WO2008000759A1

WO2008000759A1 - Device for exchanging stacked postal items between a container and a storage surface

Info

Publication number: WO2008000759A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/056399
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus König; Peter Enenkel
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2006-06-28
Filing date: 2007-06-27
Publication date: 2008-01-03
Also published as: EP2032485B1; EP2032485A1; ATE488459T1; DE102006029889B3; DK2032485T3; DE502007005683D1

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

description

Device for exchanging stacked items between a container and a shelf

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

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

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

- A manual removal or insertion of the shipments is provided;

- Intervention troughs are provided in the side walls and in Behalterboden to facilitate removal;

- Slotted container bottom are used, so that an emptying of the container upwards by impressing a rake from below takes place;

- Slotted sidewalls and recesses in the side walls (MCS cartridge) are used so that a sliding out of the good with a rake occurs 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 good up with a kassettenformigen rake with additional folding floor for reloading the Good takes place;

- An additional Behalterboden is used so that an emptying by pushing out or unscrewing this auxiliary floor is made possible;

It has also been known to slide for unloading a stacking tray with a transport carrying unit under the stack, and then to remove the stack manually from the stacking tray by means of the transport carrying unit (EP 901 978 B1); - Opening a side wall or the bottom of the container is carried out so that an emptying takes place by falling out or pushing out the good;

- A multiple 180 ° tilting or turning the container is carried out so that a discharge takes place by repeated reloading.

Furthermore, it is also known and necessary that the following components are present when exchanging the stacked consignments between the container and an automatically running storage surface:

the storage surface has at least one usable support element, to which a stack of items standing on edge can be aligned in a vertical direction,

the supporting element and the container should move synchronously in a transport direction,

- The container has a first to the tray 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 tray surface moves in a direction of transport, these operations are unsuitable because the stacked form of the exchanged items is quickly jeopardized. 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, it is thereby also possible to use this container with the side wall open as a stacking compartment in a sorter, by stacking the items on the opened side wall and holding the increasing stack by means of a displaceable support projecting into the container. After appropriate 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. By means of a special design of the shelf and the stack support, it is ensured that no items can be clamped 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 when emptying and / or loading of the container.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of the device claim 1 as well as with regard to special use fertilize one by the features of claims 6 and 8.

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 shelf has at least one insertable support element (or possibly the hands of an operator) to which a stack of standing on edge programs in a vertical direction is aligned (it does not mean, however, that the stack is on the support surface, since he could also be in the container or aligned with at least one support wall of the container),

- The support member and the container in a transport direction move synchronously, so that z. B. a stack of Sen fertilize 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 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 have 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 mail items to push a stack in the container on the storage surface, as the container is moved 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 are suitable 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 Ablagelage done. This can automate a complete replacement 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.

Show

1 shows a storage surface and a container for emptying the container,

2 shows a three-dimensional illustration of an emptying process according to FIG. 1,

3 shows lateral and upper two-dimensional representations of the emptying process according to FIG. 1 or 2, FIG.

4 shows an alternative storage surface for emptying the container, 5 shows a three-dimensional illustration of an emptying process according to FIG. 4,

6 shows lateral and upper two-dimensional representations of the emptying process according to FIG. 4 or 5, FIG.

7 shows a storage surface and a container for loading the container,

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

9 shows lateral and upper two-dimensional representations of the loading process according to FIG. 7 or 8.

In Figure 1, a storage area AF and a container Bl are shown. The storage area AF is used for unloading or loading the container Bl for a stack of items. The container Bl has a bottom with long-shaped depressions

SA2 and three walls forming a scoop with two lateral walls. Two opposite walls of the three walls have along the bottom in each case a column-shaped recess SAl, via which on the one hand the container Bl can include 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 edge-on shipments is in the container Bl, the stack is laterally at a first

Wall, here called retaining wall STW, aligned. The stack may also be aligned with the second wall opposite the support wall STW and / or with the third wall. 2 shows a three-dimensional representation of an emptying process according to FIG. 1, in which the container Bl originally loaded with the stack ST1 of consignments B1 is guided along an end E of the depositing surface AF (= unloading device) along a transport direction TR. The stack STl of transmissions is aligned at least on the support wall. When leaving at the end E of the container Bl 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 SMl (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 SMl can, for. B. be a mechanical backdrop, which deviates continuously from the transport direction. Before and during the guidance of the container Bl on the support surface AF and a support member SEI with or relative to the support wall STW will move synchronously. When the container is laterally pulled out along the second direction SR, the support wall STW and the support element SEI 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 SEI will form a permanent support element or alignment element for the stack ST1. When pulling out sideways, the side wall SW of the storage surface AF acts like a pressure element on the stack ST1, so that the container Bl is emptied.

