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

Device for exchanging stacked postal items between a container and a storage surface Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2032485B1
EP2032485B1 EP07786856A EP07786856A EP2032485B1 EP 2032485 B1 EP2032485 B1 EP 2032485B1 EP 07786856 A EP07786856 A EP 07786856A EP 07786856 A EP07786856 A EP 07786856A EP 2032485 B1 EP2032485 B1 EP 2032485B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
stack
transport direction
depositing surface
movement
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP07786856A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2032485A1 (en
Inventor
Klaus König
Peter Enenkel
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.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP2032485A1 publication Critical patent/EP2032485A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2032485B1 publication Critical patent/EP2032485B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/16—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by contact of one face only with moving tapes, bands, or chains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H1/00—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
    • B65H1/02—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles on edge
    • B65H1/025—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles on edge with controlled positively-acting mechanical devices for advancing the pile to present the articles to the separating 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
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42—Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/422—Handling piles, sets or stacks of articles
    • B65H2301/4225—Handling piles, sets or stacks of articles in or on special supports
    • B65H2301/42254—Boxes; Cassettes; Containers
    • B65H2301/422542—Boxes; Cassettes; Containers emptying or unloading processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42—Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/422—Handling piles, sets or stacks of articles
    • B65H2301/4225—Handling piles, sets or stacks of articles in or on special supports
    • B65H2301/42254—Boxes; Cassettes; Containers
    • B65H2301/422548—Boxes; Cassettes; Containers filling or loading process
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
    • B65H2404/20—Belts
    • B65H2404/23—Belts with auxiliary handling means
    • B65H2404/232—Blade, plate, finger
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/19—Specific article or web
    • B65H2701/1916—Envelopes and articles of mail

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for exchanging stacked consignments between a container and a storage surface according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as two associated uses of this device according to the preambles of claims 6 and 8.
  • postal consignments are known devices for exchanging stacked shipments between a box-shaped container and a shelf. In this case, loading or emptying of the mail items in / from a container is made possible.
  • the shelf can e.g. a treadmill that transports the stacked shipments.
  • containers filled with consignments can be emptied by pushing out the consignments.
  • this also makes it possible to use this container with the side wall open as a stacking compartment in a sorter by the broadcasts are stacked on the open side wall and the growing stack is held by a sliding, projecting into the container support. After adequate filling of the container, the stack support is removed and the side wall is closed ( DE 697 32 629 T2 ).
  • the invention has for its object to provide a device for exchanging stacked shipments between a container and a storage surface, in which the stack shape of the consignments is not at risk during emptying and / or loading of the container.
  • the object is achieved by the features of the device claim 1 and with regard to specific uses of a by the features of claims 6 and 8.
  • the container is coupled to a first sliding means which effects a second movement of the container perpendicular to the transport direction between the first layer and a second layer arranged within the deposition surface.
  • a support wall of the container and of the support element hold a same position along the transport direction. That is, during side-to-side movement, they form a single support element permanently secured to the stack, such that the stack remains vertically aligned between the first and second layers on this permanent support element.
  • a permanent support element can be realized, for example, by projecting the support element into the support wall of the container or by means of a coupling mechanism. Therefore, the stack quality is advantageously preserved intact in the exchange of mailings.
  • a simple suitable container which has three walls and a bottom, wherein two opposite first and second walls (one of these two walls is the above-mentioned supporting wall) of the container each having a columnar recess.
  • the container has a blade formed with a bottom and a wall with two further walls arranged laterally of the blade, which have the column-shaped recesses.
  • the container may comprise a transport section of the storage surface on a paddle, in particular as the container is moved sideways in the direction of the storage surface (see below the filling of the container).
  • a side wall arranged perpendicular to the depositing surface can be inserted into the column-shaped recesses.
  • the side wall can z.
  • Example be designed as an elongated mechanical element with one end, which penetrates along the transport direction between the third wall of the container and the stack of mail items in the container.
  • the side wall fixed to the storage surface can be used as a lateral pressure means for the shipments to push a stack in the container on the shelf when the container is driven sideways and far away from the shelf (see below the emptying process of the container).
  • the device according to the invention thus makes possible two complementary uses, which allow for automated emptying and loading of the container with respect to the depositing surface are suitable.
  • the emptying and the load can be continuously during transport of mail items along the transport direction z. B. by means of a guide rail for varying the lateral distance between the container and storage surface. This can automate a complete exchange process. At the same time, it prevents the transport from being stopped frequently, as in a manual operation, so that the throughput of postal processes is increased or fewer manual interventions are required.
  • the movement of the container relative to the storage surface along the transport direction can also be done manually.
  • the previous support elements or pressure medium can also be replaced if necessary by the hands of an operator. With manual operation of the device, no kinematics or energy supply is required.
  • a semi or fully automatic emptying of the containers is easy to implement.
  • the number of necessary kinematic movements is reduced to a minimum.
  • Semi-automatic or fully automatic dispensing and feeding of the containers can be easily achieved by means of standard conveying elements.
  • the emptying process is therefore very reliable, in particular a so-called JAM risk (i.e., a jam, a blockage) is considerably reduced.
  • the containers must also be placed only on a transhipment or unloading in conjunction with the shelf. Another transport is carried out as required for further processing steps.
  • the container By means of a third movement via a second sliding means whose thrust direction now to the transport direction and the (lateral) thrust direction of the first sliding means is vertical, the container can be moved up and down with respect to the storage surface, depending on whether it includes a desired portion of the shelf, hitting or leaves. This is z. B. facilitates a lateral approach or withdrawal.
  • a second sliding means for the third (up / down) movement a rising / rising guide rail or a vertically sprung device can be used, which is arranged for example laterally to the storage surface.
  • the container may have a bottom which has columnar depressions (and thus also ribs) into which bifurcated end elements of the storage surface can be inserted, so that either the storage surface (via its end elements) or the container (via its ribs) takes over the carrier function of the mailings ,
  • FIG. 1 a storage area AF and a container B1 are shown.
  • the storage area AF is used for unloading or loading the container B1 for a stack of consignments.
  • the container B1 has a bottom with long-shaped recesses SA2 and three walls which form a blade with two lateral walls. Two opposite walls of the three walls have along the bottom in each case a slot-shaped recess SA1, via which on the one hand the container B1 may comprise a transport section of the storage surface AF blade-shaped and on the other hand in which a perpendicular to the support surface AF side wall SW (as pressure means for emptying a stack from the container) can be inserted.
  • a perpendicular to the support surface AF side wall SW as pressure means for emptying a stack from the container
  • the stack is laterally aligned with a first wall, here called support wall STW.
  • the stack may also be aligned with the second wall opposite the support wall STW and / or with the third wall.
  • the stack ST1 of programs is aligned at least on the support wall.
  • the side wall SW of the storage surface AF projects into the column-shaped recesses SA1 between the third wall of the container and the stack ST1.
  • a second pushing means SM1 (or pulling means) will pull the container sideways and far from the depositing surface AF along a direction SR perpendicular to the conveying direction TR.
  • the sliding means SM1 can z. B. be a mechanical backdrop, which deviates continuously from the transport direction.
  • a support element SE1 will also move synchronously with or with respect to the support wall STW.
  • the support wall STW and the support element SE1 decouple continuously, but in such a way that the stack ST1 remains aligned.
  • at least a portion of the withdrawn support wall STW and / or the support element SE1 will form a permanent support element or alignment element for the stack ST1.
  • the side wall SW of the storage surface AF acts like a pressure element on the stack ST1, so that the container B1 is emptied.
  • FIG. 3 are a lateral and upper two-dimensional representations A), B) of the emptying process according to 1 or 2 during three steps 0, 1, 2 (ie before the guidance, in the guidance of the container B1 on the storage surface AF and in the extraction of the container B1 from the storage area AF).
  • the illustration A) shows that the container B1 is pushed above the storage area AF along the transport direction TR of the loaded container B1.
  • illustration B) it is clearly shown that the container B1 loaded with consignments ST1 is guided onto the depositing surface AF along the transport direction TR and is subsequently pulled out laterally from the support surface AF at an angle ⁇ .
  • the support wall STW and a matching support element SE1 are coupled out, but the two elements still form a single, permanent support element SE2 for the stack ST1 in the container B1, so that the original orientation on the support wall STW of the container is never impaired.
  • suitable devices sopers
  • the container must move faster to compensate for the velocity component due to sideways movement.
  • FIG. 4 represents an alternative storage area AF for emptying the container B1.
  • the storage area AF according to FIG. 1 further, fork-shaped end elements EE, which can be inserted into the column-shaped recesses SA2 or between ribs of the bottom of the container B1.
  • the bottom of the container B1 below the depositing surface can easily be guided and the stack ST1 of consignments in the container can be shoveled along the transport direction TR and continue to stand directly on the support surface AF, when the container B1 is pulled out laterally.
  • FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional representation of an emptying process according to FIG. 4 in which due to the fork-shaped end elements EE according to FIG. 4 the bottom of the container B1 is now guided below the storage surface AF. There are no other differences with the FIG. 2 ,
  • 3 A) and 3 B) are in 6 A) and 6 B) a lateral and upper two-dimensional representations A), B) of the emptying process according to 4 or 5 shown.
  • the bottom of the container is slightly lowered in a vertical direction HR. This can be done by means of a pointed shape of the end elements EE or by means of a second sliding means SM2, whose third thrust direction is perpendicular to the transport direction TR and the second, lateral sliding direction.
  • a suspension can also be present, which holds the bottom of the container B1 to the lower side of the shelf AF.
  • the representation 6 B) is essentially similar to the 3 B) except that the container B1 is guided below the storage area Af.
  • the full container from a position IL within the elongated axis of the storage surface AF to another, lateral position SL, in which it is emptied at the end.
  • the support or correct alignment is secured to a single, extendable support element SE2, which consists of the supporting wall STW and supporting element SE1 which moves away from each other.
  • FIG. 7 Furthermore, a storage area AF and a container B1 for loading the container B1 is shown.
  • the mechanical components are similar to those in the previous figures.
  • the container B1 or its support wall STW moves synchronously with an opposing support element SE1 along the transport direction TR of items.
  • the support member moves above and relative to the shelf AF, the z. B. may have rolling elements for transporting the programs over their sections along the transport direction TR.
  • FIG. 7 is the empty container B1 in a first pulled-out position SL side of the shelf AF, which is assumed prior to loading.
  • FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional representation of a loading process according to FIG. 7 shown.
  • the container B1 is guided blade-shaped over a transport section of the storage surface AF in a first direction SR perpendicular to the transport direction TR, until it reaches a second position IL arranged within the storage surface.
  • the supporting wall STW and one of the supporting elements SE1 coincide.
  • the stacks of programs are aligned.
  • the support element SE1 and the support wall STW of the container B1 form a single, shortenable support element SE3 for a stack ST1 in loading, preferably by intrusion or overlap between both elements SE1, STW.
  • the bottom of the container When loading into the container B1, however, the bottom of the container must be guided below the depositing surface AF, as the other upper parts of the container, in particular the support wall STW, are guided above the depositing surface AF.
  • the container B1 can comprise a transport section of the depositing surface AF via its column-shaped recesses SA1 in the form of a scoop.
  • the container B1 comprises a complete stack ST1 of consignments. It is thus able to IL within the storage area AF.
  • the individual support element SE3 has its shortest length transversely to the transport direction TR.
  • the container B1 continues to the end E or up to the end elements EE, wherein the previously pushed onto the shelf surface AF stack ST1 is discharged to the bottom of the container B1.
  • the correct lateral orientation of the stack ST1 is kept constant within the walls of the container B1.
  • the loaded container B1 can also be pulled out laterally along a direction SR 'opposite to the second direction SR, in order, for. B. to guide the stack ST1 to another lateral location SL of a postal system or manually record.
  • the support wall STW of the container B1 separates again from the support element SE1, which still continues in a straight line in the transport direction TR.
  • FIG. 9 shows a lateral and an upper two-dimensional representation of the loading process according to FIG. 7 but especially according to FIG. 8 .
  • the following steps A, B form the attraction of the empty container B1 to be loaded to the support surface AF, via which the stacks of consignments are transported between support elements SE1.
  • the container B1 will completely surround a transport section in the manner of a scoop until it leaves the depositing surface AF via the end elements E, EE. From this point on, the container B1 can be separated from the further along the transport direction TR driving support SE1 by z. B. an operator pulls the container to manually (direction SR ') or a mechanical backdrop continues the container B1 in a bifaced to the transport direction TR direction R continues.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pile Receivers (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Stacking Of Articles And Auxiliary Devices (AREA)

