EP1414724B1 - Device for the delivery of flat objects - Google Patents

Device for the delivery of flat objects Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1414724B1
EP1414724B1 EP02764538A EP02764538A EP1414724B1 EP 1414724 B1 EP1414724 B1 EP 1414724B1 EP 02764538 A EP02764538 A EP 02764538A EP 02764538 A EP02764538 A EP 02764538A EP 1414724 B1 EP1414724 B1 EP 1414724B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
suction
friction
negative pressure
conveying means
items
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 - Fee Related
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EP02764538A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1414724A1 (en
Inventor
Holger Schererz
Gerhard Obier
Erich Groegor
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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Publication of EP1414724A1 publication Critical patent/EP1414724A1/en
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H1/00Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
    • B65H1/08Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with means for advancing the articles to present the articles to the separating device
    • B65H1/14Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with means for advancing the articles to present the articles to the separating device comprising positively-acting mechanical devices
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/30Orientation, displacement, position of the handled material
    • B65H2301/32Orientation of handled material
    • B65H2301/321Standing on edge
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2513/00Dynamic entities; Timing aspects
    • B65H2513/40Movement
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2515/00Physical entities not provided for in groups B65H2511/00 or B65H2513/00
    • B65H2515/30Forces; Stresses
    • B65H2515/34Pressure, e.g. fluid pressure
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/19Specific article or web
    • B65H2701/1916Envelopes and articles of mail

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for supplying flat Objects such as Letters, large letters, cards, to one Suction singler according to the preamble of the claim 1.
  • the levers 3 act statically as a brake between the trigger system and the item to be deducted and reduce the frictional force during the withdrawal process. Furthermore, the lever 3 "measures" at the moment in which the object is sucked against the friction elements, not the stack 4, but only the adjacent object. Only when the object is pulled out of the lever mechanism, the lever 3 can detect the stack 4. In terms of a high take-off performance, the tracking system must be very fast and / or integrate over several cycles.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object, a device for feeding flat objects to a friction-suction singulator to be created by the the objects at the take-off point detecting measuring means for controlling the objects transporting to the withdrawal point Promoter no negative effects on the Deduction process done.
  • the negative pressure in the Suction trough measures, depending on the measured negative pressure and thus the distance and / or the inclination of the front object, the greater the negative pressure, i. ever lower the absolute pressure, the smaller the distance and / or the inclined position, the funding is controllable, that the foremost object on / at the friction extractor the lowest possible inclination with the lowest possible stacking pressure has, are negative on the removal process impact of measurement, such as the use of feeler levers, avoided.
  • the structure of the measuring device simplified.
  • the distance of the objects from the friction extraction means, from which they are pulled by the negative pressure to the friction extraction means strongly depends on the mass of the objects, it is advantageous to integrate the measured values of the sensor in the drive control and the conveyor accordingly the current integrated values. In this context, it is particularly advantageous to form average values from the measured values of the sensor, according to which the conveying means is moved.
  • the height of the respective object to measure and execute the drive control so that in shipments that are not all due to their height Suction troughs cover, the negative pressure of the not or only partially covered suction cups can not be evaluated.
  • a friction-release means a circumferential To provide discharge belt with suction openings, wherein the Negative pressure of the suction trough behind it over the suction openings acting on the respective foremost object.
  • a friction-suction-singling device which has a peripheral discharge belt 1 with suction openings as a friction-withdrawal means.
  • a suction trough 2 which is connected to a vacuum source 8, directly behind the area of the draw-off strip 1 with a high coefficient of friction.
  • the stack 4 flat objects is on a conveyor belt 5 as a conveyor and is supported on the back of a non-illustrated contact surface, which can be moved with the conveyor belt 5 in the direction of separating device.
  • the stack 4 is aligned with a stop surface 6 standing laterally on the conveyor belt 5.
  • the sensor 7 on the suction trough 2 constantly measures the negative pressure prevailing in the suction trough 2.
  • the negative pressure is realized by an externally arranged vacuum source 8 (suction pump).
  • suction pump suction pump
  • the withdrawal operation is started, and the negative pressure source 8 generates a negative pressure. If an object rests flat against the extraction unit, a specific negative for the Gutspektrum will adjust. If the shipment is not flat, but is in one of the two types mentioned above for the withdrawal unit, a slight negative pressure will form, ie the absolute pressure increases, as a function of the gap size secondary air is drawn.
  • the prevailing negative pressure is thus directly an expression of the position of the objects to the deduction unit.
  • the sensor 7 registers the negative pressure conditions and signals the controller when the negative pressure in the suction trough 2 becomes too low, ie when the measured absolute pressure exceeds the nominal value.
  • the drive control then starts the conveyor belt 5.
  • the conveyor belt 5 moves the stack 4 in the direction of the take-off belt 1.
  • the next object is transported into the intake area and there grabbed by the suction air and sucked to the discharge belt 1. Because now the object is parallel to the Saugwannenö réelle, the negative pressure increases, ie the absolute measured pressure decreases, the measured value of the sensor 7 reaches an adjustable target value and thus the conveyor belt 5 is switched off by the drive control and the object is subtracted.
  • the device described has the advantage over known solutions that the function of the stack tracking has no mechanical elements, levers / springs more. The size required for measurement no longer counteracts the process to be controlled. Instead of the two way / force sensors described in the prior art, only one sensor is now required. The solution is thus compared to the prior art cheaper, easier and easier to maintain.

