Transfer Device for Mail Items

Abstract

A transfer device for mail items with a transfer unit which has an ejection point for transferring individualized mail items to an item carrier is provided. Further, the transfer device includes a transport device for transporting the mail items to the ejection point in a direction of transport. The transport device includes two belts for holding the mail items on both sides and for transporting the mail items and further has means for adapting a space between the belts to the thickness of a mail item. The means for adapting is a belt tilt means which is pivotal about an axis of rotation, the pivotal movement pivoting one of the belts and therefore a distance between the belts is variable.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A transfer device for mail items, comprising:
 a transfer unit including an ejection point for transferring the mail items to an item carrier;   a transport device for transporting the mail items to the ejection point in a direction of transport, the transport device including two belts for holding the mail items on two sides and for transporting the mail items; and   a belt tilt device for adapting a space between the two belts to the thickness of a mail item, the belt tilt device being pivotal about an axis of rotation, wherein a pivotal movement pivots one of the belts resulting in that a distance between the two belts is variable.   
   
   
       13 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the belt tilt device includes a compensation acting to counter any closing or opening of the belts caused by inertia in case of an acceleration of the ejection point both in a direction of and in opposition to a movement of the item carrier. 
   
   
       14 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the compensation is a counterweight. 
   
   
       15 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the direction of acceleration of the ejection point is transverse to the direction of transport. 
   
   
       16 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the direction of acceleration of the ejection point is transverse to the direction of transport. 
   
   
       17 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein a center of gravity of the belt tilt device lies on the axis of rotation. 
   
   
       18 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein a tension force of one of the belts exerts a closing force on the belt tilt device. 
   
   
       19 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a release device for opening the belt tilt device wide enough for a mail item between the belts to be released at the ejection point.   
   
   
       20 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the release device has a gear for opening the belt tilt device to such an extent that a mail item is fully released in a region extending from the ejection point by at least 30 cm in opposition to the direction of transport and in a direction of the acceleration of the ejection point. 
   
   
       21 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the release device includes a motorized drive for opening the belt tilt device. 
   
   
       22 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the release device includes a motorized drive for opening the belt tilt device. 
   
   
       23 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the belt tilt device is pivotal in a spring means at a point where the release device acts on the belt tilt device. 
   
   
       24 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the belt tilt device is pivotal in a spring means at a point where the release device acts on the belt tilt device. 
   
   
       25 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the belt tilt device is pivotal in a spring means at a point where the release device acts on the belt tilt device. 
   
   
       26 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a spring for pressing the belts toward one another, during which an opening movement of the release device has the effect of relaxing the spring.   
   
   
       27 . The transfer device as claimed in  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a spring for pressing the belts toward one another, during which an opening movement of the release device has the effect of relaxing the spring.