Abstract

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

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Austausch von gestapelten Sendungen zwischen einem Behälter und einer Ablagefläche nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1, sowie zwei zugehörige Verwendungen dieser Vorrichtung nach den Oberbegriffen der Ansprüche 6 und 8.The invention relates to a device for exchanging stacked consignments between a container and a storage surface according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as two associated uses of this device according to the preambles of claims 6 and 8.

Insbesondere bei Sortieranlagen für z. B. postalische Sendungen sind Vorrichtungen zum Austausch von gestapelten Sendungen zwischen einem kastenförmigen Behälter und einer Ablagefläche bekannt. Dabei wird eine Beladung oder eine Entleerung der Sendungen in/aus einem Behälter ermöglicht. Die Ablagefläche kann z.B. ein Laufband sein, welches die gestapelten Sendungen transportiert.Especially in sorting for z. B. postal consignments are known devices for exchanging stacked shipments between a box-shaped container and a shelf. In this case, loading or emptying of the mail items in / from a container is made possible. The shelf can e.g. a treadmill that transports the stacked shipments.

Bisher wurde ein Behälter an einer gegenüber der Ablagefläche vorgegebenen Position angehalten und entleert. Hierfür gibt es mehrere Ausführungsvarianten für das Beladen bzw. das Entleeren des Behälters:

  • Ein manuelles Entnehmen bzw. Einlegen der Sendungen ist vorgesehen;
  • Eingriffsmulden sind in den Seitenwänden und im Behälterboden zur Entnahmeerleichterung vorgesehen;
  • Geschlitzte Behälterböden werden verwendet, so dass eine Entleerung des Behälters nach oben durch Hineindrücken eines Rechens von unten erfolgt;
  • Geschlitzte Seitenwände und Vertiefungen in den Seitenwänden (MCS-Cartridge) werden verwendet, so dass ein Herausschieben der Güter mit einem Rechen bei gleichzeitigem Öffnen und Schließen einer Seitenwand des Behälters erfolgt;
  • Geschlitzte Seitenwände und Vertiefungen im Behälterboden werden verwendet, so dass ein Herausheben der Güter nach oben mit einem kassettenförmigen Rechen mit zusätzlichem Klappboden zum Umladen der Güter erfolgt;
  • Ein zusätzlicher Behälterboden wird verwendet, so dass eine Entleerung durch Herausschieben oder Herausdrehen dieses Hilfsbodens ermöglicht wird;
  • Es wurde auch bekannt, zum Entladen eines Stapeltabletts mit einer Transport-Trageeinheit unter den Stapel zu gleiten, um dann den Stapel manuell mit Hilfe der Transport-Trageeinheit vom Stapel-Tablett zu entfernen ( EP 901 978 B1 );
  • Ein Öffnen einer Seitenwand oder des Bodens des Behälters wird durchgeführt, so dass eine Entleerung durch Herausfallen oder Herausschieben der Güter erfolgt;
  • Eine mehrfache 180°-Kippung oder ein Drehen des Behälters wird durchgeführt, so dass eine Entleerung durch mehrfaches Umladen erfolgt.
So far, a container was stopped at a predetermined position relative to the shelf and emptied. There are several design variants for loading or emptying the container for this purpose:
  • A manual removal or insertion of the shipments is provided;
  • Engaging troughs are provided in the side walls and in the container bottom for removal relief;
  • Slotted container bottoms are used so that the container is emptied upward by pushing a rake from below;
  • Slotted side walls and recesses in the side walls (MCS cartridge) are used, so that pushing out the goods with a rake while opening and closing a side wall of the container;
  • Slotted side walls and recesses in the container bottom are used, allowing a lifting of the goods upwards with a cassette-shaped rake with additional folding floor for reloading the goods takes place;
  • An additional container bottom is used so that a discharge by pushing out or unscrewing this auxiliary floor is made possible;
  • It has also been known to slide under the stacks for unloading a stacking tray with a transport carrying unit, and then to manually remove the stack from the stacking tray by means of the transport carrying unit ( EP 901 978 B1 );
  • An opening of a side wall or the bottom of the container is carried out, so that an emptying takes place by falling out or pushing out of the goods;
  • A multiple 180 ° tilt or rotation of the container is performed, so that an emptying is done by multiple reloading.

Ferner ist auch bekannt und notwendig, dass beim Austausch der gestapelten Sendungen zwischen dem Behälter und einer eventuell laufenden Ablagefläche folgende Komponente vorhanden sind:

  • die Ablagefläche weist mindestens ein einsetzbares Stützelement auf, an welches ein Stapel von auf Kante stehenden Sendungen in einer vertikalen Richtung ausrichtbar ist,
  • das Stützelement und der Behälter sollten sich in einer Transportrichtung synchron bewegen,
  • der Behälter weist eine erste zu der Ablagefläche seitlich angeordnete Lage auf, aus welcher üblicherweise ein Operator eine Entleerung bzw. eine Beladung einleitet.
Furthermore, it is also known and necessary that the following components are present when exchanging the stacked items between the container and a possibly running storage area:
  • the storage surface has at least one insertable support element, to which a stack of items standing on edge can be aligned in a vertical direction,
  • the support element and the container should move synchronously in a transport direction,
  • the container has a first to the storage surface laterally disposed position, from which usually an operator initiates a discharge or a load.

Alle dieser Varianten sind jedoch hauptsächlich durch ein manuelles Vorgehen bedingt. Bewegt sich eventuell die Ablagefläche in einer Transportrichtung, sind diese Vorgänge ungeeignet, da die Stapelform der ausgetauschten Sendungen schnell gefährdet wird. Dabei ist die Umladung der Sendungen ungenau oder zu abrupt.However, all of these variants are mainly due to a manual procedure. If the storage surface moves in a transport direction, these operations are unsuitable because the stack shape of the exchanged consignments is quickly endangered. The transshipment of the programs is inaccurate or too abrupt.

Unter Verwendung von Behältern, bei denen eine Seitenwand geöffnet werden kann, können mit Sendungen gefüllte Behälter durch Herausschieben der Sendungen entleert werden. Andererseits ist es dadurch auch möglich, diesen Behälter bei geöffneter Seitenwand auch als Stapelfach in einem Sortierer zu benutzen, indem die Sendungen an der geöffneten Seitenwand eingestapelt werden und der größer werdende Stapel durch eine verschiebbare, in den Behälter ragende Stütze gehalten wird. Nach entsprechender Füllung des Behälters wird die Stapelstütze entfernt und die Seitenwand geschlossen ( DE 697 32 629 T2 ).By using containers in which a side wall can be opened, containers filled with consignments can be emptied by pushing out the consignments. On the other hand, this also makes it possible to use this container with the side wall open as a stacking compartment in a sorter by the broadcasts are stacked on the open side wall and the growing stack is held by a sliding, projecting into the container support. After adequate filling of the container, the stack support is removed and the side wall is closed ( DE 697 32 629 T2 ).

Bekannt wurde weiterhin ein Stapelfach mit einer verschiebbaren, mit Federkraft gegen den Stapel drückenden Stapelstütze, bei dem zum Entleeren der Stapel über die nach unten in den Stapelboden geschwenkte Stapelstütze auf eine angrenzende Auflagefläche geschoben wird. Durch eine spezielle Ausgestaltung des Fachbodens und der Stapelstütze wird sichergestellt, dass sich beim Verschieben keine Sendungen in Spalten verklemmen können ( DE 102 25 473 C1 ).Also known was a stacking tray with a sliding, with spring force against the stack oppressive stacking support, is pushed to the emptying of the stack on the pivoted down into the stacking floor stack support on an adjacent support surface. A special design of the shelf and the stack support ensures that no items can get stuck in columns when moving ( DE 102 25 473 C1 ).

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung zum Austausch von gestapelten Sendungen zwischen einem Behälter und einer Ablagefläche anzugeben, bei welcher die Stapelform der Sendungen bei einer Entleerung oder/und bei einer Beladung des Behälters nicht gefährdet wird.The invention has for its object to provide a device for exchanging stacked shipments between a container and a storage surface, in which the stack shape of the consignments is not at risk during emptying and / or loading of the container.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die Aufgabe durch die Merkmale des Vorrichtungsanspruches 1 sowie hinsichtlich spezieller Verwendungen einer durch die Merkmale der Ansprüche 6 und 8 gelöst.According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of the device claim 1 and with regard to specific uses of a by the features of claims 6 and 8.

Es wird eine Vorrichtung zum Austausch von gestapelten Sendungen zwischen einem Behälter und einer Ablagefläche (z. B. mit Rollelementen oder einem Laufband) vorgeschlagen, bei welcher:

  • die Ablagefläche mindestens ein einsetzbares Stützelement (oder ggf. die Hände eines Operators) aufweist, an welches ein Stapel von auf Kante stehenden Sendungen in einer vertikalen Richtung ausrichtbar ist (es bedeutet hier jedoch nicht, dass der Stapel auf der Auflagefläche steht, da er auch in dem Behälter stehen bzw. an mindestens einer Stützwand des Behälters ausgerichtet sein könnte),
  • das Stützelement und der Behälter in einer Transportrichtung sich synchron bewegen, so dass z. B. ein Stapel von Sendungen im Behälter an eine gewünschte Position der Ablagefläche abgegeben bzw. aus einer Position der Ablagefläche in den Behälter beladen werden kann,
  • der Behälter eine erste zu der Ablagefläche seitlich angeordnete Lage aufweist, welche vorzugsweise vor einem Austausch von Sendungen angenommen ist.
The invention relates to a device for exchanging stacked mail items between a container and a storage surface (eg with rolling elements or a treadmill), in which:
  • the storage surface has at least one insertable support element (or possibly the hands of an operator) to which a stack of programs standing on edge can be aligned in a vertical direction (it does not mean, however, that the stack stands on the support surface, since it also could be in the container or aligned with at least one support wall of the container),
  • the support member and the container move synchronously in a transport direction, so that z. B. a stack of shipments in the container can be delivered to a desired position of the shelf or loaded from a position of the shelf in the container,
  • the container has a first to the storage surface laterally disposed layer, which is preferably adopted before an exchange of shipments.