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the delivery of flat objects to a friction/suction picking device with a suction head (2), said objects standing in a stack on a thin edge thereof on a support surface, arranged on a stop surface (6) and transported in the direction of the picking point using a conveyor means (5). A sensor (7), for measuring the vacuum in the suction head (2), is arranged on or in the suction head (2), which is connected to the drive controller on the conveyor means (5). Depending on the measured vacuum the conveyor means (5) can be controlled such that the front object has an inclination as low as possible with the lowest possible stack pressure on the at least one friction picking device (1).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Zuführen von flachen Gegenständen wie z.B. Briefe, Großbriefe, Karten, zu einer Saug-Vereinzelungseinrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a device for supplying flat Objects such as Letters, large letters, cards, to one Suction singler according to the preamble of the claim 1.

In Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen für flache Gegenstände, die von einem auf einem annähernd horizontal angeordneten Förderband oder -kette als Transportmittel aufgestellten Stapel flacher Gegenstände einzelne Gegenstände vom Ende des Stapels abziehen, ist es üblich, den durch das Abziehen der Gegenstände immer kürzer werdenden Stapel der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung (VE) zuzuführen. Diese VE verwenden u.a. Reibtechnik. Der Andruck des ersten Gegenstandes wurde dabei erreicht, indem der dahinter befindliche Stapel den ersten Gegenstand an das/die Abzugselement/e (AE) drückte. Somit baute sich durch die zwischen AE und Gegenstand wirkende Normalkraft eine in Abzugsrichtung wirkende Reibkraft auf. Nachteilig war jedoch, dass auch zwischen ersten und zweiten Gegenstand diese Normalkraft wirkte. Die Vorrichtung funktioniert also nur solange sicher, wie der Reibwert zwischen AE und Gegenstand größer ist als zwischen ersten und zweiten Gegenstand. Andernfalls passiert es, dass erster und zweiter Gegenstand gemeinsam abgezogen werden (Doppelabzug). VE's mit höheren Durchsatzanforderungen verwenden inzwischen Reib/Saug-Technik, um optimale Vereinzelungsraten hinsichtlich Qualität und Quantität zu erreichen. Diese Reib-Saug-Vereinzelungen (RSV) bieten systembedingt die Möglichkeit diesen Widerspruch aufzulösen, denn die notwendige Normalkraft wird durch das zusätzliche Ansaugen erzeugt und die Nachführung hat nur noch die Aufgabe, Gegenstände zur VE nach zu fördern. Die Normalkraft zwischen abzuziehenden Gegenstand und dem darauffolgenden kann bezüglich des Abzugsvorganges gegen Null gehen. In separating devices for flat objects produced by one on an approximately horizontally arranged conveyor belt or chain stacked as a means of transport flatter Remove items from the end of the stack It is customary by pulling off the items increasingly shorter stack of the separating device (VE) feed. These VE use u.a. Friction technology. The pressure of the first object was achieved by the stack behind it the first item pressed the trigger element (AE). Thus, it built through the normal force acting between the AE and the object is an in Pulling direction acting frictional force. The disadvantage, however, was that also between first and second object this normal force worked. The device only works so long sure how the coefficient of friction between AE and subject matter is greater is as between first and second object. Otherwise it happens that the first and second items are deducted together be (double deduction). VE's with higher throughput requirements Meanwhile use friction / suction technology to optimal Separation rates in terms of quality and quantity to reach. These friction-suction singulators (RSV) offer System-conditioned the possibility to resolve this contradiction, because the necessary normal force is provided by the additional Suction and the tracking has only the task To promote items to the VE. The normal force between the object to be deducted and the subsequent one go to zero with respect to the deduction process.

