DE102006030095A1 - Sorting system for flat mail elements, has two memory modules, storage area and introducing function, which transfers mail items from mail item flow into storage area - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has two memory modules (2), storage area (4) and an introducing function, which transfers mail items from a mail item flow into the storage area. A withdrawal function removes the mail items (Pn) from the storage area. A separating mechanism is upstream and another separating mechanism is downstream to two memory modules in conveying direction (10) of the mail item. The separating mechanisms are so switched for integration of two memory modules, that a memory module works in introducing function and another memory module works in withdrawal function.

Description

The The present invention relates to a sorting system for flat Mailpieces comprising at least two memory modules, each having a memory area and an introduction function, the mail pieces from a mailpiece stream transferred to the memory area, and a trigger function, the mail pieces from the memory area to produce an optimized mailpiece stream withdraws.

With need today's mail sorting in so-called letter centers and / or larger post offices partly very large Quantities of mail pieces sorted and distributed. For example, the average daily In Germany about 80 million letters are mailed next Day, latest but the day after next after the mail-in to reach their addressees. such mailpieces are in the jargon as so-called Letters (English word for letters) designated. Characteristic of these mail pieces It is that the length and width of these mail pieces in general big against their height is. Regarding the definitive dimensions for the assignment of the mailpieces to this Group of "Letters" exist, however sometimes among the postal administrations of the different nation states significant deviations. Besides these size deviations, it is too easy to see that the texture of the mail pieces, too if they are all "Letters," may be significant different from each other.

It is therefore easy to imagine that the processes of post-automation Today highly efficient and in the course of cost pressure also with a relatively small number of operators are operated have to. To achieve sufficiently high throughput rates in the sorting plants become the mail pieces at speeds of up to 4 m / s or sometimes even more promoted by the sorting system and their destination by appropriately switched points and a sophisticated, usually sorted multilevel Gangfolgesortierverfahren.

to right feeder the mail pieces it is therefore essential that the address of the mailpiece at least at the beginning of the sorting process, once by machine can be detected. Often let yourself However, do not read the address by machine, but it must be through a manual Enter the address (or at least the one in the respective sorting process significant part of it). That fact does it required that the machine-readable mail pieces out the sorting process, stored in a memory module cached and after manual Assignment of the address again deducted from memory and into the Sorting process introduced Need to become.

Besides Of course there is one in the sorting process Variety of other constellations, such as a fault in the Sorting path, which requires that mail pieces be temporary cached and later must be reintroduced into the sorting process.

The Today known memory modules that are largely automated Can contribute to the sorting process, usually work according to the first-in / first-out principle. The mailpieces that usually upright and resting on the long edge are stored so on one side of the stored Stored stack, so for example on the "top" of the stack, and on the corresponding opposite Page of the stack (in the terminology chosen by way of example then the "bottom") again from the Pile removed. The stacking device acts on the beginning of the stack and on the stack end the take-off device, resulting in a kind of tensioned compression spring leads, which corresponds to the stack of mail pieces. It makes sense, therefore, that both at the stacking device as well as at the trigger device in this constellation about the same mean pressure is set. However, the task of the stack and withdrawing safely to be able to it would actually different pressures on the stacking device and on the trigger device require. So leads the only compromise adjustable mean pressure at both ends of the Therefore, repeatedly pile up to process errors, for example in an unfolding or kinking or inadequate indentation of mail pieces the stacker and misprints or misaligned mailpieces at the trigger device.

Especially for the Injection of the mail pieces in the actual sorting machine it is given the comparatively high conveyor speeds the mail pieces required that the mailpieces to respect the switching times of the sorting gates in the sorting machine are sufficiently spaced. At the same time, for throughput reasons preferably to aim for small distance. These two necessary requirements Therefore, it is necessary to have the mailpieces before entering the sorting machine to align correctly at least on two edges. This goal can be however, unsatisfactory with the memory modules described above to reach.

