EP0802881B1 - Letter stacker - Google Patents

Letter stacker Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0802881B1
EP0802881B1 EP96938990A EP96938990A EP0802881B1 EP 0802881 B1 EP0802881 B1 EP 0802881B1 EP 96938990 A EP96938990 A EP 96938990A EP 96938990 A EP96938990 A EP 96938990A EP 0802881 B1 EP0802881 B1 EP 0802881B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stacking
belts
stacking surface
transporting section
curvature
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
Application number
EP96938990A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0802881A1 (en
Inventor
Jürgen FRANCKE
Peter Bretschneider
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP0802881A1 publication Critical patent/EP0802881A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0802881B1 publication Critical patent/EP0802881B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H83/00—Combinations of piling and depiling operations, e.g. performed simultaneously, of interest apart from the single operation of piling or depiling as such
    • B65H83/02—Combinations of piling and depiling operations, e.g. performed simultaneously, of interest apart from the single operation of piling or depiling as such performed on the same pile or stack
    • 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
    • B07C1/00—Measures preceding sorting according to destination
    • B07C1/02—Forming articles into a stream; Arranging articles in a stream, e.g. spacing, orientating
    • B07C1/04—Forming a stream from a bulk; Controlling the stream, e.g. spacing the articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/12—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by means of the nip between two, or between two sets of, moving tapes or bands or rollers
    • B65H29/14—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by means of the nip between two, or between two sets of, moving tapes or bands or rollers and introducing into a pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/06—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled on edge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/19—Specific article or web
    • B65H2701/1916—Envelopes and articles of 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
    • Y10S414/00—Material or article handling
    • Y10S414/10—Associated with forming or dispersing groups of intersupporting articles, e.g. stacking patterns
    • Y10S414/102—Associated with forming or dispersing groups of intersupporting articles, e.g. stacking patterns including support for group

