EP2741867B1 - Installation et procédé de tri permettant de trier ensemble des objets de type différent - Google Patents

Installation et procédé de tri permettant de trier ensemble des objets de type différent Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2741867B1
EP2741867B1 EP12761937.7A EP12761937A EP2741867B1 EP 2741867 B1 EP2741867 B1 EP 2741867B1 EP 12761937 A EP12761937 A EP 12761937A EP 2741867 B1 EP2741867 B1 EP 2741867B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sorting
article
output
aus
outputs
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
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EP12761937.7A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2741867A1 (fr
Inventor
Holger Schererz
Rolf-Peter Skrdlant
Frank Voss
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
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Siemens AG
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Publication of EP2741867A1 publication Critical patent/EP2741867A1/fr
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C1/00—Measures preceding sorting according to destination
    • B07C1/10—Sorting according to size or flexibility
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C1/00—Measures preceding sorting according to destination
    • B07C1/10—Sorting according to size or flexibility
    • B07C1/14—Sorting according to length or width

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sorting system and a sorting method for the common sorting of two types of objects, in particular for two types of flat postal items, such as EP-A-2 077 162 known.
  • a first discharge means discharges each item of the first item type into a sorting output of the first sorting output quantity.
  • An article of the second article type is transported past the first discharge device and to a second discharge device.
  • the second ejection device discharges the object into a sorting output of a second sorting output set.
  • An image of an article of the second article type is evaluated to decipher a string on the surface, e.g. B. an identification of a destination address for a mailing.
  • An item of the first item type is placed in a predetermined orientation.
  • Fig. 1 shows the transport of a postal item 10 from right to left.
  • a first camera 30 captures graphical features from a surface of the mailpiece 10. For example, an image of a postage stamp is compared to reference images in a postage stamp database. Sub-format postal items are rejected.
  • a rotating device 40 is able to turn a mail item 10 and / or to turn.
  • a second camera 50 detects positions of graphical elements on the surface of the mailpiece 10.
  • a printing device 60 prints the mailpiece 10 using measurement results from the second camera 50 to position the print. Subsequently, the mail item is forwarded in one of the directions "reject", large letter ("GBf-Maxi") and small letter ("KBf”), cf. Fig. 1.
  • a sorting system 2 for sorting flat postal items is described.
  • a pre-sorting device 4 sorts out all postal items 24 that are not standard letters.
  • a singler 6 separates the mailpieces, so that the mail items 24 spaced apart from each other and in an upright position through the sorting system 2.
  • a transport line 26 with two drives 44, 54 transports the mailpieces to an alignment unit 10, which aligns the upright mail pieces 24 at their lower edges, and then to a reading device 30.
  • This reading device 30 reads the address and / or a barcode on the mail piece 24
  • An image capture device 32 generates a computer-accessible image from both surfaces of the mailpiece 24. Subsequently, the mail items 24 are directed in a first system operating mode into a transport sub-string 36.
  • This transport sub-string 36 leads to an alignment means 12, which brings mailings 24 in a uniform orientation, for. B. so that the stamp is placed in front and upside down.
  • a module 14 invalidates the stamp. All mail items 24 arrive on a transport line 26 to an approximately 50 m long delay transport path 16, along which the mailpieces are transported, so that sufficient time remains available for deciphering the address on the mailpiece.
  • a module 18 prints a barcode on mailpieces 24 having addresses that are not completely machine-readable.
  • a module 20 prints a sticker with a forwarding address if necessary.
  • a splitting device 22 distributes the mail pieces 24 according to their addresses to containers, e.g. B. 100 postal codes per container.
  • a device which is able to turn and stamp mailpieces.
  • the mail items 1 are removed from a magazine 6 by means of a feed device 7 and guided in a horizontal position past detectors 9a, 9b which scan the upper or the lower side of a mail item 1.
  • a switch 10 directs a mail item 1 either to a web 12 where the mail item is turned or to a web 11 where the mail item 1 is not turned.
  • On a web 13, in which the webs 11, 12 open the mail item 1 is guided past a stamp unit 14 with two punch devices 14a, 14b.
  • the stamped mailpieces 1 are distributed by means of a switch 15 on two stacking devices 16a, 16b.
  • the detector 9 detects the location and the writing direction of address blocks.
  • the mail items are turned or not depending on the position of the address blocks and divided depending on this situation on the two stack devices 16a, 16b.
  • a conveyor clamps each item of mail to be printed in an upright position between two endless conveyor belts 3, 4. This leaves an upper area on the surface of the mail item above the endless conveyor belts 3, 4 and a lower area below the endless conveyor belts 3, 4 free.
  • a first printer 1 is able to print a print on the upper area of the surface, a second printer 2 a print on the lower area.
  • Fig. 2 shows an arrangement with a plurality of superposed conveyor belts ("courroies 5A, 5D") defining four strip-shaped free zones 9A to 9B.
  • Four printheads (“tete d'impression 6A - 6D") are able to print imprints in these free zones 9A - 9D.
  • a camera (“camera black 3") takes an image
  • a sensor (“capteur de passage 4”) takes an image of the mailpiece.
  • EP 0654309 B1 a "mail accumulating device" is described. This device pushes mail together so that the mail at least partially overlap.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a sorting system and a sorting method for the common sorting of two types of objects for a sorting feature in which as many items of the respective sorting feature value is detected in good time and also the risk of damage due to transporting is reduced ,
  • the sorting system sorts objects of a first article type together with articles of a second article type according to a predetermined sorting feature.
  • the objects of the second object type differ from the objects of the first object type by at least one physical parameter, e.g. Example, in that for each item of the second item type, the value of the parameter falls within a predetermined range of values and not for an item of the first item type.
