EP0982253A1 - Device for processing flexible and flat products - Google Patents

Abstract

The conveyor device (10) has conveyor elements (12) arranged one behind the other. These consist of a roller segment (24) continuously driven in the direction of rotation (D) and a counter element (26) which interacts with it. In the takeover area (14), the back section (44) of the respective roller segment (24) forms an insertion gap (48) with the counter element (26), the leading end of which is closed. There the back section (44) forms a stop (62) for the leading edge (52) of the supplied product (19). At least approximately simultaneously with the contact of the stop (62) by the leading edge (52), the lateral surface section (46) following the back section (44) forms, together with the counter element (26), a guide gap (48) in which the product (19 ) for further transport through the conveying element (12). <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing flexible, flat products, according to the preamble of the claim 1.

A device of this type is known from EP-B-0 638 503. She points a decelerating drum driven in rotation about its axis, on which regularly distributed in the circumferential direction one behind the other by a pair of rollers formed conveyor elements are arranged. A feeder leads with respect the deceleration drum in the tangential direction in the nip of the in each case through a pair of rollers moving through the takeover area, a signature sheet. Here is the rotational speed of the pair of rollers around the drum axis also in the nip in the direction of rotation directed peripheral speed of the rollers at the conveying speed adjusted of the feed conveyor. Then the front edge of the Signature sheet driven by a desired amount into the nip, before the rotation of the roller pairs around their axes is stopped. In The rollers then become a transfer area with respect to the direction of rotation driven in opposite direction of rotation in the transfer area, to release the signature sheet in question from the nip. This leads to an additional slowdown of the signature sheet and enables an adaptation of the signature sheet speed to the speed a conveyor that takes over the signature sheets. The Reversing drive of the roller pairs requires a considerable one hand Effort and, on the other hand, leads to considerable stress of products, which limits the processing capacity of the device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, the generic Develop device in such a way that at high processing speed ensures gentle treatment of the products is.

This object is achieved with a device having the features of the claim 1 has.

Form a continuously driven roller segment and a counter element an insertion gap when moving through the takeover area, which has a large width for the introduction of a product, which then decreases continuously and thereby stabilizes the product. The leading, closed end of the insertion gap moves itself due to the rotation of the roller segment in the insertion direction, resulting in contributes to a gentle deceleration of the products if they do Reach the end of the insertion gap. The approximately simultaneous formation of a conveyor gap prevents the products from jumping back, which leads to a reliable functioning of the device with high processing capacity contributes. The continuous driving of the roller segments leads to that the products through each of a roller segment and a counter element formed conveyor elements for delivery in the transfer area are conveyed through. The products therefore do not have to the conveyor elements are braked to a standstill and then accelerated again become.

Preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

in Ansicht und teilweise geschnitten, eine erste Ausbildungsform der Vorrichtung mit Förderelementen, die beim Umlaufen eine zu sich parallele Lage beibehalten;

Fig. 2

in gleicher Darstellung wie Fig. 2 eine zweite Ausbildungsform, bei welcher die Förderelemente beim Umlaufen eine bezüglich der Umlaufbahn unveränderte Lage beibehalten; und

Fig. 3

in gleicher Darstellung wie Fig. 1 und 2 eine dritte Ausbildungsform der Vorrichtung, mit den Förderelementen zugeordneten, schaufelradartig angeordneten Leitelementen.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. It shows purely schematically:

Fig. 1

in view and partially in section, a first embodiment of the device with conveyor elements that maintain a parallel position when rotating;

Fig. 2

in the same representation as Figure 2, a second embodiment, in which the conveying elements maintain an unchanged position with respect to the orbit when circulating. and

Fig. 3

in the same representation as FIGS. 1 and 2, a third embodiment of the device, with guide elements assigned to the conveyor elements and arranged in the manner of a paddle wheel.

The device shown in FIG. 1 has a drum-like design Conveyor continuously driven in the direction of arrow U. 10 with cage-like conveying elements 12. These are intended to move through a takeover area 14 from a feed conveyor designed as a belt conveyor 16 in the example shown 18 each to take over, slow down a flexible, flat product 19, continue to convey and in a transfer area 20 one of the conveyor 10 downstream conveyor 22 to hand over.

