EP2363363A2 - Method and device for reversing the direction of transport of objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves forming a gap greater than a direction reversal-minimum-gap-length by amount of gap length supplement that is greater than or equal to difference between measured length of the article and standard maximum length. The article is transported by a direction reversal device over a transport path (Tpf) and subsequently over an additional transport route (Z-Tpf). The transport of the article in a transport direction (TR) is terminated and a subsequent transport of the article in an opposite transport direction (TR-e) is initiated when the article is transported over the path. An independent claim is also included for a method for transporting two successive articles.

Description

Method and device for reversing direction during the transport of objects

The invention relates to a method and a device for reversing the direction during the transport of objects, in particular flat mail items.

A method comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus having the features of the preamble of claim 7 are made EP 1754675 B1 known.

In EP 1754675 B1 a "sheet handling apparatus" with a head station ("switchback section 1") is described. A pre-path 2 leads to the head station 1, a post-path 3 away from the head station 1, and a bypass path 5 passes around the head station 1. Mail is sent from a shunt G to either the feed transport path or the bypass path 5 so that the processing time is equal to both times. A length sensor 14 'on the feed transport path 3 measures the length of each mail item in the transport direction.

The head station 1 has a "switchback roller 11", which can be driven in both directions. A controller 100 controls the drive of the roller 11 as a function of the measured length of the mail item. The longer the mail piece, the longer the roller 11 is rotated at an increased speed. With a given topology of the arrangement and predetermined same transport speed in the feed transport path 2 and in the removal transport path 3, a constant processing time can be achieved even with mailpieces of different lengths. In front of the switch W is a gap detector ("gap sensor 22"). The controller 100 controls the head-end station so that the gap between two successive postal items after passing the merge point P2 is always the same. In this merging point P2, the mail items which are accompanied by the feed transport path 2 and the removal transport path 3 meet with the mail items from the bypass path 5. Six sensors S1 - S6 measure the transport rate ("conveyance rate") in the transport paths 2 and 3 DE 10 2004 026362 B4 a direction reversal device is described which divides a stream of mailpieces into two sub-streams. The one partial flow is guided on one side by a driven drum, the other partial flow on the other side of the same drum. The drum is alternately rotated in one direction and the other, causing a reversal of direction for both streams.

In EP 1529747 A1 For example, a sheet processing apparatus 10 is described which transports flat objects. This device 10 comprises a main transport path 1, a first head-end station 2a, a second head-end station 4b, and a drum roller 1a. , see. Fig. 1 , A mail item is transported to another transport path ("conveying path 6") in one of the following three ways: A first switch ("switching gate G1") redirects the mail item from the main transport path 1 to the first head station 2a, and from there the mail item reaches the transport path 6 via a transport path 2b and a transport path 7. Or a second switch ("switching gate G2") redirects the mail item to the second top station 4b, and from there the mail item reaches the transport path via the transport path 7 6. Or the mail item is transported to the drum 1a, and the transport path 1b directs the mail item at both head-on stations 2a, 4b to the transport path 6. The lengths of these three paths and the processing times are determined so that a mail item always requires the same time.

Fig. 4 from EP 1529747 A1 shows in detail the first head station 2a. A carry-in conveying path 22 transports a postal matter M past a sensor S3 to a nip n between two rollers 14, 16. The sensor S3 measures the length of the mailpiece. The rollers 14, 16 grasp the mail item M. Two sensors 32, 33 detect the mail item M between the rollers 14, 16. The mail item M is timed ("at a timing timing") stopped. A lever 28 deflects the stopped mail piece M into a "discharge conveying path 23". This transport path 23 transports the mail item.

In US 5,449,166 For example, a device and a method for reversing the direction of flat objects, for example flat mail items, are described. A first transport unit ("first conveyor") transports the articles in a first transport direction and then transfers them to a second transport unit ("second conveyor"). This second transport unit takes over the objects and transports them in a second transport direction via a predetermined transport path, stops the articles and transports them back again via the transport path in the opposite transport direction. A third transport unit ("third conveyor") takes over the objects and transports them in a third transport direction.

In one embodiment in US 5,449,166 is an acute angle α between the first transport direction and the second transport direction. Between the transport direction opposite to the second transport direction and the third transport direction is an acute angle β .

Also in EP 1424299 A2 a direction reversal device is described with a length sensor. A feed-transport device transports flat objects, e.g. B. mail, to a terminal station. A carry-away device transports these mailings away again. A length sensor measures the length of each mailpiece. The device is controlled so that the gap between two consecutive mail before reaching the head station is equal to the gap after leaving the head station. In one embodiment, the "conveying pitch" remains the same, that is the sum of the length of a mailpiece and the subsequent gap. In order to produce the constant gap or the constant "conveying pitch" transported the head station a mail item the longer with increased speed, the longer the mailpiece.

In EP 1834910 A2 For example, a mailing postage meter having a switchback apparatus 105 will be described. The "switchback apparatus 105" has two head stations ("switchback mechanism 2a, 4b") and a "by-pass mechanism" in the form of two "straight path 1a, 1b". The "switchback apparatus 105" further has a "main conveying path 1" which guides a mailing around a drum. A switch ("gate G1") directs a mail item from the main path 1 to the head station ("switchback mechanism 2a"), another switch ("gate G2") from the main path to the head station ("switchback mechanism 4b"). The mail items from the two header stations 2a, 4b and the mail items which remain in the main path 1 are brought together again in a "joining unit 8", which is effected by suitable lengths of the transport paths and acceleration and deceleration times. The head station 2a has a drive roller 14, which can be driven in both directions, and a roller 16. Between the rollers 14, 16, a gap ("nip N") is formed. The head station 2a is bounded by two guide elements ("guide plates 21, 22"). A mail item is introduced along a feed transport path in a direction T1 to the head station and withdrawn along a Wegführ transport path in the opposite direction T2 again. Three sensors measure whether a mail item is located in the head station 2a. Two rollers 45, 41 pull as needed a z. B. jammed mail from the head station 2a out.

In DE 10 2006 027 872 A1 If a transport system 4 with a distance correction device 9 is described, cf. Fig. 1 , This transport system 4 transports a succession of flat objects 2 past two light barriers 6 and 7, which measure the initial distances and arrival distances between two consecutive objects 2. The distance correction device 9 is capable of changing the distance between two successive objects 2. The respective initial distances between each two objects 2 become continuously measured, and a statistical distribution of these initial distances is determined. The distance correction device 9 is driven depending on this statistical distribution.

