DE102021117320A1 - Device and method for loading flat objects into a transport container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for inputting flat objects, in particular postal items such as envelopes or letters, in an upright position into a transport container (T), comprising an input device (4) for transporting flat objects (5) and for Input of the transported flat objects (5) into a transport container (T) and a transport container receptacle (7) for positioning the transport container (T) during input of the flat objects (5) in an input position in which the transport container (T) is arranged at an angle . The object of providing a device (1) and a method in which the capacity of a transport container (T) can be better utilized is achieved by the invention in that the device (1) has a compression unit for compressing the data entered into the transport container (T). flat objects (5), in particular while the transport container (T) is arranged in the input position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for inserting flat objects, in particular postal items such as envelopes or letters, in an upright or vertical position into a transport container according to claim 1 and a method for inserting flat objects in an upright or vertical position into a transport container Claim 13.

Flat items of mail, in particular letters or envelopes, are, for example, entered into transport containers for further transport after they have been produced in a printing device, inserted in an enveloping device or after sorting in a sorting device and then sent to a further processing point, e.g. a shipping point for sending the mailpieces to the on addresses given in the mailings. In order to utilize the capacity of a transport container as well as possible and to facilitate subsequent removal of the mail items, the mail items are preferably placed in the transport container in an upright position. A transport container is to be understood as meaning a container which is open at the top and has a base and side walls which are arranged on the base and surround it on all edges. The transport container is preferably a container with an essentially rectangular base and four side walls. An upright position of the flat objects or the input of the flat objects in an upright position is to be understood as meaning a position of the flat objects in which only a narrow edge of the flat objects, for example the elongated lower edge of an envelope, rests on the bottom of a transport container gets up. The flat object thus projects upwards from the bottom of the transport container.

According to the state of the art U.S. 6,594,974 B2 a device for packaging sheet-shaped, folded mail items is known. The mail items are moved by a feed device in the direction of a box that is guided at an angle to the feed device and are entered into the box in an upright position. A conveyor device is provided for transporting and positioning the box, in which boxes are preferably entered manually on an upper side and are guided downwards along a slope and past the feed device. After filling, the boxes are deflected from the fixed incline to a discharge conveyor via a movable contact element resting against the box. For this purpose, the movable contact element rests against the front wall of the box. The contact element supports the box during the transport of the box along the incline and the associated increasing departure from the incline by resting against the front wall. As soon as the rear edge of the box has left the incline, the box rotates due to the force of gravity and falls onto the discharge conveyor provided for transporting the box away.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for inputting flat objects, in particular postal items, in an upright position into a transport container, in which the capacity of a transport container can be better utilized.

The invention solves the above problem with a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13. Advantageous refinements and expedient developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention for inputting flat objects, in particular postal items such as envelopes or letters, in an upright position into a transport container that is in particular empty or to be filled comprises an input device for transporting flat objects and for inputting the transported flat objects into a transport container and a transport container receptacle for positioning the transport container during the input of the flat objects in an input position in which the transport container is arranged at an angle. The input device is preferably designed for horizontal transport of the flat objects in a single or shingled arrangement, at least essentially in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the transport container receptacle is preferably designed to receive a transport container at least partially or completely, in particular to securely arrange the transport container in the transport container receptacle during input. The transport container receiving device can in particular be designed in such a way that it can receive an empty transport container from a first transport device designed for transporting transport containers and, after filling by the input device, can deliver a full transport container to a second transport device designed for transporting transport containers. The oblique arrangement of the transport container in the input position is to be understood as meaning an arrangement in which the bottom of the transport container encloses an angle with the horizontal which is expediently less than 90° but greater than 30°. The same applies to an opening running parallel to and opposite the floor of the transport container. Consequently, the opening of the transport container does not essentially point upwards during the input, but to one side, namely in the direction of the input device. Particularly preferably, a bottom of the transport container in the input position encloses an angle of less than 90° with a horizontal line, preferably between 45° and 85°, particularly preferably between 60° and 80°. The configuration described allows the flat objects to be fed into the transport container in an advantageous manner in an upright position.

