order comes first, i.e. in this case for the shipping item lying on the conveyor belt 26 with the second Shipping address in the given order, a release signal generated, as indicated by the Roman numeral III, to have this package attached to the one with the next conveying cycle to the transfer point 21 receiving element III passed or assigned to this.

With the following cycle, the one shown in Fig. 1d Condition reached by first the receiving element III promoted to the transfer point 21 and then this Conveyor element beforehand by generating the release signal therefor hand over the assigned package with the conveyor belt 26 and the next package of the package stack 22nd with the conveyor belt 24 while detecting its Shipping address with the reading device 28 to the conveyor belt 26 is handed over. In this state it is now in accordance with The selection procedure for the rear one explained above the conveyor 10 adjacent buffer position on Conveyor belt 36 adjacent package with the third shipping address a release signal in the specified order generated to cause this package to be attached to the the next conveying cycle to the transfer point 21 receiving element IV passed or assigned to it, how indicated by the Roman numeral IV in it.

With the following clock the one shown in Fig. Le Condition reached. As for the applied to the conveyor belt 26 No release signal was generated previously and the receiving element IV is the transfer point 31 at which the delivery of the package for which a release signal was previously given was generated, could take place, has not yet reached, a shipping item is not sent to any of the receiving elements 12 in this cycle to hand over. However, in that shown in Fig. Le State already an enable signal for one of the to the Conveyor belts 26 and 36 adjacent packages are generated because at this point the Transport device 20 and a buffer position of the Transport device 30 a package is taken for that an enable signal has not yet been generated. Accordingly, will the selection process for the a release signal applied to the conveyor belt 26 generated to cause this package to be attached to the the next conveying cycle to the transfer point 21 receiving element V is transferred or assigned to it.

With the next measure, the receiving element IV arrives to the transfer point 31 and the receiving element V to the transfer point 21. Furthermore, with this cycle, the conveyor elements IV and V by generating the release signals therefor beforehand assigned packages are handed over to it. That state is shown in Fig. 1f, the by the transfer of the packages to the receiving elements IV and V Buffer positions with the conveyor belts 24 and 34 through the next packages of packages 22 and 32 with simultaneous recording of their shipping addresses have been. In this state it is now in accordance with the The above-described selection process for the rear the conveyor 10 adjacent buffer position on Conveyor belt 36 adjacent shipping item generates a release signal to hand it over to the next funding cycle to arrange receiving element VI reaching transfer point 21, or to assign this shipping item to the receiving element VI. The delivery of the package to the conveyor element VI can then take place with the measure after the next.

1f also shows that with the clock, with which the state shown in this figure is reached is, also the package previously transferred to the receiving element I for removal in the direction indicated by arrow 42 Direction is passed to the conveyor belt 40.

The above operation continues, until all packages of packages 22 and 32 have been transported away with the conveyor belt 40. In doing so the buffer positions when generating the release signals of the transport facilities are no longer considered if for all of those to be transferred to the receiving elements Mailing items have already been released.

To explain the second embodiment of the invention is the constructive in the following based on Fig. 1a Structure of this embodiment explained. The operation is then based on FIGS. 2b to 2h described this device. Similar to the explanation the first embodiment are the components of second embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 2b to 2h no reference numerals assigned to improve clarity.

The device shown in Fig. 2a has one Conveyor 110 with a number in the direction of the arrow 114 designated direction one behind the other along a conveyor path conveyable in the form of a closed conveyor loop Recording elements 112 on. Also in this embodiment the distance between the individual receiving elements 112 is constant. The conveyor 110 is a total of four in shape formed by transport devices 120, 130, 140 and 150 Assigned transfer devices with which packages 100 at transfer points arranged one behind the other along the conveyor loop 121, 131, 141 and 151 to the receiving elements 112 can be handed over. The serves in the form of an endless revolving conveyor belt 126 executed transport device 120 for transporting and handing over in the form of a first, according to a given order of possible shipping addresses presorted package stack 122 fed Sorted goods in the form of packages 100. To do this the packages of the package stack 120 in succession one that can be operated independently of the conveyor belt 126, endless conveyor belt 124 running feeder deducted from the package stack 122 and on the conveyor belt 126 passed while using their shipping address one arranged between the conveyor belt 124 and the conveyor belt 126 automatic reader 128 read and to a Control device (not shown) is forwarded. With the conveyor belt 126, which is about the length of a package has and thus a buffer position for the packages of the stack of packages 122 can be transferred to it Packages in the direction indicated by arrow 127 Direction in response to the generation of an enable signal are passed to one of the receiving elements 112 for this purpose.