The invention has for its object to provide an apparatus with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method having the features of the preamble of claim 7, by which the need is avoided, even with varying lengths of the objects to be transported, that the direction reversal device accelerates an object and still prevents the first gap from falling below the direction reversal minimum gap length.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

• eine Lücken-Erzeugungs-Einrichtung,
• eine erste Transport-Einrichtung und eine zweite Transport-Einrichtung,
• eine Richtungsumkehr-Einrichtung und
• eine Längenmess-Einrichtung.

The solution according to the device has

• a gap generation device,
• a first transport device and a second transport device,
• a direction reversal facility and
• a length measuring device.

The device transports at least two consecutive objects.

The gap generating means sequentially forms among these two items such that one item is a leading item and the other item is a subsequent item and a first gap occurs between the two items when the leading item reaches the direction reversal device ,

The length measuring device measures exactly or at least approximately the length of the leading object. These measured length is the dimension of this article as seen in the transport direction into which the first transport device transports the first article.

Then, if the measured length of the leading object is greater than a predetermined standard maximum length, the following step is performed: The length generation device establishes the first gap between the two objects such that the first gap is one at the latest Gap length penalty is greater than a given turnaround-to-turn gap length when the leading object reaches the direction reversal facility. Here, the gap length addition is greater than or equal to the difference between the measured length and the default standard maximum length.

The first transport device transports the two objects to the direction reversal device such that the first gap between the two objects is greater than or equal to the direction reversal minimum gap length at the latest when the leading object has reached the direction reversal device.

The direction reversal device transports the two objects via a predetermined transport path in a transport direction and then via the same transport path in the transport direction opposite to the transport direction. In this case, the reversal device initially transports the leading object in the transport direction and then in the opposite transport direction and then the subsequent object in the transport direction and then in the opposite direction of transport. It is possible that the processes that the reversal device transports the leading object and that the reversal device transports the subsequent article overlap in time.

• Die Richtungsumkehr-Einrichtung transportiert den vorauslaufenden Gegenstand beim Transport in die Transportrichtung über den gesamten Transportpfad und anschließend über einen Zusatz-Transportweg hinweg. Dieser Zusatz-Transportweg schließt sich an den Transportpfad an.
• Anschließend transportiert die Richtungsumkehr-Einrichtung den vorauslaufenden Gegenstand beim Transport in die entgegengesetzte Transportrichtung über den Zusatz-Transportweg und anschließend über den gesamten Transportpfad hinweg.

If the measured length of the leading object is greater than the predetermined standard maximum length, the direction reversal device performs the following steps:

• The direction reversal device transports the leading object during transport in the transport direction over the entire transport path and then over an additional transport path away. This additional transport path follows the transport path.
• Subsequently, the direction reversal device transports the leading object during transport in the opposite direction of transport over the additional transport path and then across the entire transport path.

On the other hand, if the measured length is less than or equal to the standard maximum length, then the direction reversal device terminates the transport of the leading article in the transport direction at the latest and begins transport in the opposite direction of transport at the latest when the leading object passes over the entire transport path was transported away. The additional transport path is not required for the leading mail item in this situation.

The second transport device transports the two objects away from the direction reversal device, such that a second gap occurs between the two articles. This second gap can be as long as the first gap or differ from it.

According to the solution, the first gap is then adjusted to a length greater by the gap length addition if the leading object is longer than the predetermined standard maximum length. Otherwise, the first gap may be equal to the given direction reversal minimum gap length, allowing for maximum throughput.

The invention makes it possible to continue to use an existing direction reversal device, although the device was originally designed only for those articles which, viewed in the direction of transport, are no longer than the predetermined standard maximum length and their gap-generating device and their Transport path for such items is designed. In US 5,449,166 such a device will be described.

Thanks to the invention, a later occurring desire can be realized that the device is able to transport even longer objects and can reverse in their direction, ie objects that are longer than the standard maximum length. "Later" means: After the construction or after the construction of the device. Required is enough space for the gap generator and for the additional transport path. Both are often present anyway. A length measuring device is usually available anyway. The required changes to the already existing device can be realized only by changing the control of the gap generation device and the direction reversal device, which can be achieved by reprogramming and without changing the hardware. The mechanical components can therefore remain unchanged.

The additional transport path is only needed to reverse the direction of overlong objects, ie objects that are longer than the standard maximum length. The remaining items are transported solely using the transport path in the transport direction and then in the opposite direction of transport.

According to the solution, the first gap is produced such that the leading object has completely left the transport path before the subsequent object reaches it. This prevents a collision between the leading object transported in the opposite transport direction and the subsequent object transported in the transport direction.

The direction reversal minimum gap length is set so that this collision freedom is ensured if the leading object is not longer than the standard maximum length and the first gap is at least as large as the reversal direction minimum gap length , For each leading item not exceeding the standard maximum length is an equally long gap can be set to each subsequent object, which simplifies the control and the work of the gap-generating device. The direction reversal device only needs the direction reversal transport path, and the turnaround minimum gap length provides the necessary time therefor.

For a longer object, a larger first gap is produced by solution. This larger gap is needed to allow the direction reversal device enough time to transport the longer object across the entire transport path and over the additional transport path.

According to the solution, the first gap is produced before the leading object has reached the direction reversal device. Even if the leading first object is overlong, the - then larger - first gap is made in advance. This design as well as the use of the additional transport path eliminates the need for the reversal device to hasten a long leading object in the transport direction. Further, the direction reverser need not accelerate an article to a speed greater than the speed at which the article is transported away from the direction reversal device. Such high acceleration or speed may mechanically load or even damage the article and / or direction reversal device. In addition, long items are often heavier, so acceleration requires a greater force and / or a longer time. Thanks to the invention, this acceleration can be avoided.

It is possible to transport the two objects away from the direction reversal device at the same first speed to the direction reversal device and the same second speed. These matching speeds make it easier to grip the objects permanently and maintain a given gap between the objects.

Preferably, the first gap is set to the smallest possible value to achieve maximum throughput through the direction reversal device. This smallest possible value can vary from item to item.

Preferably, in an overlong leading object, the first gap is made by retarding the trailing object relative to the leading object. For example, the leading object reaches a predetermined target transport speed faster than the subsequent object. Or the following object is slowed down.

