EP0761322B1 - Method and device for sorting postal items using buffer receptacles at sorting outputs - Google Patents

Method and device for sorting postal items using buffer receptacles at sorting outputs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0761322B1
EP0761322B1 EP96401899A EP96401899A EP0761322B1 EP 0761322 B1 EP0761322 B1 EP 0761322B1 EP 96401899 A EP96401899 A EP 96401899A EP 96401899 A EP96401899 A EP 96401899A EP 0761322 B1 EP0761322 B1 EP 0761322B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sorting
receptacle
objects
temporary storage
receptacles
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP96401899A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0761322A1 (en
Inventor
Patrick Hours
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Solystic SAS
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Mannesmann Dematic Postal Automation SA
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Publication of EP0761322A1 publication Critical patent/EP0761322A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B07C3/02—Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • B07C3/06—Linear sorting machines in which articles are removed from a stream at selected points
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B07C3/008—Means for collecting objects, e.g. containers for sorted mail items
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S209/00—Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
    • Y10S209/90—Sorting flat-type mail
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S209/00—Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
    • Y10S209/911—Feed means supporting or guiding item moving under influence of gravity

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for sorting objects, comprising a conveyor which directs the objects to be sorted towards sorting receptacles associated with sorting outlets sorting and where the sorted objects are stored.
  • Such a device is intended more particularly for sorting flat objects like mail items like envelopes or the like.
  • a device of the kind indicated above is known from patent document EP-339337.
  • receptacles are provided which temporarily store the objects before they are discharged into the sorting outlet receptacles but these buffer receptacles serve to align each object before it is unloaded into a sorting outlet receptacle and not to manage a sorting plan change situation.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy this disadvantage.
  • the device for sorting objects comprises feeding means for sending objects to be sorted in series on a conveyor which directs the objects to be sorted to associated sorting outlet receptacles. to corresponding sorting outlets and where the sorted objects are stored, a buffer receptacle being provided at each sorting outlet for temporarily storing sorted objects and releasing these objects on command in the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle, each buffer receptacle a sorting outlet comprising a retractable bottom and being disposed directly above the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle, characterized in that it further comprises processing means for recovering, for each object sent to the conveyor, indicative information of a dimension of this object and information indicative of the sorting outlet to which the object must be sent, supervision means for monitoring waking up the filling level of the sorting outlet receptacles and the buffer receptacles from information recovered by the processing means and for controlling the opening or closing of the retractable bottom of each buffer receptacle according to the fill
  • the invention extends to a method for sorting objects using such a device, according to which the receptacles buffer are normally open or normally closed.
  • each sorted object delivered on an output of sort passes through the buffer receptacle of this outlet sorting without being stored there except when the output receptacle sorting bin must be replaced with a receptacle empty.
  • a certain quantity of objects sorted is first temporarily stored in each buffer receptacle before being transferred to a receptacle corresponding sort output.
  • Figure 1 shows schematically a mail item sorting device according to the invention which includes sorting outlets and buffer receptacles.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show in more detail the arrangement of sorting outlet receptacles and buffer receptacles during device operation according to the invention.
  • the device for sorting articles of mail includes a conveyor 1 which automatically directs mail items to sort such as 2 to outlets sorting.
  • the conveyor consists of an endless chain carrying a series of buckets 3 which circulate in a loop and in a certain direction of advance indicated by arrows 4.
  • Each scoop carries a single item of mail and is fed at an entrance to the conveyor where is placed a power supply unit such as 5.
  • a power supply unit such as 5.
  • three power units 5 are shown.
  • Each unit feeder 5 usually includes a destacker automatic capable of distinguishing a stack of articles from mail 6 waiting in front of the corresponding entrance of conveyor.
  • a sorting outlet receptacle 7 is associated with each sorting outlet.
  • a device for sorting articles of mail includes dozens of such outlets from sorting and therefore corresponding receptacles 7 arranged along of the conveyor, here on both sides of the loop.
