U.S. patent application number 14/240139 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for filling system for introducing flat articles into a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to FERAG AG. The applicant listed for this patent is Sergio Sigrist. Invention is credited to Sergio Sigrist.
Application Number | 20140193100 14/240139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46754821 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140193100 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sigrist; Sergio |
July 10, 2014 |
FILLING SYSTEM FOR INTRODUCING FLAT ARTICLES INTO A CONTAINER
Abstract
A filling system and filling device for introducing items for
delivery into a delivery bag. The filling device has a stacking
mechanism that stacks the items for delivery in the delivery bag.
The items for delivery include one or more flat articles, and can
include an enclosure unit that is flat, at least partially open on
at least one side, and at least partially closed on at least one
side, such that the enclosure unit forms an envelope or a pocket.
The item for delivery and/or the enclosure unit can have a receiver
identification.
Inventors: |
Sigrist; Sergio; (Hinwil,
CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sigrist; Sergio |
Hinwil |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
FERAG AG
Hinwil
CH
|
Family ID: |
46754821 |
Appl. No.: |
14/240139 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
August 16, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CH2012/000192 |
371 Date: |
March 14, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/6 ; 383/105;
383/41; 53/244; 53/475 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 25/143 20130101;
B65G 57/11 20130101; B65H 2408/11 20130101; B65H 29/58 20130101;
B65B 35/44 20130101; B65D 33/06 20130101; B65B 63/02 20130101; B65H
2701/1916 20130101; A45C 5/00 20130101; B65H 33/12 20130101; B65H
31/06 20130101; B65B 5/10 20130101; B65D 31/16 20130101; B07C 3/008
20130101; B65B 35/50 20130101; B65H 2301/422548 20130101; B65H
31/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/6 ; 53/244;
383/105; 383/41; 53/475 |
International
Class: |
B65B 5/10 20060101
B65B005/10; B65D 30/10 20060101 B65D030/10; B65D 33/06 20060101
B65D033/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 24, 2011 |
CH |
1382/11 |
Claims
1. A filling system including a filling device with a conveying
apparatus for introducing flat articles into a container, wherein
the filling device has a stacking mechanism that stacks the flat
articles into the container, wherein the container is developed as
a delivery bag and the flat articles are developed as delivery
units, wherein the delivery units include one or more flat
articles.
2. The filling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the delivery
unit includes an enclosing unit which is flat, is at least
partially open on at least one side and is at least partially
closed on at least one side such that the enclosing unit forms an
envelope or a pocket.
3. The filling system as claimed in either of claim 1, wherein the
delivery unit and/or the enclosing unit comprises recipient
identification.
4. The filling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filling
device includes an adjustment apparatus for the delivery bag,
wherein the adjustment apparatus modifies the position of the
delivery bag corresponding to a fill level of the delivery bag.
5. The filling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filling
device includes a control apparatus that controls the stacking
mechanism such that the delivery units are introduced as an article
stream through a first opening of the delivery bag into a buckle
space of the delivery bag and the introduced delivery units form a
stack in the buckle space.
6. The filling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filling
device includes an identification mechanism which provides the
delivery bag with additional data during stacking or as a result of
the type of stacking of the delivery units.
7. The filling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filling
system includes a shingle distributing device and at least one
filling device arranged downstream in a conveying direction.
8. A delivery bag for use in a filling system as claimed in claim
1, wherein the delivery bag includes parts that are realized from
flexible material.
9. The delivery bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein the delivery bag
comprises at least one shoulder strap and/or a carrying handle.
10. The delivery bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein the delivery
bag comprises at least one second opening for removing the flat
articles out of the delivery bag.
11. The delivery bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first
and/or second opening of the delivery bag comprises a re-closable
closure selected from the group consisting of press buttons, a
zipper, Velcro fastener or tapes, cords, and clips, for at least
part of the opening.
12. The delivery bag as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first and
the second opening of the delivery bag lie on opposite sides of the
delivery bag and are arranged such that at least one buckle space
of the delivery bag essentially forms a passage that passes through
the delivery bag when the first and second openings are open.
13. A method for filling a delivery as claimed in claim 8 with a
filling system as claimed in claim 1, said method including the
steps of: convey delivery units in an article stream, and stack the
delivery units from the article stream in a delivery bag, wherein
the delivery units are introduced into the delivery bag through a
first opening of the delivery bag with a first end face in front
and the delivery units are essentially stacked in a direction of
the force of gravity.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the position of the
delivery bag is adapted corresponding to a fill level of the
delivery bag.
15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the delivery units
are stacked in a previously defined sequence.
16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein, during stacking or
as a result of the type of stacking, the delivery bag is provided
with additional data.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a system and a method for filling
containers with flat articles as well as to delivery bags for use
in conjunction with such systems or methods. In this case, the
system includes a filling device with a conveying apparatus for
conveying the articles as well as a stacking mechanism for stacking
the articles in the container.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Filling systems for stacking articles in containers already
exist in various embodiments. For example, a filling system
described in US 2004 0 098 948 A1 having a conveying apparatus
stacks articles in containers, the containers shown being rigid in
form and being stackable in one another in the empty state.
[0005] A disadvantage of the existing filling systems is that the
containers filled in said systems are only suitable for delivering
the articles in a limited manner. Delivering means manually
distributing the articles to different recipients and/or to
localities associated with the recipients, at least one person as
deliverer personally transporting the articles at least over a part
section of the path from the filling system to the recipient or to
the locality and depositing them manually and in particular
carrying them in containers. Different recipients or localities, in
particular, can be separated from one another spatially. A typical
example of delivering articles is a distribution of items of mail
by a mailman.
[0006] With respect to the delivering, the filled rigid containers
described in the prior art are bulky, unwieldy to transport and
awkward to operate. In particular, when removing the articles, the
filled rigid containers are awkward to operate when, for instance,
a deliverer, on his feet and without any aids or possibilities for
putting down or supporting things, has only his two hands to work
with. In addition, the containers do not utilize the maximum useful
load, movement and operating possibilities or the anatomical
characteristics of the deliverers in an ergonomic or efficient
manner.