Each conveyor element 1 2 has a direction of rotation D - that of the direction of rotation U is opposite - continuously rotating about its roller axis 24 ' driven roller segment 24 and a cooperating with it Counter element 26 on. In the example shown is the counter element 26 formed as an endless belt 28, which around two deflecting rollers 30th is led. The band 28 is designed to be rubber-elastic and cooperates his active strand facing the roller segment 24 with it between the deflecting rollers 30 together.

The deflecting rollers are free at both ends on triangular carrier plates 32 rotatably mounted, which in turn on the shaft 34 of the roller segment 24th are freely rotatable. The carrier plates 32 are for example one Planetary gear driven in such a way that from the belt 28 and roller segment 24 formed conveyor elements 12 when circulating along the from Circle 36 formed orbit 35 maintain a parallel position, or in other words a straight line remains through the one conveying element 12 assigned axes of the deflection rollers 30 parallel to themselves. The one to the Roller axes 24 'coaxial shafts 34 are along a circle around a common circumferential axis 38 evenly distributed on circular disk-shaped End shields 40 freely rotatable, which in turn on one to the axis of rotation 38 coaxial hollow shaft 42 seated against rotation. During one Bearing plate 40, the drive means designed for example as a planetary gear are assigned to keep the conveying elements 12 in parallel the other end shield 40, which is also, for example, a planetary gear trained drive means for continuously driving the roller segments 24 assigned in direction of rotation D. For this purpose the Hollow shaft 42 can be penetrated by a rotatably arranged shaft which are centered on the center gears of the planetary gears. When turning the end shields 40 are the ones stored on these and with the stationary ones Center gears meshing driven planet gears, which in turn act on the carrier plates 32 or shafts 34. At the same time with the roller segments 24, the belts 28 can also counter the Direction of rotation D be driven. Regarding a possible form of training of the drive for the roller segments 24 and counter elements 26 and to keep the conveyor elements 12 in parallel, the CH patent application No. 1998 1283/98 expressly referenced.

Each of the roller segments 24 shown in FIG. 1 has three back sections 44 and between two back sections 44 one each Roller segment axis 24 'coaxial lateral surface section 46. Each a concave back section 44 thus follows a lateral surface section 46. The cross section of the roller segment 24 is similar to a three-jet one Star whose dull rays end in a circle.

The rotational position of the conveyor elements 12 is selected such that in the takeover area 14 the conveyor elements 12 with respect to the axis of rotation 38 are arranged at least approximately in the radial direction. They are further Roller segments 24 synchronized with respect to the bearing plates 40 in such a way that when moving a conveyor element 12 in the direction of rotation U in the transfer area 14 each have a lateral surface section 46 on the belt 28, this is pushing back. This lateral surface section 46 trailing back section 44 forms together with the active strand of the band 28 a wide, narrowing insertion gap 48, in which the feed conveyor 18 seen a product 19 in the feed direction Z. leading edge 52 can insert freely. As a result of the rotation of the roller segment 24 is in the takeover area 14 in the direction of rotation D seen downstream closed insertion gap 48 longer and longer at the same time narrower radially outwards with respect to the roller axis 24 '. The feeder 18 and the conveyor 10 are synchronized such that each the transition from the back section delimiting the insertion gap 48 44 in the nocturnal lateral surface section 46, with clamping of the product 19 inserted into the insertion gap 48 between himself and the tape 28 in one of the leading edge 52 distant area, at least approximately at the time that the Product 19 with the leading edge 52 acting as a stop 62 leading end portion of the back portion 44 - i.e. on the closed End of the insertion gap 48 - arrives at the insertion gap 48 closes and the lateral surface section 46 together with the Band 28 forms a conveyor gap 54 for the detected product 19.

A guide element 56 is assigned to each roller segment 24 downstream of the conveyor gap 54, the belt 28 crosses to the by the Conveying gap 54 product conveyed around the roller segment 24 with respect to the rotational axis 38 in the radial direction to the outside.

The conveyor 22 is in the example according to FIG. 1 as a clamp conveyor 58 formed, the successive transport brackets 60 synchronized with the conveyor elements 12 through the transfer area 20 in Direction of conveyance W - which here is the same as the direction of rotation U - be moved through. The transport clips 60 are on the conveyor 10 directed so that the conveyor elements 12 in the radial Direction towards the outside deflected products 19 with the edge 52 can advance into the transport brackets 60. The closing the transport clamps 60 takes place approximately simultaneously with the lifting of the Conveying gap 54, the last one for the product 19 in question Conveying gap 54 delimiting lateral surface section 45 runs off the belt 28.