Für einen optimalen Durchsatz muss, nachdem ein Gegenstand abgezogen ist, schnellstmöglich der nächste an der VE bereitstehen, ohne dass o.g. Effekte auftreten. Bisher wurden dazu (siehe FIG 2) Vorrichtungen genutzt, die die Kraft des anstehenden Stapels 4 erfassten und somit bei abnehmender oder fehlender Kraft den Nachführmechanismus, z.B. ein umlaufendes Förderband 5, in Gang setzten (DE 196 12 567 C2). Die abzuziehenden Gegenstände wurden also gegen krafterfassende Elemente z.B. federbelastete Hebel 3 gedrückt. Diese Hebel sind je Abzugseinrichtung doppelt und voneinander unabhängig beweglich ausgeführt. Weiterhin werden Sie über mindestens einen Sensor 9 (Weg oder Druck) ausgewertet.
Um die für RSV's schädlichen Schräglagen (fehlende Planlage an Saugelement = Unterdruckverlust = weniger Reibkraft) zu vermeiden, sind diese Hebel mit einer UND-Verbindung ausgewertet, d.h. die Nachführung wird erst ausgeschaltet, wenn beide Hebel das logische Signal "aktiv" melden. Nachteilig ist hier, dass die durch diese Hebel erzeugte Kraft in derselben Richtung wie die zum Abziehen notwendige Normalkraft wirkt. Dabei wird ein offensichtlicher Vorteil der RSV wieder aufgegeben. Dieses ist besonders bei Gegenständen wie Briefen und Flats ungünstig, da die Kräfte, die für eine optimale Stapelerfassung nötig sind, in etwa in der gleichen Größenordnung liegen wie die Normalkräfte am Abzug. Die Hebel 3 drücken die Gegenstände des Stapels 4 weg von den Abzugsmitteln 1 (Saugriemen). Die Saugkraft muss also immer die Hebelkraft überwinden. Die Hebel 3 wirken statisch als Bremse zwischen dem Abzugssystem und dem abzuziehenden Gegenstand und reduzieren die Reibkraft während des Abzugsprozesses. Weiterhin "misst" der Hebel 3 in dem Moment, in dem der Gegenstand an die Reibelemente gesaugt wird, nicht den Stapel 4, sondern nur den anliegenden Gegenstand. Erst wenn der Gegenstand aus dem Hebelmechanismus herausgezogen ist, kann der Hebel 3 den Stapel 4 erfassen. Im Sinne einer hohen Abzugsleistung muss das Nachführsystem sehr schnell sein und/oder über mehrere Zyklen integrieren.
For optimal throughput, once an item has been removed, the next one must be available as soon as possible at the VE without the effects mentioned above. So far, devices (see FIG. 2) have been used which detected the force of the pending stack 4 and thus set the tracking mechanism, eg a circulating conveyor belt 5, into action with decreasing or missing force (DE 196 12 567 C2). The items to be deducted were thus pressed against force sensing elements such as spring-loaded lever 3. These levers are designed for each extraction device twice and independently movable. Furthermore, they are evaluated via at least one sensor 9 (travel or pressure).
In order to avoid the inclinations that are detrimental to RSV's (lacking flatness of suction element = negative pressure = less frictional force), these levers are evaluated with an AND connection, ie the tracking is not switched off until both levers signal the logical signal "active". The disadvantage here is that the force generated by these levers acts in the same direction as the necessary for pulling normal force. An obvious advantage of the RSV is abandoned. This is unfavorable especially for items such as letters and flats, since the forces required for optimal stack detection are approximately of the same order of magnitude as the normal forces on the trigger. The levers 3 push the objects of the stack 4 away from the extraction means 1 (suction belt). The suction force must therefore always overcome the leverage. The levers 3 act statically as a brake between the trigger system and the item to be deducted and reduce the frictional force during the withdrawal process. Furthermore, the lever 3 "measures" at the moment in which the object is sucked against the friction elements, not the stack 4, but only the adjacent object. Only when the object is pulled out of the lever mechanism, the lever 3 can detect the stack 4. In terms of a high take-off performance, the tracking system must be very fast and / or integrate over several cycles.

