EP2032485B1 - Device for exchanging stacked postal items between a container and a storage surface - Google Patents

Abstract

A device is disclosed for exchanging stacked postal items between a container (Bl) and a storage surface (AF), in which: - the storage surface (AF) has at least one serviceable support element (SEI) on which a stack (STl) of postal items standing on edge can be aligned in a vertical direction, - the support element (SEI) and the container (Bl) move synchronously in a transport direction (TR), - the container (Bl) has a first position (SL) arranged laterally to the storage surface (AF). Because: - during a first movement in accordance with the transport direction (TR), the container (Bl) is coupled to a first sliding means (SMl), which produces a second movement (SR) of the container (Bl) perpendicular to the transport direction between the first position (SL) and a second position (IL) arranged inside the storage surface (AF), - when the second movement (SR) is activated, a support wall (STW) of the container (Bl) and the support element (SE) coincide along the transport direction (TR), and an individual permanent support element (SE2, SE3) for the stack (STl) forms such that the stack (STl) remains vertically aligned between the first and the second position (SL, IL), according to the invention, inter alia, the stack quality is not impaired during the loading as well as during the emptying of the container.

Description

The invention relates to a device for exchanging stacked consignments between a container and a storage surface according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as two associated uses of this device according to the preambles of claims 6 and 8.

Especially in sorting for z. B. postal consignments are known devices for exchanging stacked shipments between a box-shaped container and a shelf. In this case, loading or emptying of the mail items in / from a container is made possible. The shelf can e.g. a treadmill that transports the stacked shipments.

• Ein manuelles Entnehmen bzw. Einlegen der Sendungen ist vorgesehen;
• Eingriffsmulden sind in den Seitenwänden und im Behälterboden zur Entnahmeerleichterung vorgesehen;
• Geschlitzte Behälterböden werden verwendet, so dass eine Entleerung des Behälters nach oben durch Hineindrücken eines Rechens von unten erfolgt;
• Geschlitzte Seitenwände und Vertiefungen in den Seitenwänden (MCS-Cartridge) werden verwendet, so dass ein Herausschieben der Güter mit einem Rechen bei gleichzeitigem Öffnen und Schließen einer Seitenwand des Behälters erfolgt;
• Geschlitzte Seitenwände und Vertiefungen im Behälterboden werden verwendet, so dass ein Herausheben der Güter nach oben mit einem kassettenförmigen Rechen mit zusätzlichem Klappboden zum Umladen der Güter erfolgt;
• Ein zusätzlicher Behälterboden wird verwendet, so dass eine Entleerung durch Herausschieben oder Herausdrehen dieses Hilfsbodens ermöglicht wird;
• Es wurde auch bekannt, zum Entladen eines Stapeltabletts mit einer Transport-Trageeinheit unter den Stapel zu gleiten, um dann den Stapel manuell mit Hilfe der Transport-Trageeinheit vom Stapel-Tablett zu entfernen ( EP 901 978 B1 );
• Ein Öffnen einer Seitenwand oder des Bodens des Behälters wird durchgeführt, so dass eine Entleerung durch Herausfallen oder Herausschieben der Güter erfolgt;
• Eine mehrfache 180°-Kippung oder ein Drehen des Behälters wird durchgeführt, so dass eine Entleerung durch mehrfaches Umladen erfolgt.

So far, a container was stopped at a predetermined position relative to the shelf and emptied. There are several design variants for loading or emptying the container for this purpose:

• A manual removal or insertion of the shipments is provided;
• Engaging troughs are provided in the side walls and in the container bottom for removal relief;
• Slotted container bottoms are used so that the container is emptied upward by pushing a rake from below;
• Slotted side walls and recesses in the side walls (MCS cartridge) are used, so that pushing out the goods with a rake while opening and closing a side wall of the container;
• Slotted side walls and recesses in the container bottom are used, allowing a lifting of the goods upwards with a cassette-shaped rake with additional folding floor for reloading the goods takes place;
• An additional container bottom is used so that a discharge by pushing out or unscrewing this auxiliary floor is made possible;
• It has also been known to slide under the stacks for unloading a stacking tray with a transport carrying unit, and then to manually remove the stack from the stacking tray by means of the transport carrying unit ( EP 901 978 B1 );
• An opening of a side wall or the bottom of the container is carried out, so that an emptying takes place by falling out or pushing out of the goods;
• A multiple 180 ° tilt or rotation of the container is performed, so that an emptying is done by multiple reloading.

