DE945919C - Sorting device for letters and similar items - Google Patents

Description

Sorting device for letters and similar objects The invention relates to an improvement in devices for sorting letters and the like Objects in order to simplify their construction and to make their operation more reliable to design.

In connection with devices for sorting letters it is known. Use letter holders that are evenly spaced on conveyors be guided past several letter trays from a sorting station, of which each one specific. Destination is ordered. Receive this letter holder a certain identifier at the sorting station, which enables you to attach to the letter tray, for whom the corresponding letter is intended to deliver the letter.

These characteristics were adjustable mechanical means, however make the letter holder relatively difficult, making the establishment itself -complicated and loud noises are generated during operation.

There are also known institutions in which the letters in the letter holders, the at least almost the same distance on conveyor systems, z. B.

Conveyor belts or chains, are arranged and at guided along a number of stationary letter trays and according to the Destination of the letter can be unloaded into one of these containers from a sorting station, where they are led past, by means of an electric Can be unloaded.

However, this device has the disadvantage that there is only one Letter holder can be located between the sorting station and the letter tray.

The performance of the facility is therefore very limited.

According to the invention in a sorting device for letters from the control of the unloading of the letter holder from the sorting station by means of a electrical identification made use of, with the number of letter holders that is located between the sorting station and the letter trays, be almost as large can that the letter holder can move freely on their way.

The invention consists in that the time or the number of steps that every letter from the sorting station to its destination container is required as an identifier is saved to after this time or the number of steps by means of the saved To set an unloading device in action on the destination container.

To implement the invention, switching means are provided at the sorting station provided with which a label assigned to the destination container an electrical storage device can be given which the identifier via a saves such a period of time or such a number of steps that the letter has to cover the way from the sorting station to the destination container.

In this way it is achieved that the letter holder is very simple and in particular do not need any devices to find their destination. They are therefore all of the same design.

The invention is based on the drawings, which show an embodiment represent, described in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system for four Sorting stations with six storage devices; Figs. 2 to 7 show circuits of the Storage device and the switching device; 8 shows an overall circuit diagram the circuits of FIGS. 2 to 7; Fig. G shows a counting circuit and Fig. Io circuit arrangement for the interruption.

The sorting locations NO I, NO 2, NO 3 and NO4 are shown in FIG. Each sorting station has keys, by means of which an electrical identifier is displayed one of the memories RI to R 6 is transferred. These memories give the mark to one of the counting circuits I to roo.

The counting circuits in turn control each one of the selector CCi to CCIoo the container corresponding to the license plate, whereupon this in a a predetermined time actuated an electromagnet that discharges the straight brought up letter holder. The letters whose dimensions are within certain If there are limits, they are picked up individually and pneumatically and transferred to a conveyor chain whereupon they pass one of the sorting stations. This conveyor chain has a changing speed. It moves quickly at first, then more slowly to run when the letter is led past the sorting station.

The letters are brought onto the conveyor chain at regular intervals. Special devices can be provided to indicate to the sorter that a letter is brought by. This can be done, for example, by an acoustic Signal. The sorter does not need to pick up the letter, but rather reads only the destination, then three digits according to the destination using a keyboard to choose. This is best done by pressing briefly of buttons.

This facility is expediently carried out in such a way that there is no registration takes place and the memory remains switched on for the next actuation if the complete code is not sent. However, after switching the code number the keyboard will detach itself from the respective memory and move on to the next connect free memory.

To save the license plate, marker selectors are placed in the Counting circuits are provided, which determine the point in time by counting the steps in which the magnet of the container is excited.

In addition to the conveyor chain at the sorting station, there is another conveyor chain provided, from which the letters arrive in the letter holder or conveyed goods carrier.

It can now emerge that about the same body or from another of the four places letters are sent to the same container. This means, -that a number of counting circuits will adjust to the contacts that lead to the electromagnet of the container in question.

Since these points in time are obviously different, has each store contains information necessary for determining the correct point in time the arrival of the letter at the container is necessary and it will get this result in Pass on counting circuit, which then ensures that the electromagnet in the is excited at the right time.

The memory will then automatically disconnect itself from the counting circuit, as soon as this information is transmitted to the counting circuit, and then becomes the further recording free: When the storage is separated from the sorting station, a free memory connected to this.

In the following, the mode of operation of this Einridhtung is to be described will.

I. A free memory is connected to the keyboard. A free one Memory is characterized by the fact that earth is on the right Wiclçlufig of the relay Br (Fig. 3) is above the left break contact of relay B 1 r, Break contact of relay Z7sr, break contact of busy handle BJ, break contact of the relay Sbr, normal contact and arm a of the step switch, l, ITO (Fig. 2). These Earth can be connected to the battery via a contact of the button CPE (Fig. 5) and normally closed contact of the relay Ar must be connected via a resistor of 250 ohms.

