EP1521645A1 - Method and machine for preparing postman's route in one single pass - Google Patents

Method and machine for preparing postman's route in one single pass

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Publication number
EP1521645A1
EP1521645A1 EP03750787A EP03750787A EP1521645A1 EP 1521645 A1 EP1521645 A1 EP 1521645A1 EP 03750787 A EP03750787 A EP 03750787A EP 03750787 A EP03750787 A EP 03750787A EP 1521645 A1 EP1521645 A1 EP 1521645A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bucket
buckets
carousel
postman
letters
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP03750787A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1521645B1 (en
Inventor
François Gillet
Raymond Chifflet
Olivier De Sousa
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.)
Solystic SAS
Original Assignee
Solystic SAS
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 Solystic SAS filed Critical Solystic SAS
Publication of EP1521645A1 publication Critical patent/EP1521645A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1521645B1 publication Critical patent/EP1521645B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B07C3/02—Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • B07C3/08—Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution using arrangements of conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B07C3/02—Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • B07C3/04—Drum-type sorting machines or having circularly arranged sorting compartments

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for preparing a postman's tour containing both letters and so-called “large format” flat postal items.
  • Preparing the postman's round consists of grouping the folds of the round by distribution point and placing the volumes to be distributed for each of these distribution points in the order of the round.
  • This treatment can be done manually or using so-called “sequencing” machines which usually work in one or more passes (generally 2 or 3).
  • letter carriers have become accustomed to preparing a single tour including both small letters and large objects format.
  • the preparation of this tour currently requires a lot of handling, which increases the cost associated with distribution, which currently represents 2/3 of the total cost of processing a fold.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a method as indicated above for preparing in a single pass a tour of the postman containing both letters and large postal items. According to the invention, this process is characterized in that it consists of the following stages:
  • each letter or large format object of the conveyor is oriented towards one of the cups of the carousel which corresponds to the distribution point of the letter or large format object;
  • the step of emptying the bucket into a receptacle consists in opening the bottom of the bucket above a bundling system for the contents of the bucket.
  • the bundling of the contents of the bucket consists of a bagging operation.
  • the bagging operation for the contents of the cups consists in producing a string of sachets.
  • the invention also extends to a machine for preparing in a single pass a postman's tour containing both letters and large postal items, characterized in that it comprises a bucket carousel having as many buckets as there are distribution points in the postman's tour, a conveyor arranged to convey letters and large-format objects in series above the buckets of the bucket carousel, switching means arranged to orient each letter or large object format of the conveyor towards one of the buckets of the carousel corresponding to the point of distribution of the letter or large format object, and a system for bundling the contents of the buckets above which the buckets are brought successively by placing moving bucket carousel and in which each bucket is unloaded.
  • This machine also has the following special features:
  • the bundling system is arranged to form a string of sachets each containing the contents of a scoop.
  • It includes a labeling machine capable of affixing a label on a sachet of the string of sachets.
  • the bundling system comprises two reels respectively of two sheet strips arranged face to face so that the content of each bucket is discharged between the two opposite sheet strips, and in which means are provided for bringing the two opposite sheet strips together and for securing the sides of the two strips so as to constitute a bag enclosing the contents of the bucket.
  • the sheet strips are plastic strips.
  • the bundling system comprises means for precutting the junction zone between two consecutive sachets.
  • the conveyor is a belt and roller conveyor and the switching means are constituted by rotary shutters.
  • FIG. 1 shows very schematically in top view, a machine for preparing a tour of a postman according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 very schematically shows a belt and roller conveyor forming part of the machine of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 very schematically shows the switching flaps of the conveyor of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 very schematically shows a bundling system forming part of the machine of FIG. 1.
  • the machine shown in Figure 1 can prepare in a single pass a tour of the postman containing both letters and large format objects.
  • the machine comprises a destacker 1 suitable for serializing a stack of large format objects (commonly called "flats" in the technical literature) and a destacker 2 suitable for serializing a stack of letters which are objects of smaller format.
  • the machine could have only one unstacker such as 2 if it was also suitable for both serializing large format objects and letters.
  • the folds at the output of the destackers 1 and 2 are conveyed in series by a conveyor 3 to be moved above the buckets of a bucket carousel 4.
  • the carousel buckets are open on top and have a bottom which can be opened .
  • the cup carousel 4 has as many cups as there are distribution points in the round of the factor to be prepared. Each bucket therefore corresponds to a distribution point of the postman's route and the successive buckets in the carousel correspond to the successive distribution points in the order of the postman's tour.
  • the conveyor 3 must be arranged to be able to bring each fold to one of the carousel cups corresponding to the point of distribution of the fold when the carousel is stopped.
  • the machine also comprises a bundling system 5 which is arranged at a fixed location along the path of the buckets so that by setting the carousel 4 in motion, the buckets can be brought successively above the system 5.
  • a once brought over the system 5, the bucket is discharged of its contents into a receptacle for placing in a bundle.
  • the unloading of the buckets is carried out continuously and in synchronization with the operation of the bundling system 5 which is arranged to form a string of bags each containing the contents of a bucket.
  • the successive sachets of the rosary therefore correspond to the successive distribution points of the postman's tour.