  • each supply unit 5 it is provided an equipment 8 to read a sorting address on each individualized mail item at the entrance to the conveyor. Reading is performed by recognition automatic character or barcode for example.
  • a sorting outlet and therefore a sorting outlet receptacle 7 is assigned to each sorting address and a system of supervision 9, of the microcomputer type, is connected to equipment 8 and controls the conveyor 1 and the buckets 3 of so that each well 3 containing a mail item, free this mail item at the sorting exit level corresponding to the sorting address retrieved for this article mail so that this mail item is stored in the sorting outlet receptacle corresponding to said sorting outlet.
  • each power unit 5 equipment 10 for measuring the thickness of each mail item sent to the conveyor.
  • Such thickness measuring equipment is classic in itself.
  • the supervision system 9 is connected to the equipment 10 for monitoring, predictively if necessary, the filling level of the receptacles sorting outlet 7 by counting the thicknesses of mail items stored in each receptacle of sorting outlet.
  • FIG. 2 we see in schematic section along II-II in Figure 1, the conveyor 1 with two buckets 3 located respectively on both sides of the loop and containing each a mail item 2 presented in the form of a envelope.
  • These two buckets 3 are each positioned at level of a sorting outlet and overhang respectively two sorting outlet receptacles 7 each corresponding to a sorting outlet and where mail items sorted 2 are stored.
  • Each receptacle 7 is for example normally placed on a base (not shown) to be removed and replaced (possibly automatically) by a another receptacle 7 ', in particular an empty receptacle.
  • a buffer receptacle 11 is provided at each sorting outlet. These buffer tanks (11) are mounted on a structure supporting the conveyor 1 and the bases for receptacles 7. In FIG. 2, each receptacle buffer 11 is placed under a bucket 3 and above a sorting outlet receptacle 7. Each buffer receptacle 11 is able to store at least temporarily a certain quantity of mail items delivered on exit from sort at the level of which it is placed. It has a background 12 retractable, for example a hinged bottom in two parts each movable around an axis, capable of being closed for storage as indicated above and as visible at right in Figure 2 or open to release items mail in the sorting outlet receptacle 7 corresponding as visible on the left in figure 2.
  • a background 12 retractable for example a hinged bottom in two parts each movable around an axis, capable of being closed for storage as indicated above and as visible at right in Figure 2 or open to release items mail in the sorting outlet receptacle 7 corresponding as visible on the left
  • each buffer receptacle 11 is arranged directly above the sorting outlet receptacle 7 corresponding to way that the transfer of mail items from the tank buffer to the corresponding sorting outlet tank is do under the action of gravity which contributes to simplify the arrangement of the conveyor.
  • the supervision system 9 is programmed to monitor the filling level of each receptacle buffer 11 from the information provided by the equipment 8 and 10.
  • the buffer receptacles 11 are maintained by the supervision system in a position normally closed as shown on the right in Figure 2.
  • Mail items directed to a sorting outlet are first temporarily stored in the buffer receptacle of this sorting out.
  • the supervision system on detection of a filling level of the buffer receptacle in question close to saturation, command the opening of the bottom of the buffer receptacle to release the articles from mail temporarily stored for forwarding to the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle as shown in left in Figure 2.
  • each sorting outlet receptacle 7 full of mail items can be replaced with a empty receptacle 7 'while the buffer receptacle 11 the filling point without the flow rate of the sorting is affected.
  • the system 9 is programmed to monitor the level of filling each sorting outlet receptacle 7 from information provided by equipment 8 and 10.
  • the buffer receptacles 11 are maintained by the system of supervision in a normally open position like shown on the left in Figure 3. Mail items directed to a sorting outlet therefore passes through the receptacle buffer of this sort output without being stored there.
  • the supervision system when it detects that a receptacle sorting outlet reaches a filling level close to saturation, controls the closing of the bottom 12 of the corresponding buffer receptacle so that the articles mail sent to this sorting outlet be stored temporarily in the buffer receptacle as shown in right in Figure 3.
  • the sorting outlet receptacle 7 corresponding full of articles of mail is replaced by an empty 7 'receptacle without the conveyor flow is reduced.
  • the arrangement of the sorting device for mail with buffer receptacles 11 allows you to change sorting plan without stopping the conveyor operation or decrease its flow. For this is enough for the supervision system to command opening or closing the buffer receptacles 11 of way that the last items of a current sorting plan are stored directly in the outlet receptacles of sort 11 and that the first mail items of the plan next sort are stored in the buffer receptacles 11. A after the first sorting plan, the exit receptacles tri 7 are replaced by empty receptacles and the buffer receptacles are then discharged into these empty receptacles.

