U.S. patent application number 10/433405 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-29 for stacking device for flat stackable elements.
Invention is credited to Pfeffer, Josef, Zimmermann, Rudolf.
Application Number | 20040017040 10/433405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7665711 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040017040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pfeffer, Josef ; et
al. |
January 29, 2004 |
Stacking device for flat stackable elements
Abstract
A stacking device includes a movable stacking wall and a further
stacking wall between which flat stackable elements are adapted to
be stacked. An impact wall defines the path of insertion for a
stackable element newly introduced between the stacking walls. The
movable stacking wall is impinged by a restoring element with a
restoring force in the direction of the further stacking wall. A
braking element partially converts the kinetic energy of the
movable stacking wall to thermal energy independent of the position
thereof.
Inventors: |
Pfeffer, Josef; (Amtzell,
DE) ; Zimmermann, Rudolf; (Sulzbach-Rosenberg,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O.BOX 8910
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
7665711 |
Appl. No.: |
10/433405 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
November 23, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE01/04425 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2403/725 20130101;
B65H 31/06 20130101; B65H 2701/1916 20130101; B65H 2402/547
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/207 |
International
Class: |
B65H 031/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 4, 2000 |
DE |
100 60 178.2 |
Claims
1. A stacking device for flat stackable elements (3, 4), having a
movable and a further stacking wall (1, 2) between which the
stackable elements (3, 4) can be stacked, and an impact wall (5),
by means of which a path of insertion for a stackable element (4)
newly introduced between the stacking walls (1, 2) is defined, the
movable stacking wall (1) being acted upon by means of a restoring
element (6) with a restoring force (F) in the direction of the
further stacking wall (2), characterized in that the movable
stacking wall (1) is assigned a braking element (6), by means of
which kinetic energy of the movable stacking wall (1) can be
partially converted into thermal energy irrespective of the
position of said wall.
2. The stacking device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
the braking element (6) is designed in such a manner that the
kinetic energy of the movable stacking wall (1) can essentially be
converted into thermal energy only if it moves away from the
further stacking wall (2).
3. The stacking device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in
that the braking element (6) is designed in such a manner that the
amount of kinetic energy of the movable stacking wall (1) that is
converted into thermal energy increases with increasing
acceleration of the movable stacking wall (1).
4. The stacking device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized
in that the movable and the further stacking wall (1, 2) form an
opening angle (.alpha.) of between 0.degree. and 30.degree..
5. The stacking device as claimed in one of the above claims,
characterized in that the restoring element (6) is designed as a
spring-loaded coiling drum (6) for a sheathed cable (7), said
coiling drum being connected to the movable stacking wall (1) by
means of the sheathed cable (7).
6. The stacking device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that
the sheathed cable (7) forms a single-layered coil on the coiling
drum (6).
7. The stacking device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in
that the sheathed cable (7) is coiled conically on the coiling drum
(6).
8. The stacking device as claimed in claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized
in that the coiling drum (6) is mounted displaceably in the
direction (y) of the sheathed cable (7) originating from the
coiling drum (6).
9. The stacking device as claimed in one of claims 5 to 8,
characterized in that the coiling drum (6) is assigned at least one
brake shoe (9) which, on movement of the movable stacking wall (1)
away from the further stacking wall (2), can be positioned at a
braking region (12).
10. The stacking device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in
that the brake shoe (9) is designed as a leading brake shoe
(9).
11. The stacking device as claimed in claim 8 and 9 or 8 and 10,
characterized in that the coiling drum (6) is mounted rotatably
about a drum point of rotation (14), in that the brake shoe (9) is
mounted pivotably about a pivot point (10), and in that a section
connecting the pivot point (10) and the drum point of rotation (14)
runs parallel to the displacement direction (y) of the coiling drum
(6).
12. The stacking device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized
in that the brake shoe (9) is arranged on the coiling drum (6).
13. The stacking device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in
that the brake shoe (9) is mounted and designed in such a manner
that, when the coiling drum (6) is rotated, it automatically
positions itself at the braking region (12) owing to the
centrifugal force.
14. The stacking device as claimed in one of claims 9 to 13,
characterized in that the brake shoe (9) are coated with a
compressible lining (13), for example felt or leather.
15. The stacking device as claimed in claim 14, characterized in
that the braking region (12) consists of a material which does not
change under the effect of air, for example smoothly polished brass
or plastic.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a stacking device for flat
stackable elements, having a movable and a further stacking wall
between which the stackable elements can be stacked, and an impact
wall, by means of which a path of insertion for a stackable element
newly introduced between the stacking walls is defined, the movable
stacking wall being acted upon by means of a restoring element with
a restoring force in the direction of the further stacking
wall.
