U.S. patent application number 14/130022 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-23 for stacker device for stacking flats, a storage device for storing postal flats, and a postal sorting machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is SOLYSTIC. Invention is credited to Wilfrid Beaugrand, Christian Duclot, Laurent Pellegrin.
Application Number | 20150203317 14/130022 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47739383 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150203317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pellegrin; Laurent ; et
al. |
July 23, 2015 |
STACKER DEVICE FOR STACKING FLATS, A STORAGE DEVICE FOR STORING
POSTAL FLATS, AND A POSTAL SORTING MACHINE
Abstract
A stacker device (1) for stacking flats (100) on edge, which
device includes a stacking support (2) that extends along a certain
stacking axis (D2) for storing flats (100) on edge and in a stack,
which flats are inserted successively onto said stacking support
(2), a stacking actuator (4) for guiding each flat (100) to be
stacked along an insertion axis (D1) transverse to the stacking
axis (D2), and for inserting it at the back of said stack of flats
(100), said stacking support (2) being mounted to move relative to
the stacking actuator (4) along the stacking axis (D2), and said
stacker device (1) including impulse means (9) synchronized with
the stacking actuator (4) so as to move the stacking support (2) in
translation by applying an impulse along the stacking axis (D2)
when a flat (100) is inserted at the back of said stack of flats
(100). A storage device and a postal sorting machine including such
a stacker device (1).
Inventors: |
Pellegrin; Laurent; (Livron
Sur Drome, FR) ; Duclot; Christian; (Annonay, FR)
; Beaugrand; Wilfrid; (Valence, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SOLYSTIC |
Bagneux |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
47739383 |
Appl. No.: |
14/130022 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
September 5, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2013/052042 |
371 Date: |
December 30, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/178 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 31/06 20130101;
B65H 31/18 20130101; B65H 2405/35 20130101; B65H 29/40 20130101;
B65H 2301/321 20130101; B65H 2403/512 20130101; B65H 2701/1916
20130101; B65H 2404/652 20130101; B65H 2301/4214 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65H 29/40 20060101
B65H029/40; B65H 31/18 20060101 B65H031/18; B65H 31/06 20060101
B65H031/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 19, 2012 |
FR |
1258778 |
Claims
1. A stacker device for stacking flats on edge, which device
comprises: a stacking support that extends along a certain stacking
axis for storing flats on edge and in a stack, which flats are
inserted successively onto said stacking support; a stacking
actuator designed for guiding each flat to be stacked along an
insertion axis transverse to the stacking axis, for inserting it at
a first end of said stack of flats, and for pushing said first end
of the stack while the flat is being inserted along the stacking
axis; and a retaining element that is mounted to move along the
stacking axis and that is designed to retain the stack of flats at
a second end of the stack that is opposite from said first end,
while pushing the stack of flats-towards the stacking actuator as
the stack of flats is being formed; said stacker device being
characterized in that said stacking support is mounted to move
along the stacking axis in both directions, and in that said
stacker device includes impulse means synchronized with the
stacking actuator so as to move said stacking support by direct
contact in the direction along said stacking axis that goes away
from the stacking actuator, said impulse means including return
means for bringing the stacking support back along the stacking
axis towards the stacking actuator.
2. The stacker device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the stacking actuator is a mechanical actuator mounted to rotate
about a main axis embodied by a stationary pin in the stacker
device, and in that said impulse means comprise a mechanical thrust
actuator that is mounted to rotate about said main axis and that
drives said stacking support by mechanical contact so as to move it
in translation along the stacking axis.
3. The stacker device according to claim 2, characterized in that
said stacking actuator and said thrust actuator are offset
angularly relative to each other on said main axis so that each
impulse precedes the arrival of each flat to be stacked at the back
of said stack of flats.
4. The stacker device according to claim 3, characterized in that
said stacking actuator is a bucket wheel and said thrust actuator
is provided with at least one eccentric zone.
5. The stacker device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the stacking support is mounted to move in translation on
anti-friction means (5).
