DE102010044059A1 - Method for sorting articles i.e. letters, involves taking sequences of articles of first and of second types to holding apparatuses, and transferring articles in sequence out to sorting output of sorting installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves supplying each article to be sorted to a sorting installation e.g. large letter sorting installation (Gb-Anl), using a supply and feed device (E-E.3). A sorting output of the installation is selected based on a sorting feature value of each article in each of holding apparatuses (Hv.1-Hv.19). The sequences of articles of first and second types are taken to the apparatuses, such that each filled apparatus contains the respective sequence of articles of the first type or of the second type. The articles are transferred out in the sequence to the output. An independent claim is also included for a configuration for sorting a set of articles based on a prescribed sorting feature.

Description

The invention relates to a sorting method and a sorting arrangement which are capable of sorting two types of articles, in particular two types of flat postal items, in such a way that a single sequence of articles is formed.

A sorting method with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a sorting arrangement with the features of the preamble of claim 9 are made US 7,728,246 B2 known.

In US 7,728,246 32 and US Pat. No. 7,282,658 B2 For example, a method and apparatus for sorting two types of items is described. In the exemplary embodiment, standard letters (in the US "letters") function as the first type of items and large letters (in the US "flats") as the second type. All items are to be sorted according to a predetermined sorting feature, e.g. B. all mail items according to a predetermined order ("delivery sequence") under delivery points ("delivery points"). First, the standard letters are sorted in sequence, preferably in two sorting runs ("two-pass-sequencing"). All standard letters, which are to be transported to the same delivery point, are combined in one embodiment into a package in each case. The large letters are also sorted in exact sequence in two sorting runs. In the first sorting run, the large letters are sorted separately from the standard letters. In the second sorting pass, each parcel with sorted standard letters is forwarded to the same destination point in a previously formed stream of large letters. After the second sorting run, a sorted sequence of standard letters and large letters is formed. In the US 7,728,246 B2 described device has a plurality of feeding devices ("feeders 102 . 104a . 106a ") And a transport device (" conventional type transporting system 110 "). A feeding facility 102 . 104a . 106a feeds mailpieces alternately (with "pausing" by a "pausing device") into the transport facility 110 one.

In DE 103 05 847 B3 as in DE 10 2004 033 564 B3 An apparatus for sorting flat mail items is described. This device has a driven conveyor loop with a plurality of storage pockets 15 for each flat postal item. Below the conveyor loop is a sequence of buffers 16 coming out of the storage bags 15 be filled. The buffers 16 in their turn send mailings down into containers 17 off, which are open at the top. The containers 17 stand on a transport track 11 , In one embodiment, the conveyor loop is opposite to the containers 17 from the transport track 11 emotional.

In EP 2095887 A1 a sorting system for flat mailings is described. This sorting installation has two loading devices, which fill an input conveyor with mailpieces, and two unloading devices, which unload an output conveyor. In an overlapping area, the input conveyor and the output conveyor overlap. A mail piece can then be transferred from the input conveyor into the output conveyor when the mailpiece is in the overlapping area. In an input-optimized mode both loading devices and a discharge device are activated. In an output-optimized mode, both unloaders and a loader are activated. The sorting system can be switched between the input-optimized mode and the output-optimized mode.

In DE 19625007 C2 and US 6,703,574 B1 A method is described for sorting mailpieces in multiple sorting runs. In the first sorting run, the number of mailpieces to be transported to this destination point is counted for each destination point. Simulations on a data processing system are used to determine an optimized sorting plan for subsequent sorting runs, ie a sorting plan that leads to an optimal utilization of the sorting outputs used.

The invention has for its object to provide a sorting method having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a sorting arrangement having the features of the preamble of claim 9, which perform the sorting of articles of two types according to a common sorting feature and a common value order faster and especially avoid a "pause".

The object is achieved by a sorting method having the features of claim 1 and a sorting arrangement having the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

Predefined is a sorting feature, according to which the items are to be sorted. A further order is given below values of this sorting feature. This order includes at least each sorting feature value actually accepted by at least one item to be sorted. It is possible that the predetermined sorting feature value order comprises all possible sorting feature values.

Each item to be sorted belongs either to a first item type or to a second item type. The object type of an object depends on at least one given physical property.

• – eine Sortieranlage und
• – eine Sequenz-Erzeugungs-Einrichtung.

The sorting arrangement according to the invention comprises

• - a sorting plant and
• A sequence generator.

• – eine erste Zuführ- und Einschleus-Einrichtung,
• – mindestens eine zweite Zuführ- und Einschleus-Einrichtung,
• – eine Transport-Einrichtung und
• – mindestens einen Sortierausgang.

The sorting system includes

• A first supply and infeed device,
• At least one second supply and infeed device,
• - a transport facility and
• - at least one sorting output.

The transport device comprises a plurality of holding devices.

• – Jeder Gegenstand der ersten Gegenstands-Art gehört zu genau einer Sequenz.
• – Jede Sequenz besteht aus mindestens einen Gegenstand der ersten Gegenstands-Art.
• – Die Gegenstände einer Sequenz gehören alle zur ersten Gegenstands-Art und sind gemäß der vorgegebenen Sortiermerkmals-Werte-Reihenfolge innerhalb der Sequenz sortiert. Möglich ist, dass eine Sequenz aus Gegenständen mit unterschiedlichen Sortiermerkmals-Werten besteht.

The sequence generator generates multiple sequences of articles of the first article type. This is done so that the following result is achieved:

• - Each item of the first item type belongs to exactly one sequence.
• - Each sequence consists of at least one item of the first item type.
• The items of a sequence all belong to the first item type and are sorted according to the predetermined sort order value order within the sequence. It is possible that a sequence consists of items with different sorting feature values.

The first feeding and generating device spends the thus generated sequences of articles of the first article type into a respective holding device of the transport device. The second feeding and generating device spends the articles of the second article type into a respective holding device.

• – jeweils eine Sequenz von Gegenständen der ersten Gegenstands-Art oder
• – jeweils ein Gegenstand der zweiten Gegenstands-Art.

After this transfer is in each holding device used

• - Each a sequence of objects of the first article type or
• - Each an object of the second article type.

As a result of the step of placing the sequences and articles of the second article type in the fixture, a sequence of filled fixtures is created in the conveyor. This sequence consists of the sequences and objects of the second article type in the fixtures.

• – Für diese Haltevorrichtung wird ein Sortierausgang der Sortieranlage ausgewählt.
• – Die Transport-Einrichtung verbringt die Haltevorrichtung in eine Übergabeposition bezüglich des ausgewählten Sortierausgangs.
• – Der oder jeder Gegenstand aus der Haltevorrichtung wird in den ausgewählten Sortierausgang verbracht.

The transport device discharges this sequence into the sorting system (s) used in the sorting system. In this case, the following steps are carried out for each holding device with a sequence or with an object of the second article type:

• - For this fixture, a sorting output of the sorting system is selected.
• - The transport device spends the holding device in a transfer position with respect to the selected sorting output.
• - The or each object from the fixture is moved to the selected sort exit.

As a result, an item order of objects is generated in each used sorting output of the sorting system. The items of the item order in each sorting output used are sorted according to the sorting feature value order.

This and a predetermined order among the sorting outputs used causes, in the case of multiple sorting outputs, that all items of the first item type and all items of the second item type are sorted in a single sequence according to the predetermined sorting feature value order.

According to the invention, at least two feeding and inserting devices are used, namely a first feeding and inserting device for the sequences of articles of the first article type, and rather a second feeding and inserting device for the articles of the second article type. Furthermore, a plurality of holding devices are used, in which objects can be temporarily stored. This allows the two supply and injection devices to work in parallel. This saves a "pausing" as well as a "pausing device".

In particular, thanks to the latches in the form of holding devices, it is not necessary to pre-sort the articles of the second article type before these objects are assembled with the sequences to sequence. Furthermore, it is not necessary that the sorting system is operated so that an object overtakes another object to be sorted.

By means of the first feeding and Einschleus device the sequences are supplied with objects of the first kind of sorting system, by means of the second feeding and Einschleus means the objects of the second article type. This makes it possible to tailor the first feeding and entangling means to articles of the first article type, and every other feeding and entangling means to articles of the second article kind, e.g. B. in terms of dimensions or processing speed or transport speed. This often achieves higher throughput than with a universal feeder.

It is possible, but not necessary, to bring the sequences with items of the first item type into a specific order before the sequences are fed to the sorting system. Rather, the invention makes it possible to deliver the sequences in any order to the first supply and feed device. It is possible, but not necessary, to sort the sequences in advance. It is also possible to supply the sequences instead of sorting system unsorted and to let spend by the sorting system in the holding devices.

The use of holding devices leads to a relatively universally applicable sorting system. This sorting system is able to process articles of different dimensions and still manages with a single type of holding devices. Each holding device only needs to be so large that it is able to accommodate each item to be sorted.

The invention can be used particularly advantageously if significantly more objects of the first article type are to be sorted as articles of the second article type and the objects of the second article type are z. B. due to other dimensions, other surface texture and / or higher weight are harder to sort than the objects of the first article type. In particular, thanks to the holding devices, such articles of the second article type can also be sorted well.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to make good use of the holding devices.

Namely, a sequence may consist of items having different sorting feature values and yet be placed in the same holding device. This saves holding devices from transporting in relation to a configuration in which a separate holding device is used for each sorting feature value, although a holding device could also accommodate larger sequences.

Preferably, the sorting system has a plurality of sorting outputs arranged in a sorting output order. The sorting system distributes the items to these sorting outputs such that the sequences are distributed to the sorting outputs and the items of a sequence are sorted according to the sorting feature value order. It is not necessary to establish a particular order among the sequences.

