EP2582605B1 - Device for stacking flat objects on edge, and postal sorting machine provided with a such device - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a device for stacking flat objects on edge and a postal sorting machine equipped with such a stacking device.

For the purposes of the invention, a flat object designates in particular, but not exclusively, a postal item. The postal items, capable of being stacked thanks to the device of the invention, may have variable dimensions, but also variable mechanical characteristics, particularly as regards their rigidity. This mailing can be, among other things, a simple letter, a magazine, an envelope with or without window, a newspaper, or a catalog presented in a plastic envelope or paper, with or without bellows.

Prior art

A stacking device can be used in particular in postal sorting facilities, for example to form a buffer receptacle of mail items at each sorting outlet of the installation. A sorting machine conventionally comprises a feed inlet with a magazine, as well as a destacker for the serial production on the edge of postal items. The latter are then usually conveyed to an acquisition system, then directed to sorting outlets aligned next to each other. In a conventional manner, a stacking device, such as that targeted by the invention, equips each of these sorting outlets.

In known manner, this stacking device defines an area of variable size, allowing the reception of the stack of objects accumulating in a longitudinal direction. This area is bordered transversely by a shore, called jogging, against which abut the objects of the stack. Moreover, the front end of this stack bears against a pallet, movable longitudinally under the effect of the accumulation of objects. This palette exerts a return force on the latter, allowing the objects to be held in their singing position.

In addition, the objects are supported, by their song, on a support range, along which they slide as and when they accumulate. Finally, a rotary actuator is set in motion upon the arrival of each object towards the receiving area.

The Applicant has marketed, under the reference "Virgule Equipée" (article no. 285590), a stacking device whose actuator comprises a hub, from which several couples of pins extend. In addition, the lugs of the same pair are arranged symmetrically at 180 ° relative to each other. In use the lugs create, periodically, a longitudinal thrust force, either directly on the pallet when the first objects arrive, or on the stack being formed.

This known stacking device is quite well suited in the case of letter processing, which is also confirmed by the commercial success it enjoys. However, it does not respond satisfactorily to the need to stack on edge other types of flat objects. These may be for example soft folds and not rigid, such as those presented in plastic packaging, or those with fragile flaps.

In addition, the publication US 2003/127 509 discloses a bank note management machine capable of collecting and / or distributing bills of different sizes. This automaton comprises in particular a ticket stacking device, comprising a ticket arrival corridor, a receiving area on which is formed a stack of banknotes and a rotary actuator, able to push back the stack of banknotes against the banknote bank. a cell retainer. The rotary actuator is a curved pin wheel, the free end of each lug being interposed between the ticket to stack and the top of the ticket stack to thereby protect it. Banknotes are flat objects having a substantially constant thickness and rigidity and this automaton is not suitable for sorting postal objects having variable dimensions and / or mechanical characteristics.

We also know the publication WO 2009/127 649 which discloses a bank note management device comprising a flap wheel or a pin actuator substantially similar to the previous one, which turns freely during stacking for collection, and which does not turn during unstacking for dispensing. As for the previous publication, this device is adapted only to flat objects having substantially constant dimensions and mechanical characteristics.

We also know the publication US 2,844,373 which describes a stacking device for postal items comprising a curved finger wheel, motorized, able to press the stack in formation and to receive and accompany each mailing when stacking. We finally know the publication JP 6,183,630 which describes a device for stacking printed sheets comprising a slotted wheel adapted to receive and accompany each sheet to its stacking zone. The battery is held in its lower part by a latch. Such stacking devices nevertheless have significant risks of collision between postal items.

The publication JP 63-026658 U discloses a stacking device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Presentation of the invention

That being said, the invention aims to remedy the various disadvantages of the prior art presented above. It aims in particular to treat, by means of the same stacking device, objects of different natures by limiting the risk of collision. The invention also aims to provide such a device, which is likely to maintain the integrity of these objects during stacking.

For this purpose, it relates to a device for stacking flat objects on edge according to claim 1.

The idea underlying the invention is to insert at least one protective member, carried by the actuator, between the front part of the object being stacked and the adjacent object belonging to the stack. Training. This makes it possible to isolate the surface opposite this adjacent object, so that it is protected from the arrival of the current object. This is particularly advantageous in the case where the adjacent object is fragile in nature, given the relatively high linear velocity of the current object.