  • This parameter is usually not the sorting feature.
  • the parameter is z. As a dimension, the weight, a surface texture or the flexural rigidity of an item to be sorted.
  • the sorting step includes the process of dividing the items to be sorted into sorting outputs depending on their sorting feature values.
  • the first transport device leads to the entrance of the switch. In one output of the turnout starts the first discharge device. In the other output of the switch starts the second transport device. The second transport device opens into the second discharge device.
  • the sorting system is designed so that when an object to be sorted reaches the switch, it is known whether that item belongs to the first item type or the second item type.
  • An article of the first article type is transported through the first transport device to the first discharge device and discharged from the first discharge device.
  • An article of the second article type is transported by the first transport device and subsequently by the second transport device to the second transfer device - or at least over a part of the second transport device. Therefore, an item of the second item type is always transported over a longer distance than an item of the first item type.
  • This longer transport carries a greater risk of damaging the article during transport on the way to the selected sorting exit due to transportation.
  • the determination of the types of objects so that sensitive, z can be done thanks to the invention, the determination of the types of objects so that sensitive, z. For example, larger, items of the first item type and transported only over a shorter distance, while less sensitive items belong to the second item type and can be transported over a longer distance without being damaged.
  • the knowledge of the sort feature value is needed to select a sort output. Therefore, less frequently or not at all the case occurs that the meter is not able to deliver the sorting feature value in time.
  • the sorting feature value is required in good time so that the respective rejection device can eject the object into the selected sorting output.
  • each transport device and each discharge device always transports the articles in the same transport direction and does not have to make a reversal of direction if a sorting feature value is not available on time.
  • Such a reversal of direction would be associated with a high mechanical load on an item to be sorted and often significantly reduces throughput.
  • the invention makes it possible to perform a sorting of articles of the first article type according to a first sorting program and a sorting of articles of the second article type according to a second sorting program, overlapping in time or even simultaneously on the sorting system according to the solution.
  • Each sorting program uses a sorting plan, which assigns a sorting output to each occurring sorting feature value.
  • a second maximum period of time for objects of the second article type and for the second discharge device is predetermined or determined.
  • the measuring device has timely determined the sorting feature value of an article of the first article type if, after the time at which the measuring device has completed the determination, at least the first maximum time period is still available, around the first rejection Device to the outfeed operating state concerning the selected sorting output.
  • the measuring device thus has available for determining the complete time required to transport the object along the first transport device to the switch, as well as that discharge period, which requires the first discharge device to the object to the to transport the selected sorting output minus the first maximum period of time.
  • the rejection period may differ from the sorting output to the sorting output.
  • the measuring device has timely determined the sorting feature value of an object of the second article type if at least the second maximum time span is still available after the time at which the measuring device has completed the determination in order to obtain the second rejection device in the discharge operating state regarding the selected one Sorting output of the second sorting outputs set.
  • the measuring device has available for determining the complete time required to transport the object along the first transport device to the switch and then along the second transport device to the second discharge device, as well as that discharge period that requires the second ejection device to transport the article to the selected sorting exit, minus the second maximum period of time. This rejection period may also differ from sorting output to sorting output.
  • the measuring device has only timely determined the sorting feature value of an item of the first article type if the determination is completed at the latest when the article reaches the first discharge device. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the measuring device has only timely determined the sorting feature value of an article of the second article type if the determination is completed at the latest when the article reaches the second rejection device.
  • some or even all sorting outputs of the first sorting output set are capable of accommodating both items of the first item type and items of the second item type.
  • the sorting outputs of the first sorting output set are larger than the sorting outputs of the second sorting output set, and the items of the second item type are smaller than the items of the first item type.
  • the second sorting outputs set consists of more sorting outputs than the first sorting outputs set. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the sorting system usually has to sort more articles of the second article type than articles of the first article type. This embodiment with different numbers and different sized sorting outputs saves space and sorting.
  • the sorting system comprises a further transport device.
  • This further transport device is capable of sorting articles of the second article type to be sorted by the second transport device - or by the second discharge device - back to the first discharge device.
  • This embodiment is z. B. advantageous if individual sorting outputs of the second sorting outputs amount are temporarily not available.
  • This refinement furthermore makes it possible to associate only one sorting output of the second sorting output set with certain sorting feature values and only one sorting output of the first sorting output set in each case with respect to other sorting feature values. This embodiment thus saves sorting outputs of the second sorting outputs quantity.
  • the embodiment is particularly advantageous if some sorting feature values are accepted only by a few items of the second item type.
  • the sorting system has at least one identification device, z. B. a printer or labeler ("labeler").
  • This identification device can provide an item to be sorted with an identification of the determined sorting feature value, for. B. in the form of a bar pattern ("bar code").
  • the tag device provides the item with a unique identifier ("identifier, ID code”).
  • the sorting system has a single tagging device for both article types. This identification device is then arranged upstream of the switch in order to print objects of both types of objects can.
  • the sorting system has a first identification device for articles of the first Item Type and Second Identification Device for Second Item Type Items.
  • the article-item identification device of the first article type is preferably disposed in or on the first discharge device.
  • the second article type article identification device is preferably disposed in or on the second transport device or in or on the second discharge device.
  • the or each tagging device may provide an item to be sorted with an identification of the measured sorting feature value only if that sorting feature value has been determined when the item has reached a tagging position during its transport, in which the identification device can provide the article with the marking. Therefore, in this embodiment, the meter has determined the sorting feature value of an item to be sorted in time only when the sorting feature value is present as soon as the item has reached the tagging position.
