EP1836005A1

EP1836005A1 - Device for presorting separated thin postal items

Info

Publication number: EP1836005A1
Application number: EP05846357A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Armin Zimmermann
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 2004-11-24
Filing date: 2005-11-24
Publication date: 2007-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-24
Also published as: US20080087582A1; DE502005008963D1; EP1836005B1; ATE456405T1; WO2006056454A1; DK1836005T3; ES2339373T3; DE102004056696A1; US7777148B2; DE102004056696B4

Abstract

A device for presorting separated thin postal items to sorting final position areas of a postal item sorting machine according to the read distributing information and to the assigned sorting final position area includes at least two inputs for streams of postal items and at least two outputs each leading to a sorting final position area. All connecting paths with intersections are provided in a multiple manner between each respective input and each respective output. The postal items are distributed via corresponding switches to the multiple connecting paths from an input to an output in such a manner that, at the intersections, gaps develop that are required for postal items in the intersecting path and in the junctions.

Description

description

Device for pre-sorting of occasional narrow transmissions

The invention relates to a device for presorting individual narrow mail items whose distribution information has been successfully read, arranged on successive sorting end sorting point areas a consignment sorting machine according to the read Verteilin¬ formation and the associated sorting Endstellbereiches, with multiple inputs for the broadcast streams and a plurality each leading to a Sortierendstellenbereich Ausgän¬ gen, wherein the connection of the inputs with the outputs through connection paths.

In order to increase the throughput in sorting machines for flat mailings, although the transport speed can not be increased without further and the distances between the mailings (mail gaps) in the mail stream can not be reduced below a minimum distance, a parallelization is appropriate. In this case, for example, two substance inputs produce two transmission streams which are fed to two segments of the sorting machine, each of which can process the throughput of a substance input. The prerequisite for the parallelization is that each transmission of the two transmission streams can reach each Zielad¬ resse of the two segments of the sorting machine, which can be made possible during transport in a plane, for example by crossing the two transmission streams. In this case, the overall throughput is reduced, because in one of the Sendungs¬ streams a correspondingly large gap must be created if two programs are provided for a segment from the two streams simultaneously. In addition, the total throughput is reduced because, in order to avoid a collision in one of the transmission streams, a correspondingly large gap has to be created if two transmissions would be located in the intersection area at the same time must be transported through the intersection connected "other" segment of the sorting machine.

In order to avoid these disadvantages, it has been proposed to transport the consignments from one material input to the other subordinate segment downstream in two transport planes so as to be crossing-free.

In addition, from one substance input to the other downstream of the other substance input, a connection path is provided which intersects in an intersection a connection path leading from the other substance input to the segment downstream of a substance input (US Pat. No. 4,615,446).

In EP 0 613 730 A2, a sorting device is described in which a plurality of connection paths of a particular

Input to a specific output are possible. The connection paths are formed by means of transport units arranged on turntables and arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure, which are aligned in accordance with the inlets and outlets to be connected. In this case, however, only connection paths which do not intersect are always active at a particular time state, the topology of the connection paths thus being variable in time. Therefore, there are no merging of several path sections into a single path section in which collisions between transmissions can occur. Due to the many necessary controlled rotatable transport units, this device has a high appa¬ rative effort.

The invention is based on the object of providing a device for pre-sorting individual narrow mailpieces with a plurality of material inputs, of which the mail items can be transported with little effort in each case to each segment of the sorting machine in a transport plane via crossing connecting paths. According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of claim 1. An¬.

In this case, the intersecting connection paths of a defined topology have intersections which are constantly passable in the intersecting directions. All connection paths with crossings between in each case one input and in each case one output are executed several times, and the transmissions are distributed via the corresponding switches to the multiple connection paths from an input to an output that intersects in the intersections for transmissions Path and in the mergers needed gaps arise.

The supplied mail streams are split and successively merged with the "other" mail streams, whereby the mail streams pass through several intersections. The "blanks" in the mail stream resulting from the splitting can be occupied by the parcels of the parallel mail stream, thus creating a disability-free intersection area arises. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims.