According to the invention, the device has a compression unit for compressing the flat objects placed in the transport container, in particular for compression while the transport container is arranged in the input position. By compressing the flat objects placed in the transport container, the capacity of a transport container can be fully utilized in an advantageous manner. As a result of the compression, the number of flat objects that can be input into a transport container using the input device can be increased.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one compression unit has a compression element, in particular a compression finger or a compression pin, that can be inserted into the transport container during and/or after the insertion of the flat objects. The flat objects that have already been entered are compressed specifically by a compression element that can be introduced into the transport container during entry, thereby creating more space for further objects to be entered. In order to be able to achieve the best possible utilization of the capacity of the transport container, it is advantageous if the compression element is designed to be as thin as possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the compression element can be moved between an upper position and a lower position. When the compression element that is inserted or retracted into the transport container moves, the compression element presses the flat objects that have already been inserted downwards against the front side wall of the transport container, or the lower side wall as seen from the perspective of the input position. This compresses the flat objects already entered.

After compression has taken place, the compression element preferably remains in the transport container during further input. The following objects are consequently entered above the compression element or placed on it. It is also conceivable that the compression element is extended out of the transport container after a first compression has taken place and is retracted into the transport container at a later point in time and after the input of further flat objects for renewed compression. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a plurality of compression units, each with a compression element, which are introduced into the transport container one after the other in order to compress the flat objects that have been put in. As a result, the capacity of the transport container can be better utilized.

In a preferred embodiment, the compression unit can have a drive for moving the compression element, in particular for moving the compression element into and out of the transport container and/or between an upper position and a lower position. As a result of the drive, the compression element can be brought in and removed in an advantageous manner, and a movement between the upper and lower position for compressing the flat objects placed in the transport container can take place.

In addition or as an alternative to the advantageous embodiment described, the transport container receptacle can be designed to be movable together with the transport container arranged therein between an upper input position and a lower input position. The movement is preferably carried out by a movement device moving the transport container receptacle of a container receiving device comprising the transport container receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the transport container receptacle or of a transport container arranged therein relative to the vertical is not changed during the movement from the upper to the lower input position. In another embodiment, the transport container receptacle can be pivoted relative to the input device during the movement from the upper to the lower input position, in particular in the direction of the input device or possibly also away from it, in order to achieve a desired angle for inputting the flat objects. The movement of the transport container from the upper to the lower input position enables the flat objects to be input into the transport container in an advantageous and trouble-free manner in an upright position, with the flat objects subsequently input being stacked on top of the flat object input immediately beforehand. The transport container receptacle is preferably moved from the upper to the lower input position as a function of the input flow of the flat items transported through the input device items. Advantageously, the transport container receptacle is moved as a function of the conveying speed at which the flat objects are moved by the input device in the direction of the transport container and are input into it and/or as a function of the number and/or thickness of the flat objects to be input.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a sensor can also be provided, which detects the filling level of the transport container and, depending on the detected filling level, controls the movement of the transport container receptacle from the upper to the lower input position. In addition to the advantages mentioned for the input, a compression element of the compression unit introduced into the transport container and an upward movement of the transport container receptacle can also compress the flat objects that have already been input. The flat objects that have already been input lie against the introduced compression element and are pressed against the lower side wall of the transport container, as viewed from the input position. A movement of the compression element between an upper position and a lower position for compressing the flat objects placed in the transport container is not absolutely necessary. However, it is also conceivable that, in order to compress the flat objects placed in a transport container, both the compression element moves downwards and the transport container receptacle together with the transport container moves upwards. In particular, in an advantageous embodiment, the compression element can be moved downward together or synchronously with the transport container receptacle after compression has taken place. As a result, a compressed state of the compressed objects put into the transport container is maintained until the end of the loading of the flat objects by the input device.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one compression unit can be arranged on or near the input device and/or on or near a container receiving device comprising the transport container receptacle. The device particularly preferably has at least two compression units, a first compression unit being particularly preferably arranged on or near the input device and a second compression unit being arranged on or near a container receiving device comprising the transport container receptacle.