• die Ablagefläche weist mindestens ein einsetzbares Stützelement auf, an welches ein Stapel von auf Kante stehenden Sendungen in einer vertikalen Richtung ausrichtbar ist,
• das Stützelement und der Behälter sollten sich in einer Transportrichtung synchron bewegen,
• der Behälter weist eine erste zu der Ablagefläche seitlich angeordnete Lage auf, aus welcher üblicherweise ein Operator eine Entleerung bzw. eine Beladung einleitet.

Furthermore, it is also known and necessary that the following components are present when exchanging the stacked items between the container and a possibly running storage area:

• the storage surface has at least one insertable support element, to which a stack of items standing on edge can be aligned in a vertical direction,
• the support element and the container should move synchronously in a transport direction,
• the container has a first to the storage surface laterally disposed position, from which usually an operator initiates a discharge or a load.

However, all of these variants are mainly due to a manual procedure. If the storage surface moves in a transport direction, these operations are unsuitable because the stack shape of the exchanged consignments is quickly endangered. The transshipment of the programs is inaccurate or too abrupt.

By using containers in which a side wall can be opened, containers filled with consignments can be emptied by pushing out the consignments. On the other hand, this also makes it possible to use this container with the side wall open as a stacking compartment in a sorter by the broadcasts are stacked on the open side wall and the growing stack is held by a sliding, projecting into the container support. After adequate filling of the container, the stack support is removed and the side wall is closed ( DE 697 32 629 T2 ).

Also known was a stacking tray with a sliding, with spring force against the stack oppressive stacking support, is pushed to the emptying of the stack on the pivoted down into the stacking floor stack support on an adjacent support surface. A special design of the shelf and the stack support ensures that no items can get stuck in columns when moving ( DE 102 25 473 C1 ).

The invention has for its object to provide a device for exchanging stacked shipments between a container and a storage surface, in which the stack shape of the consignments is not at risk during emptying and / or loading of the container.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of the device claim 1 and with regard to specific uses of a by the features of claims 6 and 8.

• die Ablagefläche mindestens ein einsetzbares Stützelement (oder ggf. die Hände eines Operators) aufweist, an welches ein Stapel von auf Kante stehenden Sendungen in einer vertikalen Richtung ausrichtbar ist (es bedeutet hier jedoch nicht, dass der Stapel auf der Auflagefläche steht, da er auch in dem Behälter stehen bzw. an mindestens einer Stützwand des Behälters ausgerichtet sein könnte),
• das Stützelement und der Behälter in einer Transportrichtung sich synchron bewegen, so dass z. B. ein Stapel von Sendungen im Behälter an eine gewünschte Position der Ablagefläche abgegeben bzw. aus einer Position der Ablagefläche in den Behälter beladen werden kann,
• der Behälter eine erste zu der Ablagefläche seitlich angeordnete Lage aufweist, welche vorzugsweise vor einem Austausch von Sendungen angenommen ist.

The invention relates to a device for exchanging stacked mail items between a container and a storage surface (eg with rolling elements or a treadmill), in which:

• the storage surface has at least one insertable support element (or possibly the hands of an operator) to which a stack of programs standing on edge can be aligned in a vertical direction (it does not mean, however, that the stack stands on the support surface, since it also could be in the container or aligned with at least one support wall of the container),
• the support member and the container move synchronously in a transport direction, so that z. B. a stack of shipments in the container can be delivered to a desired position of the shelf or loaded from a position of the shelf in the container,
• the container has a first to the storage surface laterally disposed layer, which is preferably adopted before an exchange of shipments.