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  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)

Description

L'invention porte sur un dispositif de tri d'objets, comprenant un convoyeur qui dirige les objets à trier vers des réceptacles de sortie de tri associés à des sorties de tri correspondantes et où les objets triés sont stockés.The invention relates to a device for sorting objects, comprising a conveyor which directs the objects to be sorted towards sorting receptacles associated with sorting outlets sorting and where the sorted objects are stored.

Un tel dispositif est destiné plus particulièrement au tri d'objets plats comme les articles de courrier du genre enveloppes ou analogues.Such a device is intended more particularly for sorting flat objects like mail items like envelopes or the like.

Avec un dispositif de tri d'articles de courrier du genre indiqué ci-dessus, lorsqu'un réceptacle de sortie de tri est plein, il convient de ne pas diriger temporairement les articles de courrier à trier vers la sortie de tri correspondante à ce réceptacle pendant le temps nécessaire à l'enlèvement du réceptacle plein et à la mise en place d'un réceptacle vide. Pendant ce temps, un certain nombre d'articles de courrier à trier, devant être dirigés vers cette sortie de tri, sont recyclés sur le convoyeur. Il en résulte une diminution non négligeable du débit du dispositif de tri, voire une saturation temporaire de celui-ci si le nombre d'articles de courrier recyclés devient trop important. Cette situation est encore plus critique au passage d'un plan de tri à un autre plan de tri car dans cette situation, c'est tous les réceptacles de sortie de tri qui doivent être remplacés par des réceptacles vides. Il est rappelé qu'un plan de tri correspond à une affectation précise des sorties de tri du convoyeur à des adresses de tri des articles de courrier. Il en résulte alors une indisponibilité de l'ensemble des sorties de tri du convoyeur pendant le temps nécessaire au remplacement de l'ensemble des réceptacles de sortie de tri.With a sorting device for mail items from above, when an outlet receptacle sorting is full, do not temporarily steer mail items to be sorted to the sorting outlet corresponding to this receptacle for the time necessary to the removal of the full receptacle and the placement of a empty receptacle. Meanwhile a number mail items to be sorted, to be directed to this sorting outlet is recycled on the conveyor. It results in a significant reduction in the flow of the sorting device, or even temporary saturation thereof if the number of recycled mail items becomes too high important. This situation is even more critical in switching from one sorting plan to another sorting plan because in this situation is all sorting output receptacles which must be replaced by empty receptacles. It is reminded that a sorting plan corresponds to an assignment specifies sorting outlets of the conveyor at addresses of sorting mail items. This then results in a unavailability of all sorting outlets of the conveyor for the time necessary to replace all sorting outlet receptacles.

Un dispositif du genre indiqué ci-dessus est connu du document de brevet EP-339337. Dans ce dispositif, il est prévu des réceptacles qui stockent temporairement les objets avant qu'ils soient déchargés dans les réceptacles de sortie de tri mais ces réceptacles tampon servent à aligner chaque objet avant qu'il soit déchargé dans un réceptacle de sortie de tri et non pas à gérer une situation de changement de plan de tri.A device of the kind indicated above is known from patent document EP-339337. In this device, receptacles are provided which temporarily store the objects before they are discharged into the sorting outlet receptacles but these buffer receptacles serve to align each object before it is unloaded into a sorting outlet receptacle and not to manage a sorting plan change situation.

