Device for automatically loading/unloading flat objects stacked on edge, machine for sorting flat objects, unloading method, and mail sorting method

摘要

Disclosed is an automatic loading/unloading apparatus for automatically loading flat articles such as mail letters or parcels or packages stacked on edge into storage trays and for automatically unloading flat articles stacked on edge therefrom, to provide more efficient handling and storage of the flat articles. The automatic loading/unloading apparatus includes storage trays where each of the storage trays has a bottom plate receiving the edges of the flat articles and provided with at least one through window. The automatic loading/unloading apparatus has at least one tray-receiving zone suitable for receiving the storage trays successively and at least one stacking zone suitable for receiving the flat articles stacked on edge in the stacking direction before loading/after unloading. The automatic loading/unloading apparatus has at least one stationary actuator and at least one moving actuator, which are designed so that, simultaneously, one of them is in register with the window and the other of them receives the storage tray bearing against it. The actuators are movable relative to each other between: a waiting position in which the stationary actuator or the moving actuator that is in register with the window is set back from the moving actuator or from the stationary actuator so that the storage tray can rest respectively on the moving actuator or on the stationary actuator without respectively the stationary actuator or the moving actuator being in contact with the flat articles; and an unloading position in which respectively the moving actuator or the stationary actuator is set back from the stationary actuator or from the moving actuator so that the stationary actuator or the moving actuator can pass through the window while carrying the flat articles to be loaded/unloaded until it comes flush with the stacking zone without the storage tray being interposed between the flat articles and the stacking zone. The automatic loading/unloading apparatus has adjustment means arranged to adapt the length of the stacking zone, in the stacking direction, between a maximum length and a minimum length corresponding to the length of the stack of flat articles that it receives.