[0002] Stacking devices of this type are known. They are used, in
particular, in automated distribution systems for letters and items
of mail resembling letters. Beginning at the stacking wall facing
the conveying section, the stack grows along the impact wall. The
aim is a geometrically precise stack even in the case of heavy and
thick items.
[0003] The items are introduced into the stacking device at a
relatively high conveying speed. The speeds are up to 5 meters per
second. With heavy and thick items, faults occur due to rebound
from the impact wall and/or excessive deflection of the movable
stacking wall.
[0004] In the prior art, it is known, in addition to the retracting
spring, also to use a movement-damping means by latching the
movable stacking wall longitudinally into place. It is also known
to provide the movable stacking wall with a soft coating. However,
the two measures do not result in the desired properties
particularly if the stacking compartment is empty or only filled to
a small extent and especially if relatively thick and heavy items
follow one another.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to develop a stacking
device of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a manner that
even when the stacking device is empty or only filled to a small
extent, reliable operation of the stacking device is possible
irrespective of the weight of the stackable elements.
[0006] The object is achieved by the movable stacking wall being
assigned a braking element, by means of which kinetic energy of the
movable stacking wall can be partially converted into thermal
energy irrespective of the position of said wall.
[0007] If the braking element is designed in such a manner that the
kinetic energy of the movable stacking wall can essentially be
converted into thermal energy only if it moves away from the
further stacking wall, the movable stacking wall is returned again
more rapidly into its starting position.
[0008] If the braking element is designed in such a manner that the
amount of kinetic energy of the movable stacking wall that is
converted into thermal energy increases with increasing
acceleration of the movable stacking wall, the stacking device
operates particularly reliably.
[0009] If the movable and the further stacking wall form an opening
angle of between 0.degree. and 30.degree., an easy introduction of
newly arriving stackable elements is ensured.
[0010] If the restoring element is designed as a spring-loaded
coiling drum for a sheathed cable, said coiling drum being
connected to the movable stacking wall by means of the sheathed
cable, the restoring element is of structurally simple construction
and requires only a small amount of structural space.
[0011] If the sheathed cable forms a single-layered coil on the
coiling drum, the stacking device operates in a particularly
operationally reliable and fault-free manner. In particular, the
sheathed cable cannot become jammed.
[0012] If the sheathed cable is wound conically on the coiling
drum, the coupling between the restoring element and movable
stacking wall can be varied as required in a simple manner.
[0013] If the coiling drum is mounted displaceably in the direction
of the sheathed cable originating from the coiling drum and the
coiling drum is assigned at least one brake shoe which, on movement
of the movable stacking wall away from the further stacking wall,
can be positioned at a braking region, it can be achieved, in a
structurally simple manner, that the kinetic energy of the movable
stacking wall can essentially be converted into thermal energy only
on movement away from the further stacking wall.
[0014] If the brake shoe is designed as a leading brake shoe, a
self-energizing braking action is produced.
[0015] If the coiling drum is mounted rotatably about a drum point
of rotation, the brake shoe is mounted pivotably about a pivot
point, and a section connecting the pivot point in the drum point
of rotation runs parallel to the displacement direction of the
coiling drum, a particularly advantageous interaction of coiling
drum and brake shoe is produced.
[0016] The brake shoe can be arranged over fixing position or on
the coiling drum. If, in the latter case, the brake shoe is mounted
and designed in such a manner that, when the coiling drum rotates,
it automatically positions itself at the braking region owing to
the centrifugal force, the centrifugal force can be used for
positioning the brake shoe at the braking region.
[0017] If the brake shoe is coated with a compressible lining, for
example felt or leather, and/or the braking region consists of a
material which does not change under the effect of air, for example
of smoothly polished brass or plastic, a braking action which can
be proportioned particularly gently is produced.
[0018] Further advantages and details emerge from the following
description of an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the
drawings, in which, in a basic illustration
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a stacking device from above,
[0020] FIG. 2 shows the stacking device of FIG. 1 from the
front,
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a coiling drum from the side,
[0022] FIG. 4 shows the coiling drum of FIG. 3 from the opposite
side, and
[0023] FIG. 5 shows the coiling drum of FIG. 3 from above.
[0024] According to FIG. 1, a stacking device has a movable
stacking wall 1 and a further, fixed stacking wall 2. The
movability of the movable stacking wall 1 is indicated in FIGS. 1
and 2 by a double arrow A. Flat stackable elements 3, 4 can be
stacked between the stacking walls 1, 2. The stackable elements 3,
4 may, for example, be letters. According to FIG. 1, the stackable
elements 3 being stacked and the stackable element 4 is being newly
supplied to the stack.
