Apparatus and method for separating flat parceled goods

In order to provide an apparatus for separating flat parceled goods, comprising a driver device with at least one driver surface, which is driven such that the parceled goods can be carried along in a transporting direction by the at least one driver surface, and also comprising a separating device with at least one separating surface for the parceled goods, the separating surface being directed toward the at least one driver surface, which apparatus carries out a separating operation with a high degree of reliability, it is proposed that the separating device is driven such that the at least one separating surface moves, upon contact with a parceled goods article, in the opposite direction to the transporting direction.

The present disclosure relates to the subject matter disclosed in German application No. 102 12 024.2 of Mar. 19, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for separating flat parceled goods.

Flat parceled goods (piece goods), for example letters or flat packets, are usually supplied in the form of stacks or bulk material. For further processing, the individual parceled goods articles have to be separated. This takes place automatically in a separating apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and a method for separating flat parceled goods is provided which carry out a separating operation with a high degree of reliability.

In accordance with the invention, a driver device is provided with at least one driver surface, which is driven such that the parceled goods can be carried along in a transporting direction by the at least one driver surface, and a separating device is provided with at least one separating surface for the parceled goods, the separating surface being directed toward the at least one driver surface, and the separating device being driven such that the at least one separating surface moves, upon contact with a parceled goods article, in the opposite direction to the transporting direction.

In the case of the apparatus according to the invention, the separating device makes it possible to achieve a relative movement between parceled goods or a parceled goods stack (which comprises at least two parceled goods articles) between the at least one driver surface and the at least one separating surface. This makes it possible to produce a temporary difference in velocity between the parceled goods, and this then results in separation. Via the separating device, a piece-goods article can thus be, as it were, “pulled out” of a parceled goods stack without the throughflow being slowed down.

The apparatus according to the invention can be operated continuously, that is to say parceled goods may be fed continuously, separation then being ensured.

Such an apparatus is easy to produce in terms of design and production, it being possible to achieve the movement in opposite directions between the driver device and the separating device with low outlay and with the wear being minimized.

For example, it may be provided that the driver device and/or the separating device are/is realized by means of belt conveyors or by means of roller conveyors.

It is advantageous if a channel for the parceled goods is formed between the driver device and the separating device. The goods which are to be separated can then be guided through the apparatus according to the invention by means of such a transporting channel. The transporting channel here is bounded in particular by the driver surfaces and the separating surfaces and has a variable width. This ensures contact between the piece goods and the corresponding surfaces, so that it is possible to achieve a reliable separating result. A parceled goods article may then be gripped between the separating surfaces and the driver surfaces in order to be transported reliably through the apparatus according to the invention. It is also possible for a parceled goods stack made of at least two at least partially overlapping parceled goods to be gripped, on the one hand, by the separating device and, on the other hand, by the driver device. The relative movement between the separating device and driver device makes possible a relative movement between the parceled goods of this parceled goods stack, in order thus to effect separation.

It is particularly advantageous in production terms if the driver device comprises a circulating driver belt which has a driver side with a driver surface, which is guided in the transporting direction. This makes available a large continuous driver surface, so that it is possible to transport even thin and, in particular, flexible parceled goods such as letters without there being any risk of the parceled goods getting caught up. On account of the large driver surface available, it is possible to optimize this in order, in turn, to achieve an optimum driver result and separation result. The design-related outlay for transporting the driver device can be kept low by a drive roller which guides the driver belt being driven for example via a corresponding drive.

For the same reasons, it is advantageous if the separating device comprises a circulating separating belt which has a separating side with a separating surface, which is guided in the opposite direction to the transporting direction. The transporting channel is then formed between the separating surface and the driver surface. By a corresponding configuration of the separating device and of the driver device, it is also easily possible to configure an introduction region or a mouth region for bringing the parceled goods into the separating apparatus.

In particular, here, a velocity component of the separating device counter to the transporting direction is of smaller magnitude than a velocity component of the driver device in the transporting direction. This makes it possible to achieve optimum separating without the transportation of the parceled goods themselves being obstructed to any significant extent by the apparatus. The separating device can then be used to carry out the separating operation specifically, without having any significant influence on the parceled goods being carried along by the driver device.