Während einer ersten Bewegung gemäß der Transportrichtung ist erfindungsgemäß der Behälter mit einem ersten Schiebemittel gekoppelt, welches eine zweite zur Transportrichtung senkrechte Bewegung des Behälters zwischen der ersten Lage und einer zweiten innerhalb der Ablagefläche angeordneten Lage bewirkt. Damit wird der Behälter seitwärts von der Ablagefläche heran- oder herausgezogen. Bei aktivierter zweiter Bewegung halten dabei eine Stützwand des Behälters und des Stützelements eine gleiche Position entlang der Transportrichtung. D.h. sie bilden während einer seitlichen Hin- und Rückbewegung ein einzelnes, für den Stapel permanent gesichertes Stützelement, derart, dass der Stapel zwischen den beiden ersten und zweiten Lagen an diesem permanenten Stützelement vertikal ausgerichtet bleibt. Ein solches permanentes Stützelement kann beispielsweise durch ein Hineinragen des Stützelements in die Stützwand des Behälters oder mittels eines Koppelmechanismus realisiert werden. Daher wird die Stapelqualität bei dem Austausch der Sendungen vorteilhafterweise intakt erhalten.During a first movement in accordance with the transport direction, according to the invention, the container is coupled to a first sliding means which effects a second movement of the container perpendicular to the transport direction between the first layer and a second layer arranged within the deposition surface. Thus, the container is pulled sideways from the shelf or pulled out. When the second movement is activated, a support wall of the container and of the support element hold a same position along the transport direction. That is, during side-to-side movement, they form a single support element permanently secured to the stack, such that the stack remains vertically aligned between the first and second layers on this permanent support element. Such a permanent support element can be realized, for example, by projecting the support element into the support wall of the container or by means of a coupling mechanism. Therefore, the stack quality is advantageously preserved intact in the exchange of mailings.

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

Insbesondere kann ein einfacher dafür geeigneter Behälter verwendet werden, welcher drei Wände und einen Boden aufweist, wobei zwei gegenüber liegende erste und zweite Wände (eine dieser beiden Wände ist die oben genannte Stützwand) des Behälters jeweils eine spaltenförmige Aussparung aufweisen. Der Behälter weist also prinzipiell eine mit einem Boden und einer Wand gebildete Schaufel mit zwei weiteren der Schaufel seitlich angeordneten Wänden auf, welche die spaltenförmigen Aussparungen aufweisen. Ein Stapel von Sendungen ist mindestens an einer (= sogenannte Stützwand) der beiden Wände mit Aussparungen ausgerichtet, falls dieser im Behälter steht. Damit kann der Behälter einen Transportabschnitt der Ablagefläche schaufelweise umfassen, insbesondere als der Behälter seitwärts in die Richtung der Ablagefläche gefahren wird (siehe im Folgenden den Befüllvorgang des Behälters). Ferner ist eine zur Ablagefläche senkrecht angeordnete Seitenwand in die spaltenförmigen Aussparungen einschiebbar. Die Seitenwand kann z. B. als längliches mechanisches Element mit einem Ende gestaltet werden, welches sich entlang der Transportrichtung zwischen der dritten Wand des Behälters und dem Stapel von Sendungen im Behälter eindringt. In dieser Stellung kann die zur Ablagefläche feststehende Seitenwand als seitliches Druckmittel für die Sendungen genutzt werden, um einen Stapel im Behälter auf die Ablagefläche zu schieben, als der Behälter seitwärts und fern von der Ablagefläche gefahren wird (siehe im Folgenden den Entleervorgang des Behälters).In particular, a simple suitable container may be used, which has three walls and a bottom, wherein two opposite first and second walls (one of these two walls is the above-mentioned supporting wall) of the container each having a columnar recess. Thus, in principle, the container has a blade formed with a bottom and a wall with two further walls arranged laterally of the blade, which have the column-shaped recesses. A stack of consignments is aligned with at least one (= so-called support wall) of the two walls with recesses, if this is in the container. Thus, the container may comprise a transport section of the storage surface on a paddle, in particular as the container is moved sideways in the direction of the storage surface (see below the filling of the container). Furthermore, a side wall arranged perpendicular to the depositing surface can be inserted into the column-shaped recesses. The side wall can z. Example, be designed as an elongated mechanical element with one end, which penetrates along the transport direction between the third wall of the container and the stack of mail items in the container. In this position, the side wall fixed to the storage surface can be used as a lateral pressure means for the shipments to push a stack in the container on the shelf when the container is driven sideways and far away from the shelf (see below the emptying process of the container).

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ermöglicht also zwei komplementäre Verwendungen, welche für eine automatisierte Entleerung und eine Beladung des Behälters gegenüber der Ablagefläche geeignet sind. Die Entleerung und die Beladung können kontinuierlich während eines Transports von Sendungen entlang der Transportrichtung z. B. mittels einer Führungsschiene zur Variierung des seitlichen Abstands zwischen Behälter und Ablagefläche erfolgen. Damit kann ein kompletter Austauschprozess automatisiert werden. Gleichzeitig wird es verhindert, dass der Transport wie bei einem manuellen Vorgang häufig angehalten werden muss, so dass der Durchsatz bei postalischen Prozessen erhöht wird bzw. wenigere manuelle Eingriffe benötigt werden.The device according to the invention thus makes possible two complementary uses, which allow for automated emptying and loading of the container with respect to the depositing surface are suitable. The emptying and the load can be continuously during transport of mail items along the transport direction z. B. by means of a guide rail for varying the lateral distance between the container and storage surface. This can automate a complete exchange process. At the same time, it prevents the transport from being stopped frequently, as in a manual operation, so that the throughput of postal processes is increased or fewer manual interventions are required.

Die Bewegung des Behälters gegenüber der Ablagefläche entlang der Transportrichtung kann jedoch auch manuell erfolgen. Die vorherigen Stützelemente bzw. Druckmittel können auch ggf. durch die Hände eines Operators ersetzt werden. Bei manueller Bedienung der Vorrichtung ist keinerlei eine Kinematik oder eine Energiezufuhr erforderlich.However, the movement of the container relative to the storage surface along the transport direction can also be done manually. The previous support elements or pressure medium can also be replaced if necessary by the hands of an operator. With manual operation of the device, no kinematics or energy supply is required.

Eine halb- oder vollautomatische Entleerung der Behälter ist einfach realisierbar. Die Anzahl von notwendigen kinematischen Bewegungsabläufen ist auf ein Minimum reduziert.A semi or fully automatic emptying of the containers is easy to implement. The number of necessary kinematic movements is reduced to a minimum.

Eine halb- oder vollautomatische Ab- und Zufuhr der Behälter ist durch Standard-Förderelemente einfach realisierbar.Semi-automatic or fully automatic dispensing and feeding of the containers can be easily achieved by means of standard conveying elements.

Der Entleerungsprozess ist damit sehr funktionssicher, insbesondere wird eine so genannte JAM-Gefahr (d.h. eine Verklemmung, eine Verstopfung) erheblich reduziert.The emptying process is therefore very reliable, in particular a so-called JAM risk (i.e., a jam, a blockage) is considerably reduced.

Die Behälter müssen auch lediglich auf eine Umlade- bzw. Entladevorrichtung in Verbindung mit der Ablagefläche gebracht werden. Ein weiterer Transport erfolgt beliebig nach Bedarf für weitere Verarbeitungsschritte.The containers must also be placed only on a transhipment or unloading in conjunction with the shelf. Another transport is carried out as required for further processing steps.