Der Erfindung liegt also die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung zum Zuführen von flachen Gegenständen zu einer Reib-Saug-Vereinzelungseinrichtung zu schaffen, bei der durch die die Gegenstände an der Abzugsstelle detektierenden Messmittel zur Steuerung des die Gegenstände zur Abzugsstelle transportierenden Fördermittels keine negativen Rückwirkungen auf den Abzugsvorgang erfolgen.The invention is therefore based on the object, a device for feeding flat objects to a friction-suction singulator to be created by the the objects at the take-off point detecting measuring means for controlling the objects transporting to the withdrawal point Promoter no negative effects on the Deduction process done.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die Aufgabe durch die Merkmale des Anspruches 1 gelöst.According to the invention the object is achieved by the features of the claim 1 solved.

Durch die Verwendung eines an die Antriebssteuerung des Fördermittels angeschlossenen Sensors, der den Unterdruck in der Saugwanne misst, wobei in Abhängigkeit vom gemessenen Unterdruck und damit vom Abstand und/oder von der Schräglage des vordersten Gegenstandes, je größer der Unterdruck, d.h. je geringer der absolute Druck, umso geringer ist der Abstand und/oder die Schräglage, das Fördermittel so ansteuerbar ist, dass der vorderste Gegenstand am/an den Reib-Abzugsmitteln eine möglichst geringe Schräglage bei möglichst geringem Stapeldruck aufweist, werden sich auf den Abziehvorgang negativ auswirkende Messeinflüsse, wie bei der Verwendung von Fühlhebeln, vermieden. Außerdem wird der Aufbau der Messvorrichtung vereinfacht.By using a to the drive control of the conveyor connected sensor, the negative pressure in the Suction trough measures, depending on the measured negative pressure and thus the distance and / or the inclination of the front object, the greater the negative pressure, i. ever lower the absolute pressure, the smaller the distance and / or the inclined position, the funding is controllable, that the foremost object on / at the friction extractor the lowest possible inclination with the lowest possible stacking pressure has, are negative on the removal process impact of measurement, such as the use of feeler levers, avoided. In addition, the structure of the measuring device simplified.

Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen dargelegt.Advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the subclaims explained.

So ist es vorteilhaft, zur Reduzierung des Steuerungsaufwandes die Antriebssteuerung so auszubilden, dass das Fördermittel bei Unterschreiten eines festgelegten Unterdruckes, d.h. der gemessene absolute Druck liegt über dem festgelegten Druckwert, mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit in Richtung Abzugsstelle verfahren wird und dass bei Überschreiten eines anderen festgelegten Unterdruckes, d.h. der gemessene absolute Druck liegt unter dem festgelegten Druckwert, das Fördermittel abstoppt. So it is advantageous to reduce the control effort the drive control in such a way that the conveyor falls below a specified negative pressure, i. the measured absolute pressure is above the specified Pressure value, at constant speed in the direction of the extraction point procedure and that when crossing another fixed negative pressure, i. the measured absolute Pressure is below the specified pressure, the conveyor clocking.

Da der Abstand der Gegenstände von den Reib-Abzugsmitteln, ab dem sie durch den Unterdruck an die Reib-Abzugsmittel gezogen werden, stark von der Masse der Gegenstände abhängt, ist es vorteilhaft, die Messwerte des Sensors in der Antriebssteuerung zu integrieren und das Fördermittel entsprechend der aktuellen integrierten Werte zu verfahren.
In diesem Zusammenhang ist es besonders vorteilhaft, aus den Messwerten der Sensors Mittelwerte zu bilden, nach denen das Fördermittel verfahren wird.
Since the distance of the objects from the friction extraction means, from which they are pulled by the negative pressure to the friction extraction means, strongly depends on the mass of the objects, it is advantageous to integrate the measured values of the sensor in the drive control and the conveyor accordingly the current integrated values.
In this context, it is particularly advantageous to form average values from the measured values of the sensor, according to which the conveying means is moved.