The present invention is therefore based on the task of a sorting system to the effect that the tasks of storing and subtracting with an extraordinarily clotting gene process error rate can be performed at the same time correct alignment of the mail pieces.

These Task is according to the invention solved by a sorting system of the type mentioned, at the at least two memory modules - seen in the conveying direction the mail pieces in the mailpiece stream - a first switch device connected upstream and a second switch device is that for the integration of at least two memory modules in the Mail item stream are switched so that a first of the at least two memory modules in insertion function and a second of the at least two memory modules in trigger function is working.

On this way it is possible the mail pieces for an exact alignment on two edges first in one of the at least two memory modules between store and then again (then correctly aligned) from the memory area while subtracting another of the at least two memory modules exactly in the reverse Mode is operable. For the mailpiece stream no interruption results in this way, because always from one the at least two memory modules are also deducted again pieces of mail. As a result, an optimized mailpiece stream results because the mail pieces are correct spaced from the respective memory area are deducted. Because, in addition, each of the memory modules either in the insertion function or working in the trigger function, optimized boundary conditions can be optimized for the respective function be set, which significantly reduces the process error rate.

In An advantageous embodiment of the invention can be used for process optimization be provided, the first and the second switch device means a control device, wherein the switching times dependent on from an influx of mail pieces and / or from an outflow of mail items and / or from a storage capacity of at least two memory modules and / or current levels of the at least two memory modules are determinable. This option therefore allows depending on from the current state of the sorting process one each appropriate Distribution of the insertion function and to realize the trigger function.

to particularly good setting of respectively optimized conditions for the insertion function and for the Trigger function, the memory module can be designed so that the introductory and the trigger function a common roller belt unit and a feed stop include, optionally, the insertion function or the trigger function executable is by putting in the insertion function the mail pieces in the conveying direction the roller belt unit of the roller belt unit against the feed stop feasible and so can be transferred to the storage area, and by in the trigger function the last stacked mailpiece in the conveying direction the roller belt unit through a vent opening from storage area is removable. In this way, it is widely shared use Components for the introductory and the trigger function still possible, the introduction or storing mail pieces in the pile and the removal of mail pieces in these process stages usually for convenience reasons in largely promoted vertical orientation be separated from the stack functionally and so for everyone the two processes the most favorable process parameters to be able to adjust. Unlike the known in the prior art first-in / first-out operation (FiFo) can thus achieve a load-in / first-out operation which, when being saved, are based entirely on the fulfillment of the best Einspeicherrandbedingungen and deducting entirely on the fulfillment of best possible deduction boundary conditions can concentrate.

Of the for the Storing particularly important feed stop, which makes it possible the mail pieces for the later exact Center trigger on two side edges of the mail piece is for the trigger function rather counterproductive, because the mail pieces with the deduction from the storage area preferably in the original one feed direction continued should be. The trigger function is therefore constructive in particular easy to implement, if to generate the exhaust port of the feed stop in the stacking direction (direction in which the stack in the storage area increases) is displaceable. The last stored mail pieces is therefore, then of the roller belt unit substantially in the orientation of the mail piece promoted in the storage area (or at least still promoted in a vectorial transition, the still a noticeable Components in Einspeicherorientierung has) and can, for example in the current mailpiece stream be fed.

The contact pressures on the roller belt unit, which are optimized for the insertion function and the trigger function, can be implemented particularly well if the storage area comprises a separating knife with which a first pressure can be exerted antiparallel to the stacking direction on at least a portion of the mail pieces stored in the storage area in the presence of the insertion function, and with which in the presence of the trigger function, a second pressure antiparallel to the stacking direction on at least a portion of the stored in the memory area mailpieces is exercisable. In this case, the stacking direction refers to the direction in which the stack grows when mail pieces are continuously introduced into the storage area. Advantageously, this cutting knife by means of an underfloor belt or se be driven in this way, which is in this way able to produce regardless of the stack size a constant contact pressure for each brought to the roller conveyor unit mail pieces on the roller conveyor unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention may to achieve particularly suitable Andruckbedingungen on the mail pieces, the currently with the roller belt unit for storage or withdrawal promoted be provided, the first pressure depending on at least one To set the property of the item of mail to be currently stored and / or the second pressure depending to set at least one property of the last stored mailpiece. Such a property may be, for example, the thickness and / or the length a mail piece or also the surface texture a mail piece be.

