WO2013120880A1 - Sorting system having several sorting terminals, which have dedicated drives that can be switched off, and corresponding sorting method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sorting system and a sorting method, said sorting system having sorting terminals that can be switched off. The sorting system having several sorting terminals (Ses.1, Ses.2, ...) sorts several objects according to a sorting characteristic. A sorting terminal (Ses.1, Ses.2, ...) is selected for each object. A main transport device (10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ...) transports an object to the switch (1.1, 1.2,...) of the selected sorting terminal (Ses.1, Ses.2, ...). A connection transport device (9.1, 6.1, 9.2, 6.2,...) of the selected sorting terminal (Ses.1, Ses.2,...) transports the object further from the switch (1.1, 1.2,...) to a collection point (3.1, 3.2, ...). Each sorting terminal (Ses.1, Ses.2, ...) has a dedicated local drive (19.1, 19.2,...), which is operated in a start-stop mode. The local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...) of a sorting terminal (Ses.1, Ses.2,...) is activated at the latest when an object has reached the switch (1.1, 1.2,...) of said sorting terminal (Ses.1, Ses.2, ...) and the object is to be discharged into said sorting terminal (Ses.1, Ses.2, ...). The local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...) is deactivated as soon as or after the object has reached the collection point (3.1, 3.2,...) of said sorting terminal (Ses.1, Ses.2, ...).

Description

description

Sorting system with several sorting points, which have their own turn-off drives

The invention relates to a sorting system and a method for sorting objects by means of a plurality of sorting end points, each sorting end point each having its own drive. The articles to be sorted are preferably stackable in collection points of the sorting end points, in particular they are flat mail items.

The stacking device of DE 10 2004 012 379 B4 obliquely transports a mail item 19 to be stacked by means of two stacking belts 11, 12 onto an already formed stack 18, cf. FIG. 1. A stacking roller 1 pushes the mail item 19 further toward a stop wall 15. A spring 3 presses the rocker 2 with the stacking roller 1 on the already formed stack 18 until a stop 4 stops the rotational movement of the rocker 2.

The einzustapelnde mail item 19 moves the stacking roller on the rocker 2 against the force of the spring 3. A direct drive 16 rotates the stacking roller 1 in a start-stop operation. The stacking roll 1 is accelerated so that the lateral surface of the accelerated stacking roll 1 takes over the mailpiece 19 without speed difference from the feeding stacking belts 11, 12. After the takeover, the speed of the stacking roll 1 is reduced, as a result of which the mail item 19 is braked, cf. 2. The delay is controlled such that the speed reduction for a heavy mail item 19 is greater than for a light mail item 19. Then the stacking roll 1 is completely stopped if no further mail item is to be stacked is, or continues at a slower speed if another mail item is to be stacked in the same stack tray. In EP 1985381 AI a "modular stacker section" is described, which belongs to a sorting system for flat mail items.The "stacker section" comprises individual "modular bins." Each "modular bin" can be exchanged, e.g. B. for the purpose of repair. 2 shows in plan view 205 a "modular bin or pocket 210." A "tray 213" of the "bin 210" includes a "horizontal mail guide 216", a "vertical mail guide 222" and a "paddle assembly 219" , A "transport assembly 230" transports mail to the "bin 210". The growing stack of stacked mail moves the paddle 219 from an initial position 224 to an end position 211. The view 260 shows the "bin 210" in a horizontal viewing direction with a hook 215 at the bottom of the bottom of the tray 213 ". This hook 215 holds the replaceable" bin 210 "in place. Each "modular bin 210" has its own motor and conveyor belts, and several "bins 210" can be connected in series, cf. Fig. 3A. A "diverter assembly 380" directs a mail item from the "center track assembly 370" into a particular "bin 210." Various configurations are presented.

US Pat. No. 6,877,739 B2 describes a stacking device and a stacking method for flat mailpieces. An upright stacked mail item 10 to be stacked is moved by two rollers 36 in the direction 112 toward an already formed stack 20, cf. Fig. 4a. The mail item 10 is further transported by an "input guide 46" and a "segmented roller 42" and an "intake roller 44" until the front edge of the mail piece hits a "registration wall 48". A slidable paddle 60 holds the stack 20 from the other side The segmented roller 42 has a flattened side 142. The rotation of the segmented roller 42 in the direction of rotation 150 provides a gap 242, 242 for the item of mail to be stacked 10, see Fig. 4a to Fig. 4d The "segmented roller 42" is rotated in the start-stop mode, see. the speed-time profile of Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b. In DE 195 18 442 AI a stacking tray is described with a stacking spindle. A switch 3 deflects a flat mail item 15 from a main transport path. The mail item 15 slides past a guide plate 4 and obliquely toward an already formed stack 14, until the front edge of the mail item 15 impacts on a stacking wall 12, cf. FIG. 3. A stacking roller 1 on a lever 7 conveys the mail item 15 to the stacking wall 12. An auxiliary roller la is rigidly connected to the stacking roller 1 and rotates about a roller 5a and an O-ring 6 a stacking spiral 5. The stacking spiral 5 rotates a mail item 15 away from the guide plate 4 and on the stack 14. The lever 7 with the stacking roller 1 can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation. In a pressure position, the stacking roller 1 is pressed against a permanently driven endless conveyor belt 2 of the main transport path, cf. Fig. 3. In a rest position occurs between the stacking roller 1 and the driven conveyor belt 2, so that the stacking roller 1 is stationary, see. Fig. 2. When a mailpiece 15 is to be stacked, z. B. a magnet, the stacking roller 1 from the rest position in the pressure position.

Also, the stacking device of WO 2005/073116 AI transports a flat mail item 3 by means of two conveyor belts in a direction obliquely to an already formed stack 7, see. FIG. 2. A light barrier 5 detects a transported mail item 3. The mail item 3 is transported over a stacking spindle 8 and transported to a stop wall 11 by a stacking roller 6. A motor 9 rotates a vertical shaft 13 on which a plurality of hook-shaped elements 1 are mounted on top of each other, cf. Fig. 4. The shaft 13 is first rotated in a clockwise direction so that the leading edge of the mail item slides past the hook-shaped elements 1, cf. FIG. 2. Subsequently, the shaft 13 is rotated counterclockwise, so that the hook-shaped elements 1 to rotate a rear portion of the mail piece 13 on the stack 7, see. Fig. 3. DE 19749610 C1 describes a stacking device in which mailpieces are first pushed together so that the mailpieces partially overlap and a shingled stream of mailpieces is formed

Guide belt system 3 passed to two guide belts 4 and 7 and clamped between these two bands 4 and 7 and transported to a stop wall 6, see. Fig. 1. The guide tape 4 is guided around a stacking roller 5. Between the two bands 4, 7, two postal items are pushed together, cf. Fig. 2.