  • FIG. 2 the conveyor 3 which is a conveyor in which the folds such as letter L and large size object P are conveyed flat between belts 8 and rollers 9 motorized.
  • Referral flaps 10 (here flaps with three branches) rotatably mounted on the conveyor rollers make it possible to orient each fold from the conveyor towards one of the buckets of the carousel.
  • a switch flap 10 is shown in an open position in which it directs a letter L, moving in the direction D, towards the inside of a bucket situated directly above the flap 10. From in general, there are as many switch flaps as there are buckets and these are distributed at regular intervals along the conveyor 3 directly above the buckets of the carousel placed in a stopped position.
  • each switch flap 10 is disposed between two sets of adjacent rollers 9 spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the width of the upper opening of a cup of the carousel 4.
  • a reading system 6 illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted between the destackers 1, 2 and the conveyor 3 to automatically read a bar code on each serialized fold which is indicative of the point of distribution of the fold. This information is sent to a control system (not shown) for the selective control of the switch flaps 10 as the plies move on the conveyor 3 so that each ply whose distribution point has been recognized by the reading system is automatically directed to the corresponding bucket.
  • each bucket in the loading position, the carousel buckets are kept inclined relative to the vertical by a special device and thanks to the fact that they are all rotatably mounted at their upper part on a horizontal axis such that 11.
  • each bucket can be provided with a roller at its lower part, this roller coming to roll on a suitable running surface. .
  • This tilting of the buckets allows folds to be stored by gravity without jamming in the buckets.
  • FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the bundling system according to the invention.
  • This system allows continuous bagging of the contents of the buckets.
  • the bucket carousel is set in motion to bring each bucket successively above the system 5 where it is discharged by simple opening of its bottom 19.
  • the bottom 19 of the bucket can be opened automatically.
  • the folds 14-16 located inside the bucket fall by gravity between two strips of sheet 17,18 wound respectively on two reels 20,21 arranged face to face.
  • a cell 22 is arranged to detect the passage of the folds at the outlet of the bucket G.
  • the two sheet strips are unwound downwards and the lateral edges of the two strips are brought towards each other by means of pressure rollers 23, 24 movable in a direction perpendicular to the Production management of the string of sachets.
  • the two sheet strips are preferably two films of transparent plastic, which can be welded edge to edge by heat rollers 23,24.
  • Heating knives 25, 26, movable perpendicular to the direction D ′ make it possible to close the upper part and the lower part of the sachets with the possibility of making a precut in the junction zone of two consecutive sachets. This precut will allow easy separation of the sachets between them during distribution by the factor.
  • the two sheet strips 17, 18 are unwound step by step cyclically with each passage of a full bucket at the unloading location so that a new sachet forming a hopper is prepared under the bottom of bucket G running. If the cell 22 does not detect the passage of folds at the outlet of the current bucket G, a new bucket is presented at the unloading location but no unwinding is carried out on the two strips of sheet 17,18.
  • the cups can be unloaded continuously and a string of bags containing the contents of the cups is formed with the advantage that the successive bags of the chain correspond to the successive distribution points of the postman's round. Furthermore, on the basis of the information provided by cell 22, it is possible to avoid forming sachets containing no folds.
  • a labeling machine 40 is arranged to affix labels to the bags 30, 31, 32 when they leave the bundling system 5.
  • This labeling machine can be arranged to generate a label identifying the route and a point of distribution thereof and to affix this label on the corresponding bag produced at the outlet of the bundling system. It is understood that the chain of sachets can be divided before distribution by the postman if the sachet at the top of each fraction bears a label with information on the route and the distribution point.
  • the stack of large format objects in the destacker 1 is serialized and the large format objects are grouped by distribution point in the different buckets of the carousel that has been stopped.
  • the stack of letters in the destacker 2 is serialized and the letters are grouped by distribution point in the different buckets of the carousel.
  • the bucket carousel is set in motion to successively bring each bucket above the bundling system where the bucket is unloaded into a receptacle.
  • the bundling system is synchronized with the movement of the buckets so that a string of bags can be formed continuously as the buckets move above the system 5.
  • the bags each containing one or more plies follow one another in the order of the postman's tour.
  • the bags may have a rectangular shape and a dimension corresponding to the largest dimension of the large format objects to be processed.

Abstract

In order to be able to prepare a postman's walk containing both letters (L) and "large format" flat postal objects (P) in a single pass: the letters and the large format objects are moved in series using a conveyor ( 3 ) over the bins of a bin carrousel ( 4 ) that is stationary, with the successive bins of the carrousel corresponding to different successive delivery points in the postman's walk; each letter or large format object on the conveyor is directed towards that one of the bins of the carrousel which corresponds to the delivery point for the letter or large format object; and when all of the letters and large format objects of the postman's walk have been grouped together by delivery points in the bins of carrousel, the bin carrousel is set into motion in order to bring each bin in succession to a location ( 5 ) where the bin is emptied into a receptacle.