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for stacking flat items according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a storage technology for shipments consists of the shipments to stack.
  • a stacking device consists of a stationary Separating mechanism and a movable in the stacking direction Stacking mechanism between which the stack of items is located.
  • the bottom of the stack of items forms a stacking surface.
  • Two endless straps that run on rollers form a transport route that the individually arriving Shipments are transported to the end of the stack.
  • the object of the present invention is a generic stacking device to create with which larger storage capacities can be reached.
  • the invention is based on the idea of a curved transport route and a multiple deflection of the belts around rollers in the area of Transport route a secure version of the letters between the belts of the To achieve transport distance, with free movement of the stacking mechanism this ensures that the belt in the area of Transport route arranged between the stacking surface and the deflection rollers are.
  • the device according to the invention therefore has a stacking surface, a horizontal concave curvature in relation to the transport route having.
  • the belts in the area of the transport line are replaced by a Number of pulleys deflected on one of the curvature of the Stacked curve are arranged such that the transport route one essentially adapted to the curvature of the stacking surface Has curvature, the belt between in the region of the transport route the stacking surface and the deflection rollers are arranged.
  • the stacking surface is in the essentially ring-shaped. In other embodiments the stacking surface consists of a number of segments or is as a rigid disc executed.
  • An embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred in the strap bridges at the stacking mechanism and at the entry point are provided, via which the outer belt above or below the transport route to be led. In further embodiments of the invention both belts together over the same pulleys, which are also from the Transport route can be used, or via additional, inside the of arranged around the transport path formed ring pulleys, returned.
  • the device consists of a number of similar segments with the exception the area of the entry point and the separation mechanism.
  • a separation mechanism 1 consignments, between this separation mechanism and one Stacking mechanism 2 are stacked in a stack 3, deducted if necessary.
  • the stacking mechanism 2 can be moved in the stacking direction.
  • the bottom of one Stack of mail forms a stacking surface 4, preferably as a rotating conveyor belt educated.
  • Two endless belts 5, 6 run on rollers. she form a transport route 9 between an input point 100 and the Stacking mechanism 2.
  • the belts 5, 6 between the stacking mechanism 2 arranged role 7 and the stationary role 8 free guided.
  • the stacking mechanism 2 also has other rollers on which the belts 5 and 6 are guided to ensure a safe To ensure stacking of the shipments.
  • the stack mechanism 2 is moved in the direction of the stack 3.
  • the length the transport path 9 depends on the respective position of the stacking mechanism 2 from. It shortens to the extent that the stack of items grows. Conversely, it reaches its maximum length if there is no batch of items is present and the stacking mechanism 2 directly on Separation mechanism 1 is located. As shown in Fig. 2, in the Case that between two thick shipments a thin one in the transport route 9 is included, the thin consignment of the straps not securely grasped.
  • Fig. 3 shows the basic structure of a device according to the invention with a curved stacking surface 40, which serves as the floor for the stack of letters.
  • a curved stacking surface 40 which serves as the floor for the stack of letters.
  • the two belts 5 and 6 are guided over a number of rollers 45 and form a curved transport route 43.
  • the belts are deflected several times around the rollers 45.
  • the distance between the rollers was chosen to be so small that the letters were securely gripped become.
  • the deflection rollers 45 are all on the same side of the pair of belts 5, 6 arranged in the region of the transport route, so that the transport route upon movement of the stacking mechanism 42 along the stacking surface 40 is infinitely variable in length.
  • the entire 3 is curved, i.e. Stacking surface 40 and the curve on which the deflection rollers 45 are arranged, are adapted to each other.
  • the stack 41 and the path of the stacking mechanism 42 follows the curvature of the stacking surface 40.
  • Fig. 4 shows an advantageous embodiment of the device in which this is essentially annular. Due to the ring shape of the Arrangement, the endless tracking of the belts 5, 6 is simplified by the return of the outer belt 5 and the inner belt 6 in the Areas 50 and 51 between the input point 101 and the stacking mechanism 42 is done in a short way. This is preferably done Return of the inner belt 6 in the area of the entry point 101 firmly arranged on the concave side of the curved stacking surface 52 stationary pulley 53.
  • Fig. 5 shows a first belt bridge 60, which is preferably rigid with the stacking mechanism 42 is connected.
  • the straps 5 and 6 are guided over a number of deflection rollers, the outer belt 5 by two horizontally standing rollers 63, 64 through 90 ° in their orientation is turned or turned back.
  • the belt 5 can both over and be guided under the transport route 43.
  • Fig. 6 shows a similar belt bridge 61 for crossing over or under the transport route in Area of entry point 101.
  • the belt bridges enable the return of the outer belt 5 on the concave side of the stacking surface 52.
  • the outer belt can therefore be between points C and D together with be returned to the inner belt 6, through the same Deflection pulleys, which are also used by the transport route, and the Deflection roller 53.
  • Fig. 7 shows an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the The belts 5, 6 are returned on additional deflection rollers.
  • This Deflection rollers are essentially arranged on a ring 70, which is itself is located within the transport route 43. This arrangement makes it possible Replace the endless belts 5, 6 even in the case when the whole Device z. B. is set up around a pillar.
  • Fig. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the device, which consists of a Number of similar segments 81 with the exception of the area of the entry point and the separating mechanism 80 is constructed.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Delivering By Means Of Belts And Rollers (AREA)

Abstract

In a device for stacking flat correspondence with a separating device and a stacking mechanism (42) movable in the stacking direction along a stacking surface (40), between which the correspondence is stacked, with a conveyor path (43) formed by endless vertical belts guided on rollers, between which the correspondence is conveyed from the loading station to the stacker (42), the stacking surface (40) exhibits a horizontal concave curvature in relation to the conveyor path (43) and the belts (5, 6) are deflected in the region of the conveyor path (43) by a number of deflecting rollers (45) which are arranged on a curve matching the curvature of the stack surface in such a way that the conveyor path (40) exhibits a curvature matching that of the stack surface (43), and in the region of the transport path (43) the belts (5, 6) are arranged between the stack surface (40) and the deflecting rollers (45).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Stapeln von flachen Sendungen nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a device for stacking flat items according to the preamble of claim 1.