The same applies to the delivery of the packages a second stack 132 of pre-sorted packages 100 serving transport device 130 formed. This transport facility however has two independently operable, endless conveyor belts 136 and 137 on, from each about the length of a package. Here forms the one for feeding the packages of the package stack 132 to the conveyor 130 serving conveyor 134 adjacent conveyor belt 136 a buffer set for the packages of package stack 132, while that of Conveyor 110 adjacent conveyor belt 137 an intermediate position forms for these packages. Similar to the first transport device 120 are also in operation the second transport device 130 the shipping addresses of Packages of the second package stack 132 with one between that which can be operated independently of the conveyor belts 136 and 137 Conveyor belt 134 and the one forming the buffer position Conveyor belt 136 arranged automatic reading device 138 read and passed on to the control device.

Similarly, the packages become one third stack 142 of pre-sorted packages with an as Conveyor belt 144 serving the feeder to the third Transporter 140 passed while their shipping addresses read with an automatic reader 148 and on the control device can be passed on. The third transport facility has a total of three each about the length of a package, endless revolving conveyor belts 146, 147a and 147b. This serves the regardless of the other conveyor belts operable conveyor belt 144 adjacent Conveyor belt 146 to provide a buffer position for packages 100 of package stack 142 while conveyor belts 147a and 147b for providing intermediate positions serve for these packages.

Similar to the packages of the first, second and Third batch of packages also become packages of one fourth stack of packages 152 with a conveyor belt Feed device 154 to the transport device 150 passed while their shipping addresses with a between the feed device 154 and the transport device 150 Read device 158 read and the control device can be entered. The transport device 150 has a total of four each about the length of a package Conveyor belts 156, 157a, 157b and 157c. Here the conveyor belt 156 serves to provide a buffer position for the packages 100 of the package stack 152, while in the transport direction of the transport device 150 Conveyor belts 157a, 157b and 157c arranged behind for provision of intermediate positions for the packages 100 serve the package stack 152.

As can be seen from the above explanation, corresponds to 120, 130, 140 for each of the transport devices and 150 the sum of the number of buffer positions and the Number of intermediate positions of the position of the respective Transfer point along the conveyor 110 with respect to the conveyed by the arrow 14. The distances between the individual transfer points 121, 131, 141 and 151 correspond in turn to the distances between the individual receiving elements 112 of the conveyor 110. Similar to The first embodiment also uses the conveyor 110 and the transport device 120, 130, 140 and 150 of the second embodiment operated in cycles. Doing so with each cycle, the receiving elements 112 of the conveyor device 110 by the distance between the individual receiving elements 112 corresponding route promoted and then the shipping items included in the buffer or intermediate positions 100 passed on to the next intermediate position or transferred to one of the receiving elements 112. The in the However, shipping items included in buffer positions are only then passed on to the next intermediate position if previously an enable signal has been generated for this. At the same time with the delivery of a package from a buffer position an intermediate position becomes the next package of the corresponding one Stack of packages with the appropriate feed device passed to this buffer position.

With this arrangement, it is possible that during generation the release signals for the shipping items only the shipping addresses that in buffer positions 126, 136, 146 and 156 accepted packages must be taken into account. By Generation of a release signal for one of these packages will cause this package to move to the next Conveying cycle to the transfer point 121 receiving element transferred or assigned to this. One of those Shipping items assigned to receiving elements 112 can then automatically with those providing the intermediate positions Conveyor belts 137, 147a, 147b, 157a, 157b and 157c to the conveyor 100 transported and assigned to them Receiving element 112 are passed because of the number of them required cycles for each transport device 120, 130, 140 and 150 corresponds to the number of bars that a recording element after assigning one of the in the buffer positions 126, 136, 146 and 156 received packages by generation a release signal until the corresponding one is reached Transfer point 121, 131, 141 and 151 required. That means, that for the operation of the intermediate positions Conveyor belts 137, 147a, 147b, i57a, 157b and 157c none of dependent on the shipping addresses of the shipping items funded with it Control is needed. Rather, these conveyor belts can operated in the same way with each cycle. To it is also possible to move the conveyor belts 147a and 147b or 157a, 157b and 157c by a single about twice or three times To replace the length of a package having a conveyor belt.