In the example shown, the end shields rotate during one revolution 40 in the circumferential direction U about the circumferential axis 38 the roller segments 24 twice in the opposite direction of rotation D around their roller axes 24 ', three times with respect to the bearing plates 40.

In the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2, the conveyor is 10 also formed like a cage. On the on the hollow shaft 42 bearing plates 40 are arranged along a coaxial circle evenly distributed six bearing shafts parallel to the axis of rotation 38 64 arranged. Deflection rollers 30 are freely rotatable on the bearing shafts 64 stored. In each case two mutually assigned deflecting rollers 30 adjacent Bearing shafts 64 are of a self-contained rubber elastic Wrapped around ribbon 28 '. Several arranged side by side Bands 28 'correspond to the band 28 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. On the circle 36 around the axis of rotation 38 are uniform distributed the roller segments 24 arranged. You sit on the waves 34, seen in the circumferential direction U in the middle between two bearing shafts 64 and in the radial direction outside the tapes 28 'on the end shields 40 are stored. The roller segments 24 are again, for example by means of a planetary gear in the direction of rotation D continuously driven, which is opposite to the direction of rotation U.

Each roller segment 24 has a concave back section 44 on. The distance between the ribbon 28 'and the waves 34 is selected in such a way that 28 faces towards the relevant ribbon Back section 44, the roller segment 24 with two transitions from the back section 44 to the lateral surface section 46 on the Ribbon 28 'is present - if there is no product 19 there - and this may be pushed back. In any case, it will be pushed back when it cooperates with the lateral surface section 46.

A guide element 56 is assigned to each roller segment 24 runs between adjacent tapes 28 'and the relevant one Grips around roller segment 24 at a distance. In the direction of rotation U of the conveyor 10 seen downstream of the associated roller segment 24, the guide element 56 runs coaxially to the roller axis 24 ' and ends about 30 ° before a radial from the axis of rotation 38 through the Roller axis. With respect to the roller segment 24 runs upstream the guide element 56 is approximately rectilinear and affects the subsequent one Roller segment 24 associated guide element 56 in the downstream section, directed radially towards the outside.

The feed conveyor 18, also designed as a belt conveyor 16, is aligned at least approximately with the upstream straight section of the guide element 56 when it is in the takeover area 14 is moved past at the end of the feed conveyor 18.

The roller segments 24 are driven in such a way that they move past in the direction of arrow U on the feed conveyor 18 with the lateral surface section 46 rest on the ribbon 28 '. As soon as it is on the feed conveyor 18 have been moved past, this leads a product 19 with the edge 52 ahead between the relevant roller segment 24 and the trailing portion of the associated guide member 56. As a result of the rotation of the roller segment 24, the leading end of the Back portion 44 has reached the ribbon 28 'and forms together with these the insertion gap 48 into which the product 19 with the edge 52 can be inserted with Spiet. The leading one End region of the back section 44 in turn forms the stop 62 for the leading edge 52. At least approximately simultaneously by touching the stop 62 through the leading edge 52 runs as seen in the direction of rotation D end of the back section 44 and the beginning of the lateral surface section 46 on the Ribbon 28 'opposite flat side of product 19, clamps this firmly and forms the lateral surface section 46 with the ribbons 28 'the conveyor gap 54.

Below the conveyor 10 is the belt conveyor 65 Disposable conveyor 22 arranged. The direction of conveyance W is the direction of rotation U opposite in the transfer area 20. The through the conveyor gap 54 with the edge 52 advanced products 19 are by means of Guide elements 56 deflected and then in the transfer area 20, below Formation of a scale formation S deposited on the conveyor 22. The Rotational speed of the roller segments 24 and thus the conveyor elements 12 about the circumferential axis 38, the peripheral speed of the roller segments 24 and the speed of the conveyor 22 are such coordinated with one another that when released from the conveyor gap 54 the speed of the leading edge 52 in the direction of removal W at least approximately the conveying speed of the conveyor 22 corresponds. This enables the formation of an exact scale formation.

The formed by the roller segments 24 and associated tapes 28 ' Conveyor elements 12 maintain their position with respect to their orbit 35 at.

