EP1310442B1 - Device and method for separating flat articles from a transport container - Google Patents

Device and method for separating flat articles from a transport container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1310442B1
EP1310442B1 EP01126803A EP01126803A EP1310442B1 EP 1310442 B1 EP1310442 B1 EP 1310442B1 EP 01126803 A EP01126803 A EP 01126803A EP 01126803 A EP01126803 A EP 01126803A EP 1310442 B1 EP1310442 B1 EP 1310442B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flat objects
transport container
transport
removal
flat
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
EP01126803A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1310442A1 (en
Inventor
Walter Hilber
Hubert Spangenberg
Xaver Welz
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.)
Hsw Paper Output Management GmbH
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Hsw Paper Output Management GmbH
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 Hsw Paper Output Management GmbH filed Critical Hsw Paper Output Management GmbH
Priority to EP01126803A priority Critical patent/EP1310442B1/en
Priority to DE50108895T priority patent/DE50108895D1/en
Priority to AT01126803T priority patent/ATE317364T1/en
Publication of EP1310442A1 publication Critical patent/EP1310442A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1310442B1 publication Critical patent/EP1310442B1/en
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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
    • B65H1/00—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
    • B65H1/02—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles on edge
    • B65H1/025—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles on edge with controlled positively-acting mechanical devices for advancing the pile to present the articles to the separating device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H1/00—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
    • B65H1/02—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles on edge
    • B65H1/027—Support fully or partially removable from the handling machine, e.g. cassette, drawer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42—Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/422—Handling piles, sets or stacks of articles
    • B65H2301/4225—Handling piles, sets or stacks of articles in or on special supports
    • B65H2301/42254—Boxes; Cassettes; Containers
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for removing flat objects from a transport container and a method for removing flat objects from a transport container and the use of the device for removing flat objects.
  • US 5,100,022 discloses a device for removing sheets of paper from a container, wherein the sheets of paper are held in place by a passive stop and a roller engages to remove sheets of paper from the container.
  • the transport container must have in its lower region an opening with corresponding opening-closure mechanisms for removing the flat objects.
  • the transport container requires its own pushing device for the objects to be removed.
  • a pressure roller disposed within the container is required to ensure a trouble-free removal process.
  • a device according to the invention for removing flat objects from a transport container has at least one stop element for engaging in at least one opening of the transport container, wherein the stop element comes into contact with the flat objects stacked in the transport container during engagement and thus a free space is formed within the transport container into which the removal device engages for removing the flat objects.
  • the simple mechanical construction of the device according to the invention advantageously ensures that the device is extremely susceptible to interference. Due to the intervention of the removal device directly into the transport container, the flat objects to be removed can be removed at a very high speed.
  • the removal device may consist of a flake belt or at least one transport roller with friction effect or from a conveyor belt with friction effect.
  • the flat objects are, in particular, empty or filled envelopes and cartons, which are arranged at the two ends of the stack for stabilizing the envelope stack.
  • the transport container is in particular a standardized postbox.
  • the openings of these standardized postboxes are usually located at the respective end faces in the grip area. Through these openings, in particular by the end in the transport direction of the transport container arranged opening, the stop member engages and creates the said space for the engagement of the removal device.
  • the removal device is formed within a movably formed removal head, wherein the removal head has at least one of the removal device downstream Ausberichtweiche for the control of flat objects with predetermined properties.
  • the duplexer is advantageously designed such that it responds to different shapes, dimensions or physical properties of the flat objects.
  • the device has at least one stacking device downstream of the removal head.
  • the stack generator is advantageously designed to be movable and consists of an alignment element and an erector for setting up the flat objects.
  • the stacker ensures a batch automated provision of the flat items removed from the shipping containers for the subsequent, further processing devices according to the invention.
  • the stack generator on a buffer for receiving a set of erected flat objects. This ensures that the same amount of flat objects can always be transferred to the downstream, further processing devices at a constant speed. In addition, the time required for the transport container change, in which no flat objects are removed by the device, compensated or bridged.
  • the device has at least one downstream of the stack generator conveyor head with a conveyor system and a removal, transfer or connection space.
  • the conveying head ensures the problem-free connection of the device according to the invention with an inserting device and / or a sorting device and / or another further processing device.
  • the device comprises a transport container conveyor system for automatically feeding the flat containers filled with the transport container and a transport container ejection system for automatic ejection or removal of the empty transport container.
  • a transport container conveyor system for automatically feeding the flat containers filled with the transport container
  • a transport container ejection system for automatic ejection or removal of the empty transport container.
  • a method for removing flat objects from a transport container comprises the following steps: a) feeding a transport container filled with the flat objects to a device; b) engaging at least one stop element in at least one opening of the Transport container forming a free space within the transport container; and c) engaging a removal device in the space for removal of the flat objects.
  • the inventive method ensures rapid and safe emptying of the flat objects from the corresponding transport containers.
  • the flat objects removed in method step c) are fed to a stack generator under the control of flat objects with predetermined properties.
  • a stack generator under the control of flat objects with predetermined properties.
  • the flat objects are set up or erected in the stack generator by means of an erection device.
  • the flat objects erected or erected in the stack generator are transported by means of a conveying device of a conveying head to a removal, transfer or connecting space. This makes it possible for the flat objects to be fed to an envelope direction and / or a sorting device and / or another further processing device.
  • the feeding of the transport container according to method step a) is carried out automatically. This makes it possible to further increase the removal rate and the removal amount of the flat objects removed from the transport containers.
  • a use of the device according to the invention for removing flat objects from a transport container relates to the feeding of envelopes stacked in postboxes to an inserter and / or a sorting device.
  • FIG. 1 a shows a schematic illustration of a device 10 for removing flat objects 14, 32 from a transport container 12. The situation before the removal of the flat objects 14, 32 from the transport container 12 is shown. It can be seen that the device 10 has a stop element 16 for engagement in a frontally arranged opening 34 of the transport container 12. In order to ensure the secure engagement, the stop element 16 has a projection 18 for engagement in the opening 34.
  • the transport container 12 is thereby moved by means of a transport device, not shown, such as a roller conveyor in the direction of the stop element 16.
  • the device 10 further comprises a removal device 26, which is formed within a movable removal head 20.
  • the removal head 20 can be moved in the vertical as well as the horizontal.
  • the removal head 20 has a removal device 30 downstream of the removal device 26 for controlling the flat objects 32.
  • the flat objects 32 have predetermined properties that distinguish them from the flat objects 14.
  • the duplexer 30 is designed such that it reacts to different shapes, dimensions or physical properties of the flat objects 14, 32.
  • the duplexer 30 reacts to the rigidity and / or the hardness of the objects 14, 32 to be ejected or sorted (see also FIG. 2).
  • the duplexer 30 also comprises a retaining device for retaining flat objects 14 which are not to be knocked out.
  • This retaining device may consist of the pressure roller 28 controlled by means of the brake magnet 40, but it is also possible to control the duplexer 30 itself in such a way that, after being actuated, the divergence device 30 means after opening after a predetermined time interval automatically moves back or closes, or this closing operation in response to the traversed by the Domainsortierenden flat objects 32 distance traveled.
  • the apparatus 10 shown in the embodiment further comprises a batch generator 22 downstream of the removal head 20.
  • the stack generator 22 can be moved horizontally and consists of an alignment element 44 and an erection device 46 for setting up the flat objects 14.
  • the alignment element 44 picks up the flat objects 14 removed from the transport container 12 and aligns them in such a way that trouble-free automatic further transport is ensured.
  • the stack generator 22 also has a buffer 50 for receiving a quantity of the erected flat objects 14.
  • a delivery head 24 downstream of the stack generator 22 By forming the buffer 50, it is possible for a delivery head 24 downstream of the stack generator 22 to be supplied with a conveyor system 42 and a removal, transfer or connection space 52, always with a constant amount of flat objects 14, even if after the complete emptying of a transport container 12, there is a time delay until the removal of further flat objects 14 from a subsequent transport container.
  • the removal device 26 consists of a flake belt.
  • the conveying device 48 it is also possible for transport rollers or conveyor belts with friction effect to be used instead of the flat belt.
  • the transport container 12 is a standardized postbox.
  • the opening 34 is located in each case on the end faces of the postbox in the region of the handles.
  • the device 10 is used in particular for removing flat objects 14, 32 in the form of empty or filled envelopes 14 and boxes 32.
  • the boxes 32 are located at the beginning and end of a stack of said envelopes 14 and perform a support function.
  • FIG. 1a the position of the envelopes 14 and the cartons 32 is shown. It can be seen that the envelopes 14 and boxes 32 located in the transport box 12 fill the entire space inside the transport box 12. Furthermore, it can be seen that envelopes 14 already removed from previous transport boxes are located in the stack generator 22 and the conveying head 24; in particular, a corresponding quantity of envelopes 14 is located in the region of the buffer 50.
  • FIG. 1b shows a schematic representation of the device 10 during the removal of the flat objects 14, 32 from the transport container 12. It can be seen that in a first method step a) the filled transport container 12 is supplied to the device 10. This feed can be done automatically. This results in the engagement of the stop member 16 and the projection 18 through the opening 34 of the transport container 12. In the procedure, there is a contact of the stop member 16 and the projection 18 with the stacked in the transport container flat objects 14, 32, in particular with the first flat object 32 arranged on the front side.
  • the flat objects 14, 32 located within the transport container 12 are compressed by the intervention, so that formation of a free space 36 within the transport container 12 occurs.
  • the removal device 26 engages.
  • the removal device 26 is shown as a scale belt.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the device 10 during the removal of the flat objects 14, 32 from the transport container 12 with an opened control divider 30.
  • the extraction device 26 comes, wherein the first flat object 32 to be removed is an article which differs from the other flat objects 14 due to its rigidity and hardness.
  • the flat article 32 is the already mentioned cardboard. According to the configuration of the duplexer 30, this responds to the passing of the flat object 32 in such a way that it opens and the way to a conveyor system 42 releases, which controls the carton 32 from the device 10 and removes.
  • the stop element 16 is fastened to a pivoting arm 38, so that the stop element 16 can be swiveled out of the transport direction or the transport path of the transport container 12 at any time.
  • various measures can be taken.
  • FIG 3 shows a schematic representation of the device 10 in the removal of the flat objects 14 from the transport container 12 with closed Ausberichtweiche 30.
  • the complete removal and transport of the flat objects 14, that is the envelopes, from the transport container 12 to to the removal, transfer or connection space 52 are shown.
  • the flat objects 14 located in the transport container 12 are transferred via the removal device 26 to the stack generator 22 which can be moved by means of a drive device 54.
  • envelopes 14 are set up by means of the setting-up device 46 and temporarily stored in the buffer 50.
  • the conveying device 48 of the conveying head 24 the envelopes 14 stored in the buffer 50 are transferred to the removal, transfer or connection chamber 52.
  • the flat objects 14 removed by means of the device 10 can be fed to an inserting device and / or a sorting device and / or another further processing device (not shown).
  • the apparatus 10 may further comprise a transport container conveying system for automatically feeding the transport containers 12 filled with the flat articles 14, 32 and a transporting-container ejecting system for automatically ejecting the empty transporting containers 12 (not shown).
  • the apparatus 10 finds use in feeding empty or filled envelopes stacked in postboxes to an inserter and / or a sorter and / or other further processing device.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