A sorting system with disconnectable local drives is described in US Pat. No. 5,330,174.

The object of the invention is to provide a sorting system with at least two sorting end points and a sorting method using at least two sorting end points which consume less energy than known sorting systems and sorting methods, without the lower energy consumption resulting in a reduced throughput of articles to be sorted Has.

The object is achieved by a sorting system having the features of claim 1 and a sorting method having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The sorting system according to the invention distributes articles to several sorting points.

Each sorting endpoint includes

 - a collection point where items to be sorted are collected,

- a switch,

 a connection transport device and

- own local drive. A main transport device transports an item to be sorted to the point of the sorting end point into which the item is to be discharged. The switch diverts the article from the main transport device into the link transport device of this sorting end point. The connection transport device transports the article to the collection point. Here, a compound endless conveyor belt touches the article and promotes him thereby.

According to the solution, the connection transport device operates in a start-stop mode. A position gauge can measure the current position of the object while this object is still in the main conveyor. Depending on a signal of this position measuring device, the local drive of that sorting end point is activated, in which the object is auszuschleusen. The connection transport device with the activated local drive transports the object to the collection point of this sorting end point. Subsequently, the local drive of this sorting end point is deactivated again - in one embodiment, always, unless immediately after another object is auszuschleusen in the same sorting end. Each local drive of a sorting end point can be activated and deactivated independently of the respective local drive of every other sorting end point. The local drives are thus decoupled from each other. The connection transport device of a sorting end point is only switched on and driven when the connection transport device is actually needed because an object is to be transported to the collection point of this sorting end point. Otherwise, the link transport facility is disabled because the local drive is disabled and therefore stalled. This solution according to the solution saves energy compared to a continuous operation in which the connection-transport device running is driven. This design also saves energy compared to a sorting system, in which all sorting sites are turned on simultaneously and turned off again at the same time.

The connection transport device of a sorting endpoint is only required if an item is to be removed in this sorting end location. Only then does the linkage transport facility have to transport the counterpart to the collection point of this sorting end point. Because the sorting system has several sorting end points, only one part of the articles is to be discharged into each sorting end point, while each article is to be transported by the main transport device. Therefore, it saves more energy to continuously drive the main transport device, at least as long as objects are to sort at all, however, each connection-transport device only in the start-stop operation, namely, if necessary, because an object to the collection of this Sorting point is to transport. If, therefore, objects are to be divided into n sorting outlets and the same number of items are to be removed in each sorting end location, then each connection transporting device is activated only for every nth item and is otherwise deactivated. By contrast, the main transport device transports each of these objects and is therefore continuously driven.

Since the main conveying device and the connection conveyor device are arranged without contact, ie with a distance, it is possible to arrange a connection transport

To stop device while continuing to drive the main transport device, without causing an undesirable interaction between

 - The driven and therefore moving main transport device and

 a stopped connection transport device

occurs. According to the solution, the main transport device and the connection transport device of a sorting end point are spaced from each other. In particular, thanks to this distance, it is possible for the main transport device to transport the article past the connection transport device if the local drive of this sorting end point is or is deactivated. The standing connection transport device does not hinder the transport of the object past the switch over and in particular does not delay the transport.

In particular, thanks to the local drive of a sorting end point and the gap between the connection transport device and the main transport device-that is, the contactless arrangement-the sorting end point is mechanically decoupled from the main transport device.

According to the solution, the connection transport device of a sorting end point is switched off or deactivated as soon as the rejected object has reached the collection point of this sorting end point. This reduces the risk of damaging an item that is already in the collection point and has come to a standstill. This danger would exist if the link transport device were to be further driven. In particular, the risk is reduced that a compound endless conveyor belt rubs or grinds the compound transport device due to its movement to an already completely discharged article in the collection site, thereby damaging an article or leaving unwanted marks on the article.

In many situations, thanks to the invention, the noise emissions are also reduced because each link conveyor is driven only when it is needed. A standing connection transport device causes no noise. The heat radiation is reduced thanks to the invention. According to the solution, the connection transport device of a sorting end point comprises at least one endless connection conveyor belt, which flatly contacts an object and transports the object being touched to the collection point. The local drive of the sorting end point drives this connection endless conveyor belt and stops it when no object is to be transported to the collection point of this sorting end point. An endless conveyor belt guides and transports an object more safely and with less mechanical load than a roller that only touches an object at certain points. In contrast to a transport by several rollers, a conveyor belt bends and tears one object less. Thanks to the invention, it is possible, but not necessary, to measure the weight or other physical property of an item to be sorted. This is effected in particular by the solution-specific start-stop operation and the gap according to the solution. Even without measuring the physical property see the object can be transported thanks to the invention in the collection point without different speeds of the main transport device and the respective connection-transport device exert an undesirable mechanical stress on the object.

Preferably, an outfeed endless conveyor belt functions both as a component of the main transport device and as part of the connection transport device of a sorting end point. This outfeed endless conveyer belt is continuously driven and transports an object both when this object is still being transported by the main transporting device and when the article has already been discharged into the connection transporting device. The object rests flat against the ejection endless conveyor belt. A connection endless conveyor belt of the connection transport device is driven by the local drive of this sorting end point in a start-stop operation and stopped again. Between the discharge The endless conveyor belt and the endless connection conveyor belt have a gap so that the two conveyor belts do not rub each other with the endless conveyor belt and the discharge endless conveyor belt driven, even if the rotary discharge endless conveyor belt vibrates or vibrates. Therefore, there is no undesirable interaction between these two conveyor belts.

Each point of the discharge endless conveyor belt passes through a closed conveyor track. This closed conveyor track has a main section and a connection section in this embodiment. The main section belongs to the main transport facility and limits the main transport path from one side. The connection section is part of the connection conveyor and limits the gap between the outfeed endless conveyor belt and the compound endless conveyor belt.