In Figure 3 are a lateral and upper two-dimensional representations A), B) of the emptying process according to FIG 1 or 2 during three steps 0, 1, 2 (ie before the leadership, in the leadership of the container Bl on the shelf AF and at the withdrawal of the container Bl from the storage area AF) shown. In particular, the illustration A) shows that the container ter Bl above the tray AF along the transport direction TR of the loaded container Bl is pushed. In illustration B) it is clearly shown that the container B1 loaded with the stack ST1 of mail items Bl is guided onto the storage surface AF along the transport direction TR and is then pulled out laterally from the support surface AF continuously at an angle α. The stucco wall STW and a matching support element SEI are coupled out, but the two elements still form a single, permanent support element SE2 for the stack ST1 in the container Bl, so that the original orientation on the stump wall STW of the container is never impaired. By suitable devices (scrapers) at step 1 prevents the broadcasts join in the complete further movement of the container Bl, 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 the sideways movement.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative storage surface AF for emptying the container Bl. In this case, the storage surface AF according to FIG. 1 has further, fork-shaped end elements EE which can be inserted into the slit-shaped depressions 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 storage surface can be easily guided and the stack ST1 of items in the container along the transport direction TR can be shoveled and continue to stand directly on the support surface AF, as the container Bl is pulled laterally.

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional illustration 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 containers Bl is now guided below the depositing surface AF. There are otherwise no further differences with FIG. The example of FIG 3 A) and 3 B) are shown in FIG 6 A) and 6 B) a lateral and upper two-dimensional representations A), B) of the emptying process shown in FIG 4 or 5. In principle, it should also be noted here that during the transition of the end elements EE the bottom of the container is lowered somewhat 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 direction of thrust is perpendicular to the transport direction TR and to the second, lateral sliding direction. A suspension can also be present, which holds the bottom of the container Bl to the lower side of the tray AF. The representation 6 B) is substantially similar to the FIG 3 B), except that the container Bl is guided below the storage area Af down. In summary, the full container from a position IL within the elongated axis of the tray AF up 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, requestable support element SE2, which consists of the support wall STW and the support element SEI moving away from each other.

In FIG 7, a tray AF and a container Bl for loading the container Bl is also shown. The mechanical components are similar to those in the previous ones

Characters. In this case, the container Bl or its stub wall STW moves synchronously along the transport direction TR of items with an opposing stub element SEI. The support element moves above and relative to the storage surface AF, the z. B. may have rolling elements for transporting the programs over their sections along the transport direction TR. In FIG. 7, the empty container Bl stands in a first pulled-out position SL next to the side of the storage surface AF, which is assumed to be loaded.

In FIG. 8, a three-dimensional representation of a loading process according to FIG. 7 is shown. Starting from the situation SL of the container Bl of FIG. 7, the container Bl is guided in a blade-like manner 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 pulling the container Bl to the side and on the shelf AF match the Stutzwand STW and one of the support elements SEI. At the support elements SEI the stacks of programs are aligned. Now, the support element SEI and the support wall STW of the container Bl form a single, shortenable support element SE3 for a stack STl in loading, preferably by intrusion or overlapping between the two elements SEI, STW. When loading into the container Bl, however, the bottom of the container must be guided below the shelf AF, as the other upper parts of the container, in particular the Stutzwand STW, above the shelf AF are guided. However, this is realized without any problems, since the container Bl can comprise a transport section of the storage surface AF in a blade-like manner via its column-shaped recesses SA1. At the end of the approach of the container Bl so the container Bl includes a complete stack STl of broadcasts. It is thus able IL within the tray AF. In this case, the individual support element SE3 has its shortest length transversely to the transport direction TR. Subsequently, the container Bl continues to the end E or up to the end elements EE, whereby the stack ST1 previously pushed onto the storage surface AF is delivered to the bottom of the container B1. The correct lateral orientation of the stack STl is kept constant within the walls of the container Bl. When Rausfahren from the end elements EE of the tray AF, the loaded container Bl can also be laterally pulled out along a direction opposite to the second direction SR direction SR 'to z. B. to guide the stack STl to another lateral point SL a postal system or manually record. As a result of this withdrawal, the stub wall STW of the container Bl separates again from the stub element SEI, which is still in a straight line in the transport direction TR. moves. Here is the orientation of the stack in the container Bl secured with the support wall STW.