As soon as the sorter takes its place, it puts the switch CPE and thereby energizes the relay Br of all free memories (it is assumed that that he has six memories at his disposal).

The relay Ar is now via the left working contact of the relay Br actuates while relay Br creates a holding circuit across its left winding.

At the same time it is in series with the left winding of the relay Br the relay B 1 r actuated to switch off the earth, which for the free Speidrr is characteristic.

Da: Relay Ar opens the circuit of all while it is activated right windings of the actuated relay Br. In this way, only one relay is left Br kept energized, namely the relay, which is now a holding circuit closed for himself. Because the memory is a successive prerogative this will always be the first free memory in the series.

The relay B 1 r directly becomes the relays Cc 1 r and Ccr (Fig. 5), which are connected in parallel. Connect these two relays the keyboard with the memory, namely with the memory relays Ur, Dr, Cr (Fig. 3), which are used to store the ones, tens and hundreds.

The rhythmic buzzing tone is heard by the sorter as long as like no free memory is turned on. The circuit for this tone runs from earth to the outer left break contact of the relay Lsr (Fig. 3), inner right NC contact of relay Sbr, right NO contact of relay Br, button contact CPE, buzzer BZ, battery.

As soon as all other relays Br the free memory which no prerogative have triggered and the preferred memory remains, the buzzer tone will sound switched off when the relay Lsr responds, which takes place during the time where the anchor of the rhythm contact (Fig. 3) is on the resting side, d. H. while the rest interval of the interrupter. As soon as the relay Lsr over its left winding is energized, the sorter is allowed to send out the code number.

The further explanation of the functions of the breakers II, TII, T12 and T13 will be done in a later section of the description.

During the time when no code has been sent, will this relay Lsr periodically during the closure of the breaker circuit II respond and trigger again while the breaker makes contact. Only after sending out a code will the relay Lsr be controlled by its right winding keep.

The sorter waits to send the code number until it receives the Destination of the letter has read which in front of him for a brief moment passes at a slow speed or at the speed o until the buzzer's rest interval begins.

2. The memory records the code at the moment of the idle interval of the buzzer, the relays Ccr and Cc 1 r (Fig. 5) energizes the various memory relays Ur, Dr and Cr (Fig. 3) with the keyboard connect using ten lines.

In the application shown, this keyboard consists of the ones ten separate keys, ten keys for tens and hundreds of three strips that extend along the ten keys. It is meanwhile it is apparent that this use of the keyboard is not a limitation. It it is not essential to press the keys in a predetermined sequence. the The main thing, however, is that at a certain moment all keys are simultaneously be operated.

For the hundreds, the relays will be Cr 1 or Cr (Fig. 3) or both Address relays together because it has been assumed above that only three hundred Containers are provided. In a case with a larger number of containers increase the number of relays Cr. For the first hundred, the relay will Cr 1 respond alone in a circuit from earth via key contact, external left working contact of relay Ccr, winding of relay Cri (Fig. 3), battery.

The tens are from the relays DrI, Dr2 (Fig. 3), Dr4 and Dr6 (Fig. 5) by means of four lines that lead from the normally open contacts of the relay Ccr. For the tens digit 3, the relays Dr I and Dr 2 are energized simultaneously while Similar combinations of these relays are effective for the remaining digits, which, however, do not need to be explained in detail.

The ones are controlled by the relays UrI, Kurz, Urq (Fig. 3) and Ur6 (Fig. 5) included. The actuation of these relays takes place in a similar way, so that z. B. for the ones digit 7, the relays Ur I and 6 clock are operated.

As soon as after pressing three keys together, meanwhile corresponding relays Cr, Dr and Ur are actuated, the ones key is triggered, the relay Lrr (Fig. 3) will respond in the following circuit: battery, winding z. B. the relay Ur4 and a left working contact of this relay, winding of the Relay Lrr, normally open contact of relay Lsr, one of the normally open contacts of the relays Dr I to Dr6, one of the normally open contacts of the relays Cr 1 or Cr2 to earth on the left break contact of relay Str (Fig. 2).

The relay Lsr holds on to the same earth and its second Winding.

About earth and the left working contact of the relay Lrr is then the slowly releasing relay Sdr respond to finally disconnect the buzzer tone BZ.

The relay Br can no longer remain energized, as can the relay Ar. All relays Br of the remaining free memories will now respond again, whereupon the first preferred memory with the keyboard in preparation for saving connected to a next code number.

3. The memory searches for a free counting circuit Wie has already been stated above, are a plurality of counting circuits, z. B. hundred, common to all memories of z. B. assigned to four sorting stations. A free counting circuit is characterized in that it has a free potential at the bank t of the finder CD in the memory has.

The circuit for this will be described later.

Now the relay Abr (Fig. 6) will respond via the outer right working contact of the relay Lsr (Fig. 3), right working contact of the relay Sbr, normal contact and arm å d viewfinder MDI (Fig., 4), break contact of the relay Abr (Fig. 6) and from there to earth via the interrupter contact MDI.