Vorteilhaft ist es auch, die Antriebssteuerung so auszulegen, dass die Geschwindigkeit des Fördermittels umgekehrt proportional zum gemessenen Unterdruck ist.It is also advantageous to design the drive control in such a way that the speed of the conveyor inversely proportional is the measured negative pressure.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung werden für hohe Sendungen mehrere Saugwannen mit jeweils einem an die Antriebssteuerung zur Ermittlung der Schräglage und der daraus abgeleiteten Bewegung des Fördermittels angeschlossenen Sensor übereinander angeordnet.In a further advantageous embodiment are for high Shipments several suction trays, each with one to the drive control for determining the inclination and the resulting derived movement of the conveyor connected sensor arranged one above the other.

Sollen Gegenstände in einem großen Höhenspektrum vereinzelt werden, so ist es vorteilhaft, die Höhe des jeweiligen Gegenstandes zu messen und die Antriebssteuerung so auszuführen, dass bei Sendungen, die aufgrund ihrer Höhe nicht alle Saugwannen überdecken, die Unterdrucke der nicht oder nur teilweise überdeckten Saugwannen nicht auszuwerten.Should items be separated in a large range of heights be, so it is advantageous, the height of the respective object to measure and execute the drive control so that in shipments that are not all due to their height Suction troughs cover, the negative pressure of the not or only partially covered suction cups can not be evaluated.

Vorteilhaft ist es weiterhin, als Reib-Abzugsmittel ein umlaufendes Abzugsband mit Saugöffnungen vorzusehen, wobei der Unterdruck der dahinter befindlichen Saugwanne über die Saugöffnungen auf den jeweils vordersten Gegenstand einwirkt.It is also advantageous as a friction-release means a circumferential To provide discharge belt with suction openings, wherein the Negative pressure of the suction trough behind it over the suction openings acting on the respective foremost object.

Anschließend wird die Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Subsequently, the invention with reference to the drawing explained.

Dabei zeigen

FIG 1
eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Reib-Saug-Vereinzelungseinrichtung mit einem Sensor;
FIG 2
eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Reib-Saug-Vereinzelungseinrichtung mit Fühlhebeln nach dem Stand der Technik.
Show
FIG. 1
a schematic plan view of a friction-suction singler with a sensor;
FIG. 2
a schematic plan view of a friction-suction singler with feeler levers according to the prior art.