In Briefbearbeitungsanlagen ist es häufig notwendig, Sendungen zwischen zwei Bearbeitungsgängen temporär zu speichern. Durch die hierzu verwendeten Speichervorrichtungen werden asynchron arbeitende Anlagen oder Teile gekoppelt. Eine Speichertechnik für Sendungen besteht darin, die Sendungen zu stapeln. Üblicherweise, wie es z. B. aus der DE-B-11 01 290 bekannt ist, besteht eine Stapelvorrichtung aus einem stationären Vereinzelungsmechanismus und einem in Stapelrichtung bewegbaren Stapelmechanismus, zwischen denen sich der Sendungsstapel befindet. Den Boden des Sendungsstapels bildet eine Stapelfläche. Zwei endlose Riemen, die auf Rollen umlaufen, bilden eine Transportstrecke, die die einzeln ankommenden Sendungen bis ans Ende des Stapels befördert. Zwischen dem Stapelmechanismus und der Eingabestelle der Sendungen bilden die beiden Riemen ein gerades Stück der Transportstrecke, auf dem die Riemen frei, d.h. nicht durch Rollen geführt, laufen. Die Länge dieses Teilstücks der Transportstrecke hängt von der jeweiligen Position des Stapel mechanismus während des Stapelvorgangs ab. In dem Maße, in dem der Sendungsstapel wächst, verkürzt sich dieses Teilstück. Es erreicht seine maximale Länge, wenn kein Sendungsstapel vorhanden ist und der Stapelmechanismus sich direkt am Vereinzelungsmechanismus befindet. Die mit diesem Aufbau erreichbare Speicherkapazität ist zwar höher als die mit einer Schuppenspeicherung bei vergleichbarem technischen Aufwand erreichbare, bei der die Sendungen schuppenförmig aufeinanderliegend zwischen Riemen geklemmt sind. Bei der Vorrichtung der oben beschriebenen Art treten jedoch dann Probleme auf, wenn das gerade Teilstück der Transportstrecke seine maximale Länge erreicht. In diesem Fall können sich mehrere Sendungen gleichzeitig auf dem Teilstück befinden. Eine dünne Sendung, die sich zwischen zwei dicken Sendungen befindet, wird dabei von den Riemen nicht sicher gefaßt. Befinden sich mehrere dünne Sendungen zwischen zwei dicken Sendungen, so können sich die dünnen aufeinanderschieben, mit der Folge eines Staus in der Transportstrecke und einer Unterbrechung des Betriebs der Anlage. Ein weiteres Problem besteht darin, daß die freilaufenden Riemen mit wachsender Länge des Teilstücks in der Transportstrecke immer mehr durchhängen. Beide Probleme führen dazu, daß mit einer Stapelvorrichtung der oben beschriebenen Art üblicherweise lediglich Stapellängen von maximal einem Meter realisierbar sind.In mail processing systems, it is often necessary to send items between temporarily save two processing steps. Through the used for this Storage devices become asynchronous systems or parts coupled. A storage technology for shipments consists of the shipments to stack. Usually, as it is e.g. B. is known from DE-B-11 01 290, a stacking device consists of a stationary Separating mechanism and a movable in the stacking direction Stacking mechanism between which the stack of items is located. The The bottom of the stack of items forms a stacking surface. Two endless straps that run on rollers form a transport route that the individually arriving Shipments are transported to the end of the stack. Between the The stacking mechanism and the entry point of the items form the two Belt is a straight section of the transport route on which the belt is free, i.e. not run by rollers, run. The length of this section of the transport route depends on the position of the stacking mechanism during the batch process. To the extent that the batch of items grows, this section shortens. It reaches its maximum length if there is no batch of mail items and the stacking mechanism itself located directly on the separation mechanism. The one with this structure achievable storage capacity is higher than that with one Scale storage achievable with comparable technical effort, in which the consignments lie on one another in a scale-like manner between belts are clamped. However, in the device of the type described above then problems when the straight section of the transport route is its maximum length reached. In this case there can be several shipments are on the section at the same time. A thin broadcast that is between two thick shipments, will not be off the belt sure. There are several thin consignments between two thick ones Shipments, so the thin ones can slide on each other, with the consequence a jam in the transport route and an interruption in the operation of the Investment. Another problem is that the idler belts with sag increasing length of the section in the transport route. Both problems lead to the fact that with a stacking device type described above usually only maximum stack lengths one meter can be realized.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine gattungsgemäße Stapelvorrichtung zu schaffen, mit der größere Speicherkapazitäten erreichbar sind.The object of the present invention is a generic stacking device to create with which larger storage capacities can be reached.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind den Unteransprüchen und der Beschreibung zu entnehmen.The object is achieved by the features of the claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subclaims and the description.

