EP1595792A1 - Apparatus and method for putting envelopes into a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine for filling crates (26) with mail in envelopes comprises a stacking table (2), on which the mail is stacked, and a support (45) which holds the crate (26) at an angle, with its open side facing the mail. A swiveling ejector transfers the mail into the crate so that it is parallel to its base. An independent claim is included for a method for filling crates with mail.

Description

The invention relates to a device or a method for filling envelopes into a container, comprising a feed conveyor, by means of which the Envelopes on a stack support to form a stack on top of each other can be stored.

Such a device for introducing stacked envelopes into a container is known for example from DE 298 09 257 U1. In a vertical Stacking shaft will be a variety of horizontally stacked envelopes stacked. This vertical stacking shaft has an openable bottom closure and a distance above this arranged separating means, by means of which a group of envelopes in the stacking shaft is separable. This device has a complex structure.

From DE 200 26 499 U1 is a filling device for filling cuboidal Containers with filled envelopes known in which the envelopes of a Conveyor either single or scaled sequential directly be conveyed into the interior of the container. Here is either the container and / or the conveyor relative to the other part movable. One impeccable direct conveying in the container to be filled is problematic and leads to relatively large dimensions of the device.

Another device for introducing stacked envelopes in a trough-shaped box is known from EP 0 659 669 B1. Here's again provided on its underside openable inlet shaft, below the box to be filled is positioned. This device also has a complicated construction.

In addition, a variety of means for forming stacks of Newspapers, books, sheets of paper and other objects known, without that this is about the filling of these items in a container. A Means for forming stacks of newspapers or the like is, for example from US 3,908,985. The stacking pad is at this facility inclined and it is during the formation of the stack to the horizontal Furthermore, a inclined to the vertical contact surface for the narrow sides of the stacking items available. When the stack is finished, the Pile support pivoted to its horizontal position to the stack in the sequence in a direction parallel to the Anlagelfäche dissipate.

From US 5,190,281 A is a device for forming a stack of Arches on a height-adjustable and inclined to the horizontal Stack pad known. The stack support is along a guide rail movable, which is aligned perpendicular to the stack support and one opposite the vertical inclined contact surface for the narrow sides of the stacked Forms bows. In the finished state of the stack is the stack support Lowerable below the level of a roller conveyor, by means of which the stack in the Result is dissipated. A similar device is also known from US 4,897,017 known.

The object of the invention is a relatively simple and inexpensive, but it To provide reliable working device of the type mentioned. This is achieved by a device with the features of the invention Claim 1 or by a method having the features of claim 15.

By the invention, a comparatively small and inexpensive device be provided, which thus also for quantities to be filled envelopes can be used in which a use of conventional large-scale systems not economically viable.

Preferably, on the side opposite the container of the stack an inclined relative to the vertical bearing surface for the longitudinal edges of the stacked envelopes arranged, with this bearing surface from bottom to top seen from the side of the stack support on which the container is arranged, is directed away. It is characterized a reliable training of a contact surface abutting stack reaches, being on the opposite of the contact surface Side of the stack no contact surface is required.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the stack support at least during training of the stack has a relation to the horizontal inclined position, wherein it is pivoted at an angle to the horizontal, the same direction with the angle to which the contact surface is pivoted relative to the vertical is. The stack support can advantageously after completion of the stack into a substantially horizontal transfer position be pivotable, in which the transfer of the stack takes place in the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transfer device one between a retracted and an extended position sliding ejector on. Advantageously, this attacks on the contact surface facing side of the stack to this. Preferably forms Here, the ejector in its retracted position, the contact surface for the stack or at least part of it. It is also advantageous if the Pusher when inserting the stack into the container by a horizontal Axis is pivotable. He can parallel in this case in its starting position to the side surface of the stack and in its end position at the end of the insertion process be aligned parallel to the container bottom.