In particular, the difference between the magnitudes of the velocity components of the driver device in the transporting direction and of the separating device in the opposite direction to the transporting direction lies in the range between 0.5 m/s and 3 m/s. In this range, with a relatively short separating-stage length in the order of magnitude of 0.5 m to 1 m, optimum separation results have been achieved even for very flat piece goods such as empty envelopes.

It is quite particularly advantageous if a driver surface is formed such that it has a higher coefficient of friction for the parceled goods than does a separating surface. This ensures that the parceled goods are transported via the driver device, while the separating device ensures the relative movement between the parceled goods of a stack of overlapping parceled goods in order thus, in turn, to effect separation.

In particular, a separating surface is formed such that the coefficient of friction for parceled goods is larger than the coefficient of friction between parceled goods surfaces. This makes it possible, via the separating device, for parceled goods which have their surfaces at least partially overlapping to be moved relative to one another, a parceled goods article which butts against a separating surface being carried along via this contact surface.

In order to achieve an optimized transportation and separation result, a driver surface is formed by means of a material with a high coefficient of friction for the piece goods. A rubber, and in particular natural rubber, material has proven advantageous here for parceled goods with a paper or cardboard surface such as letters or flat packets.

The separating device and/or the driver device are/is advantageously disposed and formed such that it is possible to vary a spacing between driver surfaces and separating surfaces. A separating stage is usually fed parceled goods which may overlap, in particular, in a randomly distributed manner, it also being possible for more than two parceled goods to overlap. It is intended for it to be possible for separated parceled goods which are spaced apart from one another to be removed at the outlet of the separating stage. As a result of it also being possible to vary the spacing, in particular, along the separating device and driver device, all possibilities which occur may be covered, namely that the separating stage is fed an already separated parceled goods article or a stack which may have different widths. In the case of a minimum spacing being correspondingly preset, it is possible to ensure that a separated piece-goods article is transported through the separating stage, while, as a stack passes through, it is ensured that a separating surface of the separating device is in abutment, so that the separating result is achieved.

In particular, the separating device and/or the driver device are/is mounted elastically such that it is possible to vary the spacing between driver surfaces and separating surfaces. The elastic mounting then makes it possible for this spacing to be adapted automatically to the current conditions, that is to say to the type of stack guided through. As a result, in turn, it is ensured at all times that, on the one hand, parceled goods are transported through the separating stage and, on the other hand, separation is achieved.

In particular, the separating device has resiliently mounted pressure-exerting rollers for a separating side, so that it is possible to set a minimum spacing between the separating side and the driver side and, in the case of the separating side being subjected to the action of force, it is possible to increase this spacing. The pressure-exerting rollers ensure guidance of a separating belt in order thus for it to be possible to set a certain minimum spacing, that is to say to set a certain transporting-channel width. This width is selected, that is to say set, such that even the flattest piece goods which are to be expected can be transported through. If thicker parceled goods or piece-goods stacks then arrive, it is then possible for the separating belt to yield via the resilient mounting, the contact between the separating surface and the piece goods which are to be separated nevertheless being ensured. Following separation, the separating side of the separating belt returns automatically into its starting position again in order thus, in turn, to ensure that individual parceled goods are transported through. It is advantageously possible here to set the abovementioned minimum spacing in order thus for it to be possible for the apparatus to be adapted to different types of parceled goods.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a plurality of elastic holders, for example pressure-exerting rollers, are disposed along the driver device and/or the separating device. This then makes it possible to vary the spacing “locally”, substantially over the entire length of a corresponding separating stage, in order thus to ensure the transportation and separation.

In the case of a variant of an embodiment, it is provided that the driver device comprises a first driver belt and a second driver belt which follows in the transporting direction, it being possible for the driver belts to be driven at different velocities. It may be provided here for the first driver belt to be driven with a smaller velocity component in the transporting direction than the following driver belt. The difference in velocity between the first driver belt and the transporting device is then smaller than the difference in velocity between the second driver belt and the transporting device. This makes it possible to carry out multistage separation in that, in the first stage, in particular multilayered stacks are reduced into stacks with fewer layers and, in the following stages, and in particular in a second stage, the definitive separation is then carried out.