In the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 3, the conveyor is 10 formed in the manner of a paddle wheel 66. Paddle wheels 66 are used for example in rotary printing machines of folded products 19 used. In the same way as in the Fig. 2 shown embodiment are the roller segments 24 on the Bearing plates 40 stored and when rotating the bearing plates around the common Revolving axis 38 in the revolving direction U continuously in the opposite direction D driven. The counter element 26 to each roller element 24 is in turn formed by tapes 28 ', which are guided around deflection rollers 30 are. Seen in the direction of rotation U, the roller segment 24 trailing deflection rollers 30 are in relation to the rotation axis 38 in arranged radially further outward than the leading deflection rollers 30. The counter element maintaining its position in relation to the orbit 26 is thus arranged inclined with respect to the orbit.

A guide element 56 is in turn assigned to each roller segment 24, seen in the direction of rotation D of the roller segments 24 downstream of the conveyor gap 54 crosses the ribbon 28 'and in the radial direction runs to the outside around the products conveyed through the conveying gap 54 19 around the roller segment 24 in the radial direction to the outside to steer. The guide element 56 ends at the U seen in the circumferential direction trailing deflection rollers 30 of the respective leading conveyor element 12. On the bearing shaft 64 of these deflecting rollers 30 is a further Guide element section 68 mounted by a guide element position 70, in which it forms an extension of the guide element 56 to the product 19 conveyed in the conveyor gap 54 in the radial direction redirect at the rear, switchable to a guide element position 72. In the guide element position 72 affects the guide element section 68 with its free End the periphery of the trailing roller segment 24. About this Purpose is the roller segment 24 of spaced apart in the axial direction Roll segment elements formed between which the tines of the rake-shaped guide element section 68 engage can.

In the guide element position 72, the guide element section 68 is aligned with a each roller segment 24 associated guide element 74. This is the End shields 40 are fixed and extending from his in the case of the roller segment 24, the leading end lies opposite the Rotation direction U with increasing with respect to the rotation axis 38 Distance towards the rear to the trailing roller segment 24, from which it is spaced apart in the radial direction.

In each case adjacent guide elements 74 with a corresponding guide element section 68 and the counter element 26 form a pocket 78 which is in the circumferential direction U seen open at the back and front by means of the corresponding Roll segment 24 is closed.

Above the conveyor 10 is the belt conveyor 16 trained feed conveyor 18 arranged, the conveying direction Z with the each pocket 78 moved past him. The feed conveyor 18 is intended to place in each pocket 78 a product 19 with the Insert edge 52 ahead.

A lever projects from each guide element section 68, on the free lever thereof End a roller 80 is freely rotatable. This is in a fixed, guided around the circumferential axis 38 groove-shaped link 82. By means of this link control, the guide element section 68 between the guide element position 70 and the guide element position 72 switched. The guide element section is located in the takeover area 14 68 in guide element position 72 and limited together with the radial external guide member 76 an insertion gap for the product 19th The concave back section 44 of the roller segment forms in the take-over area 14 24 with the associated tapes 28 'the narrowing Insertion gap 48, the guide member 76 being intended to be the leading one Introduce edge 52 into the back portion 44. The one in the direction of rotation D seen leading end portion of the back portion 44th again forms the stop 62 for the leading edge 52 of the product 19. The rotation in direction D of the roller segment 24 is again synchronized in such a way that the trailing end of the back section 44 and thus the leading end of the lateral surface section 46 come to the flat side of the product 19 and clamp this with the counter element 26, at about the same time if the leading edge 52 comes to rest against the stop 62. As a result the continuous rotation of the roller segment 24 is now Product 19 conveyed with the edge 52 ahead through the conveyor gap 54 and by means of the guide element 56 and the associated element, meanwhile in the guide element position 70 switched guide element section 68 against the roller segment 24 in the radial direction deflected outside and with respect to the direction of rotation U towards the rear.