Le but de l'invention est de remédier à cet inconvénient.The object of the invention is to remedy this disadvantage.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif de tri d'objets, notamment des articles de courrier, comprend des moyens d'alimentation pour envoyer en série des objets à trier sur un convoyeur qui dirige les objets à trier vers des réceptacles de sortie de tri associés à des sorties de tri correspondantes et où les objets triés sont stockés, un réceptacle tampon étant prévu à chaque sortie de tri pour stocker temporairement des objets triés et libérer sur commande ces objets dans le réceptacle de sortie de tri correspondant, chaque réceptacle tampon d'une sortie de tri comprenant un fond escamotable et étant disposé à l'aplomb du réceptacle de sortie de tri correspondant, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre des moyens de traitement pour récupérer, pour chaque objet envoyé sur le convoyeur, une information indicative d'une dimension de cet objet et une information indicative de la sortie de tri vers laquelle l'objet doit être envoyé, des moyens de supervision pour surveiller le niveau de remplissage des réceptacles de sortie de tri et des réceptacles tampon à partir des informations récupérées par les moyens de traitement et pour commander l'ouverture ou la fermeture du fond escamotable de chaque réceptacle tampon suivant le niveau de remplissage dudit réceptacle tampon ou du réceptacle de sortie de tri correspondant. According to the invention, the device for sorting objects, in particular mail items, comprises feeding means for sending objects to be sorted in series on a conveyor which directs the objects to be sorted to associated sorting outlet receptacles. to corresponding sorting outlets and where the sorted objects are stored, a buffer receptacle being provided at each sorting outlet for temporarily storing sorted objects and releasing these objects on command in the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle, each buffer receptacle a sorting outlet comprising a retractable bottom and being disposed directly above the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle, characterized in that it further comprises processing means for recovering, for each object sent to the conveyor, indicative information of a dimension of this object and information indicative of the sorting outlet to which the object must be sent, supervision means for monitoring waking up the filling level of the sorting outlet receptacles and the buffer receptacles from information recovered by the processing means and for controlling the opening or closing of the retractable bottom of each buffer receptacle according to the filling level of said buffer receptacle or of the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle.

L'invention s'étend à un procédé pour trier des objets à l'aide d'un tel dispositif, selon lequel les réceptacles tampon sont normalement ouverts ou normalement fermés. Dans le premier cas, chaque objet trié délivré sur une sortie de tri transite à travers le réceptacle tampon de cette sortie de tri sans y être stocké sauf quand le réceptacle de sortie de tri correspondant doit être remplacé par un réceptacle vide. Dans le second cas, une certaine quantité d'objets triés est d'abord stockée temporairement dans chaque réceptacle tampon avant d'être transférée vers un réceptacle de sortie de tri correspondant. On obtient de la sorte une meilleure qualité de rangement des objets dans les réceptacles de sortie de tri, notamment quand il s'agit d'objets plats comme des articles de courrier, du fait qu'ils sont transférés en pile.The invention extends to a method for sorting objects using such a device, according to which the receptacles buffer are normally open or normally closed. In the first case, each sorted object delivered on an output of sort passes through the buffer receptacle of this outlet sorting without being stored there except when the output receptacle sorting bin must be replaced with a receptacle empty. In the second case, a certain quantity of objects sorted is first temporarily stored in each buffer receptacle before being transferred to a receptacle corresponding sort output. We thus obtain a better quality of storage of objects in sorting outlet receptacles, especially when it comes to flat objects such as mail items, due to that they are transferred to the stack.

Un exemple de réalisation de l'invention est décrit plus en détail ci-après.An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below.

La figure 1 montre sous forme schématique un dispositif de tri d'articles de courrier selon l'invention qui comprend des réceptacles de sortie de tri et des réceptacles tampon.Figure 1 shows schematically a mail item sorting device according to the invention which includes sorting outlets and buffer receptacles.

Les figures 2 et 3 montrent plus en détail l'agencement des réceptacles de sortie de tri et des réceptacles tampon pendant le fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention.Figures 2 and 3 show in more detail the arrangement of sorting outlet receptacles and buffer receptacles during device operation according to the invention.