Description

Procédé et machine pour la préparation de la tournée du facteur en une seule passeMethod and machine for preparing the postman's tour in a single pass
L'invention concerne un procédé pour préparer une tournée du facteur contenant à la fois des lettres et des objets postaux plats dits « de grand format ». La préparation de la tournée du facteur consiste à regrouper les plis de la tournée par point de distribution et à placer les volumes à distribuer pour chacun de ces points de distribution dans l'ordre de la tournée. Ce traitement peut être fait manuellement ou en utilisant des machines dites de « séquencement » qui travaillent habituellement en une ou plusieurs passes (généralement 2 ou 3). De plus, jusqu'à présent, pour une tournée composée à la fois de lettres et d'objets de grands formats, les facteurs ont pris l'habitude de préparer une seule tournée incluant à la fois les lettres de petit format et les objets grand format. Cependant, la préparation de cette tournée requiert actuellement beaucoup de manipulations ce qui augmente le coût associé à la distribution qui représente actuellement les 2/3 du coût total de traitement d'un pli. Le but de l'invention est de proposer un procédé comme indiqué plus haut pour préparer en une seule passe une tournée du facteur contenant à la fois des lettres et des objets postaux grand format . Selon l'invention, ce procédé est caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste dans les étapes suivantes :The invention relates to a method for preparing a postman's tour containing both letters and so-called “large format” flat postal items. Preparing the postman's round consists of grouping the folds of the round by distribution point and placing the volumes to be distributed for each of these distribution points in the order of the round. This treatment can be done manually or using so-called “sequencing” machines which usually work in one or more passes (generally 2 or 3). In addition, up to now, for a tour made up of both letters and large objects, letter carriers have become accustomed to preparing a single tour including both small letters and large objects format. However, the preparation of this tour currently requires a lot of handling, which increases the cost associated with distribution, which currently represents 2/3 of the total cost of processing a fold. The object of the invention is to propose a method as indicated above for preparing in a single pass a tour of the postman containing both letters and large postal items. According to the invention, this process is characterized in that it consists of the following stages:
- on déplace en série les lettres et les objets grand format à l'aide d'un convoyeur au-dessus des godets d'un carrousel à godets mis à l'arrêt, les godets successifs du carrousel correspondant aux différents points de distribution successifs de la tournée du facteur,- letters and large-format objects are moved in series using a conveyor above the buckets of a bucket carousel that has stopped, the successive buckets of the carrousel corresponding to the different successive distribution points of the postman's tour,
- on oriente chaque lettre ou objet grand format du convoyeur vers l'un des godets du carrousel qui correspond au point de distribution de la lettre ou objet grand format ;- each letter or large format object of the conveyor is oriented towards one of the cups of the carousel which corresponds to the distribution point of the letter or large format object;
- quand l'ensemble des lettres et objets grand format de la tournée du facteur sont regroupés par point de distribution dans les godets du carrousel, on met en mouvement le carrousel à godets pour amener successivement chaque godet à un emplacement où le godet est vidé dans un réceptacle. Selon des particularités du procédé selon l'invention :- when all the letters and large-format objects from the postman's tour are grouped by distribution point in the buckets of the carousel, the cup carousel is moved to bring each bucket successively to a location where the bucket is emptied in a receptacle. According to particularities of the method according to the invention:
- l'étape de vidage du godet dans un réceptacle consiste à ouvrir le fond du godet au dessus d'un système de mise en liasse du contenu du godet.the step of emptying the bucket into a receptacle consists in opening the bottom of the bucket above a bundling system for the contents of the bucket.
- la mise en liasse du contenu du godet consiste dans une opération d'ensachage.- the bundling of the contents of the bucket consists of a bagging operation.
- l'opération d'ensachage du contenu des godets consiste à produire un chapelet de sachets.- the bagging operation for the contents of the cups consists in producing a string of sachets.
- les objets grand format sont d'abord déplacés au-dessus du carrousel à godets pour être regroupés par point de distribution dans les godets, ce traitement étant répété ensuite pour les lettres.- large format objects are first moved above the cup carousel to be grouped by distribution point in the cups, this treatment then being repeated for letters.
L'invention s'étend aussi à une machine pour préparer en une seule passe une tournée du facteur contenant à la fois des lettres et des objets postaux grand format, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un carrousel à godets ayant autant de godets qu'il y a de points de distribution dans la tournée du facteur, un convoyeur disposé pour convoyer en série les lettres et les objets grand format au-dessus des godets du carrousel à godets, des moyens d'aiguillage agencés pour orienter chaque lettre ou objet grand format du convoyeur vers l'un des godets du carrousel correspondant au point de distribution de la lettre ou de l'objet grand format, et un système de mise en liasse du contenu des godets au-dessus duquel sont amenés successivement les godets par une mise en mouvement du carrousel à godets et dans lequel chaque godet est déchargé. Cette machine présente en outre les particularités suivantes :The invention also extends to a machine for preparing in a single pass a postman's tour containing both letters and large postal items, characterized in that it comprises a bucket carousel having as many buckets as there are distribution points in the postman's tour, a conveyor arranged to convey letters and large-format objects in series above the buckets of the bucket carousel, switching means arranged to orient each letter or large object format of the conveyor towards one of the buckets of the carousel corresponding to the point of distribution of the letter or large format object, and a system for bundling the contents of the buckets above which the buckets are brought successively by placing moving bucket carousel and in which each bucket is unloaded. This machine also has the following special features:
- le système de mise en liasse est agencé pour former un chapelet de sachets contenant chacun le contenu d'un godet.- The bundling system is arranged to form a string of sachets each containing the contents of a scoop.
