EP0645329B1 - Apparatus for preventing double feed and separating device with such an apparatus - Google Patents

Apparatus for preventing double feed and separating device with such an apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0645329B1
EP0645329B1 EP94402117A EP94402117A EP0645329B1 EP 0645329 B1 EP0645329 B1 EP 0645329B1 EP 94402117 A EP94402117 A EP 94402117A EP 94402117 A EP94402117 A EP 94402117A EP 0645329 B1 EP0645329 B1 EP 0645329B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transfer
holding
separator
retaining
separator device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94402117A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0645329A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Martin
Jean-Marc Teluob
Jean-Luc Astier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Solystic SAS
Original Assignee
Alcatel SA
Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Generale dElectricite
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Publication of EP0645329A1 publication Critical patent/EP0645329A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/08—Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
    • B65H3/12—Suction bands, belts, or tables moving relatively to the pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C1/00—Measures preceding sorting according to destination
    • B07C1/02—Forming articles into a stream; Arranging articles in a stream, e.g. spacing, orientating
    • B07C1/025—Devices for the temporary stacking of objects provided with a stacking and destacking device (interstack device)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/46—Supplementary devices or measures to assist separation or prevent double feed

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for separate from double sockets. It also targets a flat object unstacking device equipped with this separator.
  • the mail is placed on edge on a carpet, backed to a palette. Thanks to a simultaneous motorization of the carpet and pallet, the courier advances to the gripper.
  • the carpet leads to a sudden change level, called in the following fall.
  • the folds fall then in a supply store adjacent to the mail gripper.
  • the gripper includes vacuum zones in front of which a perforated belt passes.
  • the mail When leaving the gripper, the mail passes in front the vacuum zone of the double outlet separator, located on the other side of the mail. This organ retains the mails which would be entrained by friction by the previous mail, so as not to let go only one mail at a time.
  • the mail is picked up in an evacuator which provides the interface between the unstacking device and a sorting device.
  • French patent application FR-A-2 679 540 of 25 July 1991 in the name of the Applicant describes a device for unstacking flat objects comprising a retainer ensuring the separator function of double sockets.
  • This retainer is made up a vacuum head acting on the rear face a depilated fold. It is arranged upstream of a transfer device consisting of two belts and is activated when a flat object is supported by this transfer device.
  • the retaining member is fixed and integral with the supply store built. This has consequence of limiting the permissible thickness of a flat object.
  • Document DE-B-1 267 012 also discloses a device for separation of double sockets in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide a double outlet separator that can retain flat objects that would be frictionally driven by the previous flat object, regardless of the thickness of these objects and their lateral position during transfer, with means of conduction of depression adapted to a movement of withdrawal of retaining means due to folds thick or variable thickness.
  • the subject of the invention is a device for separating double sockets according to claim 1.
  • a device for unstacking flat objects includes means of supplying objects flat, gripping means of flat objects, a double tap separator according to the invention comprising retaining means, and means of transfer, the separating device being placed between the gripping means and the means of transfer, and the retaining means being controlled so that a retaining force is exerted whenever an object is driven by the means transfer.
  • An unstacking device 10 comprises a mat routing 14 on which objects are placed dishes 9, for example folds, backed by a pallet 7 moving at the same speed as the mat 14, a supply store 13 into which fall folds 1-3 after leaving the conveyor belt 14, a gripping device 17, a tap separator double 20 and a transfer device 16.
  • the gripper 17 includes a perforated belt 15 moving around return pulleys.
  • a vacuum device 12, placed inside the belt, produces a vacuum area opposite supply store 13 and the separator double sockets 20.
  • the double tap separator 20 includes a first part 21 connected to the frame 18 of the device unstacking 10 by a first articulation 28 of axis substantially parallel to the axes of the return pulleys gripper 17, and a second part 19 connected to the first part 21 by a second articulation 29 of axis substantially parallel to the axis of the first articulation 28.