The relay Abr is held by its second left normally open contact.

The magnet of the viewfinder CD is energized via this relay Abr in one Circuit via the normally closed contact Acr (Fig. 6) and to earth via the normally closed contact of the Relay Tr, which is the test relay of the viewfinder. The test circuit extends from earth via the second right contact of the relay Abr, both windings of relay Tr in series with arm t.

Therefore, as soon as the free potential on this arm t during the Rotary movement of the arms is applied, the relay Tr respond, the double test relay Turn on Dtr (Fig. 6) and shut down the viewfinder, so that a free counting circuit connected to this memory.

The relay, Acr (Fig. 6) responds via relay Dtr and holds itself via its own normally open contact while the relay Tr is short-circuited and then triggers and then applies a direct earth to the arm t.

4. Transfer of the stored code digits to the marker dial MC, MD and MU of the memory As soon as the relay Abr (Fig. 6) is actuated, were the relays AcrI and Acrz (Fig. 2) via the outer right working contact (Fig. 6), normally closed contact of relay Di2 r (Fig. 5) ', arm b of MDI (Fig. 4), normal contact excited in bank b. The function of these relays is that of the meanwhile registered code digits on three marker selectors MC, MD (Fig. 4) and MU (Fig. 2) assigned to the hundreds, tens and ones. The relay Acr I actuates the relay Msr via earth, arm d of the stepper switch MA (Fig. 3), left outer normally open contact of relay Acr I (Fig. 2) and to the battery the winding of the relay Msr.

The relay Msr applies ground to the three A arms of the viewfinders MC, MD and MU.

The relay Msr connects the breaker SI (Fig. 3) via normally open contacts the relays Lrr and Msr with the counter relay pair Fir and Fir I (Fig. 3).

As soon as earth occurs at the breaker, the relayFirI will respond, so that the breaker to relay Spr (Fig. 3) via a normally open contact of Fir 1 (Fig. 3), a break contact from Syr (Fig. 2) and a break contact Mar (Fig. 5) is switched through.

The relay Spr follows the interrupter SI and initiates the three step selector MC, MD and MU to advance in this rhythm.

The relay Mur (Fig. 2) is connected to one of the contacts in the bank a of the selector MU connected via a normally open contact Acr I, normally closed contact of the relay Amr (Fig. 4), Klemn'e U (Fig. 2) and a combination of the relays Ur I, Zur2, Uhr 4 and Uhr6, which are operated according to the registered units digit, and then via a contact in bank a and arm to earth at the normally open contact des Relay Msr (Fig. 3). This therefore means that the relay Mur, when it is operated, the selector MU stops in a position that corresponds to the unit digits of the memory.

There is an analogic actuation for shutting down the selector MD (Fig. 4) instead, but this time via relay Mdr, which in combination with the electrical state of the relays DrI, Dr 2 and Drq and Dr 6 responds, which accordingly of the registered tens have been pressed.

Finally the selector MC is stopped by actuating the relay Mcr, which finds a circuit through a combination of the relays Cr 1 and Cr, the have been pressed in accordance with the hundreds digit.

It should be noted that for the first hundred of the voters MC in the. Normal position remains and thereby creates a reserve of a hundred ones over which information later in connection with the conversion to the division (scale) 11 is given. This division I I finds its origin in the fact that the Stepping mechanisms of the counting circuit each have eleven positions.

The circuit from earth via a normally closed contact of the relay Anr (Fig. 4) is now continued - via normally open contacts of the relays Mur (Fig. 2), Mdr and Mcr (Fig. 4), left outer normally open contact of relay Acr (Fig. 6), arm c of the selector MDI and normal contact (Fig. 4) W, the relay Di r (Fig. 5), battery.

In this circuit, the relay Dii r will respond and then the Energize the magnet of the stepping mechanism MDI (Fig. 5). In addition, the relay will Die respond and open the earthing circuit of the relays Ac 1 r and Ac 2 r (Fig. 2), which was extended over the arm b and the normal contact of the selector MDI. the Relays Acr I and Scr2 will therefore trip, as will relays Mur, Mdr and Mcr.

The circuit for relay Di 1 r is interrupted, but this one The relay remains energized to earth via the interrupter contact of the MDI switchgear. The switching mechanismMDI therefore advances its arms one step and then reaches position 2.

In position 2 and the following positions there are two functions instead, namely the setting of the selector CC of the occupied free counting circuit on the container of the destination of the letter and secondly the conversion of the registered number into one of the division 11. The first function will now be described.

5. The selector CC is set to the container of the destination The relay Pcr (Fig. 6) is operated between positions 2 and io of the selector MDI.

At the same time, the CC selector on the container is started to adjust. To avoid unnecessarily complicated description, this function later during the explanation of the function of the counting circuit described.

On the other hand, the calculation of the moment in which the Letter delivered in the container is held between positions 2 and Io.