Mittels einer dritten Bewegung über ein zweites Schiebemittel, deren Schubrichtung nun zur Transportrichtung und zur (seitlichen) Schubrichtung des ersten Schiebemittels senkrecht ist, kann der Behälter gegenüber der Ablagefläche hoch und runtergefahren werden, je nachdem ob er einen gewünschten Abschnitt der Ablagefläche umfasst, antrifft oder verlässt. Damit wird z. B. ein seitliches Heran- oder Herausziehen erleichtert. Als zweites Schiebemittel für die dritte (hoch/runter) Bewegung kann eine steigende/ansteigende Führungsschiene oder eine vertikal gefederte Einrichtung verwendet werden, die z.B. seitlich zur Ablagefläche angeordnet ist.By means of a third movement via a second sliding means whose thrust direction now to the transport direction and the (lateral) thrust direction of the first sliding means is vertical, the container can be moved up and down with respect to the storage surface, depending on whether it includes a desired portion of the shelf, hitting or leaves. This is z. B. facilitates a lateral approach or withdrawal. As a second sliding means for the third (up / down) movement, a rising / rising guide rail or a vertically sprung device can be used, which is arranged for example laterally to the storage surface.

Der Behälter kann einen Boden aufweisen, der spaltenförmige Vertiefungen (und damit auch Rippen) aufweist, in welche gabelförmige Endelemente der Ablagefläche einschiebbar sind, so dass entweder die Ablagefläche (über ihre Endelemente) oder der Behälter (über ihre Rippen) die Trägerfunktion der Sendungen übernimmt.The container may have a bottom which has columnar depressions (and thus also ribs) into which bifurcated end elements of the storage surface can be inserted, so that either the storage surface (via its end elements) or the container (via its ribs) takes over the carrier function of the mailings ,

Anschließend wird die Erfindung in einem Ausführungsbeispiel anhand der Zeichnungen erläutert.Subsequently, the invention will be explained in an embodiment with reference to the drawings.

Dabei zeigen

FIG 1
eine Ablagefläche und einen Behälter zur Ent- leerung des Behälters,
FIG 2
eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Ent- leervorgangs gemäß FIG 1,
FIG 3
seitliche und obere zwei-dimensionale Darstel- lungen des Entleervorgangs gemäß FIG 1 oder 2,
FIG 4
eine alternative Ablagefläche zur Entleerung des Behälters,
FIG 5
eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Ent- leervorgangs gemäß FIG 4,
FIG 6
seitliche und obere zwei-dimensionale Darstel- lungen des Entleervorgangs gemäß FIG 4 oder 5,
FIG 7
eine Ablagefläche und einen Behälter zur Bela- dung des Behälters,
FIG 8
eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Bela- dungsvorgangs gemäß FIG 7,
FIG 9
seitliche und obere zwei-dimensionale Darstel- lungen des Beladungsvorgangs gemäß FIG 7 oder 8.
Show
FIG. 1
a storage surface and a container for emptying the container,
FIG. 2
a three-dimensional representation of a discharge operation according to FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3
lateral and upper two-dimensional depictions of the emptying process according to 1 or 2 .
FIG. 4
an alternative storage surface for emptying the container,
FIG. 5
a three-dimensional representation of a discharge operation according to FIG. 4 .
FIG. 6
lateral and upper two-dimensional depictions of the emptying process according to 4 or 5 .
FIG. 7
a storage surface and a container for loading the container,
FIG. 8
a three-dimensional representation of a loading process according to FIG. 7 .
FIG. 9
lateral and upper two-dimensional depictions of the loading process according to 7 or 8 ,

In FIG 1 sind eine Ablagefläche AF und einen Behälter B1 dargestellt. Die Ablagefläche AF dient zur Entladung bzw. der Beladung des Behälters B1 für einen Stapel von Sendungen. Der Behälter B1 weist einen Boden mit langförmigen Vertiefungen SA2 und drei Wände auf, welche eine Schaufel mit zwei seitlichen Wänden bilden. Zwei gegenüberliegende Wände der drei Wände weisen entlang des Bodens jeweils eine spaltenförmige Aussparung SA1 auf, über welche einerseits der Behälter B1 einen Transportabschnitt der Ablagefläche AF schaufelförmig umfassen kann und andererseits in welche eine zur Ablagefläche AF senkrecht angeordnete Seitenwand SW (als Druckmittel zur Entleerung eines Stapels aus dem Behälter) einschiebbar ist. Falls ein Stapel von auf Kante stehenden Sendungen im Behälter B1 liegt, ist der Stapel seitlich an einer ersten Wand, hier genannten Stützwand STW, ausgerichtet. Der Stapel kann auch an der zweiten zur Stützwand STW gegenüber liegenden Wand und/oder an der dritten Wand ausgerichtet sein.In FIG. 1 a storage area AF and a container B1 are shown. The storage area AF is used for unloading or loading the container B1 for a stack of consignments. The container B1 has a bottom with long-shaped recesses SA2 and three walls which form a blade with two lateral walls. Two opposite walls of the three walls have along the bottom in each case a slot-shaped recess SA1, via which on the one hand the container B1 may comprise a transport section of the storage surface AF blade-shaped and on the other hand in which a perpendicular to the support surface AF side wall SW (as pressure means for emptying a stack from the container) can be inserted. If a stack of items standing on edge lies in the container B1, the stack is laterally aligned with a first wall, here called support wall STW. The stack may also be aligned with the second wall opposite the support wall STW and / or with the third wall.

In FIG 2 ist eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Entleervorgangs gemäß FIG 1 gezeigt, bei welcher der ursprünglich mit dem Stapel ST1 von Sendungen beladenen Behälter B1 an ein Ende E der Ablagefläche AF (= Entladungsvorrichtung) entlang einer Transportrichtung TR geführt wird. Der Stapel ST1 von Sendungen ist dabei mindestens an der Stützwand ausgerichtet. Bei Abkunft an dem Ende E wird der Behälter B1 über die Ablagefläche AF gefahren. Dabei ragt die Seitenwand SW der Ablagefläche AF in die spaltenförmigen Aussparungen SA1 zwischen der dritten Wand des Behälters und dem Stapel ST1 hinein. Anschließend wird ein zweites Schiebemittel SM1 (oder Ziehmittel) entlang einer zweiten zur Transportrichtung TR senkrechten Richtung SR den Behälter seitwärts und fern von der Ablagefläche AF herausziehen. Das Schiebemittel SM1 kann z. B. eine mechanische Kulisse sein, die kontinuierlich von der Transportrichtung abweicht. Vor und bei der Führung des Behälters B1 auf die Ablagefläche AF wird auch ein Stützelement SE1 mit bzw. gegenüber der Stützwand STW sich synchron bewegen. Bei dem seitlichen Haurausziehen des Behälters entlang der zweiten Richtung SR entkoppeln sich die Stützwand STW und der Stützelement SE1 kontinuierlich, jedoch derart, dass der Stapel ST1 ausgerichtet bleibt. In anderen Worten wird zumindest ein Abschnitt der herausgezogenen Stützwand STW und/oder des Stützelementes SE1 ein permanentes Stützelement bzw. Ausrichtelement für den Stapel ST1 bilden. Beim seitlichen Herausziehen wirkt die Seitenwand SW der Ablagefläche AF wie ein Druckelement auf dem Stapel ST1, so dass der Behälter B1 entleert wird.In FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional representation of an emptying process according to FIG. 1 shown, in which the originally loaded with the stack ST1 of consignments container B1 is guided to an end E of the storage area AF (= unloading device) along a transport direction TR. The stack ST1 of programs is aligned at least on the support wall. When leaving at the end E of the container B1 is moved over the storage area AF. In this case, the side wall SW of the storage surface AF projects into the column-shaped recesses SA1 between the third wall of the container and the stack ST1. Subsequently, a second pushing means SM1 (or pulling means) will pull the container sideways and far from the depositing surface AF along a direction SR perpendicular to the conveying direction TR. The sliding means SM1 can z. B. be a mechanical backdrop, which deviates continuously from the transport direction. Before and during the guidance of the container B1 on the support surface AF, a support element SE1 will also move synchronously with or with respect to the support wall STW. When the container is laterally pulled out along the second direction SR, the support wall STW and the support element SE1 decouple continuously, but in such a way that the stack ST1 remains aligned. In other words, at least a portion of the withdrawn support wall STW and / or the support element SE1 will form a permanent support element or alignment element for the stack ST1. When pulling sideways, the side wall SW of the storage surface AF acts like a pressure element on the stack ST1, so that the container B1 is emptied.