  • This second part 19 supports a vacuum head 22 connected to a generator device vacuum (not shown in Figure 1).
  • a holding device 27 for example a torsion spring or any other equivalent means, is disposed at the first articulation 28 for exert a holding force Fm and to maintain thus permanently the second arm 19 and the head at depression 22 in contact with the flat object or objects placed between said second arm 19 and part of a gripping face 4 of the gripper 17 opposite the double outlet separator 20.
  • the first fold 1 in the stack is supported by suction by the gripper device 17 then moved to the transfer device 16 thanks to the perforated belt 15. It is then attracted and caught up by the transfer (16) and is then wedged between the double outlet separator (20) and the face of grip 4.
  • the separator 20 is activated by the front edge of a "object", whether it has a single fold or whether is made up of a double socket. For example, this activation can be ordered by concealing a passage detector (not shown) located at level of separator 20. This is deactivated by the front back of this "object” by concealing another passage detector also not shown).
  • the separator 20 is activated anyway when the first passage detector is obscured. But single fold is at the same time driven by the gripper 17 in the transfer device 16 to be there immobilized before its transfer to sort (not shown), and the separator 20 is deactivated as soon as the second passage detector is de-occulted.
  • the double outlet separator must be able to be retracted by flat objects with weak force to avoid any risk of wrinkle damage fragile and blocking of the unstacking device 10. It an appropriate connection of the head must then be provided vacuum 22 to a vacuum generator 34 for that the vacuum head 22 is not directly subjected to antagonistic forces due to the vacuum it would be necessary to compensate. This connection must also follow the withdrawal movement due to thick folds and be of negligible stiffness.
  • the solution of a sliding separator in the duct is not satisfactory because the force due to the vacuum would oppose that of the spring ensuring the maintenance of the separator against objects. An oscillatory movement would therefore inadvertently distance the separator from mail.
  • Figure 2 illustrates an advantageous mode of connection of the vacuum head 22 of a separator of double sockets 30 according to the invention to the generator 34.
  • the double outlet separator 30 includes a first rigid conduit 37 in the form of a tube angled and having a first part 31 of which the end acts as a vacuum head 22 and is in contact with a flat object 1 resting on a transfer support 35 and moving along a predetermined transfer direction Dt, and a second part 32 of axis substantially perpendicular to the first part 31 and integral with a structure 33 movable relative to a fixed support 38 according to a direction of movement Dm substantially parallel to the axis of the first part 31 of the rigid conduit 37.
  • the mobile structure 33 acting as a stop can by example be equipped with one or more elements of bearing, for example rollers 36, 37 or any other equivalent means such as one or more marbles.
  • the end 39 of the second part of the conduit rigid 37 is preferably connected at one end a flexible conduit 43 whose other end is connected to generator 34.
  • the bent rigid duct 37 is guided in a guide piece 41 having a slot whose shape substantially follows the trajectory of displacement of the second part 32 of the rigid conduit 37, for example an arc of a circle.
  • the mobile structure 33 integral with the rigid duct 37 is equipped with a stop comprising for example a stop ball 46 in contact with a frame plan 48.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif pour séparer des prises doubles. Elle vise également un dispositif de dépilage d'objets plats équipé de ce séparateur.The present invention relates to a device for separate from double sockets. It also targets a flat object unstacking device equipped with this separator.

Un dispositif de dépilage d'objets plats comprend quatre organes principaux:

  • un magasin d'approvisionnement du courrier,
  • un préhenseur de courrier,
  • un séparateur de prises doubles,
  • un dispositif de transfert ou évacuateur.
A device for unstacking flat objects comprises four main organs:
  • a mail supply store,
  • a mail gripper,
  • a double outlet separator,
  • a transfer device or spillway.

Le courrier est posé sur chant sur un tapis, adossé à une palette. Grâce à une motorisation simultanée du tapis et de la palette, le courrier avance vers le préhenseur. Le tapis débouche sur un brusque changement de niveau, appelé dans la suite chute. Les plis tombent alors dans un magasin d'approvisionnement adjacent au préhenseur de courrier.The mail is placed on edge on a carpet, backed to a palette. Thanks to a simultaneous motorization of the carpet and pallet, the courier advances to the gripper. The carpet leads to a sudden change level, called in the following fall. The folds fall then in a supply store adjacent to the mail gripper.