The machine for removing envelopes (14) from a crate (12) has a stop (16) which carries a pin (18). This pushes the envelopes towards one end of the crate, forming a space (36), into which an endless belt (26) is positioned to remove the envelopes. <??>An Independent claim is included for a method for removing envelopes from a crate.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Vorrichtung zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter sowie ein Verfahren zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter sowie die Verwendung der Vorrichtung zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen.The present invention relates to a device for removing flat objects from a transport container and a method for removing flat objects from a transport container and the use of the device for removing flat objects.

Die immer weiter fortschreitende Automatisierung im Bereich der Erstellung von versandfertigen Briefen bringt es mit sich, dass immer größere Mengen an vereinzelten Briefbögen und insbesondere immer größere Mengen an mit Drucksachen zu befüllenden Kuverts in standardisierten Transportbehältern bereitgestellt werden müssen. So werden zum Beispiel leere Kuverts in sogenannten Postboxen transportiert, wobei diese Kuverts dann zur Weiterverarbeitung in einer Kuvertiermaschine verwendet werden. Auch die fertiggestellten, das heißt mit Drucksachen befüllten und adressierten Kuverts werden dann am Ende des Kuvertierprozesses wieder in die genannten standardisierten Postboxen verbracht und dann auf dem Postwege entsprechend versandt.The ever-increasing automation in the field of preparing letters ready for dispatch entails that ever larger quantities of individualized letterheads and, in particular, ever larger quantities of envelopes to be filled with printed matter must be made available in standardized transport containers. For example, empty envelopes are transported in so-called postboxes, these envelopes then being used for further processing in an inserter. Also, the finished, that is filled with printed matter and addressed envelopes are then returned at the end of the insertion process in the said standardized postboxes and then sent accordingly by post.