Figure 1, le dispositif pour trier des articles de courrier comprend un convoyeur 1 qui dirige automatiquement des articles de courrier à trier tels que 2 vers des sorties de tri.Figure 1, the device for sorting articles of mail includes a conveyor 1 which automatically directs mail items to sort such as 2 to outlets sorting.

Le convoyeur est constitué d'une chaíne sans fin portant une série de godets 3 qui circulent suivant une boucle et selon une certaine direction d'avance indiquée par les flèches 4.The conveyor consists of an endless chain carrying a series of buckets 3 which circulate in a loop and in a certain direction of advance indicated by arrows 4.

Chaque godet transporte un seul article de courrier et est alimenté au niveau d'une entrée du convoyeur où est placée une unité d'alimentation tel que 5. Sur la figure 1, on a représenté trois unités d'alimentation 5. Chaque unité d'alimentation 5 comprend généralement un dépileur automatique apte à singulariser une pile d'articles de courrier 6 en attente devant l'entrée correspondante du convoyeur.Each scoop carries a single item of mail and is fed at an entrance to the conveyor where is placed a power supply unit such as 5. In Figure 1, three power units 5 are shown. Each unit feeder 5 usually includes a destacker automatic capable of distinguishing a stack of articles from mail 6 waiting in front of the corresponding entrance of conveyor.

Un réceptacle de sortie de tri 7 est associé à chaque sortie de tri. Sur la figure 1, on voit une pluralité de tels réceptacles de sortie. Un dispositif de tri d'articles de courrier comprend plusieurs dizaines de telles sorties de tri et donc de réceptacles 7 correspondant disposés le long du convoyeur, ici des deux côtés de la boucle.A sorting outlet receptacle 7 is associated with each sorting outlet. In Figure 1, we see a plurality of such output receptacles. A device for sorting articles of mail includes dozens of such outlets from sorting and therefore corresponding receptacles 7 arranged along of the conveyor, here on both sides of the loop.

Au niveau de chaque unité d'alimentation 5, il est prévu un équipement 8 pour lire une adresse de tri sur chaque article de courrier singularisé à l'entrée du convoyeur. La lecture est réalisée par reconnaissance automatique de caractères ou de codes à barres par exemple. Une sortie de tri et donc un réceptacle de sortie de tri 7 est affecté à chaque adresse de tri et un système de supervision 9, du type micro-ordinateur, est connecté à l'équipement 8 et commande le convoyeur 1 et les godets 3 de manière que chaque godet 3 contenant un article de courrier, libère cet article de courrier au niveau de la sortie de tri correspondant à l'adresse de tri récupérée pour cet article de courrier afin que cet article de courrier soit stocké dans le réceptacle de sortie de tri correspondant à ladite sortie de tri.At each supply unit 5, it is provided an equipment 8 to read a sorting address on each individualized mail item at the entrance to the conveyor. Reading is performed by recognition automatic character or barcode for example. A sorting outlet and therefore a sorting outlet receptacle 7 is assigned to each sorting address and a system of supervision 9, of the microcomputer type, is connected to equipment 8 and controls the conveyor 1 and the buckets 3 of so that each well 3 containing a mail item, free this mail item at the sorting exit level corresponding to the sorting address retrieved for this article mail so that this mail item is stored in the sorting outlet receptacle corresponding to said sorting outlet.

Par ailleurs, il est prévu aussi au niveau de chaque unité d'alimentation 5, un équipement 10 pour mesurer l'épaisseur de chaque article de courrier envoyé sur le convoyeur. Un tel équipement de mesure d'épaisseur est classique en soi. Le système de supervision 9 est connecté à l'équipement 10 pour surveiller, de façon prédictive éventuellement, le niveau de remplissage des réceptacles de sortie de tri 7 en comptabilisant les épaisseurs des articles de courrier stockés dans chaque réceptacle de sortie de tri.In addition, it is also provided at the level of each power unit 5, equipment 10 for measuring the thickness of each mail item sent to the conveyor. Such thickness measuring equipment is classic in itself. The supervision system 9 is connected to the equipment 10 for monitoring, predictively if necessary, the filling level of the receptacles sorting outlet 7 by counting the thicknesses of mail items stored in each receptacle of sorting outlet.

