JP2946302B2 - Vertical sorting mechanism for mail sorting equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vertical sorting mechanism of a mail sorting apparatus for automatically sorting a large number of different mails for each delivery area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a mail sorting apparatus for automatically sorting a large number of different mails for each delivery area. This type of mail sorting apparatus generally includes a mail introduction system for introducing mail, and a mail sorting system for conveying mail supplied from the mail introduction system to a target sorting box. The postal code of the mail is input (read) in the introduction system, and the mail is conveyed to the target sorting box provided in the mail sorting system based on the postal code.

Further, the mail sorting system includes a vertical sorting mechanism and a horizontal sorting mechanism arranged in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction, and mail supplied from the mail introducing system receives each mail in the horizontal direction by the vertical sorting mechanism. In addition to being sorted by the sorting mechanism, each horizontal sorting mechanism takes in the target sorting box.

Conventionally, such a vertical dividing mechanism has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 62-266186 and 57-266.
In each of the publications, a table on which mail is placed is circulated vertically, and when the mail reaches a target horizontal sorting mechanism, the mail on the table is horizontally sorted. It has a function to take in the mechanism.

[0005]

However, the vertical sorting mechanism provided in the above-mentioned conventional mail sorting apparatus has the following problems.

First, in order to vertically circulate and move a table on which mails are placed, a circulation mechanism for circulating a large number of tables and a transfer mechanism for sending and receiving mails to and from the tables are required. Cost increase.

Second, since the transport of the mail is discontinuous, it is difficult to ensure smooth and stable transport of the mail, and the reliability of the mail is lacking, and the mail cannot be quickly sorted.

The present invention has solved the problems existing in the prior art as described above. The present invention can reduce costs by simplifying the structure, and can improve reliability by ensuring smooth and stable transport of mail. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vertical sorting mechanism of a mail sorting apparatus that can increase the size of mail and that can quickly sort mail.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a horizontal dividing mechanism 2a, which is vertically arranged in a plurality of stages.
When constructing the vertical sorting mechanism 1 of the mail sorting apparatus D for sorting the mails M to 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, the front side is configured to swing up and down, and at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction. A plurality of switching conveyors 4b arranged,
4c, 4d, 4e and a plurality of transport conveyors 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e fixed in position and alternately arranged in a horizontal direction with respect to each of the switching conveyors 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e.
And the switching conveyors 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e are shorter than the transport conveyors 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e, and the first-stage horizontal sorting mechanism in which the front end in the transport direction is disposed at the lowest position. A main conveyor section 5 connected to 2a;
Each horizontal dividing mechanism 2b, 2c, 2d,
2e and each of the switching conveyors 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e are sequentially installed, and the front end in the transport direction is set to the horizontal sorting mechanism 2b, 2b.
c, 2d, and 2e, and the rear end is located near the main conveyor section 5, so that the switching conveyor 4
b, 4c, 4d, and 4e are provided with a plurality of slanted conveyors 6b, 6c, 6d, and 6e arranged obliquely to be connected to the switching conveyors 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e when the conveyors are displaced to the take-in position. And

Thus, each of the switching conveyors 4b, 4c,
If 4d and 4e are displaced to the horizontal passing position,
The postal matter M is conveyed to the first stage horizontal sorting mechanism 2a via the main conveyor section 5. On the other hand, any switching conveyor,
For example, if the front side of the switching conveyor 4c (or 4b, 4d, 4e) is raised and displaced to the take-in position, the switching conveyor 4c (or 4b, 4d, 4e) and the inclined conveyor 6 are moved.
c (6b, 6d, 6e) are connected, the postal matter M conveyed halfway by the main conveyor unit 5 is switched to the switching conveyor 4c (or 4b, 4d, 4e) and the inclined conveyor 6c.
(6b, 6d, 6e) via horizontal dividing mechanism 2c
(2b, 2d, 2e). That is, the mail M supplied to the vertical sorting mechanism 1 is separated by the vertical sorting mechanism 1 into the horizontal sorting mechanisms 2a, 2b, 2c, 2 respectively.
d, 2e. With such a structure, the configuration is simplified, and the transport of the mail M is continuous, and smooth and stable transport is ensured.