In der FIG 1 ist eine Reib-Saug-Vereinzelungseinrichtung dargestellt, die als Reib-Abzugsmittel ein umlaufendes Abzugsband 1 mit Saugöffnungen aufweist. Direkt hinter dem die Gegenstände abziehenden Bereich des Abzugbandes 1 mit einem hohen Reibungskoeffizienten befindet sich eine Saugwanne 2, die mit einer Unterdruckquelle 8 verbunden ist. An der Saugwanne 2 befindet sich ein den Unterdruck in der Saugwanne messender Sensor 7.
Der Stapel 4 flacher Gegenstände steht auf einem Förderband 5 als Fördermittel und stützt sich rückseitig an einer nicht dargestellten Anlagefläche, welche mit dem Förderband 5 in Richtung Vereinzelungsvorrichtung verfahren werden kann. Ausgerichtet wird der Stapel 4 an einer seitlich am Förderband 5 stehenden Anschlagfläche 6. Der Sensor 7 an der Saugwanne 2 misst ständig den in der Saugwanne 2 herrschenden Unterdruck. Der Unterdruck wird durch eine extern angeordnete Unterdruckquelle 8 (Saugpumpe) realisiert. Die Gegenstände lehnen sich abzugsseitig lose an die Abzugseinheit an bzw. stehen so, dass sie sich in Richtung Anlagefläche zurücklehnen. Der Abzugsvorgang wird gestartet, und die Unterdruckquelle 8 erzeugt einen Unterdruck. Wenn ein Gegenstand plan an der Abzugseinheit anliegt, wird sich ein für das Gutspektrum spezifischer Unterdruck einstellen. Liegt die Sendung nicht plan an, sondern steht in einer der beiden o.g. Arten zur Abzugseinheit, wird sich ein geringer Unterdruck bilden, d.h. der absolute Druck steigt, da in Abhängigkeit der Spaltgröße Nebenluft gezogen wird. Der herrschende Unterdruck ist also direkt ein Ausdruck für die Lage der Gegenstände zur Abzugseinheit. Der Sensor 7 registriert die Unterdruckverhältnisse und signalisiert der Steuerung, wenn der Unterdruck in der Saugwanne 2 zu niedrig wird, d.h. wenn der gemessene absolute Druck den Nennwert übersteigt. Die Antriebssteuerung startet dann das Förderband 5. Das Förderband 5 bewegt den Stapel 4 in Richtung Abzugsband 1. Der nächste Gegenstand wird in den Ansaugbereich transportiert und dort von der Saugluft ergriffen und an das Abzugsband 1 gesaugt. Weil nun der Gegenstand parallel zur Saugwannenöffnung liegt, steigt der Unterdruck, d.h. der absolute gemessene Druck sinkt, der Messwert des Sensors 7 erreicht einen einstellbaren Sollwert und damit wird durch die Antriebssteuerung das Förderband 5 abgeschaltet und der Gegenstand wird abgezogen.
Da der Abstand des Gegenstandes zum Abzugsband 1, ab dem er durch die Saugkraft angezogen wird, stark von seiner Masse abhängt, werden leichte dünne Gegenstände eher als große schwere angesaugt. Das bedeutet, dass außer bei sehr dicken und schweren Gegenständen die Auswertung des Sensorsignals integriert werden muss, da es unmöglich ist, das Förderband 5 zeitlich analog mit dem gerade abgezogeneren Gegenstand zu bewegen.
In FIG 1, a friction-suction-singling device is shown, which has a peripheral discharge belt 1 with suction openings as a friction-withdrawal means. There is a suction trough 2, which is connected to a vacuum source 8, directly behind the area of the draw-off strip 1 with a high coefficient of friction. On the suction trough 2 there is a negative pressure in the suction trough measuring sensor. 7
The stack 4 flat objects is on a conveyor belt 5 as a conveyor and is supported on the back of a non-illustrated contact surface, which can be moved with the conveyor belt 5 in the direction of separating device. The stack 4 is aligned with a stop surface 6 standing laterally on the conveyor belt 5. The sensor 7 on the suction trough 2 constantly measures the negative pressure prevailing in the suction trough 2. The negative pressure is realized by an externally arranged vacuum source 8 (suction pump). The objects lean loose on the trigger side of the trigger unit or stand so that they lean back in the direction of contact surface. The withdrawal operation is started, and the negative pressure source 8 generates a negative pressure. If an object rests flat against the extraction unit, a specific negative for the Gutspektrum will adjust. If the shipment is not flat, but is in one of the two types mentioned above for the withdrawal unit, a slight negative pressure will form, ie the absolute pressure increases, as a function of the gap size secondary air is drawn. The prevailing negative pressure is thus directly an expression of the position of the objects to the deduction unit. The sensor 7 registers the negative pressure conditions and signals the controller when the negative pressure in the suction trough 2 becomes too low, ie when the measured absolute pressure exceeds the nominal value. The drive control then starts the conveyor belt 5. The conveyor belt 5 moves the stack 4 in the direction of the take-off belt 1. The next object is transported into the intake area and there grabbed by the suction air and sucked to the discharge belt 1. Because now the object is parallel to the Saugwannenöffnung, the negative pressure increases, ie the absolute measured pressure decreases, the measured value of the sensor 7 reaches an adjustable target value and thus the conveyor belt 5 is switched off by the drive control and the object is subtracted.
Since the distance of the object to the draw-off belt 1, from which it is attracted by the suction force, strongly depends on its mass, light thin objects are sucked in rather than heavy. This means that except for very thick and heavy objects, the evaluation of the sensor signal must be integrated, since it is impossible to move the conveyor belt 5 in time analogous to the just peeled-off object.