Figure 2, on voit en coupe schématique suivant II-II sur la figure 1, le convoyeur 1 avec deux godets 3 situés respectivement des deux côtés de la boucle et contenant chacun un article de courrier 2 présenté sous la forme d'une enveloppe. Ces deux godets 3 sont positionnés chacun au niveau d'une sortie de tri et surplombent respectivement deux réceptacles de sortie de tri 7 correspondant chacun à une sortie de tri et où des articles de courrier triés 2 sont stockés. Chaque réceptacle 7 est par exemple normalement posé sur un socle (non représenté) pour être enlevé et remplacé (éventuellement automatiquement) par un autre réceptacle 7', notamment un réceptacle vide.Figure 2, we see in schematic section along II-II in Figure 1, the conveyor 1 with two buckets 3 located respectively on both sides of the loop and containing each a mail item 2 presented in the form of a envelope. These two buckets 3 are each positioned at level of a sorting outlet and overhang respectively two sorting outlet receptacles 7 each corresponding to a sorting outlet and where mail items sorted 2 are stored. Each receptacle 7 is for example normally placed on a base (not shown) to be removed and replaced (possibly automatically) by a another receptacle 7 ', in particular an empty receptacle.

Selon l'invention, un réceptacle tampon 11 est prévu à chaque sortie de tri. Ces réservoirs tampon (11) sont montés sur une structure supportant le convoyeur 1 et les socles pour réceptacles 7. Sur la figure 2, chaque réceptacle tampon 11 est placé sous un godet 3 et au-dessus d'un réceptacle de sortie de tri 7. Chaque réceptacle tampon 11 est apte à stocker au moins temporairement une certaine quantité d'articles de courrier délivrée sur la sortie de tri au niveau de laquelle il est placé. Il a un fond 12 escamotable, par exemple un fond articulé en deux parties mobiles chacune autour d'un axe, susceptible d'être fermé pour le stockage comme indiqué ci-dessus et comme visible à droite sur la figure 2 ou ouvert pour libérer des articles de courrier dans le réceptacle de sortie de tri 7 correspondant comme visible à gauche sur la figure 2.According to the invention, a buffer receptacle 11 is provided at each sorting outlet. These buffer tanks (11) are mounted on a structure supporting the conveyor 1 and the bases for receptacles 7. In FIG. 2, each receptacle buffer 11 is placed under a bucket 3 and above a sorting outlet receptacle 7. Each buffer receptacle 11 is able to store at least temporarily a certain quantity of mail items delivered on exit from sort at the level of which it is placed. It has a background 12 retractable, for example a hinged bottom in two parts each movable around an axis, capable of being closed for storage as indicated above and as visible at right in Figure 2 or open to release items mail in the sorting outlet receptacle 7 corresponding as visible on the left in figure 2.

De préférence, chaque réceptacle tampon 11 est disposé à l'aplomb du réceptacle de sortie de tri 7 correspondant de façon que le transfert des articles de courrier du réservoir tampon vers le réservoir de sortie de tri correspondant se fasse sous l'action de la gravité ce qui contribue à simplifier l'agencement du convoyeur.Preferably, each buffer receptacle 11 is arranged directly above the sorting outlet receptacle 7 corresponding to way that the transfer of mail items from the tank buffer to the corresponding sorting outlet tank is do under the action of gravity which contributes to simplify the arrangement of the conveyor.