Die Erfindung geht von der Idee aus, mit einer gekrümmten Transportstrecke und einer mehrfachen Umlenkung der Riemen um Rollen im Bereich der Transportstrecke eine sichere Fassung der Briefe zwischen den Riemen der Transportstrecke zu erreichen, wobei eine freie Bewegbarkeit des Stapelmechanismus dadurch gewährleistet ist, daß die Riemen im Bereich der Transportstrecke zwischen der Stapelfläche und den Umlenkrollen angeordnet sind. Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung weist daher eine Stapelfläche auf, die bezogen auf die Transportstrecke eine horizontale konkave Krümmung aufweist. Die Riemen im Bereich der Transportstrecke werden durch eine Anzahl von Umlenkrollen umgelenkt, die auf einer der Krümmung der Stapelfläche angepaßten Kurve angeordnet sind derart, daß die Transportstrecke eine der Krümmung der Stapelfläche im wesentlichen angepaßte Krümmung aufweist, wobei im Bereich der Transportstrecke die Riemen zwischen der Stapelfläche und den Umlenkrollen angeordnet sind.The invention is based on the idea of a curved transport route and a multiple deflection of the belts around rollers in the area of Transport route a secure version of the letters between the belts of the To achieve transport distance, with free movement of the stacking mechanism this ensures that the belt in the area of Transport route arranged between the stacking surface and the deflection rollers are. The device according to the invention therefore has a stacking surface, a horizontal concave curvature in relation to the transport route having. The belts in the area of the transport line are replaced by a Number of pulleys deflected on one of the curvature of the Stacked curve are arranged such that the transport route one essentially adapted to the curvature of the stacking surface Has curvature, the belt between in the region of the transport route the stacking surface and the deflection rollers are arranged.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist die Stapelfläche im wesentlichen ringförmig ausgebildet. Bei weiteren Ausführungsformen besteht die Stapelfläche aus einer Anzahl von Segmenten oder ist als starre Scheibe ausgeführt. Besonders bevorzugt ist eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung, bei der am Stapelmechanismus und an der Eingabestelle jeweils Riemenbrücken vorgesehen sind, über die der äußere Riemen über oder unter die Transportstrecke geführt wird. Bei weiteren Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden beide Riemen gemeinsam über dieselben Umlenkrollen, die auch von der Transportstrecke benutzt werden, oder über zusätzliche, im Innern des von der Transportstrecke gebildeten Rings angeordnete Umlenkrollen, zurückgeführt. Bei einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung besteht die Vorrichtung aus einer Anzahl von gleichartigen Segmenten mit Ausnahme des Bereichs der Eingabestelle und des Vereinzelungsmechanismus.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stacking surface is in the essentially ring-shaped. In other embodiments the stacking surface consists of a number of segments or is as a rigid disc executed. An embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred in the strap bridges at the stacking mechanism and at the entry point are provided, via which the outer belt above or below the transport route to be led. In further embodiments of the invention both belts together over the same pulleys, which are also from the Transport route can be used, or via additional, inside the of arranged around the transport path formed ring pulleys, returned. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the device consists of a number of similar segments with the exception the area of the entry point and the separation mechanism.

Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand von Zeichnungen genauer erläutert. Dabei zeigt

Fig. 1
eine Stapelvorrichtung,
Fig. 2
eine Detailansicht der Transportstrecke 9 aus der Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit gekrümmter Stapelfläche,
Fig. 4
einen Ausschnitt einer ringförmigen erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
Fig. 5
eine Riemenbrücke,
Fig. 6
eine weitere Riemen brücke,
Fig. 7
eine alternative Riemenführung bei einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
Fig. 8
einen Ringspeicher mit Segmenten.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. It shows
Fig. 1
a stacking device,
Fig. 2
2 shows a detailed view of the transport route 9 from FIG. 1,
Fig. 3
a device according to the invention with a curved stacking surface,
Fig. 4
a section of an annular device according to the invention,
Fig. 5
a belt bridge,
Fig. 6
another strap bridge,
Fig. 7
an alternative belt guide in a device according to the invention,
Fig. 8
a ring buffer with segments.