Below the conveyor 10, in turn, runs as a belt conveyor 65 trained removal conveyor 22, the removal direction W of the direction of rotation U is rectified in the transfer area 20. In the transfer area 20 the products 19 are conveyed from the conveyor gap 54 and under Formation of a scale formation S deposited on the conveyor 22. The Sliding out the products 1 9 from the roller segment 24, guide element 56 and guide element section 68 formed after the gap Release from the conveyor gap 54 takes place due to its inertia; the rotational speed the conveyor elements 1 2, the axis of rotation 38 and the peripheral speed of the roller segments 24 and the conveying speed of the conveyor 22 are coordinated so that in Transfer area, seen in the direction of removal W, from the conveyor 10 to the conveyor 22 for products 19 to be transferred whose active dreams stand still. It is also conceivable in the transfer area 20, additional known scenes or funding bodies such as Chains or rollers for the exact conveying of the products 19 from the Arrange gap.

After leaving the transfer area 20, the guide element sections 68 from the guide element position 70 to the guide element position 72 switched.

In all the embodiments shown, the products 19 are by means of of the feed conveyor 18 at a distance from the takeover area 14 fed. The feed conveyor 18 can, for example, be part of a folding or Cutting device of a rotary printing machine.

It is possible in the embodiment shown in FIG Clamp conveyor 58 by a different transport device, for example to replace a belt conveyor. Likewise, it is conceivable in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the conveyor 22 to train as a clamp conveyor 58.

Depending on the direction of removal W of the removal conveyor 22 can in the transfer area 20 a scale formation S are formed, in which the in Conveyor 10 leading edge 52 with respect to the direction of conveyance W is trailing or leading.

All types of training have in common that the products 19 in one closed insertion gap 48 introduced, delayed there and by the Conveying elements 12 are conveyed through. You are therefore never regarding brake the conveyor 10 to a standstill, which is a gentle Treatment guaranteed with large processing capacity. Further the products 19 experience no abrupt changes in direction.

The counter elements 26 can be designed differently, so can they have, for example, spring-mounted rollers.

Claims (13)

Device for processing flexible, flat products, with a conveyor (10) for braking and further conveying to a transfer area (20) by means of a feed conveyor (18) a takeover area (14) of the conveyor (10) Products (19) is determined, and the number arranged one behind the other. along one through the takeover area (14) and through the orbit (35) passing through the transfer area (20) in Circulation direction (U) moved a conveyor gap (54) for the products (19) forming conveyor elements (12), characterized in that that each of the conveyor elements (12) is at right angles to its roller axis (24 ') extending to the direction of rotation (U) in one Direction of rotation (D) continuously rotating, with a Counter element (26) having interacting roller segment (24), wherein a back portion (44) of the roller segment (24) and the counter element (26) when moving through the takeover area (14) one downstream in the direction of rotation (D) closed insertion gap (48) for the supplied product (19) and a circumferential direction following the back portion (44) Shell surface section (46) of the roller segment (24) with the counter element (26) a conveyor gap (54) for this product (19) form, the conveyor gap (54) at least approximately to the Time is formed at which the product (19) with its leading Edge (52) the closed end of the insertion gap (48) reached. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the Counter element (26) an endless guided around deflection rollers (30) Has band (28,28 ') with the between the deflecting rollers (30) the roller segment (24) interacts. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cross section of the roller segment (24) in the back section (44) is concave. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the leading end section of the back section (44) a stop (62) for the leading edge (52) of the relevant in the take-over area (14) into the insertion gap (48) Product (19) forms. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that each conveyor element (12) has its own counter element (26) having. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that the conveying elements (12) move one to the other maintain parallel position. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that the conveying elements (12) are rotating with respect to the Maintain orbit (35) at least approximately unchanged position. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the insertion gap (48) and conveyor gap (54) at least approximately in the direction the orbit (35). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the conveyor elements (12) assigned guide elements (74) arranged in the manner of a paddle wheel are. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that a guide element (56) is assigned to each roller segment (24) is the product (19) downstream of the conveyor gap (54) to deflect the roller segment (24). Apparatus according to claim 9 and 10, characterized in that one leading in relation to the roller segment (24) in the direction of rotation (U) Section (68) of the associated guide element (74), preferably about an axis parallel to the roller axis (24 '), between a guide element position (72) and a guide element position (70) is convertible. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that that the conveyor (10) is a clamp conveyor (58) is connected downstream, the transport brackets (60) in the transfer area (20) one product (19) each from a conveying element (12) is fed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that that the conveyor (10) is followed by a belt conveyor (65) is on the conveyor elements in the transfer area (20) (12) the products (19), preferably to form a Shed formation (S).

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