typically, be for certain mail sorting machines in coordination with a (postal) customer certain limits for the mail pieces determined that can be processed with these sorting machines. such Limit are primarily the dimensions of the mail pieces, so their minimum and maximum width, length and height, and then secondarily, for example, also their weight or their outer Nature. The roller belt unit, which the mailpieces in the insertable function to the feed stop leads, can therefore be dimensioned in an advantageous embodiment of the invention be that a memory area facing portion of an in the roller conveyor unit covered driven roller conveyor is shorter as one by definition shortest Mail piece length. On this way, the process of saving can be supported insofar when the roller tape does not attack the entire mailpiece and the mail piece with the transmitted by friction Driving force so not too strong promotes the feed stop, causing Process error (broken mailpiece and blocking process) can be better avoided at this point.

A From this different starting position can for the departure of the postal pieces from the memory area considered to be given. After the stored mailpieces very cleanly arranged on two edges centered in the storage area are, exists for the optimal further processing (further promotion) of the mail items the desire the mail pieces very deductible from the storage area to be able to deduct. One previously mentioned Parameter that supports the subtraction process is choosing the right one Pressing the last stored mail piece on the roller conveyor unit. This process can be supported particularly advantageous if in the presence of the trigger function at least one pivotable support roller for support of the last stored item of mail is provided, wherein the at least one support roller in the presence of the insertion function has moved away. This at least one supporting role, which actually only for the Deduction function required and therefore is pivoted in the trigger function, ensures that the whole mail pieces essentially parallel to the conveying plane of the roller belt is designed and thus the driving force of the roller belt very homogeneous on the part in contact with the roller conveyor Transfer mailpiece can be.

For the insertion function can in addition to an optimized first print, a number of other parameters be identified, which support the avoidance of process errors. One Such Paramter can, for example, the feeding direction of the mailpieces to the Be roll band unit. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention Therefore, the feeding direction the mail pieces in the mailpiece stream be adjusted so that the feeding direction at an angle to the Alignment of the mail pieces in the memory area. In this way, the aspiration supports Be that mailpiece at the introduction into the storage area toward the end of this process only in terms of drive still in contact with the roller conveyor and so a defined feed to the feed stop he follows.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the Rolling belt unit driven by a servo motor roller conveyor include. Hereby stands both in the introduction function as well as in the Deduction function a shared roller conveyor available, which also structurally very beneficial.

Alternatively, it could also be provided that the roller conveyor unit comprises two separately driven roller conveyors, wherein one of the two roller conveyors in the Einführfunktion in frictional contact with the mail items to be stored and the other of the two roller conveyors in the trigger function in frictional contact with the deducted from the storage area Post pieces can be brought. In this way, for example, specified for the respective function roller conveyors can be used with different coefficients of friction. Constructively, however, this solution is a little more expensive, because a mechanism must be present, which brings the two different bands depending on the selected function in frictional engagement with the mail pieces. It is conceivable here, for example, a pivoting device, which pivots the one roller belt in a Reibkontaktposition, while at the same time the other roller belt is pivoted out of the Reibkontaktposition (and vice versa). Another alternative may also be an eccentric shaft, the which raises a roller conveyor in the frictional contact position and at the same time lowers the other roller conveyor (and vice versa).