It is advantageous in design terms if the driver device and the separating device are driven by the same motor. Using changeover devices, the different directions are then ensured and the difference in velocity is set correspondingly. This may take place, for example, via belt drives.

It is quite particularly advantageous if a driver surface is provided with spaced-apart driver elements. Contact surfaces for the parceled goods may then be formed on the driver elements. The spaced-apart driver elements have interspaces formed between them, it being possible for corresponding separating elements of the separating device to penetrate into these interspaces. This, in turn, makes it possible to prevent the separating device and the driver device from coming into contact if there are no parceled goods being guided through the transporting channel. This minimizes the friction between the driver device and the separating device, so that the occurrence of abrasion is minimized. The apparatus according to the invention may then also be operated in “idling” mode if no parceled goods are being guided through, that is to say the relative movement between the driver device and separating device need not be deactivated. It is also possible to set a very small spacing between the driver device and the separating device, so that even very flat piece goods can be carried along.

In particular, the driver elements are formed by strip-like elevations extending in the transporting direction. For the elevations, it is then possible to use a material which has a high coefficient of friction for the parceled goods, in order for the latter to be carried along. By extending in the transporting direction, it may also be ensured that the parceled goods are always in contact with the driver surface as they are guided through the transporting channel. Furthermore, there is no need to use as much of the material with the high coefficient of friction since this material does not have to cover the entire width of the transporting channel.

In order for it to be possible to penetrate into one or more interspaces between spaced-apart driver elements, a separating surface is provided with at least one separating element. In particular, separating elements are formed by strip-like elevations extending in the transporting direction.

The driver elements here are advantageously disposed such that a separating element of the separating device can penetrate into an interspace between spaced-apart driver elements when the spacing between a driver surface and a separating surface is reduced. This prevents contact between the driver surface and the separating surface if there is no piece-goods article located between the two. This, in turn, minimize abrasion on the driver device and separating device.

It is advantageous if a deflecting roller for the driver device and/or the separating device is formed such that it can raise a piece-goods article away from the driver device and/or separating device. Such a deflecting roller can then be used, in particular at the end of a separating stage, to raise off a separated parceled goods article from a driver belt and/or separating belt, in order then to be able to transfer this piece-goods article reliably to a continued-transportation device. This prevents, in particular, a piece-goods article from adhering to the driverdevice, which could result in problems in the transfer of the separated parceled goods. Furthermore, such a deflecting roller may then also pass on to a separated piece-goods article, during transfer to a continued-transportation device, a velocity component in the transporting direction, so that the spacing between separating piece-goods articles may also be increased in this way.

In particular, the deflecting roller has at least one abutment element for the parceled goods, the outer side of this abutment element being spaced apart from an axis of the deflecting roller to a greater extent than a driver surface. This makes it possible for a separated piece-goods article to be raised away, that is to say released, from the driver surface. This raising-away action takes place automatically since the deflecting roller rotates.

An abutment element is advantageously produced from a material which has a high coefficient of friction for the piece goods, this ensuring the raising-away capability and also the transfer at a velocity which corresponds substantially to the rotary velocity of the deflecting rollers.

In particular, a plurality of spaced-apart abutment elements are provided, the spacing between maximally spaced-apart abutment elements being smaller than a width of the parceled goods in the spacing direction. This ensures that even the smallest piece goods can be raised away.

An abutment element can easily be formed, in design terms, by a round cord ring, which is correspondingly arranged on the deflecting roller and, in particular, incorporated therein.

It is possible, in principle, for parceled goods to be transported and separated in the vertically upright or horizontally lying position. For example, the apparatus is disposed such that an axis of rotation of a drive roller for the driver device is located transversely to the horizontal and, in particular, substantially parallel to the direction of gravitational force. A lower end of the parceled goods is then guided with sliding action, for example, on a slide plate or guided through the apparatus via a separate transporting belt.

It may also be provided, however, that the apparatus is disposed such that an axis of rotation of a drive roller is located substantially parallel to the horizontal, that is to say transversely to the direction of gravitational force.

