DE102015218637A1 - Method for processing mailpieces in a mail sorting device and a mail sorting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for processing mailpieces (2) in a mail sorting device (1) and a mail sorting device (1). In order to be able to process mailpieces (2) more efficiently in a mail sorting device (1), a first holding device (6) is formed in a stacking compartment (33) of the mailing device (1) on a mailing stack (3) formed from a plurality of vertically standing mailpieces (2). (130) while holding the mail stack (3) in position using a second holder (7) (131). Furthermore, a first (160) (partial) stack (5) of the mailing stack (3) formed by the displacement (130) of the first holding device (6) and the second holding device (7) are moved out of the stacking compartment (140) , 141), while a (161) second (partial) stack (12) of the mail piece stack (3) optionally formed by the offset (130) of the first holding device (6) is in position in the stacking tray using the first holding device (6) is held (142).

Description

The invention relates to a method for processing mailpieces, in particular flat mailpieces, in a mail sorting device and a mail sorting device.

In a postal processing, d. H. a transport and distribution of mail, in particular flat mail, such as letters, large letters, postcards, welded or unwelded magazines and the like, go through to be transported and distributing mail in a large number of different stations to which they manually, partially and be processed fully automated.

One of these stations includes a sorting of the mail items according to their addressees, which takes place in a predominantly automated manner by means of mail sorting machines (for example at / in so-called mail sorting centers).

D. h., Here, the mail items are sorted by mail sorting machines in very large numbers according to their respective addressees or their address and, if necessary, after a presorting, - according to (pre) sorted - stored at designated locations.

Out http://www.dpdhl.com/de/logistik_populaer/aus_den_unternehmen_bereiche/sortiermaschinen_fuer_standard_und_kompaktbriefe.html (available on 17.06.2015) is such a mail sorting machine known.

This mail sorting machine conveys the mailpieces - manually or automatically input / inserted at an input location into the mail sorting machine - from the input location to a sorter with a multiplicity of (so-called) sorting or stacking compartments (in line) alongside one another. Destination) addresses - on the mail or on their envelopes - are assigned.

In this case, in the mail sorting machine, the addresses of or on the mailpieces are "read" by means of a reading technique, the addresses of the individual mailpieces being identified. According to their respective addressees, the mail items in the sorter are then distributed to the respective sorting / stacking compartment assigned.

In the context of this processing of the mailpieces in the mail sorting machine - in particular here when processing the mailpieces in the stacking compartments - the mailpieces are stacked / grouped into mailing stacks (partly automated, partly manually) (and in the form of these mailing stacks in the mail sorting machine - in particular here from the Stacking compartments of the mail sorting machine - moves), in which mail stacks a plurality of mail pieces are arranged approximately vertical standing stacked (see, for example http://www.dpdhl.com/de/logistik_populaer/aus_den_unternehmen_bereiche/sortiermaschinen_fuer_standard_und_kompaktbriefe.html, Station 1: Substance input, Station 6: Sorter ).

That is, such mail generally represents a three-dimensional (three-dimensional, "width", "height", "depth / thickness"), roughly parallelepipedal object having three opposing side surface pairs, respectively Case of a flat postal item, such as a letter whose dimension, "depth" is very small (in relation to the other two dimensions, "height" and width ")), so thinks approximately vertically standing stacked arranged that the mail item so is arranged on one of its surface - standing on a substrate - that the respective surface-wise largest side or the respective surface-largest side surface pair of the mail piece is aligned approximately perpendicular to the ground.

Flat postal items, such as letters, whose two side surface pairs are approximately reduced to one line or edge by the dimension "depth" (while the (side) surfaces of the third side surface pair are relative to the (side) surfaces of the other two Side surface pairs are very large), are so - in approximately vertical standing stacked arrangement - on one of these edges.

These mail stacks with / out of the several approximately vertically standing stacked arranged mail items - or partial stacks thereof - then (in the mail sorting machine, in particular here from the stacking compartments) then often - the stacking form during - parallel to the ground on which they are arranged moves or In order to ensure efficient, orderly and undamaged processing of the mail items, tilting of individual mailpieces of the mailing stack or tilting of the (entire) mailing stack must be avoided.

For this purpose, ie, to avoid this tilting when processing the mail or the mail stack, used tools include flat, plate or panel-like holding devices, such as so-called separating knife, as in particular when processing the mail or a mail stack in a stacker, there are movably arranged parallel to the direction of the trajectory plane of the stacking tray.

In a stacking compartment, for example, the mail items on a support tray / plane (movement path plane) of the stacking compartment thus form a mailing stack growing through (usually automated) the feeding of individual mailpieces.

At one end of the mailer stack, d. H. to the side of the mailing stack at which the mailpieces of the mailing stack are fed by the mail sorting machine (referred to herein as the "stacking end"), the mailing stack is supported by fixed elements of a stacking geometry of the mail sorting machine, such as baffles, stackers, etc. At one end opposite the stack end, d. H. the one side of the mail piece stack which faces an operator (referred to herein as the "stack beginning"), the mail piece stack is moved by a holding element that is displaceable in a stacking direction (also parallel to the support plane / trajectory plane), i. H. the cutting knife, supported.

By enclosing or supporting the mail piece stack at its stack beginning and at its stack end, a tilting of the mail pieces in the mail stack or a tilting of the entire mail stack is avoided, which is important for the efficient handling of the mail stack and also a precondition for a proper, undamaged input / output. Storing mail is in / out of the stacker.

Depending on the processing or sorting process in the mail sorting machine - when stacks of mail items from a stacking tray - then unload the entire stack of mail or (only) a partial stack of the mail stack from one or the stacking tray.