The packages transferred to the receiving elements 112 can be similar to the first embodiment with an endlessly revolving conveyor belt 160 in the direction indicated by the arrow 162 designated direction transported in the predetermined order will.

To explain the operation of those shown in Fig. 2a Device are the receiving elements 112 in FIGS. 2b to 2h according to their arrangement along the conveyor loop marked with Roman numerals. Also designate those indicated in Figures 2b to 2h in the packages Roman numerals the chronological order of the generation of the Release signals for it and at the same time the recording elements, to which they are responsive to the generation of the release signals for this, or to whom they generate the release signals be assigned to a certain extent. Finally designate the Arabic numerals given in the packages the position of the corresponding package in the given Sequence.

In Fig. 2b is a start-up operation of the invention Device received initial state shown, in each buffer position that shown in Fig. 2a Device a package is taken. In this Condition can be for one of these packages, in this one Case for the mail items lying on the conveyor belt 156 the first shipping address in the specified order Release signal are generated to cause this Shipment to the next cycle to the transfer point 121 received receiving element I or assigned to it is, as indicated by the Roman numeral I in it.

With the next cycle the one shown in Fig. 2c Condition reached by first conveying element I to the transfer point 121 promoted and then responding to the appropriate Release signal that associated with this conveyor element Package is transferred to the conveyor belt 157a, while simultaneously with the conveyor belt 154 the next package of package 152 to the buffer position conveyor belt providing the transport device 150 156 is handed over. In this way it is achieved that in the state shown in Fig. 2c first in each buffer position a package has been accepted for which no release signal has yet been issued was generated. Therefore, in this state for the Shipping item lying on conveyor belt 146 with the first shipping address a release signal in the specified order are generated with which this package is caused transferred to the receiving element II or assigned to it is, as indicated by the Roman numeral II in it.

With the next cycle the one shown in Fig. 2d Condition reached by first receiving element I for Transfer point 131 and the receiving element II to the transfer point 121 is promoted and then the funding element I by generating a release signal for the associated shipping item to the conveyor belt 157b and responsive to the im previous clock generated release signal that the Conveyor element II assigned shipping item to the conveyor belt 157a is passed while simultaneously with the conveyor belt 144 to the next package of the package stack 142 the conveyor belt 146 is handed over.

It should be noted that this is with the previous one Cycle forwarded to the conveyor belt 156 was not handed over to the conveyor belt 157a because in the Fig. 2d state not yet an enable signal for it has been generated. Again, in this state it is initially in one shipping item for each buffer position, for which still no release signal has been generated, so that for the Buffer position of the third transport device 140 forming Conveyor belt 146 adjacent shipping item with the first shipping address a release signal in the specified order can be generated with which this package is caused to the transfer point 121 with the next cycle pass receiving element III or assigned to it is, as indicated by the Roman numeral III in it.

With the next cycle, the one shown in FIG. 2e is now shown Condition reached by the receiving element I to Transfer point 141, the receiving element II to the transfer point 131 and the receiving element III promoted to the transfer point 121 and then the receiving element I by generation of the release signal assigned to it on the conveyor belt 157c is passed through the receiving element II Generation of the release signal for the assigned shipping item is transferred to the conveyor belt 147b and the receiving element III assigned to it by generating the release signal Package is passed to the conveyor belt 147a while the next package at the same time as the conveyor belt 144 of the stack of packages 142 to which the buffer position of the Transfer conveyor belt 146 forming third transport device 140 becomes. In this state you can now use the conveyor belt 136 attached shipping item with the second shipping address in an enable signal is generated in the specified sequence, because its shipping address is among everyone's shipping addresses in buffer positions 126, 136, 146 and 156 Packages first in the order given Position, which causes this package to the transfer point 121 reaching the next cycle Pass receiving element IV or this receiving element is assigned as by the Roman numeral IV in it indicated.