In addition, such a protection member is capable of modifying the trajectory of the current object. In particular, it can accompany the current object upon arrival, so as to drive towards the jogging shore. In other words, this protection member not only provides an interface function, but also an additional guiding function. In particular, the deflector flap placed upstream of the actuator bent pins and can occupy a retracted or advanced position and a control means of the baffle flap and the actuator provided for the deflector flap in the advanced position causes the tilting of the rear part of a current object during stacking while the actuator accompanies the displacement of the front part of this current object towards the jogging edge limits the risk of collision between the flat objects.

• l'organe de protection est une languette de protection substantiellement rectiligne qui prolonge un ergot dudit actionneur, cette languette de protection venant en interface entre ledit objet courant et le dernier objet de ladite pile en formation,
• ledit actionneur comporte deux ergots recourbés disposés de façon symétrique par rapport à l'axe de rotation dudit actionneur,
• ladite languette de protection est montée de façon amovible sur ledit ergot,
• ladite languette de protection est en matière plastique,
• lors d'un cycle d'empilage de l'objet plat courant, ledit actionneur fait une rotation de 180°,
• ledit moyen de commande dudit volet déflecteur est apte à prendre en compte des paramètres choisis dans le groupe comprenant au moins la longueur, la hauteur, la planéité et le matériau constitutif de l'objet plat du dessus de la pile d'objets plats en formation courant , ainsi que la longueur, la hauteur, l'épaisseur, la rigidité, l'énergie cinétique et le matériau constitutif de l'objet courant à empiler,
• le dispositif comprend plusieurs volets déflecteurs pivotantes coaxiaux.

The stacking device of the invention may have the following advantageous characteristics:

• the protection member is a substantially rectilinear protection tongue which extends a lug of said actuator, this protection tongue coming into interface between said current object and the last object of said stack in formation,
• said actuator comprises two bent lugs arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation of said actuator,
• said protection tab is removably mounted on said pin,
• said protection tab is made of plastic,
• during a stacking cycle of the current flat object, said actuator rotates 180 °,
• said control means of said deflector flap is adapted to take into account parameters selected from the group comprising at least the length, the height, the flatness and the constituent material of the flat object of the top of the pile of flat objects in formation current, as well as the length, height, thickness, stiffness, kinetic energy and constituent material of the current object to be stacked,
• the device comprises several coaxial pivoting deflector flaps.

The subject of the invention is also a postal sorting machine comprising sorting outlets with on-edge accumulation of postal flat objects, characterized in that each sorting outlet is provided with a stacking device as above.

Brief description of the drawings

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif d'empilage selon l'invention ;
• La figure 2 est une vue de dessus, illustrant plus particulièrement un actionneur appartenant à ce dispositif d'empilage ;
• Les figures 3 à 6 sont des représentations schématiques illustrant, vues de dessus, des étapes successives de la mise en oeuvre de ce dispositif d'empilage; et
• La figure 7 est une représentation schématique illustrant, vue de dessus, la mise en oeuvre d'un volet appartenant à ce dispositif d'empilage.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description given below, given by way of non-limiting example of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of a stacking device according to the invention;
• The figure 2 is a view from above, illustrating more particularly an actuator belonging to this stacking device;
• The Figures 3 to 6 are schematic representations illustrating, seen from above, successive steps of the implementation of this stacking device; and
• The figure 7 is a schematic representation illustrating, seen from above, the implementation of a shutter belonging to this stacking device.

Description of the embodiments

The stacking device according to the invention comprises firstly a fixed frame, designated by the reference 2. There is also an inlet corridor 4, ensuring the arrival of flat objects. Typically, this input is placed in communication with a conveyor device, not shown, belonging to a sorting machine of conventional type.

This stacking device further defines an area 6 for receiving the objects, which is bordered laterally by a jogging edge 8, against which the objects bear, as well as by a retaining bank 10. longitudinal of the device, along which the stack of objects moves as and when it is formed. A plate 12, forming a sliding edge, makes it possible to guide along the arrow F1 the flow of objects admitted from the inlet 4 towards the zone 6.

The plate 12 is hollowed, in its upstream part with reference to the direction of progression of the objects, of a first series of slots 14. These allow the passage of several flaps 16, which are provided in the number of three in the illustrated example . These flaps are capable of pivoting about a vertical axis A1, which extends in the vicinity of the rear face of the plate 12.

As will be explained in more detail in the following, each flap can pivot about the axis A1, between two positions. The first of these is a retracted position, in which the flaps are retracted behind the plate 12, namely that they do not protrude into the entry corridor 4 and therefore do not interfere with the advancing objects. . In the second position, which is said advanced, the flaps protrude into the corridor so as to influence the path of objects, as will be seen in what follows.

The plate 12 is further hollowed, in its downstream part, with a second series of slots 20. The latter cooperate with an actuator 22, capable of being rotated about a vertical axis A2, which is placed at a distance of the plate, opposite the receiving zone 6.