The container in which the envelopes are to be filled can be a box, a box or a box to be like that. At least during the filling process, it is unilaterally open. It can be one Lid may be present, with which the container is closed in succession.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung, wobei das im Bezug auf die Blickrichtung vordere seitliche Führungsblech für den Stapel entfernt ist;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht entsprechend Fig. 1 mit dem Ausstoßer in seiner Endstellung am Ende des Einschiebevorgangs des Stapels in den Behälter;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht der Einrichtung bei zurückgezogenem Ausstoßer;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung bei herausgezogenem Behälter;

Fig. 5

einen Teil der Einrichtung im Bereich des oberen Endes der Führungsschienen in einer perspektivischen Darstellung etwas von oben gesehen;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung des Verschwenkens der Stapelauflage;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung des Verschwenkens des Ausstoßers und

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels mit zwei Einfüllgeräten, wobei beim ersten Gerät das vordere seitliche Führungsblech entfernt wurde.

Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this show:

Fig. 1

a side view of an embodiment of the invention, wherein the front with respect to the viewing direction lateral guide plate for the stack is removed;

Fig. 2

a side view corresponding to Figure 1 with the ejector in its end position at the end of the insertion process of the stack into the container.

Fig. 3

a top view of the device with retracted ejector;

Fig. 4

a perspective view with the container pulled out;

Fig. 5

a part of the device in the region of the upper end of the guide rails in a perspective view seen slightly from above;

Fig. 6

a schematic representation for explaining the pivoting of the stack support;

Fig. 7

a schematic representation for explaining the pivoting of the ejector and

Fig. 8

a side view of an embodiment with two filling devices, wherein in the first device, the front lateral guide plate has been removed.

The inventive device has a feed conveyor 1 of Envelopes, which for example in the form of an upper and lower conveyor belt is formed, between which the envelopes are transported. Instead of the upper one and / or lower conveyor belt could also be provided a roller conveyor be, even below the envelopes arranged conveyor belts and / or Roller conveyors could be used in principle. Such conveyors are known in different embodiments, for example from the in The publications mentioned in the introduction.

The envelopes 3 supplied by the feed conveyor are placed on a stack support 2 filed, for example, arranged by two parallel to each other Tines is formed. The stack support is by means of a carriage 4 along a guide 5 movable, which here of two mutually parallel Guide rails is formed.

The guide 5 is preferably opposite the vertical by an angle 6th inclined, which may for example be in the range between 5 ° and 30 °. The the Feeding conveyor 1 facing side of the guide 5, on which the carriage. 4 is arranged, due to this tendency is slightly upwards.

To adjust the carriage 4 are driven by a motor 7 to pulleys 9 guided toothed belt 8 is provided, where the carriage 4 for the stack support 2 is attached. In this way, the stack support 2 in height adjustable. To the device for adjusting the height self-locking to make an unwanted lowering of the stack support 2 is an engine brake or a self-locking gear provided. Instead of the timing belt For height adjustment, for example, one or more Threaded spindles be provided, whereby without further action Self-locking against a lowering of the stack support 2 is achieved.

The formation of a stack 10 of envelopes 3 (of which in Fig. 1, the lowermost of the stack 10) begins when moved to its upper end position Stack support 2 (see Fig. 5) above the two prongs of the stack support 2 are arranged around axes 11 pivotable lever 12, at the free Ends retaining rollers 13 are rotatably supported via a freewheel gear. One of the feed conveyor 1 fed envelope can between the stack support 2 and the retaining rollers 13 are inserted, wherein the retaining rollers 13 to be twisted slightly clockwise. Due to the freewheel gear is a rotation of the retaining rollers in the opposite direction but not possible, so that an abutting the contact surface 14 envelope of this can not spring back because it is locked by the retaining rollers 13. With each supplied envelope, the retaining rollers 13 are slightly raised. In Fig. 5, the front of the retaining rollers 13 in its lowered position and the rear of the retaining rollers 13 shown in a raised position. Furthermore, in Fig. 5 is a schematically cooperating with the lever 12 button 15 is shown. When pivoting the lever 12 upwards is in the upper End position of the retaining roller 13 of the button 15 is actuated. This will be a Signal output to a control device, through which in the sequence the stack support 2 is lowered by one step.

This process is repeated while the stack support 2 along the guide 5 moves down and resting on the stack support 2 stack 10th grows.

For heavy or very short envelopes, it is advantageous to use the hinged retention rollers 13 to drive the concerns of the envelopes on the contact surface 14th to improve. The drive of the retaining rollers 13 can via a rotatable axle 11 with a toothed belt or gear. To be pushed together to prevent thin envelopes or to make a wear permanent rotating drive roller 13, the drive is torque limited, for example, by a current limit of the drive motor or by a slip clutch in the drive system. Advantageously, also in this embodiment, a freewheel gear used.

