Item individualization station

Abstract

An individualization station has a supply deck for supplying flat goods to a goods processing apparatus following in the transport path in the transport direction x of a Cartesian coordinate system, with openings in the supply deck for a drum in an individualization region, and with individualization assembly as well as with a contact pressure box. The contact pressure box is movable in the z-direction, and has a linkage that is pivotable at a downstream end. An individualization assembly carrier forms an L-shape at an upstream end of the linkage that is pivotable in the contact pressure box. A stop side of the undeflected individualization assembly carrier is aligned parallel to the y/z-plane and extends counter to a y-direction. The individualization assembly carrier can be deflected above the supply deck at a variable distance corresponding to the thickness of the flat good to be individualized, and is adjustable in the y-direction and counter thereto by an adjustment assembly.

Claims

1. An item individualization station comprising: a supply deck having a deck surface parallel to an X-Y plane of a Cartesian coordinate system, said deck surface having an opening therein through which a rotatable drum projects so as to interact, in an individualization region, with a lowermost flat item of a stack of flat items situated upstream of said individualization region in a transport direction of said flat items along said supply deck that proceeds parallel to the x-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system; a contact pressure box mounted by a linkage above said deck surface so as to pivot, at a pivot downstream of said individualization region, and thereby allow said contact pressure box to be movable in the z-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system; an individualization assembly mounted on an individualization carrier that is installed at an opposite end of said linkage from said pivot, so as to form an L-shape with said linkage and thereby allowing said individualization carrier, and said individualization assembly thereon, to be deflected by a distance above said deck surface that is variable dependent on a thickness of said lowermost flat good; an adjustment assembly on said individualization carrier that allows adjustment of said individualization assembly on said individualization carrier in both directions along the y-axis of said Cartesian coordinate system; and said individualization carrier having a stop side, against which at least one flat item in said stack above said lowermost flat item abuts, that, when said individualization carrier is not deflected, is parallel the y-z plane of said Cartesian coordinate system and extends parallel to said y-axis.

2. An item individualization station according to claim 1, wherein the linkage is supported so as to be pivotable is extended at the end located upstream in terms of the flow of goods by means of an extension arm, and the individualization carrier has an approach plate that is bent in the transport direction x from the stop side situated parallel to the y/z-plane, upstream in terms of the flow of goods, and in the transport direction x relative to the supply deck, at an angle to the direction of gravity, wherein the individualization assembly are installed on the surface of the approach plate situated in the transport direction.

3. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one first individualization roller of the rotatable drum is arranged in the lower sluice part and installed situated between the associated individualization assembly in order to form a first sluice region in that an additional, separate individualization roller is arranged situated between the associated individualization assembly in order to form a second sluice region in that the additional, separate individualization roller of the second sluice region is arranged in the lower sluice part, transverse to the transport direction and parallel to the first sluice region, at such a distance c from a vertical alignment wall of the individualization station that a gap in the individualization assembly is formed between the two sluice regions, wherein a flat good to be individualized passes simultaneously through two sluice regions by traction; and wherein the individualization assembly has a number of individualization fingers that are installed on the approach plate of the individualization carrier.

4. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 3, wherein individualization fingers are installed on the approach plate of the individualization carrier together with a respective elastic finger by at least one installation plate, and wherein the at least one individualization roller is part of the rotatable drum in that the rotatable drum is comprised of a structured drum body with integrated freewheel mechanism and is arranged below the supply deck or below a portion of the supply deck and in that each of the at least one individualization roller comprises a roller body that is jacketed with a layer having a high coefficient of friction.

5. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 3, wherein a respective first part and second part of the supply deck are provided, wherein an edge of the first part of the supply deck at the input side, in terms of the flow of goods, is arranged in the y-direction next to an edge of the second part of the supply deck at the input side, in terms of the flow of goods, wherein a length is shorter in the transport direction of the second part than the length of the first part in that a roller body of the at least one individualization roller of the rotatable drum is arranged below the first part, and a separate roller body of at least one additional individualization roller is arranged below the second part of the supply deck.

6. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 1, comprising a front half of an upper housing shell installed on the contact pressure box in the z-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system; and a boom arranged at a predetermined distance from the supply deck over the first and second part of the supply deck, said boom covering the individualization assembly from above; wherein the individualization assembly comprises a number of individualization fingers of identical length that, with the at least one roller body of the rotatable drum, form the first sluice region wherein the boom is firmly connected with the front half of the upper housing shell.

7. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said supply deck has openings in the first part of the supply deck for first, second, third and fourth roller bodies, and an opening in the second part of the supply deck for a fifth roller body; wherein the fourth roller body has a medium distance from the vertical alignment wall, wherein the fifth roller body is arranged a distant from the vertical alignment wall and in a second part of the supply deck; the individualization assembly is installed offset like a comb in the y-direction relative to the first, second, third and fifth roller bodies in order to form a first and second sluice region or a single wide sluice through which a flat good to be individualized passes via traction; and the fourth roller body is at a second distance b from the vertical alignment wall, in the y-direction, and passes through the opening of the first part of the supply deck in the z-direction; wherein the fourth roller body is arranged between the first and second sluice region or in the single wide sluice, at a medium distance from the vertical alignment wall, and wherein the individualization assembly have a gap that is situated opposite the fourth roller body.

8. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 7, wherein the individualization assembly has a number of individualization fingers that are installed on the approach plate of the individualization assembly carrier, and wherein all individualization fingers, and respective layers of one or more of the roller bodies of the rotatable drum, and layers of other separate roller bodies, are of a plastic having a very high coefficient of friction, or rubber.

9. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the linkage is supported so as to be pivotable is extended at the end located upstream in terms of the flow of goods by means of an extension arm, the extension arm of the linkage has a front lateral leg and a rear lateral leg, offset in the y-direction, that are connected with one another via a yoke arranged upstream in terms of the flow of goods, and the individualization carrier is installed on the extension arm via a retention plate.

10. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 9, comprising a guide channel and two spacer domes molded on the retention plate, wherein the two spacer domes are attached to the yoke of the extension arm.

11. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 10, wherein the guide channel is molded on the surface of the installed retention plate that is directed upstream in terms of the flow of goods, and wherein said item individualization station comprises a carrier plate that has a surface that is situated parallel to the y/z-plane given an installed carrier plate and, has a narrow tab arranged centrally in this surface that protrudes in the z-direction into a free region between the spacer domes, a first ball bearing on the upper edge of the narrow tab, on the surface thereof directed upstream in terms of the flow of goods; and a second ball bearing at a distance thereto, in the direction of gravity, on the surface of the narrow part that is directed upstream in terms of the flow of goods; in that both ball bearings being installed on the centrally arranged narrow tab of the carrier plate and stand out counter to the transport direction from the centrally arranged narrow part, and wherein the two ball bearings of the installed carrier plate protrude upstream, in terms of the flow of goods, into the guide channel.

12. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 11, wherein the carrier plate has right-angled bends on both sides thereof with a respective opening for a stationary axle, wherein the stationary axle and a stationary arresting pin for guidance of the carrier plate are attached next to one another with a clearance on a carrier angle plate, wherein the carrier angle plate is installed on the front side of the rear wall of a frame, wherein a first of the right-angled bends is arranged closer to the rear wall than a second of the right-angled bends, and the first of the right-angled bends has an additional opening for the arresting pin for guidance of the carrier plate, next to the opening, and wherein the carrier plate is transversely displaceable in the y-direction on the stationary axle and the stationary arresting pin.

13. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 12, wherein a portion of the stationary axle for one or more contact pressure fingers has a greater diameter D1 near the carrier angle plate, and is offset a portion thereof at a distance from the carrier angle plate and has a smaller diameter D2, and a part of the stationary axle with a smaller diameter D2 has a threading at its offset end, and in that a compression spring is installed on the aforementioned part of the stationary axle having the smaller diameter.

14. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 13, comprising an inner wall of the first of the right-angled bends and an inner wall of the second of the right-angled bends are facing and parallel to one another, and a shoulder at the part of the stationary axle having the smaller diameter D2 forms a first stop for one end of the installed compression spring, and in that the inner wall of the second of the right-angled bends forms a second stop for the other end of the installed compression spring, and an adjusting nut for the individualization fingers is installed on the threading that protrudes through the opening.

15. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 1, comprising a lower edge of a stack stop wall of a boom at the input side, in terms of the flow of goods, that forms, with the supply deck, a pre-sluice for the stack of flat goods, and comprising button that, when pressed, causes the boom, the front half of the upper housing shell, and the contact pressure box to move with the individualization carrier in the z-direction.

16. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 15, wherein, in an operating mode, the stack stop wall of the boom forms a first invariable stage of the pre-sluice, and the stop side of the individualization carrier forms a second variable stage of the pre-sluice, so a risk of a jam at the stop side, corresponding to increasing thickness of the individualized good, decreases via the variable step height h2 min<h2*<h2 max of the second, variable stage.

17. An item individualization station as claimed in claim 1, configured so that a largest good format that can be individualized is a good with a B4 DIN format with a tolerance of plus 2 cm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective depiction of a placement station and an individualization station in accordance with the invention, from the front upper left.

(2) FIG. 2 is a front view of the placement station and the individualization station of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3a is perspective depiction of the individualization station of FIG. 1, from the front upper right, with the top casing removed.

(4) FIG. 3b is perspective depiction of the individualization station of FIG. 1, from the front upper right, with the top casing removed, in a working phase of the maximum deflection of the linkage.

(5) FIG. 4a shows a front view of a detail of the placement station and a detail of the individualization station, with a placed stack and before individualization of the stack.

(6) FIG. 4b is a front view of a detail of the placement station and a detail of the individualization station, given a placed stack and during individualization of the stack.

(7) FIG. 5a is a detail of the individualization assembly carrier of the individualization station in accordance with the invention, from the front upper right.

(8) FIG. 5b is a perspective depiction of a detail of the carrier plate for linkage guidance in accordance with the invention, from the front upper right.

(9) FIG. 6 is a plan view of a detail of the linkage of the individualization station in accordance with the invention.

(10) FIG. 7 is a section detail of the individualization station in accordance with the invention, from the left.