It is advantageous if a continued-transportation device is disposed downstream, as seen in the transporting direction, of the driver device with separating device located opposite. If the continued-transportation device is driven with a larger velocity component in the transporting direction than the driver device, then it is thus possible to increase the spacing between the separated parceled goods. This simplifies a downstream processing operation.

For example, a means of freeing the parceled goods is disposed downstream, as seen in the transporting direction, of the driver device with separating device located opposite. This makes it possible to realize an automatic processing center for the piece goods in which automatic processing can be achieved without manual intervention.

In accordance with the present invention, a method for separating flat parceled goods is provided, with carrying the parceled goods along in a transporting direction via driver surfaces moving in the transporting direction, and driving separating surfaces directed toward the driver surfaces with a velocity component in the opposite direction to the transporting direction.

This method has the advantages which have already been explained in conjunction with the apparatus according to the invention.

Further advantageous configurations have already been explained in conjunction with the apparatus according to the invention.

In particular, it is advantageous if a transporting channel for the parceled goods is bounded by the driver surfaces and separating surfaces located opposite. With a minimal spacing being set, this makes it possible to achieve an optimum separation result even for flat parceled goods.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the driver surfaces have a higher coefficient of friction for the parceled goods than the separating surfaces and if the latter have a higher coefficient of friction for the parceled goods than parceled goods surfaces. This then ensures, on the one hand, that the parceled goods are carried along in the transporting direction and, on the other hand, that overlapping parceled goods are moved relative to the parceled goods butting against the driver surfaces, that is to say are detached from one another, in order thus to achieve a separation result.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves, in conjunction with the drawing, to explain the invention in more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for separating flat parceled goods (piece goods), this apparatus being designated10overall inFIG. 1, comprises a separating stage12and a continued-transportation stage18which follows in a transporting direction14for the flat piece goods16. Disposed upstream of the separating stage12is a feeding stage20, via which the piece goods16can be fed to the separating stage12and introduced into the same.

The piece goods which are to be separated are, for example, letters and/or in particular thin packets. The piece goods16may have different thicknesses and sizes here. The piece goods16are fed to the separating stage12, via the feeding stage20, for example in the manner of bulk material (indicated by the stack of letters22).

In the case of the first exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the feeding stage20comprises two spaced-apart, substantially parallel belt conveyors24and26. These each have a circulating transporting belt28,30which is guided and driven over deflecting rollers32a,32band34a,34b. A transporting side36or38of the respective belt conveyor24or26is driven here such that it moves in the transporting direction14and thus carries along the piece goods16out of the stack22.

It may be provided that the piece goods are guided in the vertically upright position, that is to say the apparatus10is formed such that surface normals of the piece goods16are located transversely to the direction of gravitational force. In this case, axes of rotation40of the deflecting rollers32a,32band34a,34bare oriented transversely to the horizontal (which is the plane of the drawing inFIG. 1) and, in particular, are oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravitational force.

It may also be provided, however, that the piece goods16are transported in the horizontally lying position, that is to say the belt conveyors24,26are disposed such that the corresponding axes of rotation40are located transversely to the direction of gravitational force (not shown in the drawing).

The separating stage12comprises a driver device42and, spaced apart from the latter, a separating device44.

The driver device42is formed, for example, as a belt conveyor which follows the belt conveyor24in the transporting direction14. A driver belt46here is guided over deflecting rollers48,50, at least one deflecting roller, for example the deflecting roller50directed toward the continued-transportation stage18, being driven. A driver side52of the driver belt46has a driver surface54, the circulating driver belt46being driven such that the driver side52moves in the transporting direction14and thus carries along the piece goods16in this transporting direction14.

The driver device42is disposed such that the transporting belt28of the feeding stage20and the driver belt46are substantially aligned with one another.

In order to guide the driver belt46in the driver device42, it is possible to provide a directing plate56, which guides the rear side of the driver belt46, the rear side being directed away from the driver side52, between the two deflecting rollers48and50.