Preferably, the two supply and Einschleus devices work in parallel or at least temporally overlapping temporally. Both feeding and Einschleus devices feed items in the transport device of the sorting system. This parallel work saves time compared to a purely sequential procedure.

Preferably, the transport device transports the holding devices along a closed conveyor track and always in the same transport direction. This reduces the wear of the transport device.

In one embodiment, the sorting system additionally comprises a plurality of latches. Each buffer can accommodate at least one article of the first article type or a sequence and is preferably arranged in a stationary manner. Each filled holding device is brought into a transfer position with respect to a temporary storage, and the article or articles pass from the holding device into the temporary storage. Subsequently, the respectively selected sorting output of the sorting system is moved to a transfer position with respect to the buffer, and the article or articles pass from the buffer to the selected sorting exit. This embodiment increases the capacity of the sorting system without having to increase the number of holding devices or the length of the conveying path of the transport device. It is possible to supply the items in time varying amount of sorting system.

Preferably, it is measured in advance for each item, which value the predetermined sorting feature assumes for this item. In addition, a data processing system generates a unique internal identifier for each item, which distinguishes this item from all other items to be sorted. Each internal identifier is assigned the determined sorting feature value of the associated item. The internal identifiers are brought into a desired sequence in such a way that the order of the internal identifiers in this desired order corresponds to the predetermined order among the possible sorting feature values and the associated sorting feature values. This target order is used to generate the sequences of items of the first item type. Each sequence consists of objects of the first article type whose internal identifiers occur in the desired order immediately after one another. This embodiment makes it possible to form sequences such that some sequences consist of items having different sorting feature values, i. H. at least one sequence comprises articles of the first article type with different sorting feature values. As a result, the holding devices can be better utilized, and time is saved compared to a configuration in which each sequence consists exclusively of articles having the same sorting feature value. By using the desired order, it can be ensured that no item of the second item type would be inserted into a sequence of items of the first item type.

The solution-based method and the solution according to the arrangement can be used in particular for sorting different stackable objects, for. B. flat mail, bills, check cards, stackable items, stackable components.

In the following the invention will be described with reference to an embodiment. Showing:

1 the standard letter sorting system, the stacking device, the data processing system and the central data memory of the solution according to the arrangement in plan view,

2 the large letter sorting plant in plan view,

3 the large letter sorting system of 2 in side view,

4 a modification of the large letter sorting system of 2 in side view,

5 the sequence and records for five standard letters and two large letters,

6 the target sequence, target sequences and sequences for the seven mail items of 5 .

7 the synchronization between sorting runs with average many standard letters compared to the large letters,

8th the synchronization between sorting runs with few standard letters in comparison to the large letters and

9 the synchronization between sort runs for many standard letters compared to the large letters.

In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is used to sort flat mail items (letters, postcards, magazines, catalogs, etc.) of different dimensions. Each mail item is provided with one delivery address to which this item of mail is to be transported. The mail In the embodiment, they function as the items to be sorted, and the different delivery addresses are the different values of the sorting feature.

A sorting feature value order is predefined among the possible delivery addresses of the mailpieces to be sorted. This sorting feature value order of the possible delivery addresses is predetermined by the delivery sequence of a mail carrier (carrier-factoreur). The postman goes through the delivery addresses in this order in his order.

A distinction is made between two types of postal items, namely standard letters (in the USA: "letters") and large letters (in the USA: "flats"). The standard letters function as the objects of the first object type, the large letters as the objects of the second object type. In a standard letter, each dimension and weight is in a given range. If a dimension or the weight is outside the respective range, a mail item to be sorted is a large letter. In the exemplary embodiment, particularly small and heavy mail items are processed as large letters.

• – eine Standardbrief-Sortieranlage („letter sorting machine”),
• – eine Großbrief-Sortieranlage („flats sorting machine”),
• – eine Stapelbildungs-Einrichtung („stacker”),
• – eine Datenverarbeitungsanlage und
• – ein zentraler Datenspeicher.

For sorting, an arrangement with the following components is used:

• A standard letter sorting machine,
• - a large letter sorting machine ("flats sorting machine"),
• A stacker,
• - a data processing system and
• - a central data store.

Both sorting systems are connected to the data processing system. The data processing system has read and write access to the central data memory.

• – die Standardbrief-Sortieranlage Stb-Anl,
• – die Stapelbildungs-Einrichtung Stp-E,
• – die Datenverarbeitungsanlage DVA und
• – den zentralen Datenspeicher DSp-Ps.

1 shows the following components of the solution according to the invention:

• - the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl,
• The stacking device Stp-E,
• - the data processing system DVA and
• The central data memory DSp-Ps.

• – eine Standardbrief-Zuführ-Einrichtung („feeder”) mit einem Vereinzeler („singulator”),
• – ein Standardbrief-Messgerät,
• – eine Standardbrief-Auswahleinheit,
• – eine Standardbrief-Ausschleus-Einrichtung und
• – eine Vielzahl von Standardbrief-Sortierausgängen.

The standard letter sorting system has the following components:

• A standard letter feeder with a singulator,
• - a standard letter measuring device,
• A standard letter selection unit,
• A standard letter rejection facility and
• - a variety of standard letter sorting outputs.

• – die Standardbrief-Zuführ-Einrichtung Zuf-Stb,
• – das Standardbrief-Bildaufnahmegerät Ka-Stb des Standardbrief-Messgeräts,
• – die Standardbrief-Bildauswerteeinheit Bae-Stb des Standardbrief-Messgeräts,
• – eine Standardbrief-Steuereinheit SE-Stb,
• – ein Datenspeicher DSp-Spl-Stb mit rechnerverfügbaren Sortierplänen für die Standardbrief-Sortieranlage Stb-Anl,
• – die Standardbrief-Auswahleinheit AE-Stb,
• – die Standardbrief-Ausschleus-Einrichtung Aus-Stb und
• – beispielhaft fünf Standardbrief-Sortierausgänge SAus-Stb.1, ..., SAus-Stb.5.

Shown in 1 following components of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl:

• The standard letter feeder Std-Stb,
• The standard letter image recorder Ka-Stb of the standard letter measuring device,
• The standard letter image evaluation unit Bae-Stb of the standard letter measuring device,
• A standard letter control unit SE-Stb,
• A data memory DSp-Spl-Stb with computer-available sorting plans for the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl,
• The standard letter selection unit AE-Stb,
• - The standard letter-out facility Aus-Stb and
• - By way of example five standard letter sorting exits SAus-Stb.1, ..., SAus-Stb.5.

In the exemplary embodiment, the stack formation device Stp-E comprises two standard letter separator Ver.1, Ver.2, which operate in parallel and can standard letters to separate.

Material flows are shown in the figures with solid arrows, data flows with dashed arrows.

The standard letter selection unit AE-Stb has read access to the data storage DSp-Spl-Stb, in which computer-available sorting plans are stored. The sorting outputs SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl are arranged in an order, eg. In a row or in two superimposed rows of output compartments. Each standard letter sorting exit can each receive a stack of standard letters.

The reading results of the standard letter image evaluation unit Bae-Stb are transmitted to the standard letter selection unit AE-Stb. The standard letter selection unit AE-Stb selects a standard letter sorting output for each standard letter and transmits this selection result to the standard letter control unit SE-Stb. The standard letter control unit SE-Stb activates the standard letter rejection device Aus-Stb so that the standard letter enters the selected sorting exit SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2,... Of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl

The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl is tailored to quickly sort standard letters according to a given order under delivery addresses. The components of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl are tailored to the dimensions and other characteristics of standard letters.

The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl preferably transports the standard letters by means of a "pinch-belt system". Each standard letter is trapped and picked up by two continuous endless conveyor belts at each point during transport and transported by these endless conveyors.

• – mindestens zwei Großbrief-Zuführ-Einrichtungen („feeders”) mit jeweils einem Großbrief-Vereinzeler („singulators”),
• – zwei Großbrief-Messgeräte,
• – eine Großbrief-Auswahleinheit,
• – eine Großbrief-Ausschleus-Einrichtung und
• – eine Vielzahl von Großbrief-Sortierausgängen.

The large letter sorting system Gb-Anl owns

• - at least two large letter feeder facilities ("feeders"), each with a large letter separator ("singulators"),
• - two large letter measuring devices,
• A large letter selection unit,
• - a large letter-Ausschleus-device and
• - a variety of large letter sorting outputs.

• – zwei Großbrief-Einspeisungs-Einrichtungen,
• – eine Haltevorrichtungs-Anordnung mit einer Vielzahl von Haltevorrichtungen,
• – eine Vielzahl von Zwischenspeichern und
• – eine Haltevorrichtungs-Transport-Einrichtung und
• – eine Sortierausgangs-Anordnung mit einer Sortierausgangs-Transport-Einrichtung.

The large letter rejection device comprises in the embodiment

• - two large letter feeders,
• A retainer assembly having a plurality of retainers,
• - A variety of buffers and
• A holding device transport device and
• A sorting output device with a sorting output transport device.