[0007] For the abovementioned reasons, the containers filled by
filling systems described in the prior art are not used for
delivering articles, but rather in internal logistics, for example
as transporting and/or collecting containers between stations of
processing processes. When articles located in such containers are
to be delivered, the articles are, for example, repacked, which is
labor-intensive and time-intensive, or the containers are moved
individually or in a preferred manner as a plurality by way of
motorized or non-motorized conveying means (such as, for instance,
automobiles and/or motorcycles or bicycles of every size and
design, handcarts and trailers) into the vicinity of the recipient
or of the locality, but not to the recipient or the locality
themselves. As a result, the deliverer has to cover a distance
between the container and the recipient or the locality with the
product, which costs time and, particularly when the distance is
covered many times, is inefficient.
[0008] A further disadvantage of the filling systems described in
the prior art is relatively poor accessibility and/or lack of
overview of the articles. Certainly, the filling systems frequently
stack the articles in the container in a previously defined
sequence, but in the majority of cases the articles are only at one
stack end and consequently are only accessible sequentially in the
previously defined sequence. In addition, it cannot be ascertained
simply and quickly whether, where applicable, several articles are
to be delivered to the same recipient. Nor is it possible to grasp
several articles simply and quickly for the same recipient. The
delivering of articles which are stacked in containers by filling
systems described in the prior art is not ergonomic and not
efficient for these reasons.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is consequently the object of the invention to create a
filling system of the type named in the introduction that
eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages. A filling system that
prepares the articles in a manner suitable for delivering is
therefore to be created.
[0010] Said object is achieved by a filling system with the
features of claim 1.
[0011] The containers filled by the filling system are developed
according to the invention as delivery bags and the flat articles
as delivery units, the delivery units including one or several flat
articles.
[0012] The filling system according to the invention includes a
filling device that has a stacking mechanism. The stacking
mechanism stacks delivery units in delivery bags. The advantage of
stacking delivery units instead of individual articles is that one
or several flat articles are combined in one delivery unit. Printed
products (such as, for instance, newspapers and/or journals), mail
items, advertising articles, samples, foiled bags including, for
example, T-shirts or flags, cards, brochures, pamphlets, flyers,
CDs, DVDs, packet soups, tea bags and/or further flat and in
particular flexible articles are designated, in particular, as flat
articles.
[0013] The delivery bag is matched to the possibilities,
limitations, requirements and the capability of a deliverer and is
simple and efficient to operate and manageable and ergonomic to
transport. The delivery bag that is filled by the stacking
mechanism can be utilized directly by the deliverer to deliver the
delivery units in an ergonomic and efficient manner, and no
repacking of the delivery units is necessary. Consequently, the
articles can be delivered simply, ergonomically and efficiently
following the filling system.
[0014] Arriving at the recipient, the deliverer can remove the
corresponding delivery unit simply and efficiently out of the
delivery bag he is carrying, he has the entire contents of the
delivery bag on him and, as a result, is able to shorten and/or
save on delivery paths. In a particularly preferred manner, all
articles that comprise the same recipient are combined in only one
delivery unit such that the deliverer has a good overall view of
all the articles and the articles that are associated with each
recipient are accessible quickly and simply. As a result of the
abovementioned advantages, expenditure on delivery is scaled down,
and the number of process steps between the filling system and
delivering is reduced.
[0015] The filling device comprises a conveying apparatus for
introducing flat articles into a container, said conveying
apparatus including at least one belt conveyor and in particular at
least one double belt conveyor. In any case, an end of the
conveying apparatus can be developed, for example, so as to be
movable. The conveyed delivery units are discharged by the
conveying apparatus at a discharge point, and as a result of an end
of the conveyor apparatus that is movable, the discharge point is
able to change its position. A movable end of the conveying
apparatus can be part of the stacking mechanism. The stacking
mechanism can include one or several parts of the filling device.
In a preferred manner, in this case, a conveying direction of the
conveying apparatus extends to and in the filling device
horizontally or substantially horizontally. The conveying
direction, in this case, can change direction once or several times
in the filling device.
[0016] Further preferred embodiments proceed from the dependent
claims. In this case, features of the apparatus claims can be
combined in an analogous manner with the method claims and vice
versa.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the delivery unit includes an
enclosing unit that is flat, is at least partially open on at least
one side and is at least partially closed on at least one side such
that the enclosing unit forms an envelope or a pocket.
[0018] The enclosing unit forms an envelope or a pocket which
surrounds the at least one article at least in part and combines it
in this way. The advantage of this is that a connection between
different individual articles can be seen rapidly and simply and
the articles with this connection can be grasped together. An
enclosing unit forms a surrounding, open envelope and the flat
articles included by the enclosing unit are designated as a
collection. A delivery unit can therefore preferably consist of an
enclosing unit and a collection.
[0019] The enclosing unit is flexible and pliable when described in
detail. The enclosing unit can be a sheet of paper with a
single-layer or multi-layer or single-ply or multi-ply structure.
In a preferred manner, at least one layer or ply consists of paper,
cardboard or paperboard. Several layers can be bonded together for
example. Further layers can consist of metal or plastics material.
The plastics material layer can be added to the laminar structure
by means of extrusion, lamination or varnishing. The flat, flexible
enclosing unit can also consist of a plastics material, in
particular a plastics film. The enclosing unit can be a single-leaf
or multiple-leaf product. Said multiple-leafed product can be
bonded, stitched or glued. The enclosing unit can comprise
different surface dimensions and geometries and, for example, can
be polygonal or round or can have combined forms. The enclosing
unit, in a preferred manner, is realized in a rectangular shape.
The enclosing unit can also be in the form of a strip in
particular.
[0020] In a preferred manner, the enclosing unit is a flat article
that is folded or bent along a bending line, such as, for example,
a sheet of paper that forms two enclosing portions that are defined
by the bending line. In particular, however, the enclosing unit can
also consist of at least one top and at least one bottom cover
sheet, both of which are connected together at at least one point.
The cover sheets are, for example, connected together directly
and/or by means of connecting parts. The cover sheets and where
applicable also the connecting parts are connected together by
means of bonding and/or stitching. The enclosing unit can be
realized in particular with multiple parts, for instance by means
of several parts which are bonded together and/or by means of
several parts which are stitched together.