[0011]

Next, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the vertical dividing mechanism 1 according to the present embodiment.
The configuration of the mail sorting apparatus D provided with
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mail sorting apparatus D is roughly divided into a mail introduction system S for introducing mails M.
i and mail M supplied from this mail introduction system Si ...
Sorting system S that transports the mail to the target sorting box B ...
d, and the mail sorting system Sd further includes a first mail sorting system Sdx and a second mail sorting system Sdy.

The mail introduction system Si includes a plurality of (three in the embodiment) introduction units 7a, 7b, 7c. In this case, one introduction unit 7a is a basic unit,
The other two introduction units 7b and 7c are extension units. The introduction unit 7b (same for 7c) as an extension unit includes a unit main body 8 having a first supply conveyor unit 9xu and a second supply conveyor unit 9yu. Thereby, at the time of expansion, as shown in FIG. 2, the first supply conveyor units 9xu are sequentially connected to each other to form a first supply conveyor unit 9x, and the second supply conveyor units 9yu ... Are assembled to each unit body 8..., And the second supply conveyor units 9 yu are sequentially connected to each other to form a second supply conveyor unit 9 y.

The leading end of the first supply conveyor section 9x in the transport direction is connected to the transport conveyor 12 provided in the vertical sorting unit 60 in the first mail sorting system Sdx.
In this case, the conveyor 9xd provided in the conveyor 12 and the first supply conveyor 9x connected to the conveyor 12 constitutes a right-angle conveyor 13. This right angle transport unit 1
3, as shown in FIG. 1, the conveyor 12 is disposed below the conveyor 9xd via a step, and is combined at right angles. On the other hand, the leading end of the second supply conveyor section 9y in the transport direction is the transport conveyor 1 provided in the vertical sorting unit 61 in the second mail sorting system Sdy.
Connect to 4. In this case, the conveyor 14 and the second supply conveyor 9y are connected in a straight line.

Next, a specific configuration of the introduction unit 7a will be described with reference to FIGS. The basic structure of the other introduction units 7b and 7c is the introduction unit 7a.
Is the same as

The unit body 8 has a body 15, and the body 15 has an introduction mechanism 16. The introduction mechanism section 16 includes an introduction conveyor section 17, and the introduction conveyor section 17 includes a feed conveyor section 18 disposed on the rear side in the transport direction and an input conveyor section 19 disposed on the same front side. And a first feed conveyor 18a and a second feed conveyor 18b. In addition, a shutter mechanism 28 is provided between the feed conveyor 18 and the loading conveyor 19 to block or allow the passage of the mail M by elevating. In addition, the inner wall surface 1 of the machine body 15 located on the side of the first feed conveyor 18a
5a is offset to the conveyor side from the inner wall surface 15b of the machine body 15 located on the side of the second feed conveyor 18b and the loading conveyor section 19. Thereby, mail M
Can be prevented from contacting the inner wall surface 15b.

On the other hand, a table 29 is provided on the machine body 15 located on the right side in the transport direction of the first feed conveyor 18a. The worker H can perform work in front of the table 29. A display 30 is provided on the machine body 15 located on the left side of the first feed conveyor 18a in the transport direction. Numeral 31 denotes a stacker for storing mails M. The stacker 31 is set next to the unit body 8. Reference numeral 31L denotes a lift mechanism for sequentially lifting the mails M stored in the stacker 31.

The introduction mechanism section 16 includes an information input section 32 for inputting information on the mail M. Information input unit 3
Reference numeral 2 denotes a barcode reader provided on a table 29 for inputting a postal code or the like, and a barcode reader 3 supported via a support frame 35 above the input conveyor 19.
6. A first sensor 37 attached to the vicinity of the first feed conveyor 18a for detecting that the mail M is set, a second sensor 38 for detecting the size of the mail M, and detecting the height of the mail M A third sensor 39, a fourth sensor 40 for detecting that the mail M has reached the second feed conveyor 18b, and a weight of the mail M based on the torque of the drive motor driving the second feed conveyor 18b. Various sensors such as the fifth sensor 42 are included. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 43 denotes a drive unit including a drive motor and a transmission mechanism for driving the first feed conveyor 18a, and 44 denotes a second feed conveyor 1
8b, a driving unit including a driving motor and a transmission mechanism for driving
Reference numeral 45 denotes a driving unit including a driving motor for driving the input conveyor unit 19 and a transmission mechanism.