Le préhenseur comprend des zones de dépression devant lesquelles passe une courroie perforée.The gripper includes vacuum zones in front of which a perforated belt passes.

Au sortir du préhenseur, le courrier passe devant la zone à dépression du séparateur de prises doubles, situé sur l'autre face du courrier. Cet organe retient les courriers qui seraient entraínés par friction par le courrier précédent, de façon à ne laisser partir qu'un seul courrier à la fois.When leaving the gripper, the mail passes in front the vacuum zone of the double outlet separator, located on the other side of the mail. This organ retains the mails which would be entrained by friction by the previous mail, so as not to let go only one mail at a time.

En sortie du séparateur de prises doubles, le courrier est pris en charge dans un évacuateur qui assure l'interface entre le dispositif de dépilage et un dispositif de tri.At the outlet of the double tap separator, the mail is picked up in an evacuator which provides the interface between the unstacking device and a sorting device.

La demande de brevet français FR-A-2 679 540 du 25 juillet 1991 au nom de la Demanderesse décrit un dispositif de dépilage d'objets plats comportant un organe de retenue assurant la fonction de séparateur de prises doubles. Cet organe de retenue est constitué d'une tête à dépression agissant sur la face arrière d'un pli dépilé. Il est disposé en amont d'un dispositif de transfert constitué de deux courroies d'entraínement, et est activé lorsqu'un objet plat est pris en charge par ce dispositif de transfert. Par ailleurs, l'organe de retenue est fixe et solidaire du bâti du magasin d'approvisionnement. Ceci a pour conséquence de limiter l'épaisseur admissible d'un objet plat.French patent application FR-A-2 679 540 of 25 July 1991 in the name of the Applicant describes a device for unstacking flat objects comprising a retainer ensuring the separator function of double sockets. This retainer is made up a vacuum head acting on the rear face a depilated fold. It is arranged upstream of a transfer device consisting of two belts and is activated when a flat object is supported by this transfer device. By elsewhere, the retaining member is fixed and integral with the supply store built. This has consequence of limiting the permissible thickness of a flat object.

On connaít également par la demande de brevet français n°9104048 du 3 Avril 1991 un dispositif séparateur de prises doubles comportant un bloc d'aspiration permanente présentant une face plane devant laquelle se déplacent les deux objets plats à séparer maintenus appliqués contre cette face et un organe racleur pouvant se déplacer perpendiculairement à la face plane avec un mouvement de va-et-vient. Cet organe racleur est constitué d'un boítier dans lequel est créée une dépression inférieure à celle qui règne dans le bloc d'aspiration, un chariot porteur pour le boítier de l'organe racleur, des moyens pour déplacer le chariot afin d'appliquer le boítier contre les deux objets accolés, et des moyens pour assurer automatiquement un retrait du chariot. Ce dispositif séparateur peut présenter les inconvénients suivants : On peut souhaiter que le retrait du séparateur n'ait pas lieu, notamment dans le cas d'un pli faiblement rigide, afin d'éviter une déformation excessive de ce pli, et ce retrait qui est d'amplitude prédéterminée ne permet pas la prise en charge de courriers épais.We also know by patent application French n ° 9104048 of April 3, 1991 a device double outlet separator with one block permanent suction with a flat face in front of which the two flat objects move separate held applied against this face and a scraper member which can move perpendicularly on the flat face with a back and forth movement. This scraper member consists of a housing in which is created a depression lower than that which reigns in the suction unit, a carrying trolley for the housing of the scraper member, means for moving the carriage to apply the housing against the two adjoining objects, and means for ensuring automatically remove the carriage. These measures separator can have the following disadvantages: We may wish that the removal of the separator did not not take place, especially in the case of a weak fold rigid, in order to avoid excessive deformation of this fold, and this withdrawal which is of predetermined amplitude does not not support thick mail.