[0021] As an alternative to this, the enclosing unit can also be
closed on all sides or open on all sides and can, for example,
consist of a top and/or bottom cover sheet or an envelope.
[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the delivery unit and/or
the enclosing unit comprises recipient identification.
[0023] As a result of recipient identification on the delivery unit
and/or the enclosing unit, the recipient of the articles in the
delivery unit or the recipient of the delivery unit (which, where
applicable, does not have to match a recipient of the articles) is
able to be determined simply and rapidly. This facilitates,
simplifies and accelerates the delivering.
[0024] As an alternative to this, the delivery unit and/or the
enclosing unit can also not comprise recipient identification or
can comprise data other than recipient identification, for example
instructions regarding delivery units which are to be treated in a
particular manner or articles included thereby such as, for
instance, special delivery, registered mail, fragile, private and
confidential or an alternative recipient.
[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling device
includes an adjustment apparatus for the delivery bag. The
adjustment apparatus modifies the position of the delivery bag
corresponding to a fill level of the delivery bag.
[0026] By changing the position of the delivery bag, the adjustment
apparatus can ensure that the delivery bag and the discharge point
of the conveying apparatus are arranged in a position in relation
to one another that enables a particularly rapid, material-friendly
and precise stacking of the delivery units in the delivery bag. The
position is changed corresponding to the fill level of the delivery
bag such that a stack end in the delivery bag, onto which a further
delivery unit is to be stacked, is situated in a position in
relation to the discharge point which is particularly good for
stacking. As a result of the adjustment apparatus changing the
position of the stack end in such an adapting manner, delivery
units of different thicknesses can be stacked one on top of another
in a secure and material-friendly manner. The adjustment apparatus
can displace the delivery bag horizontally and/or vertically, tip
it and/or rotate it or can carry out one or several of said
movements individually or in combination following one after
another. The speed of the change in the position of the delivery
bag by the adjustment apparatus can vary strongly. The change in
position can be effected continuously or in steps.
[0027] The adjustment apparatus can be part of the stacking
mechanism. In particular, the stacking mechanism can include the
adjustment apparatus and a movable end of the conveying apparatus.
The stacking mechanism is able to stack the delivery units into one
or several buckle spaces that are realized in the delivery bag, and
this in an arbitrary sequence. In a preferred manner, one single
buckle space, which is realized in the delivery bag and can also be
designated as a storage space or interior or compartment of the
carrying bag, is filled up gradually with delivery units from one
wall of the buckle space to the other wall. The stacking of the
flat articles is effected, in this case, in the stacking direction
that points, in particular, substantially in the direction of the
force of gravity. The stacking direction refers to the direction in
which a stack expands as a result of stacking. A direction points
substantially in a determining direction when the direction
deviates less than a maximum of 80 degrees from the determining
direction.
[0028] As an alternative to this, the filling device can also be
provided without an adjustment apparatus, or the filling device can
also have several adjustment apparatuses. Neither does the
adjustment apparatus have to change the position of the delivery
bag, but can also change the position of other parts of the filling
device, the filling system and/or the delivery units themselves.
For example, an adjusting device can move the delivery units from a
discharge point of the conveying apparatus to a defined location in
the delivery bag. One or several adjustment apparatuses can also be
included by parts of the filling system other than by the filling
device.
[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling device
includes a control apparatus that controls the stacking mechanism
in such a manner that the delivery units are introduced as an
article stream through a first opening of the delivery bag into a
buckle space of the delivery bag and the introduced delivery units
form a stack in the buckle space.
[0030] The stacking mechanism of the filling device can include
different parts of the filling device, in particular a movable end
of the conveying apparatus and/or an adjustment apparatus. In
particular, the stacking mechanism can change the position of the
discharge point, the position of a delivery unit, the position of a
delivery bag and/or the position of a stack of delivery units. The
stacking mechanism is controlled by a control apparatus in such a
manner that the stacking mechanism introduces an article stream
into the delivery bag and stacks it. The article stream, in this
case, can consist in particular of delivery units separated into
singles and/or delivery units in shingles and/or in part stacks. An
article stream, which includes articles in shingles, is called a
shingle stream.
[0031] The article stream can also consist, for example, of shingle
segments, that is of individual shingles with interruptions or gaps
arranged between the shingles in the shingle stream. In particular,
the shingle segments can be compressed, i.e. when viewed in the
conveying direction, ends of the articles following directly one
after another in the conveying direction in the compressed shingle
segment are less spaced apart from one another than corresponding
ends of the articles in a non-compressed shingle segment or a
non-compressed shingle stream. The advantage of compressed shingle
segments compared to non-compressed shingle segments is that, for
conveying a predetermined number of articles for a predetermined
time, it is possible to convey the compressed shingle segments at a
slower speed than non-compressed shingles. As a result of conveying
a shingle segment at a slower speed, the stacking of the articles
in the delivery bag, for example, can also be effected at a slower
speed, which allows for particularly precise, particularly reliable
and/or particularly material-friendly stacking.
[0032] The gaps between the shingle segments can be utilized in
particular for the purpose of introducing separating means, bottom
and/or cover sheets, articles with additional data regarding the
shingle segment and other articles between the shingle segments.
Apparatuses and methods for introducing articles are able to
utilize the gaps in a corresponding manner. The gap can also be
utilized, for instance, in order to supply shingle segments in a
targeted manner to different processing steps, for example in order
to supply individual shingle segments to different filling
devices.
[0033] The stacking in the delivery bag can be effected in
different stacking steps by, for instance, individual delivery
units or also several delivery units together (for example in the
form of a shingle, a shingle segment or as a part stack) being
stacked one on top of another. The filling device is particularly
versatile as a result of the control apparatus, and the filling of
the delivery bags can also be accelerated as a result of precisely
executed steps and/or can be carried out in a particular
material-friendly manner for the delivery unit and/or the delivery
bag.
[0034] The control apparatus can change, for example, between
different speeds and/or different stacking steps such that, for
example, individual delivery units, shingles and part stacks can be
stacked one on top of another in an arbitrary combination and
sequence. In a preferred manner, in a shingle the shoulder of the
delivery unit is arranged in front in the conveying direction. The
shoulder of a delivery unit can be arranged inside the shingle
above or below a delivery unit that is directly in front in the
conveying direction in the shingle. When stacking part stacks, in a
preferred manner the shoulder of the delivery units lies in the
conveying direction.