The containers are in five groups of sixty consecutive along the chain Containers arranged which are separated by some of the path where the containers pass a turning point.

Moving the end of one group to the beginning of another Group therefore means a loss of time, which is carefully calculated must become. In order to determine the group to be considered, it is sufficient to know the hundreds and tens digits.

In position 2 earth is connected to arm c of selector MC (Fig. 4). This voter was either in the normal position in accordance with the hundreds digit for the first hundred or in position 2 or 3 for the other two hundred. The relay Dc 1 r (Fig. 4) is actuated for the first hundred, the relay Dc 2 r for the second hundred and relay Cc3r for the third hundred. In every hundred A distinction is now made between the first six tens and the four last tens, because in this way the first group of sixty is determined can be.

If the container belongs to the first group of earth, it will Relay G 1 r (Fig. 4) as well as the relay Kar address, and these two relays remain activated in series during the rest of the function.

The remaining forty in that first hundred initiate the actuation of the relay G 2 r also together with the relay Kar, which has the three relays GI r, G 2 r and G 3 r are common. The relay Dc2r becomes for the second hundred actuated.

The first two tens of that second hundred become obvious energize relay G 2 r just as well.

The six following tens in the second hundred form one part the third group and cause the actuation of the relay G 3 r.

The last two tens of the second hundred and the first four Tens of the third hundred belong to the fourth group.

The relays GIr and G2 r will respond collectively, as well like the relay Kar for the fourth group of sixty.

The relays G 1 r and G 3 r will respond for the fifth group.

Once the group under consideration is among the five groups of sixty has been determined and therefore the relay Kar is also energized, the selector becomes MDI moved to position 3, by energizing the relay Di I r, just as in the previous position.

If the received digits together form the number a b c and this Number has been converted into a number a 'b' c 'with respect to the division ii be shown that e.g. B. c = c + a + ii - b.

Accordingly: b '= b + 10 - 2a and finitely a = a-i.

First of all, the new ones digit will have two functions certainly. In position 3 of the step selector MDI, the relays Adr and Edr operated in series via earth, from arm b of the switching mechanism MDI, via the break contact of the Relay This and normally open contact of the relay Abr.

The relay Adr causes the relay Msr (Fig. 3) to be energized his left inner working contact and the normal position of the voter (this Selector MA always returns to the normal position when the relay Msr trips). That Relay Msr responds and in turn connects the breaker S I to the relay Spr via the counting relays Fir and Fir I.

The relay Spr follows the interrupter SI and switches the two Switching mechanisms MA and MU step by step via two working contacts. The relay Mar will now with one of the contacts 2, 3 or 4 of the voter's bank a Ma connected via the combination of those relays C 1 r and C 2 r, which are in accordance were operated with the registered hundred.

The relay Msr has applied a ground to arm a of the selector MA, and as soon as the voter has reached the position corresponding to the hundreds digit, the relay Mar is energized, with the result that the relay Spr from the breaker SI is separated and the voters MA and MU are shut down.

If in accordance with the value of the sum c + a of the voters his overflows the last position in the bank, the ten selector MD moves one step forwarded via a normally open contact of the relay only, which is operated via a ground and a normally open contact of the relay Spr (Fig. 3), normally closed contact of the relay Acr 2 (Fig.2), normally open contact of the relay Edr, arm b of the selector MU, position of this Voter.

The relay Mar conducts the selector MDI in when it is activated position 4. In this position 4 of the switching mechanism MDI, the relays Acr and Edr excited in series.

Now the complement of b is to be added with reference to II in order to to determine the value c '. For this it is necessary that the wires from the tens D 'to D'g are alternated with the contacts in bank b of the selector MA.

The same function takes place for adding the value a.

The relay Mar responds at the end of this function and moves the MDI selector to position 5.

In position 5, the value b 'is now determined.

As stated above, this was equal to b + 10 - 2a. The relay Afr responds and causes the relay Msr and also des to respond Relay Spr via the interrupter SI.

The voters MD and MA are now through the openings and closings shared by the breaker SI. This time relay Mar is via a normally open contact of relay Afr, normally closed contact of relay Ddr, the combination of relays Cri and Cr2 operated according to the registered hundred and bank a of the switching mechanism Ma.

The addition of the value 10 2 a is done by a special type of Connection C 'I, 2 or 3 with the contacts of bank a of the selector MA causes, whereby always 8, 6 or 4 are added for the first, second or third hundred respectively. The relay Mar responds again and moves the selector MDI to position 6.

There is no special function to determine the value a '= a-I instead, as stated above, deliberately one step less during the movement of the arms of the voter MC was made.

Since the numbers IOO for the three hundred containers for identification to 399 are provided which are stored in the memory, and this number is converted into a number on the scale of II, the consequence of which is that actually one hundred ones too many have been calculated in the memory. These hundred units must therefore be deducted; but of course it is impossible to use the highlight selector of the memory to move backwards for this purpose.

