DE102006048422A1 - Flat objects e.g. letters, rotating device, has rotating units arranged parallel to each other and rotating objects about object axis, where sectioning unit sections objects in rotating units depending on object characteristic - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (2) has two rotating units (22, 24) arranged parallel to each other and rotating objects (4) about an object axis. A sectioning unit sections the objects in an object flow in the rotating units depending on an object characteristic, where the object characteristic is a ballistic characteristic or a parameter associated with the height or weight of the object. An alignment unit (28) aligns the objects in each lower edge, and a bypass (20) directs the objects to the rotating units.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for turning in an article stream moving flat objects around an object axis aligned in the direction of movement of the objects.

To the Processing of correspondence in a processing plant must be the Letters in a predetermined orientation in the processing plant be transported, for example, by a validation module or sort module can be edited. To a processing of initially disorderly To enable existing mailbox mail, the shipments the mailbox post in a set-up module placed on its long edge. Subsequently Shipments will be according to the location of their stamp or their postage stamp in a given orientation. To do this about half the broadcasts are turned around their horizontal longitudinal axis.

One Shipment transport in the processing plant is mainly carried out by pinching the shipments between two belts that carry the shipments in a direction of movement parallel to the lower one longitudinal edge the shipments is.

in this connection The position of the belts in relation to the shipments must be adjusted be that even the smallest permissible shipments reliably clamped become. This is the largest possible shipments far out of the straps at the same level of the lower Longitudinal edge. A turning of the programs about their horizontal longitudinal axis is carried out by twisted by 180 ° Belt. The position of the twisted belts is hereby designed that shipments of all shipment heights can be turned without being hindered in the rotation. After turning the shipments they are again aligned on their then un lower longitudinal edge to evenly one next Supplied processing module to be able to.

It The object of the invention is a device for turning flat objects indicate that reaches a high throughput of objects can be.

These Task is solved by a device of the type mentioned, the according to the invention, two parallel mutually arranged turning means for turning the objects around the Item axis. A different occurring by turning altitude of the objects in transport belt can be at least partially compensated and the objects can in Subject stream be staggered.

The Invention is based on the consideration from that the lower longitudinal edges different sizes objects after turning the objects in a single turning means very different levels over, for example an alignment means are arranged. This requires the objects when re-aligning on its lower longitudinal edge take a different route to the alignment. Size Shipments that stood out far before being turned from conveyor belts have turned out far below after turning and are therefore close at the alignment means. Small objects are further away from the alignment means. Depending on size difference of the objects can the difference of distances for example, up to 100 mm. Aligning on the bottom longitudinal edge can be due to gravity acting on the objects, things fall so for example with the longitudinal edge on the alignment. The in height different arrangement of the objects can in one orientation by falling through the ballistics to a strong shift of the objects in the direction of movement in the object current lead. This requires the distances between the objects set big become.

The Invention proceeds from further consideration from that by two or more parallel arranged turning means each of the turning means is so aligned with an object type that can be the items when aligning after turning as far as possible evenly in the direction of movement be moved. As a result, a distance between the objects is little changed and things can be staggered closely in the flow of objects from the beginning. With a tight staggering can be a high throughput of items in the Item stream can be achieved.

The objects are preferably mail items, such as mail, e.g. Letters of all Sizes, printed matter, Magazines or the like. Also conceivable are printed products, especially documents, forms, receipts, labels and the like. However, the invention is not limited to the mentioned objects. The Item axis is preferably a longitudinal axis of an item. It can turn when turning with a component of motion transverse to itself be moved, so that the object in turning additionally in a translatory or an additional rotational direction is moved. The direction of movement is the direction of movement in the Item stream, for example, when turning or just before. The Turning means preferably each have an around the object axis twisted pair of bands for transporting and guiding the objects.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device a partitioning unit for dividing the articles in the article stream depending on the turning means an object property. It can be an influence of this property taken into account with respect to the shifting of the objects so that only a small displacement of the objects to each other occurs. Appropriately, are the turning means in their geometric interpretation of the object property adapted and executed differently.

A good adaptation of a turning process to a freewheeling route, in the the objects through A fall can be achieved when the object characteristic is a ballistic property.

advantageously, the object characteristic is an object height. In this way can be different Aligning distances in the vertical direction of different sized objects considered become. The height of the item is preferably perpendicular to the direction of movement and in a flat direction of flat objects seen.

It is also advantageous if the article property a is the size associated with the weight of the article. Lightweight items can be added a long fall distance especially far against the direction of movement be moved. Therefore, such items are particularly critical and are advantageously turned so that they have a small drop distance go through the alignment. Heavy objects are less critical ballistic, which is why they have a larger fall distance is tolerable. The size can the weight itself or a different size, depending on the weight shut down leaves, for example, a volume of the object from which by means of a Density measured, estimated or flat rate, can be closed on the weight can.

A sees further advantageous embodiment in that the device comprises an alignment means for aligning the objects at each of its lower edge. The objects can with be fed to the next processing module a uniform orientation.