As can be seen for example from FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the stack support 2 is in FIG shown embodiment during the stacking of the envelopes 3 first inclined to the horizontal by an angle 16. This angle 16 can essentially (+/- 10 °) correspond to the angle 6 to the guide 5 opposite the vertical is inclined, so that the stack support 2 and the guide. 5 essentially (+/- 10 °) perpendicular to each other. The angle 6 of the inclination the guide 5 relative to the vertical is thus in the same direction to the angle 16 of Inclination of the stack support 2 with respect to the horizontal.

Upon reaching its lower end position, the stack support 2 is in a substantially horizontal orientation pivots (i.e., +/- 15 ° around the horizontal lying). For this purpose, for example, a guide device may be provided, as will be explained in the following with reference to FIG. 6. The stack support 2 is opposite the carriage 4 is mounted pivotably about a horizontal axis 17. On the back of this horizontal axis 17 is at the stack support 2 a Art knee lever 18 hinged about the horizontal axis 19 pivotally. In the area the free end of the upper lever arm of the bell crank 18 is a roller 20th rotatably mounted, which is movable along a guide track 21, which with an end stop is provided. A compression spring 23, between the Carriage 4 and the toggle lever 18 extends, pivots the toggle lever 18 in the 6, in which the roller 20 rests against the stop 22. Just before the carriage 4 reaches its lower end position along the guide 5, beats the lower free end of the bell crank 18 against a machine frame fixed Stop 24 on. In the further lowering of the carriage 4 in its lower end position is in the sequence of the toggle lever 18 in a clockwise direction pivoted until the roller 20 reaches the position shown in dashed lines in Fig. 6, in which the stack support 2 about the axis 17 in the also shown in dashed lines horizontal position has been pivoted.

In the upwardly pivoted position of the stack support 2, the roller 20 is opposite the axis 19 offset by the distance s to the rear, so that the stack support 2 even with a weight load by overlying envelopes a pivoting in the horizontal position is locked.

In Fig. 1, the state is shown in which a einzufüllender stack 10 the stack support 2 is completed and the stack support already in its horizontal Alignment has been pivoted. The stack lies here on the contact surface 14 on. The contact surface 14 opposite side of the stack 10 is free, d. H. here no contact surface is provided.

On this page, when the stack 10 is completed, a container 26 is arranged, in which the envelopes are to be filled (the container 26 is located here in his "filling position"). There is here a holder 45 is present, the Container 26 for the filling process of the envelopes 3 with its filling opening in the direction keeps aligned with the stack 10. This holder 45 has an L-shaped Holm on which a cross member 46 for holding the container 26 in the area his bottom and a cross member 47 for holding the container in the area its side wall are arranged. The holder 45 is in the illustrated embodiment arranged on a pull-out 27. With this, the Bracket 45 and thus the container are moved transversely to the conveying direction, so that the empty container is simply inserted into the holder 45 and filled Container can be easily removed by an operator can. The holder 45 may be pivotable about the axis 48 to the holder 45 and thus to pivot the container 26 into a position after being pulled out, in which the filling opening of the container facing up, whereupon the Container 26 can be easily removed. For manipulation of the holder 45, a handle 43 is disposed thereon.

In principle, it would also be conceivable and possible, the supply and removal of the container 26 automated. It would be advantageous in this case to provide through the filling device continuous conveyor for the containers, so that they are fed from the one side to the filling device and be discharged after being filled on the other side.

It would also be conceivable and possible, for example, to have a plurality of containers 26 in one suitable for the filling process (with the filling opening to the side points) to arrange on a carriage, for example, on guide rails is movable. After filling a respective container, the cart can one step further, so that the next container in the located laterally of the stack 10 filling position.

Instead of a removal of the container 26 transversely to the conveying direction of the feed conveyor 1, the removal direction could also be parallel to the feed conveyor 1, in particular to improve accessibility, if the envelope feed to the device according to the invention at right angles to Feeding conveyor 1 takes place.

As can be seen from the figures, in the embodiment shown is the Filling opening of the container 26 in the filling position of the container in which the Envelopes are transferred into the container 26, slightly upwards, d. H. of the Container bottom is inclined to the vertical, for example by an angle 28 in Range between 5 and 30 °. The angle 28 is less than 45 °. The contact surface 14 for the stack 10 and the container bottom 29 are in imaginary levels, the angularly intersect each other and intersect in a horizontal cutting line.