• – zwei Großbrief-Zuführ-Einrichtungen Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2,
• – das Großbrief-Bildaufnahmegerät Ka-Gb.1 und die Großbrief-Bildauswerteeinheit Bae-Gb.1 des ersten Großbrief-Messgeräts,
• – das Großbrief-Bildaufnahmegerät Ka-Gb.2 und die Großbrief-Bildauswerteeinheit Bae-Gb.2 des zweiten Großbrief-Messgeräts,
• – eine Großbrief-Auswahleinheit AE-Gb,
• – eine Großbrief-Steuereinheit SE-Gb,
• – zwei Großbrief-Einspeisungs-Einrichtungen E-E.1, E-E.2,
• – eine Sequenz-Einspeisungs-Einrichtung E-E.3 für das Einspeisen von Sequenzen von Standardbriefen,
• – beispielhaft 19 Haltevorrichtungen Hv.1, ..., Hv.19,
• – die Haltevorrichtungs-Anordnung Hv-An mit einem Haltevorrichtungs-Antrieb Hv-Ant und eine Haltevorrichtungs-Führungseinrichtung Hv-FE, wobei die Haltevorrichtungen Hv.1, Hv.2, ... an der Haltevorrichtungs-Führungseinrichtung Hv-FE angehängt oder auf andere Weise befestigt sind und der Haltevorrichtungs-Antrieb Hv-Ant die Haltevorrichtungs-Führungseinrichtung Hv-FE mitsamt den Haltevorrichtungen Hv.1, Hv.2, ... bewegt,
• – die Sortierausgangs-Anordnung SAus-An mit der Sortierausgangs-Transport-Einrichtung SAus-TE und einem Sortierausgangs-Antrieb SAus-Ant,
• – eine Zuführ-Einrichtung Zuf-Beh für leere Großbrief-Behälter und
• – eine Entnahme-Einrichtung Ent-Beh für gefüllte Großbrief-Behälter.

2 schematically shows the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. This large letter sorting system Gb-Anl comprises the following components:

• Two large letter feeders Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2,
• The large-letter image recording device Ka-Gb.1 and the large-letter image evaluation unit Bae-Gb.1 of the first large-letter measuring device,
• The large-letter image recording device Ka-Gb.2 and the large-letter image evaluation unit Bae-Gb.2 of the second large-letter measuring device,
• A large letter selection unit AE-Gb,
• A large letter control unit SE-Gb,
• Two large letter feeders EE.1, EE.2,
• A sequence feeder EE.3 for feeding sequences of standard letters,
• - 19 holding devices Hv.1, ..., Hv.19, by way of example
• The holding device arrangement Hv-An with a holding device drive Hv-Ant and a holding device guiding device Hv-FE, wherein the holding devices Hv.1, Hv.2, ... are attached or attached to the holding device guiding device Hv-FE other ways are fixed and the retainer drive Hv-Ant moves the retainer guide device Hv-FE together with the fixtures Hv.1, Hv.2, ...,
• The sorting output arrangement SAus-An with the sorting output transport device SAus-TE and a sorting output drive SAus-Ant,
• - An Zuf-device Zuf-Beh for empty large letterbox and
• - A removal device Ent-Beh for filled large letterbox.

The direction of transport T-SAus into which the sorting output transport device SAus-TE is moved and the transport direction T-Hv of the holding device guide device Hv-FE are indicated.

Preferably, the holding device conveyor Hv-FE describes a closed conveyor track on which the holding devices Hv.1, Hv.2, ... are always transported in the same transport direction T-Hv. This conveyor track preferably comprises a plurality of straight sections. The three feeders E- E.1, EE.2, EE.3 are all arranged on this one section. As a result, the rest of the conveyor belt remains free of feed devices and is therefore better accessible from the outside, z. For maintenance.

Each holding device Hv.1, Hv.2, ... can each record a large letter or several standard letters. Each large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 is each connected to a large letter feeder E-E.1, E-E.2. Each feeder E-E.1, E-E.2 is able to spend a large or multiple standard letters in a holding device. Preferably, each large letter is also transported on its way from a large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 to a large letter feeder E-E.1, E-E.2 also from a shroud system.

Each fixture Hv.1, Hv.2, ... is z. B. configured as a storage bag with two side surfaces having an opening at the top or on one side. Mail items are transferred from above or from the side into this holding device. The mail items are then in the space between the two side surfaces of the holding device. The powered retainer guide Hv-FE is capable of moving the retainers along a closed conveyor path. To effect this, the driven jig guiding means Hv-FE is adapted to move the jigs Hv.1, Hv.2, ... along this closed conveying path of the holding assembly Hv-An. Preferably, the holding devices are transported at a constant speed and always in the same transport direction T-Hv along this conveyor path.

It is possible that the holding devices are divided into two or more holding arrangements, wherein each holding arrangement in each case comprises a closed conveyor track and the holding devices of this holding arrangement pass through this one closed conveyor track and do not reach the other closed conveyor tracks.

The holding arrangement or the holding arrangements are in one plane. The plurality of buffers is located in a further plane which is arranged below the plane of the holding arrangements. Each cache can hold at least one large or multiple standard letters. The buffer has a flap or other suitable opening mechanism to output its contents downwards. In one embodiment, the latches are arranged stationary.

The transport device is configured to transfer a holding device with at least one mail item to a transfer position with respect to a previously selected buffer store by moving the holding device along the conveyor track and to allow the mail item to slide out of the holding device into the selected buffer store.

Below the preferably stationary arranged buffers are the large letter sorting outputs. In the exemplary embodiment, the large letter sorting system has a sorting output transport device.

In a preferred embodiment, the sorting output transport device comprises a sequence of bearing surfaces, for. B. of trays or unpowered scales. These bearing surfaces are connected to a chain and are on a guide device, for. B. on rails or on rails transported. A sorting output drive pulls on the chain and thereby moves the bearing surfaces along the guide means. In one embodiment, each support surface each forms a large letter sorting output. In another embodiment, at least one container for large letters can be placed on each support surface. Each container on a support surface acts as a large letter sorting exit. It is possible that two or even more containers are placed on one support surface and thus this support surface comprises two large letter sorting outputs.

In another embodiment, the sorting output transport device has a plurality of driven conveyor belts. These conveyor belts together form a closed conveyor track. The conveyor track comprises several sections. Each section forms a large letter sorting exit.

In one refinement, a mail item is discharged into a previously selected sorting output in that each section forms its own large-letter sorting output and the mailpiece is moved onto this selected section. This creates a stack of mailpieces on each section. In another embodiment, initially an empty container is initially placed on each section used. This bin acts as a large letter sorting exit to record several large letters and several standard letters. The mailpieces for a previously selected large letter sorting exit are placed in this container so that a stack of mailpieces is formed in the container.

In both embodiments, all of the mail items slide from a buffer down onto the previously selected portion, either directly onto a conveyor belt of the sorting output conveyor or onto a section or into a container. The above-mentioned transport device moves the selected section to a transfer position with respect to this buffer.

• – beispielhaft 15 Haltevorrichtungen Hv.1, ..., Hv.15 an der Haltevorrichtungs-Führungseinrichtung Hv-FE,
• – die Transportrichtung T-Hv, in welche die Haltevorrichtungs-Führungseinrichtung Hv-FE bewegt wird und ihrerseits die Haltevorrichtungen Hv.1, Hv.2, ... bewegt,
• – drei ortsfeste Zwischenspeicher ZwSp.1, ZwSp.2, ZwSp.3,
• – die Richtung T-Hv-ZwSp, in welcher Postsendungen aus den Haltevorrichtungen Hv.1, Hv.2, ... annähernd senkrecht nach unten in die Zwischenspeicher ZwSp.1, ZwSp.2, gleiten,
• – vier Behälter Beh.1, Beh.2, Beh.3, Beh.4, die als vier Großbrief-Sortierausgänge fungieren,
• – die Transportrichtung T-SAus, in welche die Behälter Beh.1, Beh.2, Beh.3 transportiert werden, und
• – die Richtung T-ZwSp-Beh, in der Postsendungen aus den Zwischenspeichern ZwSp.1, ZwSp.2, ZwSp.3 schräg nach unten in die Behälter Beh.1, Beh.2, Beh.3, Beh.4 gleiten.

3 and 4 illustrate two embodiments of the large letter Ausschleus device in side view and the superimposed planes. Shown are:

• 15 holding devices Hv.1,..., Hv.15 on the holding device guiding device Hv-FE by way of example,
• The transport direction T-Hv into which the holding device guide device Hv-FE is moved and in turn moves the holding devices Hv.1, Hv.2,.
• Three fixed buffers ZwSp.1, ZwSp.2, ZwSp.3,
• The direction T-Hv-ZwSp, in which postal items from the holding devices Hv.1, Hv.2, ... slide approximately vertically downwards into the intermediate stores ZwSp.1, ZwSp.2,
• Four containers Beh.1, Beh.2, Beh.3, Beh.4 acting as four large letter sorting outputs,
• - The transport direction T-SAus, in which the container Beh.1, Beh.2, Beh.3 are transported, and
• - The direction T-ZwSp-Beh, slide in the mail from the buffers ZwSp.1, ZwSp.2, ZwSp.3 obliquely downward in the container Beh.1, Beh.2, Beh.3, Beh.4.

3 shows the preferred embodiment with the powered car or bowls. The two large-letter containers Beh.1, Beh.2 stand on a cart or on a bowl Wag.1. The two large-letter boxes Beh.3 and Beh.4 are on another car Wag.2. The carriages or shells Wag.1, Wag.2 are connected to each other by means of a chain Ket. The SAus-Ant drive moves this chain Ket. The carriages or shells Wag.1, Wag.2 slide in rails, not shown, or on or at another suitable guide device in the transport direction T-SAus.

It is also possible that no containers are used and each car Wag.1, Wag.2, ... is used directly as sorting output of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. The mailings slide directly from the buffers onto a cart. Each car Wag.1, Wag.2 is therefore a single sorting output.

4 shows another embodiment with containers and with three endless conveyor belts Fb.1, Fb.2, Fb.3. The containers Beh.1, Beh.2 .... stand on these endless conveyor belts as well as on other endless conveyor belts. The drive SAus-Ant drives one roller of each conveyor belt Fb.1, Fb.2, Fb.3.