Also in this embodiment, a gap between the main transport device and the link transport device occurs. If the object is surface-touched and conveyed during the deflection and ejection of at least one side, without this gap on this side interrupts the transporting and conveying. Thus, the object is guided at least on one side by the outfeed endless conveyor belt or by the endless conveyor belt or both, both on the way along the main section and on the way along the connecting section. section. This effect also occurs when the object is bent by the discharge into the connection-transport device in itself. The article is guided even if its extension, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the direction of transport, is less than the distance between the outfeed endless conveyor belt and the compound endless conveyor belt. This reduces the risk that the object will be stopped unintentionally during transport. The main transport device preferably holds the article from at least two sides. One main transport element holds the object from one side. This makes it possible for the main transport device to transport the object largely without slippage. This, in turn, makes it possible to predict when an item will reach the switch to the sorting station into which the item is to be delivered. The article is particularly well managed when a roll, around which the discharge endless conveyor belt is guided, is designed as a so-called bead roll. The diameter of this bead roll varies over the axis of rotation of this roll. Also between this role designed as a bead roll and the discharge endless conveyor belt, the gap occurs. Because of the varying diameter of the roll, the distance between the roll and the outfeed endless conveyor belt also varies. This embodiment temporarily deforms an article which is transported through the gap, which causes a particularly good guidance of the article.

In one embodiment, at least one sorting end point, preferably each sorting end point, each has a displacement device. This shifting device shifts and / or rotates an ejected object away from the compound endless conveyor belt and onto the collection point and thus onto an already formed stack in the collection point. The shifting device therefore separates an object from the connection transporting device of the sorting station. This shift device is also operated in a start-stop mode and is only activated when the link transport device transports an article to the collection point. The shift device is deactivated if no object is to be transported to the collection point of this sorting end point. As a result, the risk is further reduced that the displacement device damaged an already completely discharged object in the collection or accidentally marked by friction. Preferably, the displacement means comprises a rotating body which causes the displacement and / or rotation due to the rotation. As a result, several objects can be moved and / or rotated directly behind one another. These items can be of different lengths and the length of an item need not be known. For example, the displacement device is designed as a spindle or as a spiral. To activate the shifting device, it is set in rotation. To disable it, this rotation is stopped. A local drive of the sorting end point is activated and, in the activated state, also rotates the rotating or otherwise moving displacement device.

In one embodiment, the local drive of a sorting end point is activated each time an object is to be ejected into this sorting end point, and deactivated again as soon as the object has reached the collection point of this sorting end point.

In another embodiment, the local drive remains activated, while successively several items are discharged into the same sorting end. At least in this other embodiment, the main transport device transports a sequence of articles along a main transport path. Several immediately successive objects are to be ejected into the same sorting end point and form a part sequence. Along this main transport path, a sequence of points of the sorting end points is arranged. All items of this sub-sequence are successively transported from the main transport device along the main transport path to the same point of this matching sorting end point and transported from the connection transport device to the collection point of this sorting end point. The local drive of this sorting endpoint is activated before the first object of the subsequence reaches the connection transporting device, and deactivated again after the last object of this sub-sequence has reached the collection point. While the articles of this part sequence are successively transported to the same collection point, the main transport device transports at least one further article to another point. The local drive of this sorting terminus remains activated between the two events that the first item reaches the link conveyor and that the last item reaches the collection point.

In one embodiment, this configuration, ie, that the local drive remains activated, is only used if a plurality of objects that occur in the sequence immediately behind one another, in the same sorting end

are to be discharged. In another embodiment, the local drive remains activated even if, in the sequence between two objects which are to be ejected into the same sorting end location, an object occurs which is to be ejected into another sorting end point. Therefore, another predetermined criterion is applied, which z. B. of the space digits in the sequence of those items that are to be ejected in the same sorting end location, or the spatial or temporal distance between two consecutive of these objects of the sub-sequence.

It is decided whether the space-digit distance or the spatial or temporal distance between at least two objects which occur in succession in the sequence and which are to be ejected in the same sorting end point, exceeds a predetermined limit. If the distance is greater than the barrier, the local drive of this sorting end point is deactivated as soon as or after the first object has reached the collection point of this sorting end point, and reactivated as soon as the second or last object has reached the point of this sorting end point. If the distance is less than or equal to the barrier, then the local drive remains activated after the first object Has reached and is only activated after the last item has reached the collection point.

Preferably, each collection point is configured to receive a stack of flat upright objects each. Each flat object to be sorted extends in an object plane. In this embodiment, both the main transport device and the connection transport device are configured to transport an article in an upright position, i. H. the object level of the item is during the

Transports to the collection point perpendicular to the horizontal. As a result, gravity aligns the object at a lower edge. The main transport device grips the article transported in an upright position from two sides, exerting two antiparallel forces from two sides, both perpendicular to the article plane of the article. Transport in an upright position requires little footprint

Slip dirt particles parallel to the object plane down past the object.

It is possible, in a freewheeling track without an active component, to align the objects due to gravity at their lower edges, wherein the freewheeling track does not grasp the objects at the same time from both sides. The aligned objects are therefore taken over by the main transport device without the objects needing to be turned or turned over.

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

1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the sorting installation in which a section of an endless conveyor belt belongs to the main transport device and a further section for the connection transport installation is shown. direction ;

 2 shows an embodiment of a bead roll as a cylinder.

Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the bead roll with a cylinder and two limiting discs;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a different embodiment of the sorting system, in which each connection-transport device comprises two endless conveyor belts.

In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is used to sort flat postal items (standard letters, postcards, large letters). For each mail item in each case a destination is given, to which this item of mail is to be transported. For example, the mailpiece is provided with a marking of a postal delivery address and / or with geo-coordinates of a destination point. Each flat mail item extends in an object plane. These flat mail items are split by a sorting system according to a predetermined sorting feature on several sorting end points of the sorting system. In one embodiment, the destination to which a mail item is to be transported functions as a value which the sorting feature assumes for this mailpiece. In another embodiment, a physical property of the mailpieces to be sorted is the sorting feature. The sorting plant comprises, in addition to the sorting points, the following components:

 a feeder with a singulator,

 a measuring device for the sorting feature, in the exemplary embodiment a reading device for delivery address markings

Mailings

 a selection unit,

 - a delay line ("delay line") and

- a main transport facility. A stack of mailpieces to be sorted is fed to the feeder. The Vereinzeier separates the supplied mail. A sequence of each other

spaced mail leaves the Vereinzeier. Each mail item is transported in a vertical position through the sorting system to a sorting end point and discharged into this sorting end point. The article levels of the mail items are perpendicular to the horizontal. During transport, the mail item is rotated several times around a vertical axis, ie about a vertical axis of rotation.

The reader deciphers the identification of the delivery address on the mail or otherwise determines the delivery address. Initially, the reader attempts to decipher this delivery address automatically by "optical character recognition (OCR)." If this is not successful, then an image of the item of mail on a display device becomes a

 Videokodierstation shown, and a processor gives a part of the delivery address by means of a keyboard or by

Voice input. The mailing passes through the delay line while the reader detects the delivery address.