- elle comprend une étiqueteuse apte à apposer une étiquette sur un sachet du chapelet de sachets.- It includes a labeling machine capable of affixing a label on a sachet of the string of sachets.
- le système de mise en liasse comprend deux dévidoirs respectivement de deux bandes en feuille disposés face à face de telle manière que le contenu de chaque godet est déchargé entre les deux bandes en feuille opposées, et dans lequel il est prévu des moyens pour rapprocher les deux bandes en feuille opposées et pour solidariser les côtés des deux bandes de façon à constituer un sachet enfermant le contenu du godet. - les bandes en feuille sont des bandes en matière plastique.- the bundling system comprises two reels respectively of two sheet strips arranged face to face so that the content of each bucket is discharged between the two opposite sheet strips, and in which means are provided for bringing the two opposite sheet strips together and for securing the sides of the two strips so as to constitute a bag enclosing the contents of the bucket. - the sheet strips are plastic strips.
- le système de mise en liasse comprend des moyens pour prédécouper la zone de jonction entre deux sachets consécutifs.- the bundling system comprises means for precutting the junction zone between two consecutive sachets.
- le convoyeur est un convoyeur à courroies et à rouleaux et les moyens d'aiguillage sont constitués par des volets rotatifs. De ce qui précède, on comprend que la mise en liasse est réalisée de telle façon que les liasses restent reliées les unes aux autres dans l'ordre des points de distribution de la tournée du facteur. Aucune liasse n'est bien entendu générée pour un point de distribution vide, c'est-à-dire pour un godet du carrousel ne contenant aucune lettre ni objet de grand format. L'ensachage avec prédécoupage entre les sachets consécutifs est avantageux en ce qu'il permet d'augmenter très sensiblement la productivité du facteur car il contribue à la simplification du transport de la tournée une fois préparée et à la simplification de la distribution du courrier, les sachets étant séparés les uns des autres au fur et à mesure que le facteur passe devant les boîtes à lettres.- The conveyor is a belt and roller conveyor and the switching means are constituted by rotary shutters. From the above, it is understood that the bundling is carried out in such a way that the bundles remain connected to each other in the order of the distribution points of the postman's round. No bundle is of course generated for an empty distribution point, that is to say for a carousel cup containing no letter or large format object. Bagging with precut between consecutive sachets is advantageous in that it makes it possible to very significantly increase the productivity of the postman because it contributes to the simplification of the transport of the tour once prepared and to the simplification of the delivery of mail, the bags being separated from each other as the postman passes in front of the mailboxes.
Le procédé et la machine pour préparer la tournée du facteur selon l'invention sont décrits ci-après et illustrés par les dessins.The method and the machine for preparing the postman's tour according to the invention are described below and illustrated by the drawings.
La figure 1 montre très schématiquement en vue de dessus, une machine pour préparer une tournée d'un facteur selon l'invention. La figure 2 montre très schématiquement, un convoyeur à courroies et à rouleaux faisant partie de la machine de la figure 1.Figure 1 shows very schematically in top view, a machine for preparing a tour of a postman according to the invention. FIG. 2 very schematically shows a belt and roller conveyor forming part of the machine of FIG. 1.
La figure 3 montre très schématiquement les volets d'aiguillage du convoyeur de la figure 2. La figure 4 montre très schématiquement un système de mise en liasse faisant partie de la machine de la figure 1.FIG. 3 very schematically shows the switching flaps of the conveyor of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 very schematically shows a bundling system forming part of the machine of FIG. 1.
La machine montrée sur la figure 1 permet de préparer en une seule passe une tournée du facteur contenant à la fois des lettres et des objets grand format. La machine comprend un dépileur 1 adapté pour la sérialisation d'une pile d'objets de grand format (appelés couramment « flats » dans la littérature technique) et un dépileur 2 adapté pour la sérialisation d'une pile de lettres qui sont des objets de plus petit format. Bien entendu, la machine pourrait ne comporter qu'un seul dépileur tel que 2 si celui-ci était également adapté à la fois pour la sérialisation des objets grand format et des lettres. Les plis en sortie des dépileurs 1 et 2 sont convoyés en série par un convoyeur 3 pour être déplacés au-dessus des godets d'un carrousel à godets 4. Les godets du carrousel sont ouverts sur le dessus et comportent un fond pouvant s'ouvrir. Le carrousel à godets 4 a autant de godets qu'il y a de points de distribution dans la tournée du facteur à préparer. A chaque godet correspond donc un point de distribution de la tournée du facteur et les godets successifs dans le carrousel correspondent aux points de distribution successifs dans l'ordre de la tournée du facteur. Le convoyeur 3 doit être agencé pour pouvoir amener chaque pli vers l'un des godets du carrousel correspondant au point de distribution du pli quand le carrousel est à l'arrêt.The machine shown in Figure 1 can prepare in a single pass a tour of the postman containing both letters and large format objects. The machine comprises a destacker 1 suitable for serializing a stack of large format objects (commonly called "flats" in the technical literature) and a destacker 2 suitable for serializing a stack of letters which are objects of smaller format. Of course, the machine could have only one unstacker such as 2 if it was also suitable for both serializing large format objects and letters. The folds at the output of the destackers 1 and 2 are conveyed in series by a conveyor 3 to be moved above the buckets of a bucket carousel 4. The carousel buckets are open on top and have a bottom which can be opened . The cup carousel 4 has as many cups as there are distribution points in the round of the factor to be prepared. Each bucket therefore corresponds to a distribution point of the postman's route and the successive buckets in the carousel correspond to the successive distribution points in the order of the postman's tour. The conveyor 3 must be arranged to be able to bring each fold to one of the carousel cups corresponding to the point of distribution of the fold when the carousel is stopped.