The next cycle then shows that shown in FIG. 2f Condition reached by first receiving element I to the transfer point 151, the receiving element II to the transfer point 141, the receiving element III to the transfer point 131 and the receiving element IV transported to the transfer point 121 and then through the receiving elements I and II Generation of the release signals for associated shipping items from the conveyor belts 157c and 147b to these receiving elements are passed and the receiving element IV by generation of the release signal previously assigned package from the conveyor belt 136 is transferred to the conveyor belt 137 while the next package at the same time as the conveyor belt 134 of the stack of packages 132 transferred to the conveyor belt 136 becomes. In this state the buffer position can now be used of the second transport device 130 Conveyor belt 136 adjacent package with the fourth Shipping address in the given order accordingly the above-explained selection process an enable signal are generated, causing this package to the transfer point 121 reaching the next cycle Pass receiving element V or assigned to it is, as indicated by the Roman numeral V in it.

Similarly, with the following bars the States shown in Figs. 2g and 2h reached.

In this embodiment of the invention, the Packages for which a release signal was once generated with the next funding cycles automatically to the next Intermediate position or to them by generating the Pass the release signal for the associated receiving element so that when generating the release signals only those in the Shipping items taken over buffer positions taken into account Need to become. This allows the control of the 2 compared device compared to that of the the embodiment explained in Fig. 1 significantly simplified will.

Just as with the device explained with reference to FIG. 1 become the buffer positions of a transport device only taken into account if this transport device still to transport packages of the corresponding Stack of packages is required for which no release signal has been generated. Furthermore, in the case in which the buffer positions several possible Packages, i.e. multiple packages with the same shipping address a release signal for the package generated, which in the buffer position of the transport device whose transfer point is included the conveying direction 114 is arranged furthest to the rear.

The invention is not based on the drawing limited exemplary embodiments. Rather is too thought of devices for sorting more than four To provide stacks of sorted goods, or the sorted goods arrange the individual batches of sorted goods one above the other, so that the main surfaces of the conveyor belts in horizontal planes must be arranged. Finally, instead of other means of transport, e.g. Conveyor bags can be used. The receiving elements can also in the form of clamp grippers.

Claims (21)