Die Entnahme von zum Beispiel leeren Kuverts aus einem Transportbehälter und die Zuführung zu einer entsprechend Kuvertiervorrichtung erfolgt bislang manuell. Zwar gibt es erste Ansätze im Stand der Technik, diesen manuellen Entleerungsvorgang durch elektronisch gesteuerte Greifwerkzeuge durchführen zu lassen. Nachteilig an diesen bekannten Vorrichtungen ist jedoch, dass diese aufgrund der erforderlichen hohen Rechner- und Steuerkapazitäten anfällig sind und auch ihre Geschwindigkeit, das heißt die Schnelligkeit des Entleerens eines Transportbehälters beschränkt ist. Gleiches gilt für entsprechende manuelle und automatisierte Verfahren zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter.The removal of, for example, empty envelopes from a transport container and the supply to a corresponding insertion so far done manually. Though There are first approaches in the art to make this manual emptying process by electronically controlled gripping tools. A disadvantage of these known devices, however, is that they are vulnerable due to the required high computer and control capacities and also their speed, that is, the speed of emptying a transport container is limited. The same applies to corresponding manual and automated methods for removing flat objects from a transport container.

Die US 5,100,022 offenbart ein Gerät zum Entnehmen von Papierbögen aus einem Behälter, wobei die Papierbögen von einem passiven Anschlag in der richtigen Lage gehalten werden und eine Walze eingreift, um Papierbögen aus dem Behälter zu entnehmen. Daraus ergibt sich aber ein technisch sehr aufwändiger Aufbau des Transportbehälters. So muss der Transportbehälter gemäß Entgegenhaltung zwingend in seinem unteren Bereich eine Öffnung mit entsprechenden Öffnungs-Verschluss-Mechanismen zur Entnahme der flachen Gegenstände aufweisen. Der Transportbehälter benötigt eine eigene Schubvorrichtung für die zu entnehmenden Gegenstände. Schließlich ist auch eine innerhalb des Behälters angeordnete Andrückrolle erforderlich, um einen störungsfreien Entnahmevorgang zu gewährleisten.US 5,100,022 discloses a device for removing sheets of paper from a container, wherein the sheets of paper are held in place by a passive stop and a roller engages to remove sheets of paper from the container. However, this results in a technically very complex construction of the transport container. Thus, according to the citation, the transport container must have in its lower region an opening with corresponding opening-closure mechanisms for removing the flat objects. The transport container requires its own pushing device for the objects to be removed. Finally, a pressure roller disposed within the container is required to ensure a trouble-free removal process.

Es ist daher Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine gattungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter bereitzustellen, die einerseits äußerst störunanfällig ist und andererseits hohe Entladungsgeschwindigkeiten gewährleistet.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a generic device for removing flat objects from a transport container, on the one hand extremely susceptible to interference and on the other hand ensures high discharge speeds.

Es ist weiterhin Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ein gattungsgemäßes Verfahren zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter bereitzustellen, welches hohe Entladungsgeschwindigkeiten gewährleistet.It is another object of the present invention to provide a generic method for the removal of flat objects from a transport container, which ensures high discharge rates.

Gelöst werden diese Aufgaben durch eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen gemäß den unabhängigen Ansprüchen 1 und 13.These objects are achieved by a device and a method having the features according to independent claims 1 and 13.

Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen sind in den Unteransprüchen beschrieben.Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter weist mindestens ein Anschlagelement zum Eingriff in mindestens eine Öffnung des Transportbehälters auf, wobei das Anschlagelement beim Eingriff in Berührung zu den in dem Transportbehälter gestapelten flachen Gegenständen kommt und so ein Freiraum innerhalb des Transportbehälters ausgebildet wird, in den die Entnahmevorrichtung zur Entnahme der flachen Gegenstände eingreift. Durch den einfachen mechanischen Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist vorteilhafterweise gewährleistet, dass die Vorrichtung äußerst störunanfällig ist. Aufgrund des Eingriffes der Entnahmevorrichtung direkt in den Transportbehälter können die zu entnehmenden flachen Gegenstände mit einer sehr hohen Geschwindigkeit entnommen werden.A device according to the invention for removing flat objects from a transport container has at least one stop element for engaging in at least one opening of the transport container, wherein the stop element comes into contact with the flat objects stacked in the transport container during engagement and thus a free space is formed within the transport container into which the removal device engages for removing the flat objects. The simple mechanical construction of the device according to the invention advantageously ensures that the device is extremely susceptible to interference. Due to the intervention of the removal device directly into the transport container, the flat objects to be removed can be removed at a very high speed.