Avec le convoyeur et le carrousel à godets, il est possible de regrouper en une seule passe l'ensemble des plis par point de distribution dans les différents godets du carrousel. La machine comprend aussi un système de mise en liasse 5 qui est disposé à un emplacement fixe le long du trajet des godets de sorte que par une mise en mouvement du carrousel 4, les godets peuvent être amenés successivement au-dessus du système 5. Une fois amené au-dessus du système 5, le godet est déchargé de son contenu dans un réceptacle pour une mise en liasse. Le déchargement des godets se fait en continu et de façon synchronisée avec le fonctionnement du système de mise en liasse 5 qui est agencé pour former un chapelet de sachets contenant chacun le contenu d'un godet. Les sachets successifs du chapelet correspondent donc aux points de distribution successifs de la tournée du facteur.With the conveyor and the cup carousel, it is possible to group all the folds by distribution point in a single pass in the different cups of the carousel. The machine also comprises a bundling system 5 which is arranged at a fixed location along the path of the buckets so that by setting the carousel 4 in motion, the buckets can be brought successively above the system 5. A once brought over the system 5, the bucket is discharged of its contents into a receptacle for placing in a bundle. The unloading of the buckets is carried out continuously and in synchronization with the operation of the bundling system 5 which is arranged to form a string of bags each containing the contents of a bucket. The successive sachets of the rosary therefore correspond to the successive distribution points of the postman's tour.
On a représenté sur les figures 2 et 3, le convoyeur 3 qui est un convoyeur dans lequel les plis tels que lettre L et objet grand format P sont convoyés à plat entre des courroies 8 et des rouleaux 9 motorisés. Des volets d'aiguillage 10 (ici des volets à trois branches) montés rotatifs sur les rouleaux du convoyeur permettent d'orienter chaque pli depuis le convoyeur vers l'un des godets du carrousel. Sur la figure 2, un volet d'aiguillage 10 est montré dans une position ouverte dans laquelle il oriente une lettre L, en mouvement selon la direction D, vers l'intérieur d'un godet situé à l'aplomb du volet 10. De façon générale, il y autant de volets d'aiguillage que de godets et ceux-ci sont répartis à intervalle régulier le long du convoyeur 3 à l'aplomb des godets du carrousel placé dans une position d'arrêt. En particulier, chaque volet d'aiguillage 10 est disposé entre deux jeux de rouleaux 9 adjacents espacés l'un de l'autre d'une distance correspond à la largeur de l'ouverture supérieur d'un godet du carrousel 4.There is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the conveyor 3 which is a conveyor in which the folds such as letter L and large size object P are conveyed flat between belts 8 and rollers 9 motorized. Referral flaps 10 (here flaps with three branches) rotatably mounted on the conveyor rollers make it possible to orient each fold from the conveyor towards one of the buckets of the carousel. In FIG. 2, a switch flap 10 is shown in an open position in which it directs a letter L, moving in the direction D, towards the inside of a bucket situated directly above the flap 10. From in general, there are as many switch flaps as there are buckets and these are distributed at regular intervals along the conveyor 3 directly above the buckets of the carousel placed in a stopped position. In particular, each switch flap 10 is disposed between two sets of adjacent rollers 9 spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the width of the upper opening of a cup of the carousel 4.
En se reportant encore à la figure 2, on comprend que l'insertion d'un pli depuis le convoyeur dans un godet s'effectue aussi par gravité. Un système de lecture 6 illustré sur la figure 1 est monté entre les dépileurs 1 ,2 et le convoyeur 3 pour lire automatiquement sur chaque pli sérialisé un code à barres qui est indicatif du point de distribution du pli. Cette information est envoyée à un système de commande (non représenté) pour la commande sélective des volets d'aiguillages 10 au fur et à mesure du déplacement des plis sur le convoyeur 3 afin que chaque pli dont le point de distribution a été reconnu par le système de lecture soit orienté automatiquement vers le godet correspondant.Referring again to FIG. 2, it is understood that the insertion of a fold from the conveyor into a bucket is also carried out by gravity. A reading system 6 illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted between the destackers 1, 2 and the conveyor 3 to automatically read a bar code on each serialized fold which is indicative of the point of distribution of the fold. This information is sent to a control system (not shown) for the selective control of the switch flaps 10 as the plies move on the conveyor 3 so that each ply whose distribution point has been recognized by the reading system is automatically directed to the corresponding bucket.