Aus dem Sensorsignal wird ein Mittelwert gebildet. Ebenso ist es möglich, ein analoges System zu wählen und das Förderband 5 mit geregelter Geschwindigkeit möglichst kontinuierlich zu fahren. Bei bekannten Abzugseinrichtungen werden beispielsweise ca. 10...15 Sdgn./sec mit einer durchschnittlichen Dicke von ca. 2 mm abgezogen. D.h. bei einer angenommenen Gleichverteilung der Sendungen muss der Stapel mit einer durchschnittlichen Geschwindigkeit von mindestens 20 mm/sec nachgeführt werden. Ist es erwünscht, dickere Gegenstände abzuziehen, muss als Grundlage der Antriebs- und Steuerungsauslegung die Summe der pro Zeiteinheit abgezogenen Sendungsdicken angesetzt werden. Je nach dem Ansaugverhalten der Gegenstände ist zu entscheiden, ob eine digitale oder analoge Antriebssteuerung vorzuziehen ist. Beispielsweise bei Abzugseinrichtungen für dünne Blätter braucht ein Stapel, wenn 10-15 Blätter/sec abgezogen werden sollen, u.U. nur ca. 1...2,5 mm/sec nachgeführt werden. In der Regel wird es hier reichen, eine digitale Antriebssteuerung zu verwenden und den Sensor 7 so einzustellen, dass bei einem Abstand einer Sendung zum Abzugsband 1 von ca. 2-4 mm der Schwellwert überschritten wird und das Förderband 5 ungefähr alle 1-2 sec einen Schritt zwischen 2-3 mm verfahren wird.From the sensor signal an average value is formed. Likewise is it is possible to choose an analog system and the conveyor belt 5 with controlled speed as continuously as possible to drive. In known extraction devices, for example about 10 ... 15 Sdgn./sec with an average Thickness of about 2 mm deducted. That at an assumed Uniform distribution of shipments, the stack with a average speed of at least 20 mm / sec be tracked. Is it desirable to remove thicker items, must be the basis of the drive and control design the sum of the shipment thicknesses deducted per unit of time be set. Depending on the intake behavior of the objects is to decide if a digital or analog Drive control is preferable. For example, with trigger devices for thin sheets needs a stack, though 10-15 sheets / sec to be deducted, u.U. just be tracked about 1 ... 2.5 mm / sec. Usually it will here are enough to use a digital drive control and adjust the sensor 7 so that at a distance of a Transmission to the discharge belt 1 of about 2-4 mm the threshold is exceeded and the conveyor belt 5 approximately every 1-2 sec one step between 2-3 mm.

In anderen Anwendungsfällen, z.B. bei Vereinzelungsaufgaben von unterschiedlich dicken Gegenständen kann es vorteilhaft sein, auf ein analoges Verfahren zurückzugreifen und unterschiedlichen Unterdruckwerten unterschiedliche Geschwindigkeiten zuzuordnen sowie das Regelungsverhalten so zu gestalten, dass mit möglichst großer Kontinuität und möglichst wenigen Start/Stops gefahren werden kann.
Ebenso kann es für bestimmte Anwendungen, in denen Gegenstände von stark unterschiedlicher Höhe bearbeitet werden, vorteilhaft sein, zur genauen Erkennung der Lage des Gegenstandes zur Abzugseinheit mehrere Saugkammern mit jeweils einem Sensor übereinander anzuordnen. Dieses gibt die Möglichkeit, auf die jeweilige Art der Schrägstellung von hohen Gegenständen adäquat zu reagieren. Und weiterhin eröffnet sich auch die Möglichkeit, flache Gegenstände, die nur eine Saugkammer abdecken, im Mix mit hohen Gegenständen, die mehrere Saugkammern abdecken, zu bearbeiten, indem die Höhen der Gegenstände gemessen werden und bei Gegenständen, die aufgrund ihrer Höhe nicht alle Saugwannen überdecken, die Unterdrücke der nicht oder nur teilweise überdeckten Saugwannen nicht ausgewertet werden.
Die beschriebene Vorrichtung hat gegenüber bekannten Lösungen den Vorteil, dass die Funktion der Stapelnachführung keinerlei mechanische Elemente, Hebel/Federn mehr besitzt.
Die zur Messung notwendige Größe wirkt nicht mehr dem zu steuernden Prozess entgegen.
Anstelle der im Stand der Technik beschriebenen zwei Weg/Kraft-Sensoren ist nun nur noch ein Sensor erforderlich. Die Lösung ist somit gegenüber dem Stand der Technik billiger, einfacher und wartungsfreundlicher.
In other applications, eg for separating tasks of objects of different thicknesses, it may be advantageous to use an analogous method and to assign different speeds to different negative pressure values and to design the control behavior in such a way that the greatest possible continuity and as few start / stops as possible are possible.
It may also be advantageous for certain applications in which objects are processed by widely varying height, to arrange for accurate detection of the position of the object to the deduction several suction chambers, each with a sensor above the other. This gives the opportunity to adequately respond to the particular type of skewing of tall objects. Furthermore, the possibility also exists of machining flat objects covering only one suction chamber in the mix with tall objects covering a plurality of suction chambers by measuring the heights of the objects and objects which due to their height do not cover all the suction trays , the negative pressures of the uncovered or partially covered suction trays are not evaluated.
The device described has the advantage over known solutions that the function of the stack tracking has no mechanical elements, levers / springs more.
The size required for measurement no longer counteracts the process to be controlled.
Instead of the two way / force sensors described in the prior art, only one sensor is now required. The solution is thus compared to the prior art cheaper, easier and easier to maintain.