Preferably, the direction reversal device always transports both articles at such a speed in the transport direction and then in the opposite transport direction, which is less than or equal to the feed rate at which the articles are transported to the direction reversal device, and also less than or equal to Guiding speed is with which the objects are transported away from the direction reversal device.

In one embodiment, the length measuring device either determines that the length of the leading object is smaller than the predetermined standard maximum length. In this case, the length does not need to be measured more accurately. On the other hand, if the length is greater than or equal to the standard maximum length, the length of the leading object is measured as accurately as required to produce the first gap according to the solution.

Preferably, when it is shorter than the standard maximum length, the leading article is stopped such that a reference point of the article after stopping is in a predetermined reference reversal region of the transport path. For example, the center axis of the stopped leading object is always located at a certain point of the transport path, except for a tolerance. In or near this central axis often lies also the focus of the preceding item. By contrast, the corresponding reference point of a longer object is transported over the entire reference reversal area. This embodiment allows a uniform direction reversal.

The flat objects are z. B. flat mail items (letters, cards o. Ä.), Banknotes, chip cards, paper sheets or flat freight consignments or luggage.

Fig. 1

eine Anordnung mit zwei RichtungsumkehrEinrichtungen und einer Umgehungs-Einrichtung,

Fig. 2

den ersten "Kopfbahnhof" der Anordnung von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine beispielhafte Lückenveränderungs-Einrichtung als Teil eines zweistufigen Vereinzelers und

Fig. 4

ein Weg-Zeit-Diagramm für zwei aufeinanderfolgende Postsendungen.

In the following the invention will be described with reference to an embodiment. Showing:

Fig. 1

an arrangement with two direction reversing devices and a bypass device,

Fig. 2

the first "head station" of the arrangement of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

an exemplary gap changing device as part of a two-stage separator and

Fig. 4

a path-time diagram for two consecutive postal items.

• misst die Länge jeder Postsendung gesehen in die Transportrichtung, in welche die Postsendung die Längenmess-Einrichtung durchläuft, und
• stellt fest, auf welcher der beiden Seiten der Postsendung sich die Zieladresse und der Freimachungsvermerk befinden.

In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is used for the transport of flat mail items (standard and large letters, postcards, catalogs and similar n-items). A lot of mail to be sorted is fed to a sorting system. A separator ("singulator") separates the mailpieces. A stream of spaced-apart mail leaves the separator and passes through a length measuring device. Each mail item stands upright on an edge. The length measuring device

• measures the length of each mail item seen in the transport direction in which the mail item passes through the length measuring device, and
• determines on which of the two sides of the mailpiece the destination address and the franking mark are located.

It is desired to generate a stream of upright and spaced mailpieces with the destination address and indicia all pointing in the same direction. Such a stream is called a stream of oriented mail. Each mail item in which the destination address and the franking mark still point in the wrong direction, is once rotated about a vertical axis which is perpendicular to the transport direction. Each other, ie already correctly oriented mail item is not rotated at all in one embodiment and twice in another embodiment about this vertical axis.

In the exemplary embodiment, a mail item is permanently moved, while the mail item is rotated once or twice about a vertical axis. Thus, the movement and rotation of the mailpiece interfere and the rotations are performed without stopping the mailing.

In the exemplary embodiment, the sorting system has at least one, preferably a plurality of direction reversal devices connected in parallel and a bypass device.

Fig. 1 shows an example of an arrangement with two parallel reversing devices and a bypass device.

A feeding conveyor transports each mail item on a feed transport path Zf-Tp past a sequence of switches W-1, W-2, W-3. In each switch W-1, W-2, W3 branches off a connection path leading to a respective direction reversal device RE-1, RE-2 or the bypass device UE-1. For each bypass device UE-1 and each direction reversal device RE-1, RE-2, there are exactly one switch each in the feed transport path Zf-Tp. Subsequently, each mail item passes through a further connection path which leads to a routing transport path Wf-Tp. The desired sequence of oriented mail items is then generated in the routing transport path Wf-Tp.

The arrangement of Fig. 1 comprises a first direction reversal device RE-1, a second direction reversal device RE-2 and a bypass device UE-1. In a feed-transport path Zf-Tp three switches W-1, W-2, W-3 are successively arranged. In the switch W-1, a transport path to the first reversal device RE-1 is shown, in the switch W-2 a transport path to the bypass device UE-1 and in the switch W-3 a transport path to the second reversal device RE- 1 second These three connection paths lead to the three devices RE-1, UE-1, RE-2. Three further connection paths lead from these three devices to the routing transport path Wf-Tp.

A route transport device transports the sequence of oriented mailpieces on the routing transport path Wf-Tp to an address reader which deciphers the respective address on each mailpiece and to a checking unit which checks the franking mark.

Subsequently, the sequence of oriented mailpieces is transported between a printer and a print run. The printer prints consecutively some or all of the mailings, the printer z. B. a stamp canceled, imprinted a postage meter, applies an advertising imprint, or imprinted a new delivery address on a forwarded mail item. During printing, the printer presses a piece of mail to be printed against the printing gate. At the latest when a mail item is transported between the printer and the print run, the mailpiece must be oriented in order to be printed on the front side.

• eine Trommel, die um eine senkrechte Achse geführt ist und um diese Achse gedreht werden kann, und
• einen "Kopfbahnhof" ("switchback unit").

Each direction reversal device RE-1, RE-2 comprises respectively

• a drum, which is guided about a vertical axis and can be rotated about this axis, and
• a "head-end station"("switchbackunit").

In the arrangement of Fig. 1 The first direction reverser RE-1 comprises a drum Tr-1 and a "head station" Kb-1. The second direction reversal device RE-2 comprises a drum Tr-2 and a "head station" Kb-2. The bypass device UE-1 has two drums Tr-3 and Tr-4.

An item of mail passing through the direction reverser RE-1, RE-2 is passed around the drum Tr-1, Tr-2. As a result, this mail item is moved about a vertical axis even during the rotation, that is, rotated without being stopped. In addition, the mail item passes through the "head station" Kb-1, Kb-2. The mail item is transported in a direction of transport TR into the "head station" and transported in the opposite direction of transport TR-e back out of the "head station".

In one embodiment, the mail item is first guided around the drum Tr-1, Tr-2 and then reaches the "head station" Kb-1, Kb-2. In an alternative embodiment, a mail item first passes through the "head station" Kb-1, Kb-2 and is then guided around the drum Tr-1, Tr-2.