During the unloading of a partial stack from a stacking compartment, the separating knife of the stacking compartment is transferred from the end of the mailing stack to the corresponding location within the mailing stack at which the partial stack to be unloaded is to be separated, wherein a first - d. H. the partial stack to be unloaded - and a second - d. H. the remaining in the stacking tray - partial stacks are formed.

During the unloading of the entire mail stack, the separating knife of the stacking tray is transferred from the beginning of the stack of mail pieces to the stacking end of the mail piece stack, in which case - in this case as well, the formation or separation of the entire mail piece stack into a first (to be unloaded) and a second (to be left) partial stack - here the first - partial stack to be unloaded would be the entire mailing stack and the second - partial stack remaining in the stacking compartment would be a zero stack or would be dispensed with.

• A) Handhaben des Trennmessers, d. h. Anheben, Verfahren und Absenken des Trennmessers,
• B) Abstützen des Stapelanfangs des Postsendungsstapels, wenn dieser durch das Handhaben (Anheben) des Trennmessers nicht mehr abgestützt wird, damit der Postsendungsstapel nicht umkippt bzw. einzelne Postsendungen des Postsendungsstapels nicht umkippen,
• C) Freimachen und Öffnen der Stelle im Postsendungsstapel, an der das Trennmesser in den Postsendungsstapel wieder eingeführt und abgesenkt werden soll (Teilentladung) bzw. Freimachen des Bereichs am Stapelende, wenn das Trennmesser an diesen umgesetzt und dort abgesenkt werden soll (Entladung des gesamten Postsendungsstapels).

When converting the separating knife on the mail stack, the following sub-steps or sub-functions must be realized:

• A) handling the cutting knife, ie lifting, moving and lowering the cutting knife,
• B) supporting the stack start of the mail piece stack, if this is no longer supported by the handling (lifting) of the separating knife so that the stack of mail does not tip over or individual mail pieces of the mail stack do not tip over,
• C) clearing and opening the point in the stack of mail at which the cutting knife is to be reintroduced and lowered (partial discharge) or freeing the area at the stack end when the cutting knife is to be transferred to and lowered there (unloading of the entire mail stack) ).

However, because an operator needs a "free" hand for the execution of the subfunctions A) and B), he lacks - because the three subfunctions A), B) and C) have to be executed approximately parallel in time - another additional free hand or a "third (free) hand" for the execution of the subfunction C).

If the subfunction C) (or another subfunction, if the "third (free) hand" was missing there) can not or only insufficiently be carried out, then this can lead to further inefficiencies and / or to further restrictions in the proper stacking / unstacking of mail items in / out of the stacker tray, such as tipping mailpieces or the mailing stack and / or damaging mailpieces.

This is the case, in particular, when the mailing stack or its mailpieces have or have different mailing formats and / or (packaging) materials. Especially here, the subfunction C) is an important, almost indispensable to be performed subfunction.

If, for example, the mailpiece stack contains - in addition to small mailpieces - also large-format mailpieces, there is a risk of entanglement and damage to mailpieces when lowering the separating knife into the mailing stack because small mailings can be hidden behind large ones. Here it is indispensably necessary, with a free hand to selectively open a job or the appropriate place in the pile of mail and make free.

If foil mail items are contained in the mailing stack, they often have protrusions that can jam and squeeze when the cutting knife is lowered. If the foil shipments have a high coefficient of friction, there must be no high pressure between the cutting knife and the corresponding foil shipment, because otherwise entanglements and damage may also occur. Again, it is so essential to selectively open a spot in the stack with a free hand and keep free when lowering the cutting blade.

Even with upwardly open magazines, there is a risk that the cutting knife is inserted and lowered within pages of a magazine and this almost divides into two halves, one of which should remain in the stacking tray and the other to be unloaded, which of course is not possible.

In unstable mailings, depending on the stiffness and the different mailing formats, the mailpieces bend and tilt to one side or even fold down properly. Again, a free hand is essential to selectively open a suitable place in the mailing stack and make free.

The invention has for its object to overcome the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art in a processing of mail, in particular flat mail, such as letters, large letters, postcards, welded or not welded magazines and the like, stacked vertically standing.

In particular, the invention has for its object to enable a mail processing in a mail sorting machine or device, in which mail, in particular flat mailings, such as letters, large letters, postcards, welded or unwelded magazines and the like, standing vertically stacked efficiently and / or can be processed without damage.

This object is achieved by a method for processing mailpieces, in particular flat mailpieces, in a mail sorting apparatus and a mail sorting apparatus having the features according to the respective independent patent claim.

Such mail items, in particular such flat mail items, may be letters, large letters, postcards, shrink-wrapped or non-sealed magazines and the like. Flat packages or flat packages may also be those, in particular flat, postal items.

The method and the device are based on a mail sorting device with (at least) one stacking compartment, in which a mailpiece stack is processed from a plurality of vertically standing (in this case can also be approximately vertically standing, ie vertically standing or approximately vertically standing) mailpieces in the stacking compartment or editable.

For this purpose, the mail sorting device - according to the method and the device - has a first and a second holding device, which in each case holds the mailing stack formed from the plurality of vertically standing mailpieces in position in the stacking tray.

In this case, "held in position" can be understood to mean that this stack of mail items formed by the plurality of vertically standing mailpieces is vertically stacked by the first and second holding devices as a stack of mail items ) can be held, in which case its stack shape at least approximately can be maintained or maintained (preventing a collapse of the mailing stack). Expressed in simple terms, the first and / or the second holding device can prevent tilting of a mailpiece of the mailing stack, a part of the mailing stack and / or the entire mailing stack (and thus also the falling apart of the mailing stack).