(11) FIG. 8 is a perspective depiction of the arrangement of the carrier plate for linkage guidance in the individualization station in accordance with the invention, from the front upper right.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(12) FIG. 1 shows a perspective depiction of a placement station 10 and an individualization station 20 in accordance with the invention, from the front upper left. The placement station 10 has a vertical alignment wall 11 in an x/z-plane and a placement deck 12 in an x/y-plane of a Cartesian coordinate system. The design of the placement station 10 is described in more detail in German utility model DE 20 2016 102 202 U1. The individualization station 20 has a vertical alignment wall 21 in an x/z-plane and a supply deck 22 in an x/y-plane of a Cartesian coordinate system. The vertical alignment wall 21 borders the supply deck 22 in the y-direction. In the regions of the individualization, the supply deck 22 has a width which is approximately the maximum width W of a mail piece C4. The placement deck may be narrower after the individualization region until the end of the individualization station. As shown in FIG. 1, the placement deck may be comprised of multiple parts. A first part 221 of the supply deck 22 is situated at the start of a transport path for a flat good in the individualization region, and extends up to the end of the transport region of the individualization station 20. A second part 222 of the supply deck 22 is likewise situated at the start of the transport path and extends, with a length L2, parallel and next to the first part 221, at a distance from the vertical alignment wall 21. The surfaces of both parts 221 and 222 of the supply deck lie at the same height K as that of the placement deck in the z-direction, over a table plate. The first part 221 and the second part 22 together have the same width W as the placement deck. The second part 222 is arranged upstream, in terms of the flow of goods, in the individualization station 20, and has a smaller length than the first part 221. The first part 221 has a width corresponding to the most common format of the flat goods and, with its lateral edge, abuts the vertical alignment wall 21 of the individualization station 20. For example, the part 222 has a length L2 in the transport direction x that reaches to less than half of the length L1 of the placement deck. A front half 291 of the upper housing shell 29 is displaceable in the z-direction into a service position, and is arranged at a predetermined distance above the first and second part 221, 222 of the supply deck 22. A rear half 292 of the upper housing shell 29 is installed firmly on a lower housing shell. A boom 28 of the individualization station 20 that covers the individualization assembly from above is arranged at the aforementioned predetermined distance from the supply deck, above the first and second part 221, 222 of the supply deck. The individualization assembly has a number of individualization fingers of identical length and an associated traction component in the respective individualization region, such as roller bodies, each having a layer or jacket made from a material having a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber. The individualization assembly and traction component form a sluice that remains closed in the operating state of a minimal deflection of the upper sluice part with the individualization assembly carrier, as in the instance in which no flat good has been placed (see also FIG. 3a and FIG. 7). The first part 221 of the supply deck has (not shown), upstream of the individualization station 20 in terms of the flow of goods, a number of openings for the individualization rollers of the first drum 23a of the individualization region in the first sluice region at different distances from the vertical alignment wall 21 (FIG. 7). The openings are spaced one after another counter to the y-direction. A roller body 235a that is farthest distant from the vertical alignment wall 21 protrudes through an opening 205 in the second part 222 of the supply deck.

(13) A housing wall of the boom 28 that is directed upstream, in terms of the flow of goods, forms a stack stop wall 281. The boom 28 is firmly connected with the front half 291 of the upper housing shell 29, wherein the front half 291 is installed on a contact pressure box 26 (FIG. 3). As soon as a stop is initiated via operation of a button 263, a compression spring 274 (not shown) fitted on a guide rod 276 (FIG. 3) moves the contact pressure box 26 in the z-direction, and the front half 291 of the upper housing shell 29 (FIG. 1) with the boom 28 and the front side of the individualization station 20 arrive in a service position (not shown). The service position enables good access to the transport path for the purpose of dust removal given a jam of flat goods, or for the purpose of maintenance. Before the boom 28, upstream in terms of the flow of goods, a slider 19 may optionally be arranged on the placement station 10, the slider 19 being displaced in the y-direction and counter thereto.

(14) FIG. 2 shows a front view of the placement station 10 and the individualization station 20. The slider 19 reaches to approximately to of the height of the vertical alignment wall 11. Opposite the boom 28, a roller body 235a of the separate individualization roller protrudes in the z-direction through a corresponding opening of the supply deck 22 (or 222 in FIG. 1) of the individualization station 20, wherein the roller body (not visible) is mechanically coupled with the driven rotation axle shaft of the first drum 23a of the individualization region. The additional roller bodies of the first drum 23a that are occluded by this roller body likewise protrude in the z-direction through corresponding openings of the supply deck 22 of the individualization station 20 (FIG. 7). The first drum 23a of the individualization region is situated in the lower sluice part of the first sluice region, and the associated individualization fingers are spring-mounted in the upper sluice part. A second drum 23b of the individualization region that is situated opposite a number of contact pressure fingers 2682 is arranged downstream, in terms of the flow of goods, in the transport path and immediately following in the transport direction x. The second drum is situated in the lower sluice part, and the contact pressure fingers are borne elastically and rotatably in the upper sluice part. The contact pressure fingers also serve to hold down flexible flat goods. The second drum 23b improves the traction in the individualization region in the transport direction x. It is preferably designed identical to the first drum 23a. However, its rotation axle shaft has smaller length dimensions. Also arranged in the second drum 23b are first, second and third roller bodies 231b, 232b and 233b on a structured drum body, and these are equipped with rubber tires. A comparable arrangement of the second drum is described in German utility model DE 20 2012 011 877 U1. In the transport region of the individualization station 20, a first and second transport drum 24 and 25 protrude in the z-direction through corresponding openings of the supply deck 22 of the individualization station 20.