Die Entnahmevorrichtung kann dabei aus einem Schuppenriemen oder aus mindestens einer Transportrolle mit Reibwirkung oder aus einem Transportband mit Reibwirkung bestehen. Bei den flachen Gegenständen handelt es sich insbesondere um leere oder gefüllte Kuverts und Kartons, die zur Stabilisierung des Kuvertstapels an den beiden Enden des Stapels angeordnet sind. Der Transportbehälter ist insbesondere eine standardisierte Postbox. Die Öffnungen dieser standardisierten Postboxen befinden sich üblicherweise an den jeweiligen Stirnseiten im Griffbereich. Durch diese Öffnungen, insbesondere durch die in Transportrichtung des Transportbehälters stimseitig angeordnete Öffnung greift das Anschlagelement ein und schafft den genannten Freiraum für den Eingriff der Entnahmevorrichtung.The removal device may consist of a flake belt or at least one transport roller with friction effect or from a conveyor belt with friction effect. The flat objects are, in particular, empty or filled envelopes and cartons, which are arranged at the two ends of the stack for stabilizing the envelope stack. The transport container is in particular a standardized postbox. The openings of these standardized postboxes are usually located at the respective end faces in the grip area. Through these openings, in particular by the end in the transport direction of the transport container arranged opening, the stop member engages and creates the said space for the engagement of the removal device.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Entnahmevorrichtung innerhalb eines verfahrbar ausgebildeten Entnahmekopfs ausgebildet, wobei der Entnahmekopf mindestens eine der Entnahmevorrichtung nachgeschaltete Aussteuerweiche zum Aussteuern von flachen Gegenständen mit vorbestimmten Eigenschaften aufweist. Dabei ist die Aussteuerweiche vorteilhafterweise derart ausgebildet, dass sie auf unterschiedliche Formen, Maße oder physikalische Eigenschaften der flachen Gegenstände reagiert. Zudem weist die Aussteuerweiche eine Rückhaltevorrichtung zur Rückhaltung von nicht auszusteuemden flachen Gegenständen auf. Dadurch ist es erfindungsgemäß möglich, die sich in den Transportbehältern befindlichen flachen Gegenstände entsprechend vorher bestimmter Eigenschaften zu sortieren. Insbesondere ist es möglich, die zur Stabilisierung des genannten Kuvertstapels angeordneten Kartons auszusteuem bzw. abzusondern. Die Rückhaltevorrichtung gewährleistet eine hohe Sortiergenauigkeit.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the removal device is formed within a movably formed removal head, wherein the removal head has at least one of the removal device downstream Aussteuerweiche for the control of flat objects with predetermined properties. The duplexer is advantageously designed such that it responds to different shapes, dimensions or physical properties of the flat objects. In addition, the Aussteuerweiche on a retaining device for the retention of non-auszuscheuußen flat objects. As a result, it is possible according to the invention to sort the flat objects located in the transport containers in accordance with previously determined properties. In particular, it is possible auszusteuem or arranged for stabilization of said envelope stack cartons. The restraint ensures a high sorting accuracy.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist die Vorrichtung mindestens einen dem Entnahmekopf nachgeschalteten Stapelerzeuger auf. Der Stapelerzeuger ist dabei vorteilhafterweise verfahrbar ausgebildet und besteht aus einem Ausrichtelement und einer Aufstellvorrichtung zum Aufstellen der flachen Gegenstände. Der Stapelerzeuger gewährleistet eine stapelweise automatisierte Bereitstellung der aus den Transportbehältern entnommenen flachen Gegenstände für die sich der erfindungsgemäßen anschließende, weiterverarbeitende Vorrichtungen.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device has at least one stacking device downstream of the removal head. The stack generator is advantageously designed to be movable and consists of an alignment element and an erector for setting up the flat objects. The stacker ensures a batch automated provision of the flat items removed from the shipping containers for the subsequent, further processing devices according to the invention.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist der Stapelerzeuger einen Puffer zur Aufnahme einer Menge von aufgestellten flachen Gegenständen auf. Damit ist gewährleistet, dass an die nachgeschalteten, weiterverarbeitenden Vorrichtungen immer die gleiche Menge an flachen Gegenständen mit einer gleichbleibenden Geschwindigkeit übergeben werden kann. Zudem wird dadurch die für den Transportbehälterwechsel notwendige Zeit, in der keine flachen Gegenstände durch die Vorrichtung entnommen werden, ausgeglichen bzw. überbrückt.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stack generator on a buffer for receiving a set of erected flat objects. This ensures that the same amount of flat objects can always be transferred to the downstream, further processing devices at a constant speed. In addition, the time required for the transport container change, in which no flat objects are removed by the device, compensated or bridged.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist die Vorrichtung mindestens einen dem Stapelerzeuger nachgeschalteten Förderkopf mit einem Fördersystem und einem Entnahme-, Übergabe- oder Anschlussraum auf. Der Förderkopf gewährleistet die problemlose Verbindung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer Kuvertiervorrichtung und/oder einer Sortiervorrichtung und/oder einer anderen weiterverarbeitenden Vorrichtung.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device has at least one downstream of the stack generator conveyor head with a conveyor system and a removal, transfer or connection space. The conveying head ensures the problem-free connection of the device according to the invention with an inserting device and / or a sorting device and / or another further processing device.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist die Vorrichtung ein Transportbehälter-Fördersystem zur automatischen Zufuhr der mit den flachen Gegenständen befüllten Transportbehälter und ein Transportbehälter-Auswurfsystem zum automatischen Auswurf bzw. Entfernen der leeren Transportbehälter auf. Dadurch sind hohe Entnahme- bzw. Fördergeschwindigkeiten der flachen Gegenstände gewährleistet. Zudem ist es möglich, die leeren Transportbehälter einer weiterverarbeitenden Vorrichtung, wie zum Beispiel einer Kuvertiervorrichtung nachzuschalten, so dass diese mit gefüllten und zum Beispiel adressierten Kuverts wieder befüllt werden können.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a transport container conveyor system for automatically feeding the flat containers filled with the transport container and a transport container ejection system for automatic ejection or removal of the empty transport container. This ensures high removal or conveying speeds of the flat objects. In addition, it is possible to connect the empty transport containers of a further processing device, such as an inserter, so that they can be refilled with filled and, for example, addressed envelopes.