5 shows by way of example five standard letters Stb.1, ... Stb.5 and two large letters Gb.1, Gb.2. The five standard letters Stb.1, ..., Stb.5 are to be transported to the five delivery addresses Add-Stb.1, Add-Stb.5, the two large letters Gb.1, Gb.2 to the two delivery addresses Add-Gb .1 or Add-Gb.2. All seven delivery addresses are located in the main street of a fictitious "X City". The default order among the delivery addresses includes the part order Mainstr. 1, Hauptstr. 2, ..., Hauptstr. 5th

As already stated, an order is specified below the delivery addresses. In one possible embodiment, the mailpieces to be sorted have not previously passed through a sorting system. The solution according to the arrangement sorted the mail therefore without prior knowledge of the delivery addresses. Therefore, all valid delivery addresses of a delivery area are used as possible delivery addresses, even if no mail item is to be transported to this delivery address on this day. Each sorting plan used in the first sorting run contains all possible delivery addresses accordingly.

In a preferred embodiment, however, all mailpieces to be sorted have already passed through a sorting system in each case. For example, the solution according arrangement is used for so-called input and sequence sorting, and previously have different sorting each carried out a departure sorting for the now to be sorted mail. A logistics network with outgoing sorting and incoming sorting is z. In EP 724490 B1 described. On the basis of this preceding sorting, it is known for each delivery address how many mailpieces to be sorted are to be transported to this delivery address and are therefore to be sorted by the arrangement according to the solution. In particular, it is known which delivery addresses actually occur and which do not. As the sorting feature value order, an order among the actually occurring delivery addresses is used.

• – die vorhergehenden Sortierungen abgeschlossen sind,
• – die Datensätze für die zu verarbeitenden Postsendungen angelegt sind und
• – feststeht, welche Postsendungen mit welchen internen Kennungen und welchen Zustelladressen zur lösungsgemäßen Anordnung zu transportieren sind und von dieser lösungsgemäßen Anordnung auf Gangfolge genau zu sortieren sind.

The data records for mailpieces are preferably already generated in the preceding sortings and created in the central data memory DSp-Ps. The data records of those postal items are used for the solution according to the arrangement, which are actually to be transported to the arrangement according to the solution. The desired sequence below internal identifications of mail items described below is preferably already generated when

• - the previous sorts are completed,
• The data records for the mailpieces to be processed are created and
• - It is clear which mail items are to be transported with which internal identifiers and which delivery addresses for solution-based arrangement and are to be sorted by this solution according arrangement to sequence exactly.

The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl performs at least two sorting runs in the exemplary embodiment.

In the first sorting pass, the standard letters are fed to the standard letter feeder Std-Stb. The standard letter feeder Zuf-Stb separates the supplied standard letters. As a result, a stream of spaced-apart standard letters is generated which pass through the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl and distributed to the standard letter sorting outputs Stb-SAus.1, Stb-SAus.2,... Of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl. Preferably, the standard letters are transported upright.

• – Das Bildaufnahmegerät Ka-Stb des Standardbrief-Messgeräts erzeugt ein rechnerverfügbares Abbild von derjenigen Oberfläche des Standardbriefs, welche die Zustelladresse zeigt.
• – Die Bildauswerteeinheit („OCR-Einheit”) Bae-Stb des Standardbrief-Messgeräts wertet dieses Abbild aus und entziffert die Zustelladresse des Standardbriefs.
• – Die Standardbrief-Auswahleinheit AE-Stb wertet den Sortierplan für den ersten Sortierlauf aus, welcher im Datenspeicher Ds-Spl-Stb abgespeichert ist. Abhängig von diesem Sortierplan und von der jeweils entzifferten Zustelladresse wählt die Auswahleinheit AE-Stb einen Standardbrief-Sortierausgang SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... für den Standardbrief aus.
• – Die Standardbrief-Ausschleus-Einrichtung Aus-Stb transportiert den Standardbrief zum ausgewählten Standardbrief-Sortierausgang SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... und schleust den Standardbrief in diesen Standardbrief-Sortierausgang aus.

The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl performs the following steps for each standard letter passing through during the first sorting run:

• The image capture device Ka-Stb of the standard letter measuring device generates a computer-accessible image of the surface of the standard letter which shows the delivery address.
• - The image evaluation unit ("OCR unit") Bae-Stb of the standard letter measuring instrument evaluates this image and deciphers the delivery address of the standard letter.
• The standard letter selection unit AE-Stb evaluates the sorting plan for the first sorting run, which is stored in the data memory Ds-Spl-Stb. Depending on this sorting plan and on the respectively decoded delivery address, the selection unit AE-Stb selects a standard letter sorting output SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... for the standard letter.
• - The standard letter-rejection facility Aus-Stb transports the standard letter to the selected standard letter sorting exit SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... and removes the standard letter into this standard letter sorting exit.

As a result, in each standard letter sorting output used, SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl, a stack of standard letters is generated in each case.

• – eine interne Kennung für die Postsendung, die diese Postsendung von allen anderen Postsendungen unterscheidet, die innerhalb eines gewissen Zeitraums die Anordnung durchlaufen, und
• – eine Kennzeichnung der entzifferten Zustelladresse der Postsendung.

The data processing system DVA creates a data record for each mail item in the central data memory DSp-Ps. Therefore, one record is created for each standard letter and also for each large letter. This record includes

• An internal identifier for the item of mail that distinguishes that item from all other items that pass through the order within a certain period of time, and
• An identification of the deciphered delivery address of the item of mail.

The data processing system DVA assigns the internal identifiers for both types of mailpieces. This prevents an internal identifier from being unintentionally assigned twice. The delivery address marking is generated by the respective measuring device on the basis of the reading result.

In 5 For example, seven data sets for the five standard letters Stb.1, ..., Stb.5 and for the two large letters Gb.1, Gb.2 are shown in the central data memory DSp-Ps. These data records additionally contain the respective computer-accessible image of the mail item which shows the delivery address. The exemplary data record Ds-Stb.1 for the standard letter Stb.1 includes the deciphered delivery address Add-Stb.1, the internal identifier Ke-Stb.1 and the computer-accessible image Abb-Stb.1. Correspondingly, the exemplary data record Ds-Gb.1 for the large letter Gb.1 comprises the deciphered delivery address Add-Gb.1, the internal identifier Ke-Gb.1 and the computer-accessible image Abb-Gb.1.

After the first sorting run, the standard letters are distributed to the standard letter sorting outputs SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl. A standard emptying and feeding sequence is specified under these standard letter sorting outputs SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, .... The standard letter sorting outputs SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... are used according to this emptying and feeding order emptied. All standard letters from a standard letter sorting exit are returned to the standard letter feeder Std-Stb. The standard letter feeder Std-Stb separates the supplied standard letters, and the standard letters run through the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl again spaced apart in the second sorting.

The already decoded target address of each standard letter is determined in the second sorting run. In one embodiment, an encoding of the respectively decoded destination address is printed on the standard letter in the first sorting pass. This coding has z. B. the form of a bar pattern ("bar code") and is read in the second sorting run.

In another embodiment, a feature value vector with values of optically detectable features is generated in each sorting run in each case, and the mailpiece is identified in the second sorting run on the basis of this feature value vector. Such methods have become known under the name "Fingerprint" or "Virtual ID" and z. In DE 10 2008 017 190 A1 . DE 10 2008 017 189 A1 and DE 10 2008 017 187 A1 described.

The standard letter selection unit AE-Stb applies a sorting plan for the second sorting pass, which is different from the sorting plan of the first sorting pass and is also stored in the data memory Ds-Spl-Stb. Depending on the determined delivery address and the sorting plan for the second sorting pass, the standard letter selection unit AE-Stb selects a sorting exit for the standard letter. In the second sorting pass as well, the standard letter rejection device Aus-Stb rejects the standard letter into the respectively selected standard letter sorting output. In the exemplary embodiment, the same standard letter sorting outputs Stb-SAus.1, Stb-SAus.2, ... are used in the second sorting run as in the first sorting pass. It is also possible that the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl uses different sorting outputs in the second sorting pass than in the first sorting pass.

After the second sorting run, a sequence of sorted standard letters has been generated in each standard letter sorting output Ses-Stb.1, Ses-Stb.2,... Used. As a rule, in each case one standard letter sorting exit SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... contains standard letters for several delivery addresses. The reason for this is that there are significantly more possible and also much more actually used different delivery addresses as standard letter sorting outputs SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ....

The large letter sorting system Gb-Anl first performs a first sorting pass in which the large letters are distributed to large letter sorting outputs.

In the embodiment, two large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 are used, which are tailored to the processing of large letters. In the first sorting pass, both large letter feeder devices Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 are preferably used in parallel. Because both large letter feeder devices Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 work in parallel, time is saved over a mode in which only a large letter feeder is used. The large letters are divided into two lots. The first quantity who transported to the first large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1 and supplied from this large letter feeder to the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. The second quantity is transported to and fed from the second large-letter feeder Zuf-Gb.2.

In the exemplary embodiment, the sequence feeding device E-E.3 is not used in the first sorting pass of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. In this embodiment, the first large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1 is not used in the first sorting pass and is used in the second sorting pass to feed the sequences with standard letters to the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. This embodiment makes it possible to supply the sequence feeder EE.3 Zuf-Gb.1 to the feeding of sequences of standard letters and the two large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 to the feeding of individual To cut large letters. This increases the throughput over a universal feeder suitable for both types of mail.

Each large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 separates the supplied large letters and generates a stream of spaced-apart large letters, which pass through the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl.