(15) FIG. 3a shows a perspective depiction of the individualization station 20, from the front upper right, with upper housing shell removed. A first part 221 of the supply deck is bounded in the y-direction by the vertical alignment wall 21.

(16) The first drum 23a of the individualization region is comprised (the manner is not shown) of a structured drum body having integrated freewheel mechanism, whose structures having the greatest diameter form roller bodies 231a, 232a and 233a on which respective rubber layers are installed. The first drum 23a of the individualization region runs (in a manner shown in FIG. 7) on a driven rotation axle shaft that also drives a separate fourth roller body 234a with integrated freewheel mechanism and the separate fifth roller body 235a with integrated freewheel mechanism. The roller bodies 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, which are likewise each equipped with a high-friction jacket or layer, protrude through respective openings in the first part 221 of the supply deck 22, the openings being spaced next to one another in a row, counter to the y-direction. The lower housing shell is supplemented on the front side by an additional housing part 223, accordingly matched to the second part 222 of the supply deck, wherein the second part 222 is supported on the additional housing part 223. The additional housing part 223 has an opening (not shown) at its back side in order to be able to receive the rotation axle shaft 230a of the first drum 23a. A fifth roller body 235a protrudes in the z-direction through an opening 205 of the installed second part 222 of the supply deck. The fifth roller body 235a is equipped with rubber layers and connected with a separate drum body (not shown) that is equipped with an integrated freewheel mechanism and runs on the driven rotation axle shaft 230a (FIG. 7). Via the individualization rollers driven in such a manner, during the individualization the respective lowermost flat good of a stack of flat goods is drawn through the sluice due to a traction (FIG. 4b).

(17) The jacketed first, second and third roller bodies 231a, 232a, 233a are each flanked on both sides by in total four individualization fingers that are installed on the approach plate 265, which is explained in detail in the following using FIG. 7. The fifth roller body 235a is likewise flanked on both sides by the individualization fingers 2656, 2655. An elastic finger 26575, 26576 is respectively arranged elastically on the individualization fingers 2655, 2656. The position of all individualization fingers relative to the corresponding roller body can be adjusted by an adjustment assembly so that none of the roller bodies contacts the individualization fingers.

(18) A fourth roller body 234a passes in the z-direction through an additional opening 204 in the first part 221 of the supply deck at a second distance b from the vertical alignment wall 21, counter to the y-direction. This fourth roller body 234a is also equipped with a separate drum body (not shown) that is equipped with an integrated freewheel mechanism and runs on the driven rotation axle shaft 230a. However, this fourth roller body is not flanked on both sides by individualization fingers, nor is a different individualization assembly situated opposite the fourth roller body 234a. Rather, a gap of length f (FIG. 7) in which no individualization fingers are installed is situated opposite the fourth roller body 234a.

(19) Alternatively, the first drum 23a of the individualization region may be executed with lengthened design so that no separate roller body needs to be installed on the rotation axle shaft. Only one is then required, and the cost of a freewheel mechanism may thus be minimized.

(20) First, second and third roller bodies 231b (not visible), 232b and 233b of the second drum 23b (FIG. 2) are likewise arranged on a structured drum body with freewheel mechanism that runs on a driven rotation axle shaft 230b (not shown in FIG. 3a). A comparable arrangement of first, second and third roller bodies on a structured drum body of a second drum 22b of the individualization region is described in German utility model DE 20 2012 011 877 U1.

(21) In the transport path, a first transport drum 24 follows the second drum 23b in the transport region, wherein the first transport drum 24 is situated opposite a first contact pressure drum 261. In the transport path, a second transport drum 25 that is situated opposite a second contact pressure drum 262 follows in the transport region. The two contact pressure drums are installed spring-loaded and rotatable in a contact pressure box 26 that, near the middle of its front wall, has an opening for a rotation axle 260 a linkage 264. Upon operation of a button 263 installed at the contact pressure box 26, the contact pressure box 26 is moved via elastic force in the z-direction along a guide rod 276, which likewise is described in German utility model DE 20 2012 011 877 U1.