[0035] Data from sensors or sensor systems, in particular, can be
available to the control apparatus and it can control the filling
device in a manner that is at least partially dependent on said
data. Optical sensors, cameras without or with an evaluating
system, weighing apparatuses, mechanical counters or probes can
serve as sensors or sensor systems. The measuring variables
detected by the sensors or sensor systems can be, for example, the
stack height of the stack, the fill level and/or the weight of the
filled delivery bag, the weight and/or the geometric dimensions and
in particular the thickness of the delivery units. The sensors or
sensor systems can also detect the number of delivery units in the
delivery bag, in the filling device, in the filling system or in a
part stack or a shingle segment. The recipient identification can
also be detected, for example, by cameras with evaluating systems.
A quality check can be effected as a result of detecting the
recipient identification. Delivery units with non-matching
recipient identification can be detected and said data can be
indicated by the filling system and in particular by the filling
device. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, the
delivery bags can be provided with said data.
[0036] The delivery units are introduced in particular by a
conveying apparatus in a shingle stream through a first opening of
the delivery bag into a buckle space of the delivery bag. The
stacking of the delivery units is effected in a preferred manner in
a quite specific sequence. In the case of the shingle, the sequence
is determined in a preferred manner when the shingle is created,
that is prior to stacking, such that the shingle is introduced into
the buckle space already in the desired sequence. The delivery bag
can comprise several buckle spaces in which the delivery units are
stacked successively or in an arbitrary sequence.
[0037] As an alternative to this, the filling system can also
include the control apparatus without the control apparatus being
included by the filling device. The control apparatus can also be
provided outside the filling system and, for example, can interact
with further control apparatuses. The control apparatus can also be
included only in part by the filling system or the filling device.
In addition, the control apparatus can also control more than only
the stacking mechanism. The control apparatus can, in particular,
also control different parts of the stacking mechanism separately
or in different combinations. The delivery units can be introduced
through different openings into the delivery bag and stacked there.
The shoulder of the delivery unit can be arranged prior to and/or
during stacking both leading and trailing (above or below).
[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling device
includes an identification mechanism that provides the delivery bag
with additional data during stacking or as a result of the type of
stacking of the delivery units.
[0039] The identification mechanism provides the delivery bag with
additional data during stacking or as a result of the type of
stacking by, for example, the delivery bag being provided with at
least one identification symbol (for instance at least one marking
which is differentiatable by color and/or form, one or several
symbols and/or digits, letters, etc., in an arbitrary combination
or also images, words and/or complete descriptions). For example,
the at least one identification symbol can be printed on paper and
introduced into a pocket with a window. Or, for example, the
identification mechanism functions in such a manner that a certain
delivery unit (or part thereof) is positioned during stacking in a
manner that said delivery unit or part thereof is visible from the
outside of the delivery bag (for instance through a window) and the
contents of the delivery bag can be deduced therefrom. The
identification mechanism can be controlled by the control
apparatus.
[0040] The additional data can include, for example, one or several
delivery addresses, the extent of the contents of the delivery bag,
the region of the delivery addresses, the delivery zones or
delivery routes and/or other data such as, for instance, the weight
and/or the type and/or quantity of the contents of the delivery
bag, the name of the deliverer and/or particular instructions to
the deliverer and/or recipient. The advantage of the additional
data is that the delivery bag is identifiable simply and rapidly
and simplifies the delivering of the delivery units in this
way.
[0041] As an alternative to this, the delivery bag can already be
provided permanently or temporarily with additional data even prior
to the filling by the filling device, and/or the delivery bag is
provided with additional data by the filling device prior to and/or
after the filling. In addition, the filling system can also include
the identification mechanism without the identification mechanism
being included by the filling device. The identification mechanism
can also be provided outside the filling system. The identification
mechanism can also be included only in part by the filling system
or the filling device.
[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling system
includes a shingle distributing means and at least one filling
device arranged downstream in the conveying direction.
[0043] A shingle distributing means divides a shingle stream into
shingle segments, between which there are gaps. In particular, in
this case, compressed shingle segments can be created. The
advantages of processing shingle segments and in particular
compressed shingle segments have already been stated further above,
as have the advantages of gaps. If the at least one filling device
is arranged downstream of the shingle distributing means in the
conveying direction, the shingle segments are able to be processed
further directly in a simple, rapid and efficient manner. Where
there are several filling devices in the filling system, different
shingle segments can be supplied to different filling devices by
one shingle distributing means, which can allow for more versatile
use of the filling system and increase the filling speed of the
filling system.
[0044] As an alternative to this, it is also possible for the
filling system not to include any shingle distributing means or,
however, also several shingle distributing means. In particular,
the shingle stream or the shingle segments can also be compressed
in the filling system--or also outside the filling system--in a
manner other than by a shingle distributing means. For example, for
instance by a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt
following in the conveyor direction, the first conveyor belt
conveying the shingle stream or the shingle segment at a higher
speed than the second conveyor belt. The shingle distributing means
can also divide the shingle stream up into shingle segments without
the shingle segments being compressed and can realize the shingle
segments with the same thickness as in the shingle stream or also
with less thickness.
[0045] Gaps between shingle segments can also be realized in a
manner other than by a shingle distributing means. The realizing of
the gaps can be effected in the filling system or also outside it.
To this end, for example, part of the shingle stream can be
accelerated positively or negatively compared to another part of
the shingle stream, as a result of which a gap is created. The
realizing of gaps between shingle streams and the compressing of
the shingle stream and/or of the shingle segments can be effected
independently of one another or at least in part in common. The
realizing of gaps between shingle segments and the compressing of
the shingle stream and/or of the shingle segments can be effected
by the same parts or at least in part different parts of the
filling system (or by apparatuses not included by the filling
system). In addition, the filling device can also be arranged in a
manner other than downstream of the shingle distributing means in
the conveying direction, for example it can be arranged upstream of
the shingle distributing means in the conveying direction, or for
instance also beneath it.