To make this subtraction possible, however, is a twelfth position has been added in the marker selector MC so that II2 = I2I one subtracted will. This subtraction of the ones comes about in this way, therefore, that each Group has withdrawn twenty-one units too many, which are therefore made up for.

In position 6 of the MD I selector, the additional steps which are required as a consequence of the turning points of the path, added as the twenty-one steps that must always be made up.

The number of additional steps depends on the design of the Chain off. The total number of steps to be added must be on the division of 11, and that number should be added. There in any If this number is much greater than 11, for practical reasons the tens and the single voter advanced separately. For this purpose, in position 6 the One-selector and in position 7 the ten-selector advanced.

The ones are added first of all. In position 6 responds to the relay Dur (Fig. 3) and actuates the relays Adr and Edr in series (Fig. 2). As stated above, the selectors MU and MA are turned on by the breaker SI advanced.

During the incremental movement of this voter, the relay becomes Mar connected to one of the contacts in bank a of the voter MA via a working contact of relay Adr, normally open contact of relay Dur, a combination of relays G1 r, G2 r and G 3 r and the cross distributor CPV.

Therefore, when the relay Mar is energized, the voters are shut down; but the rear derailleur MDI moves to position 7.

In control 7, the relay Dur is energized, which the excitation of the Relay Afr causes. The tens and the stepping mechanism are added in the same way MDI brought to position 8.

In positions 8 and 9, the voters MD and MC are each one Step forward when the previous voter is out of his normal position. This is done in order to achieve that the complement that is sent with reference to 10000 is, through the joint transfer of three separate complementary terms every voter can take a seat on IO.

This is actually happening at the 11th division because of the voters namely each have eleven positions.

In position 8 the relay Pur (Fig. 2) is activated. This relay puts earth on arm b of the selector MU and connects the relay Mur with all positions of bank b except for the normal position, since all these contacts are connected to one another.

Therefore, when the voter is out of the normal position, the relay will Only actuated, which advances the selector MD by one step. About a other normally open contact of the relay only, the selector MDI is set to position g In this position g the relay Rdr (Fig. 4) is energized. There will be earth on the arm b of the selector MD is applied, and all positions of bank b with the exception of the normal position are connected to the magnets of the selector MC, which means that this selector is advanced by one step each time the selector MD is not in its normal position.

At the same time, the MDI selector moves to the IO in position in an analogous manner to that described above.

Position 10 is a waiting position, in which one waits, bis'der CC selector of the counting circuit in the position of the container of the destination has arrived.

When the relay Pkr (Fig. 6) is energized, i. H. that the voter at the container has arrived, the selector MDI moves to position 11. In position II of the voter MDI are the three complements with reference to 11 simultaneously of the three selectors MU, MD and MC to the three marker selectors in the counting circuit MDU, MDD and MDC (Fig. G) sent. In position 11 the relays Amr and Anr (Fig. 4) energized in parallel via arm b of the selector MDI as well as the relay Acr I and Acr 2 (Fig. 2).

The relay Ecr (Fig. 4) will also respond in this position via the arm d of the switching mechanism MDI and a normally open contact of the relay Acr.

The result is that the relay Msr responds and the breaker SI via the counter relays Fir I and Fir with the relays connected in parallel Spr (Fig. 3) and Spr I (Fig. 5) connects. Via a normally open contact of the relay Spr and a normally closed contact of the relay Mcr (Fig. 4), the selector MC is stopped. Via a normally open contact of the relay Spr I, a normally closed contact of the relay Mcr and a normally open contact of the relay Ecr, which has now been excited, are now pulses via the wire d, left outer working contact of the relay Mp I r in the counting circuit (Fig. 9), right inner normally closed contact of the relay Tsr on the magnet of the switching mechanism MDC (Fig. G) sent.

The relay Mcr is via a normally open contact of the relay Acrz and a normally open contact of the relay Arnr with the normal position of bank a of the selector MC connected. The earth is with arm a of the same selector via a normally open contact of the relay Msr connected, and the relay Mcr will respond as soon as the selector MC has reached its normal position. Sending pulses to the MDC voter in the counting circuit stops at the same time because the magnet MDS is excited and its normally closed contact opens.

At the same time, the selector MD (Fig. 4) returns to its normal position back and then transmits impulses according to the complement of the arm position the selector MDD (Fig. g) in the counting circuit via wire c, left inner working contact of the relay Mp I r to the magnet MDD.

The voter MU (Fig. 2) is then also returned to its normal position, so that in the counting circuit the switching mechanism MDU (Fig.g) through a number of steps is advanced, which form the complement of the arm position of the voter MU.

MDI found another function in position II of the voter instead, namely the specification of the group of hundreds to which the container of the destination heard. Namely, the selector CC (Fig. G) in the counting circuit has only one hundred Contacts in each bank, leaving a choice within one of the three arms of this Vote must be made.