For lateral alignment (perpendicular to the conveying direction) are lateral guide plates 25 provided, based on the side view of FIG. 1 before and are arranged behind the stack 10. The guide plates 25 bridge In this case, the area between the contact surface 14 and the filling opening of the container 26th

It is conceivable and possible, at least one of the guide plates 25 adjustable so that the distance between them is adjustable. This serves for Adjustment to the width of the envelopes, for example to compensate for width tolerances (eg between different manufacturers) or to be discontinued non-standard width dimensions of the envelopes or envelopes.

For transferring the envelopes arranged in the side of the stack 10 and with his filling opening to the stack facing container 26 is a transfer device 31 exists, one between a retracted and an extended one Position displaceable ejector 30 has. In the illustrated embodiment is the contact surface 14 of the stack 10 facing surface the ejector 30 is formed.

The transfer device 31 comprises in the embodiment shown along a from horizontal guide rails 32 movable carriage 33 (Fig. 7). This is from a drive motor 34 (FIG. 2) along the guide rails 32 adjustable, in the illustrated embodiment via timing belt 35, 36 and a intermediate gear 37. The pusher 30 is about a horizontal axis 38 pivotally mounted on the carriage 33. On the slide is also a displaceable opposite to this mounted pin 39 provided by a Compression spring 40 is biased in its extended position shown in Fig. 7 is. In this, the pin 39 holds the ejector 30 in its illustrated in Fig. 7 pivoted to the left and supported by a stop 41 position. Just before the carriage 33 reaches its fully rightward position, beats the ejector 30 in its lying below the axis 38 area against a machine frame fixed stop 42 and is characterized pivoted against the force of the spring 40 in the position shown by dashed lines in Fig. 7, in which it is aligned substantially (+/- 20 °) parallel to the container bottom 29 is.

When the stack support 2 has reached its lower end position, the supply of Envelopes interrupted by the feed conveyor 1. By the described Extending movement of the ejector 30 is in the sequence of the stack 10 along the stack support 2 is moved and inserted into the container 26. Now, the filled container 26 can be removed (by pulling out the pull-out guide 27 by means of the handle 43) and an empty container can be used become. The ejector 30 has been withdrawn in the meantime Retracted position and raised the stack support 2 in its upper setting. The device is thus ready for a new filling cycle.

Instead of a complete filling of the container 26 may also be a specific Number of envelopes are given, with which the container 26 is filled. After the stack 10 has reached this number of envelopes, the stack support 2 lowered into its lower end position and the stack by means of the ejector 30 inserted into the container 26.

In order to allow a continuous supply of envelopes to be filled into containers, it can be provided that the device has two filling devices, as shown in Fig. 8. In the feed conveyor here is a switch 44 provided by means of the envelopes either one of the two filling devices can be supplied. First, a stack on the stack support 2 formed by one of the two devices. After reaching its final height the switch 44 is switched so that the stack support 2 of the other filling device is charged. In the meantime, the on the pile of the first stacking device formed stack are inserted into the container and the filled container removed and a new empty container can be used.

Different modifications of the embodiment shown are conceivable and possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, could Verschwenkungen the stack support 2 and the ejector 30 to others Done way. Although a pivotable stack support is preferred, this could in principle be fixed rigidly to the carriage 4, wherein between the stack support 2 in its lower end position and the container 26 also a Section of a curved guideway could be provided to the overpass the stack of the stack support 2 in the container by means of the ejector 30 to facilitate.

Legend to the reference numbers:

1

infeed conveyor

2

stack support

3

envelope

4

carriage

5

guide

6

angle

7

engine

8th

toothed belt

9

idler pulley

10

stack

11

axis

12

lever

13

Retaining roll

14

contact surface

15

button

16

angle

17

axis

18

toggle

19

axis

20

role

21

guideway

22

attack

23

compression spring

24

attack

25

guide plate

26

container

27

pull-out

28

angle

29

container bottom

30

ejector

31

Transfer device

32

guide rail

33

carriage

34

drive motor

35

toothed belt

36

toothed belt

37

transmission

38

axis

39

pen

40

compression spring

41

attack

42

attack

43

Handle

44

switch

45

bracket

46

transverse spar

47

transverse spar

48

axis

Claims (18)