6. The stacker device according to claim 1, characterized in that
said return means comprise at least one compression spring disposed
beyond said stacking support relative to said stacking
actuator.
7. The stacker device according to claim 1, characterized in that
said return means are constituted by a bendable element that is
fastened under said stacking support and that is suitable for
bending resiliently along said stacking axis.
8. The stacker device according to claim 1, characterized in that
said impulse means comprise resilient thrust means provided between
the thrust actuator and the stacking support, designed to
accumulate the force from each mechanical impulse and to deliver it
to said stacking support at a later time.
9. The storage device for storing postal flats, characterized in
that it includes a stacker device according to claim 1.
10. A postal sorting machine including a sorting conveyor for
directing postal flats towards sorting outlets, said postal sorting
machine being characterized in that each sorting outlet is equipped
with a storage device according to claim 9.
11. The stacker device according to claim 2, characterized in that
said stacking actuator is a bucket wheel and said thrust actuator
is provided with at least one eccentric zone.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of stacker
devices for stacking postal flats. The invention relates more
particularly to a stacker device for stacking flats on edge, which
device includes a stacking support that extends along a certain
stacking axis for storing flats on edge and in a stack, which flats
are inserted successively onto the stacking support. The stacker
device further includes a stacking actuator for guiding each flat
to be stacked along an insertion axis transverse to the stacking
axis, for inserting it at a first end of said stack of flats, and
for pushing said first end of the stack while the flat is being
inserted along the stacking axis. The stacker device further
includes a retaining element that is mounted to move along the
stacking axis and that is designed to retain the stack of flats at
a second end of the stack that is opposite from said first end,
while pushing the stack of flats towards the stacking actuator as
the stack of flats is being formed. The invention relates even more
particularly to a stacker device for stacking postal flats in a
storage container equipping a sorting outlet of a postal sorting
machine. Postal flats may be of various sizes, and they may also
have a variety of mechanical characteristics, in particular as
regards stiffness. Such a mailpiece may, inter alia, be an ordinary
letter, a magazine, an envelope with or without a window, a
newspaper, or indeed a catalog wrapped in plastic or in paper, with
or without gussets. The invention also relates to a storage device
for storing postal flats, and to a postal sorting machine.
PRIOR ART
[0002] In sorting outlet containers operating by stacking or by
accumulation, the stacking actuator, which is of the type
comprising a bucket wheel or a bladed wheel mounted to rotate on a
stationary pin or axle, comes to press on the last flat in the
stack (by brushing against it) in order to release space into which
the current flat to be stacked can be inserted. The front of the
stack is held by a retaining element that is mounted to move in
translation along the stacking axis. That retaining element is
pushed towards the stacking actuator against which the back of the
stack bears, the retaining element being pushed by a spring, by a
counterweight, or by any other suitable means. As the stack of
flats is being formed on the stacking support or surface, the stack
gathers weight, thereby requiring a stacking actuator that is
powerful enough to press the stack of flats and to release space
each time a new flat arrives, into which space the current flat can
be inserted. The pressure exerted by said stacking actuator on the
uncovered surface of the last flat in the stack tends to damage
that flat irreversibly, e.g. by leaving marks, holes, or burns due
to considerable friction. In addition, it would be too constraining
and difficult technically, on each cycle, to adapt the speed, the
power, and the position of the stacking actuator as a function of
the loading from the stack.
[0003] Known stacker devices, such as those described, for example,
in Publications WO 2012/084708 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,898,704 do not
procure satisfactory solutions. Each of those devices includes a
stacking actuator for stacking flats on a support. The support is
mounted to move relative to the stacking actuator along a stacking
axis in one direction only, in such a manner that inserting each
flat into the stack is facilitated by the movement of the
support.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An object of the invention is to remedy those drawbacks by
proposing a stacker device that makes it easier to insert flats to
be stacked, while also minimizing the risks of them being damaged,
while keeping the stack of flats together, and while avoiding the
need, for each cycle, to adapt the speed, the power, and the
position of the stacking actuator as a function of the loading from
the stack. Another object of the invention is to propose a storage
device and a postal sorting machine that offer the same
advantages.