  • the sorting system has at least one special sorting output. It is possible that the first ejection device is able to eject an item to be sorted into a first special sorting output and the second ejection device is capable of sorting an item to be sorted into a second special sorting output. It is also possible that the sorting system has only one special sorting output for both article types and additionally a further transport device, which leads from the second transport device to the first discharge device.
  • the sort feature value is timely determined if the sorting feature value is present at the latest when the object is in an identification position and can be provided with an identification by the identification device. Otherwise, the item is rejected in a special sorting output.
  • the or a tagging device then provides an item with a unique identifier ("identifier") if the sorting feature value has not been determined in a timely manner, ie, is not present when the tagging position is reached.
  • the identifier is therefore unique, while the identifier of the determined sorting feature value is not unique, because a plurality of items to be sorted can have the same sorting feature value.
  • the sorting feature value of the rejected item is determined "off-line" while the item is being cached.
  • the determined sorting feature value is stored in association with the unique identifier.
  • the object is again supplied to the solution sorting system.
  • the unique identifier is read, and the stored sorting feature value is used as the sorting feature value of that item.
  • the item with the unique identifier is preferably sorted together with other items whose sorting feature values have not yet been determined.
  • an order is specified among the sorting feature values, e.g. At least among those values actually accepted by at least one item to be sorted.
  • the items of the first item type are sorted according to this order.
  • a sequence of articles of the first article type is produced in each sorting exit of the first sorting exit set.
  • the respective sequence of objects in each sorting output is made according to the predetermined order of values. Also, the distribution of items on the sorting outputs depends on the given Order, in addition to which a predetermined sequence among the sorting outputs of the first sorting output set is used.
  • the sorting system needs to have fewer sorting outputs for items of the first item type to be sorted than these items have different sorting feature values. Because fewer sorting outputs are required, it is possible to make the sorting system smaller, so that the sorting system requires less floor space ("footprint").
  • each group consists of at least one sorting feature value.
  • Each group is assigned at least one sort output to the second sort output set.
  • the articles of the second article type are distributed to the sorting outputs of the second sorting exit set such that each article is discharged in the sorting exit associated with the sorting feature value or the group of that article.
  • the same measuring device for both an item of the first item type and for an item of the second item type can determine what value the sorting feature for this item assumes.
  • a first measuring device supplies the determined sorting feature value at least for each article of the first article type.
  • a second measuring device supplies the ascertained sorting feature value at least for each article of the second article type. From the determination results of both measuring devices, a determined sorting feature value is formed for each object.
  • a further transport device from the second transport device leads to a junction in the first discharge device. Objects of the second article type can be transported to the first discharge device via this further transport device.
  • the items to be sorted are divided in advance into items of the first item type and items of the second item type.
  • the sorting system sorts all the items of one item type and then all the items of the other item type, not the items mixed. This embodiment with the division saves the need to have to mix in the confluence objects of two types of objects regulated ("merging").
  • both the first transport device and the second transport device transport the objects to be sorted so that each article is permanently grasped during transport.
  • the location in the sorting system at which this item is located at that time can be predicted. For example, a sequence of endless conveyor belts transports the objects without a slip point.
  • each item to be sorted extends in each one item level.
  • Each object is transported in an upright position, ie with a vertical object plane. At any point during transport, two endless conveyor belts clamp the object between them and transport it.
  • each item to be sorted is provided with characters.
  • the step of determining the sorting feature value of an item to be sorted comprises the step of determining at least some of these characters.
  • the Signs on an object indicate z. A destination to which the item is to be transported, or describe a property of that item or together form an identifier of an item.
  • each class is a sorting feature value.
  • the step of determining the sorting feature value of an item to be sorted comprises the step of determining to which class that item belongs.
  • the invention is used to sort flat mail items (standard letters, large letters, magazines, and possibly flat packets).
  • Each item of mail is provided either with an identification of the destination to which this item of mail is to be transported.
  • This marking includes z.
  • the name of a recipient and a postal address street and house number or PO box number or parcel compartment number and postal code or ZIP code and location
  • a determination of a location on the earth's surface by specifying geographic coordinates. It is also possible that a plurality of similar and non-addressed mail items as well as an address list are transported or transmitted to a sorting system and the sorting system prints each not yet addressed mail item, each with an address from the address list.
  • Each mail item extends in an article plane and has a length, a height, and a thickness.
  • the thickness is the dimension perpendicular to the object plane.
  • the large letters function as the items of the first item type to be sorted, the standard letters as the items of the second item type to be sorted. If the maximum dimension of an article is below a length barrier, the thickness is below a thickness barrier, and in one embodiment the weight is below a weight barrier, then a mailpiece is processed as a standard letter, otherwise as a large letter.
  • FIG. 1 Several arrows indicate in FIG. 1 the respective transport direction into which a component of the sorting system transports mailpieces.
  • the two transport devices TE.1, TE.2, the further transport device TE.w and the two outward transfer devices Aus.1, Aus.2 always transport the mailpieces that are respectively fed into the same transport direction.
  • each item of mail is transported upright and without slippage and thereby always clamped between each two endless conveyor belts.
  • the mailpieces are thus transported by a shroud conveyor ("pinch belt conveyor system").
  • a stack St of mail items is sent to the feeder ZE.
  • the separator Ver singles the flat mail items of the stack St.
  • a stream of upright transported mail leaves the separator Ver dergestalt that between two consecutive mail a distance ("gap") occurs and the longitudinal axis of the mailpiece is arranged horizontally ,
  • the sorting system has a universal feeder ZE with a universal separator Ver, which is able to separate both types of mail items.
  • Fig. 1 shows this embodiment.
  • two different feeding devices operate in parallel.
  • a standard letter feeder is able to separate standard letters with a higher throughput rate and to separate no large letters for it.