[0046] Within the framework of the invention, a delivery bag for
use in one of the above-described filling systems according to the
invention is also claimed. In this case, the delivery bag includes
parts that are realized from flexible material.
[0047] The delivery bag, in this case, is realized as a bag, sack,
knapsack or in general as a transport container that consists at
least in part of flexible material. In a particularly advantageous
manner, the flexible material consists of a textile planar
structure, in particular of a woven fabric. The textile planar
structure can include natural or artificial fibers or a mixture
thereof. The walls of the buckle space of the delivery bag consist
in a preferred manner entirely of a textile material.
[0048] The advantage of an at least partially flexible delivery bag
is that it is able to adapt to the form and/or quantity of the
contents and/or to the effects on the delivery bag from the
outside, for example by adapting the form of the bag to the
deliverer when he carries it. The delivery bag can, for example, be
at least partially enlarged where necessary during filling or
reduced again for carrying (in particular can also be brought into
a compact form when empty, e.g. by folding or rolling). This
increases, for example, comfort and/or ergonomy when dealing with
the delivery bag during delivery, allows for better arrangement and
weight distribution of the delivery bag with reference to the
deliverer and increases the mobility of the deliverer when
delivering, for example as a result of an outer volume of the
delivery bag being adapted to the amount of the contents.
[0049] Adapting the size of the delivery bag is particularly
advantageous in particular also where volumes of the delivery units
or of the flat articles vary if, for example, a delivery bag is to
contain at least, precisely or a maximum of a certain number of
delivery units with varying volumes. This is the case, in
particular, when a delivery bag is used for delivering items of
mail and the delivery bag is always to include the same part of a
delivery route that is defined beforehand. The size of the delivery
bag can then be adapted to a daily varying volume of the mail to be
delivered along said part of the delivery route and always includes
all the delivery units for the corresponding part of the delivery
route. This makes it possible to deliver the mail in an ergonomic
and particularly efficient manner.
[0050] Suitable textiles are easily obtainable and economical and
can have special characteristics such as, for instance, tightness
against fluids, high resistance to tearing and/or wearing and/or
defined flexibility or extensibility. The delivery bag can be used
in a versatile manner and is economical and light as a result of
the flexible parts and, where applicable, also in combination with
non-flexible parts. The delivery bag can be provided for single
use, however it is advantageous for it also to be used multiple
times. The delivery bag is designed typically for a load of 3-20 kg
and is essentially no larger than 100.times.60.times.50 cm. If the
delivery bag is not self-supporting, the filling device can provide
means for positioning and for realizing and holding open the buckle
space.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the delivery bag comprises at
least one shoulder strap and/or a carrying handle.
[0052] As a result of at least one shoulder strap and/or a carrying
handle or a loop, the delivery bag can be grasped, held,
transported or carried, fastened and manipulated particularly well.
Further straps, belts and/or fastening apparatuses such as, for
instance, closure systems or possibilities for connection to other
delivery bags, suspending apparatuses, belts, carrying systems etc.
can make the delivery bag even more versatile to use, in particular
for the purposes named for the shoulder strap and the carrying
handle.
[0053] As an alternative to this, the delivery bag can also be
realized without the shoulder strap and/or carrying handle or with
other apparatuses, in particular with other apparatuses for
transporting, holding and/or carrying the delivery bag.
[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the delivery bag
comprises at least one second opening for removing the flat
articles out of the delivery bag.
[0055] If the delivery bag comprises a second opening, through
which the flat articles or delivery units are able to be removed,
the delivery units must not be removed out of the delivery bag in a
direction that is opposite to the direction in which the delivery
unit is introduced for stacking in the delivery bag. The delivery
units can also be removed through a second opening out of the
delivery bag in an arbitrarily selected direction. This is
particularly advantageous then if the delivery units can be
introduced into the delivery bag with the shoulder in the front and
afterwards can be removed out of the delivery bag again with the
shoulder in the front. In this way, the shoulder is always aligned
in the direction of conveying, which allows for particularly
simple, rapid and efficient processing.
[0056] As an alternative to this, however, the delivery bag can
comprise just one opening. In a further preferred embodiment the
first and the second opening of the delivery bag lie on opposite
sides of the delivery bag. In particular, the first and second
openings are arranged in such a manner that at least one buckle
space of the delivery bag essentially forms a passage that passes
through the delivery bag when the first and second openings are
open.
[0057] If the first and second openings of the delivery bag are on
opposite sides of the delivery bag, the delivery units can be
introduced into the delivery bag, stacked and also removed in the
same direction--for example with the shoulder in front. The great
advantage of this is that the preferred alignment of the delivery
unit, which is to be handled in the simplest and most efficient
manner with the shoulder directed forward, is ensured both prior
to, during and also after stacking. In a preferred manner, the
first and/or second opening of the delivery bag allow for access to
the entire width of the at least one buckle space, which
facilitates the introducing and removal of the delivery units.
[0058] As an alternative to this, the delivery bag can also have
just one opening, or the second opening is at a point other than
opposite the first opening. The opposite openings can also be
different sizes or arranged in an offset manner.
[0059] In a further preferred embodiment, the first and/or second
opening of the delivery bag comprises a re-closable closure at
least for part of the opening. The re-closable closure can include,
in particular, press buttons, a zipper or Velcro fastener or tapes,
cords or clips.
[0060] A closure protects the contents of the delivery bag for
example from falling out as well as from weather conditions,
impacts, contamination and other outside influences and can also
make the theft of individual or several delivery units at least
more difficult if not in fact prevent it. In addition, the delivery
bag can be used in a more versatile manner; for example the
delivery units can be introduced into the delivery bag through a
first opening and stacked in a particularly simple, secure and
ergonomic manner when other openings are closed. The delivery bag
can be moved and transported in an ergonomic and secure manner once
the first opening is closed by a closure, for example even with the
first opening lying essentially in the direction of the force of
gravity, that is in particular beneath the stacked delivery
units.
[0061] A further advantage of re-closable closures is the
possibility of being able to use the delivery bag multiple times.
This lowers costs, saves resources and reduces waste.
