Device and method for feeding flat objects into a transport container

A device for feeding flat objects, including mail items, envelopes, and letters, in an upright position into at least one transport container, the device comprising:

• a first transport device for transporting the at least one transport container in a first transport direction;
• an input device for transporting flat objects along a second transport direction substantially opposite to the first transport direction;
• a second transport device for transporting the at least one transport container in a third transport direction, the second transport device arranged below the first transport device;
• and
• a receiving device arranged between the input device and the first and second transport devices, the receiving device having a container receiving device for receiving and at least partially accommodating the at least one transport container within the container receiving device, the container receiving device pivotable from a receiving position for receiving the at least one transport container from the first transport device into a delivery position for delivering the at least one transport container to the second transport device,
• wherein at least one of the input device and the receiving device comprises at least one compression unit, the at least one compression unit having at least one compression element configured for insertion into the at least one transport container during insertion of the flat objects and which is arranged for compressing a stack of flat objects inserted into the at least one transport container.

A method for feeding flat objects, in an upright position, into at least one transport container, the method comprising:

• transporting the at least one transport container by a first transport device along a first transport direction;
• receiving the at least one transport container by a container receiving device positioned in a receiving position, the container receiving device at least partially accommodating the at least one transport container within the container receiving device;
• feeding a plurality of flat objects into the at least one transport container, using an input device, the input device configured for transporting a series of flat objects in a direction of a second transport direction substantially opposite to the first transport direction;
• swiveling the container receiving device together with the at least one transport container at least partially accommodated within the container receiving device into a delivery position;
• and
• delivering the at least one transport container in the delivery position to a second transport device, which is arranged below the first transport device and is designed for transporting the at least one transport container, filled with the plurality of flat objects, in a direction of a third transport direction.