On connaít également du document DE-B-1 267 012 un dispositif de séparation de prises doubles conforme au préambule de la revendication 1. Document DE-B-1 267 012 also discloses a device for separation of double sockets in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

Le but de la présente invention est de proposer un séparateur de prises doubles qui puisse retenir des objets plats qui seraient entraínés par friction par l'objet plat précédent, quelle que soit l'épaisseur de ces objets et leur position latérale lors du transfert, avec des moyens de conduction de dépression adaptés à un mouvement de retrait de moyens de retenue dû à des plis épais ou d'épaisseur variable. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a double outlet separator that can retain flat objects that would be frictionally driven by the previous flat object, regardless of the thickness of these objects and their lateral position during transfer, with means of conduction of depression adapted to a movement of withdrawal of retaining means due to folds thick or variable thickness.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif séparateur de prises doubles conforme à la revendication 1.To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for separating double sockets according to claim 1.

La mise en oeuvre d'une structure mobile supportant les moyens de retenue permet ainsi de traiter des courriers d'épaisseur variable.The implementation of a mobile structure supporting the retaining means thus makes it possible to treat couriers of variable thickness.

Suivant un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, un dispositif de dépilage d'objets plats comprend des moyens d'approvisionnement en objets plats, des moyens préhenseurs d'objets plats, un dispositif séparateur de prises doubles selon l'invention comprenant des moyens de retenue, et des moyens de transfert, le dispositif séparateur étant placé entre les moyens préhenseurs et les moyens de transfert, et les moyens de retenue étant commandés de sorte qu'une force de retenue est exercée à chaque fois qu'un objet est entraíné par les moyens de transfert.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a device for unstacking flat objects includes means of supplying objects flat, gripping means of flat objects, a double tap separator according to the invention comprising retaining means, and means of transfer, the separating device being placed between the gripping means and the means of transfer, and the retaining means being controlled so that a retaining force is exerted whenever an object is driven by the means transfer.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaítront encore dans la description ci-après. Aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de dessus simplifiée d'un dispositif de dépilage d'objets plats équipé d'un séparateur de prises doubles selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de côté en coupe partielle d'un séparateur de prises doubles selon l'invention ; et
  • la figure 3 représente une forme particulière de réalisation d'un séparateur de prises doubles selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below. In the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples:
  • Figure 1 is a simplified top view of a device for unstacking flat objects equipped with a double outlet separator according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a side view in partial section of a double outlet separator according to the invention; and
  • FIG. 3 represents a particular embodiment of a separator for double sockets according to the invention.

On va maintenant décrire un dispositif de dépilage d'objets plats équipé d'un séparateur de prises doubles selon l'invention, en même temps que le fonctionnement de ce séparateur de prises doubles, en référence aux figures 1 à 3.We will now describe an unstacking device flat objects equipped with a double outlet separator according to the invention, at the same time as the operation of this double tap separator, with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

Un dispositif de dépilage 10 comprend un tapis d'acheminement 14 sur lequel sont placés des objets plats 9, par exemple des plis, adossés à une palette 7 se déplaçant à la même vitesse que le tapis 14, un magasin d'approvisionnement 13 dans lequel chutent des plis 1-3 après avoir quitté le tapis d'acheminement 14, un dispositif préhenseur 17, un séparateur de prises doubles 20 et un dispositif de transfert 16. Le dispositif préhenseur 17 comprend une courroie perforée 15 se déplaçant autour de poulies de renvoi. Un dispositif de dépression 12, placé à l'intérieur de la courroie, produit une zone de dépression en vis à vis du magasin d'approvisionnement 13 et du séparateur de prises doubles 20.An unstacking device 10 comprises a mat routing 14 on which objects are placed dishes 9, for example folds, backed by a pallet 7 moving at the same speed as the mat 14, a supply store 13 into which fall folds 1-3 after leaving the conveyor belt 14, a gripping device 17, a tap separator double 20 and a transfer device 16. The gripper 17 includes a perforated belt 15 moving around return pulleys. A vacuum device 12, placed inside the belt, produces a vacuum area opposite supply store 13 and the separator double sockets 20.