For compression, the first compression element can be moved into the transport container by a drive. The objects located in the transport container can preferably be compressed when the first compression element is extended by moving the transport container receptacle and thus the transport container arranged therein upwards. The flat objects already in the transport container are pressed against the stationary first compression element, as a result of which the flat objects stacked in the transport container are compressed. As soon as a certain compaction or compression position is reached, the second compression element, which is preferably fixedly arranged on the container receiving device and moves up and down in particular together with the transport container receiving device, can be introduced into the transport container. The first and the second compression element are designed and arranged in such a way that they do not impede one another, in particular not when the second compression element moves up and down together with the transport container receptacle. The compression position is specifically reached when the second compression element is at the level of the first compression element. When this compression position is reached, the second compression element is introduced into the transport container. The first compression element can then be removed from the transport container, in particular before the transport container is moved downwards. The following flat objects are placed on the second compression element, which is moved down together with the transport container during further filling. The second compression element can remain in the transport container until it is completely filled and, for example, can be moved out of it before the transport container receptacle is moved into a delivery position. It is also conceivable that the first compression element is reinserted into the transport container for further compression and/or that the container receiving device has a plurality of compression units.

In an advantageous embodiment, the input device in the input position at least partially engages in a transport container arranged therein. The input device particularly preferably has an input end which engages in the transport container during the entire input process. This ensures that the flat objects are safely inserted and deposited in a transport container in an upright position.

In an advantageous embodiment, the input device has a conveyor device, esp special conveyor rollers and/or at least one conveyor belt for transporting the flat objects in a shingled and/or isolated arrangement. In a scaled arrangement, the flat objects are at least partially on top of each other. The flat objects preferably lie on the conveyor rollers and/or the at least one conveyor belt, in particular an endless conveyor belt, with the conveyor rollers and/or the at least one conveyor belt being motor-driven for transporting the flat objects in the direction of the second transport direction. The configuration described provides an input device with particularly simple and reliable transport of the flat objects along the second transport direction. The input speed of the flat objects into the transport container can be controlled and regulated by controlling the drive or the speed of the conveyor device.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the input device has at least two conveyor sections, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least four and very particularly preferably at least five conveyor sections, which can be operated or driven independently of one another and/or at different speeds. This makes it possible, among other things, to briefly and in a controlled manner delay or interrupt the input of flat objects from an uninterrupted stream of flat objects to be introduced.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the input device has at least one retaining element, in particular a retaining element which is arranged between two conveying sections of a conveying device of the input device and/or can be introduced between them. The retaining element is used for at least temporarily retaining and/or scaling up the flat objects transported through the input device. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the retaining element is a retaining element that extends transversely to the first transport direction, for example a retaining plate or a retaining strip. The retaining element can also be designed as a so-called rake. The retaining element is expediently moved towards the conveying device of the input device by an actuator or a drive unit for retaining or piling up the input stream of flat objects. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the retaining element is moved from above onto the conveying device of the input device, in particular onto the surface of a transport element or between two conveying sections of the input device. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining element can also be arranged in the intermediate space between two conveyor sections and, in order to retain the flat objects, be introduced from the bottom upwards to interrupt the input flow.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transport container receptacle has a receiving base, on which the base of a transport container can be arranged, and at least one lower contact wall, on which a first side wall of a transport container can be arranged. The lower contact wall is preferably a contact wall connected to the receiving base at a fixed angle. In a preferred embodiment, the lower contact wall is rigidly connected to the receiving base. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport container receptacle has at least two lateral contact walls for guiding side walls of the transport container. The configuration described ensures safe guidance of the transport container throughout the entire process. In addition or as an alternative to the configuration described, the transport container receptacle can have a suction device which is arranged on the receiving base and can be controlled in particular, via which the base of a transport container can be sucked in and the transport container can be fixed or held while the flat objects are being fed in. The suction device can be designed, for example, as a suction strip or suction cups arranged in the receiving base and connected to a vacuum pump.