Bei der in Fig. 1 gezeigten gattungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Stapeln von flachen Sendungen werden von einem Vereinzelungsmechanismus 1 Sendungen, die zwischen diesem Vereinzelungsmechanismus und einem Stapelmechanismus 2 in einen Stapel 3 gestapelt sind, bei Bedarf abgezogen. Der Stapelmechanismus 2 ist in Stapelrichtung bewegbar. Den Boden eines Sendungsstapels bildet eine Stapelfläche 4, bevorzugt als umlaufendes Förderband ausgebildet. Zwei endlose Riemen 5, 6 laufen auf Rollen um. Sie bilden eine Transportstrecke 9 zwischen einer Eingabestelle 100 und dem Stapelmechanismus 2. Hierbei werden die Riemen 5, 6 zwischen der am Stapelmechanismus 2 angeordneten Rolle 7 und der stationären Rolle 8 frei geführt. Der Stapelmechanismus 2 weist neben der Rolle 7 noch weitere Rollen auf, über die die Riemen 5 und 6 geführt werden, um ein sicheres Einstapeln der Sendungen zu gewährleisten. Während des Stapelprozesses wird der Stapel mechanismus 2 in Richtung des Stapels 3 bewegt. Die Länge der Transportstrecke 9 hängt dabei von der jeweiligen Position des Stapelmechanismus 2 ab. Sie verkürzt sich in dem Maße, in dem der Sendungsstapel wächst. Umgekehrt erreicht sie ihre maximale Länge, wenn kein Sendungsstapel vorhanden ist und der Stapelmechanismus 2 sich direkt am Vereinzelungsmechanismus 1 befindet. Wie in Fig. 2 gezeigt ist, wird in dem Fall, daß zwischen zwei dicken Sendungen eine dünne in der Transportstrecke 9 enthalten ist, die dünne Sendung von den Riemen nicht sicher gefaßt.In the generic device shown in Fig. 1 for stacking flat consignments are separated by a separation mechanism 1 consignments, between this separation mechanism and one Stacking mechanism 2 are stacked in a stack 3, deducted if necessary. The stacking mechanism 2 can be moved in the stacking direction. The bottom of one Stack of mail forms a stacking surface 4, preferably as a rotating conveyor belt educated. Two endless belts 5, 6 run on rollers. she form a transport route 9 between an input point 100 and the Stacking mechanism 2. Here, the belts 5, 6 between the stacking mechanism 2 arranged role 7 and the stationary role 8 free guided. In addition to the roller 7, the stacking mechanism 2 also has other rollers on which the belts 5 and 6 are guided to ensure a safe To ensure stacking of the shipments. During the batch process the stack mechanism 2 is moved in the direction of the stack 3. The length the transport path 9 depends on the respective position of the stacking mechanism 2 from. It shortens to the extent that the stack of items grows. Conversely, it reaches its maximum length if there is no batch of items is present and the stacking mechanism 2 directly on Separation mechanism 1 is located. As shown in Fig. 2, in the Case that between two thick shipments a thin one in the transport route 9 is included, the thin consignment of the straps not securely grasped.