Le séparateur de prises doubles 20 comprend une première pièce 21 reliée au bâti 18 du dispositif de dépilage 10 par une première articulation 28 d'axe sensiblement parallèle aux axes des poulies de renvoi du préhenseur 17, et une seconde pièce 19 reliée à la première pièce 21 par une seconde articulation 29 d'axe sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de la première articulation 28. Cette seconde pièce 19 supporte une tête à dépression 22 reliée à un dispositif générateur de vide (non représenté en figure 1).The double tap separator 20 includes a first part 21 connected to the frame 18 of the device unstacking 10 by a first articulation 28 of axis substantially parallel to the axes of the return pulleys gripper 17, and a second part 19 connected to the first part 21 by a second articulation 29 of axis substantially parallel to the axis of the first articulation 28. This second part 19 supports a vacuum head 22 connected to a generator device vacuum (not shown in Figure 1).

Un dispositif de maintien 27, par exemple un ressort en torsion ou tout autre moyen équivalent, est disposé au niveau de la première articulation 28 pour exercer une force de maintien Fm et pour maintenir ainsi en permanence le second bras 19 et la tête à dépression 22 en contact avec le ou les objets plats placés entre ledit second bras 19 et une partie d'une face de préhension 4 du préhenseur 17 en vis à vis du séparateur de prises doubles 20.A holding device 27, for example a torsion spring or any other equivalent means, is disposed at the first articulation 28 for exert a holding force Fm and to maintain thus permanently the second arm 19 and the head at depression 22 in contact with the flat object or objects placed between said second arm 19 and part of a gripping face 4 of the gripper 17 opposite the double outlet separator 20.

Ainsi, lorsque des plis 1-3 ont quitté le tapis d'acheminement 8 au niveau d'une chute 8 et aboutissent dans le magasin d'approvisionnement 13, le premier pli 1 dans la pile est pris en charge par aspiration par le dispositif préhenseur 17 puis déplacé vers le dispositif de transfert 16 grâce à la courroie perforée 15. Il est ensuite attiré et happé par le dispositif de transfert (16) et se trouve alors coincé entre le séparateur de prises doubles (20) et la face de préhension 4.So when 1-3 folds have left the carpet 8 at a drop 8 and end in supply store 13, the first fold 1 in the stack is supported by suction by the gripper device 17 then moved to the transfer device 16 thanks to the perforated belt 15. It is then attracted and caught up by the transfer (16) and is then wedged between the double outlet separator (20) and the face of grip 4.

Le séparateur 20 est activé par le front avant d'un "objet", que celui-ci comporte un pli unique ou qu'il soit constitué d'une prise double. Par exemple, cette activation peut être commandée par occultation d'un détecteur de passage (non représenté) situé au niveau du séparateur 20. Celui-ci est désactivé par le front arrière de cet "objet" par désoccultation d'un autre détecteur de passage également non représenté).The separator 20 is activated by the front edge of a "object", whether it has a single fold or whether is made up of a double socket. For example, this activation can be ordered by concealing a passage detector (not shown) located at level of separator 20. This is deactivated by the front back of this "object" by concealing another passage detector also not shown).

Dans le cas où un seul pli est effectivement situé au niveau du séparateur de prises doubles 20 avant d'être pris en charge par le dispositif de transfert 16, le séparateur 20 est de toute façon activé lorsque le premier détecteur de passage est occulté. Mais ce pli unique est en même temps entraíné par le préhenseur 17 dans le dispositif de transfert 16 pour y être immobilisé avant son transfert vers des dispositifs de tri (non représentés), et le séparateur 20 est désactivé dès que le second détecteur de passage est désocculté.In the case where only one fold is actually located at the front double tap separator 20 to be supported by the transfer device 16, the separator 20 is activated anyway when the first passage detector is obscured. But single fold is at the same time driven by the gripper 17 in the transfer device 16 to be there immobilized before its transfer to sort (not shown), and the separator 20 is deactivated as soon as the second passage detector is de-occulted.