The first and / or second holding device may be a flat, plate-like or panel-like element, in particular a so-called separating knife, which can be stored / held by means of a guide / device. This guide / device (which can then realize a guide device movement direction of the first / second holding device) or holding can be realized in such a way that the first and / or second holding device are movable in certain degrees of freedom and in another or other degrees of freedom is blocked.

Thus, it is particularly expedient to arrange the first and / or second holding device in such a way that it can be moved in (or approximately in) a stacking direction in the stacking compartment and tilted about the stacking direction or about the guiding device movement direction (or a parallel thereto). or are pivotable / is, whereas in the other two spatial directions (or their Parallels) are / are tilt-stable (thus freely movable in a linear and in a rotational degree of freedom, blocked in the other four degrees of freedom).

Thus, the first and / or second holding device can support the mail stack in the stacking compartment (irrespective of a size of a mail stack / (partial) stack or a filling level of the stacking compartment), as well as a transfer on the mail stack and severing from a partial stack from the mail stack (see sub-function A) (and B)).

According to the method, it is then provided that the mailing stack is formed from a plurality of vertically standing mailpieces in the stacking compartment of the mail sorting device and processed in the stacking compartment using the first and the second holding device.

In this case, the formation of the mailing stack in the stacking compartment can be understood to mean that such a system is constructed from individual mailpieces and / or from sub-stacks there - or is also set there as a whole / even as an entire mailing stack.

During processing, the first holding device is then offset on the mailing stack while the mailing stack is held in position using the second holding device.

In this case, the displacement or where appropriate also referred to as converting (the first holding device) on the mailing stack can be understood to mean that this is positioned / placed at any point within the mailing stack or also at a stack start / stacking end of the mailing stack.

A first (partial) stack of the mail piece stack formed by the displacement of the first holding device and the second holding device are moved out of the stacking compartment, while a second (partial) stack of the mail piece stack optionally formed by the displacement of the first holding device is replaced by the first holding device in FIG the stacking tray is held in position.

In this case, if appropriate (formed second (partial) stack) of the mailing stack means that a second partial stack arises (only) when the first holding device is displaced within the mailing stack, whereas otherwise, d. H. upon displacement of the first holding device to the stack end / stack beginning, the first part stack formed corresponds to the (entire) original mail stack and a second (partial) stack then does not arise / is formed. In this case, the first (partial) stack of the mailing stack (that is to say the mailing stack) formed by the displacement of the first holding device and the second holding device are then moved out of the stacking compartment (in simplified and descriptive terms).

The device provides that the first holding device can be displaced relative to the stack formation direction on the mailpiece stack and the second holding device can be moved out of the stacking compartment in or approximately in the stacking direction.

Simplified and clearly expressed, the invention realizes with the - next to the first (displaceable) holding device, such as a conventional cutting knife, - provided second (herausbewegbaren from the stacking tray) holding device an additional "third (free) hand", with which (so flexible) - During the partial emptying or the complete emptying of the stacking tray - the stack of mail in the required lifting of the first holding device for converting the same, can be supported (see, sub-function B).

If the stack of mail or its stack start no longer has to be supported by a "free" hand of an operator (see sub-function B), then this "free" hands stands for the realization of the sub-functions A) and C), d. H. the transfer of the first holding device and the clearing and opening of the transfer point on / in the mailing stack for the first holding device available.

All three subfunctions A), B) and C) during (partial) emptying / loading of a stacking compartment or during the processing of mailpieces / mailing stacks can thus be implemented or realized in an efficient manner, whereby an efficient, proper and damage-free (partial ) Discharge / emptying a stacking tray is guaranteed.

This, d. H. The realized "third (free) hand" is also an elementary key for an extension of a letterpress spectrum of a "letter world" towards a flat broadcast spectrum with mixed broadcasts (big / small, thick / thin, envelopes / plastics / magazines , etc.) with respect to a manual unloading of a stacking tray with mailpieces (mailing stacks) standing vertically on one of its edges (USP system concept). The "third (free) hand" allows the operator to use both hands to transfer and insert the cutting knife into the stack, which is essential in the extended broadcast spectrum compared to the letter-only world.

If the second holding device can be moved out of the stacking compartment, ie the second holding device is moved completely out of the stacking compartment and thus completely leaves the stacking compartment, it thereby gives the movement space of / for the first (partial) stack to be unloaded / emptied in the stacking compartment ( completely) free (which allows it to be unloaded from the stacking compartment without hindrance).

Also requires this or the complete moving out of the second holding device from the stacking tray so no additional relevant mechanism / device on the stacker itself (so it can then no longer be structurally bound to the stacker), namely, the second holding device from outside the stacking tray (In this inside) to be manipulated, for example by means of a retractable from the outside into the stacking guide (no change to previous stacking compartments so necessary, retrofitting).

Also can (by the complete moving out of the second holding device from the stacking tray, which then no longer (structurally) bound to the stacking tray / must be) so the second holding device flexible even for optionally provided further stacking compartments (for example, in a specialized section with a plurality along this stacked stacking compartments - there then the second holding device, for example, arranged on / at a movable section and at a suitable location in the specialist section (in front of the stackable) positionable transfer bridge (for reloading of mail stack on mobile cache)) (a second holding device works so used there in a corresponding manner together with the respective first holding devices / separating knives in the stacking compartments of the specialist section).

Thus, the present invention makes it possible to efficiently, ergonomically and / or effectively process operations in mail sorting devices, such as, in particular, unloading or partial unloading processes in stacked compartments, and to minimize costs.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and relate both to the method, as well as to the device.

According to a preferred development, it is provided that the first (partial) stack of the mailing stack formed by the displacement of the first holding device is moved out of the stacking compartment using the second holding device. D. h., Here, the first (partial) stack can be moved together with the second holding device completely out of the stacking tray, wherein the first partial stack held by the second holding device in position or - against tilting and / or falling apart - is supported , Simplified and vividly expressed, here is the unloading of the stacking tray of the first (partial) stack passed through the second holder (and so supported).