So that the throughput loss is as low as possible, it is advantageous if the number of intersecting connecting paths from one input to one output corresponds at least to the larger value of the number of inputs or outputs.

In the case of a device with two inputs for the transmission streams and two outputs leading in each case to a sorting point region, it is also advantageous to connect each input to the downstream output at the end of this connection path via two channels arranged one after the other in a connection path connect the two switches by means of two further connection paths and corresponding merges with the connection path from the other input to its downstream output, the two further connection paths leading from one input to the respective other input leading to the two further ones Cross connection paths from the other entrance. The transmissions to be routed from one input to the connection path connecting the other input to the respective downstream output are alternately directed into the two successive further connection paths in order to generate the gaps.

In order for the gaps formed in the transmission streams to be sufficient for all transmissions of the transmission spectrum, it is advantageous if the distances of the leading or trailing edges of the transmissions from each other correspond at least to the length of the longest transmission plus the minimum gap and if the time sequence of the Broadcasts in the broadcast streams and the transport lengths are chosen so that the broadcasts from the two entrances pass through the intersection areas without mutual obstruction.

In order to adapt the gaps formed to the transmission lengths and thus to increase the throughput compared to the solution set out in the previous paragraph, it is advantageous if, for the realization of the intersections, first sections of the intersecting connection paths from the points in the connection paths without intersections each coming in a merge and when in each of the merge following track a brake and acceleration module for the controlled Ver¬ push broadcasts in the broadcast stream or for temporarily storing the broadcasts is arranged. At the end of the common route there is then a turnout for splitting the consignments to further parts of the intersecting connecting paths.

To reduce the required length of the device for pre-sorting with two inputs and outputs are advantageously located in the connection paths, in the direction of transport second points before merging in the respective connection paths with the first other connection paths arranged so that the remaining portions of first cross additional connection paths with the first sections of the second further connection paths twice additionally. Between the two points another braking and acceleration module for collision-free merging and crossing of the transmission streams is arranged in each connection path.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if each crossing-free connection path from an input to an output has one or more parallel subsections each having a braking and acceleration module for temporary storage of transmissions in the event that the respective transmission coincides with a transmission Transmission of another input should be directed to the same output. The cached transmission is then forwarded as soon as the relevant output is free.

Subsequently, the invention will be explained in an embodiment with reference to the drawing.

Show

1 shows a schematic representation of a Vorsortier¬ device with 3 inputs, 3 outputs and a total of 6 intersections,

2 shows a schematic representation of a pre-sorting device with two inputs and outputs and two intersecting intersections,

3 shows a schematic representation of a pre-sorting device according to FIG. 2 with four additional brake and acceleration modules, FIG.

4 shows a schematic representation of a pre-sorting device according to FIG. 3 with two further brake and acceleration modules, FIG. 5 shows a schematic plan view of an intersection.

The pre-sorting device in FIG. 1 has three inputs E1, E2, E3 and three outputs A1, A2, A3. The entrance El is over three points WIl, W12, W13 and three mergers ZIl,

Z12, Z13 with the output Al for the sorter segment 1, the input E2 is via three points W21, W22, W23 and three Zusammen¬ guides Z21, Z22, Z23 with the output A2 for the Sorter¬ segment 2 and the input E3 is also connected via three switches W31, W32, W33 and three junctions Z31, Z32, Z33 to the output A3 for the sorter segment 3. The cross connections, i. e.g. In order to route transmissions from the input E1 to the output A 2 or A 3, the following are implemented as follows: Following the inputs E1, E2, E3, switches W1, W21, W31 are respectively located in the connection path, the transmissions either in the direction of the directly following one Output or to Kreuzungszusammenführungen KZI and KZ4 between the Ver¬ connection paths that connect the input El with the output Al, the input E2 with the output A2 and the input E3 with the output A3. The switches WI1 and W31 in the outer connection paths switch between two directions, whereas the switch W21 arranged in the middle connection path after the input E2 can be switched over in three directions, ie. either to the left to Kreuzungszusam¬ guide KZI, straight out in the direction of exit A2 or to the right to Kreuzungszusammenführung KZ4.