In addition, information should be sent from the memory to the counting circuit can be given via which predetermined interrupters the counting takes place got to.

The selector NIN (Fig. G) has nine positions which are used, and over each of these positions it is indicated over which interrupters the count takes place and in which hundred bank the actuation of the magnet of the desired Container finally has to take place.

The selector MA (Fig. 3) is a normally open contact of the relay Spr, normally closed contact of relay Mar, normally open contact of relay Anr and normally open contact of the relay Msr stopped by means of the relay Matr.

At the same time, the impulses are transmitted via wire a via a normally open contact of relay Spr I, normally closed contact of relay Mar and normally open contact of relay Ecr. These pulses, which come from the interrupter SI, are applied to the selector MIN (Fig. G) in the counting circuit.

During the step-by-step movement, the relay Mar (Fig. 5) is with connected to terminal K (Fig. 2) via a normally open contact of relay Anr (Fig. 4), which subsequently has one of the first nine positions of bank c of voter MA via one of the normally open contacts of the relays Ti I r, Ti 2 r or Ti3 r, via one of the three combinations of wires c, or c "leading to the relays Cr I, Cr z, Car I or Car2 (Fig. 3) lead, is connected.

The earth is connected to arm c of the selector MA via a normally open contact of the relay ar and a normally open contact of the relay Msr.

The switchgear MA is shut down as soon as the relay Mar responds; the transmission of the pulses to the MIN selector of the counting circuit is thereby completed.

The MIN voter is corresponding to one of its nine positions the breaker TI, TI 2 or TI 3 and the desired bank of hundreds.

When the four relays Mar, Mur, Mdr and Mcr are operated, the Selector MDI moved to position 12 in the aforementioned circuit.

At the moment when the sorter finds the destination in the store has saved, the letter already begins its movement, and there the counting circuit the converted information for the destination at a later moment he- holds, this means that the letter has meanwhile been a number has been advanced by steps which can be deducted from one's information which are taken possession of by the counting circuit. This number of steps which is to be deducted must therefore be taken into account.

For this purpose, the memory comprises a selector MTO (FIG. 2) which is used to catch up on these steps, and this stepping mechanism must therefore know where the letter is at a particular moment. To this end, will the selector MTO in the rhythm of one of the breakers TI 1, TI2 or TI 3 in the The instant in which the destination was registered. the Time that the memory needs to perform this calculation and the result Signaling on the counting circuit corresponds to approximately eleven steps of the in Considerable breaker.

These eleven steps are always counted and before that from the number 2I deducted, which in en positions 6 and 7 of the MDI selectors MU and MD will be added. The number 2I that is added therefore becomes IO.

6. The way in which the counting circuit matches the location of the letter is synchronized As soon as the selector MTO has made eleven steps, the relay Cdr (Fig. 3) via arm a of the selector MTO in position 11 (Fig. 2) and make contact of the relay Sb 1 r (Fig. 3) energized. This relay Cdr stays above its own Normally open contact and the same normally open contact of the relay Sb 1 r operated.

In position I2 of selector MDI (Fig. 4) the relay Syr (Fig. 2) actuated via a normally open contact of the relay Cdr. The Syr relay initiates the Excitation of the relay Msr via the normal contact of the bank d of the switching mechanism MS, and the interrupter SI is connected to the winding of the relay Ssr (Fig. 2) via the counting relay Fir and Fir 1 (Fig. 3), normally open contact of relay Syr, normally closed contact of relay Str and normally closed contact of the relay Sar connected. The relay Ssr follows the breaker SI, the switching mechanism MU switches forwards step by step and also sends the same Pulses via wire b to relay IDr (Fig. 9) in the counting circuit. This Relay Idr switches the selector MDU forwards at the same time; this movement of the Voters MU and MDU not only continues until the letter is accepted, but also until the voter MU has advanced one step further. Both voters MU and MDU are shut down.

As soon as the slow interrupter TI I, T I 2 or TI3 its next When the contacting position is reached, the control circuit receives the signal to now make a To begin counting function, so this one step through this must be taken into account is.

This function is carried out in the following way: The contacts in banks d the voters MTO and MU are connected in such a way that the position I of the selector MTO is connected to the position 2 of the selector MU and immediately.

On the other hand, there are equal positions in banks c of these voters so connected that the position I of the selector MTO with the position I of the selector MU is connected.

The movement of the selector MU is ended as soon as it has the position reached, which corresponds to the already assumed position of arm d of the selector MTO. The relay Sar is then actuated, and the movements of the selector MU in the memory and MDU in the counting circuit (Fig. g) stop.

The next step taken by the selector MTO under the control of the breaker TI 1, TI2 or TI 3 is taken, has the consequence that the relay Sbr in the circuit earth, normally open contact of the relay Sar, arm c of the selector MU, Arm c of selector MTO, winding of relay Str responds.