• • Eingabe von flachen Gegenständen durch die Eingabevorrichtung in einen in der Transportbehälteraufnahme in Eingabeposition angeordneten Transportbehälter,
• • Komprimieren der in den Transportbehälter eingegebenen Gegenstände durch ein Komprimierelement der zumindest einen Komprimierungseinheit, wobei das Komprimierelement während oder nach der Eingabe der flachen Gegenstände in den Transportbehälter hineinbewegt und von einer oberen Position in eine untere Position bewegt und/oder die Transportbehälteraufnahme mit einem darin angeordneten Transportbehälter von einer unteren Position in eine obere Position bewegt wird.

The invention also includes a method for inputting flat objects, in particular postal items such as envelopes or letters, in an upright position into a transport container with a device described above, comprising the steps

• • input of flat objects through the input device into a transport container arranged in the transport container receptacle in the input position,
• • Compression of the objects entered into the transport container by a compression element of the at least one compression unit, the compression element being moved into the transport container during or after the flat objects are entered and moved from an upper position to a lower position and/or the transport container receptacle with one arranged therein Transport container is moved from a lower position to an upper position.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method comprises an off step bringing the compression element out of the transport container after the transport container has reached a certain filling level, ie in particular after a transport container has been filled.

In an advantageous embodiment, the method includes a step of moving the transport container receptacle together with a transport container arranged therein from an upper input position to a lower input position. The step of moving the transport container receptacle can take place in particular before and/or after the compression step. As a result, it is advantageously possible to enter the flat objects above the objects that have already been entered into the transport container.

• • Einführen des ersten Komprimierungselements,
• • nach oben Bewegen der Transportbehälteraufnahme,
• • Einführen des zweiten Komprimierelements,
• • Ausführen des ersten Komprimierelements,
• • Ausführen des zweiten Komprimierelements bei Erreichen eines bestimmten Füllgrads des Transportbehälters.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of a method with a device, which has at least a first compression unit with a first compression element and a second compression unit with a second compression element, in particular a first compression unit arranged on or near the input device and a container receiving device arranged on or near a transport container receptacle second compression unit, the step of compressing the flat objects entered into the transport container comprises the following sub-steps:

• • introducing the first compression element,
• • moving the transport container receptacle upwards,
• • inserting the second compression element,
• • executing the first compression element,
• • Execution of the second compression element when the transport container has reached a specific filling level.

In a preferred embodiment, before the step of inputting flat objects through the input device, the transport container receptacle can receive an empty transport container transported by a first transport device and the transport container receptacle can deliver a transport container to a second transport device after it has been filled. For example, the second transport device can be arranged below the first transport device and the transport container receptacle can be designed to be pivotable.

The methods described enable a transport container to be filled with advantageous utilization of the capacity of the transport container.

• 1: Skizze einer Vorrichtung zur Eingabe von flachen Gegenständen in einen Transportbehälter in einer Seitenansicht;
• 2 bis 16: Skizze der Vorrichtung aus 1 in verschiedenen Verfahrensstufen eines Verfahrens zur Eingabe von flachen Gegenständen in einen Transportbehälter;
• 17: Skizze einer zweiten Vorrichtung zur Eingabe von flachen Gegenständen in einen Transportbehälter in einer Seitenansicht.

These and other features as well as advantages and effects of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention for inputting flat objects result from the exemplary embodiments described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

• 1 : sketch of a device for the input of flat objects into a transport container in a side view;
• 2 until 16 : sketch of the device 1 in different process stages of a process for entering flat objects into a transport container;
• 17 : Side view sketch of a second device for feeding flat objects into a transport container.

In 1 a sketch of an overall device 1 for the transport of transport containers T and for the input of flat objects 5 in an upright position into a transport container T is sketched by way of example. the 2 until 16 show reduced sketches of the device 1 in individual process steps of a method for entering the flat objects 5 in the transport container T, with only the sake of clarity in the 2 until 16 individual components of the device 1 have been omitted.