Comme cela est illustré sur la figure 2, en position de chargement, les godets du carrousel sont maintenus inclinés par rapport à la verticale par un dispositif spécial et grâce au fait qu'ils sont tous montés rotatifs à leur partie supérieure sur un axe horizontal tel que 11. Pour obtenir un angle d'inclinaison contrôlé des godets, on peut munir chaque godet d'un galet à sa partie inférieure, ce galet venant rouler sur un plan de roulement adapté. . Cette inclinaison des godets permet un rangement des plis par gravité sans coincement dans les godets. En outre, comme cela sera décrit ci-après, il est préférable de regrouper d'abord par point de distribution, l'ensemble des objets grand format dans les godets et de répéter ce traitement pour les lettres ce qui permet de préserver dans les godets un rangement des lettres au-dessus des objets grand format sans risque d'écrasement des premières par les derniers.As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the loading position, the carousel buckets are kept inclined relative to the vertical by a special device and thanks to the fact that they are all rotatably mounted at their upper part on a horizontal axis such that 11. To obtain a controlled tilting angle of the buckets, each bucket can be provided with a roller at its lower part, this roller coming to roll on a suitable running surface. . This tilting of the buckets allows folds to be stored by gravity without jamming in the buckets. In addition, as will be described below, it is preferable to group together by distribution point first, all of the large format objects in the cups and to repeat this treatment for the letters, which makes it possible to preserve in the cups. storage of letters above large format objects without the risk of overwriting the former by the latter.
La figure 4 illustre schématiquement le système de mise en liasse selon l'invention. Ce système permet un ensachage en continu du contenu des godets. Comme indiqué plus haut, le carrousel à godets est mis en mouvement pour amener successivement chaque godet au-dessus du système 5 où il est déchargé par simple ouverture de son fond 19. Comme montré sur la figure 4, le fond 19 du godet peut être ouvert automatiquement.FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the bundling system according to the invention. This system allows continuous bagging of the contents of the buckets. As indicated above, the bucket carousel is set in motion to bring each bucket successively above the system 5 where it is discharged by simple opening of its bottom 19. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom 19 of the bucket can be opened automatically.
Quand le godet G a son fond 19 ouvert, les plis 14-16 se trouvant à l'intérieur du godet tombent par gravité entre deux bandes en feuille 17,18 enroulées respectivement sur deux dévidoirs 20,21 disposés face à face. Une cellule 22 est disposée pour détecter le passage des plis en sortie du godet G. Comme illustré sur la figure 4, les deux bandes en feuille sont déroulées vers le bas et les bords latéraux des deux bandes sont rapprochés l'un de l'autre par l'intermédiaire de galets presseurs 23,24 mobiles selon une direction perpendiculaire à la direction D' de production du chapelet de sachets. Les deux bandes en feuille sont de préférence deux films en matière plastique transparente, qui peuvent être soudées bord à bord par des galets 23,24 chauffant. Des couteaux chauffants 25,26, mobiles perpendiculairement à la direction D' permettent de réaliser la fermeture de la partie supérieure et de la partie inférieure des sachets avec possibilité de réaliser une prédécoupe dans la zone de jonction de deux sachets consécutifs. Cette prédécoupe permettra une séparation aisée des sachets entre eux lors de la distribution par le facteur.When the bucket G has its bottom 19 open, the folds 14-16 located inside the bucket fall by gravity between two strips of sheet 17,18 wound respectively on two reels 20,21 arranged face to face. A cell 22 is arranged to detect the passage of the folds at the outlet of the bucket G. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the two sheet strips are unwound downwards and the lateral edges of the two strips are brought towards each other by means of pressure rollers 23, 24 movable in a direction perpendicular to the Production management of the string of sachets. The two sheet strips are preferably two films of transparent plastic, which can be welded edge to edge by heat rollers 23,24. Heating knives 25, 26, movable perpendicular to the direction D ′ make it possible to close the upper part and the lower part of the sachets with the possibility of making a precut in the junction zone of two consecutive sachets. This precut will allow easy separation of the sachets between them during distribution by the factor.
Dans ce système de mise en liasse, les deux bandes en feuille 17,18 sont déroulées pas à pas de façon cyclique à chaque passage d'un godet plein à l'emplacement de déchargement de sorte qu'un nouveau sachet formant une trémie est préparé sous le fond du godet G courant. Si la cellule 22 ne détecte pas le passage de plis en sortie du godet G courant, un nouveau godet est présenté à l'emplacement de déchargement mais aucun déroulement n'est effectué sur les deux bandes en feuille 17,18. Avec ce système de mise en liasse par ensachage, les godets peuvent être déchargés en continu et un chapelet de sachets contenant le contenu des godets est formé avec comme avantage que les sachets successifs du chapelet correspondent aux points de distribution successifs de la tournée du facteur. En outre, sur la base de l'information fournie par la cellule 22, il est possible d'éviter de former des sachets ne contenant aucun pli.In this bundling system, the two sheet strips 17, 18 are unwound step by step cyclically with each passage of a full bucket at the unloading location so that a new sachet forming a hopper is prepared under the bottom of bucket G running. If the cell 22 does not detect the passage of folds at the outlet of the current bucket G, a new bucket is presented at the unloading location but no unwinding is carried out on the two strips of sheet 17,18. With this system of bundling by bagging, the cups can be unloaded continuously and a string of bags containing the contents of the cups is formed with the advantage that the successive bags of the chain correspond to the successive distribution points of the postman's round. Furthermore, on the basis of the information provided by cell 22, it is possible to avoid forming sachets containing no folds.