This relay Str connects earth to wire d and arm d of the viewfinder selector CD (Fig. 6), with the result that the relay Esr (Fig. G) in the counting circuit responds and then begins to count the counting circuit. The relay also triggers Str immediately off the memory because all relays in it are de-energized.

The store can then immediately go through the same sorting station again be put into use.

7. Function of the interrupters TII, TI2, TI3 As stated above an individual conveyor chain is passed in front of each sorting station, on which letters are collected 24 "apart. These chains move moving at the same speed as the common chain that the letters are across the containers. The mutual distance between the letter holders this common chain is equal to 6 ". As a result, the letter holder I, 5, 9 etc. only collect letters from one and the same sorting station No. I. Similar the letter holder 2, 6, IO etc. from the sorting station 2 and 3, 7, II etc. from the sorting station 3 and 4, 8, 12, etc. from sorting station No. 4. The bins are adjacent to each other and have a length of 9 ". On the common chain, therefore, the count is through Steps of g "are performed. The path that goes from the sorting station to the first Container runs is equal to a multiple of 9 ".

In front of the same sorting station, the letter holders are spaced of 24 ', but this distance is not a multiple of 9 ".

It is sufficient to use three breakers TI 1, TI 2 and TI3, which close and open at intervals of g ", while their phase difference is the same 3 "is.

If a certain letter is on the common chain at the moment is delivered, in which z. B. the breaker TII has opened, then this breaker after 24 "obviously- lich closed, and a next letter that is picked up by the same sorting station becomes obvious use a different breaker.

Since, as stated above, the distance from a sorting station to the first container is equal to a multiple of g ", the first letter, which it was assumed that the breaker TI I was used, the same Use the breaker throughout its movement.

The second letter uses the same sorting station in the same way another breaker and the third letter becomes another breaker again use.

The fourth letter from the same sorting station becomes the same again Use breakers like the first letter.

The first letter from the second sorting station uses a breaker, which is shifted 3 "from the breaker caused by the first letter from the first sorting station is used.

All four sorting stations therefore share the same three interrupters TI I, TI2 and TI 3.

The breaker closes in a rhythm of 24 ", namely in the moment when one of the interrupters TI I, TI 2 and TI 3 is open.

These last three breakers open everyone, although suspended, for about I40 ms and close for 180 mm (these 320 ms correspond approximately to 9 "). The interrupter 11 closes for 80 ms and opens for 773 ms (853 ms = 24 ").

It follows, therefore, that these interrupters produce the rhythm with which all time groups of letter holders that increase by the number 4, d. H. I, 5, 9, I3, etc., arrive together at the individual magnets for the containers.

8. The memory selects the relevant interrupter TI I, TI 2 or TI 3 As soon as contact 11 closes, the relay Tgr (Fig. 3) speaks over NC contacts of the relays Til r, Ti2r and W3r in series.

The relay Tgr connects the normally closed contacts of the three interrupter relays Apr, Bpr and Cpr with the windings of the relays Ti I r, Ti2 r and Tier.

At the moment when the relay Tgr responds and after the selection, which determines the function of the breaker can only be one of these three breakers be at rest. This breaker connects a ground to the winding of its corresponding Relay, e.g. B. when the breaker TI 1 is at rest, the relay Ti 1 r is energized.

This latter relay remains activated via its own normally open contact and a normally open contact sb 1 r and triggers the relay Tdr.

The normally open contact remains via a normally open contact of the relay Ti I r of relay Apr connected to the solenoid of selector MTO.

As already explained above, the relay Ti Ir is used to indicate to the counting circuit which breaker is used to control the magnet of the container is in use.

In Fig. IO the slow breakers TI I, TI2, TI3 and II are shown, which control the relays TiIr, Ti2r, Ti3r and IIr. To get the necessary variety of To get contacts, the relay Til r z. B. the relays Ar 1 -fl and Apr 1 -n control etc. A changeover contact leads from relay Apr to each memory and in the same way to these from the relays Bpr and Cpr. The changeover contacts are shown in Fig. 3 for Apr and Bpr and in Fig. 5 for Cpr.

These contacts open and close in the rhythm of the breaker.

9. Function of the counting circuit (Fig. G) A free counting circuit is characterized by a free potential of 48 volts that via a resistor of 270 ohms is connected to wire t.

If a memory selects a free counting circuit, this will be RelayFSwr operated in series with the test relay Tr in the memory. The relay Fwr now connects the selector CC immediately with the wire a.

By means of the three lines, which on the one hand have groups of contacts are connected in the bank d of the selector CC and on the other hand via normally closed contacts of the Relay Mp 1 r lead, the selector CC is brought from the memory into the position, which corresponds to the container of the destination.

The setting of the selector CC takes place during positions 2 to IO (including) the selector MWI in the memory in which the relay Pcr (Fig. 6) is constantly excited.

In position II of the selector MDI, the relay Ecr responds, and it will have a resistor. of 2800 ohms and one arm of the viewfinder CD now an earth is applied to wire e of the metering current circuit.