[0005] To this end, the invention provides a stacker device for
stacking flats on edge, which device includes: [0006] a stacking
support that extends along a certain stacking axis for storing
flats on edge and in a stack, which flats are inserted successively
onto said stacking support; [0007] a stacking actuator designed for
guiding each flat to be stacked along an insertion axis transverse
to the stacking axis, for inserting it at a first end of said stack
of flats, and for pushing said first end of the stack while the
flat is being inserted along the stacking axis; and [0008] a
retaining element that is mounted to move along the stacking axis
and that is designed to retain the stack of flats at a second end
of the stack that is opposite from said first end, while pushing
the stack of flats towards the stacking actuator as the stack of
flats is being formed;
[0009] said stacker device being characterized in that said
stacking support is mounted to move along the stacking axis in both
directions, and in that said stacker device includes impulse means
synchronized with the stacking actuator so as to move said stacking
support by direct contact in the direction along said stacking axis
that goes away from the stacking actuator, said impulse means
including return means for bringing the stacking support back along
the stacking axis towards the stacking actuator.
[0010] The basic idea of the invention is thus to apply impulses to
the stacking support, the effect of which impulses is to overcome
the inertia of the stack, thereby facilitating insertion of the
current flat to be stacked, making it possible to limit the
pressure that needs to be exerted by means of the stacking actuator
on the stack of flats. Thus, the invention contributes to
simplifying the stacking actuator and, in practice, to limiting the
part it plays to guiding the flats while they are being
stacked.
[0011] The stacker device of the invention may advantageously have
the following features: [0012] the stacking actuator is a
mechanical actuator mounted to rotate about a main axis embodied by
a stationary pin in the stacker device, and the impulse means
comprise a mechanical thrust actuator that is mounted to rotate
about the main axis and that drives the stacking support by
mechanical contact so as to move it in translation along the
stacking axis; [0013] the stacking actuator and the thrust actuator
are offset angularly relative to each other on the main axis so
that each impulse precedes the arrival of each flat to be stacked
at the back of the stack of flats. The predetermined angular offset
between the stacking actuator and the thrust actuator
advantageously makes it possible to adjust the sequence of actions
of the guide and thrust mechanisms as a function, in particular, of
the physical characteristics of the flats to be stacked; [0014] the
stacking actuator is a bucket wheel and the thrust actuator is
provided with at least one eccentric zone; [0015] the stacking
support is mounted to move in translation on anti-friction means.
The significant reduction in the friction of the stacking support
advantageously makes it possible to reduce the forces to be
generated by the impulse means and by the first return means, and
to reduce the noise caused by the stacking support rubbing against
its support; [0016] the return means comprise at least one
compression spring disposed beyond the stacking support relative to
the stacking actuator; [0017] the return means are constituted by a
bendable element that is fastened under the stacking support and
that is suitable for bending resiliently along said stacking axis;
[0018] the impulse means comprise resilient thrust means provided
between the thrust actuator and the stacking support, designed to
accumulate the force from each mechanical impulse and to deliver it
to said stacking support at a later time. The resilient thrust
means make it possible to deliver the force from the mechanical
impulse while intensifying it.
[0019] The invention also provides a storage device for storing
postal flats, which device includes a stacker device as defined
above, and the invention also provides a postal sorting machine
including a sorting conveyor for directing postal flats towards
sorting outlets, each of which sorting outlets is equipped with
such a storage device for storing flats.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present invention can be better understood and other
advantages appear on reading the following detailed description of
embodiments given by way of non-limiting example and with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrammatic fragmentary plan views of a
first embodiment of the stacker device of the invention, shown in
three different operating configurations;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic fragmentary side view of the
stacker device of FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0023] FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrammatic fragmentary plan views similar
to FIGS. 1 to 3 of a second embodiment of a stacker device of the
invention. In these figures, the elements analogous to the elements
shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are given the same reference numerals, plus
100; and
[0024] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic fragmentary side view of a third
embodiment of the stacker device of the invention. In this figure,
the technical elements analogous to the technical elements shown in
FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, plus 200.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The stacker device of the invention is, in particular,
designed to be incorporated into a storage device for a sorting
outlet of a postal sorting machine.