(22) The difference is that, first, instead of the second drum (as in DE 20 2012 011 877 U1) the first drum 23a is now situated opposite in the individualization region, due to an extension of the lever arm length of the linkage by approximately 20%-40% of an individualization assembly carrier 267 with individualization fingers. The individualization fingers installed on the individualization assembly carrier press a flat good to be individualized more strongly against the first drum 23a due to the lever principle and the force of gravity. The static friction is thereby increased and the traction is improved. Second, the width of the individualization assembly carrier 267 in the y-direction is increased to approximately to , preferably of the largest mail format B4, and now approximates the width W, which reduces the probability of an oblique or duplicate intake of such flat goods that in particular have a large format. Third, contact pressure fingers 2681, 2682 (FIG. 3b) hold the flat goods near to the supply deck so that the danger of a jam is reduced. Fourth, a jam may easily be remedied since the gap of the individualization sluice is increased with the raising of the contact pressure box 26 as soon as the button 263 is operated. By operation of the button 263, of the individualization region, the boom 28 is also moved in the z-direction. The stack stop wall of the boom 28 at the input side, in terms of the flow of goods, and the supply deck 22, form a pre-sluice for a stack of flat goods. The pre-sluice is likewise opened at the press of the button 263 in order to be able to remedy a jam.

(23) The extension arm 2641 of the linkage 264 has a front-side lateral leg 26411 and a rear-side lateral leg 26412 offset in the y-direction, which lateral legs are connected with one another by a yoke 26413 arranged upstream in terms of the flow of goods. The yoke 26413 of the extension arm 2641 is preferably situated at a distance from the linkage end that is situated opposite the other linkage end with the rotation axle 260, wherein the distance is large enough that the distance up to the first drum 23a is bridged. The distance from the rotation axle 260 is thereby further increased in that a retention plate 2642 has two spacer domes 2644, 2645 that are attached to the yoke 26413 and further increase the distance of an installation plate 2673 of the individualization assembly carrier 267 from the yoke of the extension arm 2641. The individualization assembly carrier 267 has a stop side 2671 situated parallel to the y/z-plane, upstream in terms of the flow of goods. A stack stop wall of the boom 28 that is directed upstream in terms of the flow of goods stops a first subset of the stack of flat goods and drops in a step to the stop side 2671 (FIG. 1) at which a second stack subset of flat goods is stopped. From the stop side 2671, an approach plate is bent on one side at an angle to the direction of gravity and in the transport direction x to the supply deck, such that an approach plate 265 for flat goods that is arranged like a ramp is formed. On the other side, a bend 2672 in the transport direction x is provided from the upper edge of the stop side 2671 of the individualization assembly carrier 267 that has a greater distance from the supply deck and is situated approximately parallel to the supply deck. This distance from the supply deck is at most equal to the height of approximately 3-5 flat goods of maximum thickness if no flat good is located in the individualization gap. For example, the rollers of the placement deck or individualization rollers of the supply deck protrude 5 mm beyond the plane of the supply deck, and the greatest distance of the lower edge of the approach plate 265 is, for example, 6 mm from the plane of the supply deck in the event that no mail pieces are placed and should be directed through the sluice. The distance of the lower edge of the approach plate 265 from the supply deck increases given mail pieces directed through the gap of the sluice, corresponding to their thickness. A maximum deflection of the approach plate is at least 45 mm from the supply deck (see FIG. 3b).

(24) The installation plate 2673 of the individualization assembly carrier 267 is bent in the z-direction from the end of the bend 2672. An additional bend 2674 from the stop side 2671 of the individualization assembly carrier 267 in the transport direction is provided at the front-side end of the individualization assembly carrier 267 for a lateral protection of the individualization fingers, and in order to preclude risk of injury to a person who operates the individualization station. The frame 27 has a rear wall 272 at which a carrier angle plate 2751 is installed. A tappet pin 26414 at the extension arm 2641 is situated close to the linkage 264 at the contact pressure box if no flat good is located in the individualization gap.

(25) FIG. 3b shows a perspective depiction of the individualization station 20 from the front upper right with a top casing removed, in an operating phase of maximum deflection of the linkage by a flat good having maximum thickness, wherein the latter was not shown. The individualization assembly carrier 267 is installed on the extension arm 2641 over spacer domes 2644, 2645 that are molded on the retention plate 2642. The individualization assembly carrier 267 is aligned parallel to the y-direction and bears all individualization assembly. Two installation plates 26581, 26582 are provided at the approach plate 265 for the installation of the individualization fingers together with leaf springs that are designed as elastic fingers. The design of the individualization fingers is described in more detail using FIG. 5a.

(26) Alternatively, the individualization fingers are installed on the approach plate 265 together with a respective leaf spring designed as an elastic finger, by at least one installation plate.

(27) A carrier angle plate 2751 (partially visible) is installed on the rear frame wall 272. The carrier angle plate bears a stationary axle 2680 on which is arranged a carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance, which carrier plate 269 can be displaced transversal to the transport direction. A tab 2695 (FIG. 5b) thereby protrudes in the z-direction, centrally from the carrier plate 269, into a free region between the spacer domes 2644, 2645. Arranged there are also two ball bearings 2693, 2694 that engage in a guide channel 2643 of the retention plate 2642 (FIG. 5a).

(28) The carrier plate 269 has in the transport direction x a bend 2691 (occluded) and a bend 2692 with respectively an opening 26910 (occluded) and 26920. To adjust the individualization finger position transversal to the transport direction x, an adjustment means engages with the stationary axle 2680. The stationary axle 2680 installed in the carrier angle plate 2751 protrudes through the openings 26910 (occluded) and 26920. At the front-side end, a stationary axle 2680 has a threading 2684. For example, an adjusting nut 2685 is provided as an adjustment means for the individualization fingers (see FIG. 8). A simultaneous adjustment of all individualization fingers is therefore advantageously possible.