The separating device44likewise comprises a circulating belt58, which is guided over deflecting rollers60and62. In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the spacing between the deflecting roller60of the separating device44and deflecting roller48of the driver device42, these rollers being directed toward the feeding stage20, is larger than the spacing between the corresponding deflecting rollers62and50, which are directed toward the continued-transportation stage18. An introduction region64with a mouth-like widening between the belt58and the driver belt46is thus formed, in the direction of the feeding stage20, between the driver device42and the separating device44, in order for it thus to be possible to bring a stack22of planar piece goods16into the separating stage12. The introduction region64here tapers in the transporting direction, so that the separating device44can come into contact with the planar piece goods16.

A separating side66of the belt58with a separating surface68is directed toward the driver surface54of the driver belt46and is spaced apart therefrom. The belt58here is driven such that the separating side is guided in the opposite direction to the transporting direction14.

A transporting channel70, in which the flat piece goods16are guided through the separating stage12, is thus formed between the separating side66of the belt58of the separating device44and the driver side52of the driver device42. One boundary surface of this transporting channel70, namely the driver side52of the driver device42, moves in the transporting direction14, while the other boundary surface, the separating side66of the separating device44, moves in the opposite direction to the transporting direction14.

The separating device44here is preferably driven such that the belt58moves at a lower speed in the direction72, as the opposite direction to the transporting direction14, than the driver belt46with its driver surface54in the transporting direction14. The difference in speeds typically lies in the range between 0.5 m/s and 3 m/s, in particular if the separating stage12is used for separating letters or thin packets.

A plurality of spaced-apart, elastically mounted pressure-exerting-roller devices74are provided for guiding and mounting the separating side66of the separating device44. These pressure-exerting-roller devices each have a roller element76, on which the rear side of the belt58, this rear side being directed away from the separating side66, is guided in abutment. The roller element76, in turn, is retained on a framework for the apparatus10, for example, via a spring78. The height position of the roller element76in relation to the driver belt46here can be set, for example, via the setting of an angle position of a connecting element80between the roller element76and the spring78. It is thus possible, via the connecting element80of the respective pressure-exerting-roller means74, to set the (minimum) width of the transporting channel70in the direction transverse to the transporting direction14.

The spring78is, in particular, a compression spring which can be compressed such that, in the region of the corresponding roller element76, the transporting channel70can be widened by the driver belt46counter to the force of the spring78. This ensures that, with a corresponding setting of the spacing between the roller elements76and the driver belt46, without force being applied to the springs78, there is contact between the separating surface68and a piece-goods article16, in particular if a stack of piece goods is guided in the transporting channel70.

The transporting channel70is bounded in the downward direction (parallel to the plane of the drawing inFIG. 1), for example, by a directing plate82(FIGS. 4 and 5), on which the piece goods16are guided with sliding action in the vertically upright position. It may also be provided, however, that the transporting channel70is bounded in this plane by a driven transporting belt, the latter being driven in particular at substantially the same speed in the transporting direction14as the driver belt46.

As is shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the driver side52of the driver belt46is provided with a material which has a high coefficient of friction for the piece goods16. This ensures that the piece goods16are carried along by the driver belt46. For example, spaced-apart strip-like elevations88are disposed, as driver elements, on an upper surface84of a conventional belt86, interspaces90thus being located between these elevations. The elevations88here extend in the longitudinal direction of the driver belt46, this direction being substantially parallel to the transporting direction14. These strips88are produced, for example, from natural rubber.

The separating side66of the belt58is formed such that the separating surface68has a smaller coefficient of friction for the piece goods16than the driver surface54. The corresponding coefficient of friction, however, is larger than the coefficient of friction between piece-goods surfaces.

The relative movement in opposite directions between the driver belt46and the belt58of the separating device44at the transporting channel70thus allows piece goods which overlap in the transporting channel70to be detached from one another. The piece-goods article butting against the driver surface54is guided more quickly in the transporting channel70than the piece-goods article butting against the separating surface68and, with a sufficiently long formation of the transporting channel70, separation is thus achieved.

With corresponding dimensioning of the introduction region64and corresponding dimensioning of the length of the transporting channel70, it is then possible for a stack22, for example a stack of letters, to be separated as it runs through the separating stage12such that, at the end of the latter, separated, spaced-apart piece goods16are transferred to the continued-transportation stage18.