En revanche, si un second pli 6 est entraíné par friction avec un premier pli 5 et constitue alors un "objet", alors la tête à dépression 22 du séparateur 20 retient ce second pli intempestif 6, permettant ainsi le transfert du seul premier pli 5 qui est en contact avec la courroie 15 et est donc entraíné vers le dispositif de transfert 16. Le second pli 6 est alors pris en charge séquentiellement. Les articulations 27, 29 du séparateur de prises doubles 20 permettent de prendre en compte des objets plats d'épaisseur quelconque en gardant le second bras 19 et la tête à dépression 22 en permanence sensiblement parallèle au courrier quelle que soit son épaisseur et sans que cela nuise à l'efficacité et au traitement automatique du tri des courriers.However, if a second fold 6 is driven by friction with a first fold 5 and then constitutes a "object", then the vacuum head 22 of the separator 20 retains this untimely second fold 6, thus allowing the transfer of the only first fold 5 which is in contact with the belt 15 and is therefore driven towards the transfer device 16. The second fold 6 is then supported sequentially. The joints 27, 29 of the double outlet separator 20 allow take into account thick flat objects any while keeping the second arm 19 and the head at depression 22 permanently substantially parallel to mail whatever its thickness and without that interferes with the efficiency and automatic processing of sorting mail.

Le séparateur de prises doubles doit pouvoir être escamoté par les objets plats avec une force faible afin d'éviter tout risque de détérioration de pli fragile et de blocage du dispositif de dépilage 10. Il faut alors prévoir un raccordement approprié de la tête à dépression 22 à un générateur de dépression 34 pour que la tête à dépression 22 ne soit pas directement soumise à des forces antagonistes dues au vide qu'il serait nécessaire de compenser. Ce raccordement doit en outre suivre lui aussi le mouvement de retrait dû à des plis épais et être d'une raideur négligeable. La solution d'un séparateur coulissant dans le conduit n'est pas satisfaisante car la force due au vide s'opposerait à celle du ressort assurant le maintien du séparateur contre les objets. Un mouvement oscillatoire éloignerait donc de façon intempestive le séparateur du courrier. La figure 2 illustre un mode avantageux de raccordement de la tête à dépression 22 d'un séparateur de prises doubles 30 selon l'invention au générateur 34. Le séparateur de prises doubles 30 comprend un premier conduit rigide 37 ayant la forme d'un tube coudé et présentant une première partie 31 dont l'extrémité fait fonction de tête à dépression 22 et est en contact avec un objet plat 1 reposant sur un support de transfert 35 et se déplaçant suivant une direction de transfert prédéterminée Dt, et une seconde partie 32 d'axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à la première partie 31 et solidaire d'une structure 33 mobile par rapport à un support fixe 38 selon une direction de déplacement Dm sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de la première partie 31 du conduit rigide 37. La structure mobile 33 faisant fonction de butée peut par exemple être équipée d'un ou plusieurs éléments de roulement, par exemple des rouleaux 36, 37 ou de tout autre moyen équivalent telles qu'une ou plusieurs billes. L'extrémité 39 de la seconde partie du conduit rigide 37 est de préférence connectée à une extrémité d'un conduit souple 43 dont l'autre extrémité est connectée au générateur 34.The double outlet separator must be able to be retracted by flat objects with weak force to avoid any risk of wrinkle damage fragile and blocking of the unstacking device 10. It an appropriate connection of the head must then be provided vacuum 22 to a vacuum generator 34 for that the vacuum head 22 is not directly subjected to antagonistic forces due to the vacuum it would be necessary to compensate. This connection must also follow the withdrawal movement due to thick folds and be of negligible stiffness. The solution of a sliding separator in the duct is not satisfactory because the force due to the vacuum would oppose that of the spring ensuring the maintenance of the separator against objects. An oscillatory movement would therefore inadvertently distance the separator from mail. Figure 2 illustrates an advantageous mode of connection of the vacuum head 22 of a separator of double sockets 30 according to the invention to the generator 34. The double outlet separator 30 includes a first rigid conduit 37 in the form of a tube angled and having a first part 31 of which the end acts as a vacuum head 22 and is in contact with a flat object 1 resting on a transfer support 35 and moving along a predetermined transfer direction Dt, and a second part 32 of axis substantially perpendicular to the first part 31 and integral with a structure 33 movable relative to a fixed support 38 according to a direction of movement Dm substantially parallel to the axis of the first part 31 of the rigid conduit 37. The mobile structure 33 acting as a stop can by example be equipped with one or more elements of bearing, for example rollers 36, 37 or any other equivalent means such as one or more marbles. The end 39 of the second part of the conduit rigid 37 is preferably connected at one end a flexible conduit 43 whose other end is connected to generator 34.