In FIG 3 sind eine seitliche und obere zwei-dimensionale Darstellungen A), B) des Entleervorgangs gemäß FIG 1 oder 2 während drei Schritten 0, 1, 2 (d.h. vor der Führung, bei der Führung des Behälters B1 auf die Ablagefläche AF und bei dem Herausziehen des Behälters B1 aus der Ablagefläche AF) gezeigt. Insbesondere zeigt die Darstellung A), dass der Behälter B1 oberhalb der Ablagefläche AF entlang der Transportrichtung TR des beladenen Behälters B1 geschoben wird. In der Darstellung B) ist deutlich gezeigt, dass der mit dem Stapel ST1 von Sendungen beladenen Behälter B1 auf die Ablagefläche AF entlang der Transportrichtung TR geführt und anschließend seitlich von der Auflagefläche AF kontinuierlich unter einem Winkel α herausgezogen wird. Dabei werden die Stützwand STW und ein übereinstimmendes Stützelement SE1 ausgekoppelt, jedoch bilden die beiden Elemente immer noch ein einzelnes, permanentes Stützelement SE2 für den Stapel ST1 im Behälter B1, so dass die ursprüngliche Ausrichtung an der Stützwand STW des Behälters nie beeinträchtigt wird. Durch geeignete Vorrichtungen (Abstreifer) an dem Schritt 1 wird verhindert, dass die Sendungen die komplette weitere Bewegung des Behälters B1 mitmachen, die Sendungen bewegen sich weiterhin in ursprünglicher Richtung. Ab Schritt 2 muss sich der Behälter schneller bewegen um die, durch die Seitwärtsbewegung entfallende Geschwindigkeitskomponente zu kompensieren.In FIG. 3 are a lateral and upper two-dimensional representations A), B) of the emptying process according to 1 or 2 during three steps 0, 1, 2 (ie before the guidance, in the guidance of the container B1 on the storage surface AF and in the extraction of the container B1 from the storage area AF). In particular, the illustration A) shows that the container B1 is pushed above the storage area AF along the transport direction TR of the loaded container B1. In illustration B) it is clearly shown that the container B1 loaded with consignments ST1 is guided onto the depositing surface AF along the transport direction TR and is subsequently pulled out laterally from the support surface AF at an angle α. The support wall STW and a matching support element SE1 are coupled out, but the two elements still form a single, permanent support element SE2 for the stack ST1 in the container B1, so that the original orientation on the support wall STW of the container is never impaired. By suitable devices (scrapers) at step 1 prevents the broadcasts join in the entire further movement of the container B1, the broadcasts continue to move in the original direction. From step 2, the container must move faster to compensate for the velocity component due to sideways movement.

FIG 4 stellt eine alternative Ablagefläche AF zur Entleerung des Behälters B1 dar. Dabei weist die Ablagefläche AF gemäß FIG 1 weitere, gabelförmige Endelemente EE auf, die in die spaltenförmigen Vertiefungen SA2 bzw. zwischen Rippen des Bodens des Behälters B1 einschiebbar sind. Über diese Endelemente kann der Boden des Behälters B1 unterhalb der Ablagefläche einfach geführt werden und den Stapel ST1 von Sendungen im Behälters entlang der Transportrichtung TR geschaufelt werden und weiterhin direkt auf der Auflagefläche AF stehen, als der Behälter B1 seitlich herausgezogen wird. FIG. 4 represents an alternative storage area AF for emptying the container B1. In this case, the storage area AF according to FIG. 1 further, fork-shaped end elements EE, which can be inserted into the column-shaped recesses SA2 or between ribs of the bottom of the container B1. By means of these end elements, the bottom of the container B1 below the depositing surface can easily be guided and the stack ST1 of consignments in the container can be shoveled along the transport direction TR and continue to stand directly on the support surface AF, when the container B1 is pulled out laterally.

FIG 5 ist eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Entleervorgangs gemäß FIG 4, bei welcher aufgrund der gabelförmigen Endelemente EE gemäß FIG 4 der Boden der Behälter B1 nun unterhalb der Ablagefläche AF geführt wird. Es sind ansonsten keine weiteren Unterschiede mit der FIG 2. FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional representation of an emptying process according to FIG. 4 in which due to the fork-shaped end elements EE according to FIG. 4 the bottom of the container B1 is now guided below the storage surface AF. There are no other differences with the FIG. 2 ,

Am Beispiel der FIG 3 A) und 3 B) sind in FIG 6 A) und 6 B) eine seitliche und obere zwei-dimensionale Darstellungen A), B) des Entleervorgangs gemäß FIG 4 oder 5 dargestellt. Prinzipiell ist auch hier festzustellen, dass beim Übergang der Endelemente EE der Boden des Behälters in einer vertikalen Richtung HR etwas gesenkt wird. Dies kann mittels einer Spitzform der Endelemente EE oder mittels eines zweiten Schiebemittels SM2 erfolgen, dessen dritte Schubrichtung zur Transportrichtung TR und zur zweiten, seitlichen Schieberichtung senkrecht ist. Eine Federung kann auch dabei vorhanden sein, welche den Boden des Behälters B1 an die untere Seite der Ablagefläche AF zusammenhält. Die Darstellung 6 B) ist im Wesentlichen ähnlich wie die FIG 3 B), ausgenommen dass der Behälter B1 unterhalb der Ablagefläche Af runtergeführt wird. Zusammengefasst wird der volle Behälter aus einer Lage IL innerhalb der länglichen Achse der Ablagefläche AF bis zu einer weiteren, seitlichen Lage SL, bei welcher am Ende er entleert wird. Dabei ist die Stützung bzw. korrekte Ausrichtung eine einem einzelnen, verlängbaren Stützelement SE2 gesichert, welches aus den zueinander wegfahrenden Stützwand STW und Stützelement SE1.The example of 3 A) and 3 B) are in 6 A) and 6 B) a lateral and upper two-dimensional representations A), B) of the emptying process according to 4 or 5 shown. In principle, it should also be noted here that during the transition of the end elements EE the bottom of the container is slightly lowered in a vertical direction HR. This can be done by means of a pointed shape of the end elements EE or by means of a second sliding means SM2, whose third thrust direction is perpendicular to the transport direction TR and the second, lateral sliding direction. A suspension can also be present, which holds the bottom of the container B1 to the lower side of the shelf AF. The representation 6 B) is essentially similar to the 3 B) except that the container B1 is guided below the storage area Af. In summary, the full container from a position IL within the elongated axis of the storage surface AF to another, lateral position SL, in which it is emptied at the end. In this case, the support or correct alignment is secured to a single, extendable support element SE2, which consists of the supporting wall STW and supporting element SE1 which moves away from each other.