(29) FIG. 4a shows a schematic depiction of a front view of a detail of the placement station and of a detail of the individualization station, given a placed stack and before an individualization of the stack. While a first subset of the stack ST of flat goods strikes the approach plate 265, a second subset of the stack ST of flat goods is stopped by the stop side 2671 of the individualization assembly carrier 267. A third subset of a stack ST of flat goods is stopped by the stack stop wall 281 of the boom 28 that is arranged upstream of the individualization assembly carrier 267, in terms of the flow of goods, which stack stop wall 281 is arranged at a fixed distance from the supply deck in the operating mode. The approach plate 265 transitions, at one end downstream in terms of the flow of goods, into teeth 26511 shown in FIG. 4a. Next to the teeth 26511 in the y-direction are the individualization fingers 2656 with the associated elastic fingers 26576 and an installation plate 26582. The approach plate 265 has an edge at another end and transitions in the z-direction into a wall of the individualization assembly carrier 267 that, upstream in terms of the flow of goods, has the stop side 2671 and that is bent in the transport direction x in a bend 2672. The stop side 2671 has a height h2 max up to the aforementioned edge. The bend 2672 transitions into an installation plate 2673 of the individualization assembly carrier 267. The installation plate 2673 is bent in the z-direction. A high torsion resistance of the entire upper sluice part results via a Z-shaped profile of the individualization assembly carrier 267. The lower edge of the stack stop wall 281 is situated at a height h above the highest point on the circumference of the fifth individualization roller 235a.

(30) The fifth individualization roller 235a is situated adjacent in the y-direction to the individualization finger 2656 with the associated elastic finger 26576, such that the individualization roller 235a overlaps with the individualization assembly (2656, 26576) without a gap. The inclination angle of the approach plate 265 lies in a range from 28-35 and is preferably =32 relative to a straight dash-dot line that proceeds parallel to the transport direction x, at a distance m from the supply deck 12 of the placement station or from the supply deck 22 of the supply station. An imaginary vertical line (not drawn) between the aforementioned edge of the approach plate 265 and the aforementioned straight dash-dot line m has a height of h1 min. The first and second subset of the stack ST of flat goods together have a height h=h1 min+h2 max and are let through below the stack stop wall 281 that is stationary in the operating mode, wherein the stack stop wall 281 forms a first sluice stage of a pre-sluice. The third subset has a height h3.

(31) Although the first subset of the stack ST of flat goods may theoretically have a height h1 min, only a first flat good G1 of medium thickness exists in the schematic depiction according to FIG. 4a. The second subset of the stack ST of flat goods is comprised of a second flat good G2 with the maximum thickness Dmax. The good G2 is stopped by the stop side 2671 of the individualization assembly carrier 267. A third flat good G3 with maximum thickness is situated above on the second flat good G2. Due to its thickness, the good G3 is stopped by the stack stop wall 281, thus by the first stage of the pre-sluice. Following good G3 are good G4, good G5 etc. of the third subset of the stack ST of flat goods that are likewise stopped by the pre-sluice.

(32) FIG. 4b shows a front view of a detail of the placement station and of a detail of the individualization station, given a placed stack and during an individualization of the stack. The individualization assembly carrier 267 in the upper sluice part is raised corresponding to the thickness of the first flat good G1 while the latter is drawn through the sluice by traction. At the same time, good G2 slides on the approach plate 265 and good G3 strikes the stop side 2671, but the remaining flat goods of the stack slide downward in the direction of gravity. Due to the raising of the individualization assembly carrier 267, the stop side 2671 of the individualization assembly carrier 267 is effective only up to a height h2*<h2 max. In the operating mode, the stack stop wall 281 of the boom 28 forms a first, invariable stage, and the stop side 2671 of the individualization assembly carrier 267 forms a second, variable stage of the pre-sluice. Given a maximum thickness of the flat good within the sluice (not drawn) instead of the good G1 with medium thickness, the height h2 min would result instead of h2*. Due to the variable stage height h2 min<h2*<h2 max, the risk of jamming at the stop side 2671 accordingly decreases with increasing thickness of the individualized good. The smaller the stage height h2*, the smaller the risk that a flat good is pinched between the lower edge of the stack stop wall 281 and the stop side 2671.