On the other hand, in front of the feeding conveyor 19 in the transport direction, a distribution conveyor 20 is provided. The sorting conveyor section 20 is disposed below the charging conveyor section 19 via a step. The sorting conveyor unit 20 includes a first conveyor 20x.
And a second conveyor 20y. Second conveyor 2
In the transport route of the postal matter M on the side of 0y, there is provided a contact portion 47 with which one end of the postal matter M contacts. For this reason, the second conveyor 20y is offset from the first conveyor 20x. Thereby, the first conveyor 2
0x, the second conveyor 20y, and the contact portion 47 constitute the direction changing unit 21 that changes the direction of the mail M to a substantially right angle direction. The first conveyor 20x and the second conveyor 20y
Is rotated in a forward or reverse direction by a drive unit 48 including a drive motor and a transmission mechanism.

A first supply conveyor unit 9xu and a second supply conveyor unit 9yu are arranged in front of and behind the distribution conveyor unit 20 in the transport direction. In this case, the first supply conveyor unit 9xu and the second supply conveyor unit 9yu are located below the distribution conveyor unit 20. Also, the first supply conveyor unit 9xu
Are four independent conveyors 9xa, 9xb, 9x
c and 9xd are connected to each other, and a standby conveyor 9xs is disposed above the rearmost conveyor 9xa in the transport direction. Note that the standby conveyor 9xs is located below the distribution conveyor unit 20, and the mail M is loaded from the distribution conveyor unit 20 onto the standby conveyor 9xs.

The second supply conveyor unit 9yu also has four independent conveyors 9ya, 9yb, 9yc,
The standby conveyor 9ys is arranged above the transport conveyor 9ya at the rearmost end in the transport direction. The standby conveyor 9ys is located below the distribution conveyor unit 20, and the postal matter M is loaded from the distribution conveyor unit 20 onto the standby conveyor 9ys.

In this case, the first supply conveyor unit 9x
Since the longitudinal direction of the mail M transported by u matches the transport direction, the width dimension of the first supply conveyor unit 9xu can be smaller than the width dimension of the second supply conveyor unit 9yu. In FIG. 6, 51, 52, 53, 54,
55 is a conveyor 9ya, 9yb, 9yc, 9yd,
9 shows a drive unit including a drive motor and a transmission mechanism for driving 9 ys, respectively.

Next, a specific configuration of the first mail sorting system Sdx including the mail vertical sorting mechanism 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The basic configuration is the same as the first mail sorting system Sdx, except that the second mail sorting system Sdy is configured symmetrically with respect to the first mail sorting system Sdx.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first mail sorting system Sdx includes a vertical sorting unit 60 and a plurality of horizontal sorting units 90a and 90b sequentially connected to the rear end of the vertical sorting unit 60. , 90c... .. Can be arbitrarily expanded or contracted.

The vertical division unit 60 includes the vertical division mechanism 1 according to the present embodiment. The vertical dividing mechanism 1 includes a horizontal main conveyor section 5 at a lower portion. The main conveyor section 5 includes fixed conveyors 3a, 3b, 3
c, 3d, 3e, and a swing type switching conveyor 4b, 4c, 4 in which the front side moves up and down with the rear side in the transport direction as a pivot point.
d and 4e are arranged alternately. Also, the horizontal direction unit 90a in the vertical direction unit 60
The horizontal conveyers 75a, 75b, 75c, 75d, 75e arranged in a total of five stages in the vertical direction
Is arranged. Each of the conveyors 75a is attached in a swinging manner in which the front side moves up and down with the rear side in the conveying direction as a pivot point.
As a result, it is selectively displaced to a horizontal passing position or a forward falling receiving position.

On the other hand, the horizontal division unit 90a includes:
A total of five stages of horizontal dividing mechanisms 2a, 2b, 2 in the vertical direction
c, 2d, and 2e. FIG. 7 shows only the uppermost horizontal partitioning mechanism 2e, but the other horizontal partitioning mechanisms 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are similarly configured. In this case, each of the horizontal sorting mechanisms 2a is continuous with each of the transport conveyors 75a described above, and each of the transport conveyors 75a.
Are part of each of the horizontal dividing mechanisms 2a.