In FIG 7 ist ferner eine Ablagefläche AF und einen Behälter B1 zur Beladung des Behälters B1 dargestellt. Die mechanischen Komponenten sind dabei ähnlich wie in den bisherigen Figuren. Dabei bewegt sich der Behälter B1 bzw. seine Stützwand STW mit einem gegenüber stehenden Stützelement SE1 synchron entlang der Transportrichtung TR von Sendungen. Das Stützelement bewegt sich oberhalb und relativ zur Ablagefläche AF, die z. B. Rollelemente zum Transport der Sendungen über ihre Abschnitte entlang der Transportrichtung TR aufweisen kann. IN FIG 7 steht der leere Behälter B1 in einer ersten herausgezogenen Lage SL nebenseitlich von der Ablagefläche AF, die vor der Beladung angenommen wird.In FIG. 7 Furthermore, a storage area AF and a container B1 for loading the container B1 is shown. The mechanical components are similar to those in the previous figures. In this case, the container B1 or its support wall STW moves synchronously with an opposing support element SE1 along the transport direction TR of items. The support member moves above and relative to the shelf AF, the z. B. may have rolling elements for transporting the programs over their sections along the transport direction TR. IN FIG. 7 is the empty container B1 in a first pulled-out position SL side of the shelf AF, which is assumed prior to loading.

In FIG 8 ist eine drei-dimensionale Darstellung eines Beladungsvorgangs gemäß FIG 7 gezeigt. Ausgehend von der Lage SL des Behälters B1 aus FIG 7 wird der Behälter B1 schaufelförmig über einen Transportabschnitt der Ablagefläche AF in eine erste zur Transportrichtung TR senkrechte Richtung SR geführt, bis dass er eine zweite innerhalb der Ablagefläche angeordnete Lage IL erreicht. Beim Heranziehen des Behälters B1 an die Seite und über die Ablagefläche AF stimmen die Stützwand STW und eines der Stützelemente SE1 überein. An den Stützelementen SE1 sind die Stapel von Sendungen ausgerichtet. Nun bilden das Stützelement SE1 und die Stützwand STW des Behälters B1 ein einzelnes, verkürzbares Stützelement SE3 für einen in Beladung stehenden Stapel ST1, vorzugsweise durch Hineinragen oder Überlappen zwischen beiden Elementen SE1, STW. Bei der Beladung in den Behälter B1 muss allerdings der Boden des Behälters unterhalb der Ablagefläche AF geführt werden, als die anderen obere Teile des Behälters, insbesondere die Stützwand STW, oberhalb der Ablagefläche AF geführt werden. Dies ist aber problemlos realisiert, da der Behälter B1 über seine spaltenförmigen Aussparungen SA1 einen Transportabschnitt der Ablagefläche AF schaufelförmig umfassen kann. Am Ende des Heranziehens des Behälters B1 umfasst also der Behälter B1 einen kompletten Stapel ST1 von Sendungen. Es steht also in der Lage IL innerhalb der Ablagefläche AF. Dabei hat das einzelne Stützelement SE3 seine kürzeste Länge quer zur Transportrichtung TR. Anschließend fährt der Behälter B1 bis zum Ende E bzw. bis zu den Endelementen EE weiter, wobei der bisher auf der Ablagefläche AF geschobene Stapel ST1 auf den Boden des Behälters B1 abgegeben wird. Dabei ist die korrekte seitliche Ausrichtung des Stapels ST1 innerhalb der Wände des Behälters B1 konstant gehalten. Beim Rausfahren aus den Endelementen EE der Ablagefläche AF kann der beladene Behälter B1 ferner wieder seitlich entlang einer zur zweiten Richtung SR entgegengesetzten Richtung SR' herausgezogen werden, um z. B. den Stapel ST1 an eine weitere seitliche Stelle SL einer postalischen Anlage zu leiten oder manuell aufzunehmen. Durch dieses Herausziehen trennt sich wieder die Stützwand STW des Behälters B1 von dem Stützelement SE1, welches immer noch geradlinig in der Transportrichtung TR weiterfährt. Hier noch ist die Ausrichtung des Stapels im Behälter B1 mit der Stützwand STW gesichert.In FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional representation of a loading process according to FIG. 7 shown. Starting from the situation SL of the container B1 FIG. 7 the container B1 is guided blade-shaped over a transport section of the storage surface AF in a first direction SR perpendicular to the transport direction TR, until it reaches a second position IL arranged within the storage surface. When the container B1 is pulled up to the side and over the depositing surface AF, the supporting wall STW and one of the supporting elements SE1 coincide. On the support elements SE1, the stacks of programs are aligned. Now the support element SE1 and the support wall STW of the container B1 form a single, shortenable support element SE3 for a stack ST1 in loading, preferably by intrusion or overlap between both elements SE1, STW. When loading into the container B1, however, the bottom of the container must be guided below the depositing surface AF, as the other upper parts of the container, in particular the support wall STW, are guided above the depositing surface AF. However, this is realized without problems since the container B1 can comprise a transport section of the depositing surface AF via its column-shaped recesses SA1 in the form of a scoop. Thus, at the end of the container B1, the container B1 comprises a complete stack ST1 of consignments. It is thus able to IL within the storage area AF. In this case, the individual support element SE3 has its shortest length transversely to the transport direction TR. Subsequently, the container B1 continues to the end E or up to the end elements EE, wherein the previously pushed onto the shelf surface AF stack ST1 is discharged to the bottom of the container B1. In this case, the correct lateral orientation of the stack ST1 is kept constant within the walls of the container B1. When leaving the end elements EE of the storage area AF, the loaded container B1 can also be pulled out laterally along a direction SR 'opposite to the second direction SR, in order, for. B. to guide the stack ST1 to another lateral location SL of a postal system or manually record. As a result of this withdrawal, the support wall STW of the container B1 separates again from the support element SE1, which still continues in a straight line in the transport direction TR. Here is the orientation of the stack in the container B1 secured to the support wall STW.

FIG 9 zeigt eine seitliche und eine obere zwei-dimensionale Darstellung des Beladungsvorgangs gemäß FIG 7 aber insbesondere gemäß FIG 8. Dabei bilden die folgenden Schritte A, B das Heranziehen des zu beladenen leeren Behälters B1 an die Auflagefläche AF, über welche die Stapel von Sendungen zwischen Stützelementen SE1 transportiert werden. Ferner wird bis zum Schritt C der Behälter B1 einen Transportabschnitt schaufelförmig komplett umfassen, bis dass er die Ablagefläche AF über die Endelemente E, EE verlässt. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt kann der Behälter B1 aus den entlang der Transportrichtung TR weiteren fahrenden Stützelementen SE1 getrennt werden, indem z. B. ein Operator den Behälter manuell zu sich zieht (Richtung SR') oder eine mechanische Kulisse den Behälter B1 in eine zur Transportrichtung TR gegabelte Richtung R weiter fährt. FIG. 9 shows a lateral and an upper two-dimensional representation of the loading process according to FIG. 7 but especially according to FIG. 8 , The following steps A, B form the attraction of the empty container B1 to be loaded to the support surface AF, via which the stacks of consignments are transported between support elements SE1. Furthermore, up to step C, the container B1 will completely surround a transport section in the manner of a scoop until it leaves the depositing surface AF via the end elements E, EE. From this point on, the container B1 can be separated from the further along the transport direction TR driving support SE1 by z. B. an operator pulls the container to manually (direction SR ') or a mechanical backdrop continues the container B1 in a bifaced to the transport direction TR direction R continues.