[0025] The stackable element 4 is supplied to the stack by the
stackable element 4 being "shot" into the stack at an introducing
speed v in an introducing direction x. The introducing speed v is
up to 5 meters per second. The stacking device therefore also has
an impact wall 5, by means of which a path of insertion for the
stackable element 4 newly introduced between the stacking walls 1,
2 is defined.
[0026] For easy introduction of the stackable element 4, the
stacking walls 1, 2 form an opening angle .alpha.. The opening
angle .alpha. lies between 0.degree. and 30.degree., for example
between 10.degree. and 20.degree..
[0027] When the stackable element 4 is introduced, the movable
stacking wall 1 springs open counter to a restoring force F and
afterward springs back again into its starting position. The
movable stacking wall 1 is thus acted upon with the restoring force
F in the direction of the fixed stacking wall 2. The restoring
force F is applied by a restoring element 6 which is connected to
the movable stacking wall 1 via a sheathed cable 7.
[0028] According to FIGS. 3-5, the restoring element 6 is designed
as a spring-loaded coiling drum 6 for the sheathed cable 7. The
sheathed cable 7 forms a single-layered coil on the coiling drum 6.
This can be seen particularly clearly from FIG. 5.
[0029] According to FIG. 5, the coiling drum 6 is of cylindrical
design. The coiling drum 6 could, however, also have a conical
profile, as indicated in FIG. 5 by dashed or dash-dotted lines. In
this case, the sheathed cable 7 would be coiled conically on the
coiling drum 6. By appropriate design of the coiling drum 6, the
coupling between the movable stacking wall 1 and the coiling drum 6
can therefore be varied as required.
[0030] The restoring element 6 serves not only for restoring the
movable stacking wall 1, but at the same time is also designed as a
braking element 6. The coiling drum 6 is thus able to convert
kinetic energy of the movable stacking wall 1 into thermal energy
irrespective of the position of said wall, insofar as this energy
is not reversibly absorbed by a restoring spring 8. The restoring
spring 8 is illustrated, in particular, in FIG. 4.
[0031] In order to apply the braking action, the coiling drum 6 is
assigned a brake shoe 9. A single brake shoe 9 is illustrated here
in FIG. 3. However, there could also be a plurality of brake shoes
9, if appropriate.
[0032] The brake shoe 9 is mounted pivotably about a pivot point
10. It is positioned at a braking region 12 of the coiling drum 6
by means of a compression spring 11. The pivot point 10 is
positionally fixed, i.e. it does not rotate together with the
coiling drum 6 on rotation of the latter. The compression spring 11
may be designed, if appropriate, in a manner such that it can be
adjusted. The brake shoe 9 is coated with a compressible lining 13.
The lining 13 may, for example, be felt or leather. The braking
region 12 consists of a material which does not change under the
effect of air. Suitable materials are, in particular, smoothly
polished brass or plastic.
[0033] Owing to the structural design of the brake shoe 9 and to
the arrangement of the pivot point 10, the brake shoe 9 is designed
as a leading brake shoe 9. It therefore shows a self-energizing
braking action when the movable stacking wall 1 is deflected and
when said wall springs back, the brake shoe is released again from
the braking region 12. It is thus positioned at the braking region
12 during the movement of the movable stacking wall 1 away from the
fixed stacking wall 2. Owing to these braking properties, the
kinetic energy of the movable stacking wall 1 is essentially
converted into thermal energy only if it moves away from the fixed
stacking wall 2.
[0034] The coiling drum 6 is mounted rotatably about a drum point
of rotation 14. In this case, the coiling drum 6 has a clearance.
It is therefore mounted displaceably in the direction of the
sheathed cable 7 originating from the coiling drum 6. The
displacement direction is indicated in FIG. 3 by y. As is apparent,
the displacement direction y runs parallel to a section which
connects the pivot point 10 and the drum point of rotation 14. The
effect achieved by this design is that the amount of kinetic energy
of the movable stacking wall 1 that is converted into thermal
energy increases with increasing acceleration of the movable
stacking wall 1. This is because the greater an impulse which acts
on the movable stacking wall 1, the more firmly is the brake shoe 9
positioned at the braking region 12. An increased braking action is
therefore produced, which, according to the invention is
desirable.
[0035] According to FIGS. 3-5, the brake shoe 9 is mounted in a
positionally fixed manner, i.e. it does not rotate together with
the coiling drum 6, but is merely positioned on the latter.
However, it is also possible to arrange the brake shoe 9 on the
coil drum 6 itself and to position it at a fixed braking region 12.
In this case, it is possible, in particular, to mount and design
the brake shoe 9 in such a manner that, when the coiling drum 6 is
rotated, said brake shoe automatically positions itself at the
braking region 12 owing to the centrifugal force.
* * * * *