(33) FIG. 5a shows a perspective depiction of a detail of the individualization assembly carrier of the individualization station, from the front upper right. The individualization assembly carrier 267 is installed on the retention plate 2642 that has a molded guide channel 2643. The individualization fingers 2651 through 2654 are situated in a first sluice region 31 (FIG. 7) and are installed on the surface of the approach plate 265, situated in the transport direction, together with at least one respective elastic finger 26571 through 26574. Each elastic finger should have a defined spring force. In order to achieve that, multiple elastic fingers may be installed atop one another. The elastic fingers are stamped from thin leaf spring plates at the edge of a thin leaf spring plate, or from a stack of thin leaf spring plates, so that the elastic fingers are formed like teeth and are arranged like a comb on a remainder of the leaf spring plates, and can elastically move separately. The four individualization fingers 2651, 2652, 2653 and 2654 are formed of a flexible elastic material having a high coefficient of friction and are flanked by respective teeth 26501 through 26507 of the approach plate 265, which teeth are arranged like a comb on both sides. The individualization fingers 2651, 2652, 2653 and 2654 are attached on the approach plate 265 via an installation plate 26581 so as to be detachable. The individualization fingers 2655, 2656 are situated in a second sluice region 32 (FIG. 7) and are likewise installed on the surface of the approach plate 265, together with a number of elastic fingers 26575, 26576. The individualization fingers 2655, 2656 are formed of the same material as the individualization fingers of the first sluice region 31 (FIG. 7). The teeth 26508 through 26511 that are arranged like a comb flank the individualization fingers. The individualization fingers 2655, 2656 are attached via an installation plate 26582 so as to be detachable. Both sluice regions are rigidly connected with the individualization assembly carriers 267. The individualization assembly carrier 267 is connected with the retention plate 2642 so as to be detachable. On the back side of the retention plate is a guide channel 2643 aligned in the Z-direction, which guide channel 2643 receives the ball bearings 2693, 2694 attached to the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance.

(34) FIG. 5b shows a detail of the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance, from the front upper right, Relative to the depiction in FIG. 5a, the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance is depicted rotated to the left around the z-direction of the Cartesian coordinate system, and thereby by 90. A tab 2695 that extends in the z-direction is formed at the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance. A first ball bearing 2693 is arranged on the surface of the tab 2695 that is situated upstream, and a second ball bearing 2694 is arranged on the upstream surface of the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance, in the middle on the lower edge of the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance. Both ball bearings lie in a row in the direction of gravity and fit into the molded guide channel 2643 of the retention plate 2642 according to FIG. 5a.

(35) Shown in FIG. 6 is a plan view of a detail of the individualization station. Installed upstream on the linkage 264, in terms of the flow of goods, is an extension arm 2641. The extension arm 2641 has a front lateral leg 26411, a rear lateral leg 26412, a yoke 26413 and a tappet pin 26414. A retention plate 2642 is installed on the yoke 26413 of the extension arm 2641 of the linkage 264, to one side of the individualization assembly carrier 267. The retention plate 2642 has two spacer domes 2644, 2645 and a guide channel 2643. The spacer domes 2644, 2645 of the retention plate 2642 bridge the space between the yoke 26413 and the retention plate 2642 for the guide channel 2643 of the entire linkage and for ball bearings 2693 at the tab 2695 at the carrier plate for linkage guidance. The other side of the individualization assembly carrier projects in an L-shape from the extension arm 2641, counter to the y-direction. The tab 2695 is a centrally arranged, narrow part of the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance. The tab 2695 protrudes in the z-direction into a free area between the spacer domes 2644, 2645. The first ball bearing 2693 at the upper (in the z-direction) edge of the tab 2695 is installed on its surface that is directed upstream, in terms of the flow of goods. For linkage guidance, a second ball bearing (not visible) is provided at a distance from this in the direction of gravity, on the surface of the carrier plate 269 that is directed upstream, in terms of the flow of goods.

(36) A section detail of the individualization station from the left is depicted in FIG. 7. Installed on the driven rotation axle shaft 230a are a structured drum body of the first drum body 23a having three roller bodies 231a, 232a, 233a and two identically designed, separate roller bodies 234a, 235a that respectively are equipped with rubber tires that have a high coefficient of friction. The structured drum body is arranged under the supply deck, or under a part of the supply deck, and equipped with integrated freewheel mechanism. The individualization fingers 2651 to 2654 and the three roller bodies 231a, 232a, 233a lie in a first sluice region 31. For example, the sluice region 31 has a width of at most the width of the C6 format of mail pieces, or at least the width of the smallest mail piece formats. The second roller body 232a is designed in the middle of the structured drum body of the first drum 23a. The middle of the running surface of the second roller body 232a is preferably arranged at a first distance a=4.5 cm from the vertical alignment wall 21, and the first and third roller bodies 231a and 233a are designed on both sides of the second roller body 232a, on the structured drum body of the first drum 23a. The first sluice region 31 preferably has a width of e=8.3 cm. Mail pieces of B6 and C6 format may therefore be reliably drawn through below the lower edge of the approach plate 265 and be transported in transport direction x. A fourth roller body 234a is arranged on the rotation axle shaft 230a, adjacent to the first sluice region 31, for example at a second distance b of approximately of the width of the C5 format of mail pieces from the vertical alignment wall 21. Preferably, b=10.7 cm. Mail pieces of B5 and C5 format may therefore be supported from below and be transported in transport direction x.