In the 1 The device 1 outlined for inputting flat objects 5 comprises a first transport device 2 for transporting transport containers T along a first transport direction v1, an input device 4 for transporting flat objects 5 along a second transport direction v2 that is essentially opposite to the first transport direction v1, and one below the second transport device 3 arranged in the first transport device 2 for transporting transport containers T in the direction of a third transport direction v3 running essentially parallel to the second transport direction v2. A container receiving device 6 with a transport container receptacle 7 for receiving a transport container T is arranged between the input device 4 and the transport devices 2, 3.

The first and the second transport device 2, 3 each comprise a motor-driven conveyor device, in particular an endless conveyor belt, on which the transport container T can be transported along the first transport direction v1 or the second transport direction v2 in a substantially upright transport container position.

Viewed in the second transport direction v2, the input device 4 has a plurality of conveyor sections arranged one behind the other, namely a first conveyor section M1, a second conveyor section M2, a third conveyor section M3, a fourth conveyor section M4 and a fifth conveyor section M5. The conveyor sections M1 to M5, which in particular can each comprise endless conveyor belts running around drive and deflection rollers, can be driven independently of one another. The flat objects 5 are fed to the input device 4 via the first conveyor section M1, in particular from a transport system which is connected upstream of the input device 4 and is not shown here. The flat objects 5 are fed into a transport container T arranged in the transport container receptacle 7 by the downstream fifth conveyor section M5. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first to fourth conveyor sections M1 to M4 run essentially in a horizontal plane. The fifth conveyor section M5 is slightly inclined downwards. This facilitates the entry of the flat objects 5 into a transport container T. A first compression element 12 that can be moved essentially along the second transport direction v2 and can be introduced into a transport container T arranged in the transport container receptacle 7 is attached in the area of the fifth conveyor section M5. The first compression element 12 is coupled to a drive, which is not shown, in order to carry out a movement. Furthermore, the input device 4 has a retaining element 11 arranged above the fourth conveyor section M4, which can be brought in and out again between the third and the fourth conveyor section M3, M4 by a first actuator A1.

The container receiving device 6 comprises a transport container receptacle 7 for receiving a transport container T. The transport container receptacle 7 has at least one lower contact wall 8 and a receiving base 9, with a transport container T placed in the transport container receptacle 7 resting against the contact wall 8 with a front wall and with its base rests on the receiving floor 9. The transport container receptacle 7 preferably has 1 lateral contact walls, not shown, for safe guidance of the transport container T. The transport container receptacle 7 can be rotated or pivoted about a pivot point 14 via a second actuator A2. In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable for the entire container receiving device 6 to be pivotable, ie other components of the container receiving device 6 can also be pivoted together with the transport container receiving device 7 . The transport container receptacle 7 can be moved between an upper position, described in more detail below, and a lower position via a movement device 10 . Furthermore, the container receiving device 6 comprises a second compression element 13 which can be introduced into a transport container T arranged in the transport container receiving device 7 . The second compression element 13 is attached in such a way that it is moved together with the transport container receptacle 7, in particular when it is moved up and down by the movement device 10. In an alternative embodiment not shown here, it is also conceivable for the second compression element 13 to be attached to the container receiving device 6 in such a way that it is also pivoted together with the transport container receiving device 7 when it is pivoted.

The following is based on the 2 until 16 a method for entering the flat objects 5 into the transport container T is described as an example. That in the 2 until 16 Outlined method is in the device 1 of 1 executed. However, the method is not limited to the embodiment described as an example and in particular does not have to be in a device according to FIG 1 to be executed. For the sake of clarity, the moving element 10 and the second actuator A2 are shown in FIGS 2 until 16 and the reference numerals for the container receiving device 6, the contact wall 8, the receiving base 9 and the pivot point 14 are not shown.