The selection unit automatically selects a sorting end point of the sorting system for each mail item. For this purpose, the selection unit applies a computer-evaluable sorting plan, which assigns each sorting address (in general: every occurring sorting feature value) to a sorting end position. As a rule, many delivery addresses are assigned the same sorting endpoint.

Each sorting endpoint includes:

 a collection point in which a stack of upright postal items is progressively generated,

- A switch, which ejects a mail item from the main transport device in the sorting end, and

- A connection transport device from the switch to the collection point. Each collection point owns

 a front stop wall, against which the front edge of the discharged postal item bounces,

- A support member which supports the stack already formed, and

 - a floor on which the stack stands.

By sorting, a stack of upright flat mailpieces is gradually formed at the collection point of each sorting end. Therefore, the sorting end points are also called "stacking points." The mailpieces of this stack are aligned by gravity at their lower edges and by the process of Einstapeins on each side edge.

In the exemplary embodiment, the sorting end points are arranged in a sequence, for. B. in a horizontal row. The main transport device transports a mail item along a main transport path to a switch, which discharges the mail item into the selected sorting end location. Therefore, a sequence of switches is arranged along the main transport path, namely one switch per sorting point. In one embodiment, the main transport path ends in an overflow compartment.

During the entire transport from the separator to the switch for the selected sorting point, a mail item is permanently picked up and transported in a vertical position. An exception is a leveler which transports the mailpieces in a transport channel and causes the mailpieces to be aligned at their lower edges The width of this transport channel is larger than the mail pieces - or at least thinner mail pieces - are thick.

The mail item is clamped during this transport between an endless conveyor belt and a counter-conveying element - except in the freewheeling track. The counter-conveying element is z. B. also an endless conveyor belt which rotates at the same speed as the first endless conveyor belt, or a roll. Each endless conveyor belt is guided around at least three rollers. One of these rollers (the "driven rollover") is mounted on a vertical driven shaft and rotates the endless conveyor belt, while the remaining rollers are "idler rollers" and are mounted on vertical axes of rotation. The mail piece is thus clamped between two flat endless conveyor belts ("pinch belts") and transported almost without slippage between endless conveyor belts and the mail item, which is primarily caused by the frictional force exerted by the conveyor belts

 - four exemplary sorting points Ses.l, Ses.2, Ses.3, Ses.4 with the four collection points 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and

- The four connection transport facilities to these

 four collection points 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4.

In the collection points 3.1, 3.2,..., A stack 4.1, 4.2,. With each further mail item, the stack 4.1, 4.2, ... in a collection point 3.1, 3.2,... Grows in the stacking direction SR.

Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows a section of the main transport device with the four points 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 for the four sorting stations Ses.l, Ses.2, Ses.3, Ses.4. The main transport device transports mail items along a main transport path in the transport direction TR. to

The main transport device includes a continuous endless conveyor belt, namely the so-called "shroud" 10, which lies opposite the three shunts 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 The roller 12 turns this shroud 10. The shroud 10 is also guided around several rollers, of which three are shown, a subsequent further shroud 10.4 with respect to the shunt 1.4 is indicated in FIG. When transported in the transport direction TR along the main transport path, a mail item between the shroud 10 and the further shroud 10.4 is clamped on one side and a succession of further endless conveyor belts 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and transported by friction and largely without slippage , These further endless conveyor belts 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 are referred to as "bead belts." Each bead belt 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 is guided around three rollers and, viewed from above, has the shape of a triangle Transport direction - respective front roller 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 of the bead belt 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 is driven and is hereinafter referred to as "bead roll". The other two rollers are rollers. The shrouds 10, 10.4 and the bead rollers 9.1, 9.2, ... are permanently driven.

A central drive Ant rotates several conveyor belts, which are located below a floor Bo. This bottom Bo is parallel to the drawing plane of Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 and stands on the drawing planes of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Each bead

11.1, 11.2, ... sits on a vertical shaft, which is guided through a recess in this bottom Bo and on which a disk below the bottom Bo is still mounted. The driven by the drive Ant conveyor belts rotate the disc on this shaft and thus the bead rollers 11.1, 11.2, ....

Each bead belt 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 is transported continuously along a closed endless conveyor track. This endless conveying path has a section which belongs to the main transport device and a further section which belongs to the connection transport device which leads to the respective collection point 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4. The portion belonging to the main transport means is approximately horizontal in Fig. 1 and is referred to as "main portion." The portion belonging to the connection transporting means is called "connection portion". The bulge 9. n is around the bead 11 n and others around the roller 24. n around (n = 1, 2, ...). At the height of this roller 24. n ends the main section and begins the connection section. In addition to the connection section, this connection transport device includes, among other things, the local drives 19.1, 19.2, ... and another endless conveyor belt, the so-called "stacking belt" 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 , 6.3, 6.4 belongs completely to the connection transport device and is guided around two rollers, namely the driven pulley 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 and a pulley The driven pulley 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 becomes referred to as "stack role" and touches the already formed stack 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 in the collection point 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 of the sorting Ses.l, Ses.2, Ses.3, Ses.4. The stacking belt 6.1, 6.2, ... is operated in a start-stop mode.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a mail piece is transported on the way from the switch L to the stop wall 20. n of the collection point 3.n a first distance between the bead belt 9.n and the stacking belt 6.n and transported largely without slippage , In contrast to the transport along the main transport path, however, a sufficiently flat mail item is not clamped because a gap 13. N occurs between the beaded belt 9. N and the stacking belt 6. N, which will be described below. A second distance far the mail item is guided only on one side, namely the stacking belt 6.n. This second path begins in the bead roller 11th n and ends at the stacking roller 7.n. The entire distance from the switch Ln to the front stop wall 20.n is longer than the longest mail item to be sorted. The second distance, ie the distance from the bead roller 11th to the stacking roller 7.n, is shorter than the shortest mail item is long, so that the mail item on the second path on one side of the stacking belt 6.n and on the other side is held by the bulge 11. n and the already formed stack 4.n. Each collection point 3.1, 3.2,... Also includes a vertical stop wall 20.1, 20.2, on which the leading edges of the mail pieces are aligned, and a lateral support element 21.1, 21.2,... Each time another mail piece is a collection point 3.1, 3.2, ..., the lateral support element 21.1, 21.2, ... is moved by a distance in the stacking direction SR. The local drive 19.1, 19.2,... Of the sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2,... Also moves this lateral support element 21.1, 21.2,... For the connection transport device of the sorting end point Ses.l,

Ses.2, ... also includes a displacement device in the form of a stacking spindle 8.1, 8.2, which is also driven by the local drive 19.1, 19.2, ... in a start-stop operation and whose function will be explained below.