Furthermore, it can also be provided that the second holding device is moved out of the stacking compartment in one or approximately in a stacking direction in the stacking compartment / stacking compartment. The same can also be realized for the first (partial) stack. This first (partial) stack can also be moved out of the stacking compartment in or in the approximately stacking direction. By approximately (in the stacking direction), it is meant that the moving direction of the second holding device and the first (partial) stack is slightly inclined to the stacking direction, respectively, and both direction vectors include a (small) angle, for example, less than about 10 ° , As a result, the unloading of the stacking compartment can be facilitated or simplified, for example, supported by a gravitational effect.

Furthermore, it can also be provided that the second holding device is moved from completely outside the stacking compartment into the stacking compartment or again into the stacking compartment. In this way, for example, a plurality of discharge processes of a stacking tray can be realized in succession, directly or with interposed intermediate processes (for example, the unloading of further / other stacking compartments by the second holding device).

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that first the second holding device is moved from completely outside the stacking compartment into the stacking compartment in which the mailing stack is held in position using the first holding device.

Subsequently, the first holding device on the mailing stack can then be displaced, wherein the first (partial) stack to be unloaded and the second (partial) stack to be left in the stacking compartment ( 12 ) are formed while the mailing stack is held in position using the second holding device.

Following this, the first (partial) stack to be unloaded together with the second holding device can then be moved completely out of the stacking compartment, the second (partial) stack remaining in the stacking compartment using the first holding device in the stacking compartment Stacking tray is held in position.

Then then the second holding device from the first (partial) stack (weg-) are offset, the first (partial) stack (now outside of the stacking compartment, for example on a support tray on a along a specialist track (with along this juxtaposed several stackable compartments movable intermediate bridge on which then the second holding device can be arranged) is released by the second holding device, in particular during the first (part) Stack using a third fixture (then there, for example, this at the movable intermediate bridge) is held in position.

The stacking tray is unloaded here (around the first (partial) stack) and the unloading process can be repeated accordingly (for another (partial) stack).

According to another preferred development it is provided that a first guide / -svorrichtung is arranged on the stacking tray, using which the first holding device in or approximately in the stack formation direction or in a first guide device movement direction is movable. This first guide / -svorrichtung can also be set up or ensure that the first holding device about the stack formation direction or the first guide device movement direction (or parallels) tilting or pivoting (stored) and / or the first holding device in the two other spatial directions (or their parallels) is tilt-rigid (so freely movable in a linear and in a rotational degree of freedom, blocked in the other four degrees of freedom so that, for example, from a displacement of the first (sub-) stack in the stacker fold away) ,

In a clear and simplified form, such a mechanism of the first guide / device realizes that the first holding device, for example a separating knife, is movable in a linear and in a rotational degree of freedom and blocked in the other four degrees of freedom. In particular, this can realize a lifting / lowering and shifting function on the separating knife (at any positions along the stacking direction), the cutting knife (because it is tilt resistant) supporting the stack of mail pieces (against tilting).

A corresponding - then second - guide / -svorrichtung may also be provided for the second holding device, which preferably but outside the stacking tray or not on the stacking tray, for example on a along a specialist track (with along this juxtaposed several stacking compartments) movable intermediate bridge, can be arranged.

Using this second guide / device, it can (if it is located outside the stacking tray, immerse it in the stacking tray) move the second holding device into and / or out of the stacking tray in or near the stacking direction, and / or the second holding device about the stacking direction or the second guide device movement direction (or parallels to) tilted or stored (stored) and / or the second holding device in the other two spatial directions (or their parallels) be tilt resistant (see freely movable in a linear and in a rotational degree of freedom, blocked in the other four degrees of freedom, so that, for example, can be folded away from a displacement path of the first (sub) stack).

In a clear and simplified way, such a mechanism of the second guide / device realizes that the second holding device, for example a separating knife, is movable in a linear and in a rotational degree of freedom and is blocked in the other four degrees of freedom. In particular, this can realize a lifting / lowering and shifting function on the separating knife (at any positions along the stacking direction), the cutting knife (because it is tilt resistant) supporting the stack of mail pieces (against tilting).

If the second holding device, because arranged outside the stacking tray, in or out of the stacking tray be retractable - and be placed at any position along the stacking direction in the stacking tray (there are then no components that permanently protrude into the stacking tray) , this may preferably be realized in a simple manner such that a, in particular telescopically extendable / extendable, guide rail is provided, which is retractable into the stacking tray and / or extendable from the stacking tray and on which the second holding device is arranged. This guide rail can also be part of the second guide / -svorrichtung or arranged on this.

It can also be provided that a holding surface (also support surface) of the second holding device, d. H. that surface of the second holding element, which is in (surface) contact with the mailpieces, tilted with respect to a movement path plane in the stacking tray, in particular with a tilt angle of up to about 15 °, in particular of up to 10 ° or in particular of about 4 °, is aligned.

Further, a locking means may be provided, using the second holding device on the second guide / -svorrichtung, in particular at predetermined positions on the guide rail of the second Guide device, lockable. This locking can be realized by means of a form and / or a frictional connection ("stiff").

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided here that the locking means is designed such that the second holding device in a direction of movement (illustratively in the stacking direction) on the guide rail is blockable, whereas the second holding device in an opposite direction to the direction of movement (clearly opposite the stacking direction ) is freely movable on the guide rail. Such a locking means may for example be a freewheel.

If the locking means blocked, then an actuating means may be provided to release the locking or the locking means.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the second holding device, in particular also the second guide device and / or the guide rail, is / are arranged on a support tray.