Ainsi, lorsqu'un pli 1 est déplacé par le dispositif préhenseur 17 selon une direction de transfert Dt sur le support de transfert 35, la tête à dépression 31 est maintenue appliquée selon une direction de maintien Dm sur la face de ce pli qui est en vis à vis du séparateur 30. La faculté de retrait du conduit 37 selon une direction de déplacement Dm perpendiculaire à la direction de transfert Dt permet ainsi de prendre en compte des courriers d'épaisseur variable. La force V due au vide est compensée par la réaction R de la butée constituée par la structure mobile 33, et n'affecte plus le retrait du séparateur.So when a fold 1 is moved by the gripper device 17 in a direction of transfer Dt on the transfer support 35, the head depression 31 is maintained applied according to a holding direction Dm on the face of this fold which is opposite the separator 30. The ability to withdraw the conduit 37 in a direction of movement Dm perpendicular to the transfer direction Dt allows so take into account thick mail variable. The force V due to the vacuum is compensated by the reaction R of the stop constituted by the structure mobile 33, and no longer affects the removal of the separator.

Dans une forme particulière de réalisation d'un séparateur de prises doubles 40, en référence à la figure 3 sur laquelle les pièces d'articulation n'ont pas été représentées, le conduit rigide coudé 37 est guidé dans une pièce de guidage 41 présentant une fente dont la forme épouse sensiblement la trajectoire de déplacement de la seconde partie 32 du conduit rigide 37, par exemple un arc de cercle. La structure mobile 33 solidaire du conduit rigide 37 est équipée d'une butée comprenant par exemple une bille de butée 46 en contact avec un plan de bâti 48. Ainsi, on obtient un découplage entre les efforts dus au vide et les efforts de maintien fournis par le ressort, ce découplage ayant pour effet de limiter les risques d'oscillation intempestive de la tête à dépression.In a particular embodiment of a double outlet separator 40, with reference to Figure 3 on which the articulation parts have not shown, the bent rigid duct 37 is guided in a guide piece 41 having a slot whose shape substantially follows the trajectory of displacement of the second part 32 of the rigid conduit 37, for example an arc of a circle. The mobile structure 33 integral with the rigid duct 37 is equipped with a stop comprising for example a stop ball 46 in contact with a frame plan 48. Thus, one obtains a decoupling between the forces due to vacuum and the forces holding provided by the spring, this decoupling having to limit the risk of oscillation untimely depression head.

Bien sûr, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples qui viennent d'être décrits et de nombreux aménagements peuvent être apportés à ces exemples sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. Ainsi, on peut envisager diverses solutions techniques pour assurer le maintien du séparateur contre les objets plats, notamment l'emploi de ressorts de compression. On peut également prévoir bien d'autres dispositifs permettant de réaliser une butée.Of course, the invention is not limited to examples just described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without depart from the scope of the invention. So we can consider various technical solutions to ensure the holding the separator against flat objects, in particular the use of compression springs. We can also provide many other devices allowing to make a stop.

Claims (6)

