Flat object transfer device, and unstacking device equipped with this transfer device

Abstract

A flat object transfer device for transferring flat objects, particularly flat objects of varying thickness, to a sorting device from the output of an unstacking device. The flat object transfer device includes a gripping device for gripping a flat object initially located in a transfer plane. The gripping device includes a set of pinch rollers and pulleywheels on opposite sides of each pinch roller. A set of drive belts are trained around each pinch roller and the pulleywheels on opposite sides of the pinch roller. At least one of the pinch rollers in the set of pinch rollers can move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transfer plane. A double pick separator device is provided for retaining flat objects except for a flat object to be gripped by the gripping device. The double pick separator device is disposed between two levels of the drive belts trained around the pinch rollers and pulleywheels. The gripping device can be controlled by a control device so as to immobilize the flat object pending authorization for its transfer to the sorting device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.