If the sorting end point Ses.n has been selected for a mail item (n = 1, 2,...), The following steps are carried out:

The mail item is transported by the main transport device along the main transport path to the switch l.n. During this transport, the mail item is clamped between at least one shroud 10, 10.4 and a Wulstrie- men 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and largely without

Slip transported.

The switch Ln is pivoted to a deflecting position if it is not already in this deflecting position, and deflects the mail item out of the main transporting path in the deflecting position. The direction in which the leading edge of the mail piece is transported changes during the deflection by an acute angle. The mail item is therefore temporarily bent and guided around the roller 24. n of the bead belt 9.n around. The front edge and a front portion of the mail piece are transported by the stacking belt 6.n, wherein due to the bending of the mail item to the roller 24. n the front portion is pressed against the stacking belt 6.n.

Between the stacking belt 6.n and the bead belt 9.n occurs a narrow gap or distance 13. n on. Stacking belt 6.n and 9.5 bead belts are arranged transversely to the transport direction TR with a distance 13th to each other. This gap 13. n is - depending on the thickness of the mailing - narrower or wider than the mailpiece is thick. A wider mail piece is taken from the stacking belt 6.n and the bead belt 9.n. A narrower mail item is caught by the stacking belt 6.n only when deflected and pressed against the stacking belt 6.n, namely as described above by its own bend. The mail item slides past the drive roller 11n of the bead belt 9.n. This driven roller 11.n is referred to below as "bead roller" 11.n. As soon as the trailing edge of the postal item has passed the bead roller 11.n, the item of mail lies on only one side on a conveyor belt, namely on the stacker belt The other side is free at least in a front area of the mail item, on one side the item of mail lies on the stacking belt 6.n, on the other side the item of mail slides along the already formed stack 4.n.

The stacking belt 6.n and the stacking roller 7.n continue to transport the mail item until the front edge of the item of mail hits the stopper wall 20.n of the collection point 3.n, whereby the movement of the mail item is stopped.

The lower edge of the mail item is taken from below by two adjacent flanks of the stacking spindle 8.n. The flat mail item lies in the valley between these two flanks. The stacking spindle 8.n is rotated about a horizontal axis of rotation by the local drive 19.sub.n while the mail item is being ejected. This horizontal axis of rotation is approximately perpendicular to an imaginary line connecting the stacking roller 7.n and the roller of the stacking belt 6.n. The Turn both adjacent flanks of the stacking spindle 8.n and push the mailing away from the stacking belt 6.n and on the already formed stack 4.n in the sorting end 3.n.

The already formed stack 4.n is held on one side by the stacking roller 7.n and on the other side by the support element 21.n. The lateral support element 21n is moved away from the local drive 19.n by a distance from the stacking roller 7.n to make room for the additional mailing.

As already stated, occurs between the stacking belt 6.n and the bead 7.n a sorting end Ses.n a narrow gap 13. n on. This gap 13. N is so wide that the stacking belt 6. N and the beaded belt 9. N do not touch - not even when the beaded belt 9. N moves at the same speed as the opposite shroud 10, 10. 4 and vibrates slightly or vibrate and the stacking belt 6.n is stopped. The situation that the stacking belt 6.n is stopped or only occurs, however, only if there is no mail item between the stacking belt 6.n and the beaded belt 9.n. The main transport facility has a central drive Ant. This central drive Ant rotates the drive rollers 12 of the shroud 10, the drive rollers of the other shrouds and the drive rollers 11.1, 11.2, ... ("bead rollers") of the beads 9.1, 9.2, .... These drive rollers of the shrouds and the bead rollers for During the operation of the sorting system, the bead belts are permanently and preferably rotated at the same and constant rotational speed Each sorting end point Ses.n also has its own local drive 19 n which operates in start-stop mode and the following components of the sorting end position 3. n drives: the stacking roller 7.n for the stacking belt 6.n,

- the stacking spindle 8.n,

 - The lateral support element 21. n and

 - In one embodiment, the switch l.n.

The sorting end point Ses.n thus has its own local drive 19.sub.n, which operates in a start-stop mode and is activated and deactivated externally. In the exemplary embodiment, this drive 19. n rotates the stacking roller 7.n of the sorting station Ses.n. For example, the drive sits 19. n directly on the axis of rotation of the stacking roll l.n or is even integrated into the stacking roller 7.n. This drive 19. n also drives the stacking spindle 8.n and in one embodiment, the lateral limiting element 21. n on.

Preferably, the local drive 19 n rotates all of these components of the sorting end point Ses.n, ie. H. it starts at the same time and stops it at the same time again.

The local drive 19. n of a sorting end point Ses.n can be activated and deactivated independently of the local drive 19.j of every other sorting end point Ses.j (j n). Between the local drives 19. n, 19. j there is neither a mechanical nor an electrical or electronic coupling.

The local drive 19.sub.n is designed, after receiving an activation signal from standstill, to start up to a predetermined rotational speed and to accelerate the stacking roller 7.n, the stacking spindle 8.n and the support element 21.sub.n. The specification of the rotational speed may be part of the activation signal or is firmly implemented. In one embodiment, the local drive 19. n directly rotates the stacking roller 7.n, and the stacking spindle 8.n and the support element 21.n are mechanically connected to the stacking roller 7.n. The local drive 19. N is furthermore configured to reach standstill upon receipt of a deactivation signal. terzufahren and thereby delay the stacking roller 7.n, the stacking spindle 8.n and the support member 21. n to a standstill. A sequence of light barriers monitors the transport of mail along the main transport path. By way of example, a light barrier with a transmitter Se and a receiver Em is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The receiver Em of this light barrier measures when a leading edge of a mail piece interrupts the light beam from the transmitter Se. The light barrier is arranged in the main transport path so that the first switch 1.1 can be brought in time to the deflection position. Then every other turnout 1.2, 1.3, ... can be brought to the deflection position in time.

The actual transport speed of the mail item through the main transport path is known or measured, for. Example by means of a Tastrades, which rests on a shroud, a bead belt or on a transported mailing and is rotated. It is also possible to measure the rotational speed of a shaft that drives and rotates a drive roller. Therefore, it is at least approximately known at each point in time, where which postal item is located. If the sorting end point Ses.n has been selected for a mail item, the following additional steps are performed:

 - In time before the mail item reaches the switch l.n, the switch l.n is pivoted to the deflection position, if it is not already in this deflection position.