As shown more particularly in figure 2 this actuator 22 comprises a central hub 24, from which several pairs of pins extend, of which only one 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ is visible in this figure. These are likely to protrude towards the reception area, via the aforementioned slots 20. In addition, these lugs are slightly curved so as to be oriented towards the arrival corridor, when they extend through of these slots.

More precisely, in the illustrated example, there are four pairs of such pins, distributed along the hub. Furthermore, for a given torque, the two pins extend symmetrically, being mutually offset by 180 °.

Each lug 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ is associated with a tongue 28 ₁ , 28 ₂ , which is advantageously removably attached, for example by screwing. The tongues can then be made of a material different from that of the lugs, in particular a plastic material while the lugs are metallic. In this way, the tongues may have characteristics adapted to their function, while being easily replaceable.

Each tongue has a portion 29 ₁ , 29 ₂ of curved shape, for attachment to the lug, and a rectilinear main portion 30 ₁ , ₂ , whose function will be detailed in what follows. By way of nonlimiting example, the length L of the main part 30 ₁ , 30 ₂ , namely the distance separating its free end and its junction with the lug, is preferably greater than 40mm, being in particular between 40mm and 60mm. On this figure 2 , it is noted that each tongue 28 ₁ , 28 ₂ extends tangentially to a circle C, centered on the axis A2 and whose radius R is between 60mm and 80mm.

The longitudinal end of the receiving zone, opposite the actuator, is defined by a pallet 32 forming a retaining element in the usual way (see FIG. figures 3 and following). This pallet is movable relative to the chassis, in the direction D, by being mounted on a guide 34. Moreover, means not shown, of the winder or counterweight type, are associated with the pallet so that it exerts a return force. on the stack of objects, so as to ensure the retention.

The implementation of the stacking device according to the invention, described above, will now be explained in what follows.

We will describe the arrival of an object called "current" N + 1, which must be stacked on a so-called P pile "in formation", which consists of N flat objects, referenced 1 to N, which were previously admitted in the reception zone 6. By convention, the respective objects 1 and N are referred to as "first" and "last" of the stack in formation.

This implementation is valid for the first flat object arriving, namely when the stacking device is empty. However, in this case, during the initial phase of operation, the actuator presses directly against the pallet, and not against the object N stacked immediately beforehand.

In the initial position, illustrated in figure 3 the actuator 22 is stationary. The object N + 1 first circulates along the sliding edge 12 in the direction of the first series of lugs 26 ₁ , which bear against the stack P formation. Immediately before the contact with the object N + 1 with these pins, the rotation of the actuator 22 is initiated (see arrow f at the figure 4 ). In this way the front of this object comes into contact, not with these lugs 26 ₁ , but with the inner face, facing the hub 24, tongues 28 ₁ associated therewith.

Because of the rotation of the actuator, the tongues thus provide a deflector function of the object N + 1, since they tend to him to give a trajectory that is almost parallel to the object N, in the direction of the jogging edge 8. Moreover, these tongues play a role of interface between the objects N and N + 1, namely in particular that they isolate the front before sending N + 1 during stacking, compared to the previously stacked shipment N. It is therefore conceivable that this makes it possible to guarantee the integrity of the object N, especially in the case where the latter is fragile.

Moreover, when the rear part of the sending N + 1 is located at the right of the flaps 16, the pivoting of the latter is controlled according to the arrow f ' (see Figures 4 and 5 ), so as to cause this sending to switch according to the arrow f '. This also contributes to making the trajectory of this sending parallel to the surface facing the previous fold N, in combination with the deflection action of the tongues 28 ₁ , as described above.

The object N + 1 then comes into abutment against the jogging edge 8, while a possible rebound is limited by the retaining edge 10. The actuator is kept in rotation, so that the outer face of the second series tabs Feb. ₂₈ hits this item N + 1, now stacked (see figure 6 ). This contributes to stabilize the whole of the new stack formation P ', now consisting of N + 1 objects.

Then, it stops the rotation of the actuator, so that the second lugs 26 ₂ and the second tongues 28 ₂ occupy the position of the first lugs 26 ₁ and the first tongues 28 ₁ , as shown in FIG. figure 3 . Thus, a treatment cycle corresponds to a 180 ° rotation of the actuator. We can then proceed with the stacking of the next object N + 2, visible on the Figures 4 to 6 similarly to what has been described above.