The bypass device UE-1 preferably comprises two vertical drums Tr-3, Tr-4. Each mail item is first guided around the one drum Tr-3 and then around the other drum Tr-4.

The apparatus is configured to restore an order among mailpieces in the feed transport path Zf-Tp when the mailpieces have reached the carry-out transport path Wf-Tp.

During a mailing along the feed transport path Zf-Tp, via a connection path, through the "head station" Kb-1, Kb-2 or around a drum Tr-1, ..., Tr-4 and along the Wegführ-transporting path Wf-Tp is transported, the mail piece is taken without slippage of at least one transport device. Each transport device preferably comprises at least one endless conveyor belt, which is guided around at least two, preferably three vertical axes or rollers, and a counter-transport element. The counter-transport element may also be an endless conveyor belt or at least one roller, which comes directly into contact with a transported mail item. Instead of Endless conveyor belts may also be provided with a roll or sequence of rollers that directly contact the mailpiece.

Preferably, each transport device clamps a mail item intermittently between two endless conveyor belts which are rotated at the same speed, thereby transporting the mailpieces at this speed ("pinch-belt system").

Between two mail items, which are transported in the feed transport path directly behind each other, a gap occurs. This gap is at least as large as a given transport minimum gap length. The same applies to two transport consignments in the Wegführ transport path.

• Seien Ps-1, Ps-3, Ps-2 drei Postsendungen, die unmittelbar nacheinander in dieser Reihenfolge in Zuführ-Transportpfad Zf-Tp transportiert werden. Falls die erste Postsendung Ps-1 in eine erste Richtungsumkehr-Einrichtung RE-1 geleitet wird,
• so wird die nachfolgende Postsendung Ps-3 in eine andere Richtungsumkehr-Einrichtung RE-2 oder aber in die Umgehungs-Einrichtung UE-1 gelenkt. Die dritte Postsendung Ps-2 wird wieder in die erste Richtungsumkehr-Einrichtung RE-1 oder in die Umgehungs-Einrichtung gelenkt. Dies hängt von der Orientierung der Postsendung Ps-2 ab. Im Beispiel, das nachfolgend beschrieben wird, gelangen die beiden Postsendungen Ps-1 und
• Ps-2 hintereinander in die erste Richtungsumkehr-Einrichtung RE-1.

The misaligned mail items are alternately split between the direction reversers RE-1, RE-2. This is explained in the following example:

• Let Ps-1, Ps-3, Ps-2 be three mail items which are transported one after another in this order in the feed transport path Zf-Tp. If the first mail item Ps-1 is passed to a first direction reversal unit RE-1,
• Thus, the subsequent mail item Ps-3 is directed to another direction reversal device RE-2 or to the bypass device UE-1. The third mail item Ps-2 is redirected to the first direction reversal device RE-1 or to the bypass device. This depends on the orientation of the mail item Ps-2. In the example described below, the two mail items Ps-1 and
• Ps-2 in a row in the first direction reversal device RE-1.

The operation of the first direction reversal device RE-1 will be described below. Each mail item which is diverted from the feed transport path Zf-Tp to the connection path leading to the first direction reverser RE-1 is first passed around the drum Tr-1 and then passes through the "head station" Kb-1 of the first one Direction reversal device RE-1.

Fig. 2 shows by way of example this "head station" Kb-1.

The "head station" Kb-1 comprises two endless conveyor belts Fb-1, Fb-2, which are each guided around three rollers. These two endless conveyor belts Fb-1, Fb-2 are capable of temporarily trapping a mail item between them and of transporting them over a clamping transport path, in which the mailpieces are clamped by the two conveyor belts Fb-1, Fb-2 and transported without slippage , This clamp transport path forms part of a transport path of the first direction reversal device RE-1.

A first transport device TE-1 transports the mailpieces in a first transport direction TR-1 to the "head station" Kb-1. The first transport device TE-1 leads from the drum Tr-1 to the "head station" Kb-1. A preceding transport device leads from the shunt W-1 to the drum Tr-1. A second transport device TE-2 transports the mailpieces in the second transport direction TR-2 away from the "head station" Kb-2 to the removal transport path Wf-Tp.

Also, the first transport device TE-1 and the second transport device TE-2 are configured to transport a mail piece without slippage. Between the clamping transport path of the first transport device TE-1 and the clamping transport path of the "head station" Kb-1 is a transfer area in which a mail item is not taken. This transfer area is shorter than the shortest postal item is long, so that a mail item is taken at any time, at least in a subarea.

A photoelectric sensor Li-4 measures when the leading edge of a mailpiece reaches the transfer area. A subsequent initial light barrier Li-A measures when the leading edge of this mail item has reached the beginning of the terminal transport route of the "head station".

In the exemplary embodiment, the device has a control unit SE. This control unit SE controls the direction reversing devices RE-1 and RE-2. Especially the control unit SE controls the drives of the endless conveyor belts Fb-1, Fb-2. The light barriers Li-4 and Li-A transmit signals to the control unit SE.

The "head station" Kb-1 first transports a mail item in a transport direction TR until the trailing edge of the mail item has passed the initial light barrier Li-A. At this time, the mail item is taken only by the two endless conveyor belts of the "head station". The "head station" slows down and stops the mail item and accelerates it in a transport direction TR-e, which is opposite to the transport direction TR. The leading edge of the mailpiece passes through the light barrier Li-4 and is captured by the second transport device TE-2. In the exemplary embodiment, the head station Kb-1 begins to decelerate the supplied mail item as soon as the trailing edge of the mail item has passed the light barrier Li-4, and terminates the acceleration at the latest when the leading edge has again reached the light barrier Li-4. Preferably, therefore, the braking is started as early as possible, and the acceleration is terminated as late as possible.

Between the first transport direction TR-1 and the transport direction TR, a first acute angle α occurs. As soon as the mail item has left the clamping transport path of the first transport device TE-1 and reaches the "head station" Kb-1, the inherent rigidity of the mailpiece causes a rear region of the mail item to fold about the angle α and the longitudinal axis of the mail item Mail item in the transport direction TR of the "head station" Kb-1 shows. Between the opposite transport direction TR-e and the second transport direction TR-2, a second acute angle β occurs. Preferably, the second angle β is smaller than the first angle α .