• – Ein Großbrief-Bildaufnahmegerät Ka-Gb.1, Ka-Gb.2 eines Großbrief-Messgeräts erzeugt ein rechnerverfügbares Abbild von derjenigen Oberfläche des Großbriefs, welche die Zustelladresse zeigt.
• – Eine Großbrief-Bildauswerteeinheit Ka-Gb.1, Bae-Gb.2 eines Großbrief-Messgeräts entziffert die Zustelladresse des Großbriefs, wofür die Bildauswerteeinheit Bae-Gb.2 das rechnerverfügbare Abbild auswertet.
• – Die Großbrief-Auswahleinheit AE-Gb wählt einen Großbrief-Sortierausgang für diesen Großbrief aus. Hierfür wendet die Großbrief-Auswahleinheit AE-Gb einen rechnerverfügbaren Sortierplan an. Dieser Sortierplan ist im Datenspeicher Ds-Spl-Gb abgespeichert.
• – Der Großbrief wird von einer Großbrief-Zuführ-Einrichtung Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 zu einer Einspeisungs-Einrichtung E-E.1, E-E.2 transportiert.
• – Diese Einspeisungs-Einrichtung E-E.1, E-E.2 verbringt den Großbrief in eine zuvor leere Haltevorrichtung.
• – Die Haltevorrichtung mit dem Großbrief wird in die Transportrichtung T-HV transportiert und dadurch in eine Übergabeposition bezüglich eines Zwischenspeichers verbracht.

In the first sorting run, the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl carries out the following steps for each large letter:

• A large letter image capture device Ka-Gb.1, Ka-Gb.2 of a large letter measuring device generates a computer-accessible image of the surface of the large letter showing the delivery address.
• - A large letter image evaluation unit Ka-Gb.1, Bae-Gb.2 of a large letter measuring device deciphers the delivery address of the large letter, for which the image evaluation unit Bae-Gb.2 evaluates the computer-available image.
• The large letter selection unit AE-Gb selects a large letter sorting output for this large letter. For this purpose, the large-letter selection unit AE-Gb applies a computer-available sorting plan. This sorting plan is stored in the data memory Ds-Spl-Gb.
• The large letter is transported by a large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 to a feeder EE.1, EE.2.
• - This feed device EE.1, EE.2 spends the big letter in a previously empty holding device.
• - The holding device with the large letter is transported in the transport direction T-HV and thereby spent in a transfer position with respect to a temporary storage.

The large letter slides out of the holding device into the buffer.

The selected large letter sorting exit, that is to say a section of the sorting exit arrangement SAus-An, is transported in the transport direction T-SAus and thereby brought into a transfer position with respect to this buffer by the section being moved in a position perpendicular or obliquely below the buffer.

The large letter slides from the intermediate memory Zw-Sp.1, Zw-Sp.2,... Into the selected large-letter sorting output, that is to say onto a section of the sorting output arrangement SAus-An and z. B. in a large letterbox. The buffer has oblique lateral walls in the embodiment. This causes a mail item obliquely from the buffer Zw-Sp.1, Zw-Sp.2, ... in the large letter sorting output, z. B. in the selected container slides.

Both the standard letters and the large letters are sorted in at least two sorting runs, e.g. B. according to the sorting method "radix sort" or "tree sort". The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl sorts the standard letters as described above into two sorting runs. The large letter sorting system Gb-Anl initially performs a first sorting run only with large letters. In a second sorting run, the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl sorts the large letters and the standard letters together and in sequence, which will be described below.

In the following, an applied sorting method will be explained first. Both sorting systems Stb-Anl, Gb-Anl sort in the embodiment according to the sorting process "radix sort" in at least two sorting runs. The method "radix sort" is first outlined in general terms.

Let M be the number of different delivery addresses to which the mailpieces are sorted, with a sorting feature value order among these M delivery addresses. In the first sorting pass, M1 sorting outputs are used, in the second sorting pass M2 sorting outputs, as well as overflow compartments. M1 × M2 ≥ M. M1 = M2 is possible. The sorting outputs used are arranged in an order. Each delivery address is described by a tuple (i1, i2) with 1 ≤ i1 ≤ M2 and 1 ≤ i2 <M1. The tuples are specified such that the delivery address (i1, i2) has the location number (i1-1) × M2 + i2 in the sorting feature value order. If the M1 × M2 tuples are thus arranged in the sorting feature value order, the sequence (1, 1), (1, 2),..., (1, M2), (2, 1), (2 , 2), ..., (M1, M2). The first digit i1 in the tuple (i1, i2) is also referred to as "high bin", the second digit i2 as "low bin".

In the first sorting pass, a sorting plan is applied, which assigns the sorting output i2 to each tuple (i1, i2) (1 ≦ i1 ≦ M2, 1 ≦ i2 ≦ M1). In the first sorting pass, all mailpieces with the delivery addresses (1, 1), (2, 1),... (M2, 1) are thus discharged into the first sorting exit, and all the mailpieces with the delivery addresses (2, 1) are sent to the second sorting exit. , (2, 2), ... (M2, 2) and so on.

The. Mail items are returned to the sorting system for the second sorting run so that first the mail items from the first sorting output are returned to the sorting unit, then the mail items from the second sorting output and so on.

In the second sorting pass, a sorting plan is applied, which assigns the sorting output i1 to each tuple (i1, i2). In the second sorting pass, therefore, all mail items with the delivery addresses (1, 1), (1, 2),..., (1, M1) are rejected in the first sorting output, and so on. After completion of the second sorting run are in the sorting output no. I1 all mail items with the order (i1, 1), (i1, 2), ... (i1, M1), wherein the Mail items with the delivery address (i1, 1) are first ejected into the sorting output No. i1 and those with the delivery address (i1, M1) last.

As already explained, the data processing system DVA generates for each mail item in each case a data record with an internal identifier for this mail item as well as an identification of the deciphered delivery address of this mail item.

A sorting feature value order is predefined among the possible or preferably among the actually used delivery addresses of mailpieces which in the exemplary embodiment function as the possible sorting feature values. The data processing system DVA now generates a desired order among internal identifiers. This target sequence target R is represented by a suitable data structure. For example, each data record is assigned a location digit in this target order. This one set order set R consists of all internal identifiers of the standard letters and the large letters.

The data processing system DVA generates this target sequence of target R with the internal identifiers after the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl has completed the first sorting pass with the standard letters to be sorted and the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl the first sorting pass with the large letters to be sorted has completed. The earliest possible time to generate the desired order target R is the time at which the respective delivery address of each standard letter and each large letter has been deciphered and transmitted to the data processing system DVA.

In general, several mailpieces are to be transported to the same delivery address - more generally: several items have the same sorting feature value. The order in which the internal identifications of standard letters occur in this order of target R is irrelevant.

In one embodiment, the internal identifiers of large letters are arranged in the desired order target R, that first or last follow the internal identifiers for the large letters to a delivery address and then or before the internal identifiers to the standard letters of this delivery address. Excluded is therefore that first the internal identifier of a standard letter to a delivery address, then the internal identifier of a large letter to this delivery address and then again the internal identifier of a standard letter to this delivery address occur in the same target order. This embodiment leads to the longest possible sequences, d. H. to target sequences with as many internal identifiers. This causes later that each holding device Hv.1, Hv.2, ... is utilized as well as possible, so as many standard letters are spent as possible in a holding device.

• – Die Soll-Sequenz besteht ausschließlich aus internen Kennungen Ke-Stb.1, Ke-Stb.2, ... von Standardbriefen Stb.1, Stb.2, ..., hat also keine interne Kennung eines Großbriefs.
• – Die Soll-Sequenz ist ein Abschnitt der Soll-Reihenfolge Soll-R unter allen internen Kennungen.
• – Die Soll-Sequenz ist einerseits so lang wie möglich, d. h. umfasst möglichst viele interne Kennungen. Andererseits ist jede Soll-Sequenz so kurz, dass alle Standardbriefe, aus deren internen Kennungen diese Soll-Sequenz besteht, in dieselbe Haltevorrichtung Hv.1, Hv.2, ... sowie in denselben Zwischenspeicher Zw-Sp.1, Zw-Sp.2, ... passen.

The data processing system DVA selects from this desired order setpoint R several setpoint sequences of internal identifiers of standard letters. Each target sequence has the following properties:

• - The target sequence consists exclusively of internal identifiers Ke-Stb.1, Ke-Stb.2, ... of standard letters Stb.1, Stb.2, ..., thus has no internal identifier of a large letter.
• The setpoint sequence is a section of the setpoint setpoint R among all internal identifiers.
• On the one hand, the target sequence is as long as possible, ie it includes as many internal identifiers as possible. On the other hand, each setpoint sequence is so short that all standard letters, whose internal identifiers this setpoint sequence consists of, are stored in the same holding device Hv.1, Hv.2,... As well as in the same buffer memory Zw-Sp.1, Zw-Sp .2, ... fit.

For example, a maximum number of elements of a desired sequence is specified. Or, the respective thickness of each standard letter is measured before the target sequences are generated and the thicknesses are added up to a maximum thickness.

It is possible that a target sequence contains internal identifiers Ke-Stb.1, Ke-Stb.2 of standard letters Stb.1, Stb.2, which are to be sent to different delivery addresses and in the sorting feature value order directly on each other consequences. Therefore, a reference delivery address is set for each target sequence, e.g. B. as the first or last delivery address of those standard letters from the internal identifier, the target sequence exists.

The target sequences are also generated such that the internal identifier Ke-Stb.x of each standard letter Stb.x belongs to exactly one target sequence. As already stated, no internal identifiers of large letters belong to the desired sequences.

6 illustrated by the example of 5 in how the desired sequence of target R and the target sequences are generated under internal identifications of the mailpieces to be sorted. In this example, the setpoint sequence desired R under internal identifications comprises the sequence Ke-Stb.1, Ke-Stb.2, Ke-Stb.3, Ke-Gb.1, Ke-Stb.4, Ke-Gb. 2 and Ke-Stb.5. The positions of internal identifiers of large letters are in 6 shown highlighted by rectangles.