The figure 7 illustrates an advantageous implementation of the components 16 described above. The arrival of the current flat object N + 1 is detected and, before it passes to the right of the flaps, they are pivoted according to the arrow f ' . Under these conditions, these flaps strike directly against the object N of the stack in formation, by their free end 16 ', which allows to push this stack towards the pallet 32.

This flap action thus delimits a free trajectory for the object N + 1, also called the entry cone C, which avoids any collision of the object. N + 1 with the stack in formation, upstream of the reception zone. As a result, the risks of jamming are substantially reduced. After pushing the stack formation, the flaps are retracted again, so as not to hinder the free progression of the object N + 1.

The pivoting of the shutters as described above, with reference to Figures 4 and 5 for its first implementation variant, and with reference to the figure 7 for its second variant, it can be initiated according to various parameters, relating in particular to the last fold N of the forming stack and to the current fold N + 1. In particular, but not limited to, the length, the height, the flatness and the material constituting the N-fold, as well as the length, height, thickness, rigidity, kinetic energy and constituent material of the fold N + 1.

From the start of sorting, after unitary separation of the objects upstream of the stacking process, these different parameters are acquired by means of appropriate sensors. Then, depending on at least some of these parameters, the flaps are pivoted according to one or other of the above modes.

It will be noted that the flaps above are advantageous as such, even when they are implemented with an actuator having no protective members. Thus, they find their application in combination with actuators of the prior art, such as those presented in the preamble of the present application.

Claims (9)

1. A stacker device for stacking postal flat articles, comprises an article-receiving zone (6) for receiving the flat articles (N+1) and for stacking them on edge, which zone is disposed between an arrival corridor (4) via which each flat article (N+1) to be stacked arrives and a jogging edge (8) that flanks said article-receiving zone (6) and against which edge said flat articles (1-N+1) as stacked bear in order to form a stack (P) of said flat articles (N+1), a rotary actuator (22) disposed opposite from said article-receiving zone (6) and downstream from said arrival corridor (4), said actuator (22) being provided with curved spurs (26) so as to push said stack (P) of flat articles (1-N+1) away against a retaining element (32) for retaining the stack (P), said curved spurs (26) have a protective member (28) suitable for being interposed between the current flat article (N+1) and the last flat article (N) of said stack (P) being formed and for accompanying the movement of each flat article (N+1) to be stacked on top of said stack (P) of flat articles (1-N+1) towards said jogging edge (8), said stacker device being characterized in that it further comprises a deflector flap (16) disposed in said arrival corridor (4) upstream from said actuator (22) relative to the direction of advance of said flat articles (1-N+1), characterized in that said deflector flap (16) being mounted to rotate between a retracted position in which it does not project into said arrival corridor (4) and does not interfere with the advance of a current flat article (N+1) to be stacked and a deployed position in which it projects into said arrival corridor (4) and comes to push away said stack (P) of flat articles (1-N+1) being formed, and said stacker device further comprising control means for controlling said deflector flap (16) and said actuator (22), which control means, in response to the presence of said current article (N+1) being detected in said arrival corridor (4), cause said deflector flap (16) to pivot towards its deployed position so as to push away said stack (P) of flat articles (1-N+1) and so as to define a space in the form of an inlet cone for said current article (N+1), and, in response to detection of the passing of the trailing portion of said current flat article (N+1), cause said deflector flap (16) to pivot towards its deployed position in order to cause said current article (N+1) to tilt while said actuator (22) that is moving in rotation accompanies the movement of said flat article (N+1) towards said jogging edge (8).
2. A stacker device according to claim 1, characterized in that said protective member is a protective tongue (28) that is substantially rectilinear and that extends a spur (26) of said actuator (22), said protective tongue (28) coming to form an interface between said current flat item (N+1) and the last article (N) of said stack (P) being formed.
3. A stacker device according to claim 2, characterized in that said actuator (22) is provided with two curved spurs (26) disposed symmetrically about the axis of rotation of said actuator (22).
4. A stacker device according to claim 2, characterized in that said protective tongue (28) is mounted removably on said spur (26).
5. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that said protective tongue (28) is made of a plastics material.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, during a stacking cycle for stacking the current flat article (N+1), said actuator (22) rotates through 180°.
7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said control means for controlling said deflector flap (16) are suitable for taking account of parameters chosen from the group comprising at least length, height, evenness, and component material of the flat article (N) on the top of the current stack (P) of flat articles being formed, and length, height, thickness, stiffness, kinetic energy, and component material of the current article (N+1) to be stacked.
8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has a plurality of deflectors (16) mounted to pivot about a common axis.
9. A postal sorting machine having sorting outlets for accumulating postal flat articles on edge, said machine being characterized in that each sorting outlet is provided with a stacker device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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