The horizontal division units 90a...
Is provided with a total of twenty section boxes B of five vertical rows and four horizontal rows. In the uppermost configuration, four detachable section boxes B are sequentially arranged in the horizontal direction, and each of the section boxes B is arranged.
Are provided above each of the four conveyors 91. Each of the conveyors 91 is a vertical sorting unit 60.
Are arranged on the same horizontal plane as the conveyors 75a. Each of the conveyors 91 is attached in a swinging manner in which the front side is moved up and down with the rear side in the conveyance direction as a pivot point. Thereby, it is selectively displaced to the horizontal passing position indicated by the solid line or the forward-downward taking position indicated by the virtual line. Note that 9
Reference numeral 2 denotes a driving unit including a drive motor and a transmission mechanism for driving each of the conveyors 91..., 93 denotes an elevating mechanism for elevating the front side of the conveyor 91 by a rotating crankshaft. Only one set of the lifting mechanism 93 is shown for convenience.

On the other hand, the second horizontal dividing mechanism 2b (transport conveyor 75b) and the switching conveyor 4 at the forefront in the transport direction are used.
b, the third-stage horizontal sorting mechanism 2c (conveyor 7
5c) and the second switching conveyor 4c from the front in the conveying direction, between the fourth horizontal sorting mechanism 2d (transporting conveyor 75d) and the third switching conveyor 4d, and the uppermost horizontal sorting mechanism 2e (transporting). Between the conveyor 75e) and the switching conveyor 4e at the rear end in the transport direction, inclined conveyors 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e are respectively arranged obliquely. In this case, the upper end of each inclined conveyor 6b is connected to the corresponding conveyor 75b, and the lower end of each inclined conveyor 6b is positioned above the corresponding switching conveyor 4b. Thereby, if the front side of each switching conveyor 4b is displaced to the take-up position which rises forward, each switching conveyor 4b is connected to the lower end of each inclined conveyor 6b and the front side of each switching conveyor 4b is connected. When the switching conveyors 4b are displaced to the horizontal passage position, the switching conveyors 4b are connected to the transport conveyors 3a in the transport direction. When the switching conveyors 4b are connected to the forward conveyors 3a, there is a gap between the lower end of the inclined conveyors 6a and the main conveyor section 5 for mail M to pass.

In the figure, reference numeral 77 denotes a drive unit including a drive motor and a transmission mechanism for driving the transport conveyor 3b and the switching conveyor 4b, and 78 denotes a switching conveyor 4 driven by a rotating crank shaft.
a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the front side of b, 79 is an inclined conveyor 6
a and a drive unit including a drive motor and a transmission mechanism for driving the conveyor 75a. Each drive unit 77, 7
Only one set 9 and the lifting mechanism 78 are shown for convenience. .. May be constructed by combining a plurality of conveyors if necessary.

Further, the inclined conveyor 6e located at the uppermost stage
A dead space 80 having a triangular shape when viewed from the front is generated above the device, and various peripheral devices 81, a control panel 82, and the like are disposed using the dead space 80.

Next, the vertical dividing mechanism 1 according to the present embodiment.
The overall operation of the mail sorting apparatus D including
This will be described with reference to FIG. The stackers 31 containing the mails M are set next to the introduction units 7a.

First, the worker H takes out the postal matter M from the stacker 31, inputs the postal code with the keyboard 33, and places the postal matter M at a fixed position on the first feed conveyor 18a. In this case, the short side of the mail M is brought into contact with the inner wall surface 15a. The postal code may be automatically read by a numeral reading device.

Mail M on the first feed conveyor 18a
Is detected by the first sensor 37, and the first feed conveyor 18a and the second feed conveyor 18b rotate. As a result, the mail M is sent to the first feed conveyor 1
8a to the second feed conveyor 18b. The postal matter M conveyed to the second feed conveyer 18b is locked by the shutter mechanism 28 and the conveyance is cut off.
The arrival is detected by the fourth sensor 40, and the rotational movement of the first feed conveyor 18a and the second feed conveyor 18b is stopped. Then, the size of the postal matter M is detected by the second sensor 38, and in the case of a large postal matter, the fact is notified by a lamp, a buzzer or the like. In addition, the third sensor 3
The height of the postal matter M is detected by 9 and the weight of the postal matter M is detected by the fifth sensor 42. If the weight of the postal matter M exceeds a specified value, it is notified by a lamp or a buzzer. Thereby, in any case, the worker H can remove the mail M.