In the example of 6 Three target sequences S-Seq.a, S-Seq.b, S-Seq.c are formed. The desired sequence S-Seq.a consists of the three internal identifiers Ke-Stb.1, Ke-Stb.2 and Ke-Stb.3. The target sequence S-Seq.b consists of the identifier Ke-Stb.4 as the only internal identifier. The desired sequence S-Seq.c consists of the internal identifier Ke-Stb.5 and other internal identifiers which are in 6 not shown. The reference delivery address of the target sequence S-Seq.a is "Hauptstr. 1 ", the reference delivery address of the target sequence S-Seq.b is" Hauptstr. 4 ", and the reference delivery address of the target sequence S-Seq.c is" mainstr. 5 ". The stacker Stp-E generates the sequence Seq.a with the standard letters Stb.1, Stb.2 and Stb.3, the sequence Seq.b with the standard letter Stb.4 and the sequence Seq.c with the standard letter Stb. 4 and with other standard letters.

The desired sequences Seq.a, Seq.b,... Calculated in this way are transmitted to the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl and to the stack formation device Stp-E.

• – die internen Kennungen der Postsendungen der Sequenz genau die internen Kennungen der Soll-Sequenzen sind und
• – die Reihenfolge der Standardbriefe in der Sequenz genau die Reihenfolge der zugehörigen Kennungen in der Soll-Sequenz ist.

It will now be explained which result the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl achieved after the two sorting runs. In each standard letter sorting exit SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl, several sequences (also small stacks) of standard letters are generated after the last sorting run. Each sequence in a standard letter sorting output corresponds to exactly one target sequence in the desired order. This means that the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl forms each sequence such that

• The internal identifiers of the mailpieces of the sequence are exactly the internal identifiers of the desired sequences and
• The order of the standard letters in the sequence is exactly the order of the associated identifiers in the target sequence.

The standard letters of a sequence are thus sorted after the second sorting run in accordance with the setpoint order setpoint R and thus the predetermined sorting feature value order. To achieve this result, the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl carries out two sorting runs.

After the second sorting run, the sequence with standard letters is distributed to the sorting outputs as follows: If one mentally replaces a sequence of standard letters with a single reference standard letter which is to be transported to the reference delivery address, these are standard reference letters as well as after the first Sorting run of a "radix sort" distributed to the standard letter sorting outputs. If therefore M1 standard letter sorting outputs are used in both sorting runs, the sequence with the reference delivery address (i1, i2) after the second sorting pass enters the sorting output number i2 (1 <i1 <M1, 1 <i2 <M1).

The large letter sorting system Gb-Anl also uses "radix sort" in both sorting runs. Thus, if M1 large letter sorting outputs are used, the large letter with the delivery address (i1, i2) in the first sorting pass enters the large letter sorting exit number i2.

The stacker Stp-E generates a sequence of sorted standard letters for each transmitted target sequence of internal identifiers.

In one embodiment, the sequences of standard letters are taken directly from the standard letter sorting outputs Stb-SAus.1, Stb-SAus.2, ... and taken to the sequence feed device E-E.3. Each sequence is fed individually to the sequence feeder E-E.3.

In a preferred embodiment, which is also shown in the figures, the sorted standard letters from a standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.1, Stb-SAus.2, ..., however, in batches to a standard letter separator Ver.1, Ver. 2 of the stacker Stp-E, for example all standard letters from a standard letter sorting exit at one time and in a container or other suitable means of transport. The order under the standard letters from a standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.1, Stb-SAus.2, ... is not changed. A predetermined supply order among the standard letter sorting outputs of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl is complied with.

Preferably, all standard letters from the first standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.1, the third standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.3, the fifth standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.5 and so on to the first standard letter separator Ver.1 the stacking Device Stp-E transported. All standard letters from the second standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.2, the fourth standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.4, the sixth standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.6 and so on are transported to the second standard letter separator Ver.2.

In one embodiment, the desired sequences Seq.a, Seq.b, ... are transmitted to the standard letter sorting system. In the second sorting pass, the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl discharges separating elements into the standard letter sorting outputs, so that two successive sequences of standard letters are separated by a separating element. This separator is located together with the standard letters in a standard letter sorting exit. Each separator differs in dimension and / or appearance from the standard letters.

The separating elements, together with the standard letters, are fed to the standard letter singles Ver.1, Ver.2. The standard letter separator Ver.1, Ver.2 of the stacking device Stp-E recognize on the basis of the separating elements where a sequence ends and a subsequent sequence begins in an added sequence of mailpieces. The stacker Stp-E collects the separators and outputs them separately from the sequences. The separating elements are not needed for the second sorting run on the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl.

In another embodiment, no separating elements are used. Rather, the desired sequence setpoint R and the setpoint sequences Seq.a, Seq.b are transmitted to the stack formation device Stp-E. The stacker Stp-E processes this information to re-generate the sequences from the supplied standard letters.

In one embodiment, the stack formation device Stp-E has a measuring device for delivery addresses and determines the actual delivery address from each supplied standard letter. The transmitted desired sequences Seq.a, Seq.b include the determined delivery addresses. The meter checks whether or not the actual delivery address of a supplied standard letter matches the delivery address of the standard letter that should occur according to the target sequence being processed. As a result, unwanted changes in the sequence of supplied standard letters can be detected and corrected.

In the exemplary embodiment, the two standard letter separator Ver.1, Ver.2 the stack forming device Stp-E separated the supplied standard letters. Two streams of spaced apart standard letters pass through the stacker Stp-E. The stacker Stp-E collapses the respective standard letters of a sequence such that the standard letters of that sequence partially overlap and a spacing occurs between the two different sequences. Such stacking devices are z. In EP 2065325 A1 . EP 1334937 B1 . EP 923997 A2 . EP 654309 A2 and US Pat. No. 6,435,331 B1 described or mentioned.

A stream of spaced apart sequences leaves the stacker Stp-E. First of all, all those sequences leave the stacker Stp-E, whose respective reference delivery address at the "radix sort" is of the form (i1, 1), where 1 <i1 <M1 and M1 is the number of standard letter sorting outputs used. Thereafter, all those sequences leave the stacker Stp-E, whose respective reference delivery address has the form (i1, 2), then those with (i1, 3) and so on.

Each sequence of standard letters is transported as a stack of standard letters sequence generating means E-E.3. The standard letters of a sequence overlap at least partially during transport. Preferably, two consecutive sequences reach the sequence generator E-E.3 with a sufficiently large distance. This distance is too large for the sequence generation device EE.3 to be able to first pass the first sequence in a holding device Hv.1, Hv.2,..., For this holding device to be transported further and then into the sequence generation device EE.3 can spend the second sequence in another fixture. It is not necessary to tie together the standard letters of a sequence, e.g. B. by a tape or by a plastic cover. The sequences are supplied from the sequence generation device E-E.3 of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. The sequence generation device E-E.3 feeds each sequence into a previously free holding device Hv.1, Hv.2,... Of the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl. For each sequence, a new fixture is used.

The large letters were distributed as described above in the first sorting run on the large letter sorting outputs, z. B. by the large letters in container Beh.1, Beh.2 be distributed to the sorting output arrangement SAus-An. These containers Beh.1, Beh.2, ... are removed by means of the unloading device Ent-Beh from the sorting output transport device SAus-TE and transported in succession to the first large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1.

The large letters are supplied from the first large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1 of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl and transported to the first feeder. The first feed device E-E.1 feeds the large letters into a previously free holding device. For each large letter a new holding device Hv.1, Hv.2, ... is used. In the exemplary embodiment, the first large letter feeder Zuf-Gb.1, the first large letter feeder E-E.1 and the sequence generator E-E.3 work in parallel at times or at least overlapping in time. If the holding device assembly Hv-An is capable of being simultaneously charged by three feeding devices, then the second large letter feeding device Zuf-Gb.2 and the second large letter feeding device EE.2 operate in the second sorting pass. Otherwise, only a large letter feeder is used in the second sorting pass, in this case feeder Gb.1 and only one large letter infeed device, here namely E-E.1. In the first sorting pass, on the other hand, both large letter feeders Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 and both large-letter infeed devices E-E.1, E-E.2 were used, but not the sequence-generating device E-E.3.

Both each sequence and each large letter is as described above by a holding device Hv.1, Hv.2, ... to a buffer Zw-Sp.1, Zw-Sp.2, ... spent and slides out of the holder in the cache. From this cache, the sequence or the large letter slides later on the selected large letter sorting output, z. B. in the container Beh.1, Beh.2 on the selected section.

In this way, the standard letters and the large letters are arranged in a single order and thereby sorted according to the predetermined sorting feature value order among the possible or actually used delivery addresses. The mail within a large letter sorting output, so z. Within a container, are sorted according to the sorting feature value order. The large letter sorting outputs are arranged in an order and the mailpieces in the order of these large letter sorting outputs are sorted accordingly.

The same solution arrangement can be used with different numerical ratios of standard letters to large letters. This ratio can z. B. between 2: 1 and 5: 1 vary. This ratio can vary from postal service provider to postal service provider and the same postal service provider from day to day.

A first embodiment is applied when the ratio is below a predetermined ratio barrier, e.g. B. is less than three standard letters to a large letter. The sorted standard letters are transported to the stacker Stp-E after the second sorting pass for standard letters is completed.

• – der zweite Sortierlauf für die Standardbriefe auf der Standardbrief-Sortieranlage Stb-Anl und
• – das Einspeisen von Standardbrief-Sequenzen in Haltevorrichtungen Hv.1, Hv.2, ... der Großbrief-Sortieranlage Gb-Anl.

A second embodiment is used when the ratio is above the ratio barrier, ie greater than or equal to 3: 1. In this case, the desired sequences are transmitted to the stack formation device Stp-E and to the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl. The standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl determines, for each setpoint sequence, when all standard letters, whose internal identifiers the setpoint sequence consists of, are discharged into a standard letter sorting output Stb-SAus.1, Stb-SAus.2, ... are. If this event is detected, an enable signal for this target sequence is generated. If the respective release signal is present for a predetermined number of target sequences, then that sequence with standard letters from whose internal identifications the target sequence exists is taken from the respective standard letter sorting output and transported to the stack formation device. The sequence is then fed into a holding device Hv.1, Hv.2, ... of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. The second sorting run for the remaining standard letters will continue. Thus, the following two processes are performed overlapping in time:

• - The second sorting pass for the standard letters on the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl and
• - The feeding of standard letter sequences in holding devices Hv.1, Hv.2, ... of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl.