Further is particularly advantageous when each of the above-mentioned roll band by means of a servo motor is driven, which is the roller conveyor with drives a predefinable profile. That's the way it is for example possible, to the end of the insertion movement the mailpiece slower to drive and so gently introduce to the insertion stop. At very short mail pieces may even provide for the interim stopping of the mail piece be before it's the insertion stop reached. For example, the breakpoint may be defined as a location be at which the rear edge of the relatively short mail piece (and so that too for the correct positioning important front edge) still sufficient far from the insertion stop is removed to the mail piece then with the Wiederantreiben the roll band in the desired for the next mail items To be able to drive speed before the slowdown for the gentle approach to the feed stop is provided.

to extensive decoupling of the frictional contact of the mail pieces with all components described above for promotion the mail pieces from the gravity of the mail pieces it is provided in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mail pieces to align substantially perpendicularly and / or on its long Align edge.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the remaining dependent claims remove.

embodiments The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. there demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a plan view of a memory module in Einführfunktion; and

2 in a schematic representation of a plan view of the memory module according to 1 in trigger function.

3 in a schematic representation of a sorting system with two memory modules according to the 1 and 2 ,

First, it should be noted that the in the 1 to 3 shown top views illustrate the substantially vertical orientation of the mail pieces. In the 1 to 3 Therefore, the supervisors always show only the top of the mail pieces.

1 shows a schematic view of a plan view of a memory module according to the invention 2 , which works in the presentation shown in the insertion function. The memory module 2 includes a storage area 4 , are currently stored in the mail pieces P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 . In the illustration shown, the mail piece P _n . the next in the storage area 4 be transferred mailpiece. This mail piece P _n is present between two feed belts 6 . 8th to the memory module 2 in the direction of an arrow 10 - below conveying direction 10 called fed and then by a roller conveyor 12 of the memory module 2 accepted. The roller tape 12 is thereby controlled driven and conveys the mailpieces P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 to a Zuführanschlag 14 , whereby the mail pieces P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , P _n-1 then based on their front and bottom edge in a well-defined position in the memory area 4 are located. The feed stop 14 blocked in the 1 shown position also a vent 16 to which in the description to 2 will be discussed in more detail. An arrow 26 should therefore indicate that the Zuführanschlag 14 in the view shown (down) to just before the roll band 12 is guided.

For the exact positioning of the mail pieces P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ ,..., P _n-1 in the storage area 4 It is therefore essential that the mail pieces P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 with a certain Zuführandruck in contact with the roller belt 12 to be brought. It can easily be seen that because of too low a feed pressure, only a delayed delivery of the item of mail currently to be stored, in this case item P _n , and an undesired overlap with an already following item P _{n + 1} could occur. This can have the effect that the mail piece P _n . not quite correct to the Zuführanschlag 14 to be led. In contrast, too high Zuführandruck with only a few rigid mail items kinking or unfolding of the mail piece before Zuführanschlag 14 undesirably with the consequence that the kinked / unfolded mailpiece should be smoothed by hand again. At the prevailing conveyor speeds of a few meters per second for the mail items (outside the storage area 4 It is easy to understand that every process disruption usually affects not just one piece of mail, but usually always a whole series of mail pieces within a conveyor path.

To set an optimized Zuführandruckes in this respect are a cutting knife 18 and a suburb 20 provided, which very finely adjustable in the insertion function of the memory module 2 in the stacking direction according to the arrows 22 . 24 are movable. By means of the separating knife 18 Thus, a first pressure is generated in anti-parallel to the stacking direction in order to feed in each case for the promotion the desired Zuführandruck on the conveyor belt 12 adjust.

The memory module 2 further includes a support roller assembly 28 on that in the in 1 shown insertion function is pivoted to an inactive state. An arrow 30 should here the pivoting of the support roller assembly 28 exemplify.

2 now shows a schematic plan view of the memory module 2 , which is operated here in the trigger function. Unlike the insert function, a number of components of the memory module are now in a different position. The support roller assembly 28 is now in pivoted active state, which in terms of the pivoting direction by an arrow 32 should be indicated. The support roller assembly 28 here ensures that, above all, the next postal item to be deducted, here the mail piece P _n-1 is aligned in a plane, which is essentially the one by the roller conveyor 12 spanned conveying level corresponds and also in the vicinity of the memory module 2 essentially corresponds to the further funding orientation. In this way, the postal item to be deducted lies flat against the roller conveyor 12 and can be subtracted as defined.