  • a large letter feeder is able to separate large letters and standard letters, but with a lower throughput rate.
  • the two bar code scanners BCS.1, BCS.2 check whether a mail item has already been provided with a bar code or not.
  • This bar pattern was printed in a previous sorting process.
  • Such a bar pattern is either an encoding of a sort feature value (here: a destination mark). or an encoding of a unique identifier for the mailpiece. If a bar pattern exists, the bar pattern is decoded. A deciphered encoding of a destination mark provides the sort feature value. Thus, the sorting feature value is determined and will not be determined again. This sorting feature value determined by the decoding is used in the further course of the sorting.
  • the unique identifier is stored in connection with the determined sorting feature value.
  • a query with the unique identifier is directed to this database.
  • the stored sorting feature value is delivered. This delivered sorting feature value is used as the sorting feature value of the mailing in further sorting.
  • Each mail item is transported upright between the two cameras Ka.1, Ka.2.
  • the cameras Ka.1, Ka.2 generate from each surface of the flat mail each a computer-analyzable image.
  • One of these images shows the destination marking of the item of mail.
  • the image evaluation unit BAE automatically tries to decipher this target point identification by means of "optical character recognition” (OCR). This automatic detection requires computing time. If this is not successful, an attempt is made to decipher the destination point identification by means of "video coding".
  • the image of the mail item which shows the destination point identification is displayed on a screen device. An editor reads the destination mark in the displayed image and at least partially enters it into a data collection device, e.g. B. by means of a keyboard or by voice.
  • the image evaluation unit BAE attempts, on the basis of the input, the Address in a second attempt now automatically and completely by OCR to decipher ("OCR retry").
  • on-line video coding the mail item remains in the system of transport facilities while the destination tag is read and entered.
  • the mail item is also permanently transported in the collection period, so that it is always known where the item of mail is currently located and thus the detection result of the correct mail item can be assigned. It is not absolutely necessary to provide the mailpiece with an individual identifier ("identifier").
  • the image evaluation unit BAE also determines whether a mailpiece is a standard letter or a large letter. For this purpose, the image evaluation unit BAE evaluates an image of the mailpiece and determines the length and height of the mailpiece. It is possible that the mail item is additionally weighed and the decision additionally depends on the weight. In one embodiment, in addition, the thickness of each mail item is measured. Which physical parameters are actually measured depends on the definition of a standard letter and on the realized design of the sorting plant and in particular the sorting outputs.
  • the cameras Ka.1, Ka.2 are arranged downstream of the feeding device ZE, so that the image evaluating unit BAE evaluates images of isolated mailpieces, which leads to much better results than with still stacked mailpieces.
  • the Determining whether a postal item is a large letter or a standard letter is in any case when the item reaches the switch W.1.
  • the embodiment with two cameras Ka.1, Ka.2 opposite saves the necessity of having to orient the mailpieces to be sorted in advance. That surface of the upright transported postal item, which shows the destination point marking, can - as seen in the transport direction - to the left or to the right. In a modification, a camera is saved.
  • the sorting system has only a single camera. This requires prior orientation of the mailpieces so that the surface with the destination mark always points to that single camera.
  • the selection unit AE automatically selects a sorting output for each mail item to be sorted, depending on the ascertained sorting feature value (in this case: on the destination marking).
  • the selection of a sorting output for a mailing presupposes that the sorting feature value (here: destination marking) of the mailpiece has been determined.
  • the selection unit AE uses a computer-evaluable sorting plan, which assigns a sorting output to each occurring sorting feature value. If the mailpiece is a standard letter, then the selection unit AE selects a standard letter sorting output, otherwise a large letter sorting output. Exceptions to this are described.
  • the selection unit AE applies a standard letter sorting plan for standard letters and a large letter sorting plan for large letters. For each sorting feature value occurring, the standard letter sorting plan assigns a sorting output of the standard letter sorting output set SM.2, and the large-letter sorting plan assigns a sorting output of the large-letter sorting output set SM.1.
  • the selection unit AE selects a special sorting output out. In one embodiment, misaligned mailpieces are rejected, properly oriented, and returned to the correct orientation.
  • the standard letter sorting outputs are distributed over two levels. Approximately 60 to 80 standard letter sorting exits are arranged in each level so that the sorting system has a total of approximately 120 to 160 standard letter sorting outputs. Each standard letter sorting exit is designed as a tray and can accommodate a stack of upright standard letters. This stack grows with each additional standard letter removed. The standard letter sorting exits are so small that they can only accept standard letters, but no large letters. As a result, the standard letter sorting outputs occupy significantly less footprint than a set of universal sorting outputs. The dimensions of the standard letter sorting exits determine which mailpieces to be sorted are treated as standard letters and which as large letters.
  • the standard letter sorting outputs are arranged in two superimposed rows.
  • even two rows of standard letter sorting exits are arranged "back to back" in each plane so that one half of the standard letter sorting exits is accessible from one side and the other half is accessible from the other side.
  • Each large letter sorting output is capable of receiving a plurality of mailpieces, in particular each large letter up to a predetermined maximum size and also each standard letter.
  • a large letter sorting exit therefore occupies more space than a standard letter sorting exit.
  • the z. B. 45 to 70 large letter sorting exits are preferably arranged in a single plane, in such a way that they are well and ergonomically accessible from the outside.
  • a large letter sorting exit is also designed as a compartment and is able to receive a stack of flat mailpieces.
  • a large letter sorting exit comprises an exchangeable container and a parking space for such a container. In this container, a stack of lying mail items is generated in the course of sorting.
