EP1580153B1 - Device and method for transferring sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a transfer system (30) comprising suction heads (32, 32`) for inputting an excess article (20) which forms a limit for a group of articles to be transferred. The heads are adapted to create a suction pull to pile the article (20) against them. A pusher (42) has a protrusion (48) that separates the article (20) to form an isolated group which is transferred to an area, where the pusher is movable in translation. An independent claim is also included for a method for transferring a group of articles.

Description

The present invention relates to sheet article transfer devices.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for transferring groups of sheet articles from a first to a second area, these items being arranged in the first area in a row, with certain items in the row protruding on the same area. side of the latter, so that groups of articles are delimited between the outgoing articles.

Such a device is for example located between two stations of a production line of sheet articles, for example a manufacturing station and a packaging station.

The sheet articles are for example produced by cutting, folding and / or gluing from a sheet material such as paper or the like. This is for example cards or envelopes.

Transfer devices already exist but until now, the transfer rates obtained were very low and did not allow to achieve the desired yields.

Moreover, in these devices, it is not easy to transfer small groups of articles. For example, there is no transfer device capable of forming and transferring groups of items such as mailing envelopes.

The known devices are generally semi-automatic, that is to say that they require an operator to form sub-packets of articles from packets delivered by a machine on the first area. In addition, the operators must transfer the packets themselves to the transfer station.

In general, the transfer phase is not carried out quickly and limits the output of the production line.

The document is also known WO 95/32139 which describes a device for separating a group of articles from a row of articles.

This device comprises means for gripping an overlying article which forms a limit for that group to be transferred, means for moving said overlying article apart so as to isolate said group from the row and means for transferring said isolated group into the second area.

The protruding article is grasped here by means of a clamp formed of two articulated arms.

Gripping has the disadvantage of not presenting the speed and precision necessary for the transfer of articles at a high rate.

The present invention proposes to remedy these disadvantages.

This object is achieved by the fact that the means for grasping an outgoing article comprises at least one suction head adapted to create a suction force to press against it an area of the article protruding.

In general, the articles are arranged vertically in the row, against each other.

However, it is also possible that the articles of the row are substantially inclined relative to the vertical, for example in the case where the articles have on one of their faces an extra thickness causing a deformation of the row.

Preferably, the first and second areas respectively correspond to the output of a sheet-article-making machine and to the input of a sheet-article-group-packaging device.

It is understood that, according to the invention, the isolation of a group of the row is done in two stages: firstly the seizure of an outgoing article makes it possible to select the group to be transferred, then the distance from the The protruding article makes it possible to isolate the group to be transferred from the other articles in the row.

The spacing of the protruding article consists in particular of establishing between this article and an adjacent article a space which has a non-zero dimension in the longitudinal direction of the row.

Isolating the group of items from the rest of the row before transferring it to the second area has the advantage of ensuring that the transfer means will move exactly the desired number of items.

This prevents jams of articles and therefore improves the quality and speed of transfer, in other words the yield of the production line.

In addition, with the device according to the invention, all the group thicknesses are feasible.

An advantage of providing at least one suction head lies in the speed of the control thereof, which allows to enter or release very quickly an outgoing item.

Finally, another advantage of using a suction head is that one can grasp or release an article protruding without having to move the input means.

Advantageously, the transfer system is adapted to transfer in the second area an end group of the row which is delimited between the first article of said row and said discarded article, considered from a free end of the row.

An interest lies in the ease of isolating the group of envelopes located at the free end of the row.

Advantageously, the device comprises a stop to keep the group to be transferred to an end of said group opposite to the projecting article.

Preferably, the stop comprises two separate plates, but it can also be formed in one piece.

Thanks to the stop, the articles remain in a vertical position.

Advantageously, the device comprises two suction heads spaced to grasp the article protruding into two distinct zones.

Preferably, the suction heads are placed on the same side with respect to the edge protruding from an overhanging article, but they can however be placed on either side of an overhanging article.

Preferably, the pneumatic circuits which feed the suction heads are independent. However, the heads can also be connected together to the same pneumatic circuit.

The independence of the pneumatic circuits of the suction heads makes it possible to prevent them from failing simultaneously.

Advantageously, said at least one suction head is adjustable in position in the direction of the length of the row to adapt to the thickness of a group.

Preferably, the suction heads can be mounted on the stop so as to be movable in translation in the direction of the length of the row.

This allows the adjustment of the spacing between the stop and the end of the suction head against which the overhanging article is pressed, and, consequently, it is possible to adapt the means for isolating a group at the end. the thickness of this group, that is to say the number of articles constituting the group.

In the case where the articles of the row are inclined relative to the vertical, it is possible to adjust separately this spacing for each suction head so as to adapt to the inclination of the outgoing articles of the row.

Advantageously, the means for transferring the isolated group comprise at least one pusher capable of pushing the isolated group out of the row.

Preferably, the device comprises a single pusher, however, it is also conceivable to use several pushers operating alternately.

Advantageously, the pusher is movable in translation.

Preferably, the direction of the translation is orthogonal to the direction of advancement of the row of articles.

Advantageously, the means for separating the article protruding are capable of separating said article from the group which it delimits.