[0062] As an alternative to this, no opening or an arbitrary number
of openings of the delivery bag can comprise one or not any
closure, and the closure does not also have to be re-closable but
can function just the once. An opening can also be closed without a
closure, for example as a result of bonding or welding. Elements
such as, for instance, an outside or inside pocket, straps or a
framework for the delivery bag, which close the opening, can also
fulfill the same purpose as described above. It is also possible to
realize the re-closable closure by hooks, eyes, snap-type closures
and other apparatuses. The bag can also be produced at least in
part in the filling system, then filled and, where applicable,
subsequently closed and where applicable completed.
[0063] A method for filling a delivery bag is also claimed within
the framework of the invention. The method according to the
invention includes the following steps: the conveying of delivery
units in an article stream, and the stacking of the delivery units
out of the article stream in a delivery bag. During stacking the
delivery units are introduced into the delivery bag through a first
opening of the delivery bag with a first end face in front and are
stacked substantially in the direction of the force of gravity.
[0064] The method can be carried out in particular by a filling
system that is described further above and is suitable in
particular for filling delivery bags that are described further
above. The advantages of the filling system and of the delivery
bags are also applicable to the method. The advantages (and
alternatives) which are applicable to the corresponding apparatuses
or the parts thereof and/or to the delivery bags are also
applicable to the following preferred conversions of the
method.
[0065] In a preferred conversion of the method, the position of the
delivery bag is modified corresponding to a fill level of the
delivery bag.
[0066] In a further preferred conversion of the method, the
delivery units are stacked in a previously defined sequence. The
previously defined sequence can be orientated in particular to a
delivery zone, a delivery route or a delivery round. As an
alternative to this, the sequence can also be orientated to
urgency, size and/or weight of the delivery units or to other
variables or conditions.
[0067] In a further preferred conversion of the method, the
delivery bag is provided with additional data during the stacking
or as a result of the type of stacking.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068] The object of the invention is described in more detail
below by way of preferred exemplary embodiments which are shown in
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0069] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an elevation view of
a first embodiment of a filling device;
[0070] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an elevation view of
a second embodiment of a filling device;
[0071] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an elevation view of
a third embodiment of a filling device;
[0072] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an elevation view of
a fourth embodiment of a filling device;
[0073] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a perspective view
of an embodiment of a delivery bag;
[0074] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a perspective view
of a further embodiment of a delivery bag; and
[0075] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an elevation view of
an embodiment of a filling system according to the invention.
[0076] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided
with identical references. Insofar as no other specification states
the directions precisely, the directional specifications for the
imaged figure are applicable in exactly the same way as for a
document on which the figure is shown: above designates the
direction in which the top edge of the document (e.g. of the page
of paper) lies, right the direction in which the right edge of the
document lies and so on.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0077] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a filling
device 10. The filling device 10 introduces delivery units 11 into
a delivery bag 12 through a first opening of the delivery bag 12
and stacks them there. The delivery units 11 are conveyed by the
filling device 10 as a shingle stream 13 in the direction of the
delivery bag 12. The filling device 10 comprises a movable end 14
of a conveying apparatus end 14 on its end facing the delivery bag
12. The movable end 14 of the conveying apparatus is mounted so as
to be movable about pivot points such that the end of the movable
end 14 of the conveying apparatus facing the delivery bag 12 can be
pivoted substantially along a stacking direction. The stacking
direction extends in FIG. 1 substantially horizontally, that is
substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force of
gravity. Stacks with substantially horizontal stacking directions
are also called bars. The stacking direction of FIG. 1 is described
in more detail further below. The delivery bag 12 can also be moved
substantially along the stacking direction.
[0078] The filling device 10 includes a conveying apparatus in the
form of a double belt conveyor with a top conveyor belt 15.1 and a
bottom conveyor belt 15.2. The conveyor belts 15.1 and 15.2 are
guided by means of guide rollers 16. The shingle stream 13 that is
conveyed between the conveyor belts 15.1 and 15.2 comprises
delivery units 11, the closed ends of which are designated as
shoulders 17. The shoulder 17 of the delivery units 11 is in front
in the conveying direction F of the filling device 10 and lies in
each case on top of the delivery unit 11 that runs directly in
front in the conveying direction F, which is described as leading
on top. In the embodiment of the filling device 10 shown in FIG. 1,
the stacking mechanism includes the movable end 14 of the conveying
apparatus of the double belt conveyor and an apparatus that moves
the delivery bag 12 substantially along the stacking direction. The
conveyor belts 15.1 and 15.2 are guided around the movable end 14
of the conveying apparatus and form a discharge point for the
delivery units 11 at the end of the movable end 14 of the conveying
apparatus.
[0079] The shingle stream 13 is conveyed by the double belt
conveyor through the filling device 10 in the direction of the
delivery bag 12 (the conveying direction F is designated by the
arrow in FIG. 1). The delivery units 11 are introduced into the
delivery bag 12 and are stacked therein by the stacking mechanism.
The stacking direction extends from one wall of the delivery bag 12
that lies closer to a geometric center of the filling device 10 to
a wall of the delivery bag 13 that lies further away from the
geometric center of the filling device 10. A first delivery unit 11
that is introduced into the delivery bag 12, in this case, is
arranged in a buckle space 18 inside the delivery bag 12 against
the wall that lies closer to a geometric center of the filling
device 10. To this end, in FIG. 1 the delivery bag 12 is arranged
at an end of the region which is for movement of the delivery bag
12 and which lies further away from the geometric center of the
filling device 10, and the movable end 14 of the conveying
apparatus is situated in a position pivoted toward the stacking
direction (this is shown by the two double arrows in FIG. 1 in the
direction of the blank arrowheads).
[0080] The buckle space 18 becomes increasingly filled in the
stacking direction as a result of continuing to introduce and stack
delivery units 11 in the shingle stream 13. In this case, the
delivery bag 12 is moved substantially increasingly against the
stacking direction, and the movable end 14 of the conveying
apparatus pivots substantially increasingly in the stacking
direction (this shown by the two double arrows in FIG. 1 in the
direction of the filled-in arrowheads). In this way, the delivery
bag 12 and the movable end 14 of the conveying apparatus are
positioned with respect to one another in such a manner that the
delivery units 11 introduced into the delivery bag 12 come to rest
at the position in the stack provided for them.