In 2 and 3 shows the transport of a transport container T by the first transport device 2 along the first transport direction v1 and the transfer of the transport container T to the transport container receptacle 7 . To receive the transport container T provided by the first transport device 2, the transport container receptacle 7 is placed in a 2 and 3 shown recording position moves. When the transport container receptacle 7 is in the receiving position, the first transport device 2 is driven and the transport container T is conveyed into the transport container receptacle 7 along the first transport direction v1. Subsequent transport containers T′, T″ are already located on the first transport device 2 . In the present case, however, the first transport device 2 is only driven during the transfer of the front transport container T and is then stopped until the next transport container T′ is transferred. In addition to the configuration shown, other configurations of the first transport device 2 are also conceivable, for example transporting transport containers T in the first transport device 2 using gravity alone and the provision of a limiting element at the end of the first transport device 2 pointing in the direction of the transport container receptacle 7, which for Holding back the following transport containers T`, T'' in front of one this transport container T`, T'' can be brought in and briefly deployed for the transfer of the next transport container T` to the transport container receptacle 7 in order to allow the next transport container T` to move in the first transport direction v1.

In the 4 and 5 is moving the transport container receptacle 7 from the in 2 and 3 shown recording position in the in 5 shown upper input position. For this purpose, the transport container receptacle 7 is first, as in 4 shown, pivoted in the direction of the input device 4 and then through the in 1 moving device 10 shown moved upwards. As in the 4 and 5 shown, the second compression element 13 attached to the container receiving device 6 moves when the transport container receiving device 7 moves into the in 5 shown upper input position accordingly with upwards. The first and the second compression element 12, 13 are designed and arranged in such a way that they do not impede one another, in particular when the transport container receptacle 7 moves up and down. For example, the compression elements 12, 13 can be compression pins or compression fingers arranged one behind the other, viewed in the direction of the sheet.

Like the 2 until 5 As can be seen, the retaining element 11 is in a lower position blocking the conveyance of flat objects 5 through the input device 4 while the transport container T is being picked up by the first transport device 2 and the transport container receptacle 7 is being positioned in the upper input position.

If the transport container receptacle 7 or the transport container T is in the upper input position, as in 6 is shown, the retaining element 11 is moved upwards by the first actuator A1 into a release position and the flat objects 5 are moved by the conveyor sections M1 to M5 in the second transport direction v2 and are entered into the transport container T via the fifth conveyor section M5. The conveying sections M1 to M5 are preferably all driven at the same conveying speed. The flat objects 5 are thereby successively conveyed into the transport container T and are stacked in the transport container T lying flat on top of one another, as shown in FIG 6 and 7 apparent.

As the filling level increases, the transport container receptacle 7, as shown in 7 is shown, moved downwards in steps or continuously in order to ensure a compact input of the flat objects 5, in particular a stacked support of the flat objects 5 on the stack of flat objects 5 already entered into the transport container T.

As soon as a certain degree of filling is reached, the first compression element 12 arranged on the input device 4, as shown in FIG 8th is shown moved into the transport container T inside. For this purpose, the first compression element 12 has a drive element (not shown). Then, as in 9 is shown, a compression of the stack of flat objects 5 already placed in the transport container T by moving the transport container receptacle 7 upwards by means of the in 1 moving device 10 shown. The compression of the stack is achieved in that the flat objects 5 already stacked in the transport container T are pressed against the stationary first compression element 12 arranged on the input device 4 . As soon as a specific compression is reached, in which case the second compression element 13 in particular is at the level of the first compression element 12, the movement of the transport container receptacle 7 is stopped. As in 10 is shown, the second compression element 13 attached to the container receiving device 6 is then introduced into the transport container T and the first compression element 12 is then removed from it. The second compression element 13 introduced into the transport container T ensures that the compression achieved by the first compression element 12 of the flat objects 5 already introduced continues to exist. Subsequently or, if necessary, also during the compression process described, as in 10 is shown, further flat objects 5 are entered through the input device 4 into the transport container T, specifically above the second compression element 13 . The transport container receptacle 7 is again - together with the second compression element 12 - down in the direction of the in 11 shown lower input position in order to obtain an optimal input or placement of the flat objects 5 on the stack of already introduced in the transport container T flat objects 5. Contrary to what is shown in the figures, the first and in particular the second compression element 12, 13 are preferably designed to be as thin as possible, e.g.