(37) The individualization fingers 2655 to 2656 and the separate roller body 235a lie in a second sluice region 32. The center of the running surface of the separate fifth roller body 232a is arranged at a third distance c of the width of the B4 format of mail pieces, preferably c=18.25 cm, from the vertical alignment wall 21. The second sluice region 32 ends at a fourth distance d of the width of the B4 format of mail pieces, preferably at a distance d=20.15 cm, from the vertical alignment wall 21. The second sluice region 32 preferably has a width of g=3.8 cm. An edge of the first sluice region 31 that is situated next to the vertical alignment wall 21 is preferably situated at a distance a+e/2=(4.58.3/2) cm=0.35 cm. An edge of the first sluice region 31 that is situated farther distant from the vertical alignment wall 21 is preferably situated at a distance a+e/2=(4.58.3/2) cm=8.65 cm. The latter distance a+e/2 preferably lies at a distance f=cg/2(a+e/2)=18.253.8/2(4.5+8.3/2) cm=16.358.65 cm=7.7 cm from the inner edge of the second sluice region 32. Each separate roller body is likewise equipped with integrated freewheel mechanism. The first, second and third roller bodies 231a, 232a and 233a of the structured drum body of the first drum 23a have a diameter of approximately 4 cm and are preferably 1.0 to 1.2 cm wide and are spaced by an equal distance from one another. They respectively protrude through a corresponding opening 201, 202, 203 in the first part 221 of the supply deck. The first distance a is less than the second distance b. The second distance b is less than the third distance c, and the third distance c is less than the fourth distance d. a<b<c<d applies. The drum body 23a runs on the driven rotation axle shaft 230a. The openings 201, 202, 203, 204 for first, second, third, fourth roller bodies are provided in the first part 221 of the supply deck 22, and only one opening 205 for the fifth roller body 235a is provided In the second part 222 of the supply deck 22. The first, second, third and fifth roller bodies are situated opposite the individualization assembly in order to form a sluice through which a flat good to be individualized passes via traction. The separate fourth roller body 234a passes in the z-direction, at a second distance b, through a fourth opening 204 in the first part 221 of the supply deck. A rubber layer is likewise installed on the separate fourth roller body 234a. The separate fifth roller body 235a is arranged at a much greater third distance c from the vertical alignment wall 21 and is provided with a fifth rubber-jacketed roller, and passes through a fifth opening 205 in the second part 222. The separate roller bodies 234a and 235a, together with a respective freewheel mechanism, are installed on the driven rotation axle shaft of the first drum 23a.

(38) Alternatively, an extended, structured drum body of the first drum 23a may be used again that has at least one additional roller body structure.

(39) The three layers or jackets of the roller bodies 231a, 232a, 233a of the first drum 23a, and the individualization fingers 2651 through 2656, are formed of a plastic or rubber, or of another material having a very high coefficient of friction given use with flat goods, which are preferably mail pieces made of paper or paperboard. The outer layer of the other roller bodies 234a, 235a are likewise formed of plastic or rubber or a different material having a very high coefficient of friction.

(40) FIG. 8 shows a perspective depiction of the arrangement of the carrier plate for linkage guidance in the individualization station, from the front upper right. On both sides on the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance are right-angled bends 2691, 2692 having respective openings 26910, 26920 for a stationary axle 2680. The stationary axle 2680 and a stationary arresting pin 273 for guidance of the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance are attached next to one another with a clearance on a carrier angle plate 2751. The carrier angle plate 2751 is installed on the front side of a rear wall 272 of a frame (not shown in part). In the installed state, the first right-angled bend 2691 of the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance is arranged closer to the rear wall 272 than the second right-angled bend 2692 of the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance.

(41) In addition to the opening 26910, the first right-angled bend 2691 has an additional opening 26911 for the arresting pin 273 for guidance of the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance, wherein the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance is arranged so as to be transversally displaceable in the y-direction on the stationary axle 2680 and on the arresting pin 273.

(42) A portion of the stationary axle 2680 is situated at a closer distance, near the carrier angle plate 2751, and has a larger diameter D1. Two contact pressure fingers 2681, 2682 are elastically and rotatably installed on this part of the stationary axle with a respective contact pressure finger spring 26811, 26821.

(43) Another portion of the stationary axle 2680 is placed at a farther distance from the carrier angle plate 2751 and has a smaller diameter D2 than D1. The other portion of the stationary axle 2680 is designed bolt-shaped, with the smaller diameter D2, and has a bolt threading 2684 at its outstanding end. A compression spring 2683 is installed on this portion of the stationary axle 2680 with the smaller diameter D2.

(44) The carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance is curved in a u-shape so that an inner wall of the first right-angled bend 2691 and an inner wall of the second right-angled bend 2692 are arranged facing and parallel to one another. A shoulder at the portion of the stationary axle 2680 having the smaller diameter D2 forms a first stop for the one end of the installed compression spring 2683, and the inner wall of the second right-angled bend 2692 forms a second stop for the other end of the installed compression spring 2683. An adjusting nut 2685 is installed on the threading 2684, which threading 2684 protrudes through opening 26920. Via the adjusting nut 2685, the carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance may be adjusted in the y-direction and counter to this, and the extension arm 2641 pivots as well corresponding to the adjustment because the ball bearings 2693, 2694 travel in the guide channel of the retention plate, which ball bearings 2693, 2694 are installed at the plate tab 2695 and at the transversally displaceable carrier plate 269 for linkage guidance (FIG. 5a).

(45) Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art, it is the intention of the Applicant to embody within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of the Applicant's contribution to the art.