The local drive 19. n for the sorting end point Ses.n

 is switched on or activated.

- The local drive 19. n accelerates the stacking roller 7.n so that the stacking belt 6.n has then reached the same transport speed as the bead belt 9.n when the front edge of the mail item has reached the stacking belt 6.n. This avoids that different transport speeds of Wulstriemens 9.n and Tighten stacking belt 6.n from two sides at the mailing.

 The main transport device transports the mail item along the main transport path to the switch l.n. The leading edge of the mail item strikes the switch point of the switch l.n. The switch blade deflects the front edge, and the stacking belt 6.n leads on one side of the mail piece. On the other hand, at least the rear part of the mail item which is still in the main transport path is held and transported by the bead belt 9.n and bent around the bead roller 11.n, around which also the bead belt 9.n is guided is.

 - After the mail item has been completely deflected from the main transport path and thereby discharged from the main transport device, it is located between the stacking belt 6.n and the bead belt 9.n.

A sufficiently thick mail item is clamped by the stacking belt 6.n and the beaded belt 9.n and grasped and transported. A thinner mail item - that is, a mail item that is thinner than the gap 13. N wide - is transported further by the kinetic energy and also by at least one belt 6. N, 9.

The transport of the mail item is finished as soon as the leading edge hits the front stop wall 20. The rotating stack spindle 8.n engages the mail item from below and rotates the item of mail about a vertical axis away from the stacking belt 6.n and toward the already formed stack 4.n.

At the moment in which the front edge of the mail item reaches the switch l.n, the bead belt 9.n and the stacking belt 6.n are rotated at the same speed. If the gap 13 n is narrower than the mail item, then the

Mail items taken from both sides and therefore trapped between the conveyor belts 6.n, 9.n, without being compressed or pulled. Once the trailing edge of the mailing the Wulstrolle 11. n has happened, the mail has left the gap 13. n completely and is no longer taken from the bead 9.n. In one embodiment, this event triggers the step that the stacking belt 6.n is delayed, as a result of which the mail item is also delayed and strikes the front stop wall 20.n at a reduced speed.

In a preferred embodiment, it is checked whether the same sorting end point Ses.n has been selected for a plurality of mailpieces 14.1, 14.m (m_> 1) which are transported directly one after the other from the main transport device along the main transport path , If this is the case, the local drive 19. N is activated before the first postal item 14. 1 has reached the switch 1. N. The local drive 19. n remains activated until the last sorting end point Ses.n has reached the collection point 3.n. This avoids that the local drive 19. n the stacking roller 7.n and the stacking spindle 8.n delayed and immediately afterwards accelerated again.

A control unit SE receives signals from the light barriers which are positioned along the main transport device. The continuous transport speed of the main transport device with the shrouds 10, 10.4 and the

Belts 9.1, 9.2, ... are measured or known. Therefore, it is known at any time where currently which mail item is located. The control unit SE generates for each local drive 19. n activation signals and deactivation signals and triggers the transmission of these signals. The time at which an activation signal is triggered depends on the signals of the light barriers.

2 shows an embodiment of the driven bead roll 11. N. The transport direction TR, in which the mail pieces are transported, is perpendicular to the drawing table. ne of Fig. 2 and points to the viewer. Shown in Fig. 2 are the bead belt 9.n, which rests against the bead roll 11th n, and the stacking belt 6.n. Between the two belts 6.n, 9.n, the gap occurs 13. n, ie, the belts 6.n and 9.n are arranged transversely to the transport direction TR with a distance 13. n to each other. The leading edge of an upright transported mailpiece 14 is shown schematically.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the driven bead roller 11 n with the axis of rotation DA. The bead roller 11.n comprises a cylinder 22.n, around which the bead belt 9.n is guided, and two discs 23.n, 24.n with rounded edges which bound the cylinder 22.n up and down. The two discs 23. n, 24. n have a matching diameter, which is greater than the diameter of the cylinder

22. n. A mail piece 14 is pressed in a central region from the tensioned stacking belt 6.n against the bead belt 11. n. From the other side press the two discs

23. n, 24. n against the mail item 14, above and below the middle area. The mail item 14 is thereby bent along two parallel horizontal longitudinal axes. The cylinder 22. N and the two disks 23 n, 24 n are all rotatable about the same axis of rotation DA. Their residual stress presses the mail item 14 against the stacking belt 6.n, which improves transport even with a narrow mail item. Other configurations are also possible to cause the diameter of the bead roll 11. N to vary along the axis of rotation DA. Another embodiment of a sorting end is shown in FIG. The function of the bead belt 9.1, 9.2, ... of Fig. 1 is replaced in the embodiment of Fig. 4 by two endless conveyor belts, namely a main conveyor conveyor belt 15.1, 15.2, ... and a connection conveyor conveyor belt 16.1 , 16.2, .... In this embodiment, the connection conveyor conveyor belt 16.n and the stacking belt 6.n both belong to the connection transport device of the sorting end point Ses.n (n = 1, 2, ...). The bead rollers 11.1, 11.2, ... for the bulge 9.1, 9.2 be replaced accordingly by two driven rollers, namely a driven roller 17.1, 17.2, ... for the main conveyor conveyor belt 15.1, 15.2, ... and a driven roller 18.1, 18.2 , ... for the connection transport conveyor belt 16.1,

16.2, .... The central drive Ant continuously rotates the driven rollers 17.1, 17.2, .... The respective local drive 19. n turns the roller 18. n and thus in start-stop operation, the connection conveyor conveyor belt 16. n the sorting station Ses.n.

In this embodiment, too, the local drive 19n rotates the stacking belt 6.n and the stacking spindle 8.n in the start-stop mode, synchronized with the roller 18.n. The connection conveyor conveyor 16.n, the Stacking belt 6.n and the stacking spindle 8.n are also in one

Start-stop operation operated and started in time before the mailpiece reaches the conveyor belt 16. n on the stacking belt 6.n, and stopped again after the mail item has reached the stop wall 20. n.