Ein efindungsgemäßes Verfahren zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter umfasst folgende Schritte: a) Zuführen eines mit den flachen Gegenständen befüllten Transportbehälters zu einer Vorrichtung; b) Eingriff mindestens eines Anschlagelements in mindestens eine Öffnung des Transportbehälters unter Bildung eines Freiraums innerhalb des Transportbehälters; und c) Eingriff einer Entnahmevorrichtung in den Freiraum zur Entnahme der flachen Gegenstände. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren gewährleistet eine rasche und sichere Entleerung der flachen Gegenstände aus den entsprechenden Transportbehältern.A method according to the invention for removing flat objects from a transport container comprises the following steps: a) feeding a transport container filled with the flat objects to a device; b) engaging at least one stop element in at least one opening of the Transport container forming a free space within the transport container; and c) engaging a removal device in the space for removal of the flat objects. The inventive method ensures rapid and safe emptying of the flat objects from the corresponding transport containers.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden die im Verfahrensschritt c) entnommenen flachen Gegenstände unter Aussteuerung von flachen Gegenständen mit vorbestimmten Eigenschaften einem Stapelerzeuger zugeführt. Damit ist es vorteilhafterweise möglich, flache Gegenstände mit unterschiedlichen Formen, Maßen oder physikalischen Eigenschaften abzutrennen bzw. zu sortieren.In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the flat objects removed in method step c) are fed to a stack generator under the control of flat objects with predetermined properties. Thus, it is advantageously possible to separate or sort flat objects with different shapes, dimensions or physical properties.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden die flachen Gegenstände im Stapelerzeuger mittels einer Aufstellvorrichtung aufgestellt bzw. aufgerichtet. Dadurch ist es möglich, dass die aus den Transportbehältern entnommenen flachen Gegenstände stapelweise einer weiteren, sich anschließenden automatischen Verarbeitung zugeführt werden können.In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the flat objects are set up or erected in the stack generator by means of an erection device. As a result, it is possible for the flat objects removed from the transport containers to be fed in batches to a further, subsequent automatic processing.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden die im Stapelerzeuger aufgestellten bzw. aufgerichteten flachen Gegenstände mittels einer Fördervorrichtung eines Förderkopfs an einen Entnahme-, Übergabe- oder Anschlussraum transportiert. Dadurch ist es möglich, dass die flachen Gegenstände einer Kuvertienrorrichtung und/oder einer Sortiervorrichtung und/oder einer anderen weiterverarbeitenden Vorrichtung zugeführt werden können.In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the flat objects erected or erected in the stack generator are transported by means of a conveying device of a conveying head to a removal, transfer or connecting space. This makes it possible for the flat objects to be fed to an envelope direction and / or a sorting device and / or another further processing device.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens erfolgt die Zuführung der Transportbehälter gemäß Verfahrensschritt a) automatisch. Dadurch ist es möglich, die Entnahmegeschwindigkeit und die Entnahmemenge der aus den Transportbehältern entnommenen flachen Gegenstände weiter zu erhöhen. Eine Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter betrifft die Zuführung von in Postboxen gestapelten Kuverts zu einer Kuvertiervorrichtung und/oder einer Sortiervorrichtung.In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the feeding of the transport container according to method step a) is carried out automatically. This makes it possible to further increase the removal rate and the removal amount of the flat objects removed from the transport containers. A use of the device according to the invention for removing flat objects from a transport container relates to the feeding of envelopes stacked in postboxes to an inserter and / or a sorting device.

Weitere Aufgaben, Vorteile und Merkmale der vorliegenden Erfindung ergeben sich aus dem im folgenden beschriebenen und in den Zeichnungen dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel.Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below and illustrated in the drawings.

Es zeigen

Figur 1a
eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung vor der Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus einem Transportbehälter;
Figur 1b
eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung bei der Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus dem Transportbehälter;
Figur 2
eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung bei der Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus dem Transportbehälter mit einer geöffneten Aussteuerweiche; und
Figur 3
eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung bei der Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen aus dem Transportbehälter mit geschlossener Aussteuerweiche.
Show it
FIG. 1a
a schematic representation of a device according to the invention prior to the removal of flat objects from a transport container;
FIG. 1b
a schematic representation of the device according to the invention in the removal of flat objects from the transport container;
FIG. 2
a schematic representation of the device according to the invention in the removal of flat objects from the transport container with an open Aussteuerweiche; and
FIG. 3
a schematic representation of the device according to the invention in the removal of flat objects from the transport container with closed control diverter.

Figur 1 a zeigt in einer schematischen Darstellung eine Vorrichtung 10 zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen 14, 32 aus einem Transportbehälter 12. Dabei ist die Situation vor der Entnahme der flachen Gegenstände 14, 32 aus dem Transportbehälter 12 dargestellt. Man erkennt, dass die Vorrichtung 10 ein Anschlagelement 16 zum Eingriff in eine stirnseitig angeordnete Öffnung 34 des Transportbehälters 12 aufweist. Um den sicheren Eingriff zu gewährleisten weist das Anschlagelement 16 einen Vorsprung 18 zu Eingriff in die Öffnung 34 auf. Der Transportbehälter 12 wird dabei mittels einer nicht dargestellten Transportvorrichtung, wie zum Beispiel einem Rollenförderer in Richtung des Anschlagelementes 16 bewegt.FIG. 1 a shows a schematic illustration of a device 10 for removing flat objects 14, 32 from a transport container 12. The situation before the removal of the flat objects 14, 32 from the transport container 12 is shown. It can be seen that the device 10 has a stop element 16 for engagement in a frontally arranged opening 34 of the transport container 12. In order to ensure the secure engagement, the stop element 16 has a projection 18 for engagement in the opening 34. The transport container 12 is thereby moved by means of a transport device, not shown, such as a roller conveyor in the direction of the stop element 16.

Die Vorrichtung 10 umfasst weiterhin eine Entnahmevorrichtung 26, die innerhalb eines verfahrbar ausgebildeten Entnahmekopfs 20 ausgebildet ist. Der Entnahmekopf 20 kann dabei in der Vertikalen wie auch der Horizontalen bewegt werden. Desweiteren erkennt man, dass der Entnahmekopf 20 eine der Entnahmevorrichtung 26 nachgeschaltete Aussteuerweiche 30 zum Aussteuern der flachen Gegenstände 32 aufweist. Die flachen Gegenstände 32 weisen dabei vorbestimmte Eigenschaften auf, die sie von den flachen Gegenständen 14 unterscheiden. Dabei ist die Aussteuerweiche 30 derart ausgebildet, dass sie auf unterschiedliche Formen, Maße oder physikalische Eigenschaften der flachen Gegenstände 14, 32 reagiert. Insbesondere reagiert die Aussteuerweiche 30 auf die Steifigkeit und/oder die Härte der auszusteuemden bzw. zu sortierenden Gegenstände 14, 32 (vergleiche auch Figur 2). Die Aussteuerweiche 30 umfasst zudem eine Rückhaltevorrichtung zur Rückhaltung von nicht auszusteuemden flachen Gegenständen 14. Diese Rückhaltevorrichtung kann aus der mittels des Bremsmagneten 40 gesteuerten Druckrolle 28 bestehen, es ist aber auch möglich, die Aussteuerweiche 30 selbst derart zu steuern, dass sie nach Betätigung, das heißt nach Öffnung nach einem vorbestimmten Zeitintervall automatisch wieder zurückfährt bzw. schließt, oder dieser Schließvorgang in Abhängigkeit der von den auszusortierenden flachen Gegenständen 32 durchlaufenen Wegstrecke erfolgt.The device 10 further comprises a removal device 26, which is formed within a movable removal head 20. The removal head 20 can be moved in the vertical as well as the horizontal. Furthermore, it can be seen that the removal head 20 has a removal device 30 downstream of the removal device 26 for controlling the flat objects 32. The flat objects 32 have predetermined properties that distinguish them from the flat objects 14. In this case, the duplexer 30 is designed such that it reacts to different shapes, dimensions or physical properties of the flat objects 14, 32. In particular, the duplexer 30 reacts to the rigidity and / or the hardness of the objects 14, 32 to be ejected or sorted (see also FIG. 2). The duplexer 30 also comprises a retaining device for retaining flat objects 14 which are not to be knocked out. This retaining device may consist of the pressure roller 28 controlled by means of the brake magnet 40, but it is also possible to control the duplexer 30 itself in such a way that, after being actuated, the divergence device 30 means after opening after a predetermined time interval automatically moves back or closes, or this closing operation in response to the traversed by the auszusortierenden flat objects 32 distance traveled.