  • the selection unit AE selects a large letter sorting output by selecting a discharge position above this container or also next to this container. The mail item is transported to this selected ejection position and then released. The released mail item slides from this ejection position from the top into the container which is open at the top or is pushed laterally into the container.
  • the container is either on a stationary support surface below the discharge position or on a certain portion of a horizontal conveyor belt, which removes filled containers. In one embodiment, empty containers are transported on this horizontal conveyor belt.
  • Each Ausschleus brought Aus.1, Aus.2 has in the exemplary embodiment, a main transport path and one ejection component per sorting output, z. B. a reject switch.
  • the reject component of a selected sort output directs a mail item from the main transport path into that selected sort output.
  • the system of transport facilities and the discharge facilities Aus.1, Aus.2 comprise a system of endless conveyor belts and other conveyor elements.
  • Each endless conveyor belt is guided around at least two rollers or shafts, which are rotatable about vertical axes of rotation.
  • a roll is driven under control.
  • a mail item is clamped between each two endless conveyor belts and transported upright.
  • At least one light barrier measures whether a light beam from the light barrier of a mail item is interrupted or not. This light beam is transmitted through a gap between two endless conveyor belts.
  • the signals of the at least one light barrier and the known or measured transport speed can be used to determine the current position of each mail item at any time.
  • the first transport device TE.1 Downstream of the feeding device ZE or the feeding devices, first the first transport device TE.1 is arranged. In the case of several parallel feeding devices, all the feeding devices open into the first conveying device TE.1.
  • the first transport device TE.1 transports both the isolated large letters and the occasional standard letters between the two cameras Ka.1, Ka.2 through to the entrance of the switch W.1.
  • the automatic decision is made as to whether the item of mail is a standard letter or a large letter.
  • the second transport device TE.2 for standard letters begins in one output of the switch W.1, and the large letter reject device Aus.1 for large letters begins in the other output.
  • the switch W.1 redirects a standard letter to the second transport device TE.2, a large letter to the large letter reject device Aus.2.
  • a large letter is led around in the embodiment around a large role, sitting on a vertical shaft, and fed by this direction reversal by 180 ° in the large letter Ausschleus brought Aus.1.
  • the selection unit AE selects a large letter sorting output for a large letter if the measurement result (here: the deciphered target point marking) is available when the large letter has reached the switch W.1, otherwise a special sorting output. Which large letter sorting output the selection unit AE selects depends on the deciphering result.
  • the destination marking of the item of mail that is ejected into or into a special sorting exit is then deciphered by "off-line video coding", and these items of mail are later returned to the sorting system.
  • the sorting feature value of a mailpiece is available in good time before the mailpiece has reached the rejection component of that sorting output into which the mailpiece is to be ejected. In this embodiment, therefore, more time is available.
  • the switch W.1 deflects a standard letter into the second transport device TE.2.
  • This second transport device TE.2 transports exclusively standard letters and can therefore be cut to standard letters, especially in the design of the conveyor belts, rollers and other conveying elements.
  • the second transport device TE.2 is additionally designed as a delay line ("delay line") and designed in a meandering manner, cf. Fig. 1.
  • the delay line transports a standard letter over a longer period of time permanently taken.
  • the entire transport path from the cameras Ka.1, Ka.2 to the standard letter rejection device Aus.2 is available.
  • the meander-shaped configuration causes a long transport time at a constant transport speed and small footprint.
  • the destination point marking of a standard letter must be in one Embodiment be deciphered when the standard letter reaches the standard letter-Ausschleus device Aus.2. Because of the longer transport time, this is achieved for almost all standard letters.
  • the sorting system still has a special sorting output for standard letters whose destination point identification could not be decoded in a timely manner.
  • the selection unit AE selects a standard letter sorting output or the special sorting output.
  • the standard letter rejection facility Aus.1 ejects the standard letter into the selected standard letter sorting exit. This is done in succession for each standard letter so that a stack of upright standard letters is generated in each standard letter sorting exit.
  • the risk that a large letter will be damaged during transport through the sorting system is - with the same transport route on the same transport device at the same transport speed - significantly greater than the risk that a standard letter is damaged.
  • the invention meets this marginal condition by first transporting all mailpieces, that is to say standard letters and large letters, via the first transport device TE.1 and only the standard letters being additionally transported via the second transport device TE.2.
  • the sorting system according to the solution can be used both for the disposal sorting and for the incoming sorting.
  • Each mail item is first subjected to a departure sorting on its way from the place of delivery to the destination point and then to an incoming sorting.
  • Outbound sorting sorts all mail items that are within a specific one Period in the area of responsibility of a sorting center.
  • Each sorting center forms a sorting destination when the goods are sorted. All mail items with destination points in the jurisdiction of a sorting center will be transported to the destination sorting center after departure sorting.
  • this destination sorting center an input sorting is performed.
  • the mailpieces are z. B. distributed to the various delivery areas, which is performed at this input sorting. It is also possible to specify an order among the destination points in this delivery area for each delivery area and to additionally sort the items of mail after the input sorting to this order ("delivery sequence").
  • delivery sequence There are significantly more sorting destinations in incoming sorting and subsequent sorting than in sorting outgoing goods.
  • the sorting system carries out a single sorting pass for all mailpieces to be sorted in the case of outgoing sorting and incoming sorting. This is possible if there are fewer sorting destinations than the sorting system has large letter sorting outputs and also less sorting destinations than the sorting system has standard letter sorting outputs. In order sorting, on the other hand, there are more sorting destinations than the sorting system has large letter sorting outputs. Therefore, the sorting system performs at least for the large letters two or even three sorting runs to bring the large letters in an order. After the last sorting run, a stack of sorted large letters has been generated in each large letter sorting output. The large letters with the same sorting feature value ("destination mark”) occur in this stack immediately after one another. The sequence in which large letters with different sorting feature values occur in this stack depends on a predetermined order among sorting feature values.