FIG. 9 shows a lateral and an upper two-dimensional representation of the loading process according to FIG. 7 but in particular according to FIG. 8. The following steps A, B make use of the empty container Bl to be loaded on the support surface AF, via which the stacks of items be transported between support elements SEI. Furthermore, up to step C, the container Bl will completely surround a transport section in the form of a scoop until it leaves the depositing surface AF via the end elements E, EE. From this point in time, the container Bl can be separated from the support elements SEI moving further along the transport direction TR, in that e.g. B. an operator pulls the container to manually (direction SR ') or a mechanical backdrop continues the container Bl in a direction of transport direction TR forked direction R continues.

Claims

claims

1. A device for exchanging stacked mail items between a container (Bl) and a depositing surface (AF), in which:

- The support surface (AF) at least one insertable support member (SEI), to which a stack (STL) of standing on edge programs in a vertical direction is aligned, - the support member (SEI) and the container (Bl) in a transport direction ( TR) move synchronously,

- The container (Bl) has a first to the storage surface (AF) laterally disposed layer (SL), characterized in that - during a first movement according to the transport direction (TR) of the container (Bl) with a first sliding means (SMl) is coupled which causes a second movement (SR) of the container (Bl) perpendicular to the transporting direction between the first layer (SL) and a second layer (IL) arranged within the depositing surface (AF),

- When activated second movement (SR) a support wall (STW) of the container (Bl) and the support element (SE) along the transport direction (TR) match and form a single, permanent support element (SE2, SE3) for the stack (STl), such that the stack (STl) remains vertically aligned between the first and second layers (SL, IL).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the container has three walls and a bottom, wherein two opposite walls of the container (Bl) each have a columnar recess (SAl), via which the container (Bl) a transport section of the Abla plow (AF) may include scoop-shaped.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container has three walls and a bottom, wherein two opposite walls of the container (Bl) each having a columnar recess (SAl), in which a to the storage surface (AF) arranged vertically Sidewall (SW) can be inserted.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container has a bottom, the column-shaped recesses (SA2), in which end elements (EE) of the storage surface (AF) can be inserted.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (Bl) with a second sliding means (SM2) is coupled, which a third to the transport direction (TR) and the first sliding means (SMl) vertical movement (HB) of Container (Bl) causes.

6. Use of the device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that during the second movement (SR) of the container (Bl) from the second layer (IL) to the first layer (SL) on the support wall (STW) aligned Stack (STl) of shipments in the container (Bl) on the shelf (AF) is emptied.

7. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that at least over a portion of the second movement (SR) of the container to be emptied (Bl), the support member (SEI) and the support wall (STW) of the container (Bl) an extendable support member (SE2 ) for the stack (STI).

8. Use of the device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that during the second movement (SR) of the container (Bl) from the first layer (SL) to the second layer (IL) on a support element (SEI) aligned Stacks (STl) of shipments from the tray (AF) in the container (Bl) is loaded.

9. Use according to claim 8, characterized in that the support element (SEI) and the support wall (STW) of the container (Bl) form a shortenable support element (SE3) for the stack (STl), preferably by intruding or overlapping.

10. Use according to claim 9, characterized in that up to an end of the storage surface (AF) along the transport direction (TR) of the bottom of the container (Bl) below the storage surface (AF) is driven.

11. Use according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the second movement (SR) of the container by means of one of the storage surface (AF) laterally arranged Fuhrungsmittels is performed by the distance between the Fuh- means and the storage area (AF) along the transport direction is varied.

12. Use according to claim 11, characterized in that the guiding means is a mechanical backdrop which guides the container (B1) sideways from and to the depositing surface (AF) along the transport direction (TR).