Shortly before a transport container T reaches a predetermined maximum filling level, as in 12 is shown, the retaining element 11 is moved downwards into the blocking position by the first actuator A1. The stream of flat objects 5 conveyed through the input device 4 into the transport container T is thereby interrupted. The flat objects 5 still on the fourth and fifth conveyor sections M4, M5 are, as in 13 shown, still entered into the transport container T. Preferably, the conveying speed of the fourth and the fifth conveying section M4, M5 can be briefly increased in order to shorten the required stopping time of the flow of flat objects 5 arranged in front of the retaining element 11.

When the flat articles 5 are no longer placed on the downstream conveyor sections M4 and M5, these conveyor sections M4, M5 can be stopped to save power. For the time in which the retaining element 11 is in its blocking position, the conveying speed of the conveying sections M1 to M3 arranged in front of the retaining element 11 can be reduced. The speed at which the conveyor sections M2 and M3 are driven is preferably reduced in steps, in particular such that the conveyor speed of the third conveyor section M3 is lower than the conveyor speed of the second conveyor section M2. The first conveying section M1 can maintain its conveying speed, so that there are no effects on a transport system which is arranged in front of the input device 4 and feeds the flat objects 5 to the input device 4 . The retaining element 11, which is in its lower blocking position, and the described activation of the conveying sections M1 to M3 take place, as in FIGS 12 until 16 indicated, an increasing scaling of the flat objects 5 arranged upstream of the retaining element 11.

As soon as the transport container T is completely filled, as in 14 is shown, the second compression element 13 is moved out of the transport container T, the transport container receptacle 7 into the in 15 pivoted delivery position shown and the transport container T delivered to the second transport device 3. Then the transport container receptacle 7, as shown in 16 shown back in the in 2 shown receiving position for receiving the next transport container T 'moves. The already filled transport container T is meanwhile transported away by the second transport device 3 along the third transport direction v3.

17 sketches an example of the design of a second embodiment of a device 1 for the input of flat objects 5 in a transport container T in a side view. In the 17 The embodiment shown corresponds to the configuration in 1 shown embodiment, but not two, but only one compression element 12 is present. The one compression element 12 can be arranged on the input device 4 or on the container receiving device 6 . The compression element 12 can be introduced into the transport container T in order to compress the flat objects 5 introduced into the transport container T . Further, the compression member 12 is movable substantially along the vertical between an upper position and a lower position. The delivery and removal of the transport container T and the filling of the transport container T takes place - with the exception of the step of compressing the flat objects 5 entered into a transport container T - as in FIGS 2 until 16 described. The compression can take place, for example, in such a way that the compression element 12 is moved into the transport container T when it is filled to a certain extent and is then moved downward relative to the transport container T in the direction of the lower contact wall 8 . In an alternative embodiment of the compression step, it is conceivable that the compression element 12 is moved into the transport container T and then the transport container receptacle 7 is moved upwards relative to the compression element 12 . It is also conceivable that, for compression, both the compression element 12 moves downwards and the transport container receptacle 7 moves upwards. After compression has taken place, the compression element 12 can be moved downward together with the transport container receptacle 7 during the further course of the filling of the transport container T. After the transport container T has been filled and preferably before the transport container receptacle 7 is pivoted into the delivery position, the compression element 12 is extended out of the transport container T and moved back into a starting position.

Exemplary devices and a method for inputting flat objects 5 into a transport container T in an upright position are described here. However, the invention is not limited to the configurations described. In particular, a different activation of the input device 4 is conceivable. It is also conceivable that a compression element is arranged on the container receiving device 6 in such a way that it is pivoted together with the transport container receiving device 7 and, for example, is only removed from it after the transport container receiving device 7 is in the delivery position. Furthermore, the device can also have sensors for detecting the degree of filling. Multiple compression and the use of several compression elements 12, 13 are also conceivable.