Une étiqueteuse 40 est disposée pour apposer des étiquettes sur les sachets 30,31 ,32 quand ils sortent du système de mise en liasse 5. Cette étiqueteuse peut être agencée pour générer une étiquette identifiant la tournée et un point de distribution de celle-ci et pour apposer cette étiquette sur le sachet correspondant produit en sortie du système de mise en liasse. On conçoit que le chapelet de sachets peut être fractionné avant la distribution par le facteur si le sachet en tête de chaque fraction porte une étiquette avec l'information sur la tournée et le point de distribution. Pour préparer en une seule passe une tournée du facteur à l'aide de la machine montrée sur la figure 1 , on procède de la façon suivante :A labeling machine 40 is arranged to affix labels to the bags 30, 31, 32 when they leave the bundling system 5. This labeling machine can be arranged to generate a label identifying the route and a point of distribution thereof and to affix this label on the corresponding bag produced at the outlet of the bundling system. It is understood that the chain of sachets can be divided before distribution by the postman if the sachet at the top of each fraction bears a label with information on the route and the distribution point. To prepare in one pass a tour of the postman using the machine shown in Figure 1, we proceed as follows:
La pile d'objets grand format dans le dépileur 1 est sérialisée et les objets grand formats sont regroupés par point de distribution dans les différents godets du carrousel mis à l'arrêt. Ensuite, la pile de lettres dans le dépileur 2 est sérialisée et les lettres sont regroupées par point de distribution dans les différents godets du carrousel. Ensuite le carrousel à godets est mis en mouvement pour amener successivement chaque godet au-dessus du système de mise en liasse où le godet est déchargé dans un réceptacle. Le système de mise en liasse est synchronisé avec le déplacement des godets de sorte qu'un chapelet de sachets peut être constitué en continu au fur et à mesure du déplacement des godets au-dessus du système 5. Les sachets contenant chacun un ou plusieurs plis se succèdent dans l'ordre de la tournée du facteur.The stack of large format objects in the destacker 1 is serialized and the large format objects are grouped by distribution point in the different buckets of the carousel that has been stopped. Then, the stack of letters in the destacker 2 is serialized and the letters are grouped by distribution point in the different buckets of the carousel. Then the bucket carousel is set in motion to successively bring each bucket above the bundling system where the bucket is unloaded into a receptacle. The bundling system is synchronized with the movement of the buckets so that a string of bags can be formed continuously as the buckets move above the system 5. The bags each containing one or more plies follow one another in the order of the postman's tour.
Les sachets peuvent avoir une forme rectangulaire et une dimension correspondant à la plus grande dimension des objets grand format à traiter. The bags may have a rectangular shape and a dimension corresponding to the largest dimension of the large format objects to be processed.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1/ Procédé pour préparer en une seule passe une tournée du facteur contenant à la fois des lettres (L) et des objets postaux plats dits « de grand format » (P), caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste dans les étapes suivantes :1 / Method for preparing in a single pass a tour of the postman containing both letters (L) and flat postal items called "large format" (P), characterized in that it consists of the following stages:
- on déplace en série les lettres et les objets grand format à l'aide d'un convoyeur (3) au-dessus des godets d'un carrousel à godets mis à l'arrêt, les godets successifs du carrousel correspondant aux différents points de distribution successifs de la tournée du facteur, - on oriente chaque lettre ou objet grand format du convoyeur vers l'un des godets du carrousel qui correspond au point de distribution de la lettre ou objet grand format ;- letters and large-format objects are moved in series using a conveyor (3) above the buckets of a bucket carousel stopped, the successive buckets of the carousel corresponding to the different points of successive distribution of the postman's round, - each letter or large format object of the conveyor is oriented towards one of the buckets of the carousel which corresponds to the distribution point of the letter or large format object;
- quand l'ensemble des lettres et objets grand format de la tournée du facteur sont regroupés par point de distribution dans les godets du carrousel, on met en mouvement le carrousel à godets pour amener successivement chaque godet (G) à un emplacement (5) où le godet est vidé dans un réceptacle.- when all the letters and large format objects from the postman's tour are grouped by distribution point in the buckets of the carousel, the cup carousel is moved to successively bring each bucket (G) to a location (5) where the bucket is emptied into a receptacle.
2/ Procédé selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel l'étape de vidage du godet dans un réceptacle consiste à ouvrir le fond (19) du godet (G) au dessus d'un système de mise en liasse (5) du contenu du godet.2 / A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of emptying the bucket into a receptacle consists in opening the bottom (19) of the bucket (G) above a bundling system (5) of the contents of the bucket .
3/ Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la mise en liasse du contenu du godet consiste dans une opération d'ensachage.3 / A method according to claim 2, wherein the bundling of the contents of the bucket consists of a bagging operation.