[0026] In a first embodiment of the invention, and with reference
to FIGS. 1 to 4, the stacker device 1 for postal flats 100 includes
a stacking support 2 or stacking region forming a storage surface
onto which each postal flat 100 is inserted on edge along a certain
insertion axis D1 (shown in FIG. 2) and is stacked behind a stack
of postal flats 100 on edge that is already formed on the stacking
support 2. The postal flats 100 thus stack up one behind another
along the stacking axis D2 on the stacking support 2, the insertion
axis D1 being transverse to the stacking axis D2. The front of the
stack of postal flats 100 on the stacking support 2 is retained by
a retaining element that is in the form of a paddle 3 or plate that
is mounted to move along the stacking axis D2, and that pushes the
stack of postal flats 100 towards a stacking actuator 4 provided at
one end of the stacking support 2, i.e. in a direction opposite
from the stacking direction along the axis D2. The thrust force
from the paddle 3 may be generated by a spring, a counterweight, or
the like, not shown in the figures. The stacking support 2 is
mounted to move in translation along the stacking axis D2 relative
to the stacking actuator 4 between a first position shown in FIG. 1
and a second position shown in FIG. 2. The stacking support 2 may
be guided in translation by any known and suitable means. For
example, it may be mounted on wheels that are mounted to revolve
freely, or on rollers that form anti-friction means 5, shown in
FIG. 4, limiting the friction forces while the stacking support 2
is moving in translation.
[0027] In this example, the paddle 3 is substantially perpendicular
to the stacking axis D2, i.e. to the stacking support 2. The paddle
3 is designed to move along the stacking axis D2 as the stack of
postal flats 100 is being formed on the stacking support 2, i.e. as
the thickness of the stack of postal flats 100 increases.
[0028] In the example shown, the stacking actuator 4 is a rotary
mechanical actuator of the bucket wheel type that, in this example,
is mounted to move in rotation about a main axis A that is
substantially perpendicular to the stacking support 2 and to the
stacking axis D2. The stacking actuator 4 has a hub 6 carried by a
pin embodying the main axis A and from which, in this example, two
bucket arms 7 extend, each of which is curved in the direction
opposite to the direction in which a postal flat 100 to be stacked
arrives. The inside zones of the bucket arms 7 define slots 8
suitable for finding themselves, in succession, in the path of the
postal flat 100 to be stacked as the rotary actuator 4 rotates, and
its slots 8 are designed to guide the front of each postal flat 100
to be stacked. Thus, as the stacking actuator 4 is rotating, the
slot 8 takes hold of the postal flat 100 and guides it along the
last postal flat 100 in the stack by moving with it until it is
fully stacked. In addition, the bucket arm 7 comes to push the back
of the stack strongly by brushing against the last postal flat 100
in the stack, and the current postal flat 100 is inserted once a
first straight line L1 connecting the main axis A to the top of the
bucket arm 7 is perpendicular to the stacking axis D2. The stacking
actuator as described may be replaced with any equivalent stacking
actuator.
[0029] In accordance with the invention, the stacker device 1
includes impulse means 9 that are synchronized with the stacking
actuator 4 and that are designed to move the stacking support 2 in
translation by applying impulses along the stacking axis D2 when a
current postal flat 100 is stacked at the back of the stack. The
impulse means 9 comprise a mechanical thrust actuator 10 mounted to
rotate about the axis A. For example, it is possible to use a cam
10 (two cams in this example), mounted to rotate about the main
axis A, the pin embodying said main axis A being motor-driven so as
to drive both the stacking actuator 4 and the cam 10 in rotation.