The first (partial) stack can then be reloaded or shifted and / or stored on the support tray, wherein the second holding device can be placed at any position along a displacement path of the relocated first (partial) stack at the support tray.

Here, it is also expedient to dimension the support tray in such a way that at least one maximum staple length of the stacking tray can be reloaded onto it.

Such a support tray can be provided on a transport bridge (also referred to as an intermediate bridge) that can be moved along a specialized section (with several stacking compartments arranged side by side along it).

The transfer bridge can then be placed (moved) in front of the stacking tray so that the support tray of the transfer bridge onto which then the first (partial) stack is moved out of the stacking tray during its (partial) unloading and a support tray of the stacking tray which is the first (partial) stack placed before its (partial) unloading, approximately level (or level of the support shelf of the dockle just below that of the stacking tray) and / or join each other without a gap.

Furthermore, provision can also be made here for at least one third holding device to be arranged on the support tray, in particular of such a movable transfer / intermediate bridge, using which stack of mail formed in a plurality of vertically standing mail items or the first (partial) stack The support tray is durable in position.

A (third) guide of such a third holding device may be formed according to the first and / or second guide (i.e., movable in the linear and rotatory degrees of freedom, blocked in the other degrees of freedom (in space)).

Also, such a third holding device may be provided which is fixedly arranged at one end or the end of the support tray, which is opposite to the specialist track. As a result, the support tray or its capacity can be optimally used.

Furthermore, slip protection elements and / or rolling elements on a support tray or for the support tray of the stacking tray and / or the dock leveler (thereby smooth shifting possible to ensure ergonomic discharge) may be provided.

In accordance with a further preferred development, a plurality of stacking compartments arranged side by side along a specialized section and a support tray movable along the compartment section, for example on a transfer bridge, are provided, wherein the first holding device is arranged on each of the stacking compartments and / or the second holding device is on the support shelf is arranged. As a result, the method and / or the device can be realized with a "large" mail sorting device-with only one second holding device (and a plurality of first holding devices).

Expressed in a simplified and illustrative way, the solution according to the invention is based here on the use of the device - which is only required once - on / at a specialist section of a mail sorting system with several stacking compartments.

However, it can be useful (depending on the length of a specialist track, throughput, required labor or other process variables) - especially for long specialist lines - several devices are arranged on a specialist track.

This means that the function "third (free) hand" can be realized with only one device for several stacking compartments and not for each stacking compartment a separate device is required.

The description given so far of advantageous embodiments of the invention contains numerous features that in the individual subclaims partially reproduced in several groups. However, those skilled in the art will conveniently consider these features individually and summarize them to meaningful further combinations.

The above-described characteristics, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they will be achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of one or more embodiments, further illustrated in connection with the figures will or will be.

However, the invention is not limited to the combination of features specified in the exemplary embodiments, not even with regard to functional features. For this purpose, suitable features of each embodiment can also be considered explicitly isolated, removed from one exemplary embodiment, introduced into another exemplary embodiment for its supplementation.

Identical parts / components, components, objects and similar Ä. Are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures.

Show it:

1 to 3 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine in a discharge of a mail (part) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking tray of mail sorting machine (placing the intermediate bridge with the "third (free) hand" before to be unloaded stacking tray),

4 to 6 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine in a discharge of a mail (part) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking tray of Mail sorting machine (retraction / placement of the "third (free) hand" in the unloading stacking tray)

7 to 9 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine during a discharge of a mail (part) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking tray of mail sorting machine (converting the cutting knife for separating the partial stack to be unloaded (here: lifting the separating knife))

10 to 12 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine during a discharge process of a mail (part) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking compartment of the mail sorting machine (converting the separating knife for separating the partial stack to be unloaded (here: placing ( Method) of the separating knife)),

13 to 15 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine in a discharge process of a mail (part) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking tray of mail sorting machine (converting the separating knife for separating the partial stack to be unloaded (here: lowering the separating knife))

16 to 18 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine during a discharge process of a mail (part) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking tray of mail sorting machine (pushing out the part to be unloaded by means of the "third (free) hand" )

19 to 21 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine in a discharge process of a mail (-teil-) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking tray of mail sorting machine (placing the pushed out, unloading sub-stack on the support tray of the intermediate bridge using the "Third (free) hand"),

22 to 24 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine in a discharge process of a mail (part) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking tray of Mail sorting machine (converting the "third (free) hand" for returning the "third (free) hand "(here: raising the" third (free) hand ")),

25 to 27 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine in a discharge process of a mail (part) stack of flat mailings in a vertical standing position of a Stacking compartment of mail sorting machine (conversion of the "third (free) hand" for returning the "third (free) hand" (here: placing (procedure) of the "third (free) hand")) and

28 to 30 (Side view / front view / top view) a schematic section of a mail sorting machine in a discharge process of a mail (part) stack of flat mail items in a vertical standing position from a stacking tray of Mail sorting machine (converting the "third (free) hand" for returning the "third (free) hand "(here: lowering the" third (free) hand ")).

Exemplary embodiment: "Third (free) hand" 7 for editing 100 /Discharge 120 of mail pieces 5 from flat postal items 2 in vertical standing position from stacking compartments 33 at a mail sorting machine 1

machine configuration

1 to 3 . 4 to 6 . 7 to 9 . 10 to 12 . 13 to 15 . 16 to 18 . 19 to 21 . 22 to 24 . 25 to 27 and 28 to 30 show (schematically, respectively in side view / front view and top view) each have a section of a mail sorting machine 1 ie a section of a sorter 34 a mail sorting machine 1 in a mailing processing 100 or in a (Stapelfach-) unloading 120 one (from a stacker 33 the mail sorting machine 1 to be unloaded) mail (part) stack (in short, only partial stack) 5 a mailing pile 3 (Here then remains a mail (parts) stack 12 in the stack tray to be unloaded 33 ) from flat mailings 2 in a vertical position.