The belt58of the separating device44is likewise provided, in the direction toward the driver surface54of the driver belt46, with spaced-apart elevations92as separating elements, which correspondingly form the separating surface68. These elevations92are disposed and dimensioned such that, if there is no piece-goods article16located in the transporting channel70between the driver surface54and the separating surface68, they can penetrate into the interspaces90of the driver side52of the driver belt46and thus do not come into contact with the elevations88of the driver belt46.

This avoids rubbing of the driver belt46against the belt58of the separating device44and thus minimizes the abrasion and so, in turn, the wear of these two belts. At the same time, however, the separating function is ensured since the corresponding elevations88and92ensure the optimum setting for the frictional adherence of the piece goods16to the two belts46and58.

In particular, the separating stage12according to the invention can even be operated when piece goods16are only guided intermittently through the separating stage12since, even in “idling” mode without any piece goods16in the transporting channel70, contact between the driver belt46and the belt58of the separating device44is substantially avoided.

The continued-transportation stage18comprises, for example, two spaced-apart belt conveyors94and96, between which is formed a transporting channel98which follows the transporting channel70of the separating stage12and, in particular, is aligned therewith. The corresponding belts of the belt conveyors94and96here are driven in parallel in the transporting channel98in order thus to continue the transportation of the separating piece goods.

The belts of the belt conveyors94and96are driven synchronously and, in particular, at the same speed. The speed of these belts in the transporting direction14is preferably higher than that of the driver belt46of the separating stage12. This makes it possible to increase the spacing of the separated piece goods16which are supplied by the separating stage12.

In the case of a variant of an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the separating device44is basically formed in the same way as has been described above. The driver device in this case, however, comprises two circulating driver belts100and102arranged one behind the other in the transporting direction14. The respective driver belts100,102here are basically formed in the same way as has been described above with reference to the driver belt46. They each have a driver side104,106, these being driven in the transporting direction14by way of respective driver surfaces108,110.

It is provided here that the driver belt100, which is closest to the feeding stage20, is driven at a lower speed than the driver belt102, which is directed toward the continued-transportation stage18, for example at a speed which is reduced by approximately 10%. This makes it possible to optimize separation in that for example in a first stage, via the driver belt100, stacks with a plurality of piece goods are separated into stacks with fewer piece goods and in a second stage, via the driver belt102, these smaller stacks are then, finally, separated altogether.

A common motor112is preferably provided for driving the driver device42and the separating device44, corresponding changeover devices making provision for corresponding differences in direction and, if appropriate, differences in speed (if the driver device has a plurality of driver belts). For example, a motor drives, via correspondingly changed-over drive belts, the respective deflecting rollers for the purpose of moving the driver belts and the belt58.

In the case of a second exemplary embodiment, which is shown inFIG. 3, the separating stage12and the continued-transportation stage18are basically formed in the same way as has been described with reference to the first exemplary embodiment.

The feeding stage20here, again, comprises a belt conveyor114, which is basically formed in the same way as the belt conveyor24. This belt conveyor114is fed the piece goods16, stacked in the form of ordered groups, via a stack-feeding means116. The latter has a first abutment surface118for such a stack120, this abutment surface being oriented transversely to the belt122of the belt conveyor114. Also provided is a second abutment surface124, which is oriented transversely to the first abutment surface118. The second abutment surface124here can be displaced in the direction of the belt122, so that, by the action of force in a direction126transverse to the transporting direction14, the stack120can be brought into contact with the belt122.

Since the belt122moves in the transporting direction14, it carries along piece goods, from the stack120, which are directed toward it, and transports these piece goods into the separating stage12via the introduction region64.

Otherwise, the apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment functions in the same way as has been described above.

In the case of the apparatus according toFIG. 3being disposed such that the piece goods16are guided in the vertically upright position, an external force is necessary for the purpose of forcing the second abutment surface124in the direction of the belt122. If the apparatus is disposed such that the piece goods16can be transported in the horizontally lying position, the direction126then being substantially parallel to the direction of gravitational force, the gravitational force is sufficient, in some circumstances, for it to be possible for the piece goods16to be transported into the separating stage12.