Claims (8)

  1. Apparatus for feeding to a friction/suction-type separating arrangement flat items which, standing in stack form on a narrow side, are supported by an abutment surface and, aligned on a stop surface (6), are transported by a conveying means (5) moving to the withdrawal location, the friction/suction-type separating arrangement having at least one friction-type withdrawal means (1), which is driven in a controlled manner, and, directly downstream of that region of the friction-type withdrawal means (1) which acts on the items, at least one suction head (2), which is connected to a negative-pressure source (8), characterized in that arranged in or on the suction head (2) is a sensor (7) which measures the negative pressure in the suction head (2) and is connected to a drive control device of the conveying means (5), it being possible for the conveying means (5) to be activated in dependence on the negative pressure measured such that the foremost item at the at least one friction-type withdrawal means (1) is inclined as little as possible, with the pressure of the stack of flat items on the friction-type withdrawal means (1) being as low as possible.
  2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drive control device is designed such that, if the negative pressure drops below a defined value, the conveying means (5) is displaced at a constant speed in the direction of the withdrawal location, and in that, if another defined negative pressure is exceeded, the conveying means (5) is stopped.
  3. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the measured values of the sensor (7) are integrated and the conveying means (5) is displaced in accordance with the current integrated values.
  4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that mean values are formed from the measured values of the sensor (7) and the conveying means (5) is displaced in accordance with the current mean values.
  5. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drive control device is configured such that the speed of the conveying means (5) is in inverse proportion to the negative pressure measured.
  6. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that, for high items, a plurality of suction heads (2) each with a sensor (7) connected to the drive control device for determining the inclined position, and the movement of the conveying means (5) derived therefrom, are arranged one above the other.
  7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, characterized in that sensors are provided for determining the heights of the items, and the drive control device is configured such that, in the case of items which, on account of their height, do not cover over all the suction heads (2), the negative pressures of the suction heads (2) which are only partially covered over, if at all, are not evaluated.
  8. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that a circulating withdrawal belt (1) with suction openings is provided as the friction-type withdrawal means, the negative pressure of the downstream suction head (2) acting, via the suction openings, on the respectively foremost item.
EP02764538A 2001-08-09 2002-08-06 Device for the delivery of flat objects Expired - Fee Related EP1414724B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10139231A DE10139231C1 (en) 2001-08-09 2001-08-09 Device for feeding flat objects
DE10139231 2001-08-09
PCT/DE2002/002882 WO2003016185A1 (en) 2001-08-09 2002-08-06 Device for the delivery of flat objects

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EP1414724A1 EP1414724A1 (en) 2004-05-06
EP1414724B1 true EP1414724B1 (en) 2005-12-07

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EP (1) EP1414724B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2004538224A (en)
DE (2) DE10139231C1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003016185A1 (en)

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KR100902983B1 (en) * 2006-05-11 2009-06-15 가부시끼가이샤 도시바 Paper sheet separating and take-out device
JP2008273666A (en) * 2007-04-26 2008-11-13 Toshiba Corp Paper sheet take-out device
DE102009039067A1 (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-03-10 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device and method for separating flat objects by means of two laterally offset singler
DE102009039062A1 (en) 2009-08-27 2011-03-10 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device and method for separating flat objects by means of two singler and a length detector
US9044783B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2015-06-02 The United States Postal Service System and method of unloading a container of items
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
CN110605251A (en) * 2019-10-30 2019-12-24 澳帕曼织带(昆山)有限公司 Meshbelt thickness detection device

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DE50205214D1 (en) 2006-01-12
JP2004538224A (en) 2004-12-24
WO2003016185A1 (en) 2003-02-27
DE10139231C1 (en) 2003-03-13
EP1414724A1 (en) 2004-05-06
US20040201161A1 (en) 2004-10-14
US7108258B2 (en) 2006-09-19

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