On the other hand, if the postal matter M satisfies the regulation, the shutter mechanism 28 descends to allow the transport of the postal matter M. Therefore, when the worker H places the next mail M on the first feed conveyor 18a, the first feed conveyor 18a and the second feed conveyor 18b rotate, and the mail M on the second feed conveyor 18b is moved. Is transported to the charging conveyor 19. The input conveyor section 19 is constantly rotating and moving, and the second feed conveyor 1
The postal matter M conveyed from 8b is conveyed to the sorting conveyer unit 20 via the charging conveyer unit 19. In this case, by setting the relative height between the charging conveyor 19 and the sorting conveyor 20 and the moving speed of the charging conveyor 19, the mail M
At a fixed position on the first conveyor 20x. In addition,
The barcode of the postal matter M (registered postal matter) is read by the barcode reader 36 when being conveyed by the input conveyor 19.

When the postal matter M is conveyed to the sorting conveyor section 20, it is detected by a sensor (not shown), and based on the postal code input from the keyboard 33, the sorting conveyor section 20 (first conveyor 20x and first conveyor 20x). Second conveyor 20
y) is rotated in the forward or reverse direction, and the mails M are sorted to the first supply conveyor section 9x or the second supply conveyor section 9y.

That is, the mail M is transferred to the first mail sorting system Sdx.
, The sorting conveyor unit 20 rotates in the forward direction, and the postal matter M on the first conveyor 20x is directly input to the standby conveyor 9xs of the first supply conveyor unit 9x. On the other hand, when the postal matter M is supplied to the second postal matter sorting system Sdy, the sorting conveyer unit 20 rotates in the reverse direction, and the postal matter M on the first conveyer 20x passes through the direction changing unit 21. Then, it is put on the standby conveyor 9ys of the second supply conveyor section 9y. In the direction changing unit 21, one end of the postal matter M comes into contact with the contact part 47, and the conveyance thereof is prevented, and the other end of the postal matter M is conveyed by the second conveyor 20y. The direction of the postal matter M is changed to a substantially right angle direction as it is conveyed.

By setting the relative height of the sorting conveyor section 20 and the standby conveyors 9xs and 9ys and the moving speed of the sorting conveyor section 20, the mail M is transferred to the standby conveyors 9xs and 9ys.
It can be put in a fixed position 9 ys.

On the other hand, the postal matter M on the standby conveyors 9xs, 9ys is thrown onto the transport conveyors 9xb, 9yb by the rotational movement of the standby conveyors 9xs, 9ys.
Normally, the work is performed simultaneously by a plurality of introduction units 7a, so that the postal matter M conveyed from other introduction units is conveyed through the conveyors 9xa and 9ya. Therefore, the postal matter M on the standby conveyors 9xs, 9ys is conveyed after the conveyors 9xb, 9yb are empty. Also, each conveyor 9xa ..., 9ya
... performs intermittent conveyance. That is, each conveyor 9xa ...,
The operation of temporarily stopping after the conveyor belt has moved half a rotation in 9ya ... is repeated.

The mail M is sent to the first supply conveyor 9
x to the first mail sorting system Sdx and to the second mail sorting system Sdy via the second supply conveyor section 9y. In this case, since the first supply conveyor section 9x includes the right-angle transport section 13, the first supply conveyor section 9x is transported in the right-angle direction via the transport conveyors 9xd and 12. In addition, the mail M can be thrown into a fixed position on the conveyor 12 by setting the relative height of the conveyors 9xd and 12 and the moving speed of the conveyor 9xd. This conveyor 9xd and 12
Always rotates.

On the other hand, the mail M supplied to the first mail sorting system Sdx (the same applies to the second mail sorting system Sdy) is transported by the main conveyor unit 5 and is switched by the switching conveyor 4.
are switched to the inclined conveyors 6b.
FIG. 1 shows, as an example, a case in which the sheet is conveyed to a third horizontal sorting mechanism 2c in the horizontal sorting unit 90a. In this case, the second switching conveyor 4c from the front in the transport direction is displaced to the take-up position rising upward. Thereby, the mail M is moved along the arrow F by the inclined conveyor 6c.
Is taken in. Incidentally, the switching timing of the switching conveyor 4c is determined by setting a predetermined number of N (for example, two) by attaching a sensor for detecting the passage of the postal matter M to each transport conveyor 3a.
The corresponding switching conveyors 4b are displaced to the take-in position based on the detection by the sensors of the transport conveyors 3a at the front side. Further, a sensor attached to the switching conveyors 4b detects that the mail M is conveyed to the inclined conveyors 6b, and displaces the switching conveyors 4b to a horizontal passing position.