[0081] The side view of a second embodiment of a filling device 10
shown in FIG. 2 differs from the first embodiment in FIG. 1 in that
the delivery units 11 are arranged in the shingle stream 13 in such
a manner that the shoulder 17 lies, in each case, underneath the
delivery unit 11 which runs directly in front in the conveying
direction F. This is designated as a shoulder 17 that is leading
underneath. In addition, the stacking direction in FIG. 2 is
opposite to the stacking direction in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 therefore
in contrast to FIG. 1, the first delivery unit 11 introduced into
the delivery bag 12 is not arranged against the wall which lies
closer to the geometric center of the filling device 10, but
against the wall of the delivery bag 13 which lies further away
from the geometric center of the filling device 10. To this end, in
FIG. 2 the delivery bag 12 is arranged at the end of the region
which is for movement of the delivery bag 12 and which lies closer
to the geometric center of the filling device 10, and the movable
end 14 of the conveying apparatus is situated in a position pivoted
toward the stacking direction (this is shown by the two double
arrows in FIG. 2 in the direction of the filled-in arrowheads.)
[0082] Further introducing and stacking of delivery units 11 into
the buckle space 18 is effected in the opposite stacking direction,
but otherwise analogously to the same operation as in the case of
the embodiment in FIG. 1. In this case, the delivery bag 12 is
moved increasingly toward the stacking direction, and the movable
end 14 of the conveying apparatus pivots increasingly in the
stacking direction (this is shown by the two double arrows in FIG.
1 in the direction of the blank arrowheads). The delivery bag 11 in
FIGS. 1 and 2 also comprises a shoulder strap 20 and two carrying
handles 21, only one of the carrying handles 21 being visible.
[0083] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a third embodiment of a filling
device 10. As in FIG. 1, the shoulder 17 of the delivery units 11
is arranged leading on top in the shingle stream 13, and the
delivery bag 12 is filled increasingly in the stacking direction
from the wall which lies closer to the geometric center of the
filling device 10 to the wall which lies further away from the
geometric center of the filling device 10. In contrast to FIG. 1,
the delivery bag 12 is situated in an adjustment apparatus 30. For
reasons of clarity the delivery bag 12 is shown in FIG. 3 without
any shoulder strap 20.
[0084] The adjustment apparatus 30 includes a holder 31 in which
the delivery bag 12 is positioned. The holder 31 is tilted in such
a manner in relation to a horizontal base that the delivery bag 12
points inclinedly in the direction of the force of gravity on the
side facing the shingle stream 13 and inclinedly against the
direction of the force of gravity on the side showing away from the
shingle stream 13. As a result of the tilted position of the
delivery bag 12, the delivery units 11 introduced in the shingle
stream 13 can be stacked substantially in the direction of the
force of gravity onto the delivery units 11 that are already
situated in the delivery bag 12.
[0085] In contrast to the first embodiment in FIG. 1, the delivery
bag 12 in the third embodiment is not moved substantially along the
stacking direction and in the reverse direction, but rather is
moved by the adjustment apparatus 30 substantially along the
direction of the force of gravity and in the opposite direction
thereto, i.e. vertically. To this end, the adjustment apparatus 30
has legs 32.1 and 32.2 that are able to move the holder 31
substantially vertically. In order to arrange a first delivery unit
11 introduced into the delivery bag 12 against the wall of the
delivery bag 12 which lies closer to the geometric center of the
filling device 10, the holder 31 is first of all moved against the
direction of the force of gravity and the movable end 14 of the
conveying apparatus is first of all pivoted substantially against
the stacking direction (this is shown by the two double arrows in
FIG. 3 in the direction of the blank arrowheads). As the stack
height of the stack or the fill level of the delivery bag 12
increases, the holder 31, and with it also the delivery bag 12, is
moved increasingly in the direction of the force of gravity, and at
the same time the movable end 14 of the conveying apparatus is
pivoted increasingly in the stacking direction (shown by the two
double arrows in FIG. 3 in the direction of the filled-in
arrowheads).
[0086] To control the stacking mechanism, which in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3 includes the movable end 14 of the conveying
apparatus and the adjustment apparatus 30, said parts of the
filling device 10 are connected to a control apparatus 33. The
control apparatus 33 controls parts of the filling device 10 and
ensures that the introducing and stacking of the delivery units 11
runs in a problem-free manner. The stack height of the stack or the
fill level of the delivery bag 12 is detected by optical sensors
that are not shown in FIG. 3, and said data is directed into the
control apparatus 33. A weighing apparatus, which is not shown
either, detects a total weight of the delivery bag 12 together with
the contents and directs said data also into the control apparatus
33. The control apparatus 33 processes said data and controls the
corresponding parts of the filling device 10. The filling of the
delivery bag 12 is aborted depending on the requirement, for
example when a maximum weight is reached (as an example at a total
weight of 6 kg).
[0087] Along with the sensors (not shown) for measuring the fill
level of the delivery bag 12, the control apparatus 33 is also
connected to a camera system 34. The camera system 34 consists of a
camera with an evaluating unit. The camera system 34 records
images, evaluates the images and, as a result, records the
recipient identification and number of delivery units 11. The
control apparatus 33 can refer back to said data and, as a result,
can control, among other things, whether the delivery units 11 are
arranged in the correct sequence and are allocated to the correct
delivery bags 12. Quality control and/or quality assurance is
possible as a result. The camera system 34 is situated above the
conveyor belts and is directed onto the shingle stream 13. Where
applicable, the camera system 34 can also be arranged between the
conveyor belts.
[0088] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of a filling
device 10. The filling device 10 corresponds substantially to the
embodiment in FIG. 3. The difference to FIG. 3 consists in that in
FIG. 4 a delivery bag 40 is arranged in the folder 31 of the
adjustment apparatus 30 in a manner that differs to the delivery
bag 12 in FIG. 3. In FIGS. 1-3 the delivery bag 12 is filled
through the first opening, the first opening being arranged at the
top of the delivery bag 12 when the delivery bag 12 is in the
position in which it is for delivery.