During a first movement in accordance with the transport direction, according to the invention, the container is coupled to a first sliding means which effects a second movement of the container perpendicular to the transport direction between the first layer and a second layer arranged within the deposition surface. Thus, the container is pulled sideways from the shelf or pulled out. When the second movement is activated, a support wall of the container and of the support element hold a same position along the transport direction. That is, during side-to-side movement, they form a single support element permanently secured to the stack, such that the stack remains vertically aligned between the first and second layers on this permanent support element. Such a permanent support element can be realized, for example, by projecting the support element into the support wall of the container or by means of a coupling mechanism. Therefore, the stack quality is advantageously preserved intact in the exchange of mailings.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims.

In particular, a simple suitable container may be used, which has three walls and a bottom, wherein two opposite first and second walls (one of these two walls is the above-mentioned supporting wall) of the container each having a columnar recess. Thus, in principle, the container has a blade formed with a bottom and a wall with two further walls arranged laterally of the blade, which have the column-shaped recesses. A stack of consignments is aligned with at least one (= so-called support wall) of the two walls with recesses, if this is in the container. Thus, the container may comprise a transport section of the storage surface on a paddle, in particular as the container is moved sideways in the direction of the storage surface (see below the filling of the container). Furthermore, a side wall arranged perpendicular to the depositing surface can be inserted into the column-shaped recesses. The side wall can z. Example, be designed as an elongated mechanical element with one end, which penetrates along the transport direction between the third wall of the container and the stack of mail items in the container. In this position, the side wall fixed to the storage surface can be used as a lateral pressure means for the shipments to push a stack in the container on the shelf when the container is driven sideways and far away from the shelf (see below the emptying process of the container).

The device according to the invention thus makes possible two complementary uses, which allow for automated emptying and loading of the container with respect to the depositing surface are suitable. The emptying and the load can be continuously during transport of mail items along the transport direction z. B. by means of a guide rail for varying the lateral distance between the container and storage surface. This can automate a complete exchange process. At the same time, it prevents the transport from being stopped frequently, as in a manual operation, so that the throughput of postal processes is increased or fewer manual interventions are required.

However, the movement of the container relative to the storage surface along the transport direction can also be done manually. The previous support elements or pressure medium can also be replaced if necessary by the hands of an operator. With manual operation of the device, no kinematics or energy supply is required.

A semi or fully automatic emptying of the containers is easy to implement. The number of necessary kinematic movements is reduced to a minimum.

Semi-automatic or fully automatic dispensing and feeding of the containers can be easily achieved by means of standard conveying elements.

The emptying process is therefore very reliable, in particular a so-called JAM risk (i.e., a jam, a blockage) is considerably reduced.

The containers must also be placed only on a transhipment or unloading in conjunction with the shelf. Another transport is carried out as required for further processing steps.

By means of a third movement via a second sliding means whose thrust direction now to the transport direction and the (lateral) thrust direction of the first sliding means is vertical, the container can be moved up and down with respect to the storage surface, depending on whether it includes a desired portion of the shelf, hitting or leaves. This is z. B. facilitates a lateral approach or withdrawal. As a second sliding means for the third (up / down) movement, a rising / rising guide rail or a vertically sprung device can be used, which is arranged for example laterally to the storage surface.

The container may have a bottom which has columnar depressions (and thus also ribs) into which bifurcated end elements of the storage surface can be inserted, so that either the storage surface (via its end elements) or the container (via its ribs) takes over the carrier function of the mailings ,

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

FIG 1

eine Ablagefläche und einen Behälter zur Ent- leerung des Behälters,

FIG 2

eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Ent- leervorgangs gemäß FIG 1,

FIG 3

seitliche und obere zwei-dimensionale Darstel- lungen des Entleervorgangs gemäß FIG 1 oder 2,

FIG 4

eine alternative Ablagefläche zur Entleerung des Behälters,

FIG 5

eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Ent- leervorgangs gemäß FIG 4,

FIG 6

seitliche und obere zwei-dimensionale Darstel- lungen des Entleervorgangs gemäß FIG 4 oder 5,

FIG 7

eine Ablagefläche und einen Behälter zur Bela- dung des Behälters,

FIG 8

eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Bela- dungsvorgangs gemäß FIG 7,

FIG 9

seitliche und obere zwei-dimensionale Darstel- lungen des Beladungsvorgangs gemäß FIG 7 oder 8.