A mailing pile 3 (as well as its mailing (partial) stack 5 . 12 ) is, as the figures illustrate, formed 110 from flat postal items 2 , such as letters, large letters, postcards, shrink-wrapped or unwelded magazines and the like, which in a vertical standing position (to the mail stack 3 / Postsendungs- (partial) stack 5 . 12 ) are arranged.

As the figures show, the mail sorting machine 1 or the sorter 34 a specialist area 27 off (along the specialist track 27 ) juxtaposed stacking compartments 33 on, which via a (schematically indicated) conveyor system 37 or a feeder 37 via corresponding sorting outputs 38 at the stackers 33 with the mail 2 be fitted 110 ,

When loading the stacking compartments 33 with the mail 2 or by the storage of the mail 2 in the stacking compartments 33 Form themselves there or build there pile of mail 3 from the stored (flat) mailpieces 2 in vertical standing position off or on 110 on the respective support shelves 29 (simplified / descriptive floor areas 29 in the stackers 33 ) of the stacking compartments are turned off.

In this case, as FIGs illustrate, the to the mail stack 3 stacked postal items 2 (in the mailing stack 3 or in the mailing (partial) stack 5 . 12 ) at one of its side edges (front and rear edge) aligned (front and rear edge alignment 22 ).

Below is the end of a (in a stacking tray 33 built) mail stack 3 , which on the side of the local sorting output 38 of the stacker tray 33 lies as a stack end 9 designated; the end of this pile 9 opposite (and an operator facing) end of the mail stack 33 be as a stack start 8th designated.

Each stacker 33 the mail sorting machine 1 or the sorter 34 has, as the figures also show a - in a stacking direction 11 on a tour 14 (here a rail 14 - only schematically illustrated) movable cutting knife 6 out.

The or each cutting knife 6 is on its respective (leadership) track 14 stored in such a way that in addition to the local mobility (stacking direction 11 ) at the same time about the stacking direction 11 (up / down) is foldable. In the other degrees of freedom is the cutting knife 6 on the other hand stored tilt-stable, so as to the pile of mail 3 or the vertically standing mail 2 to be able to support. That is, the cutting knife 6 and its storage so realize their functionality, separating (lifting, moving, lowering) and supporting a mail stack 3 ,

As further shown in the figures, the mail sorting machine 1 or the sorter 34 a - by or guided by (longitudinal) rails 30 at the specialist track 27 - along the trade route 27 moveable transfer bridge or intermediate bridge 28 on which serves, from the stacking compartments 33 outsourced mail (parts) stacks 5 (on a support shelf there 35 on the bridge 28 ).

That is, the intermediate bridge 28 can - moved along the specialist track 27 - in front of each stacking compartment 33 be positioned (here is then the support tray 29 of the respective stacking compartment 33 and the support tray 35 the bridge 28 at almost the same level - and connect without a gap to each other), whereby (from the stacking compartments 33 ) to be outsourced mail items (-teil-) stack (on the support trays 29 . 35 ) from the respective stacking tray 33 on the bridge 28 or the local support tray 35 can be moved.

Below is the end of the bridge 28 which is on the side of the specialist track 27 or the stacking fan 33 lies, as a bridge beginning 10 designated; the beginning of this bridge 10 opposite end of the intermediate bridge 28 be as the end of the bridge 23 designated. Between the bridge beginning 10 and the bridge end 23 thus forms the support tray 35 the bridge 28 out.

On the bridge 28 is - to unload a stacking tray 33 to support, as the figures show, a holding device 7 , ie a so-called "third (free) hand" 7 arranged.

This "third (free) hand" 7 is formed by a cutting knife 7 - And has its usual functionality, ie slidability and pivoting (along and around an axis) and blockage (to the other degrees of freedom) or separating and supporting mail pieces 3 on what by a corresponding guide device 16 on / at the bridge 28 is realized.

This guide device 14 for the "third (free) hand" 7 is formed by a telescopically extendable or in an unloaded stacking tray 33 retractable / extendable guide rail 18 which - is the intermediate bridge 28 in front of the unloaded stacker 33 placed - then (temporarily) in the unloaded stacking tray 33 can be inserted.

Is the "third (free) hand" 7 then along the guide rail 18 movable, so the "third (free) hand" 7 to assist unloading into the unloaded stacking tray 33 be moved.

Furthermore, it is (in the figures only indicated) a lock 19 - similar to a freewheel - for the "third (free) hand 7 provided, which these in one direction of movement 20 , here from the unloaded stacking tray 33 out, on the guide rail 18 blocked (again releasably by an actuator (not shown)), whereas the "third (free) hand 7 in a opposite direction 21 to the direction of movement 20 , ie here in the unloaded stacking tray 33 in, on the guide rail 18 is freely movable.

As the figures show further, is on the intermediate bridge 28 ie at its bridge end 23 , a pile prop 25 arranged, which one on the intermediate bridge 28 postponed mail (sub) stack 5 - there, ie at the stack support 25 or at the holding surface 17 , brought to bear - holds in position or supports (against tilting).

Next can on the support tray 35 the bridge 28 also (not shown) anti-skid elements, which - are lower edges 24 from the mail 2 then held / supported by these anti-slip elements - a slippage of mail 2 of the sub-stack 5 prevent, be arranged.

unloading

1 to 3 (Side view / front view / top view) show a beginning of the unloading process 120 a stacker 33 , Here is the bridge 28 in front of the unloaded stacker 33 positioned. The "third (free) hand" 7 is at the bridge start 10 pushed (and so is still outside of the unloaded stacking tray 33 ). The telescopic guide rail 18 is or is (as shown) already in the unloaded stacking tray 33 retracted.

