Device for processing and/or transporting flat mail items

A device for processing and transporting flat mail items, documents and letters inserted in envelopes, samples, cards, comprising a transport route formed by a transport mechanism equipped with transport rolls, one end of the route being configured to load a separation unit with mail items for individual processing, wherein the separation unit has a drive roll, which

• acts frictionally on a bottom surface of a mail item;
• cooperates with a queuing mechanism which holds back excess mail items;
• and
• extends transversely to a transport direction of the mail items and is rotatably supported around a horizontal axis, wherein the queuing mechanism and the drive roll form a slot-shaped pass-through opening, wherein the queuing mechanism includes a guide roll, wherein an axis of rotation of the guide roll is offset downstream from the axis of rotation of the drive roll with respect to the transport direction of the mail items, wherein the guide roll is arranged on the drive roll so as to be liftable away from the drive roll, wherein the guide roll is supported so as to be rotatable in the transport direction and is subjectable to a force which inhibits a rotational movement in the transport direction of the mail items, and wherein the force which inhibits the rotational movement of the guide roll is formed by a friction clutch, wherein the friction clutch has a compression spring supported on an axle, this spring acting on at least one plate, which rests against an interior end wall to guide the guide roll and produces friction upon rotation, wherein the friction clutch is located in a hollow space inside the guide roll, wherein the hollow space is formed by a two-part housing, one of the parts being formed as a removable bearing flange of the guide roll.