  • One possible sorting method for the order sorting presupposes that the large letter sorting system is emptied after each but the last sorting pass in a predetermined sequence ("refeed sequence").
  • the mail items from the large letter sorting outputs are fed back into the feed device ZE in a predetermined feed order. For example, a "radix sort” is performed, in which two sorting runs are carried out successively and a "refeed sequence” is observed.
  • the sorting system has more standard letter sorting outputs than large letter sorting outputs.
  • a sorting run for large letters and standard letters is performed and a subsequent second sorting run only for the large letters. This second sorting run can be carried out overlapping in time with a first sorting pass for further mailpieces.
  • two sorting runs are also carried out for the standard letters. It is possible to use a different sorting algorithm for the standard letters than for the large letters, eg. Eg "tree sort".
  • the tree sort the set of sorting feature values occurring is broken down into groups so that each sorting feature value belongs to exactly one group. Each group is assigned a sorting output.
  • the standard letters are divided among the groups by the selection unit AE for a standard letter selecting the standard letter sorting output assigned to the grouping of the sorting feature value.
  • the second sorting run the mail items of a group are successively distributed to the sorting outputs. A certain feeding order after the first sorting cycle does not need to be kept.
  • the sorting system can be adapted to these different sorting tasks solely by applying different sorting plans, ie by pure software changes. It is not necessary to change the sorting system hardware.
  • each mail item passes through a sorting system twice, namely once for sorting the outgoing goods and once for the incoming sorting. It is possible for a mail item to pass through the same sorting system twice in each case.
  • a machine-readable encoding for the deciphered destination marking is printed on each mail item in the first sorting run, z. B. in the form of a bar pattern ("sorting bar code").
  • the solution according to the sorting system has a printer Dr.1, which prints a bar pattern on a large letter, and another printer Dr.2, which prints a bar pattern on a standard letter.
  • This embodiment requires that the deciphering result be present before a large letter reaches the printer Dr.1 and a standard letter reaches the printer Dr.2.
  • the sorting system has only one printer Dr.2 for standard letters.
  • a large letter is identified by the values of several optically detectable features. Such a method has become known under the name "Fingerprint" or "Virtual ID”.
  • each printer Dr.1, Dr.2 can also print a unique identifier ("identifier bar code") on a mailpiece instead of a "sorting bar code" for the ascertained sorting feature value. If a mail item reaches a printer Dr.1, Dr.2, without the sorting feature value of this mail item being present at this time, the printer Dr.1, Dr.2 prints a unique identifier on the mailpiece , The mail item is discharged into a special sorting output.
  • the sorting feature value (here: destination marking) is determined by "off-line video coding”. In a database, this sorting feature value is combined with the identifier stored.
  • a bar pattern reading device BCS.1, BCS.2 reads the identifier, and the stored sorting feature value is determined by a search query and used in this subsequent sorting run.
  • the sorting system has only a single printer, which is arranged upstream of the switch W.1.
  • the sorting feature value of a mail item to be sorted is only available in good time if the sorting feature value is determined when this mail item reaches this one printer.
  • the switch W.2 is designed to leave a standard letter either in the second transport device TE.2 or to direct it into the further transport device TE.w.
  • the further transport device TE.w leads to geometricbrief-Ausschleus-device Aus.1 and flows into the Einmündungstelle a so in the convenbrief-Ausschleus device Aus.1 or in the first transport device TE.1 that the other Transport device TE.w transported a standard letter upstream of the first large letter sorting output back to the first transport device TE.1.
  • the mailpieces are separated in advance for large letters and standard letters.
  • the large letters go through the sorting system and then the standard letters - or vice versa.
  • This embodiment makes it possible to use the further transport device TE.w as described above without having to produce a stream of spaced mailpieces in the point of interchange, which consists of mixed large letters and standard letters ("merging").
  • LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS reference numeral importance AE Selection unit automatically selects a sorting output for each mail item necessary.1 Outfeed facility for large letters, feeds the large letter sorting exits Aus.2 Outfeed facility for standard letters, loads the standard letter sorting exits BAE image evaluation BCS.1, BCs.2 Bar code spanner Dr.1 Printer which prints the large letters dr.2 Printer which prints the standard letters One Junction in which the further transport device TE.w opens into the large letter rejection device Aus.1 Ka.1, Ka.2 Cameras, each of which generates a computer-analyzable image of a mailpiece SE Control unit, controls, among other things, the switches W.1, W.2 and the Ausschleus facilities Aus.1, Aus.2 on SM.1 Amount of standard letter sorting outputs, distributed over several levels SM.2 Amount of large letter

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Claims (13)

  1. Installation de tri pour trier des objets suivant une caractéristique de tri donnée à l'avance,
    dans laquelle chaque objet à trier appartient à un premier type d'objet ou à un deuxième type d'objet,
    l'installation de tri comprenant
    - un appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure,
    - une unité (AE) de sélection de traitement de données,
    - un premier dispositif (TE.1) de transport,
    - un deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport,
    - un aiguillage (W.1) ayant une première sortie et une deuxième sortie,
    - un premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection,
    - un deuxième dispositif (Aus.2) d'éjection,
    - un premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri,
    - un deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri,
    chaque sortie de tri du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri peut recevoir respectivement au moins un objet du premier type d'objet,
    chaque sortie de tri du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri peut recevoir respectivement au moins un objet du deuxième type d'objet,
    le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection commence dans la première sortie de l'aiguillage (W.1) et le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport commence dans la deuxième sortie de l'aiguillage (W.1),
    l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure est conformée pour mesurer automatiquement ou déterminer d'une autre façon la valeur que prend la caractéristique de tri pour un objet à trier,
    l'unité (AE) de sélection est conformée pour sélectionner respectivement une sortie de tri pour chaque objet à trier en fonction de la valeur de la caractéristique de tri,
    le premier dispositif (TE.1) de transport est conformé pour transporter chaque objet à trier à l'aiguillage (W.1),
    le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport est conformé pour transporter chaque objet à trier du deuxième type d'objet de l'aiguillage (W.1) au deuxième dispositif (Aus.2) d'éjection,
    chaque dispositif (Aus.1, Aus.2) d'éjection est conformé pour transporter un objet à trier qui a été transporté à ce dispositif (Aus.1, Aus.2) d'éjection,
    - jusqu'à la sortie de tri sélectionnée
    et
    - pour l'éjecter dans cette sortie de tri sélectionnée, l'installation de tri étant conformée pour effectuer pour chaque objet à trier les stades suivant lesquels :
    - l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure détermine la valeur de la caractéristique de tri prise par cet objet.