The relay Mpr in the mentioned counting circuit responds and energizes the relay Mp I r.

The relay pcr in the memory is triggered, and the selector MDU, MDD, MDC and MIN of the counting circuit are connected to wires b, c, d and a via the Arms b, c, d and a of the viewfinder CD are connected in the memory circuit.

As already described above for the function of the memory is, the four voters are now brought together in a position that the complement the positions of the voters MU, MD and MC and the real position of the voter MA.

In position I2 of selector MD I, relay Ts 1 r is now through Short-circuit of the resistance of 2800 ohms in the memory (at relay Ecr) actuated.

The relay Tsr is energized via a normally open contact of the relay Ts 1 r.

When relay Tsr is triggered, wire b is connected to a normally closed contact of relay Esr is connected to the winding of relay Idr, and wire d is connected to connected to the winding of the relay Esr.

The extra steps taken from the memory on the vein b) are recorded by the voter MDU. Every time the voter is MDU outside of its position II is located, becomes a step added for the voter MDD; and every time the voter MDD in his positionII reaches position II at the same time as the MDU selector, is a step again added for the voter MDC.

As soon as the memory has transmitted all of its signals, a Earth is applied to wire 'd, which actuates relay Esr.' It is to be noted that the relay Tsr remains actuated via a contact of the relay Esr and that the Relay Idr now with one of the switches TI I, TI 2 or TI 3 over the arm c of the MIN selector is connected. There is a normally open contact for each counting circuit for the relays Ar 1 - fl.

The relay Idr now follows the interruptions of the occupied breaker.

Relay Idr is activated each time the breaker closes and the selector MDU advanced by one step.

This actuation continues until all three selectors MDU, MDD and MDC have reached their position II. As soon as this occurs, an earth will be over a normally open contact of the relay Idr, arm b of the selector MDU, terminal II of this bank b, arm c and bank contact II of the voter MDD, arm d and bank contact II of the voter MDC and finally arm d of selector MIN to arms a, b or c of selector CC given to the magnet of the container of the destination.

This earth remains connected to-the-magnet for 180 ms, and during this time this letter is triggered over the container. After these I80 ms is another step through the solution of the magnets of the electors MDÜ, MDD and MDC done while also the relay Esr will trigger what the disconcertion of everyone caused another relay.

As a result, the selectors MDU, MDD and MDC in this counting circuit returned to their normal position, while the voter MIN also returns to the rest position.

At this moment the counting circuit is triggered.

PATENT CLAIM: I. Sorting device for letters or similar objects, in the case of the letters by means of letter holders, which are at least almost equally spaced on conveyor systems, e.g. B. conveyor belts or chains are arranged and'an one Row of stationary letter containers led along and according to the destination of the letter are each unloaded into one of these containers, this unloading from a sorting station, where all letters are passed, by means of a electrical label is triggered, characterized in that the time or the number of steps that each letter takes from the sorting station to its destination container needed to be saved as a flag to after this time or step count an unloading device by means of the stored identifier on the destination container put into action.

Claims (1)

2. Sorting device according to claim I, characterized in that Switching means are provided at the sorting station, with which the destination container assigned identifier are given to an electrical storage device that the identifier saves such a period of time or such a number of steps, which the letter to cover the way from the sorting station to the destination container needed. 3. Sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that the sorting station has keys, by means of which an electrical label is displayed one of several memories is transferred, which this indicator on a counting circuit passes on, who in turn uses a selector to select the container corresponding to the identifier controls and actuates an electromagnet at a predetermined point in time, which causes the unloading of the letter holder that has just been brought up. 4. Sorting device according to claims I to 3, characterized in that that marker selector is provided for storing the identifier in the counting circuits are, which by counting the steps determine the point in time at which the Magnet of the container is energized. 5. Sorting device according to claims I to 4, characterized through a conveyor chain, the letters or the conveyed goods to the sorting station and äuf another conveyor chain promotes, from which it in the letter holder or conveyed goods carrier reach. 6. Sorting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that a plurality of sorting locations are provided and that each of the storage means is connected to several counting circuits, each of which in turn is connected to a Electromagnet of each of the containers can be connected. 7. Sorting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that each storage means has a viewfinder with the counting circuits connected to the magnet of the container of the destination by the controller of a selector that belongs to this counting circuit. 8. Sorting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the storage means has a pulse generator associated with the respective Counting circuit is connected, in turn on the electromagnet of the destination container acts. 9. Sorting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that a system for rhythmic, acoustic signals at the sorting station is provided with which during the periodic acoustic signal a memory is switched on and the identification during the idle interval of the signal takes place. 10. Sorting device according to claim 8, characterized in that several marker selectors (MDC, MDD, MDU) are provided through which the identifier is transmitted, and that the storage means are such that upon receipt of the license plate, the sorting station is automatically switched off and then transferred to a another memory is switched on.