Device for filling envelopes (3) into a container (26) which has a feed conveyor (1), by means of which the envelopes (3) can be placed on top of one another on a stack support (2) to form a stack (10), characterized in that the stack support (2) on which the envelopes (3) can be deposited one above the other from the supply conveyor (1) is height-adjustable, and that the container (26) is laterally supported by a support (45) on the stack support (2) to the side and in the direction of the on the stack support (2) deposited stack (10) facing the filling opening can be positioned, wherein the on the stack support (2) deposited stack (10) by means of a transfer device (31) from the stack support (2) into the container (26) is convertible. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the side opposite the container (26) of the stack support (2) a contact surface (14) for the stacked envelopes (3) is arranged, preferably inclined relative to the vertical by an angle (6) is, being directed away from the bottom upwards from the side of the stack support (2) on which the container (26) is arranged, directed away. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the stack support (2) at least in the formation of the stack (10) by an angle (16) inclined to the horizontal position, wherein preferably the angle (16) to which they are opposite to the horizontal is inclined in the same direction to the angle (6), by which the contact surface (14) is inclined relative to the vertical. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transfer device (31) has a displaceable between a retracted and an extended position ejector (30), which preferably acts on the contact surface (14) facing side of the stack (10) , Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the ejector (30) in the transfer of the stack (10) into the container (26) about a horizontal axis (38) is pivotable, wherein it is preferably in its extended position in is aligned substantially parallel to the container bottom (29). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact surface (14) for the stack (10) and the container bottom (29) of the holder (45) held container (26) lie in its filling position in imaginary planes, which are angled to each other and intersect in a horizontal cutting line, wherein the container bottom (29) is preferably inclined at an angle (28) relative to the vertical and the filling opening of the container (26) corresponding to this angle (28) facing upward. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stack support (2) between an orientation during stacking, which is preferably substantially perpendicular to the contact surface (14), and an orientation in the transfer of the stack (10) into the container (26) about a horizontal axis (17) is pivotable, wherein the orientation of the stack support (2) in the transfer of the stack (10) is preferably substantially horizontal. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that lateral guide plates (25) which are perpendicular to the contact surface (14) on both sides of the support surface (14) are arranged and the area between the contact surface (14) and the filling opening of the container (26) bridge. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the distance between the guide plates (25) is adjustable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the container (26) is arranged on a pull-out guide (27), by means of which it is extendable, or a conveyor for automatically supplying a respective empty container (26) and for automatic removal a respective filled container (26) is present. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that on the top of the pile (10) formed on the stack support (10) at least one for supporting on the top of the stack (10) provided Rückhalterolle (13) is arranged, preferably is arranged on a lever (12) pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis (11). Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the retaining roller (13) for preventing spring back from the contact surface (14) of an on the stack (10) supplied envelope (3) comprises a freewheel gear. Device according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that a drive is provided for the retaining roller (13), wherein by means of the driven retaining roller below the retaining roller (13) fed envelope of this against the contact surface (14) is displaceable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the feed conveyor has a switch (44) by means of which the envelopes either one of two filling devices, each with a height-adjustable stack support (2), an ejector (30) and a Container (26) can be fed. Method for filling envelopes (3) into a container (26), the envelopes being deposited on a stack support (2) by means of a feed conveyor (1) forming a stack (10), characterized in that in the formation of the stack (10) on the stack support (2) this is lowered according to the height of the already formed stack (10) and that after completion of the formation of the stack (10) on the stack support (2) of the stack (10) of a transfer device (31) in the container (26) is transferred, which is aligned with its filling opening to the side and in the direction of the stack (10). A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the transfer of the stack (10) into the container by means of a displaceable between a retracted and an extended position ejector (30) of the transfer device (31). Method according to claim 15 or claim 16, characterized in that during the transfer of the stack (10) into the container the ejector (30) is pivoted about a horizontal axis (38) and in its extended position preferably substantially parallel to the container bottom (29 ) is aligned. Method according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the stack support is inclined relative to the vertical by an angle (16) and on the deeper side of the stack support (2) a contact surface (14) is provided, which relative to the vertical to a Angle (6) is inclined, which is in the same direction to the angle of inclination of the stack support (2).

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