In the case of a variant of an embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the deflecting roller50of the separating stage12, this roller being directed toward the continued-transportation stage18, is formed such that it can raise a piece-goods article16in the transporting direction14during transfer to the continued-transportation stage18. The deflecting roller can be rotated about an axis of rotation130via a shaft128, this axis of rotation being oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravitational force when the piece goods16are transported in the vertically upright position. The driver belt46with its elevations88is guided on the deflecting roller50and, by means of the latter, driven in the transporting direction14by way of its driver side52.

In the region of its ends, the deflecting roller50has an abutment element132,134in each case, which is formed, for example, as a round cord ring. A spacing between these two abutment elements132and134here is smaller than a minimum dimension of a piece-goods article16in this direction, so that the two abutment elements132and134can butt against one piece-goods article16.

A spacing between the axis of rotation130and that side of an abutment element132which is directed toward the separating device44is larger than the spacing between the axis of rotation130and the driver surface54of the driver belt46. The abutment elements132,134on the deflecting roller50thus project beyond the driver belt46.

The abutment elements132,134are preferably produced from a material which has a high coefficient of friction for the piece goods16.

The deflecting roller50is preferably driven. If the piece goods16, which are separated in the separating stage12and transported through the transporting channel70by the driver belt46, reach the deflecting roller50, then they are raised away from the driver belt46, that is to say released therefrom, via the abutment elements132,134. This ensures optimum transfer to the continued-transportation stage18, the rotation of the deflection roller50resulting in the piece-goods article not being braked to any substantial extent.

It is also possible for the corresponding deflecting roller62of the separating device to be formed in the same way as has been described for the deflecting roller50.

The continued-transportation stage18may be followed, for example, by a means for freeing the piece goods, which have been correspondingly separated beforehand, so that access can be gained to each piece-goods article individually.

The apparatus according to the invention for separating planar piece goods functions as follows:

The piece goods16are fed to the separating stage12, for example, via stacks of piece goods or in the form of bulk material. In the separating stage, they are transported in the transporting direction14in the transporting channel70. The transporting channel70is bounded by a driver side52of one or more driver belts46or100,102which move in the transporting direction14.

Disposed at a minimum spacing from these driver belts46or100,102is a belt58of a separating device44, which is driven in the opposite direction to the transporting direction14by way of the separating side66, which is directed toward the driver side52. The minimum spacing here is set such that even the flattest piece goods which are to be expected can be transported through the separating stage12.

The driver belt46or100,102, in respect of its driver surface54or108,110, has a large coefficient of friction for the piece goods16, so that the latter are carried along. The belt running in the opposite direction has a smaller coefficient of friction, so that, as is indicated by the arrow136inFIG. 2, a piece-goods article138which butts against the separating side66moves relative to a piece-goods article140which butts against the driver side52. This relative movement direction136runs in the opposite direction to the transporting direction14. As a result, the piece-goods article140which butts against the driver side52then has a larger speed component in the transporting direction14and the two piece goods138and140are released from one another, that is to say are separated.

The elastic mounting of the separating side66of the belt58of the separating device44via the pressure-exerting-roller means74makes it possible to ensure that the width of the transporting channel70is adapted to the quantity of piece goods16transported therein, the desired separation result nevertheless being achieved, the result being complete separation at the end of the separating stage12.

Since the driver side52of the driver device42and the separating side66of the separating device44are configured in coordination with one another, so that the abrasion is minimized, a long service life may be achieved, it also being possible for the apparatus to be operated in “idling” mode.

Providing the deflecting roller50and/or the deflecting roller62, which are directed toward the continued-transportation stage18, with abutment elements makes it possible for the separated piece goods to be released from the belts; this, in turn, allows the separated piece goods16to be transferred effectively to the continued-transportation stage18.

If the continued-transportation stage18is operated at a greater speed than the driver device42, then it is possible to increase the spacing between the separating piece goods16, in order thus to facilitate further processing, for example the operation of freeing the piece goods.