Show

FIG. 1

a storage surface and a container for emptying the container,

FIG. 2

a three-dimensional representation of a discharge operation according to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3

lateral and upper two-dimensional depictions of the emptying process according to 1 or 2 .

FIG. 4

an alternative storage surface for emptying the container,

FIG. 5

a three-dimensional representation of a discharge operation according to FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6

lateral and upper two-dimensional depictions of the emptying process according to 4 or 5 .

FIG. 7

a storage surface and a container for loading the container,

FIG. 8

a three-dimensional representation of a loading process according to FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9

lateral and upper two-dimensional depictions of the loading process according to 7 or 8 ,

In FIG. 1 a storage area AF and a container B1 are shown. The storage area AF is used for unloading or loading the container B1 for a stack of consignments. The container B1 has a bottom with long-shaped recesses SA2 and three walls which form a blade with two lateral walls. Two opposite walls of the three walls have along the bottom in each case a slot-shaped recess SA1, via which on the one hand the container B1 may comprise a transport section of the storage surface AF blade-shaped and on the other hand in which a perpendicular to the support surface AF side wall SW (as pressure means for emptying a stack from the container) can be inserted. If a stack of items standing on edge lies in the container B1, the stack is laterally aligned with a first wall, here called support wall STW. The stack may also be aligned with the second wall opposite the support wall STW and / or with the third wall.

In FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional representation of an emptying process according to FIG. 1 shown, in which the originally loaded with the stack ST1 of consignments container B1 is guided to an end E of the storage area AF (= unloading device) along a transport direction TR. The stack ST1 of programs is aligned at least on the support wall. When leaving at the end E of the container B1 is moved over the storage area AF. In this case, the side wall SW of the storage surface AF projects into the column-shaped recesses SA1 between the third wall of the container and the stack ST1. Subsequently, a second pushing means SM1 (or pulling means) will pull the container sideways and far from the depositing surface AF along a direction SR perpendicular to the conveying direction TR. The sliding means SM1 can z. B. be a mechanical backdrop, which deviates continuously from the transport direction. Before and during the guidance of the container B1 on the support surface AF, a support element SE1 will also move synchronously with or with respect to the support wall STW. When the container is laterally pulled out along the second direction SR, the support wall STW and the support element SE1 decouple continuously, but in such a way that the stack ST1 remains aligned. In other words, at least a portion of the withdrawn support wall STW and / or the support element SE1 will form a permanent support element or alignment element for the stack ST1. When pulling sideways, the side wall SW of the storage surface AF acts like a pressure element on the stack ST1, so that the container B1 is emptied.

In FIG. 3 are a lateral and upper two-dimensional representations A), B) of the emptying process according to 1 or 2 during three steps 0, 1, 2 (ie before the guidance, in the guidance of the container B1 on the storage surface AF and in the extraction of the container B1 from the storage area AF). In particular, the illustration A) shows that the container B1 is pushed above the storage area AF along the transport direction TR of the loaded container B1. In illustration B) it is clearly shown that the container B1 loaded with consignments ST1 is guided onto the depositing surface AF along the transport direction TR and is subsequently pulled out laterally from the support surface AF at an angle α. The support wall STW and a matching support element SE1 are coupled out, but the two elements still form a single, permanent support element SE2 for the stack ST1 in the container B1, so that the original orientation on the support wall STW of the container is never impaired. By suitable devices (scrapers) at step 1 prevents the broadcasts join in the entire further movement of the container B1, the broadcasts continue to move in the original direction. From step 2, the container must move faster to compensate for the velocity component due to sideways movement.

