摘要:
In an arrangement for separation of items bearing printed matter, in particular letters deposited on edge behind one another in a letter stack, supplied laterally from the letter stack to a separation apparatus and then to a subsequent apparatus such as a postage meter machine, a pre-separation stage is provided before the separation apparatus. The letters are arranged between a spring-mounted pressure clip and a drive roller, as well as a guide plate. The pre-separation stage loosens the letter stack and permits a simple, reliable letter-by-letter separation of the letters from the letter stack. The pre-separation stage includes at least one drive roller having an outer contour with at least one projection extending over the length of the roller parallel to its axis of rotation. The curve of the jacket of the drive roller protrudes through the opening of the guide plate far enough so that at least one projection protrudes from the opening. Due to the protruding outer contour, the letter stack is sufficiently shaken, and the frictional forces and forces of adhesion that work counter to the transport forces are overcome. The force applied to the letter stack in the pre-separation stage can be adjusted by adjusting the lift of the drive roller on the letter stack.