Device for transferring addresses Sorted items (23; 100) in a corresponding to a predetermined Order of possible addresses in order, starting from of at least two sub-rows (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) in which the items to be sorted (23; 100) according to the predetermined Order are ordered, with one after the other along of a conveying path supported receiving elements (12; 112), one the number of sub-rows (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) corresponding number of transfer points (21, 31; 121, 131, 141, 151) transfer devices arranged along the conveyor path (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) on which the receiving elements (12; 112) in one by their transport along the Transport path transported past a certain time sequence be, and the selective transfer of one Sortiergutstückes (23; 100) of their respective assigned sub-row (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) to one receiving element each (12; 112) can be actuated when it is transported past, and one of the transfer devices (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) in one on the chronological order of the transport past Receiving elements (12; 112) on the transfer devices (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) coordinated chronological sequence, in which the sorting pieces (23; 100) of all sub-rows (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) in the receiving elements (12; 112) according to arranged in the specified order Control device. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each transfer device (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) at least one for taking over one piece of sorted product (23; 100) serving buffer position (26, 36; 126, 136, 146, 156) which is the sorting goods (23; 100) of the respective Pass one row (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) one after the other, and the control device the transfer devices (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) depending on the addresses those taken over into the buffer positions (26, 36; 126, 136, 146, 156) Sorted goods operated. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device for the in the buffer positions (26, 36; 126, 136, 146, 156) taken over sorted goods (23; 100) in one of the ranking of the addresses of these items to be sorted (23; 100) in the given order temporal sequence of release signals generated when in at least a buffer position (26, 36; 126, 136, 146, 156) each Sorting goods (23; 100) transfer device (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) a piece of sorted goods (23; 100) is adopted, for which no release signal has yet been generated and the transfer devices (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) depending on the time sequence of generation the release signals actuated. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that that at least one of the transfer devices (30; 130, 140, 150), which in a conveying direction of the Receiving elements (12; 112) behind the first transfer point (21; 121) lying transfer point (31; 131, 141, 151) arranged is, at least one for buffering one each Parcel (23; 100) serving and between the buffer position (36; 136, 146, 156) and the transfer point (31; 131, 141, 151) of this transfer device (30; 130, 140, 150) Intermediate position (36; 137, 147a, 147b, 157a, 157b, 157c) having. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the distance between the individual receiving elements (12; 112) is constant and the number of intermediate positions (36; 137, 147a, 147b, 157a, 157b, 157c) of the transfer devices (30; 130, 140, 150) which in the conveying direction of the receiving elements (12; 112) behind the first transfer point (21; 121) horizontal transfer points (31; 131, 141, 151) are arranged, in each case at least the quotient from the distance between the respective transfer point (31; 131, 141, 151) and the first Transfer point (21; 121) and the distance between each Receiving elements (12; 112) corresponds. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the distance between the individual transfer points (21, 31; 121, 131, 141, 151) the distance between each Receiving elements (12; 112) corresponds. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that for each transfer device (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) the sum of the number of buffer positions (26, 36; 126, 136, 146, 156) and the number of intermediate positions (36; 137, 157a, 157b, 157c) the position of the respective transfer point (21, 31; 121, 131, 141, 151) along the conveyor path. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized characterized in that at least one of the intermediate positions (36) also has the function of a buffer position (36). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transfer device a transport device (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) with which the items to be sorted (23; 100) of the respective Partial row (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) for each Transfer point (21, 31; 121, 131, 141, 151) transported and are passed to one of the receiving elements (12; 112). Device according to claim 9 and one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the transport device at least one of the transfer devices (130, 140, 150), those located behind the first transfer point (121) Transfer point (131, 141, 151) is arranged, at least two in the transport direction (127) of the transport device (130, 140, 150) arranged one behind the other and operable independently of one another Transport elements (136, 137, 146, 147a, 147b, 157a, 157b, 157c), of which in the transport direction (127) considers front (136, 146, 156) with at least one buffer position and the rear viewed in the transport direction (127) (137, 147a, 147c, 157a, 157b, 157c) with at least one Intermediate position is provided. Device according to claims 3 and 10, characterized in that that the in the buffer positions of the front Transport elements (136, 146, 156) taken over sorted goods (100) in response to the release signals generated for this at intermediate positions (137, 147a, 147b, 157a, 157b, 157c) of the rear transport elements (137, 147a, 147b, 157a, 157b, 157c) are passed on. Device according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized characterized in that at least one of the transfer devices (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) a reading device (28, 38; 128, 138, 148, 158) for automatic reading of the addresses of the assigned to be handed over to sorted goods (23; 100) is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the transfer devices (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) a feed device (24, 34; 124, 134, 144, 154) is assigned with which the items to be sorted (23; 100) one in the form of a stack of items to be sorted (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) partial series one after the other from the stack of items to be sorted (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) and the transfer device (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) are supplied. Device according to claims 12 and 13, characterized in that that the reading device (28, 28; 128, 138, 148, 158) between the feed device (24, 34; 124, 134, 144, 154) and the transfer device (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized characterized in that the transport devices (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) and / or the feed devices (24, 34; 124, 134, 144, 154) independently operable, endlessly rotating Conveyor belts (24, 26, 34, 36; 124, 126, 134, 136, 137, 144, 146, 147a, 147b, 154, 156, 157a, 157b, 157c). Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the main surfaces of the conveyor belts (24, 26, 34, 36; 124, 126, 134, 136, 137, 144, 146, 147a, 147b, 154, 156, 157a, 157b, 157c) are arranged in vertical planes. Device according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized characterized in that the receiving elements (12; 112) and the Transport devices (20, 30; 120, 130, 140, 150) in cycles are operable, the receiving elements with each cycle (12; 112) by a distance corresponding to the distance between them are transported and at least some of the items to be sorted Can be transported to the next buffer and / or intermediate position or can be transferred to one of the receiving elements (12; 112). Device according to claims 3 and 17, characterized in that that generates an enable signal in each cycle becomes. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving elements (12; 112) a removal device (40; 160) is assigned to the the items to be sorted that are transferred to the receiving elements (12; 112) (23; 100) are given in succession, and with the the items to be sorted (23; 100) of the partial rows (22, 32; 122, 132, 142, 152) are transported in the specified order will. Method for transferring addresses Sorted goods in a corresponding order possible addresses in an ordered row, in which the items to be sorted starting from at least two according to the given Ordered sub-rows with one of the number number of transfer devices corresponding to the partial series, which were transported one behind the other along a conveyor path Receiving elements arranged transfer points are in one on the chronological order of the transport past of the receiving elements on the transfer devices coordinated time sequence so selectively to the Receiving elements are passed that the items to be sorted of all sub-rows according to the given order in the Recording elements are arranged. Use of a device according to one of the claims 1 to 19, for transferring shipping addresses Shipping items in a given order possible shipping addresses in orderly order.

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