  1. Double pick separator device (20) comprising means (22) for retaining a flat object (6) which might otherwise be entrained by friction by another flat object (5) being moved in a predetermined transfer direction (Dt) by transfer means (16, 5), said retaining means (22) being mounted on a structure (8) mobile in a direction (Dm) substantially perpendicular to the transfer direction (Dt), the device further comprising means (27) for exerting a holding force (Fm) on the retaining means (22), said holding force (Fm) being oriented in a holding direction (Dm) substantially perpendicular to the transfer direction (Dt), the device being characterized in that it further comprises conduction means (37) having a first part (31) oriented along a first axis substantially parallel to the holding direction (Dm) and having at its end a suction head (22) and a second part (32) oriented along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis and having its end (39) connected by flexible conduction means (43) to suction generator means (34), said second part (32) being fastened to an abutment (33) mobile relative to a frame plane (38, 48).
  2. Separator device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile structure (8) comprises a first arm (21) connected by first articulation means (28) to a frame (18) and a second arm (19) connected by second articulation means (29) to the first arm (21), said second arm (19) carrying the retaining means (22) and being held substantially parallel to the transfer direction (Dt).
  3. Separator device (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second articulation means (28, 29) have axes substantially perpendicular to the transfer direction (Dt) and to the holding direction (Dm).
  4. Separator device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means comprise a spring, for example a torsion spring (27).
  5. Separator device (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second part (32) of the rigid conduction means (37) is guided by guide means (41, 42) fixed relative to the frame plane (48).
  6. Flat object unstacking device (10) comprising flat object feed means (14, 13), flat object holding means (17), a double pick separator device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims and transfer means (16), characterized in that the separator device (20) is in the immediate vicinity of the holding means (17) and the transfer means (16) and in that the retaining means (22) are controlled in such a way that a retaining force is generated each time an object (5) is entrained by the transfer means (16).
EP94402117A 1993-09-27 1994-09-23 Apparatus for preventing double feed and separating device with such an apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP0645329B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9311457A FR2710625B1 (en) 1993-09-27 1993-09-27 Device for separating double sockets and device for unstacking flat objects equipped with this separator.
FR9311457 1993-09-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0645329A1 EP0645329A1 (en) 1995-03-29
EP0645329B1 true EP0645329B1 (en) 1998-07-08

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94402117A Expired - Lifetime EP0645329B1 (en) 1993-09-27 1994-09-23 Apparatus for preventing double feed and separating device with such an apparatus

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US (1) US5520380A (en)
EP (1) EP0645329B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2132801C (en)
DE (1) DE69411481T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2710625B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1185902B1 (en) * 2000-04-11 2004-12-22 DRS Digitale Repro-Systeme GmbH Method and device for automatically inserting documents for displaying on a display device and/or copying in a digitising device
KR100902983B1 (en) * 2006-05-11 2009-06-15 가부시끼가이샤 도시바 Paper sheet separating and take-out device
FR2957906B1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2012-05-18 Solystic FEEDING DEVICE FOR POSTAL SHIPMENTS WITH A SEPARATE STORE AND DEPILEOR
US9056738B2 (en) * 2013-03-13 2015-06-16 United States Postal Service Anti-rotation device and method of use
US9044783B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2015-06-02 The United States Postal Service System and method of unloading a container of items
US9376275B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2016-06-28 United States Postal Service Article feeder with a retractable product guide
US9061849B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-06-23 United States Postal Service System and method of article feeder operation
US9340377B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2016-05-17 United States Postal Service System and method of automatic feeder stack management

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3126201A (en) * 1964-03-24 Stripping device
US2761680A (en) * 1950-12-18 1956-09-04 Int Standard Electric Corp Feed mechanism for letters or similar flat objects
NL267719A (en) * 1960-07-30
DE1267012B (en) * 1964-07-20 1968-04-25 Telefunken Patent Separator with a device to prevent double draws
GB1554707A (en) * 1975-09-12 1979-10-24 Post Office Feeding apparatus for flat articles
FR2674777B1 (en) * 1991-04-03 1993-07-30 Darchis Pierre DEVICE FOR SEPARATING TWO JOINED FLAT OBJECTS, IN PARTICULAR MAIL ENVELOPES IN A POSTAL SORTING INSTALLATION.
FR2679540A1 (en) * 1991-07-25 1993-01-29 Cga Hbs DEVICE FOR UNPACKING MAIL PACKS, IN PARTICULAR OPEN AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THE DEVICE.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2710625B1 (en) 1995-11-10
FR2710625A1 (en) 1995-04-07
DE69411481D1 (en) 1998-08-13
CA2132801C (en) 2004-09-14
EP0645329A1 (en) 1995-03-29
DE69411481T2 (en) 1999-02-04
US5520380A (en) 1996-05-28
CA2132801A1 (en) 1995-03-28

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