These steps are performed by the "head station" Kb-1 for each mail item. In the above example, first the first transport device TE-1 transports the leading first mail item Ps-1 and the following mail item Ps-2. Between the leading mail item Ps-1 and the following Mailing Ps-2 encounters a first gap. This first gap remains unchanged while the first transport device TE-1 transports the two mail items Ps-1, Ps-2 in the first transport direction TR-1. Subsequently, the preceding mail item Ps-1 first passes through the "head station" Kb-1 as described above, and then the following mail item Ps-2 passes through the "head station". The first gap is dimensioned so large that the leading mail piece Ps-1 has completely left the "head station" Kb-1 before the following mail item Ps-2 reaches the "head station". However, the first gap is also so small that both the leading mail item Ps-1 and the subsequent mail item Ps-2 interrupt the light barrier Li-4 during a period of time. The leading mail item Ps-1 is transported in this period by the second transport device TE-2 in the second transport direction TR-2, the subsequent mail item Ps-1 from the first transport device TE-1 in the first transport direction TR-1 , The head station Kb-1 first summarizes the leading mail item Ps-1 and then the subsequent mail item Ps-2.

Thereafter, the second transport device TE-2 transports the two mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2 such that a second gap occurs between the mail item Ps-1 which continues to run ahead and the mail item Ps-2 which continues to follow. This second gap may be the same or different than the first gap.

The first gap between the leading mail piece Ps-1 and the following Ps-2 is established before the two mail items Ps-1, Ps-2 have reached the first transporting means TE-1. The length of the first gap depends on the length of the leading mail item Ps-1. This length of the mail item Ps-1 is hereinafter referred to as L-1. The length L-1 is measured before the first gap is established by a length measuring device LME located upstream of the first transport device TE-1.

In one embodiment, the separator ("singulator") has two separation stages. The first separation stage separates the two mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2, so that a gap between the two mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2 occurs. Only after the singulation can the length of the preceding mail item Ps-1 be measured. The length measuring device LME is arranged between the first separating stage and the second separating stage and measures the length L-1 of the separated leading mail piece Ps-1 and the length of the gap between the two mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2. The second separation stage subsequently produces the first gap with a gap length which is predetermined for the second separation stage. If necessary, the second separation stage delays the subsequent mail item Ps-2.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a singler with two stages. The first separation stage comprises a driven transport element 10.1 with a plurality of superposed transport conveyor belts and a first retaining element 2. Two compression springs 28.1, 28.2 push the first retaining element 2 against the entrainment conveyor belts of the first transport element 10.1 so far that only a predetermined minimum distance between the first transport element 10.1 and the first retaining element 2 remains. The second separation stage has a corresponding second transport element 10.2 and a second retaining element. 7

The conveyor belts of the first transport element 10.1 are guided around three rollers 30, 31, 32 around. A drive 16 drives the roller 32. The conveyor belts of the second transport element 10.2 are guided around two rollers 33, 34. A drive 9 drives the roller 34.

The first separation stage further comprises a first drawing element 3 with the two transport rollers 3.1, 3.2, both of which are driven by the drive 15. The second separating stage comprises a second drawing element 8 with the two transport rollers 8.1, 8.2, which are driven by the drive 16.

At the level of the first drawing element 3 there is a light barrier 14 with a transmitter 14.1 and a receiver 14.2. At the level of the second drawing element 8 there is a light barrier 11 with a transmitter 11.1 and a receiver 11.2.

The separation stages work in one embodiment in a start-stop operation. The two transport elements 10.1 and 10.2 are started continuously and stopped again. Each separation stage can be controlled separately. As a result, the two-stage separator can produce a desired gap between two consecutive postal items.

While a mail item is transported upright through this separator, the mail item passes through a light barrier 4. This light barrier 4 comprises a line 4.1 with transmitters and a line 4.2 with receivers. This light barrier 4 measures the length of a mail item as its dimension seen in the transport direction.

In another embodiment, the feed transport device comprises a gap changing device LVE. The gap changing device LVE comprises two endless conveyor belts, which are able to pinch a mail item temporarily between them. As soon as a mail item is picked up and clamped exclusively by these two endless conveyor belts of the gap changing device LVE, the mail item is delayed or else accelerated relative to a preceding mail item. This will change the gap between the two items.

In DE 10 2004012378 B3 a gap changing device is described which can also be used for the device of the embodiment. It describes how a target gap and a minimum gap between successive mailpieces are determined and how the gap changing device establishes an actual gap between these mailpieces.

In one embodiment, the length measuring device LME comprises a light barrier line with a line 4.1 of transmitters and a line 4.2 of recipients. A mailpiece is transported between the sender line and the recipient line. A light beam emitted by a transmitter either hits the associated receiver or is interrupted by a mailpiece. How long a mailpiece is, z. B. from the product of the period of time in which a mailpiece interrupts a light beam, and the measured transport speed with which the mail item is transported between the transmitter line and the receiver line, measured. This length measuring device may be part of the two-stage separator, which in Fig. 3 is shown or installed elsewhere in the sorting system, z. B. in the feed-transport path Zf-Tp.

In another embodiment, the length measuring device LME comprises a camera and an image evaluation unit. The camera generates an image of the mail item standing on a longitudinal edge from an imaging direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which mail item is transported past the camera. The image thus shows an area of the flat postal item. This image is transmitted to the image evaluation unit. The image evaluation unit evaluates the image and thereby measures the length of the mail item as an extension of the mail item in the transport direction.

• eine Standard-Maximal-Länge L-max einer Postsendung und
• eine Richtungsumkehr-Minimal-Lücken-Länge.

To be given

• a standard maximum-length L-max of a mailpiece and
• a direction reversal minimum gap length.

These two values are stored in a data memory. The control unit SE has read access to this data memory.

A mailing may be longer than the standard maximum length L-max. The first gap is made so that the length of the first gap is greater than or equal to the direction reversal minimum gap length. This ensures that a leading mail piece Ps-1 the "head station" Kb-1 has completely left before the subsequent mailing Ps-2 reaches the "terminus".

