Drop flap sorter
A drop flap sorter (also Split-Tray-Sorter , English : Bomb Bay ) is a system of conveyor technology .
A drop flap sorter is a piece goods sorter that is used for small and light packages or piece goods (for example textiles, books, ...). The sorting capacity is approx. 10,000 parts / h. The system can be increased with the output, so the sorting output increases to 20,000 parts / h when using a double tray and to 40,000 parts / h with a quadruple tray.
Such a system was installed for the first time in 2002. It is the only sorting system able to put goods directly into a shipping container without any intermediate steps.
Operation and Mechanism
The name of the sorter describes the function of the delivery. By symmetrically dividing a rectangular bowl, the bottom of which consists of two flaps, the transported goods can be placed directly in cardboard boxes or shipping containers at their destination. This is done by unlocking the flaps so that after opening the goods can be placed directly in the container provided. The shells themselves are integrated in rail-guided carriages and are referred to as gondolas in this constellation. The individual gondolas are in turn linked to form a closed chain. The resulting connection is made on one side, so that only curves can be implemented where this side is on the inside. By increasing the distances between the individual gondolas, however, curves can be implemented in both directions. The trolleys are attached to a chain, which is supported by rollers on a rail above. This construction of chain and rail is referred to as space-accessible, which means that inclines and cornering are possible.
The system is driven by a friction wheel drive that drives the chain at the side. As a rule, the goods to be transported are placed manually and moved by the trolleys via end points. At the end point, the flap lock is released by a locking mechanism so that the goods can fall into the end point or the provided shipping container. Once the shipping containers are full, i.e. the actual sorting process is complete, the sorted goods can be transported to the outgoing goods department. The intermediate step of packaging, which is common with many other sorters, is omitted here, which can be achieved, among other things, by transporting the goods directly into the shipping container through this system. After the goods have been placed in the container provided for this purpose, the flaps are closed along an inclined plane and can be occupied again.
A difference to other sorting systems lies in the fact that the goods are transported across levels (for example, the top level is where the loading area is and the lower level is where the delivery area is).
literature
- Dirk Jodin, Michael ten Hompel: Sorting and distribution systems, basics, structure, calculation and implementation . Springer Verlag, Berlin 2005, ISBN 3-540-29070-2