Apparatus and method for separating flat objects by use of two separators and a length detector

US8113337B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Holger Schererz · Rehfelde, DE
• Michael Schwarzbauer · Konstanz, DE
• Frank Voss · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 27, 2010
• Grant date: Feb 14, 2012
• Expiry date: Aug 27, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1916
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and a method separate flat objects, including flat mail items. The apparatus has a first and a second separator. Each separator extends a plurality of overlapping objects in a direction parallel to the object planes. The second separator has a transport element and a retaining element. The second separator can be operated optionally in a separating mode, in which it is capable of separating objects, and a transport mode. An overlap detection device checks whether an item which is transported by the second separator contains a single object or a plurality of overlapping objects. The overlap detection device measures the respective length of the transported item at at least two instants. If the length changes, the item contains a plurality of overlapping objects. If a plurality of objects has been detected, the second separator is switched over into the separating mode and it separates the objects.