One Aligning can be done easily and reliably, when the alignment means has a drop distance, in which the leveling objects fall down on an alignment element.

One single alignment means for all turning means is sufficient when the object flows out of the Wendemitteln be brought together before reaching the alignment. Furthermore can offset a displacement of the objects when merging become.

One vertical distance of the turned objects to, for example, one Soil can be evened out, if the device comprises a compensating means for balancing a major change in position a lower edge of the objects by turning in one of the turning means compared to the other Reversing means. If, for example, large objects are turned in a turning means, So they reach far down after turning. By the compensatory agent can these objects in relation to to smaller items be lifted from the other turning means, so that a height difference In any case, be partially compensated between the lower edges can.

One Balancing the different position of the lower edges can be easy can be achieved when the turning means each have a turning element for turning of the objects around the object axis and a previous means of transport have and the subject axis in proportion different to the transport at the two turning elements is arranged, for example, different heights.

In addition, will suggested that from a main subject stream first high objects are separated to a turning agent and then lower objects in the further turning means. The one turning means for secreting the high objects is thus located in the article stream further forward than the other Reversing means. This can ensure that the items always be clamped between transport belts.

Conveniently, The device includes a bypass for passing objects the turning means. Objects, that do not need to be turned can simply be led past the turning agent. Here it is advantageous when switches to segregate objects the Wendemitteln are formed such that guided by the bypass objects at least largely guided distraction free through the switches. As through the bypass usually more items guided Be as by one of the turning means, thereby a large part of the objects distraction-free and thus with little mechanical stress due to the device out become. For a transport or a processing critical items can be with a low risk of malfunction be transported further.

The Invention is based on an embodiment explained in more detail, the is shown in the drawings. Show it:

1 a device for turning flat objects in a plan view and

2 a flow chart of an item transport through the device.

1 shows a schematic plan view of a device 2 for turning flat objects 4 , Things 4 in the top view 1 Shown in a view of their upper narrow longitudinal side, shipments are in the size of small postcards up to the size of the standard B5. The device 2 includes a transport strand 6 for transporting a broadcast stream of broadcasts in a direction of movement 8th passing through two points 10 three sub-strands 12 . 14 . 16 includes.

Through the switches 10 are those shipments that are not in the direction of movement 8th aligned object axis 18 (please refer 2 ) should be turned, straight ahead and largely undistracted into the lower strand 12 passed as a by-pass 20 works. This is about half of the broadcasts of the broadcast stream. The other half of the shipments will be using the switches 10 to two Wendemitteln 22 . 24 transported in the lower strand 16 respectively. 14 are arranged. The shipments from the bypass 20 and the turning tools 22 . 24 be in mergers 26 reunited and together reach an alignment tool 28 , which is designed as a freewheeling route. After passing through the freewheeling track, the objects 4 in the article stream in the direction of movement 8th transported to other processing modules, not shown, a system from which the device 2 a part is.

In the transport line 6 up to the freewheeling section, the programs are between two belts 30 kept clamped, being in the course of the transport strand 6 detach several pairs of belts during transport. In the turning ways 22 . 24 is in each case a pair of belts around one in the direction of movement 8th the shipments aligned axis twisted by 180 °, so that the shipments there through the belts 36 guided around this axis. The twist of the belts 36 is in 1 not shown and in 2 indicated. Two support rollers 32 care in every turning agent 22 . 24 for a good guidance of the belts 36 , A twisted pair of wires 34 in every turning agent 22 . 24 is arranged on both sides of the belt pairs and supports the broadcasts in the turning process, so that too large, out of the belt 36 far protruding broadcasts are flawlessly turned.

In the alignment medium 28 are the belts 30 the pairs of straps are slightly separated so that between the straps 30 a small slot 38 arises, in which the shipments down on an executed as a bottom strap alignment 40 ( 2 ) on which the consignments are transported. To the belt 30 by static charge adhesive shipments down on the alignment element 40 to bring are the belts 30 slightly inclined downwards.

The movement of the transmission current and its division into the lower strands 12 . 14 . 16 is from a control unit shown schematically 42 controlled, among other things with the course 10 is technically connected.

In 2 is the item current based on some shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 schematically illustrated in a flow chart. To ensure a uniform orientation of the shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 to reach in which the stamp is up front, are some of the shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 have already been turned around their vertical axis in a dead end turnaround. The shipments 44 . 48 and 50 still have to go around the horizontal object axis 18 be turned to be uniform. For this, the shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 with a measuring module 54 scanned for their size. This scan involves measuring the height of the item 56 of the shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 but may also include measuring the length and thickness in addition to the volume of the shipment 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 to determine and determine therefrom with the help of a flat-set density their weight.

The shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 are in their subject height 56 Differently. While the shipment 46 a standard letter with a standard envelope is the shipments 44 . 52 Postcards that are a bit smaller. Even smaller and just within the permissible dimensions is the consignment 48 whereas the consignment 50 has a B5 size greater than the height of the shipment 46 ,

Depending on their subject height 56 become the shipments to be used 44 . 48 . 50 from the control unit 42 and with the help of the switches 10 on the turning means 22 . 24 distributed. First, those shipments 50 apart, larger than a standard letter. After that, the broadcasts become 44 . 48 apart as big as or smaller than a standard letter. Of course, there would be the possibility of providing three turning tools to handle standard shipments, smaller shipments or larger shipments. Other divisions are conceivable. Not to be used broadcasts 46 . 52 go through the bypass 20 ,

When dividing into the turning agent 22 . 24 is from the control unit 42 also from the volume of the shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 assumed weight of the shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 included. Because heavy shipments 46 . 50 in the alignment medium 28 easier on the alignment element 40 fall as light shipments 44 . 48 . 52 , leads to shipments 46 which are of their size in a boundary area in the division between the Wendemitteln 22 . 24 a high weight rather in a division into the turning means 22 for high shipments 50 and a low weight rather in a division into the turning means 22 for low shipments 44 . 48 ,

In the turning ways 22 . 24 become the broadcasts 44 . 50 first of belt 30 transported and then to other belts 36 pass, which are twisted. In this case, the transfer is in each case by a compensation means 58 . 60 completed, which is a height offset 62 . 64 the belt 30 . 36 has to each other. While in the turning center 24 the belt 36 around the height offset 62 deeper than the straps 30 , is the belt 36 in the turning center 22 around the height offset 64 higher than the belts 30 , This is the object axis 18 to which the broadcasts 44 . 48 . 50 be turned around, both at the big shipments 50 as well as the small shipments 44 . 48 in about half the height of the item 56 of the shipments 44 . 48 . 50 to lie. This compensation avoids the lower edge 66 for example, the shipment 50 to lie after the turn at a substantially different altitude than the lower edge 68 before the turn. Due to the different height offset 62 . 64 in the turning ways 24 . 22 is the object axis 18 in relation to the position of the transporting belt 30 at the turning elements 22 . 24 arranged at different heights. It can be a distance 70 . 72 between the object axis 18 and the bottom edge 66 . 76 after turning like the distance 70 . 72 between the object axis 18 and the bottom edge 68 . 74 at least largely the same.

After the turn through the shipments 44 . 48 . 50 again a compensation 78 . 80 with a height offset 82 . 84 so that their lower edges 66 . 76 at about the same height relative to further transporting belts 86 to come to rest. Thus, the lower edges are 66 . 76 even after going through the mergers 26 also at substantially the same level 88 relative to a floor 90 , Almost the same height 88 also show the shipments 46 . 52 passing through the bypass 20 have run to the ground 90 on.

All shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 get to the alignment 28 in which she points to the alignment element 40 fall. By the at least similar height 88 fall the shipments 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 essentially equally deep and therefore suffer from ballistic reasons, an at least similar delay against their direction of movement 8th , This leaves a gap 92 at least essentially the same between them. By this maximum small change in distance, the broadcasts 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 with a close distance 92 to each other through the device 2 be moved, creating a high throughput of broadcasts 44 . 46 . 48 . 50 . 52 through the device 2 can be achieved.

Claims (13)

Contraption ( 2 ) for turning flat objects moving in a stream of objects ( 4 ) one in the direction of movement ( 8th ) of the objects ( 6 ) oriented object axis ( 18 ), characterized by two mutually parallel turning means ( 22 . 24 ) for turning the objects ( 4 ) around the object axis ( 18 ). Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized by a division unit for splitting the objects ( 4 ) in the article stream on the turning means ( 22 . 24 ) depending on an item property. Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the article characteristic is a ballistic property. Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the object characteristic is an object height ( 56 ). Contraption ( 2 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the article characteristic is one with the weight of the article ( 4 ) is connected size. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an alignment means ( 28 ) for aligning the objects ( 4 ) at each of their lower edges ( 66 . 68 . 74 . 76 ). Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the alignment means ( 28 ) has a drop distance in which the objects to be leveled ( 4 ) down on an alignment element ( 40 ) fall. Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the object streams from the Wendemitteln ( 22 . 24 ) before reaching the alignment means ( 28 ) are merged. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a compensating means ( 58 . 60 . 78 . 80 ) to compensate for a major change in position of a lower edge ( 66 . 68 . 74 . 76 ) of the objects ( 4 ) by turning in one of the turning means ( 22 . 24 ) compared to the other turning means ( 24 . 22 ). Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turning means ( 22 . 24 ) each a turning element for turning the objects ( 4 ) around the object axis ( 18 ) and a preceding means of transport and the object axis ( 18 ) is arranged differently in relation to the means of transport in the turning elements. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that from a main article stream, first high objects ( 4 ) to a turning agent ( 22 ) and then lower items ( 4 ) in the further turning means ( 24 ). Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a bypass ( 20 ) for passing objects ( 4 ) at the Wendemitteln ( 22 . 24 ). Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that through the bypass ( 20 ) guided objects ( 4 ) at least largely distraction-free by switches ( 10 ) for segregating objects ( 4 ) to the turning means ( 22 . 24 ).