Thus, a deduction of the stored mailpieces is possible, is the Zuführanschlag 14 in the trigger function in the drawing according to the arrow 34 moved upwards and so gives the vent 16 free. In the 2 shown snapshot shows the mail piece P _n , already fully withdrawn and in the direction of an arrow 36 is forwarded, and the mail piece P _n-1 , whose leading edge 40 straight through the vent 16 occurs and by a scraper 38 in contact with the roller band 12 is held. The scraper 38 supports the avoidance of double prints, since its coefficient of friction is matched to the frictional torque acting on the roller conveyor and, in the case of a double take-off, retains the mail piece which is not in direct contact with the roller conveyor. So that the mailpiece P _n . could be promoted with a very well-defined orientation of its leading edge and the mail piece P _{n-1 is} currently promoted so here is now an optimized Abzugsandruck the mail piece to the roller conveyor 12 set. For this purpose, by means of the separating knife 18 a second pressure built up in anti-parallel to the stacking direction (see arrow 42 ). The setting of the correct withdrawal pressure is also important in the triggering function for the prevention of process errors, because too low a withdrawal pressure, for example, to an undesirable slippage of the roller belt 12 and thus lead to an inaccurate promotion of the currently deductible mail piece. On the other hand, too high a withdrawal pressure can lead to a multiple deduction or even to jamming of the lower postal items in the drawing.

To the largely vertical alignment of the memory area 4 Also, the underfloor belt will be able to ensure that the items of mail in question are kept up to date with the progressive withdrawal of postal items 20 in the direction of an arrow 44 driven and thus moves in conjunction with the prestressed cutting knife 18 in the storage area 4 stored mail pieces.

3 now shows the exemplary arrangement of two memory modules 2a . 2 B in a sorting system according to the invention 50 (the use of reference numerals from the 1 and 2 was limited to the necessary). The two with the memory module 2 identical memory modules 2a . 2 B are arranged in a parallel circuit, wherein in the present case the memory module 2a in trigger function and the memory module 2 B works in insertion function. Very clearly recognizable is this assignment of functions, for example, at the position of the support roller assemblies 28a . 28b , The support roller assembly 28a is for the trigger function in swung-active state and the Stutzrollenanordnung 28b is in the retracted passive state for the insertion function.

According to this function assignment is a first switch device 52 that the memory modules 2a . 2 B in the feeding direction 10 (Direction of a piece of mail flow S) is connected upstream, adjusted so that the mail pieces supplied in the mail piece S the memory module 2 B are supplied, which is marked with an index m mail pieces P ₁ to P _{m + k} (k is a natural number greater than 1) by means of its Einführfunktion in the memory area 4b introduces. Accordingly, the second switch device 54 that the memory modules 2a . 2 B in the feeding direction 10 is downstream, so set here in the memory area 4a stored mail pieces P ₁ to P _n-1 of the operated in trigger function memory module 2a deducted and thereby formed into an optimized mail piece flow S '. In the illustration shown, the mailpieces P _{n + 1} and P _n . already out of the memory area 4a have been deducted and are on the route to the second switch device 54 ,

Both the memory modules 2a . 2 B and the first and second switch means 52 . 54 are controlled by a control unit C which communicates bidirectionally with these components in the wireless path, as indicated by data arrows D ₅₄ (data from and to the switch 54 ) and D _2b (data to and from the memory module 2 B ) representative of all components to be controlled reprä to be sent. Of course, the applied control algorithms can be of a variety of nature and have usually been derived from empirically derived measurement data. A simple control rule may for example provide that the two switch device 52 and 54 as well as the function type of the two memory modules 2a . 2 B be switched when the memory area of the memory module operated in Einführfunktion (here memory module 2 B ) has reached a predetermined level. This control rule can be overlaid by the fact that the memory module working in trigger function (here memory module 2a ) is disturbed in its function. However, further control parameters can also be the mailpiece inflow, the optimized mail piece outflow, the storage capacity of the memory modules and their current fill level. These parameters can also be combined as input variables for the control in an expedient manner.