Fig. 4 schematically shows a path-time diagram. The time t is shown on the x-axis, the distance s on the y-axis. Shown are a leading longer mail piece Ps-1 and a subsequent shorter mail piece Ps-2. The leading mail item Ps-1 has the leading edge Vk-1 and the trailing edge Hk-1, the subsequent mail item Ps-2 has the leading edge Vk-2 and trailing edge Hk-2. The leading mail item Ps-1 has the length L-1> L-max. In Fig. 4 Lines-V.1 describe the path of the leading edge of the longer mailpiece Ps-1, path-H.1 the path of the trailing edge of the longer mailpiece Ps-1, path-V.2 the path of the leading edge of the shorter mailpiece Ps-2 and path H.2 the path of the trailing edge of the shorter mail piece Ps-2.

At time T1, both mail items Ps-1, Ps-2 are still taken and transported exclusively by the first transport device TE-1. Between the two mail items Ps-1, Ps-2, the first gap Lü-1 occurs.

At time T2, the trailing edge Hk-1 of the leading mail piece Ps-1 has passed through the initial light barrier LS-A, and is captured only by the second transport device TE-2. The leading mail item Ps-1 partially uses the additional transport path Z-Tpf with the length LZ. The longer mail item Ps-1 is then braked and accelerated in the opposite direction of transport TR-2e. The path-time course of this reversal is in Fig. 4 roughly illustrated.

At the time T3, the subsequent mail item Ps-2 has a smaller distance to the transport path Tpf than the preceding mail item Ps-1.

At the time T4, the trailing edge Hk-2 of the subsequent mail item Ps-2 has passed the initial light barrier LS-A. The mail item Ps-2 is then braked and accelerated in the opposite direction of transport TR-2eE. Also the Path-time course of this direction reversal is in Fig. 4 roughly illustrated.

At the time T5 both mail items are taken only by the third transport device TE-3. Between the two mailings Ps-1, Ps-2, the second gap Lu-2 has occurred.

As stated above, the feeding-transporting means successively transports the mailpieces Ps-1, Ps-3 and Ps-2 via the feeding-transporting path Zf-Tp. The two mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2 are successively redirected in the connection path to the first direction reversal device RE-1, preferably so that the length of the first gap between the two mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2 remains unchanged. The third postal item Ps-3 is located in the first gap between the two postal items Ps-1 and Ps-2 and is transported around the first reversal device RE-1. The following mail item Ps-2 thus follows only in the connection path to the "head station" Kb-1 immediately behind the leading mail item Ps-1, previously there is still the third mail item Ps-3 between the two mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2.

• Richtungsumkehr-Minimal-Lücken-Länge und
• Summe aus dem doppelten der Transport-Minimal-Lücken-Länge und der Länge der dritten Postsendung Ps-3.

Between two mail items, which are transported immediately after one another in the feed transport path Zf-Tp, a gap should occur which is at least as long as a predetermined transport-minimal-gap length. Therefore, the first gap is greater than or equal to the direction reversal minimum gap length and also greater than or equal to twice the predetermined transport minimum gap length plus the third mailpiece Ps-3. At least the transport minimum gap length should occur between the preceding mail item Ps-1 and the third mail item Ps-3, and at least these transport-minimum gaps should also be present between the third mail item Ps-3 and the following mail item Ps-2 Length occur. In general, the length of the first gap is determined by the transport minimum gap length and by the length of the third mail item Ps-3, and is then "automatically" larger than the direction reversal minimum gap length. The first gap, that is, the gap between the mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2, which are transported to the first direction reversal device RE-1 is preferably set to a gap length as large as necessary and as small as possible. If the leading mail piece Ps-1 is not longer than the standard maximum length L-max, the length of the first gap is preferably equal to the larger of the two values

• Direction reversal minimum gap length and
• Sum of twice the transport minimum gap length and the length of the third mailpiece Ps-3.

If the leading mail piece Ps-1 has a length L-1 greater than the predetermined standard maximum length L-max, then the first gap is created so that the length of the first gap is longer by at least one gap length penalty is the default direction reversal minimum gap length. In addition, the first gap is again at least as large as the sum of twice the transport minimum gap length and the length of the mailing Ps-3.

The gap length penalty is greater than or equal to the difference between the measured length L-1 of the leading mail piece Ps-1 and the predetermined standard maximum length L-max. Preferably, the gap length penalty is equal to the difference L-1 - L-max.

The two mail items Ps-1 and Ps-2 are transported with this first gap between them via the feed transport path to the switch to the connection path and from the connection path by means of the first transport device TE-1 to the "head station" of the first direction reversal device RE -1. The first gap maintains the same gap length until the trailing edge of the leading mail item Ps-1 has passed the initial light barrier Li-A of the "head station". Only then is the first gap changed because the "head station" brakes the leading mail item Ps-1.

As already stated, the "head station" has a clamping transport path in which a mail item is transported without slippage becomes. This clamp transport path has a reference reversal area. This reference reversal area may be a single point or a leg of the transport path Tpf.

A mailpiece that is no longer than the standard maximum length L-max is stopped by the "head-end station" such that a reference point of the mailpiece is in the reference reversal area when the mailpiece is stopped. The reference point is z. B. the center of the mailing seen in the transport direction TR. The reference reversal region is preferably located halfway along the clamp transport path. The distance between the reference reversal area and the initial light barrier Li-A is so large that a mail item which is stopped as described above is located completely in the "head station", ie the trailing edge of the mail item is the initial light barrier. A has happened when the mailpiece is stopped. The distance between the reference reversal region and the initial light barrier Li-A is therefore at least half of the maximum length L-max. However, this only applies to postal items that are no longer than the standard maximum length L-max.

A mail item that is longer than the standard maximum length L-max is also stopped as soon as it has been transported in the transport direction TR such that its trailing edge has passed the initial light barrier Li-A when the item of mail is being stopped. However, the reference point of the overlong postal item was transported through the reference reversal area at this time and a further distance in the transport direction TR. The leading edge of the overlong mail item passes through the entire clamping transport path and the entire transport path Tpf, as well as an additional transport path Z-Tpf, which adjoins the transport path Tpf. Only then is the overlong postal item stopped.