In the example shown, the cam 10 is provided with two eccentric
zones 11 that are diametrically opposite each other and that are
designed to drive the stacking support 2 by direct contact, so as
to move it in translation between the first position and the second
position. The cam 10 is offset angularly from the stacking actuator
4 so that a second straight line L2 connecting the main axis A to
the tops of the eccentric zones 11 is angularly offset relative to
the first straight line L1, about the main axis A, by an impulse
angle .alpha.. The cam 10 is therefore advanced relative to the
bucket arm 7. Thus, as described below, the impulse generated by
the cam 10 is slightly earlier than the arrival of the postal flat
100 to be stacked and the application of maximum pressure by the
bucket arm 7 on the stack. The inertia from the stack is thus
overcome by the impulse caused by the cam 10, thereby relieving the
bucket arm 7 correspondingly. The stacker device 1 further includes
at least one abutment (not shown) designed to prevent the stacking
support 2 from moving, in particular for limiting the extent to
which the stacking support 2 can move in the event of a small
amount of loading from stacked postal flats 100. The impulse angle
.alpha. may, in particular, lie in the range 30.degree. to
60.degree. and preferably in the range 40.degree. to 50.degree..
Provision may be made for the impulse angle .alpha. to be
mechanically adjustable as selected by the operator. Similarly, the
cam 10 may be mounted removably so as to be changed in order to
adapt the stroke of the stacking support 2 on application of the
impulse.
[0030] In a variant embodiment that is not shown, the stacking
actuator may be provided with a single arm only, in which case the
mechanical thrust actuator is provided with a single eccentric
zone. Thus, the impulse means enable the stacking support to change
positions once per full rotation of the eccentric zone about the
main axis.
[0031] The impulse means 9 further include return means 12 that act
to oppose movement of the stacking support 2 from the first
position towards the second position in order to bring it back to
the first position. The return means 12 may be constituted by a
compression spring 13 that is already pre-stressed before each
impulse. Thus, the compression spring 13 is compressed to a greater
extent while the stacking support 2 is moving from the first
position to the second position under the action of the cam 10 and,
by means of the effect of it relaxing, thrusts the stacking support
2 from the second position towards the first position when the cam
10 no longer thrusts the stacking support 2. Naturally, the thrust
force from the compression spring 13 is less than the thrust force
from the cam 10.
[0032] Operation of the stacker device 1 is described below. With
reference to FIG. 1, before a postal flat 100 to be stacked
arrives, the stacking support 2 is in the first position. The cam
10 is not driving the stacking support 2 and the compression spring
13 is pre-stressed to some extent. The bucket arm 7 is in an
intermediate position in which it is not in the path of the postal
flat 100 to be stacked.
[0033] Before a postal flat 100 to be stacked arrives, the bucket
arm 7 and the cam 10 are actuated so that they move in rotation
about the main axis A to the position shown in FIG. 2, in which the
first straight line L1 is inclined relative to the stacking axis
D2, enabling the cam 10 to move the stacking support 2 while also
enabling the bucket arm 7 to keep the stack together. In this
position, the slot 8 is in alignment with the path of the postal
flat 100 to be stacked that is arriving. The stacking actuator 4
therefore receives a postal flat 100 and continues to rotate about
the main axis A together with the cam 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the
cam 10 then loses its thrust action for moving the stacking support
2 in translation, and the stacking support 2 is thus moved towards
the stacking actuator 4 by the compression spring 13, in the
direction opposite from the stacking direction along the axis D2.
At the same time, the stacking actuator rotating 4 enables the
postal flat 100 received in its slot 8 to be guided and to be
stacked by allowing it to slide from its bucket arm 7.
[0034] Between the first and second positions, the stacking support
2 is moved by an impulse distance d shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
amplitude of this impulse distance d depends on the dimensions of
the cam 10. Due to the fact that the cam 10 is actually made up of
two cams, each time it rotates through one full turn about the main
axis A, its two eccentric zones 11 enable the position change
between the first position and the second position to be made
twice.