7 to 9 illustrate various embodiments, such as the sorting of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl and the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl are synchronized. These embodiments can be realized with the same arrangement and depend on different numerical ratios of standard letters to large letters. It is possible that in one day the one embodiment and at another day, the other embodiment of the synchronization is realized. In order to adapt the solution according to the arrangement to these different requirements, only the controls and synchronizations of the two sorting system Stb-Anl, Gb-Anl and the stack formation device Stp-E need to be adapted.

In 7 to 9 in each case a time ray t is plotted on the x-axis. Above the respective beginning and the respective end of a sorting run of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl are illustrated, below those of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. In all three embodiments, first of all, a set A of mail items consisting of standard letters and large letters is to be sorted, then a set B and then a set C. This happens temporally overlapping.

In 7 to 9 the first sorting pass that the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl performs for the standard letters of the quantity A is denoted by Stb-Sl.A.1, the second sorting pass by Stb-S1.A.2. The first sorting pass, which the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl performs for the standard letters of the quantity B, is designated Stb-S1-B.1, the second sorting pass with Stb-S1.B.2. The first sort run for the standard letters of the quantity C is designated with Stb-Sl.C.1, the second sorting run with Stb-S1.C.2. Correspondingly, the first sorting pass which the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl performs for the large letters is designated Gb-S1.A.1, the first sorting pass for the large letters of the set B with Gb-Sl.B.1 and the first sorting pass for the large letters of the set C with Gb-Sl.C.1. As stated above, the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl sorts the large letters and the sequences of standard letters together in a subsequent second sorting run. This second sorting run is denoted by Gb-Sl.A.2 for the mail items, ie the large letters and the sequences, of the set A, for the mailpieces of the set B with Gb-Sl.B.2 and for the mailpieces of the set C as well gb-Sl.C.2.

7 shows a synchronization with an average ratio of standard letters to large letters. Shown are the first and the second sorting pass for the standard letters of the quantity B and the first sorting pass for the standard letters of the quantity C. Also shown are the second sorting pass which the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl carries out for the mailpieces of the quantity A, as well as FIG first sorting pass Gb-Sl.B.1, which the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl performs for the large letters of the set B. The arrow Vo.B indicates the process that the sorted standard letters of the set B are divided into sequences and these sequences are transported to the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. In 7 In addition, the second sorting run, which the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl carries out for the mailpieces of the quantity B, is indicated.

8th shows the synchronization in case relatively many standard letters are to be sorted compared to the large letters. Therefore, the sorting runs, the standard letter sorting Stb-Anl performs for the standard letters, comparatively short. In 8th For example, the first sort run performed by the standard letter sorting machine Stb-Anl is shown for the set A, for the set B, and for the set C. Vo.A denotes the process that the sorted standard letters of the set A are divided into sequences and these sequences are transported to the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl. Vo.B denotes the corresponding operation for the sorted standard letters of the set B. In 8th The two sorting runs, which the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl carries out for the mailpieces of the quantity A, and the two sorting runs for the mailpieces of the quantity B, can also be seen.

In 9 an embodiment is shown for the case that many standard letters are to be sorted compared to the large letters and / or a total of very many standard letters. Therefore, the sorting runs, which the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl performs for the standard letters, take a comparatively long time. In addition, it is possible that the capacity of those standard letter sorting outputs used in the second sort pass is insufficient to accommodate all standard letters. In order to save time and to prevent an overflow of a standard letter sorting output, the sorted standard letters are not all then divided into sequences and transported to the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl in this embodiment, when the second sorting for the standard letters of the set B is completed , Rather, three subsets B.1, B.2, B.3 of sequences of sorted standard letters of the set B are formed. The first subset B.1 with sequences is transported in the process Vo.B.1 from the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl via the stack formation device Stp-E to the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl, the subset B.2 with sequences of sorted standard letters the standard letters sorted with sequences in the procedure Vo.B.2 and the subset B.2 in the sequence Vo.B.3.

Preferably, two successive subsets Bj, B.j + 1 are separated from sequences by a respective separating element, e.g. B. already in the standard letter sorting outputs or at the latest when feeding to the stack forming device Stp-E.

In one embodiment, the desired sequence setpoint R and the setpoint sequences Seq.a, Seq.b, ... are already generated before the mailpieces to be sorted have reached the arrangement according to the solution. This assumes that the mail items to be sorted have already passed through sorting systems beforehand, eg. For example, at a departure sort. It is possible that further mailings reach the arrangement according to the solution and are sorted after this desired order and the target sequences have been generated. Preferably, it is also possible for these additional mail items to be sorted in the second sorting run on the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl.

In order to make this possible, an extended target sequence is generated after these additional mail items have once passed through the solution according to the arrangement. If an additional mail item is a standard letter, this additional standard letter passes through the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl, and the standard letter measuring device Ka-Stb, Bae-Stb determines its delivery address. If the additional mail item is a large letter, the additional large letter passes through the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl, and a large-letter measuring device Ka-Gb.1, Bae-Gb.1, or Ka-Gb.2, Bae-Gb.2 is determined its delivery address. In both cases, an internal identifier for this additional mail item is also generated, and a record for this additional mail item is generated and stored in the central data memory DSp-Ps. The original target sequence target R is supplemented by the internal identifier of this additional mail item. If the additional mailpiece is a standard letter, then its internal identifier is inserted into the appropriate target sequence. If the setpoint sequence becomes too large to fit in a single holding device, the setpoint sequence is subdivided into two setpoint sequences. If the additional mail item is a large letter, its internal identifier is inserted in the desired order. This may also result in a target sequence being split into two target sequences, e.g. B. because the internal identifier of the additional large letter is in the middle of a target sequence.

The extended target sequence generated in this manner and the possibly changed target sequences are transmitted to the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl before the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl carries out the second sorting pass for the standard letters, as well as to the stacking device STP-e. Both systems then generate the sequences in accordance with the changed setpoint sequence desired R. Bezuszeichenliste reference numeral importance Abb-Stb.1, Abb-Stb.2, ... computer-accessible images of the standard letters Stb.1, Stb.2, ..., which show the delivery addresses Add-Stb.1, Add-Stb.2, ... Fig-Gb.1, Fig-Gb.2 Computer-accessible images of the large letters Gb.1, Gb.2 showing the delivery addresses Add-Gb.1, Add-Gb.2 Add-Gb.1, Add-Gb.2 Addresses of the large letters Gb.1, Gb.2 Add-Stb.1, Add-Stb.2, ... Addresses of standard letters Stb.1, Stb.2, ... AE-Gb Large letter selection unit From tr Outfeed facility for standard letters Bae-Gb.1, Bae-Gb.2 Large letter Bildauswerteeinheiten Bae-Stb Standard letter image evaluation Beh.1, Beh.2, ... Containers in the large letter sorting exits Ds GB.1 Dataset for the large letter Gb.1 Ds Stb.1 Record for the standard letter Stb.1 Dsp-Ps central data store with data records for postal items Ds-Spl-Gb Data storage for the sorting plans of the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl Ds-Spl-Stb Data storage for the sorting plans of the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl DVA Data processing system, generates the desired order target R EE.1, EE.2 Feed-in facilities for large letters EE.3 Sequence feed facility for sequences of standard letters De-Beh Discharge facility for filled containers Fb.1, Fb.2 Endless conveyor belts of sorting home transport facility SAus-TE Gb-Occasion Large letter sorting Gb-S1.A.1, Gb-S1.B.1, Gb-Sl.C.1 first sorting pass for the large letters of the quantity A, B or C of postal items Gb-S1.A.2, Gb-S1.B.2, Gb.Sl.C.2 second sorting pass for the mail items of the quantity A, B or C on the large-letter sorting system Gb-Anl Hv.1, Hv.2, ... Holding devices for one large letter or one sequence with several standard letters Hv-An Holding device arrangement with the holding devices Hv.1, Hv.2, ..., the holding device guide device Hv-FE and the Hv-Ant holder drive Hv-Ant Retainer drive, moves the retainer guide Hv-Fe Hv-FE Holding device guide device, on which the holding devices Hv.1, Hv.2, ... are suspended Ka-Gb.1, Ka-Gb.2 Large letter image recording devices Ka-dc Standard letter imaging apparatus Ke-Gb.1, Ke-Gb.2 internal identifiers of the large letters Gb.1, Gb.2 Ke-Stb.1, Ke-Stb.2, ... internal identifiers of the standard letters Stb.1, Stb.2, ... Ket Sorting Exit Transport Facility Chain SAus-TE, pulls the carriages Wag.1, Wag.2 SOut-An Arrangement of the large letter sorting outputs, includes the sorting output transport device SAus-TE SAus-Stb.1, SAus-Stb.2, ... Standard letter sorting SOut Ant Drive for sorting home transport facility SAus-TE SOut-TE Sorting output transport device Target R Target order among the internal identifiers of postal items Stb-Anl Standard letter sorting Stb-Sl.A.1, Stb-Sl.B.1, Stb-Sl.C.1 first sorting pass for the standard letters of the quantity A, B or C of mailpieces Stb-Sl.A.2, Stb-Sl.B.2, Stb-Sl.C.2 second sorting pass for the standard letters of the quantity A, B or C of postal items STP-E Stack educational institution T-Hv Transport direction in which the holding device guide device Hv-FE and the holding devices Hv.1, Hv.2, ... are moved T-SOut Transport direction in which the sorting output transport device SAus-TE is moved Ver1, Ver2 Standard Letter Stacker E-Mail Separator Stp-E Vo.A, Vo.B, Vo.C Operation to spend the sequences with standard letters of the set A, B and C respectively from the standard letter sorting system Stb-Anl by means of the stacking device Stp-E to the large letter sorting system Gb-Anl Vo.B.1, Vo.B.2, Vo.B.3 Process to spend the sequences with standard letters of subset B.1, B.2 and B.3 respectively Wag.1, Wag.2 Trolleys or cups of sorting exit arrangement SAus-An Zuf-Beh Feeding device for empty containers Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2 Large letter feed facilities Zuf-Stb ZwSp.1, ZwSp.2, ... Standard letter feeder fixed bins