Pour trier des articles de courrier avec un tel dispositif, le système de supervision 9 est programmé pour surveiller le niveau de remplissage de chaque réceptacle tampon 11 à partir des informations fournies par les équipements 8 et 10. Les réceptacles tampon 11 sont maintenus par le système de supervision dans une position normalement fermée comme montré à droite sur la figure 2. Les articles de courrier dirigés vers une sortie de tri sont d'abord stockés temporairement dans le réceptacle tampon de cette sortie de tri. Le système de supervision, sur détection d'un niveau de remplissage du réceptacle tampon en question proche de la saturation, commande l'ouverture du fond du réceptacle tampon pour libérer les articles de courrier stockés temporairement afin de les transférer vers le réceptacle de sortie de tri correspondant comme montré à gauche sur la figure 2. Les articles de courrier étant stockés à plat, tant dans le réceptacle tampon 11 que dans le réceptacle de sortie de tri 7, on obtient ainsi un meilleur rangement de ces articles de courrier dans le réceptacle 7 par un transfert en pile que par un transfert à l'unité. A noter que chaque réceptacle de sortie de tri 7 plein d'articles de courrier peut être remplacé par un réceptacle vide 7' pendant que le réceptacle tampon 11 correspondant se remplit sans que le débit du dispositif de tri soit affecté. To sort mail items with such device, the supervision system 9 is programmed to monitor the filling level of each receptacle buffer 11 from the information provided by the equipment 8 and 10. The buffer receptacles 11 are maintained by the supervision system in a position normally closed as shown on the right in Figure 2. Mail items directed to a sorting outlet are first temporarily stored in the buffer receptacle of this sorting out. The supervision system, on detection of a filling level of the buffer receptacle in question close to saturation, command the opening of the bottom of the buffer receptacle to release the articles from mail temporarily stored for forwarding to the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle as shown in left in Figure 2. The mail items being stored flat, both in the buffer receptacle 11 and in the sorting outlet receptacle 7, thus obtaining a better storage of these mail items in the receptacle 7 by a transfer in stack than by a transfer to unity. Note that each sorting outlet receptacle 7 full of mail items can be replaced with a empty receptacle 7 'while the buffer receptacle 11 the filling point without the flow rate of the sorting is affected.

En variante sur la figure 3 montrant le convoyeur vu suivant la coupe schématique II-II, pour trier des articles de courrier avec le dispositif selon l'invention, le système de supervision 9 est programmé pour surveiller le niveau de remplissage de chaque réceptacle de sortie de tri 7 à partir des informations fournies par les équipements 8 et 10. Les réceptacles tampon 11 sont maintenus par le système de supervision dans une position normalement ouverte comme montré à gauche sur la figure 3. Les articles de courrier dirigés vers une sortie de tri traverse donc le réceptacle tampon de cette sortie de tri sans y être stockés. Le système de supervision, lorsqu'il détecte qu'un réceptacle de sortie de tri atteint un niveau de remplissage proche de la saturation, commande la fermeture du fond 12 du réceptacle tampon correspondant de manière que les articles de courrier dirigés vers cette sortie de tri soient stockés temporairement dans le réceptacle tampon comme montré à droite sur la figure 3. Pendant le stockage temporaire des articles de courrier dans le réceptacle tampon, le réceptacle de sortie de tri 7 correspondant plein d'articles de courrier est remplacé par un réceptacle vide 7' sans que le débit du convoyeur soit diminué.As a variant in FIG. 3 showing the conveyor seen according to schematic section II-II, to sort articles mail with the device according to the invention, the system 9 is programmed to monitor the level of filling each sorting outlet receptacle 7 from information provided by equipment 8 and 10. The buffer receptacles 11 are maintained by the system of supervision in a normally open position like shown on the left in Figure 3. Mail items directed to a sorting outlet therefore passes through the receptacle buffer of this sort output without being stored there. The supervision system, when it detects that a receptacle sorting outlet reaches a filling level close to saturation, controls the closing of the bottom 12 of the corresponding buffer receptacle so that the articles mail sent to this sorting outlet be stored temporarily in the buffer receptacle as shown in right in Figure 3. During temporary storage of mail items in the buffer receptacle, the sorting outlet receptacle 7 corresponding full of articles of mail is replaced by an empty 7 'receptacle without the conveyor flow is reduced.