Such a three-way turnout can of course also be realized by two successive two-way switches.

The two intersection junctions KZI, KZ4 are followed in each case by a crossover switch KW1, KW4. Each intersection junction KZI, KZ4 forms an intersection area together with the directly following intersection switch KW1, KW4. Depending on requirements, shipments can thus also be connected to the connection path between the entrance El via the point WIl, the junction junction KZI, the crossing section KW1 and the junction Z21. see input E2 and output A2 are passed, or also accordingly from the input E2 on the connection path between input El and output Al. In the same way, between the connection path from the input E2 to the output A2 and the connection path from the input E3 to the output A3, an intersection area consisting of the intersection junction KZ4 and a directly following intersection switch KW4 is arranged, wherein the outputs of the intersection point KW4 with the Connection paths between input E2 and output A2 and between input E3 and output A3 are connected.

In this case, transmissions can also be transported from the inputs E2 or E3 to the outputs A3 and A2. This described connection path structure with crossing regions between the connection paths from the input E1 to the output A1, from the input E2 to the output A2 and from the input E3 to the output A3 below are two identical connection structures between the connection paths from the input E1 to the output Al, from input E2 to output A2 and from input E3 to output A3. Each structure also has two intersection areas, each consisting of an intersection junction KZ2, KZ5 and KZ3, KZβ and a crossover KW2, KW5 and KW3, KWβ, which also have switches W12, W22, W32, W13, W23, W33 and junctions Z12, Z22 , Z32, Z13, Z23, Z33 are routed to the connection paths from the input El to the output Al, from the input E2 to the output A2 and from the input E3 to the output A3. As can easily be seen, there is thus the possibility of realizing the intersecting connections of each input with the corresponding outputs at least twice, so that gaps are created for intersecting transmissions in the intersection areas and in the junctions, thus avoiding collisions become. For example, it is possible to transport a transmission at the input E1 via the intersection areas KZ1-KW1 and KZ5-KW5 or K2-KW2 and KZ6-KW6 to the output A3 or a transmission at the input E3 via the Crossing areas KZ4-KW4 and KZ2-KW2 or KZ5-KW5 and KZ3-KW3 to transport to the output Al. Should the senders fertilized from an input to an output adjacent to the crossing-free subsequent output, as can be seen, there are even three possible crossing paths.

In FIG. 2, a presorting device is shown for the sake of clarity with two inputs E1, E2 and two outputs A1, A2.

This device essentially corresponds to a part of the device according to FIG. 1 (only two inputs and outputs E1, E2, A1, A2, and two connection path structures described in FIG. 1). Since the second connection path structure is shifted from the structure of FIG. the points W12, W22 of the second connection path structure are located in the transport direction in front of the junctions Z11, Z21 of the first connection path structure, in addition those of the crossing areas KZ1-KW1 and KZ2-KW2 intersect to the junctions Z11, Z21 or to the Turn W12, W22 leading connection paths in the additional intersections Kl, K2. The illustrated screens are intended to illustrate that the black transmissions are to be routed from input El to output A2 and the white transmissions from input E2 to output Al. At the foremost points WI1 and W21, every second transmission is routed to the crossing areas KZ1-KW1, KZ2-KW2, whereby transmission flows with large gaps between the transmissions are transported in both paths continuing from the points W11, W21.

The same applies to the paths leading from the rear turnouts W12, W22 to the intersection area KZ2-KW2 and to those leading away from the intersection areas KZ1-KW1, KZ2-KW2

Paths. If the two transmission currents are synchronized to each other at the inputs El, E2, the programs guided in the intersecting paths are offset by one transmission and the distances of the leading or trailing edges of the transmissions to one another in the transmission currents at the inputs E1, E2 are least correspond to the length of the longest consignment plus the functionally necessary minimum gap for the distribution, Thus, with equal lengths of the corresponding paths and symmetrical relationships of the connection path structures, it is ensured that the transmissions of the respective other transmission stream reach the gaps that have been formed, so that the presorting proceeds without conflict.