[0035] The steps described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are
repeated after the cam 10 and the bucket arm 7 have rotated through
one half-turn for each new postal flat 100 to be stacked.
[0036] In a variant embodiment (not shown), the return means may
include or comprise a traction spring provided between the stacking
support and the main axis. The traction spring may replace or be
combined with the above-described compression spring.
[0037] FIGS. 5 to 7 show a second embodiment of the stacker device
101 of the invention, only the differences relative to the first
embodiment being described below. In this second embodiment, the
impulse means 109 include a mechanical thrust actuator 110 in the
form of an actuator arm 110 that is carried in its mid-portion by a
the pin embodying the main axis A secured to the stacking actuator
104, and that has an eccentric zone 111 provided with an idler
roller 114 at each of its ends. The actuator arm 110 operates in a
manner similar to the above-mentioned cam 10. The stacker device
101 further includes return means 112 similar to the return means
12 of the preceding embodiment. In addition, the stacker device 101
includes resilient thrust means 116 provided between the actuator
arm 110 and the stacking support 102, which means are designed to
accumulate the mechanical impulse force generated by the actuator
arm 110 and to deliver it at a later time to the stacking support
102 while intensifying it along the stacking axis D2. In the
example shown, the resilient thrust means include a compression
spring 116 separated from the actuator arm 110 by a thrust plate
115 that is substantially parallel to the retaining element 103.
Thus, the stacking support 102 is driven in indirect manner by the
actuator arm 110 via the thrust plate 115 and via the compression
spring 113. Operation of the stacker device 101 is substantially
the same as operation of the preceding embodiment, except for the
resilient thrust means 116. In this second embodiment, the
amplitude of the impulse distance d depends on the dimensions of
the actuator arm 110, on its speed of rotation, on the
characteristics of the compression spring 116, and on the combined
weight of the stacking support 102 and of the stack of postal flats
100.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the stacker device 201 of
the invention including a stacking actuator 204 and a stacking
support 202, only the differences relative to the first embodiment
being described below. In this third embodiment, the stacking
support 202 includes return means 212 made up of bendable elements,
which, in this example, are compression springs 213 that are
disposed under the stacking support 2 and that are suitable for
bending so as to allow the stacking support 202 to move from its
first position to its second position and for returning it to its
first position after the impulse. The number and the locations of
the compression springs 213 are adapted as a function, in
particular, of the weight of the stack to be supported. The
compression springs 213 may also be replaced with elements of the
silent block type or with any suitable element.
[0039] In an embodiment that is not shown, the first and third
embodiments may be combined. Thus, a cam may be used indirectly and
an actuator arm may be used directly. In a variant embodiment of
the invention that is not shown in the figures, a letter-bottom
abutment situated at the end of the stacking support that is close
to the stacking actuator prevents the postal flats from moving
backwards on the stacking support while it is returning from the
second position to the first position. In other variant embodiments
of the invention that are not shown, the stacking support may
further include a crenellated surface making it possible to retain
the edges of the postal flats on edge, or a belt made of a material
of the adhesive type, so as to prevent the postal flats from
slipping over its surface.
[0040] The invention makes it possible to achieve the
above-mentioned objectives. The stacker device 1; 101; 201 of the
invention makes it possible to generate mechanical impulses that
are applied to the stacking support 2; 102; 202 so as to overcome
the inertia of the stack of postal flats 100 and thus so as to
improve the effectiveness and the quality of the stacking of the
postal flats 100, regardless of their nature and of the quantity
already stacked. The invention also makes it possible to avoid
having to over-dimension the stacking actuator 4, 104, 204 and to
limit the risk of damaging the postal flats 100, of jamming, or of
improper stacking. The stacker device 1; 101; 201 may be
incorporated into a storage device and into a conventional postal
sorting machine. Naturally, the present invention is in no way
limited to the above description of one of its embodiments, which
can undergo modifications without going beyond the ambit of the
invention.
* * * * *