L'agencement du dispositif de tri d'articles de courrier avec des réceptacles tampon 11 selon l'invention permet de changer de plan de tri sans arrêter le fonctionnement du convoyeur ou diminuer son débit. Pour cela, il suffit que le système de supervision commande l'ouverture ou la fermeture des réceptacles tampon 11 de manière que les derniers articles d'un plan de tri courant soient stockés directement dans les réceptacles de sortie de tri 11 et que les premiers articles de courrier du plan de tri suivant soient stockés dans les réceptacles tampon 11. A l'issue du premier plan de tri, les réceptacles de sortie de tri 7 sont remplacés par des réceptacles vides et les réceptacles tampon sont ensuite déchargés dans ces réceptacles vides.The arrangement of the sorting device for mail with buffer receptacles 11 according to the invention allows you to change sorting plan without stopping the conveyor operation or decrease its flow. For this is enough for the supervision system to command opening or closing the buffer receptacles 11 of way that the last items of a current sorting plan are stored directly in the outlet receptacles of sort 11 and that the first mail items of the plan next sort are stored in the buffer receptacles 11. A after the first sorting plan, the exit receptacles tri 7 are replaced by empty receptacles and the buffer receptacles are then discharged into these empty receptacles.

Claims (5)

  1. A device for sorting objects, in particular articles of post (2), comprising feed means (5) for sending a succession of objects to be sorted onto a conveyor (1) which directs the objects to be sorted towards sorting outlet receptacles (7) associated with corresponding sorting outlets and where the sorted objects are stored, a temporary storage receptacle (11) being provided at each storage cutlet for storing sorted objects temporarily and releasing these objects when instructed into the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle (7), each sorting outlet temporary storage receptacle (11) comprising a retractable base (12) and being disposed directly above the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle, characterised in that it additionally comprises processing means (8, 10) for gathering, for each object sent onto the conveyor, data indicating the size of said object and data indicating the sorting outlet towards which the object should be sent, monitoring means (9) for monitoring the level to which the sorting outlet receptacles (7) and the temporary storage receptacles (11) are filled from data gathered by the processing means (8, 10) and for controlling opening or closing of the retractable base (12) of each temporary storage receptacle (7) as a function of the filling level of said temporary storage receptacle (11) or of the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle (11).
  2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processing means gather as data indicating the size of the object a measurement of the thickness of the object.
  3. The device according to claim 2, wherein measurement of the thickness of each object is performed by equipment (10) provided at the level of the feed means (5).
  4. A process for sorting flat objects by means of a device according to one of claims 1 to 3, consisting of instructing the monitoring means (9) to keep the retractable base (12) of each temporary storage receptacle (11) normally open and to close the retractable base (12) of a temporary storage receptacle (11) when the filling level of the corresponding sorting outlet receptacle (7) approaches saturation point.
  5. A process for sorting flat objects by means of a device according to one of claims 1 to 3, consisting of instructing the monitoring means (9) to keep the retractable base (12) of each temporary storage receptacle (11) normally closed in order to store sorted objects (2) temporarily therein and to open the retractable base (12) of a temporary storage receptacle when its filling level approaches saturation point.
EP96401899A 1995-09-08 1996-09-05 Method and device for sorting postal items using buffer receptacles at sorting outputs Expired - Lifetime EP0761322B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9510549A FR2738506B1 (en) 1995-09-08 1995-09-08 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SORTING MAIL ITEMS USING BUFFER RECEPTACLES OUT OF SORTING
FR9510549 1995-09-08

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EP0761322A1 EP0761322A1 (en) 1997-03-12
EP0761322B1 true EP0761322B1 (en) 2000-12-06

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EP96401899A Expired - Lifetime EP0761322B1 (en) 1995-09-08 1996-09-05 Method and device for sorting postal items using buffer receptacles at sorting outputs

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US (1) US6126017A (en)
EP (1) EP0761322B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2185040A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69611128T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2153546T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2738506B1 (en)

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CA2185040A1 (en) 1997-03-09
ES2153546T3 (en) 2001-03-01
DE69611128D1 (en) 2001-01-11
EP0761322A1 (en) 1997-03-12
FR2738506B1 (en) 1997-10-17
DE69611128T2 (en) 2001-05-17
FR2738506A1 (en) 1997-03-14
US6126017A (en) 2000-10-03

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