Then, the postal matter M is the target division box B.
, The conveyor 91 in front of the sorting box B is displaced to the take-down position lowered forward, and the mail M is put into the sorting box B. FIG. 7 shows, as an example, a case where the document is taken into the sorting box B located at the forefront in the transport direction. In this case, the second front conveyor 91 in the conveying direction is displaced to the front lowering take-in position shown by the imaginary line to take in the postal matter M, and when the take-up of the postal matter M is completed, it is shown by the solid line. Displace to a horizontal passing position. Incidentally, the timing for displacing the transport conveyor 91 to the take-in position is such that a sensor for detecting the passage of the mail M is attached to each transport conveyor 91.
(2) The corresponding conveyor 91 is displaced to the take-in position based on the detection by the sensor of the conveyor 91 in front. In addition, the sensor attached to the conveyor 91 detects that the take-in of the mail M is completed,
The conveyor 91 is displaced to a horizontal passing position.

Although the embodiment has been described in detail,
The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment.

For example, although each conveyor is exemplified by a belt conveyor having one or a plurality of endless belts laid between a driving roller and an idler roller, the use of another type of conveyor is not hindered. In addition, the configuration, shape, quantity, etc. of the details can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0045]

As described above, the vertical sorting mechanism of the mail sorting apparatus according to the present invention is constituted by a swing type in which the front side moves up and down, and a plurality of switching conveyors and positions arranged at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction. Has a plurality of transport conveyors arranged alternately in the horizontal direction with respect to each switching conveyor, and each switching conveyor is configured to be shorter than each transport conveyor, and the front end in the transport direction is disposed at the lowest position. The main conveyor section connected to the horizontal sorting mechanism of each eye, and each horizontal sorting mechanism above the second stage and each switching conveyor are sequentially installed, and the front end in the transport direction is connected to the horizontal sorting mechanism, and By locating the end near the main conveyor section, when the switching conveyor is displaced to the take-in position, to include a plurality of diagonally arranged inclined conveyors connected to the switching conveyor, the following: Achieve the Cormorant Do not significant effect.

Since a circulation mechanism for circulating a large number of tables and a transfer mechanism for transferring and receiving mails to and from the tables are not required, a significant cost reduction can be achieved by simplifying the configuration.

[0047] Since the mail is continuously transported, smooth and stable transport of the mail can be ensured, the reliability can be improved, and the mail can be quickly sorted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a vertical dividing mechanism according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is an overall plan view of a mail sorting apparatus including the vertical sorting mechanism;

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the mail sorting apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an introduction unit in the mail sorting apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an introduction unit in the mail sorting apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an introduction unit in the mail sorting apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a principle configuration diagram showing a horizontal sorting mechanism in the mail sorting apparatus;

[Explanation of symbols]

 D Mail sorting device 1 Vertical sorting mechanism 2a Horizontal sorting mechanism 3a Transport conveyor 4b Switching conveyor 5 Main conveyor section 6b Inclined conveyor M Mail

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuji Urahashi 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Tsukada 1163 Shimoizane, Inaricho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Nagano Japan Radio Co., Ltd. In-company (56) References JP-A-6-71230 (JP, A) JP-A-55-80606 (JP, A) JP-A-59-33834 (JP, U) JP-A-62-5156 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B07C 3/08 B65G 47/64-47/72

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A vertical sorting mechanism of a mail sorting apparatus for sorting mail to a horizontal sorting mechanism arranged in a plurality of stages in a vertical direction, wherein the vertical sorting mechanism is configured as a swing type in which a front side is moved up and down, and predetermined in a horizontal direction. A plurality of switching conveyors arranged at intervals and a fixed position, and a plurality of transport conveyors arranged alternately in the horizontal direction for each switching conveyor,
Each switching conveyor is made shorter than each conveyor, and the main conveyor section connected to the first stage horizontal sorting mechanism with the front end in the transport direction at the bottom, and each horizontal sorting mechanism above the second stage Equipped between switching conveyors sequentially,
By connecting the front end in the transport direction to the horizontal sorting mechanism and locating the rear end near the main conveyor section, when the switching conveyor is displaced to the take-in position, it is connected diagonally to the switching conveyor. A vertical sorting mechanism for a mail sorting apparatus, comprising a plurality of inclined conveyors arranged. 2. The vertical sorting mechanism of a mail sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein peripheral devices are arranged in a space above the inclined conveyor positioned at the top.