In one embodiment, at the end of the additional transport path Z-Tpf - or shortly before the end - an end-photoelectric sensor Li-E is arranged. This end photoelectric sensor Li-E measures the event that an overlong mail item has completely or almost completely passed through the end of the additional transport path Z-Tpf. The end photoelectric switch Li-E then sends a signal to the control unit SE. The control unit SE causes the head-end station Kb-1 to stop the mail item, so that this overlong mail item is not transported via the additional transport path Z-Tpf.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

reference numeral importance 2 first retaining element 3 first Vorziehelement with the rollers 3.1, 3.2 3.1, 3.2 Rolls of the first drawing element 3 4 Photocells with transmitter line 4.1 and receiver line 4.2 4.1 Transmitter line of the light barrier 4 4.2 Receiver line of the light barrier 4 8th second Vorziehelement with the rollers 8.1, 8.2 8.1, 8.2 Rolls of the second drawing element 8 9 Drive for the second transport element 10.2 10.1 first transport element 10.2 second transport element 11 Photocell at the level of the second drawing element 8 11.1 Transmitter of the light barrier 11 11.2 Receiver of the light barrier 11 14 Photoelectric barrier at the height of the first drawing element 3 14.1 Transmitter of the light barrier 14 14.2 Receiver of the light barrier 14 15 Drive for the rollers 3.1, 3.2 of the first drawing element 3 16 Drive for the rollers 8.1, 8.2 of the second drawing element 8 28.1, 28.2 Compression springs for the first retaining element 2 29.1, 29.2 Compression springs for the second retaining element 7 30, 31, 32 Rolls around which the conveyor belts of the first transport element 10.1 are guided 33, 34 Rolls around which the conveyor belts of the second transport element 10.2 are guided around Fb-1, Fb-2 Endless conveyor belts of the first "head station" Kb-1, comprising the endless conveyor belts Fb-1 and Fb-2 and the light barriers Li-A and Li-E Hk-1 Trailing edge of the leading mail piece Ps-1 Hk-2 Trailing edge of the following mail item Ps-2 Kb 1 "Head Station" of the first reversal facility RE-1 Kb 2 "Head Station" of the second reversal facility RE-2 L-1 measured length of the leading mailing Ps-1. L-max default standard maximum length for a mailpiece. Li-A Initial light barrier at the beginning of the transport path Tpf of the "head station" Li-4 Photocell at the end of the first transport device TE-1 Li-E End photoelectric sensor at the end of the additional transport path Z-Tpf Lue-1 first gap between the preceding mail item Ps-1 and the subsequent item of mail Ps-2, arises before reaching the direction reversal device RE-1 Lue-2 second gap between the leading mail item Ps-1 and the subsequent postal item Ps-2, arises after leaving the direction reversal device RE-1 Ps-1 leading mailing Ps-2 subsequent mailing Ps-3 third mailing RE-1, RE-2 Reversal facilities SE control unit TE-1 first transport device, transports mail items in the first transport direction TR-1 to the direction reversal device RE-1. TE-2 second transport device, transports mail items in the second transport direction TR-2 away from the direction reversal device RE-1. Tr-1 Drum of the first reversal device RE-1 Tr-2 Drum of second reversing device RE-2 Tr-3, Tr-4 Drums of UE-1 Bypass Device tPF Transport path in the "head station" of the Reverse direction device RE-1 TR Transport direction, in which the direction reversal device RE-1 transports mail items first. TR-1 first transport direction, in which the first transport device TE-1 transports mailpieces to the direction reversal device RE-1. TR-2 second transport direction, in which the second transport unit TE-2 transports mailpieces away from the direction reversal device RE-1. TR-e the transport direction TR opposite transport direction, in which the direction reversal device RE-1 then transports mail transmissions. UE-1 Bypass device Vc-1 Leading edge of the leading mail piece Ps-1 Vc-2 Leading edge of the subsequent mail item Ps-2 W-1 Turn-off to the first turnaround facility RE-1 W-2 Turnout with diversion to the UE-1 bypass facility W-3 Turn off to the second turnaround facility RE-2 Wf-Tp Out-feed transport path Off-H.1 Path of the trailing edge of the longer mailing Ps-1 Off-H.2 Path of the trailing edge of the shorter mailing Ps-2 Lane V.1 Path of leading edge of longer mailing Ps-1 Off-V.2 Way of the leading edge of the shorter mail piece Ps-2 Z-Tpf Additional transport path in the direction reversal device RE-1 IF Tp Feed transport path

Claims (8)