4/ Procédé selon la revendication 3, dans lequel l'opération d'ensachage du contenu des godets consiste à produire un chapelet de sachets (30,31 ,32). 5/ Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel les objets grand format (P) sont d'abord déplacés au-dessus des godets du carrousel à godets pour être regroupés par point de distribution dans les godets, ce traitement étant répété ensuite pour les lettres (L).4 / A method according to claim 3, wherein the bagging operation of the contents of the cups consists in producing a string of sachets (30,31, 32). 5 / Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the large format objects (P) are first moved above the buckets of the bucket carousel to be grouped by distribution point in the buckets, this treatment being then repeated for the letters (L).
6/ Machine pour préparer en une seule passe une tournée du facteur contenant à la fois des lettres (L) et des objets postaux plats dits « de grand format » (P), caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un carrousel à godets (4) ayant autant de godets qu'il y a de points de distribution dans la tournée du facteur, un convoyeur (3) disposé pour convoyer en série les lettres et les objets grand format au-dessus des godets du carrousel à godets, des moyens d'aiguillage (10) agencés pour orienter chaque lettre ou objet grand format du convoyeur vers l'un des godets du carrousel correspondant au point de distribution de la lettre ou de l'objet grand format, et un système de mise en liasse (5) du contenu des godets au-dessus duquel sont amenés successivement les godets par une mise en mouvement du carrousel à godets et dans lequel chaque godet (G) est déchargé.6 / Machine for preparing in a single pass a tour of the postman containing both letters (L) and flat postal items called "large format" (P), characterized in that it comprises a cup carousel (4 ) having as many buckets as there are distribution points in the postman's round, a conveyor (3) arranged to convey letters and large-format objects above the buckets of the bucket carousel, means of 'switch (10) arranged to orient each letter or large object of the conveyor towards one of the carousel cups corresponding to the point of distribution of the letter or large object, and a bundling system (5) of the contents of the buckets above which the buckets are brought successively by setting in motion the bucket carousel and in which each bucket (G) is unloaded.
7/ Machine selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle le système de mise en liasse est agencé pour former en continu un chapelet de sachets (30,31 ,32) contenant chacun le contenu d'un godet.7 / Machine according to claim 6, wherein the bundling system is arranged to continuously form a string of bags (30,31, 32) each containing the contents of a bucket.
8/ Machine selon la revendication 7, comprenant une étiqueteuse (40) apte à apposer des étiquettes sur les sachets du chapelet de sachets.8 / Machine according to claim 7, comprising a labeling machine (40) capable of affixing labels on the sachets of the string of sachets.
9/ Machine selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle le système de mise en liasse comprend deux dévidoirs (20,21) respectivement de deux bandes en feuille disposés face à face de telle manière que le contenu de chaque godet est déchargé entre les deux bandes en feuille opposées, et dans lequel il est prévu des moyens (23,24) pour rapprocher les deux bandes en feuille opposées et pour solidariser les côtés des deux bandes en feuille de façon à constituer un sachet enfermant le contenu du godet.9 / Machine according to claim 7, wherein the bundling system comprises two reels (20,21) respectively of two sheet strips arranged face to face so that the content of each bucket is discharged between the two strips opposite sheet, and in which it is provided means (23,24) for bringing the two opposite sheet strips together and for securing the sides of the two sheet strips so as to constitute a bag enclosing the contents of the bucket.
10/ Machine selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle les bandes en feuille sont des bandes en matière plastique.10 / Machine according to claim 9, wherein the sheet strips are plastic strips.
11/ Machine selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle le système de mise en liasse (5) comprend des moyens (25,26) pour prédécouper la zone de jonction entre deux sachets consécutifs.11 / Machine according to claim 10, wherein the bundling system (5) comprises means (25,26) for pre-cutting the junction zone between two consecutive sachets.
12/ Machine selon l'une des revendications 6 à 11 , dans laquelle le convoyeur est un convoyeur à courroies (8) et à rouleaux (9) et les moyens d'aiguillage sont constitués par des volets rotatifs (10). 12 / Machine according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the conveyor is a belt conveyor (8) and roller (9) and the switching means are constituted by rotary flaps (10).
EP03750787A 2002-07-03 2003-07-01 Method and machine for preparing postman's route in one single pass Expired - Lifetime EP1521645B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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FR0208307 2002-07-03
FR0208307A FR2841801B1 (en) 2002-07-03 2002-07-03 PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR PREPARING THE FACTOR TURN IN A SINGLE PASS
PCT/FR2003/002033 WO2004004931A1 (en) 2002-07-03 2003-07-01 Method and machine for preparing postman's route in one single pass

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US20040261366A1 (en) 2004-12-30
US7165377B2 (en) 2007-01-23
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ES2280778T3 (en) 2007-09-16
DE60313175D1 (en) 2007-05-24
WO2004004931A1 (en) 2004-01-15
FR2841801A1 (en) 2004-01-09
ATE359131T1 (en) 2007-05-15
FR2841801B1 (en) 2004-08-20
AU2003269008A1 (en) 2004-01-23
CA2487375C (en) 2009-09-15

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