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 7728246 B2 [0002, 0003]
• US 772824632 [0003]
• US 7282658 B2 [0003]
• DE 10305847 B3 [0004]
• DE 102004033564 B3 [0004]
• EP 2095887 A1 [0005]
• DE 19625007 C2 [0006]
• US 6703574 B1 [0006]
• EP 724490 B1 [0080]
• DE 102008017190 A1 [0091]
• DE 102008017189 A1 [0091]
• DE 102008017187 A1 [0091]
• EP 2065325 A1 [0132]
• EP 1334937 B1 [0132]
• EP 923997 A2 [0132]
• EP 654309 A2 [0132]
• US 6435331 B1 [0132]

Claims (9)

Method for sorting objects (Stb.1, ..., Gb.1, ...) according to a predetermined sorting feature, wherein a sorting feature value order is specified among the possible values of the sorting feature, each item to be sorted (Stb. 1, ..., Gb.1, ...) depending on a physical property belongs either to a first article type or to a second article type, a sorting system (Gb-Anl) is used which - a first feed - and Einschleus device (EE.3), - at least a second feeding and Einschleus device (Zuf-Gb.1, EE.1, Zuf-Gb.2, EE.2), - a transport device (Hv -An, SAus-An) and - at least one sorting output (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...), and the method comprises the steps that several sequences (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) of objects (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type are generated in such a way that - each object (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type becomes a sequence ( Seq.a, Seq.b, ...), - each sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) consists of at least one object (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type, and the items of a sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) all belong to the first item type, using the feeding and inserting means (Zuf-Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2, EE.1 , EE.2, EE.3) the items to be sorted (Stb.1, ..., Gb.1, ...) of the sorting system (Gb-Anl) are supplied, a sequence of sequences (Seq.a, Seq .b, ...) and objects (Gb.1, Gb.2) of the second article type in the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) is generated and the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) ejects the sequence into the used sorting outputs (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) such that in each sorting output used (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) an item order of Objects is generated, the objects of the article order in a sorting output used (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) according to the sorting feature values order, characterized in that each sequence is generated so that the objects are sorted within this sequence according to the predetermined sorting feature value order, the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) a plurality of holding devices (Hv.1, Hv.2,...), In the generation of the sequence in the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An), the steps are carried out such that - the first supply and injection device ( EE.3) the sequences (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) in each case a holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) spends, - at least one second feeding and Einschleus device (Zuf -Gb.1, EE.1, Zuf-Gb.2, EE.2) the objects (Gb.1, Gb.2, ...) of the second object type in each case a holding device (Hv.1, Hv. 2, ...) spends, so that in each holding device used (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) after the transfer - in each case a sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) of objects (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first object nds-type or - each one object (Gb.1, Gb.2) of the second article type is located, and in the discharge of the sequence in the used sorting outputs (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) for each holding device used (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...), the steps are carried out such that - one sorting output (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) for this holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, .. .) is selected, - the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) the holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) in a transfer position with respect to the selected sorting output (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) spends and - all objects are brought out of the holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) in the selected sorting exit (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the steps that - the first feeding and feeding device (E-E.3) spends the sequences (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) in holding devices (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...), and The at least one second feeding and feeding device (Zuf-Gb.1, EE.1, Zuf-Gb.2, EE.2) holds the articles of the second article type in holding devices (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) spends, overlapping in time. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that - each used sorting exit (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) comprises a bearing surface (Wag.1, Wag.2) for objects to be sorted, - the step that the transport device (Hv-, W.2. On, SAus-An) a holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) in a transfer position with respect to a sorting output (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) spends, - the step that the transport Device (Hv-An, SAus-An) the holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) in a position perpendicular or obliquely above the support surface (Wag.1, Wag.2) spends, and - the step to pass all objects from this holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) into this sorting outlet (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...), comprising the step of removing all objects from the holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) on the support surface (Wag.1, Wag.2). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that At least a quantity (B.1) of sequences is transported to the first supply and introduction device (E-E.3), - before the step is completed, subdivide all objects (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type into sequences. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that - the sorting plant (Gb-Anl) comprises several sorting outputs (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...), - The sorting system (Gb-Anl) in a previous sorting run (Gb-Sl.A.1, Gb-Sl.B.1) the items (Gb.1, Gb.2) of the second item type depending on the sorting feature on this Sorting outputs (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...), - wherein in the preceding sorting run (Gb-Sl.A.1, Gb-Sl.B.1) the first feeding and Einschleus device (E-E.3) is not used, and - The divided items (Gb.1, Gb.2) of the second item type by means of at least one feeding and Einschleus device (Zuf-Gb.1, EE.1, Zuf-Gb.2, EE.2) again the Sorting system (Gb-Anl) are supplied. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that for the preceding sorting run (Gb-Sl.A.1, Gb-Sl.A.2) the objects (Gb.1, Gb.2) of the second object type exclusively on the at least a second feeding and Einschleus device (Zuf-Gb.2, EE.2) of the sorting system (Gb-Anl) are supplied. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that for each item to be sorted (Stb.1, ..., Gb.1, ...) - An internal identifier (Ke-Stb.1, ..., Ke-Gb.1, ...) is generated and Measuring the value of the sorting feature for this object (Stb.1, ..., Gb.1, ...), before generation of the sequences (Seq.a, Seq.b,...), a desired sequence (setpoint R) among the internal identifiers (Ke-Stb.1,..., Ke-Gb.1,... ) is produced, wherein in the target order (target R), the internal identifiers (Ke-Stb.1, ..., Ke-Gb.1, ...) according to the sorting feature value order and the measured sorting feature values for the each belonging objects are sorted, and each sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) is generated such that - in the desired order (target R), the internal identifiers (Ke-Stb.1, ..., Ke-Gb.1, ...) of the objects of the sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, .. .) immediately follow one another and - between the internal identifiers (Ke-Stb.1, Ke-Stb.2, ...) of the objects of the sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) no internal identifiers for an object (Gb.1, Gb.2, ...) of the second object type. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that A further sorting installation (Stb-Anl) sorts the objects (Stb.1, Stb.2,...) Of the first article type as a function of the sorting feature under sorting feature value orders in advance, - The further sorting system (Stb-Anl) when sorting the division of these objects in the sequences makes and - The sequences are brought to the first feeding and Einschleus device (E-E.3). Arrangement for sorting objects (Stb.1, ..., Gb.1, ...) according to a predetermined sorting feature, wherein a sorting feature value order is specified among the possible values of the sorting feature, each item to be sorted (Stb. 1, ..., Gb.1, ...) depending on a physical property belongs either to a first object type or to an article type, the arrangement - a sorting system (Gb-Anl) and - a sequence generation Means (Stp-E), the sorting system (Gb-Anl) - a first feeding and Einschleus device (EE.3), - at least one second feeding and Einschleus device (Zuf-Gb.1, EE. 1, Zuf-Gb.2, EE.2), - a transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) and - at least one sorting output (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) comprises, the sequence Generating means (Stp-E) is adapted to generate a plurality of sequences (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) of objects (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first item type, the order designed to carry out the steps of using the sequence generation device (Stp-E) several sequences (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) of objects (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type such that - each object (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type belongs to a sequence, - each sequence of at least one object (Stb.1, Stb. 2, ...) of the first item type, and - the items of a sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) all belong to the first item type, using the feeding and inserting means (Zuf -Gb.1, Zuf-Gb.2, EE.1, EE.2, EE.3) the items to be sorted (Stb.1, ..., Gb.1, ...) of the sorting system (Gb-Anl ), a sequence of sequences (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) and objects (Gb.1, Gb.2) of the second article type in the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An ) and by means of the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) the sequence so in the used sorting outputs (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) auszuschleusen that in each sorting output used (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) is generated in each case an object order of objects, wherein the objects of the object order are sorted according to the sorting feature value order in a used sorting output (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...), characterized in that the arrangement is designed to include any sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, .. .) in such a way that the objects of the sequence within this sequence are sorted according to the predetermined sorting feature value order, the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) comprises a plurality of holding devices (Hv.1, Hv.2,. ..), the arrangement is designed to carry out the steps in the generation of the sequence in the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) in such a way that - the first supply and insertion device (EE.3) the Sequences (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) in each case a holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) spends, - at least one second feeding and inserting means (Zuf-Gb.1, EE.1, Zuf-Gb.2, EE.2) the objects (Gb.1, Gb.2, ...) of the second object kind in each case a holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) spends, so that in each holding device used (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) - one sequence (Seq.a, Seq.b, ...) of objects (Stb.1, Stb.2, ...) of the first object type, or - in each case an object (Gb.1, Gb.2) of the second object type, and arranges the arrangement therefor is, when removing the sequence into the used sorting outputs (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) for each holding device used (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) to carry out the steps that - each have a sorting output ( Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) is selected for this holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...), - the transport device (Hv-An, SAus-An) the holding device (Hv. 1, Hv.2, ...) in a transfer position with respect to the selected sorting output (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...) spends and - all counter be brought out of the holding device (Hv.1, Hv.2, ...) in the selected sorting output (Beh.1, Beh.2, ...).

Images