Between the conveyor belts 6.n and 16. n of the sorting station Ses.n, which are operated in the start-stop mode, and the continuously driven main transport conveyor belts 15.1, 15.2, ... occurs a gap. As a result, no interaction occurs between the main transport conveyor belts 15.1, 15.2,... And the conveyor belts 6.n, 16.n when the conveyor belts 6.n, 16.n are stationary. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1, this gap also forms a section of the path that a mail item travels to the collection point 3.n. The two conveyor belts 6.n, 16.n clamp a mail item between them and transport the mail item, with the two conveyor belts 6.n, 16.n being rotated at the same speed. As a result, there is no slippage between the mail item and the two conveyor belts 6.n, 16.n. The gap 13.1, 13.2,... Is approximately 0.8 mm in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. According to the Auschleusendlosförderband and the forward endless conveyor belt are arranged with a distance to each other, the smaller 5 ner than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

It is especially advantageous if only that

 Ausschleuseendlosförderband and the forward endless conveyor belt carry the mail item from the switch to the collection point) le, and no further funding on this

 Route are arranged.

The invention relates, for example:

15 sorting system with at least two sorting end points Ses.l,

Ses.2, a main transport device 10, 10.4, 9.1,

9.2, ... and a control unit SE, wherein the main transport device 10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ... comprises a central drive Ant and a position measuring device Se, Em, each

20 sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2, ... in each case a collection point 3.1, 3.2, a turnout 1.1, 1.2, a connection point

Transport device 9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ... and a local drive 19.1, 19.2, ... for the connection transport device comprises, the connection transport

25 means 9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ... at least one endless connecting conveyor belt 6.1, 6.2, ..., the main transport means 10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ... is designed to transport an object up to the diverter 1.1, 1.2,... of a sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2,.

30 ren, each switch 1.1, 1.2, ... a sorting end Ses.l, Ses.2, ... is designed to be brought into a deflection position and in this deflection position an object in the connection transport Device 9.1, 16.1,

6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ... of this sorting end point Ses.l,

 35 Ses.2, ..., the central drive Ant is designed to be the main transport device 10, 10.4, 9.1,

9.2, ... permanently to drive, the switch 1.1, 1.2, ... a sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2, ... is designed to to sort out an object to be sorted from the main transport device 10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ..., the connection transport device 9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ... a sorting end point Ses.l , Ses.2, ... is designed to a object discharged from the switch 1.1, 1.2, ... of this sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2, ... to the collection point 3.1, 3.2,.. Sorting station Ses.l, Ses.2, ... to transport, with the connection endless conveyor belt 6.1, 6.2, ... touches the object and the moved object to the collection point 3.1, 3.2, ... to be transported , the local drive 19.1, 19.2, ... a sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2, ... is configured to the connection transport device 9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ... this Sorting station Ses.l, Ses.2, ... in a start-stop operation to drive and stop and thereby at least the compound endless conveyor belt 6.1, 6.2, ... drive and stop the position Messge advises Se, Em is configured to determine the position of an item to be sorted while the main transport device transports this item, the control unit (SE) is designed to, depending on a signal of the position measuring device Se, Em the respective local drive 19.1, 19.2, ... a sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2, ... to activate before the object, the connection transport device 9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ... this Sorting point Ses.l, Ses.2, ..., and to deactivate this local drive 19.1, 19.2, ... again as soon as or after the object has reached the collection point 3.1, 3.2,... Of this sorting end point Ses.l, Ses .2, ..., wherein a gap 13.1, 13.2, ... occurs between each main transport device and each connection transport device 9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, and each local drive 19.1, 19.2, ... can be activated and deactivated independently of any other local drive is fourbar.

The above-mentioned sorting plant, wherein the sorting plant comprises a discharge-endless conveyor belt 9.1, 9.2,..., At least one sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2,. Endless conveyor belt 6.1, 6.2, ..., the central drive (Ant) is designed to continuously drive the or each outfeed endless conveyor belt 9.1, 9.2, ..., the local drive 19.1, 19.2, ... the sorting endpoint

Ses.l, Ses.2, ... is designed to the forwarding endless conveyor belt 6.1, 6.2, ... this sorting end

Ses.l, Ses.2, ... to drive and stop, the closed conveyor track, which describes the discharge endless conveyor belt 9.1, 9.2, ..., a main section and a connection section comprises, the main -Section to the main transport device 10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ... belongs, the connection section to the connection transport device 9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ... belongs and between the Connection section and the forward endless conveyor belt a gap 13.1, 13.2, ... occurs, the path of a collection point 3.1, 3.2, ... the sorting Ses.l, Ses.2, ... transported object through this gap 13.1, 13.2, ... leads. Above sorting plant, the outfeed endless conveyor belt 9.1, 9.2, ... is guided around a roller 11.1, 11.2, ... around, the gap 13.1, 13.2, ... also between this roller 11.1, 11.2,. .. and the forward endless conveyor belt 6.1, 6.2, ... occurs, this roller 11.1, 11.2, ... is rotatable about a rotation axis DA and the distance between the roller 11.1, 11.2, ... and the forwarding Endless conveyor belt 6.1, 6.2, ... varies along this axis of rotation DA. The above-mentioned sorting system, wherein the connection transport device 9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ... at least one sorting end two connection endless conveyor belts 6.1, 16.1, 6.2, 16.2, ... includes, this connection -Endlos- conveyor belts 6.1, 16.1, 6.2, 16.2, ... are designed to clamp a discharged object between them and to the collection point 3.1, 3.2, ... to transport, and the local drive 19.1, 19.2, .. This sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2, ... is designed to be both Connecting endless conveyor belts 6.1, 16.1, 6.2, 16.2, ... to drive and stop.

The above-mentioned sorting system, wherein at least one sorting end parts Ses.l, Ses.2, ... comprises a displacement device 8.1, 8.2, ..., the displacement device 8.1, 8.2 is configured to an object of the connection - Endless conveyor belt 6.1, 6.2, ... of the sorting end point Ses.l, Ses.2, ... away and to the collection point 3.1, 3.2, ... to turn while the item on the collection point 3.1, 3.2 .

is transported to, and the local drive 19.1, 19.2, ... the sorting end Ses.l, Ses.2, ... is configured to the displacement device 8.1, 8.2, ... in a start Stop operation to stop and stop.

The above-mentioned sorting system, wherein the main transport device comprises two main conveyor elements and the two main conveyor elements are adapted to pinch an object to be sorted between them and thereby grab from two sides and transport the captured object ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

 Reference sign Meaning

 1.1., 1.2, switches, the mailings in the respective

 Sorting point 3.1, 3.2, ... deflect

 3.1, 3.2, ... Collection points of sorting points Ses.l, ...

 sorting

 4.1, 4.2, ... Stack of mail items in sorting stations 3.1, 3.2, ...