Die in dem Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellte Vorrichtung 10 weist weiterhin einen dem Entnahmekopf 20 nachgeschalteten Stapelerzeuger 22 auf. Man erkennt, dass der Stapelerzeuger 22 horizontal verfahrbar ist und aus einem Ausrichtelement 44 und einer Aufstellvorrichtung 46 zum Aufstellen der flachen Gegenstände 14 besteht. Dabei nimmt das Ausrichtelement 44 die aus dem Transportbehälter 12 entnommenen flachen Gegenstände 14 auf und richtet diese aus, derart, dass ein problemloser automatischer Weitertransport gewährleistet ist. Der Stapelerzeuger 22 weist zudem einen Puffer 50 zur Aufnahme einer Menge der aufgestellten flachen Gegenstände 14 auf. Durch die Ausbildung des Puffers 50 ist es möglich, dass ein dem Stapelerzeuger 22 nachgeschalteter Förderkopf 24 mit einem Fördersystem 42 und einem Entnahme-, Übergabe- oder Anschlussraum 52, immer mit einer konstanten Menge an flachen Gegenständen 14 versorgt werden kann, selbst wenn nach der vollständigen Entleerung eines Transportbehälters 12, es zu einer zeitlichen Verzögerung bis zur Entnahme von weiteren flachen Gegenständen 14 aus einem nachfolgenden Transportbehälter kommt.The apparatus 10 shown in the embodiment further comprises a batch generator 22 downstream of the removal head 20. It can be seen that the stack generator 22 can be moved horizontally and consists of an alignment element 44 and an erection device 46 for setting up the flat objects 14. The alignment element 44 picks up the flat objects 14 removed from the transport container 12 and aligns them in such a way that trouble-free automatic further transport is ensured. The stack generator 22 also has a buffer 50 for receiving a quantity of the erected flat objects 14. By forming the buffer 50, it is possible for a delivery head 24 downstream of the stack generator 22 to be supplied with a conveyor system 42 and a removal, transfer or connection space 52, always with a constant amount of flat objects 14, even if after the complete emptying of a transport container 12, there is a time delay until the removal of further flat objects 14 from a subsequent transport container.

Desweiteren erkennt man aus Figur 1a, dass die Entnahmevorrichtung 26 aus einem Schuppenriemen besteht. Entsprechendes gilt für die Fördervorrichtung 48. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass an Stelle des Schuppenriemens Transportrollen oder Transportbänder mit Reibwirkung verwendet werden.Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 1 a that the removal device 26 consists of a flake belt. The same applies to the conveying device 48. However, it is also possible for transport rollers or conveyor belts with friction effect to be used instead of the flat belt.

Üblicherweise ist der Transportbehälter 12 eine standardisierte Postbox. Bei derartigen Postboxen befindet sich die Öffnung 34 jeweils an den Stirnseiten der Postbox im Bereich der Griffe.Usually, the transport container 12 is a standardized postbox. In such postboxes, the opening 34 is located in each case on the end faces of the postbox in the region of the handles.

Die Vorrichtung 10 dient insbesondere zur Entnahme von flachen Gegenständen 14, 32 in Form von leeren oder gefüllten Kuverts 14 und Kartons 32. Dabei befinden sich die Kartons 32 jeweils am Anfang und Ende eines Stapels der genannten Kuverts 14 und erfüllen eine Stützfunktion. Im unteren Bereich der Figur 1a ist die Position der Kuverts 14 und der Kartons 32 dargestellt. Man erkennt, dass die sich in der Transportbox 12 befindlichen Kuverts 14 und Kartons 32 den gesamten Raum innerhalb der Transportbox 12 ausfüllen. Desweiteren erkennt man, dass sich im Stapelerzeuger 22 und dem Förderkopf 24 bereits aus vorherigen Transportboxen entnommene Kuverts 14 befinden, insbesondere befindet sich eine entsprechende Menge Kuverts 14 im Bereich des Puffers 50.The device 10 is used in particular for removing flat objects 14, 32 in the form of empty or filled envelopes 14 and boxes 32. In this case, the boxes 32 are located at the beginning and end of a stack of said envelopes 14 and perform a support function. In the lower part of FIG. 1a, the position of the envelopes 14 and the cartons 32 is shown. It can be seen that the envelopes 14 and boxes 32 located in the transport box 12 fill the entire space inside the transport box 12. Furthermore, it can be seen that envelopes 14 already removed from previous transport boxes are located in the stack generator 22 and the conveying head 24; in particular, a corresponding quantity of envelopes 14 is located in the region of the buffer 50.