Claims (11)

Sorting system ( 50 ) for flat mailpieces (P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 ) comprising at least two memory modules ( 2 . 2a . 2 B ), each one memory area ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) and an insertion function, the mailpieces (P _m ) from a mail piece stream (S) in the memory area ( 4b ), and a deduction function, the mail items (P _n ) from the memory area ( 4a ) for generating an optimized mailpiece stream (S '), characterized in that the at least two memory modules ( 2 . 2a . 2 B ) - seen in the conveying direction ( 10 ) of the mailpieces in the mailpiece stream (S, S ') - a first switch device ( 52 ) and a second switch device ( 54 ), which is used to integrate the at least two memory modules ( 2 . 2a . 2 B ) are connected in the mailpiece stream (S, S ') so that a first ( 2 B ) of the at least two memory modules ( 2a . 2 B ) in insertion function and a second ( 2a ) of the at least two memory modules ( 2a . 2 B ) works in trigger function. Sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second switch means are switchable by means of a control device, wherein the switching times in dependence on an inflow of the mailpieces and / or an outflow of mail pieces and / or a storage capacity of the at least two memory modules ( 2 . 2a . 2 B ) and / or current fill levels of the at least two memory modules ( 2 . 2a . 2 B ) are determinable. Sorting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insertion and the withdrawal function a common roller conveyor unit ( 12 ) and a feed stop ( 14 ), wherein either the insertion function or the trigger function is executable by the mail pieces (P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 , P _n ) in the feed direction of the roller conveyor unit ( 12 ) from the roller belt unit ( 12 ) against the feed stop ( 14 ) feasible and so in the memory area ( 4 ) are transferable, and in that in the trigger function in each case the last stacked mail item (P _n ) in the conveying direction of the roller conveyor unit ( 12 ) through a vent ( 16 ) from the storage area ( 4 ) is removable. Sorting system according to claim 3, characterized in that for generating the exhaust opening ( 16 ) the feed stop ( 14 ) in the stacking direction ( 34 ) is displaceable. Sorting system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the storage area ( 4 ) a separating knife ( 18 ) in which, when the insertion function is present, a first pressure is applied in anti-parallel to the stacking direction (FIG. 34 ) to at least a portion of the memory area ( 4 ) stored post pieces (P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 ) is exercisable and with the presence of the trigger function, a second pressure antiparallel to the stacking direction ( 34 ) to at least a portion of the memory area ( 4 ) stored mail pieces (P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 ) is exercisable. Sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that the separating knife ( 18 ) by means of an underfloor belt ( 20 ) or can be driven separately. Sorting system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized that the first pressure in dependence adjustable by at least one property of the currently stored mail piece is and / or that the second pressure depending on at least one Property of the last stored mail item is adjustable. Sorting system according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that a storage area ( 4 ) facing portion of a roller conveyor of the roller conveyor unit ( 12 ) is shorter than a shortest piece length by definition. Sorting system according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that in the presence of the trigger function at least one pivotable support roller ( 28 ) is provided for supporting the last stored mail item (P _n-1 ), wherein the at least one support roller ( 28 ) is pivoted away in the presence of the insertion function. Sorting system according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that a feed direction ( 10 ) of the mailpieces (P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 , P _n ) in the mailpiece stream at an angle to the orientation of the mail pieces in the storage area ( 4 ) runs. Sorting system according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the storage area ( 4 ) an underfloor belt ( 20 ), which in the stacking direction ( 22 . 34 ) of the mail items (P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ ,..., P _n-1 , P _n ) or antiparallel to the stacking direction (FIG. 34 ) of the mailpieces (P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ , ..., P _n-1 , P _n ) is movable.