 6.1, 6.2, ... endless conveyor belts of feeder transport paths

 ( "Stacking belt")

 7.1, 7.2, ... driven rollers of the stacking belts 6.1, 6.2,

 ... ("pile rolls")

 8.1, 8.2, ... stacking spindle

 9.1, 9.2, ... Continuous Conveyor Belts Restricting the Main Transport Path in a Main Section and Belonging to Supply Transport Paths in a Connection Section ("Belts")

 10 continuous endless conveyor belt of the main transport path ("shroud") is driven by the roller 12

 10.4 more shroud

 11.1, 11.2, driven rollers of the beads 9.1, 9.2,

 ... ("bead rolls")

 13.n narrow gap between the stacking belt 6.n and the bead belt 9.n the sorting station 3.n

 14 flat mail item, is discharged into the sorting 3.n

 19.1, 19.2, local drive of sorting stations Ses.l,

 Ses.2, ..., turns the stacking roller 7.n and the stacking spindle 8.n and the support member 21. n in a start-stop operation

19.n local sorting point 3.n drive, drives the stacking roller 7.n and the stacking spindle 8.n

 20.1, 20.2, front stop walls of the sorting end points

 Ses.l, Ses.2, at which the leading edges of the mailpieces are aligned

 21.n support element, supports the stack 4.n in the

 Sorting place Ses.n

 22.n cylinder of the bead roll 11. n, around which the

 Waler belt 9.n is guided

 23.11, 24.11 Slices of the bead roll 11. n, delimit the cylinder 22 from two sides. N

 24.1, 24.2, roller, around which the belt 9.1,

 9.2, ... around

 Ant central drive for the shrouds 10, 10.4 and for the bulge 9.1, 9.2, ...

 Bo bottom of the sorting station Ses.l, Ses.2, ...

DA axis of rotation of the bead roll 11. n

 Em Receiver of the light barrier in the main transport path

 Se Transmitter of the light barrier in the main transport path

 SE control unit, activates and deactivates the local drives 19.1, 19.2, ...

 Ses.l, Ses.2, sorting points with the collection points 3.1,

 3.2, ...

 SR stacking direction into which the stack 4.1, 4.2,

 ... grows

 TR transport direction, in which the main transport device transports mail

Claims

claims

Sorting system for objects, with at least one collection point (3.1, 3.2, ...) for the objects, a switch

(1.1, 1.2, ...), which is movable in a deflection position, a main transport device (10. 10.4 9.1, 9.2, ...), which is designed to transport the object to the switch, a connection transport device designed for transporting the articles from the switch to the collection point, comprising a forwarding endless conveyor belt (6.1, 6.2,...), a central drive

(ANT), which is connected to the main transport device, a local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...), which is connected to the connection transport device and independently activatable by the central drive, and a discharge Endless conveyor belt (9.1, 9.2, ...) comprising a main section associated with the main conveyor and a connecting section associated with the connection conveyor, the switch being in the deflected position for steering the articles to the connection transport device (9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.

2, ...) is formed,

 That is, the forwarding endless conveyor belt (6) and the endless discharge conveyor belt (9.n) are arranged at a distance (13.n) from one another transversely to the transporting direction (TR).

Sorting plant according to claim 1,

characterized in that the outfeed endless conveyor belt and the forward endless conveyor belt are arranged so that the articles are transported by them from the switch to the collection point.

3. sorting system according to claim 1 or 2,

 That is, the sorting installation has a gap (13.1, 13.2,...) between the forwarding endless conveyor belt and the outfeed endless conveyor belt, through which the articles are passed during transport to the collection point.

4. Sorting system according to one of the above claims, wherein a gap or distance is smaller than 3 mm, preferably smaller than 2 mm.

5. Sorting system according to one of the above claims, g e c e n e c e n e d d e r c h

 a roller (11.1, 11.2, ...) around which the discharge endless conveyor belt is guided and which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (DA), the distance between the roller and the conveying endless conveyor belt along the axis of rotation (Fig. DA) varies.

6. sorting system according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the sorting system comprises a displacement device (8.1, 8.2, ...), which designed for rotating the objects of the connection endless conveyor belt and on the sorting point is, and the local drive is connected to the shifting device.

7. The sorting installation according to claim 1, wherein the forwarding endless conveyor belt has a stacking roller and the local drive is integrated in the stacking roller.

8. Method of sorting objects

 using a sorting facility that

the steps includes that - a sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...) is selected for this object,

 - the main transport device (10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ...) the object up to a switch (1.1, 1.2, ...) of the selected sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ... ),

the switch (1.1, 1.2, ...) diverts the object into a connection transport device (9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ...),

the connection transport device (9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2, 6.2, ...) the item up to a collection point (3.1, 3.2, ...) of the sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2,. ..),

the main transport device (10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ...) is continuously driven,

a local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...) of the sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...) selected for this object is activated,

 the activated local drive (19.1, 19.2,...) the connection transport device (9.1, 16.1, 6.1, 9.2, 16.2,

6.2, ...) without contact to the main transport device (10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ...) drives and

 - the local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...) is deactivated again, as soon as or after the object, the collection point (3.1, 3.2, ...) of the selected sorting end point (Ses.l,

Ses.2, ...) has reached.

Sorting method according to claim 8,

 characterized in that

 the main transport device (10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ...) transports a sequence of objects to be sorted,

 if, for several items that occur consecutively in the sequence, the same sorting endpoint

 (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...) was selected,

- the local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...) of this sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...) is activated before the switch (1.1, 1.2, ...) of this sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...) redirects the first of these objects into this sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...), and

 - This local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...) is deactivated again after the last of these objects has reached the collection point (3.1, 3.2, ...) of this selected sorting end, wherein the local drive (19.1, 19.2, .. .) remains activated between these two events and

 while at the same time the main transport device (10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ...) ported at least one further object to another point (1.1, 1.2, ...).

Sorting method according to claim 8 or claim 9,

characterized in that

 the main transport device (10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ...) transports a sequence of articles to be sorted,

 if the same sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...) is selected for two objects,

- the distance in the main transport facility

 (10, 10.4, 9.1, 9.2, ...) occurs between these objects, is compared with a given barrier,

if this distance is greater than the predetermined barrier,

 - the local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...) of the selected sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...) is deactivated after the first object the collection point (3.1, 3.2, ...) of this sorting end point ( Ses.l, Ses.2, ...), and

 - Is activated again at the latest when the second object has reached the switch (1.1, 1.2, ...) of this sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...), and

 - if the distance is smaller than this barrier,

- the local drive (19.1, 19.2, ...) remains activated at least in the period of time that lies between the two events - the first object reaches the switch (1.1, 1.2, ...) of the sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...) and

- the second object has reached the collection point (3.1, 3.2, ...) of the sorting end point (Ses.l, Ses.2, ...).