Reference List

1

Device for inserting flat objects

2

first transport device

3

second transport device

4

input device

5

flat objects

6

container pick-up device

7

Transport container pick-up

8th

lower plant wall

9

recording floor

10

moving device

11

restraint element

12

first compression element

13

second compression element

14

pivot point

M1

first funding section

M2

second funding section

M3

third funding section

M4

fourth funding section

M5

fifth subsidy

T

transport container

v1

first transport direction

v2

second transport direction

v3

third transport direction

A1

first actor

A2

second actor

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• US 6594974 B2 [0003]

Claims (16)

Device (1) for inputting flat objects (5), in particular postal items such as envelopes or letters, in an upright position in a transport container (T), comprising an input device (4) for transporting flat objects (5) and for inputting the transported flat objects Objects (5) in a transport container (T) and a transport container receptacle (7) for positioning the transport container (T) during the input of the flat objects (5) in an input position in which the transport container (T) is arranged at an angle, characterized in that that the device (1) has a compression unit for compressing the flat objects (5) entered into the transport container (T), in particular while the transport container (T) is arranged in the input position. Device (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the compression unit has a compression element (12, 13), in particular a compression finger or a compression pin, which can be inserted into the transport container (T) during and/or after the insertion of the flat objects. Device (1) after claim 2 , characterized in that the compression element (12, 13) is movable between an upper position and a lower position. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compression unit has a drive for moving a compression element (12, 13) of the compression unit, in particular for moving the compression element (12, 13) into the transport container (T) and/or between an upper position and a lower position. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport container receptacle (7) can be moved together with a transport container (T) arranged therein between an upper input position and a lower input position, in particular by a moving device (10) of a transport container receptacle ( 7) comprising container receiving device (6). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compression unit is arranged on or near the input device (4) and/or on or near a container receiving device (6) comprising the transport container receptacle (7). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least two compression units, in particular a first compression unit, which is arranged on or near the input device (4), and a second compression unit, which is arranged on or near the transport container receptacle (7). Container receiving device (6) is arranged. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the input position an open side of the transport container (T) points in the direction of the input device (4) and/or that a bottom of the transport container (T) in the input position with a horizontal encloses an angle of less than 90°, preferably between 45° and 85°, particularly preferably between 60° and 80°. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (4) in the input position at least partially engages in the transport container (T) arranged in the transport container receptacle (7). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (4) is designed for transporting flat objects (5) in at least a substantially horizontal direction. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (4) has at least one conveyor device, in particular conveyor rollers and/or at least one conveyor belt, for transporting the flat objects (5) in a shingled and/or isolated arrangement. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the transport container receptacle (7) has a receiving base (9) on which the base of the transport container (T) can be arranged, and at least one lower contact wall (8) on which a first side wall of the transport container (T) can be arranged, and/or at least two lateral contact walls for guiding side walls of the transport container (T) and/or a suction device arranged on the receiving base (9), via which the transport container (T) is sucked into the transport container receptacle (7). and can be fixed. Method for feeding flat objects (5), in particular postal items such as envelopes or letters, in an upright position into a transport container (T) with a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims comprising the steps of • inputting flat objects (5) through the input device (4) into a transport container (T) arranged in the transport container receptacle (7) in the input position, • compressing the objects (5) input into the transport container (T) using a compression element (12, 13) of the at least one compression unit, the compression element (12, 13) being moved into the transport container (T) during or after the flat objects (5) have been fed in and being moved from an upper position to a lower position and/or the Transport container receptacle (7) with a transport container (T) arranged therein is moved from a lower position to an upper position. procedure after Claim 13 characterized by a step of moving the transport container receptacle (7) together with a transport container (T) arranged therein from an upper input position to a lower input position, in particular before and/or after the compressing step. procedure after Claim 13 or 14 , characterized by a step of deploying the compression element (12, 13) from the transport container (T) after reaching a specific filling level of the transport container (T). Procedure according to one of Claims 13 until 15 , characterized by a device (1) comprising at least a first compression unit with a first compression element (12) and a second compression unit with a second compression element (13), in particular a first compression unit arranged on or near the input device (4) and a first compression unit on or near a second compression unit arranged in a container receiving device (6) having the transport container receptacle (7), the step of compressing comprising: • inserting the first compression element (12), • moving the transport container receptacle (7) upwards, • inserting the second compression element (13), • Execution of the first compression element (12), • Execution of the second compression element (13) when the transport container (T) has reached a specific filling level.

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