In the stack tray to be unloaded 33 becomes the local mail stack 3 of which a partial stack 5 should be unloaded, whereas a partial stack 12 should remain in the stacking tray, by means of the separating knife 6 at its stack start 8th supported 131 ,

4 to 6 (Side view / front view / top view) show how the "third (free) hand" 7 (on the telescopic guide rail 18 ) from outside the stacking tray to be unloaded 33 in the unloaded stacking tray 33 is retracted 150 - And at the local cutting knife 6 which holds the mailing pile 33 at its stack start 8th supports 131 , comes to rest.

With the 7 to 9 . 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 (side view / front view / top view) will continue then the transfer of the cutting blade 6 for separating the partial stack to be unloaded 5 shown 130 ,

7 to 9 illustrate the lifting or folding up of the cutting blade 6 130 ; 10 to 12 illustrate the procedure of the cutting knife 6 to the separation position 32 on / in the mailing pile 3 130 (this defines it from the stacker 33 partial stack to be unloaded 5 as well as in the stacking tray 33 to remaining partial stacks 12 ); 13 to 15 illustrate the lowering of the cutting knife 6 at the separation position 32 into the mailing pile 3 130 , where then here from the stacking tray 33 partial stacks to be unloaded 5 160 as well as in the stacking tray 33 to remaining partial stacks 12 at the mailing pile 3 form 161 ,

To the cutting knife 6 at the separation position 32 into the mailing pile 3 to be able to introduce 130 , an operator manually releases (not shown) this location in the stack of mail.

During the relocation or dislocation of the cutting knife 6 130 ( 7 to 9 . 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 ) will be there, like the 7 to 9 . 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 is removable, the mail pile 3 through the "third (free) hand" 7 supported 131 ,

16 to 18 illustrate how the partial stack to be unloaded 5 together with the "third (free) hand" 7 (the partial stack to be unloaded 5 supporting) - additionally also supported by hand - from the stacking tray to be unloaded 33 on the bridge 28 (first there at the beginning of the bridge 10 ) is pushed 140 . 141 , where the in the stack tray to be unloaded 33 remaining partial stacks 12 through the (offset) cutting knife 6 is supported 142 ,

19 to 21 continue to show then as the partial stack to be unloaded 5 together with the "third (free) hand" 7 (from the bridge start 10 ) to the end of the bridge 23 the bridge 28 is pushed 180 . 181 where the "third (free) hand" 7 at the stack support 25 the bridge 28 comes to the plant.

After the 22 to 24 , the 25 to 27 and 28 to 30 will then continue the "third (free) hand" 7 - on the bridge 28 - from the end of the bridge there 23 back to the local bridge beginning 10 set back 170 , where the partial stack 5 from the "third (free) hand" 7 Approved 171 - And then then through the stack support 25 supported 172 becomes.

22 to 24 illustrate the lifting or folding up of the "third (free) hand" 7 - here is the partial stack 5 from the "third (free) hand" 7 Approved 171 - And then then through the stack support 25 supported 172 ; 25 to 27 clarify the procedure of the "third (free) hand" 7 at the beginning of the bridge 10 (where also the partial stack through the stack support 25 supported 172 remains); 28 to 30 illustrate the lowering of the "third (free) hand" 7 at the beginning of the bridge 10 (where also the partial stack through the stack support 25 supported 172 remains).

The bridge 28 then stands for another unloading process 120 (for example, another stacker 33 ) to disposal.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment (s), the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Mail sorter / Supermarket

2

(flat) mailing, letter, large letter, magazine, postcard

3

Mailing stack

4

Support tray, roller conveyor

5

first (partial) stack, mail pile

6

first holding device, separating knife

7

second holding device, "third (free) hand", cutting knife, panel

8th

stack beginning

9

end of the stack

10

bridge early

11

Stacking direction

12

second (partial) stack, mail pile

13

first guide device movement direction

14

first guide (device), rail

15

second guide device movement direction

16

second guide (device)

17

holding surface

18

guide rail

19

locking

20

movement direction

21

opposite direction

22

Front / rear edge alignment

23

bridge end

24

lower edge

25

third holding device, stacking support

27

partition range

28

Intermediate bridge, dock leveler

29

Support tray (of a stacking tray), bottom surface

30

Rail (for an intermediate bridge)

32

separating position

33

Sorting / stacking tray, stacking point

34

sorter

35

Support tray (an intermediate bridge)

37

Conveyor system, feeder

38

sorting output

100

method

110

Forming a mailing stack

120

Editing a Mailpiece Stack, Unloading

130

Moving a holding device

131

In position holding a pile of mail

140

Moving a (partial) stack out of a stacking tray

141

Moving out of a holding device from a stacking tray

142

In position holding a pile of mail

150

Moving a holding device in a stacking tray

160

Forming a (partial) stack

161

Forming a (partial) stack

170

(Off) displacement of a holding device

171

Sharing a (partial) stack

172

In position holding a (partial) stack

180

Moving a holding device

181

Moving a (partial) stack

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• http://www.dpdhl.com/de/logistik_populaer/aus_den_unternehmen_bereiche/sortiermaschinen_fuer_standard_und_kompaktbriefe.html (available on 17.06.2015) [0005]
• http://www.dpdhl.com/de/logistik_populaer/aus_den_unternehmen_bereiche/sortiermaschinen_fuer_standard_und_kompaktbriefe.html, Station 1: Substance Input, Station 6: Sorter [0008]

Claims (14)