Since the average transmission length is smaller than the maximum transmission length, however, the above solution leads to throughput losses. In order to reduce these throughput losses with smaller transmission gaps, brake and acceleration modules BB1-BB4 are arranged in the connection paths before the possible collision points in each case shift a program to the adjacent programs of the respective program stream in such a way that the gap required for the respective intersecting program is generated. In order to avoid collisions at the first junction junction KZI, the material inputs generating the transmission flows at the inputs E1, E2 are controlled accordingly.

The brake and acceleration modules are located in front of the turnouts W12, KWl, W22 and thus provide the appropriate gaps in the intersections Kl, K2 and in the junctions

ZIl, Z21, KZ2. Furthermore, in front of the turnout KW2 of the crossing area KZ2-KW2, there is a fourth braking and acceleration module BB4, which generates the necessary gaps for the mergings Z12, Z22. The structure with the crossing areas KZ1-KW1, KZ2-KW2 was selected in order to obtain the required space for the braking and acceleration modules BB2 and BB4 before the merges Z1, Z21 and Z12, Z22. If two transmissions from the two transmission currents at the inputs E1, E2 have to be conducted to an output A1 or A2 at approximately the same time, a correspondingly large gap must be created in the transmission current leading to this output for the additional transmission to be injected. This can be achieved by a braking and Beschleunigungsmo¬ module BB5 and parallel to the brake and acceleration module BB3 via the switch W21 and the merge Z21 a brake parallel to the brake and acceleration module BBl via the switch WIl and the merge ZIl - and acceleration module BB6 are connected to the path. These switches and junctions therefore divide into three directions or lead together from three directions. Together with the other brake and acceleration modules BB1-BB4, sufficiently controlled memory locations are available in order to partially eliminate the statistical unequal distributions.

In FIG. 5, an intersection K1, K2 is shown by way of example. The transport paths are in a known manner

Decking systems formed. In this case, the outer shrouds of the two feeding shroud systems DZ1, DZ2 are deflected via a respective deflection pulley R1, R2 and then continue at the exit of the intersection as an outer shroud of the laxative cover band system DA1, DA2 of the respective intersecting path.

The other shrouds of the incoming and outgoing Deckbandsyste¬ me DZl, DZ2, DAl, DA2 are deflected at the entrances and exits of the intersection on other pulleys R3-R6. To guide the items in the intersection, two corresponding guide elements L1, L2 are arranged, which guide the items via the intersection from the respective feeding into the laxative cover band system.

It should be emphasized that these examples do not represent a limitation. With the teaching of the invention, of course, pre-sorter can be realized with a larger number of inputs and outputs, the number of inputs and outputs does not have to match.

Claims

claims

1. Device for presorting isolated narrow

Consignments whose distribution information has been read successfully, have sorting end areas of a mailing sorting machine having successively arranged sorting stations in accordance with the read distribution information and the associated sorting end area,

with a plurality of inputs (E1, E2, E3) for the transmission streams and a plurality of outputs (A1, A2, A3) which each lead to a sorting end region area,

- wherein the connection of the inputs (E1, E2, E3) with the outputs (A1, A2, A3) takes place through connection paths,

- Where the connection paths have a defined topology of points (WIl to W33), combinations (ZlI to