Claims (12)

  1. Apparatus for exchanging stacked mail items between a container (B1) and a depositing surface (AF), in which apparatus:
    - the depositing surface (AF) has at least one insertable supporting element (SE1), on which a stack (ST1) of mail items which are standing on edge can be aligned in a vertical direction,
    - the supporting element (SE1) and the container (B1) move synchronously in a transport direction (TR),
    - the container (B1) has a first position (SL) which is arranged to the side of the depositing surface (AF),
    characterized in that,
    - during a first movement according to the transport direction (TR), the container (B1) is coupled to a first pushing means (SM1) which brings about a second movement (SR), perpendicularly with respect to the transport direction, of the container (B1) between the first position (SL) and a second position (IL) which is arranged within the depositing surface (AF),
    - when the second movement (SR) is activated, a supporting wall (STW) of the container (B1) and the supporting element (SE) coincide along the transport direction (TR) and form a single, permanent supporting element (SE2, SE3) for the stack (ST1), in such a way that the stack (ST1) remains vertically aligned between the first and the second position (SL, IL).
  2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the container has three walls and a base, two walls of the container (B1) which lie opposite one another having in each case one gap-shaped cut-out (SA1), via which the container (B1) can enclose a transport section of the depositing surface (AF) in the shape of a scoop.
  3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container has three walls and a base, two walls of the container (B1) which lie opposite one another having in each case one gap-shaped cut-out (SA1), into which a side wall (SW) which is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the depositing surface (AF) can be pushed.
  4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container has a base which has gap-shaped depressions (SA2), into which end elements (EE) of the depositing surface (AF) can be pushed.
  5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (B1) is coupled to a second pushing means (SM2) which brings about a third movement (HB) of the container (B1), which third movement (HB) is perpendicular with respect to the transport direction (TR) and with respect to the first pushing means (SM1).
  6. Use of the apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, during the second movement (SR) of the container (B1) out of the second position (IL) as far as the first position (SL), a stack (ST1) of mail items which is aligned on the supporting wall (STW) in the container (B1) is emptied onto the depositing surface (AF).
  7. Use according to Claim 6, characterized in that, at least over a section of the second movement (SR) of the container (B1) to be emptied, the supporting element (SE1) and the supporting wall (STW) of the container (B1) form an extendable supporting element (SE2) for the stack (ST1).
  8. Use of the apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, during the second movement (SR) of the container (B1) out of the first position (SL) as far as the second position (IL), a stack (ST1) of mail items which is aligned on a supporting element (SE1) is loaded into the container (B1) from the depositing surface (AF).
  9. Use according to Claim 8, characterized in that the supporting element (SE1) and the supporting wall (STW) of the container (B1) form a shortenable supporting element (SE3) for the stack (ST1), preferably by projecting inwards or overlapping.
  10. Use according to Claim 9, characterized in that the base of the container (B1) is moved below the depositing surface (AF) along the transport direction (TR) as far as one end of the depositing surface (AF).
  11. Use according to one of Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the second movement (SR) of the container is carried out by means of a guide means which is arranged to the side of the depositing surface (AF), by the spacing between the guide means and the depositing surface (AF) being varied along the transport direction.
  12. Use according to Claim 11, characterized in that the guide means is a mechanical slotted guide which leads the container (B1) along the transport direction (TR), laterally from and to the depositing surface (AF).
EP07786856A 2006-06-28 2007-06-27 Device for exchanging stacked postal items between a container and a storage surface Not-in-force EP2032485B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006029889A DE102006029889B3 (en) 2006-06-28 2006-06-28 Device for exchanging stacked items between a container and a storage surface
PCT/EP2007/056399 WO2008000759A1 (en) 2006-06-28 2007-06-27 Device for exchanging stacked postal items between a container and a storage surface

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2032485A1 EP2032485A1 (en) 2009-03-11
EP2032485B1 true EP2032485B1 (en) 2010-11-17

Family

ID=38473962

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07786856A Not-in-force EP2032485B1 (en) 2006-06-28 2007-06-27 Device for exchanging stacked postal items between a container and a storage surface

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2032485B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE488459T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102006029889B3 (en)
DK (1) DK2032485T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2008000759A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007055671A1 (en) * 2007-11-21 2009-05-28 Siemens Ag Device and method for transporting an object by means of a support component
DE102009051663A1 (en) 2009-11-02 2011-05-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method and device for transporting and sorting objects by means of a container

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2369191A2 (en) * 1974-10-22 1978-05-26 Impression Enregistrement Resu Automatic discharge station for packets of mail - uses jack to push vertically disposed mail onto conveyor with vertical separator walls
CA2250390A1 (en) * 1996-03-29 1997-10-09 Electrocom Automation L. P. Method and apparatus for jogging and edging of mail and other flat articles
US6183191B1 (en) * 1997-04-11 2001-02-06 Siemens Electrocom, L.P. Method and system for sorting flat articles
US5915687A (en) * 1997-09-08 1999-06-29 Xerox Corporation Printer high capacity output stacker documents removal system
DE10225473C1 (en) * 2002-06-10 2003-08-14 Siemens Ag Stacking box for flat postal articles has stack support which can be retracted downwards into plane of stacking bed

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE502007005683D1 (en) 2010-12-30
DK2032485T3 (en) 2011-02-28
ATE488459T1 (en) 2010-12-15
DE102006029889B3 (en) 2008-01-10
WO2008000759A1 (en) 2008-01-03
EP2032485A1 (en) 2009-03-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AT10979U1 (en) SORTING DEVICE
EP1322538B1 (en) Device and method for loading the input unit of a letter sorting system
WO2018210447A1 (en) Filling of boxes for valuable documents
EP1322537B1 (en) Input unit of a letter sorting system and method for loading the input unit
EP2032485B1 (en) Device for exchanging stacked postal items between a container and a storage surface
EP1525059B1 (en) Box-like container for flat mailings
EP2025631B1 (en) Stacking de-stacking cell
WO2002010046A1 (en) Device for stacking flat objects in containers that are open on one side
EP2596708B1 (en) Handling assembly for transport containers for rod-shaped articles for the tobacco industry and method for changing of the fill level of transport containers
EP2778105B1 (en) Apparatus and method for filling a transport container with vouchers
DE19855191A1 (en) Stacking device and method for stacking sheets and device and method for feeding sheets to a printing device
DE102005037721A1 (en) A method for transferring stacks of containers to a successor device and apparatus for carrying out the method
EP2316581B1 (en) Method and device for transporting and sorting objects using a container
EP0870552B1 (en) Device for forming a closed stack of flat mail items
DE2051920C3 (en) Method and arrangement for operating a document processing machine
DE102021123629B4 (en) DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING CYLINDRICAL WORKPIECES
DE10302953B4 (en) Abladeanordnung and method for sorted unloading in format and / or printing of different layers of sheet-like materials
EP3183069A1 (en) Truck, loading bridge, sorting system for items being dispatched and retrofit kit for a sorting machine for items being dispatched
DE102021117317A1 (en) Device and method for loading flat objects into a transport container
EP1367014A1 (en) Apparatus for feeding blanks
EP1595792B1 (en) Apparatus and method for putting envelopes into a container
DE102015218655A1 (en) Mail sorter
EP1758687A1 (en) Device for filling and automatically conveying away containers for sorted postal articles
WO2007003336A1 (en) Method and device for placing flat objects
WO2017054967A1 (en) Method for processing items of mail in a mail-sorting apparatus, and a mail-sorting apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20081223

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 502007005683

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20101230

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20101117

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110217

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110317

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110317

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110228

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20110630

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20110617

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20110610

Year of fee payment: 5

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20110818

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20110914

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20110819

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502007005683

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110818

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: SIEMENS A.G.

Effective date: 20110630

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20110627

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110627

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: V1

Effective date: 20130101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20130228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502007005683

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120630

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120702

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130101

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120630

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110630

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110627

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120702

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 488459

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120627

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101117

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120627