Fig. 3 zeigt den Prinzipaufbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer gekrümmten Stapelfläche 40, die als Boden für den Briefstapel dient. Der Briefstapel befindet sich zwischen dem Vereinzelungsmechanismus 1 und dem Stapelmechanismus 42. Letzterer ist entlang der Stapelfläche 40 bewegbar. Die zwei Riemen 5 und 6 werden über eine Anzahl Rollen 45 geführt und bilden eine gekrümmte Transportstrecke 43. Im Bereich der Transportstrecke 43 werden die Riemen mehrfach um die Rollen 45 umgelenkt. Dabei ist der Abstand zwischen den Rollen so gering gewählt, daß die Briefe sicher gefaßt werden. Die Umlenkrollen 45 sind alle auf derselben Seite des Riemenpaars 5, 6 im Bereich der Transportstrecke angeordnet, so daß die Transportstrecke bei einer Bewegung des Stapelmechanismus 42 entlang der Stapelfläche 40 in ihrer Länge stufenlos veränderbar ist. Erfindungsgemäß ist die gesamte Vorrichtung der Fig. 3 gekrümmt, d.h. Stapelfläche 40 und die Kurve, auf der die Umlenkrollen 45 angeordnet sind, sind einander angepaßt. Der Stapel 41 und die Bahn des Stapelmechanismus 42 folgen der Krümmung der Stapelfläche 40.Fig. 3 shows the basic structure of a device according to the invention with a curved stacking surface 40, which serves as the floor for the stack of letters. Of the Stack of letters is between the separating mechanism 1 and the stacking mechanism 42. The latter can be moved along the stacking surface 40. The two belts 5 and 6 are guided over a number of rollers 45 and form a curved transport route 43. In the area of the transport route 43 the belts are deflected several times around the rollers 45. Here is the The distance between the rollers was chosen to be so small that the letters were securely gripped become. The deflection rollers 45 are all on the same side of the pair of belts 5, 6 arranged in the region of the transport route, so that the transport route upon movement of the stacking mechanism 42 along the stacking surface 40 is infinitely variable in length. According to the invention is the entire 3 is curved, i.e. Stacking surface 40 and the curve on which the deflection rollers 45 are arranged, are adapted to each other. The stack 41 and the path of the stacking mechanism 42 follows the curvature of the stacking surface 40.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung, bei der diese im wesentlichen ringförmig ausgebildet ist. Durch die Ringförmigkeit der Anordnung wird die endlose Nachführung der Riemen 5, 6 vereinfacht, indem die Rückführung des äußeren Riemens 5 und des inneren Riemens 6 in den Bereichen 50 bzw. 51 zwischen der Eingabestelle 101 und dem Stapelmechanismus 42 auf kurzem Wege erfolgt. Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Rückführung des inneren Riemens 6 über eine im Bereich der Eingabestelle 101 fest auf der konkaven Seite der gekrümmten Stapelfläche 52 angeordnete feststehende Umlenkrolle 53.Fig. 4 shows an advantageous embodiment of the device in which this is essentially annular. Due to the ring shape of the Arrangement, the endless tracking of the belts 5, 6 is simplified by the return of the outer belt 5 and the inner belt 6 in the Areas 50 and 51 between the input point 101 and the stacking mechanism 42 is done in a short way. This is preferably done Return of the inner belt 6 in the area of the entry point 101 firmly arranged on the concave side of the curved stacking surface 52 stationary pulley 53.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird der äußere Riemen 5 über zwei Riemenbrücken über die Transportstrecke hinweggeführt. Fig. 5 zeigt eine erste Riemen brücke 60, die vorzugsweise starr mit dem Stapelmechanismus 42 verbunden ist. Am Stapelmechanismus werden die Riemen 5 und 6 über eine Anzahl von Umlenkrollen geführt, wobei der äußere Riemen 5 durch zwei horizontal stehende Rollen 63, 64 um 90° in seiner Orientierung gedreht bzw. zurückgedreht wird. Der Riemen 5 kann sowohl über als auch unter die Transportstrecke 43 geführt werden. Fig. 6 zeigt eine ähnliche Riemenbrücke 61 für die Über- bzw. Unterquerung der Transportstrecke im Bereich der Eingangsstelle 101. Die Riemenbrücken ermöglichen die Rückführung des äußeren Riemens 5 auf der konkaven Seite der Stapelfläche 52. Der äußere Riemen kann daher zwischen den Punkten C und D zusammen mit dem inneren Riemen 6 zurückgeführt werden, und zwar über dieselben Umlenkrollen, die auch von der Transportstrecke genutzt werden, und die Umlenkrolle 53.In a preferred embodiment of the invention the outer belt 5 led over two belt bridges over the transport route. Fig. 5 shows a first belt bridge 60, which is preferably rigid with the stacking mechanism 42 is connected. The straps 5 and 6 are guided over a number of deflection rollers, the outer belt 5 by two horizontally standing rollers 63, 64 through 90 ° in their orientation is turned or turned back. The belt 5 can both over and be guided under the transport route 43. Fig. 6 shows a similar belt bridge 61 for crossing over or under the transport route in Area of entry point 101. The belt bridges enable the return of the outer belt 5 on the concave side of the stacking surface 52. The outer belt can therefore be between points C and D together with be returned to the inner belt 6, through the same Deflection pulleys, which are also used by the transport route, and the Deflection roller 53.

Fig. 7 zeigt eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der Erfindung, bei der die Rückführung der Riemen 5, 6 auf zusätzlichen Umlenkrollen erfolgt. Diese Umlenkrollen sind im wesentlichen auf einem Ring 70 angeordnet, der sich innerhalb der Transportstrecke 43 befindet. Diese Anordnung ermöglicht das Auswechseln der endlosen Riemen 5, 6 auch in dem Fall, wenn die gesamte Vorrichtung z. B. um einen Pfeiler herum aufgestellt ist.Fig. 7 shows an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the The belts 5, 6 are returned on additional deflection rollers. This Deflection rollers are essentially arranged on a ring 70, which is itself is located within the transport route 43. This arrangement makes it possible Replace the endless belts 5, 6 even in the case when the whole Device z. B. is set up around a pillar.