FIG. 4 represents an alternative storage area AF for emptying the container B1. In this case, the storage area AF according to FIG. 1 further, fork-shaped end elements EE, which can be inserted into the column-shaped recesses SA2 or between ribs of the bottom of the container B1. By means of these end elements, the bottom of the container B1 below the depositing surface can easily be guided and the stack ST1 of consignments in the container can be shoveled along the transport direction TR and continue to stand directly on the support surface AF, when the container B1 is pulled out laterally.

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional representation of an emptying process according to FIG. 4 in which due to the fork-shaped end elements EE according to FIG. 4 the bottom of the container B1 is now guided below the storage surface AF. There are no other differences with the FIG. 2 ,

The example of 3 A) and 3 B) are in 6 A) and 6 B) a lateral and upper two-dimensional representations A), B) of the emptying process according to 4 or 5 shown. In principle, it should also be noted here that during the transition of the end elements EE the bottom of the container is slightly lowered in a vertical direction HR. This can be done by means of a pointed shape of the end elements EE or by means of a second sliding means SM2, whose third thrust direction is perpendicular to the transport direction TR and the second, lateral sliding direction. A suspension can also be present, which holds the bottom of the container B1 to the lower side of the shelf AF. The representation 6 B) is essentially similar to the 3 B) except that the container B1 is guided below the storage area Af. In summary, the full container from a position IL within the elongated axis of the storage surface AF to another, lateral position SL, in which it is emptied at the end. In this case, the support or correct alignment is secured to a single, extendable support element SE2, which consists of the supporting wall STW and supporting element SE1 which moves away from each other.

In FIG. 7 Furthermore, a storage area AF and a container B1 for loading the container B1 is shown. The mechanical components are similar to those in the previous figures. In this case, the container B1 or its support wall STW moves synchronously with an opposing support element SE1 along the transport direction TR of items. The support member moves above and relative to the shelf AF, the z. B. may have rolling elements for transporting the programs over their sections along the transport direction TR. IN FIG. 7 is the empty container B1 in a first pulled-out position SL side of the shelf AF, which is assumed prior to loading.

In FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional representation of a loading process according to FIG. 7 shown. Starting from the situation SL of the container B1 FIG. 7 the container B1 is guided blade-shaped over a transport section of the storage surface AF in a first direction SR perpendicular to the transport direction TR, until it reaches a second position IL arranged within the storage surface. When the container B1 is pulled up to the side and over the depositing surface AF, the supporting wall STW and one of the supporting elements SE1 coincide. On the support elements SE1, the stacks of programs are aligned. Now the support element SE1 and the support wall STW of the container B1 form a single, shortenable support element SE3 for a stack ST1 in loading, preferably by intrusion or overlap between both elements SE1, STW. When loading into the container B1, however, the bottom of the container must be guided below the depositing surface AF, as the other upper parts of the container, in particular the support wall STW, are guided above the depositing surface AF. However, this is realized without problems since the container B1 can comprise a transport section of the depositing surface AF via its column-shaped recesses SA1 in the form of a scoop. Thus, at the end of the container B1, the container B1 comprises a complete stack ST1 of consignments. It is thus able to IL within the storage area AF. In this case, the individual support element SE3 has its shortest length transversely to the transport direction TR. Subsequently, the container B1 continues to the end E or up to the end elements EE, wherein the previously pushed onto the shelf surface AF stack ST1 is discharged to the bottom of the container B1. In this case, the correct lateral orientation of the stack ST1 is kept constant within the walls of the container B1. When leaving the end elements EE of the storage area AF, the loaded container B1 can also be pulled out laterally along a direction SR 'opposite to the second direction SR, in order, for. B. to guide the stack ST1 to another lateral location SL of a postal system or manually record. As a result of this withdrawal, the support wall STW of the container B1 separates again from the support element SE1, which still continues in a straight line in the transport direction TR. Here is the orientation of the stack in the container B1 secured to the support wall STW.