[0089] In the case of the fourth embodiment of the filling device
10, delivery bags 40 are filled, the first opening of which is
arranged at the bottom of the delivery bag 40 (when the delivery
bag 40 is in the position in which it is for delivery). In FIG. 4
the delivery bag 40 is also filled through the first opening by the
filling device 10, and for this reason the delivery bag 40 is
arranged the other way round on the holder 31 in relation to the
position in which it is for delivery. The first opening now also
points substantially against the direction of the force of gravity,
and the filling device 10 fills the delivery bag 40 that is
positioned the other way around as described in the description to
FIG. 3. The first opening can be closed in a re-closable manner
with the delivery bag 40 by a bottom flap 41 and a zipper fastened
thereto.
[0090] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
delivery bag 40 according to the invention. Said embodiment of the
delivery bag 40 has already been shown in FIG. 4. The delivery bag
40 in FIG. 5 is shown in the position in which it is for delivery.
The bottom flap 41 is situated on the bottom side of the delivery
bag 40. The carrying handles 21 are movably connected to the
delivery bag 40 and point downward in FIG. 5 under the influence of
the force of gravity. When, during delivery, the handles 21 are
used for holding, fixing and/or transporting the delivery bag 40,
the handles 21 are also able to point upward or in other
directions.
[0091] The delivery bag 40 comprises a cover flap 50 on a side
opposite the bottom flap 41, which is on the top side of the
delivery bag 40. As the bottom flap 41, the cover flap 50 also
consists of part of the delivery bag 40 that is repeatedly
connectable to the delivery bag 40 and repeatedly separable from it
by means of a circumferential zipper. Both the bottom flap 41 and
the cover flap 50 comprise a zipper that extends in the form of a U
along or in the vicinity of three of four edges of the side of the
delivery bag 40 that can be connected to it. When the zipper is
open, the bottom flap 41 or the cover flap 50 remains connected to
the delivery bag 40 by means of the remaining fourth edge and is
able to be bent away from the delivery bag 40 in the manner of a
hinge.
[0092] The outside dimensions of the delivery bag 40 are
60.times.35.times.25 cm, and the buckle space 18 is dimensioned
such that there is enough space to stack C4 size envelopes therein.
The bottom flap 41 and the cover flap 50 are arranged with the
largest surface on the two sides such that the interior 18 is
accessible in a simple and easy manner.
[0093] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a
delivery bag 60 according to the invention. The delivery bag 60 in
FIG. 6 corresponds substantially to the delivery bag 40 in FIG. 5
and in FIG. 6, just as in FIG. 5, is in the position in which it is
for delivery. A representation of the closure mechanisms and
openings has been omitted in FIG. 6 for reasons of clarity.
[0094] FIG. 6 shows different ways by means of which the delivery
bag 60 can be provided with additional data. To this end, the
delivery bag 60 comprises pockets 61 and/or windows 62 on the sides
on which there is not a first or second opening. The pockets 61
comprise an at least partially transparent outer surface through
which the contents of the pockets 61 or of the delivery bag 60 can
be seen. By introducing marked objects such as, for instance,
inscribed pieces of paper, into the pockets 61, the delivery bag 60
can therefore be provided with additional data which can be
ascertained from the markings and can be seen directly on the outer
surface of the pockets 61 and consequently on the delivery bag
60.
[0095] The windows 62 also make it possible to provide the delivery
bag 60 with additional data, for example concerning the contents of
the delivery bag. The windows 62 are at least partially transparent
and allow someone to look into the delivery bag 60 in the direction
of the buckle space 18. If the contents of the buckle space 18 are
to be provided or are provided with markings which face the windows
62, or if at least one marked object such as, for instance, an
inscribed piece of paper, is to be arranged or is arranged in the
buckle space 18 behind the windows 62, the delivery bag 60 is
provided with additional data which is ascertainable from the
markings.
[0096] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an embodiment of a filling
system according to the invention. The filling system includes two
filling devices 10 and 10.2, a conveyor belt point 71 and a shingle
distributing means 70. The filling device 10 in FIG. 7 is similar
to the filling device 10 in FIG. 3 substantially in design and
function. In FIG. 7, the filling device 10 is arranged directly
downstream of a conveyor belt point 71 in the conveying direction
F. The conveyor belt point 71, in turn, is arranged directly
downstream of a shingle distributing means 70 in the conveying
direction F. The shingle distributing means 70 divides a shingle
stream 72 running through it into individual shingle segments that
are conveyed by means of the conveyor belt point 71 either into the
filling device 10 or into a filling device 10.2, which is arranged
under the filling device 10. The conveyor belt point 71, in this
case, utilizes a gap between two shingle segments in order to
change between a feed into the filling device 10 and a feed into
the filling device 10.2. The shoulder 17 of the delivery units 11
in the shingle stream 72 lies leading on top as the shingle stream
13 in FIG. 3, and the stacking direction in the delivery bags 12 in
FIG. 7 is also identical to the stacking direction in the delivery
bag 12 in FIG. 3.
[0097] The shingle distributing means 70 forms the shingle segments
as well as the gaps between them and compresses the shingle
segments in relation to the shingle stream for instance by a factor
of 3. The spacing between the ends, when viewed in the conveying
direction, of the articles directly following one another in the
conveying direction is about 100 mm in the shingle stream, in the
compressed shingle segment about 30 mm. As a result, the shingle
segment can only be conveyed at approximately 0.3-0.4 m per second
and the shingle stream at approximately 0.9-1.4 m per second in
order to convey the same number of articles over the same time
period.
[0098] The two filling devices 10 and 10.2 introduce the shingle
segment into the delivery bags 12 and stack it there. The delivery
bags 12 are arranged in movable holders 31 that are tilted in
relation to a horizontal base as in FIG. 3. The holders 31 can be
moved corresponding to the fill level of the delivery bags 12 along
and against the stacking direction and consequently in relation to
the filling devices 10 and 10.2. The advantages of an adjustment
apparatus and the use thereof already mentioned are produced as a
result. The stacking mechanism of the embodiment in FIG. 7 includes
the movable holders 31 and the conveyor belt point 71. The use of a
shingle distributing means 70 and a conveyor belt point 71 in
combination with two filling devices 10 and 10.2 allows delivery
units 11 to be introduced and stacked in delivery bags 12 at a high
speed, namely at a pulse speed in an order of magnitude of up to 10
delivery units 11 per second.
* * * * *