Fig. 8 zeigt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung, die aus einer Anzahl von gleichartigen Segmenten 81 mit Ausnahme des Bereichs der Eingabestelle und des Vereinzelungsmechanismus 80 aufgebaut ist.Fig. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the device, which consists of a Number of similar segments 81 with the exception of the area of the entry point and the separating mechanism 80 is constructed.

Claims (8)

  1. Apparatus for stacking flat items of mail, having a separating mechanism (1, 80) and a stacking mechanism (42) which can be moved in the stacking direction along the stacking surface (40), the items of mail being stacked between said two mechanisms, and having a transporting section (43) which is formed from endless vertical belts which are guided over rollers and between which the items of mail are transported from an input location (101) to the stacking device (2), characterized in that, in relation to the transporting section (43), the stacking surface (40) has a horizontal concave curvature, and the belts (5, 6) are deflected in the region of the transporting section (43) by a number of deflecting rollers (45) which are arranged on a curve, adapted to the curvature of the stacking surface, such that the transporting section (43) has a curvature which is adapted to the curvature of the stacking surface (40), it being the case that, in the region of the transporting section (43), the belts (5, 6) are arranged between the stacking surface (40) and the deflecting rollers (45).
  2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stacking surface (40) is of essentially annular design.
  3. Apparatus according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the stacking surface (40) comprises a number of segments.
  4. Apparatus according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the stacking surface (40) is designed as an essentially rigid disc.
  5. Apparatus according to Claims 2 and 4, characterized in that provided on the stacking mechanism (42) and at the input location (101) is in each case one belt bridge (60), via which the outer belt (5) is guided over or under the transporting section (43).
  6. Apparatus according to Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the belts (5, 6) are guided back over the same deflecting rollers which are also used by the transporting section (43).
  7. Apparatus according to Claim 5, characterized in that the belts (5, 6) are guided back over separate deflecting rollers, which are arranged in the interior of the ring formed by the deflecting rollers which are used by the transporting section (43).
  8. Apparatus according to Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, apart from the region of the input location and of the separating mechanism (80), it essentially comprises a number of identical segments (81).
EP96938990A 1995-11-03 1996-10-22 Letter stacker Expired - Lifetime EP0802881B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19540964A DE19540964C1 (en) 1995-11-03 1995-11-03 Letter stacker device
DE19540964 1995-11-03
PCT/EP1996/004583 WO1997017275A1 (en) 1995-11-03 1996-10-22 Letter stacker

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0802881A1 EP0802881A1 (en) 1997-10-29
EP0802881B1 true EP0802881B1 (en) 1999-03-10

Family

ID=7776518

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96938990A Expired - Lifetime EP0802881B1 (en) 1995-11-03 1996-10-22 Letter stacker

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US (1) US5876028A (en)
EP (1) EP0802881B1 (en)
DE (2) DE19540964C1 (en)
WO (1) WO1997017275A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1220167A1 (en) * 2000-12-28 2002-07-03 Mars Inc. Banknote store

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3051333A (en) * 1958-07-31 1962-08-28 Int Standard Electric Corp Storage apparatus for article sorting system
DE1159853B (en) * 1958-07-31 1963-12-19 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag Buffer storage connected to an upright conveyor system
DE1101290B (en) * 1959-12-01 1961-03-02 Telefunken Gmbh Edge conveyor for letters and similar flat items
CH481686A (en) * 1967-05-23 1969-11-30 Int Standard Electric Corp Distribution line on an upright conveyor system in connection with at least one buffer store
NL6807471A (en) * 1968-05-27 1969-12-01
US3690474A (en) * 1970-07-30 1972-09-12 Licentia Gmbh Conveying device with two end positions connected by a conveyor belt and including a controllable drive connection
CA981204A (en) * 1972-08-29 1976-01-06 Ronald A. Barkley Apparatus for temporary storage of articles
DE2354107A1 (en) * 1973-10-29 1975-05-07 Licentia Gmbh Equipment for singling out stacked letters - has rollers below elastically mounted friction device for supporting stack front
US4299379A (en) * 1978-02-21 1981-11-10 E-Systems, Inc. Moving carriage buffer/feeder
JPS6288742A (en) * 1985-10-15 1987-04-23 Toshiba Corp One-piece-takeout device for paper sheet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0802881A1 (en) 1997-10-29
DE19540964C1 (en) 1996-10-24
WO1997017275A1 (en) 1997-05-15
US5876028A (en) 1999-03-02
DE59601420D1 (en) 1999-04-15

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