FIG. 9 shows a lateral and an upper two-dimensional representation of the loading process according to FIG. 7 but especially according to FIG. 8 , The following steps A, B form the attraction of the empty container B1 to be loaded to the support surface AF, via which the stacks of consignments are transported between support elements SE1. Furthermore, up to step C, the container B1 will completely surround a transport section in the manner of a scoop until it leaves the depositing surface AF via the end elements E, EE. From this point on, the container B1 can be separated from the further along the transport direction TR driving support SE1 by z. B. an operator pulls the container to manually (direction SR ') or a mechanical backdrop continues the container B1 in a bifaced to the transport direction TR direction R continues.

Claims (12)

1. Apparatus for exchanging stacked mail items between a container (B1) and a depositing surface (AF), in which apparatus:

   - the depositing surface (AF) has at least one insertable supporting element (SE1), on which a stack (ST1) of mail items which are standing on edge can be aligned in a vertical direction,

   - the supporting element (SE1) and the container (B1) move synchronously in a transport direction (TR),

   - the container (B1) has a first position (SL) which is arranged to the side of the depositing surface (AF),

   characterized in that,

   - during a first movement according to the transport direction (TR), the container (B1) is coupled to a first pushing means (SM1) which brings about a second movement (SR), perpendicularly with respect to the transport direction, of the container (B1) between the first position (SL) and a second position (IL) which is arranged within the depositing surface (AF),

   - when the second movement (SR) is activated, a supporting wall (STW) of the container (B1) and the supporting element (SE) coincide along the transport direction (TR) and form a single, permanent supporting element (SE2, SE3) for the stack (ST1), in such a way that the stack (ST1) remains vertically aligned between the first and the second position (SL, IL).
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the container has three walls and a base, two walls of the container (B1) which lie opposite one another having in each case one gap-shaped cut-out (SA1), via which the container (B1) can enclose a transport section of the depositing surface (AF) in the shape of a scoop.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container has three walls and a base, two walls of the container (B1) which lie opposite one another having in each case one gap-shaped cut-out (SA1), into which a side wall (SW) which is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the depositing surface (AF) can be pushed.
4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container has a base which has gap-shaped depressions (SA2), into which end elements (EE) of the depositing surface (AF) can be pushed.
5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (B1) is coupled to a second pushing means (SM2) which brings about a third movement (HB) of the container (B1), which third movement (HB) is perpendicular with respect to the transport direction (TR) and with respect to the first pushing means (SM1).
6. Use of the apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, during the second movement (SR) of the container (B1) out of the second position (IL) as far as the first position (SL), a stack (ST1) of mail items which is aligned on the supporting wall (STW) in the container (B1) is emptied onto the depositing surface (AF).
7. Use according to Claim 6, characterized in that, at least over a section of the second movement (SR) of the container (B1) to be emptied, the supporting element (SE1) and the supporting wall (STW) of the container (B1) form an extendable supporting element (SE2) for the stack (ST1).
8. Use of the apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, during the second movement (SR) of the container (B1) out of the first position (SL) as far as the second position (IL), a stack (ST1) of mail items which is aligned on a supporting element (SE1) is loaded into the container (B1) from the depositing surface (AF).
9. Use according to Claim 8, characterized in that the supporting element (SE1) and the supporting wall (STW) of the container (B1) form a shortenable supporting element (SE3) for the stack (ST1), preferably by projecting inwards or overlapping.
10. Use according to Claim 9, characterized in that the base of the container (B1) is moved below the depositing surface (AF) along the transport direction (TR) as far as one end of the depositing surface (AF).
11. Use according to one of Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the second movement (SR) of the container is carried out by means of a guide means which is arranged to the side of the depositing surface (AF), by the spacing between the guide means and the depositing surface (AF) being varied along the transport direction.
12. Use according to Claim 11, characterized in that the guide means is a mechanical slotted guide which leads the container (B1) along the transport direction (TR), laterally from and to the depositing surface (AF).

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