Figur 1b zeigt in einer schematischen Darstellung die Vorrichtung 10 bei der Entnahme der flachen Gegenstände 14, 32 aus dem Transportbehälter 12. Man erkennt, dass in einem ersten Verfahrensschritt a) der befüllte Transportbehälter 12 zu der Vorrichtung 10 zugeführt wird. Diese Zuführung kann dabei automatisch erfolgen. Dabei kommt es zu dem Eingriff des Anschlagelements 16 bzw. des Vorsprungs 18 durch die Öffnung 34 des Transportbehälters 12. Bei dem Eingriff kommt es zu einer Berührung des Anschlagelements 16 bzw. des Vorsprungs 18 mit den in dem Transportbehälter gestapelten flachen Gegenständen 14, 32, insbesondere mit dem stimseitig zuerst angeordneten flachen Gegenstand 32.FIG. 1b shows a schematic representation of the device 10 during the removal of the flat objects 14, 32 from the transport container 12. It can be seen that in a first method step a) the filled transport container 12 is supplied to the device 10. This feed can be done automatically. This results in the engagement of the stop member 16 and the projection 18 through the opening 34 of the transport container 12. In the procedure, there is a contact of the stop member 16 and the projection 18 with the stacked in the transport container flat objects 14, 32, in particular with the first flat object 32 arranged on the front side.

Desweiteren werden durch den Eingriff die sich innerhalb des Transportbehälters 12 befindlichen flachen Gegenstände 14, 32 komprimiert, so dass es zur Ausbildung eines Freiraums 36 innerhalb des Transportbehälters 12 kommt. In diesen Freiraum 36 greift die Entnahmevorrichtung 26 ein. In dem Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Entnahmevorrichtung 26 als Schuppenriemen dargestellt.Furthermore, the flat objects 14, 32 located within the transport container 12 are compressed by the intervention, so that formation of a free space 36 within the transport container 12 occurs. In this space 36, the removal device 26 engages. In the embodiment, the removal device 26 is shown as a scale belt.

Figur 2 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung der Vorrichtung 10 bei der Entnahme der flachen Gegenstände 14, 32 aus dem Transportbehälter 12 mit einer geöffneten Aussteuerweiche 30. In dieser Darstellung wird deutlich, dass es zu einer Entnahme der flachen Gegenstände 14, 32 aus dem Transportbehälter 12 durch die Entnahmevorrichtung 26 kommt, wobei es sich bei dem ersten zu entnehmenden flachen Gegenstand 32 um einen Gegenstand handelt, der sich aufgrund seiner Steifigkeit und Härte von den anderen flachen Gegenständen 14 unterscheidet. Insbesondere handelt es sich bei dem flachen Gegenstand 32 um den bereits genannten Karton. Entsprechend der Ausgestaltung der Aussteuerweiche 30 reagiert diese auf das Vorbeiführen des flachen Gegenstandes 32 in der Weise, dass sie sich öffnet und den Weg zu einem Fördersystem 42 freigibt, welches den Karton 32 aus der Vorrichtung 10 aussteuert bzw. entfernt.FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the device 10 during the removal of the flat objects 14, 32 from the transport container 12 with an opened control divider 30. In this illustration it becomes clear that there is a removal of the flat objects 14, 32 from the transport container 12 the extraction device 26 comes, wherein the first flat object 32 to be removed is an article which differs from the other flat objects 14 due to its rigidity and hardness. In particular, the flat article 32 is the already mentioned cardboard. According to the configuration of the duplexer 30, this responds to the passing of the flat object 32 in such a way that it opens and the way to a conveyor system 42 releases, which controls the carton 32 from the device 10 and removes.

Weiterhin erkennt man aus Figur 2, dass das Anschlagelement 16 an einem Schwenkarm 38 befestigt ist, so dass das Anschlagelement 16 jederzeit aus der Transportrichtung bzw. dem Transportweg der Transportbehälter 12 ausgeschwenkt werden kann. Um zu gewährleisten, dass die sich innerhalb des Transportbehälters 12 befindliche Entnahmevorrichtung 26 immer in Eingriff mit dem zu entnehmenden flachen Gegenständen 14, 32 befindet, können verschiedene Maßnahmen ergriffen werden. So ist es möglich, durch den Vorschub des Transportbehälters 12 eine entsprechende Anlage der flachen Gegenstände 14, 32 an die Entnahmevorrichtung 26 zu gewährleisten. Andererseits ist es auch möglich, den Entnahmekopf 20 in entsprechender Weise in der Horizontalen zu verfahren. Schließlich besteht die Möglichkeit, das Anschlagelement 16 derart auszugestalten, dass dieses ebenfalls in der Horizontalen weiterbewegt oder ausgefahren werden kann.Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 2 that the stop element 16 is fastened to a pivoting arm 38, so that the stop element 16 can be swiveled out of the transport direction or the transport path of the transport container 12 at any time. In order to ensure that the removal device 26 located within the transport container 12 is always in engagement with the flat objects 14, 32 to be removed, various measures can be taken. Thus, it is possible to ensure a corresponding contact of the flat objects 14, 32 to the removal device 26 by the advance of the transport container 12. On the other hand, it is also possible to move the removal head 20 in a corresponding manner in the horizontal. Finally, it is possible to design the stop element 16 in such a way that it can also be moved further or extended in the horizontal direction.

Figur 3 zeigt in einer schematischen Darstellung die Vorrichtung 10 bei der Entnahme der flachen Gegenstände 14 aus dem Transportbehälter 12 mit geschlossener Aussteuerweiche 30. Insbesondere soll hier der komplette Entnahme- und Transportweg der flachen Gegenstände 14, das heißt der Kuverts, von dem Transportbehälter 12 bis zu dem Entnahme-, Übergabe- oder Anschlussraum 52 dargestellt werden. Man erkennt, dass die sich in dem Transportbehälter 12 befindlichen flachen Gegenstände 14 über die Entnahmevorrichtung 26 an den mittels einer Antriebsvorrichtung 54 verfahrbaren Stapelerzeuger 22 übergeben werden. Dabei werden Kuverts 14 mittels der Aufstellvorrichtung 46 aufgestellt und in dem Puffer 50 zwischengespeichert. Mittels der Fördervorrichtung 48 des Förderkopfs 24 werden die im Puffer 50 gespeicherten Kuverts 14 in den Entnahme-, Übergabe- oder Anschlussraum 52 überführt. Ausgehend von dem Raum 52 können die mittels der Vorrichtung 10 entnommenen flachen Gegenstände 14 einer Kuvertiervorrichtung und/oder einer Sortiervorrichtung und/oder einer anderen weiterverarbeitenden Vorrichtung (nicht dargestellt) zugeführt werden.Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the device 10 in the removal of the flat objects 14 from the transport container 12 with closed Aussteuerweiche 30. In particular, the complete removal and transport of the flat objects 14, that is the envelopes, from the transport container 12 to to the removal, transfer or connection space 52 are shown. It can be seen that the flat objects 14 located in the transport container 12 are transferred via the removal device 26 to the stack generator 22 which can be moved by means of a drive device 54. In this case, envelopes 14 are set up by means of the setting-up device 46 and temporarily stored in the buffer 50. By means of the conveying device 48 of the conveying head 24, the envelopes 14 stored in the buffer 50 are transferred to the removal, transfer or connection chamber 52. Starting from the space 52, the flat objects 14 removed by means of the device 10 can be fed to an inserting device and / or a sorting device and / or another further processing device (not shown).