    - l'appareil de mesure constate si l'objet est du premier type d'objet ou du deuxième type d'objet et
    - le premier dispositif (TE.1) de transport transporte l'objet jusqu'à l'aiguillage (W.1),
    l'installation de tri étant conformée en outre pour effectuer pour chaque objet à trier du premier type d'objet les stades suivant lesquels :
    - lorsque l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure a déterminé à temps la valeur de la caractéristique de tri,
    - l'unité (AE) de sélection sélectionne une sortie de tri du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri en fonction de la valeur de la caractéristique de tri déterminée,
    - l'aiguillage (W.1) achemine l'objet dans le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection et
    - le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection éjecte l'objet dans la sortie de tri sélectionnée.
    l'installation de tri étant en outre conformée pour effectuer pour chaque objet à trier du deuxième type d'objet les stades suivant lesquels :
    - le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport continue à transporter l'objet,
    - lorsque l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure a déterminé à temps la valeur de caractéristique tri, l'unité (AE) de sélection sélectionne une sortie de tri en fonction de la valeur de caractéristique de tri déterminée,
    - lorsque la sortie de tri sélectionnée appartient au deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri,
    - le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport transporte l'objet jusqu'au deuxième dispositif (Aus.2) d'éjection et
    - le deuxième dispositif (Aus.2) d'éjection éjecte l'objet dans la sortie de tri sélectionnée.
  2. Installation de tri suivant la revendication 1,
    caractérisée en ce que
    l'installation de tri est conformée de manière
    à ce que l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure détermine au moins à temps la valeur de caractéristique de tri d'un objet du premier type d'objet,
    lorsque l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure a déterminé la caractéristique de tri de cet objet au plus tard lorsque l'objet atteint le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection et l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure détermine au moins à temps la valeur de caractéristique de tri d'un objet du deuxième type d'objet,
    lorsque l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure a déterminé la valeur de caractéristique de tri au plus tard
    lorsque l'objet atteint le deuxième dispositif (Aus.2) d'éjection.
  3. Installation de tri suivant la revendication 1 ou 2,
    caractérisée en ce que
    l'installation de tri est conformée de manière,
    à ce que l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure a déterminé au moins à temps la valeur caractéristique de tri d'un objet,
    lorsque l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure a déterminé la valeur de caractéristique de tri sitôt,
    que l'unité (AE) de sélection peut sélectionner la sortie de tri,
    avant que le dispositif (Aus.1, Aus.2) de tri respectif ait fermé le transport de cet objet vers cette sortie de tri sélectionnée.
  4. Installation de tri suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 3,
    caractérisée en ce que
    l'installation de tri comprend en outre au moins une sortie de tri particulière et
    l'installation de tri est conformée pour éjecter un objet à trier dans une sortie de tri particulière, lorsque l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure n'a pas déterminé à temps sa valeur de caractéristique de tri,
  5. Installation de tri suivant l'une des revendication 1 à 4,
    caractérisée en ce que
    le premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri a moins de sorties de tri que le deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri.
  6. Installation de tri suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 5,
    caractérisée en ce que
    l'installation de tri a un autre dispositif (TE.W) de transport,
    l'autre dispositif (TE.W) de transport est conformé pour transporter une objet à trier du dispositif (TE.2) de transport au premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection,
    au moins une sortie de tri du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri peut recevoir au moins un objet du deuxième type d'objet,
    l'installation de tri peut fonctionner suivant un mode dans lequel l'installation de tri est conformée pour effectuer les stades suivant lesquels,
    - l'unité (AE) de sélection sélectionne pour un objet du deuxième type d'objet soit une sortie de tri du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri, soit une sortie de tri, appropriée à la réception de cet objet du deuxième type d'objet, du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri,
    - l'installation de tri, lorsque l'unité (AE) de sélection a sélectionné pour un objet à trier du deuxième type d'objet une sortie de tri du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri,
    - transporte l'objet à trier par le premier dispositif (TE.1) de transport, par le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport et par l'autre dispositif (TE.W) de transport au premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection et
    - le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection éjecte l'objet dans la sortie de tri sélectionnée.
  7. Installation de tri suivant la revendication 6,
    caractérisée en ce que
    l'installation de tri a une sortie de tri particulière et
    la sortie de tri est conformée pour
    - lorsque l'appareil (Ka.1, Ka.2, BAE) de mesure n'a pas déterminé à temps la valeur caractéristique de tri d'un objet du deuxième type d'objet
    - transporter l'objet au premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection en utilisant l'autre dispositif (TE.w) de transport et
    - l'éjecter dans une sortie de tri particulière à l'aide du premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection.