Method for transporting at least two consecutive articles (Ps-1, Ps-2),
wherein a direction reversal minimum gap length is given and
the method comprises the steps of placing the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2) in a sequence,
that one object (Ps-1) is a leading object and the other object (Ps-2) is a subsequent object and a first gap (Lu-1) occurs between the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2),
the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2) are transported to a direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) such that the first gap (Lü-1) between the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2) 2) is at least equal to or greater than the predetermined direction reversal minimum gap length when the leading object (Ps-1) reaches the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2),
the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2), the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2) via a predetermined transport path (Tpf) in a transport direction (TR) and then on the same transport path (Tpf) in the transport direction (TR) transports opposite transport direction (TR-e),
the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) - First, the leading object (Ps-1) in the transport direction (TR) and then in the opposite direction of transport (TR-e) and - Subsequently, the subsequent object (Ps-2) first in the transport direction (TR) and then transported in the opposite direction of transport (TR-e) and wherein firstly the preceding object (Ps-1) is temporarily exclusively supplied by the reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) and then the subsequent article (Ps-2) is temporarily replaced by the reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) 2) is taken,
the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2) are carried away from the direction reversing device (RE-1, RE-2) such that between the leading object (Ps-1) and the succeeding object (Ps-2) a second gap (Lü-2) occurs, and
the length (L-1) of the leading object (Ps-1) as the dimension of this object (Ps-1) as viewed in the transport direction (TR) is measured and used for transporting the leading object (Ps-1);
characterized in that
is given a standard maximum length (L-max) for an object to be transported (Ps-1, Ps-2), when the measured length (L-1) of the preceding object (Ps-1) is larger than that default default maximum length (L-max) is the steps that are performed - The first gap (Lü-1) is made such that the first gap at the latest by a gap length addition is greater than the predetermined reversal-minimum gap length when the leading object (Ps-1), the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) reached, wherein the gap length penalty is greater than or equal to the difference between the measured length (L-1) of the preceding item (Ps-1) and the standard maximum length (L-max), - The direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) the leading object (Ps-1) during transport in the transport direction (TR) over the entire transport path (Tpf) and then via a to the transport path (Tpf) subsequent additional transport path (Z-Tpf) transported away and - The direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) the leading object (Ps-1) during transport in the opposite direction of transport (TR-e) via the additional transport path (Z-Tpf) and then over the entire transport path ( Tpf), and when the measured length (L-1) is less than or equal to the standard maximum length (L-max), the steps are performed the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) terminates the transport of the leading article (Ps-1) in the transport direction (TR) at the latest and the subsequent transport in the opposite transport direction (TR-e) begins at the latest, if the leading object (Ps-1) has been transported across the entire transport path (Tpf). Method according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the leading object (Ps-1) has a leading edge (Vk-1),
if the measured length (L-1) of the leading object (Ps-1) is greater than the predetermined standard maximum length (L-max),
the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) transports the preceding object (Ps-1) in the transporting direction (TR) and then stops,
that during transport in the transport direction (TR), the leading edge (Vk-1) of the leading object (Ps-1) facing forward in the transport direction (TR) and shows
the leading edge (Vk-1) of the leading article (Ps-1) during transport in the transport direction (TR) along of the additional transport path (Z-Tpf) is transported one route,
whose length is proportional to the difference between the measured length (L-1) and the predetermined standard maximum length (L-max). A method according to claim 1 or claim 2,
characterized in that
the reversing device (RE-1, RE-2) so transports both articles (Ps-1, Ps-2),
that each article (Ps-1, Ps-2) is temporarily stopped between the transport in the transport direction (TR) and the transport in the opposite transport direction (TR-e),
wherein when the measured length (L-1) of the leading object (Ps-1) is less than or equal to the predetermined standard maximum length (L-max), the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) thus stops the preceding object (Ps-1), that a reference point of the preceding item (Ps-1) lies in a reference reversal area of the transport path (Tpf), and
if the measured length (L-1) is greater than the standard maximum length (L-max), the reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) stops the preceding object (Ps-1) only after the reference point of the object (Ps-1) has been transported through the entire reference reversal region. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
a transport minimum gap length is given, a third object (Ps-3) is transported in such a way,
the third object (Ps-3) is temporarily located in the first gap between the two successive objects (Ps-1, Ps-2),
while the two successive articles (Ps-1, Ps-2) are being transported to the direction reversing device (RE-1, RE-2),
the third object (Ps-3) is transported around the direction reversing device (RE-1, RE-2) and inserted into the second gap between the two consecutive objects (Ps-1, Ps-2),
while the two successive articles (Ps-1, Ps-2) are being carried away from the reversal device (RE-1, RE-2),
wherein between the leading object (Ps-1) and the third object (Ps-3) and between the third object (Ps-3) and the subsequent object (Ps-2) each have a gap whose length is at least as large as is the given transport minimum gap length,
as long as the third object (Ps-3) is in the first gap or in the second gap between the two consecutive objects (Ps-1, Ps-2). Method according to claim 4,
characterized in that
the length of the third object (Ps-3) is measured and the first gap is made in this way,
that the first gap is greater than or equal to the sum of the measured length of the third object (Ps-3) and is twice the transport minimum gap length. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that
at least when the measured length (L-1) of the leading object (Ps-1) is greater than the standard maximum length (L-max),
the step to make the first gap (Lü-1),
comprising the step of delaying the succeeding item (Ps-2) relative to the movement of the leading item (Ps-1). Device for transporting two successive objects (Ps-1, Ps-2),
the device a gap generation device (10.1, 2, 10.2, 7) a length measuring device (4.1, 4.2), a first transport device (TE-1), - a reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) and comprising a second transport device (TE-2), the gap-generating means (10.1, 2, 10.2, 7) is adapted to produce a sequence among the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2),
that one object (Ps-1) is a leading object and the other object (Ps-2) is a subsequent object and a first gap (Lu-1) occurs between the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2),
the length measuring device (4.1, 4.2) is configured to measure the length (L-1) of the leading object (Ps-1) as the dimension of this object (Ps-1) as viewed in the transporting direction (TR),
the first transport device (TE-1) is configured to transport the two objects to the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2),
the first gap (Lü-1) between the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2) is greater than or equal to a predetermined direction reversal minimum gap length at the latest when the leading object (Ps-1) reverses the direction. Device (RE-1, RE-2) reached,
the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) is designed to move the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2) over a predetermined transport path (Tpf) in a transport direction (TR) and then via the same transport path (Tpf) to transport in the direction of transport (TR) opposite transport direction (TR-e),
wherein the direction reversing device (RE-1, RE-2) is configured to - First, the leading object (Ps-1) in the transport direction (TR) and then in the opposite direction of transport (TR-e) and - Then to transport the subsequent object (Ps-2) in the transport direction (TR) and then in the opposite transport direction (TR-e), and wherein the device is configured such that first of all the preceding object (Ps-1) is temporarily exclusively of the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) and then the subsequent object (Ps-2) temporarily exclusive of the direction reversal device (RE1, RE-2) is taken and
the second transport device (TE) is designed to transport the two objects (Ps-1, Ps-2) away from the direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) in such a way that between the two objects (Ps) 1, Ps-2) a second gap occurs, and
the apparatus is adapted to use the measured length (L-1) of the leading object (Ps-1) for the transport of the object (Ps-1),
characterized in that
the device is designed so that when the measured length (L-1) of the leading object (Ps-1) is greater than a predetermined standard maximum length (L-max), - The gap-generating means (10.1, 2, 10.2, 7) produces the first gap (Lü-1) in such a way that the first gap (Lü-1) at the latest by a gap length addition greater than a predetermined direction reversal minimum Gap length is when the leading object (Ps-1) reaches the direction reversing device (RE-1, RE-2), wherein the gap length penalty is greater than or equal to the difference between the measured length (L-1) and the standard maximum length (L-max), - The direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) the leading object (Ps-1) during transport in the transport direction (TR) over the entire transport path (Tpf) and then via an adjoining the transport path additional transport path ( Z-Tpf) transported away and - The direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) the leading object (Ps-1) during transport in the opposite direction of transport (TR-e) via the additional transport path (Z-Tpf) and then over the entire transport path ( Tpf), and when the measured length (L-1) of the preceding item (Ps-1) is less than or equal to the standard maximum length (L-max), then - The direction reversal device (RE-1, RE-2) the transport of the leading article (Ps-1) in the transport direction (TR) ended at the latest and the Transport in the opposite direction of transport (TR-e) begins at the latest if the leading object (Ps-1) has been transported across the entire transport path (Tpf). Device according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the gap generation means (10.1, 10.2, 7) is part of a two-stage singler.

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