Dabei kann die Vorrichtung 10 zudem ein Transportbehälter-Fördersystem zur automatischen Zufuhr der mit den flachen Gegenständen 14, 32 befüllten Transportbehälter 12 und ein Transportbehälter-Auswurfsystem zum automatischen Auswurf bzw. Entfernen der leeren Transportbehälter 12 aufweisen (nicht dargestellt). Insbesondere findet die Vorrichtung 10 Verwendung bei der Zuführung von in Postboxen gestapelten leeren oder befüllten Kuverts zu einer Kuvertiervorrichtung und/oder einer Sortiervorrichtung und/oder einer anderen weiterverarbeitenden Vorrichtung.The apparatus 10 may further comprise a transport container conveying system for automatically feeding the transport containers 12 filled with the flat articles 14, 32 and a transporting-container ejecting system for automatically ejecting the empty transporting containers 12 (not shown). In particular, the apparatus 10 finds use in feeding empty or filled envelopes stacked in postboxes to an inserter and / or a sorter and / or other further processing device.

Claims (19)

  1. Apparatus for removing flat objects (14, 32) including a transport container (12) and at least one removing device (26) for removing the flat objects from the transport container,
    characterized in that
    the apparatus (10) has at least one stop member (16) for engaging with at least one opening (34) of the transport container (12), wherein the stop member (16) contacts the flat objects (14, 32) piled in the transport container (12) upon engagement, and thus a free space (36) is formed within the transport container (12), and the removing device (26) engages with the free space (36) for removing the flat objects (14, 32).
  2. Apparatus according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the removing device (26) is formed within a movably formed removing head (20), and the removing head (20) has at least one driving-out deflector (30) succeeding the removing device (26) for driving out flat objects (32) with predetermined properties.
  3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that
    the driving-out deflector (30) is formed such that it responds to different shapes, dimensions or physical properties of the flat objects (14, 32).
  4. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
    characterized in that
    the driving-cut deflector (30) has a retaining device for retaining flat objects (14) not to be driven-out.
  5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the apparatus (10) has at least one pile generator (22) succeeding the removing head (20).
  6. Apparatus according to claim 5,
    characterized in that
    the pile generator (22) is movable and is comprised of an aligning member (44) and an erecting device (46) for erecting the flat objects (12).
  7. Apparatus according to claim 6,
    characterized in that
    the pile generator (22) has a buffer (50) for receiving an amount of erected flat objects (14).
  8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
    characterized in that
    the apparatus (10) has at least one conveying head (24) with a conveying system (42) succeeding the pile generator (22), and a removing, passing or connecting space (52).
  9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the apparatus (10) has a transport container conveying system for automatically supplying the transport containers (12) filled with the flat objects (14, 32), and a transport container ejecting system for automatically ejecting or removing the empty transport containers (12), respectively.
  10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the removing device (26) is comprised of a scale belt or of at least one transporting roller with frictional effect or of a transporting belt with frictional effect.
  11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the flat objects are empty or filled envelopes (14) and cartons (32).
  12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the transport container (12) is a standardized mail box.
  13. Method for removing flat objects from a transport container,
    wherein the method includes the following steps:
    a) supplying a transport container (12) filled with the flat objects (14, 32) to an apparatus (10);
    b) engaging at least one stop member (16) with at least one opening (34) of the transport container (12) with formation of a free space (36) within the transport container (12); and
    c) engagement of a removing device (26) with the free space (36) for removing the flat objects (14, 32).
  14. Method according to claim 13,
    characterized in that
    the flat objects (14) removed in method step c) are supplied to a pile generator (22) with driving-out flat objects (32) with predetermined properties.
  15. Method according to claim 14,
    characterized in that
    the flat objects (14) are put up or erected, respectively, in the pile generator (22) by means of an erecting device (46).
  16. Method according to claim 15,
    characterized in that
    the flat objects (14) put up or erected in the pile generator (14), respectively, are transported to a removing, passing or connecting space (52) by means of a conveying device (48) of a conveying head (24).
  17. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
    characterized in that
    the flat objects (14) removed by means of the apparatus (10) are supplied to an enveloping device and/or a sorting device and/or another further processing device.
  18. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 17,
    characterized in that
    the supply of the transport containers (12) is effected automatically according to method step a).
  19. Use of an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for supplying empty or filled envelopes piled in mail boxes to an enveloping device and/or a sorting device and/or another further processing device.
EP01126803A 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Device and method for separating flat articles from a transport container Expired - Lifetime EP1310442B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01126803A EP1310442B1 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Device and method for separating flat articles from a transport container
DE50108895T DE50108895D1 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Apparatus and method for removing flat objects from a transport container
AT01126803T ATE317364T1 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING FLAT OBJECTS FROM A TRANSPORT CONTAINER

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01126803A EP1310442B1 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Device and method for separating flat articles from a transport container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1310442A1 EP1310442A1 (en) 2003-05-14
EP1310442B1 true EP1310442B1 (en) 2006-02-08

Family

ID=8179213

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01126803A Expired - Lifetime EP1310442B1 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Device and method for separating flat articles from a transport container

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EP (1) EP1310442B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE317364T1 (en)
DE (1) DE50108895D1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2949301B2 (en) * 1990-07-23 1999-09-13 株式会社日立製作所 Paper storage box and paper handling equipment
US5871209A (en) * 1996-03-01 1999-02-16 Currency Systems International, Inc. Cassette based document handling system
US6135697A (en) * 1997-01-30 2000-10-24 Siemens Electrocom, L.P. Transfer of cartridges containing flat articles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1310442A1 (en) 2003-05-14
DE50108895D1 (en) 2006-04-20
ATE317364T1 (en) 2006-02-15

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