  8. Installation de tri suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 7,
    caractérisée en ce que
    chaque sortie de tri du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri peut recevoir chaque objet à trier du premier type d'objet et chaque objet à trier du deuxième type d'objet et chaque sortie de tri du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) d'objets peut recevoir cinq objets à trier du deuxième type d'objet.
  9. Installation de tri suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 8,
    caractérisée en ce que
    il est donné à l'avance une suite parmi les valeurs de caractéristique de tri qui apparaissent et
    l'installation de tri est conformée en outre pour produire dans les sorties de tri pouvant être sélectionnées du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri une succession parmi les objets à trier du deuxième type d'objet de manière à ce que la suite des objets dans cette succession corresponde à la suite de valeurs données à l'avance,
    l'installation de tri produisant dans chaque sortie de tri pouvant être sélectionnée du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri une succession d'objets qui est triée en soi suivant la suite de valeurs.
  10. Installation de tri suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 9,
    caractérisée en ce que
    les sorties de tri du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri
    sont réparties sur au moins deux plans.
  11. Procédé de tri pour trier plusieurs objets suivant une caractéristique de tri donnée à l'avance,
    chaque objet à trier appartenant soit à un premier type d'objet, soit à deuxième type d'objet,
    en utilisant pour le tri une installation de tri, l'installation de tri utilisée ayant
    - un premier dispositif (TE.1) de transport,
    - un deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport,
    - un aiguillage (W.1) ayant au moins deux sorties,
    - un premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection,
    - un deuxième dispositif (Aus.2) d'éjection,
    - un premier ensemble de sorties (SM.1) de tri,
    - un deuxième ensemble de sorties (SM.2) de tri,
    le procédé comprenant les stades dans lesquels, pour chaque objet à trier,
    - on mesure ou on détermine d'une autre façon la valeur de la caractéristique de tri donnée à l'avance prise par cet objet,
    - on mesure ou on détermine d'une autre façon si l'objet est du premier type d'objet ou du deuxième type d'objet et
    - le premier dispositif (TE.1) de transport transporte l'objet jusqu'à l'aiguillage (W.1)
    on effectue en outre pour chaque objet du premier type d'objet les stades suivant lesquels
    - l'aiguillage (W.1) aiguille l'objet vers le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection,
    - si la valeur de la caractéristique de tri pour l'objet a été déterminée à temps, il est choisi en fonction de la valeur de la caractéristique de tri automatiquement une sortie de tri du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sortie de tri et
    - le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection éjecte l'objet dans la sorties de tri sélectionnée du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri et
    on effectue en outre pour chaque objet du deuxième type d'objet les stades suivant lesquels
    - l'aiguillage (W.1) aiguille l'objet vers le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport,
    - le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport continue à transporter l'objet et,
    si la valeur de la caractéristique de tri pour l'objet a été déterminée à temps, il est sélectionné une sortie de tri en fonction de la valeur de la caractéristique de tri déterminée et
    en outre, pour chaque objet du deuxième type d'objet, lorsqu'il est sélectionné pour cet objet une sortie de tri du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri,
    - le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport transporte l'objet vers le deuxième dispositif (Aus.2) d'éjection et
    - le deuxième dispositif (Aus.2) d'éjection éjecte l'objet dans la sortie de tri sélectionnée du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri.
  12. Procédé de tri suivant la revendication 11,
    caractérisé en ce que
    - l'installation de tri utilisée a un autre dispositif (TE.w) de transport,
    - on met l'installation de tri utilisée au moins une fois dans un mode de séparation et au moins une fois dans un mode de mélange,
    - dans le mode de séparation, pour chaque objet du deuxième type d'objet, lorsque la valeur de la caractéristique de tri a été déterminée à temps, il est sélectionné toujours une sortie de tri du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri et
    - dans le mode de mélange, pour chaque objet du deuxième type d'objet, lorsque la valeur de la caractéristique de tri a été déterminée à temps, il est sélectionné soit une sorties de tri du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sortie de tri, soit une sortie de tri du deuxième ensemble (SM.2) de sorties de tri et
    lorsque, dans le mode de mélange, il est sélectionné pour un objet à trier une sortie du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri,
    - l'objet du deuxième type d'objet est transporté au premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection en utilisant le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport et l'autre dispositif (TE.w) de transport et
    - est éjecté par le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection dans la sortie de tri sélectionnée du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri.
  13. Procédé de tri suivant la revendication 12,
    caractérisé en ce que
    - lorsque, pour un objet du deuxième type d'objet une sortie de tri du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri a été sélectionné,
    - l'objet est transporté au premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection en utilisant le deuxième dispositif (TE.2) de transport et
    - le premier dispositif (Aus.1) d'éjection éjecte l'objet dans la sortie de tri sélectionnée du premier ensemble (SM.1) de sorties de tri.
EP12761937.7A 2011-09-28 2012-09-13 Installation et procédé de tri permettant de trier ensemble des objets de type différent Not-in-force EP2741867B1 (fr)

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DE102011076909A1 (de) 2010-06-02 2012-02-16 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Verarbeiten und Sortieren von verschiedenartigen Gegenständen
DE102011087370A1 (de) * 2011-11-29 2013-05-29 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Sortieranlage und Sortierverfahren mit zwei Arten von Sortierendstellen

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US20140236345A1 (en) 2014-08-21
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EP2741867A1 (fr) 2014-06-18
DE102011083580A1 (de) 2013-03-28

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