Z33) and intersections (KZl-KWl to KZβ-KW6, Kl, K2) have,

- Wherein at least two inputs (E1, E2, E3) in each case by a direct connection path with a respective input downstream output (A1, A2, A3) are connected and in each case an input over at least two wei¬ tere connection paths ver¬ with at least one output ver¬ is connected, which is downstream of another input, - wherein the other connection paths each have a Ab¬ cut, which branches off from the respective Ein¬ gear associated direct connection path to a switch (WIl to B33) and which in the respective output direct connection path at a junction (ZlI to Z33) opens,

each of these sections leading from the one direct connection path to the other direct connection path having at least one intersection (KZ1-KW1 to KZ6-KW6; K1, K2) with at least one of these from the other direct connection path to the one direct connection ¬ binding path leading sections, - And wherein the broadcasts on the corresponding switches (WIl to W33) are so divided on the intersecting sections of wei¬ teren connection paths that in the intersections (KZl-KWl to KZ6- KW6, Kl, K2) and in the mergers (ZIl to Z33) arise gaps to avoid collisions of programs.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the number of further connecting paths having intersecting sections corresponds to the greater value of the number of inputs

(E1, E2, E3) or the number of outputs (A1, A2, A3) ent speaks.

3. Device according to claim 1 with two inputs (El, E2) and two outputs (Al, A2), wherein

each input (E1, E2) is connected by a direct connection path, which has two consecutively arranged lines (W11, W12, W21, W22) and two successively arranged junctions (Z1, Z12, Z21, Z22). is running, with the downstream output (Al, A2) verbun¬ is the

- Each input (El, E2) is connected by means of two further Verbin¬ paths with the nachge¬ the other input (E2, El) arranged output (A2, Al), - the one direct connection path associated with two further connection paths in each case via one of the two Points (WI1, W12, W21, W22) and via one of the two arranged in the other direct connection path Zu¬ sammenführungen (ZlI, Z12, Z21, Z22) run, - each of these an input (El, E2) associated with other connection paths one of the other input paths (E2, El) associated further connection paths in a crossings (KZI- KW1, KZ2-KW2) crosses

- And in each case from one input (E1, E2) to the the other input (E2, El) to the respective downstream output (A2, Al) connecting direct connection path to conductive transmissions to generate the gaps the two switches (WI1, W12, W21, W22) arranged one after the other are alternately directed into the two successive connecting paths.

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein

- The distances of the leading or trailing edges of Sendun¬ gene each other at least the length of the longest Sen¬ extension plus the minimum gap correspond

- And the time sequence of the programs in the transmission streams and the transport lengths are selected so that the broadcasts from the two inputs, the crossings (KZI- KWL, KZ2-KW2) pas¬ sieren without mutual interference.

5. Device according to claim 1, wherein

to realize the intersections (KZI-KW1, KZ2-KW2), first sections of the intersecting further connection paths of points (WI1 to W22) in the direct connection paths each arrive at a junction (KZI, KZ2)

a brake and acceleration module (BB2, BB4) for the controlled shifting of transmissions in the transmission current or for the temporary storage of the transmissions is arranged in each case in one common intersection junction (KZI, KZ2),

and in each case at the end of the common route, there is a crossing switch (KW1, KW2) for dividing the transmissions on the intersections (KZ1KW1, K2-KW2) downstream second sections of the intersecting further connecting paths.

6. Device according to claim 3 and claim 5, wherein

- seen in each direct connection path in the transport direction arranged in it second switch (W12, W22) in front of the first mergers arranged in it (ZIl, Z21) is arranged, in such a way that the second sections of the further connection paths branching off from the direct connection path in the transport direction cross the first sections of the further connection paths in two further intersections (K1, K2) that branch off secondarily from the other direct connection path ) in addition,

- And in each direct connection path between the bei¬ arranged in him turnouts (WIl, W12 and W21, W22) is arranged a further braking and acceleration module (BBL, BB3) for collision-free merging and crossing the broadcasting streams.

7. Device according to claim 1, wherein - each direct connection path has one or more parallel sections each having a braking and acceleration module (BB5, BB6) for temporary storage of transmissions in the event that the respective one Broadcast simultaneously with a transmission of another input in the same output to wer¬ should

- And the cached transmission is forwarded as soon as the relevant direct connection path to this output allows collision-free.