Procedure ( 100 ) for processing mailpieces ( 2 ) in a mail sorting device ( 1 ), in which a mail stack ( 3 ) from a plurality of vertical mailpieces ( 2 ) in a stacking tray ( 33 ) of the mail sorting device ( 1 ) educated ( 110 ) and in the stacking tray ( 33 ) using a first and a second holding device ( 6 . 7 ), using each of the mail stacks ( 3 ) is held in position, edited ( 120 ), wherein / characterized in that - the first holding device ( 6 ) on the mail stack ( 3 ) is displaced ( 130 ), while the mail stack ( 3 ) using the second holding device ( 7 ) is held in position ( 131 ), and - a first by the transfer ( 130 ) of the first holding device ( 6 ) educated ( 160 ) (Partial) stack ( 5 ) of the mail stack ( 3 ) and the second holding device ( 7 ) from the stacker tray ( 33 ) are moved ( 140 . 141 ), while one by the transfer ( 130 ) of the first holding device ( 6 ) optionally formed ( 161 ) second (partial) stack ( 12 ) of the mail stack ( 3 ) using the first holding device ( 6 ) is held in position in the stacking tray ( 142 ). Procedure ( 100 ) for processing mailpieces ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first by the displacement ( 130 ) of the first holding device ( 160 ) (Partial) stack ( 5 ) of the mail stack ( 3 ) using the second holding device ( 7 ) from the stacker tray ( 33 ) is moved ( 140 . 141 ). Procedure ( 100 ) for processing mailpieces ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second holding device ( 7 ) and / or the first (partial) stack ( 5 ) in or approximately in a stacking direction ( 11 ) from the stacker tray ( 33 ) is / will be moved ( 140 . 141 ). Procedure ( 100 ) for processing mailpieces ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second holding device ( 7 ) is moved into the stacking tray ( 150 ). Procedure ( 100 ) for processing mailpieces ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the second holding device ( 7 ) from completely outside the stacking tray ( 33 ) in the stacking tray ( 33 ) is moved ( 150 ), in which the mail pile ( 3 ) using the first holding device ( 6 ) is held in position ( 131 ), - the first holding device ( 6 ) on the mail stack ( 3 ) is displaced ( 130 ), the first (partial) stack ( 5 ) and the second (partial) stack ( 12 ) are formed ( 160 . 161 ), while the mail stack ( 3 ) using the second holding device ( 7 ) is held in position ( 131 ), - the first (partial) stack ( 5 ) together with the second holding device ( 7 ) completely out of the stacker tray ( 33 ) are moved ( 140 . 141 ), the second (partial) stack ( 12 ) using the first holding device ( 6 ) in the stacker tray ( 33 ) is held in position ( 142 ), - the second holding device ( 7 ) from the first (partial) stack 5 (away) is offset ( 170 ), the first (partial) stack ( 5 ) of the second holding device ( 7 ) is released ( 171 ), in particular while the first (partial) stack is held in position using a third holding device ( 172 ). Mail sorting device ( 1 ) with a first and a second holding device ( 6 . 7 ), using each of a plurality of vertically standing mail items ( 2 ) formed mail pile ( 3 ) in a stacking tray ( 33 ) of the mail sorting device ( 1 ) is stable in position, characterized in that - the first holding device ( 6 ) relative to a stacking direction ( 11 ) on the mail stack ( 3 ) is displaceable and - the second holding device ( 7 ) in or approximately in the stacking direction ( 11 ) from the stacker tray ( 33 ) is movable. Mail sorting device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding device claims, characterized by a at the stacking tray ( 33 ) arranged first guide device ( 14 ), using which the first holding device ( 6 ) in or approximately in the stacking direction ( 11 ) and / or the first holding device ( 6 ) about a first guide device movement direction ( 13 ) and / or the first holding device ( 6 ) is fixed in the other degrees of freedom. Mail sorting device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding device claims, characterized by a second guide device ( 16 ), using which the second holding device ( 7 ) in or approximately in the stacking direction ( 11 ) in and / or out of the stacker tray ( 33 ) is movable and / or the second holding device ( 7 ) about a second guide device movement direction ( 15 ) and / or the second holding device ( 7 ) is fixed in the other degrees of freedom. Mail sorting device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the second guide device ( 16 ) outside the stacking tray ( 33 ) is arranged and / or a, in particular telescopically extendable / retractable, guide rail ( 18 ), which in the stacking tray ( 33 ) retractable and / or from the stacking tray ( 33 ) is extendable and at which the second holding device ( 7 ) is arranged. Mail sorting device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding device claims, characterized by a locking means ( 19 ), using which the second holding device ( 7 ) on the second guide device ( 16 ), in particular at predefinable positions on the guide rail ( 18 ) of the second guide device ( 16 ), lockable. Mail sorting device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the locking means ( 19 ) is designed such that the second holding device ( 7 ) in a direction of movement ( 20 ) on the guide rail ( 18 ) is blockable, whereas the second holding device ( 7 ) in a reverse direction ( 21 ) to the direction of movement ( 20 ) is freely movable on the guide rail. Mail sorting device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding device claims, characterized by a support tray ( 35 ), on which the second holding device ( 7 ), in particular also the second guide device ( 16 ) and / or the guide rail ( 18 ), is / are arranged. Mail sorting device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that on the support tray ( 35 ) at least one third holding device ( 25 ) using one of a plurality of vertically standing postal items ( 2 ) formed mailing stacks ( 3 ), in particular the first (partial) stack ( 5 ), on the support tray ( 35 ) is held in position, is arranged. Mail sorting device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding device claims, characterized by a plurality of along a specialized route ( 27 ) stacked compartments ( 33 ) and one along the Fachstrecke ( 27 ) movable support tray ( 35 ), whereby at each of the stacking compartments ( 33 ) the first holding device ( 6 ) and / or on the support tray ( 35 ) the second holding device ( 7 ) is arranged.

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