Advantageously, the means for spacing the protruding article are integral with the pusher.

An interest is to be able to spread the article during the entire phase of movement of the pusher.

Another advantage is to associate several functions to the pusher, which simplifies the mechanical structure of the device.

Preferably, the pusher carries a spacer finger.

Advantageously, the outgoing article which forms a limit of the group to be transferred is not transferred with the latter, the device comprises repositioning means, to replace said article in the row for the transfer of the next group comprising this article.

An interest is to be able to transfer all items in the row, including outgoing items.

It is understood that the outgoing articles temporarily allow the delimitation of a group. Once a group has been transferred, the protruding articles are preferably repositioned in the row, then transferred to the next group.

Advantageously, the repositioning means move with the pusher.

Preferably, the repositioning means are fixed integrally to the pusher and may be in the form of a projection located on one side of the pusher.

However, the repositioning means can be actuated by displacement means independent of those of the pusher.

The invention also relates to a method for transferring groups of sheet articles from a first to a second area, wherein, for the purpose of transfer, the articles are arranged in the first area in a row by shifting certain items for they project on the same side of the row so that groups of articles are delimited between the protruding articles.

Transfer methods already exist and use devices whose drawbacks have already been mentioned above.

The method according to the invention proposes to remedy these disadvantages.

This object is achieved by the fact that, in order to transfer a group, an overlying article which forms a limit for this group to be transferred by suction into at least one zone of this article is grasped, said overlying article is separated so as to isolate said group of the row and transferring said isolated group into the second area. Advantageously, transfer to the second area an end group of the row which is delimited between the first article of said row and said discarded article, considered from a free end of the row.

The row has two ends: a first end located at the output of the machine to manufacture the articles and an opposite second end, called the free end.

Preferably, the last group of the free end of the row is transferred, that is to say the group delimited between the article at the free end of the row and the first article protruding, considered from the free end of the row.

Advantageously, the article that exceeds in two distinct areas of this article is entered.

Preferably, the distinct areas are the corners of the protruding portion of an overhanging article.

Advantageously, the isolated group is transferred by pushing it out of the row.

Preferably, when pushing the isolated group, it slides on the surface of a frame to the second area.

However, the part of the frame on which the group rests could accompany the movement of the group during its transfer.

Advantageously, before the transfer of the group, one discards the outgoing article which forms a limit for this group.

Preferably, one grasps an article protruding on its part which protrudes from the row, and, to remove said article, one deforms that one in its central part and, according to the length of the row, in the direction going away from the group, so that the article is removed from the group at least in its central part.

However, it is also possible to separate the article protruding away from the group, for example by moving in the opposite direction to that of the advancement of the row.

Advantageously, the group is transferred without the exceeding article which forms a limit for this group and this item is placed in the row.

Preferably, the outgoing article will be transferred with the next group.

Advantageously, one grasps an article protruding, one discards this article while allowing a displacement of the group, one transfers the group and one places the article exceeding in the row.

Preferably, the protruding article is released before replacing it in the row.

Preferably, the group is allowed to move in a direction orthogonal to the direction of advancement of the row of articles.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du dispositif selon l'invention représentant la phase de démarrage d'une installation mettant en oeuvre le procédé selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du dispositif selon l'invention avant le transfert du groupe d'articles ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective du dispositif selon l'invention au début du transfert du groupe d'articles ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective du système de transfert selon l'invention pendant le repositionnement dans la rangée de l'article dépassant.
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de dessus du dispositif selon l'invention et représentant la phase finale du transfert d'un groupe d'articles.

The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of an embodiment indicated by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention representing the start-up phase of an installation implementing the method according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention before the transfer of the group of articles;
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention at the beginning of the transfer of the group of articles;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of the transfer system according to the invention during repositioning in the row of the protruding article.
• the figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the device according to the invention and representing the final phase of the transfer of a group of articles.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 the sheet article transfer device and the method for transferring articles according to the invention will be described. The particular case in which the sheet articles are mail envelopes will be considered, but the same device and method may be used to transfer sheets of paper or other sheet material.

The installation 10 implementing the method that is the subject of the invention is part of an envelope manufacturing line (not shown here), and more specifically, the installation is located downstream of a machine 14 to manufacture envelopes and upstream of a group of envelopes conditioning station.

The purpose of the device is to transfer to the conditioning station (not shown here) groups of envelopes produced by the machine 14.

First, we will describe the structure of the installation 10 comprising the device according to the invention.

Envelopes 12 from the machine 14 are brought (by means not shown here) to a first area 16 of the installation being arranged vertically against each other. The succession of envelopes 12 forms a row 18 of vertical envelopes which advances on the horizontal surface of a frame 19 in the direction A as and when the following envelopes are brought.

Means (located in the machine and not shown here) periodically offset certain envelopes so that they protrude on the same side of the row 18. The length of protrusion is preferably substantially the same for each protruding envelope 20, 20 ', 20 ", 20"' ...

It will be understood that this makes it possible to form groups 22 of envelopes, each group of envelopes being formed between two successive protruding envelopes 20, 20 '.

Preferably, the groups of envelopes contain the same number of envelopes, for example groups of 20, 25, 50, 60, 100, or 120 envelopes can be made.

As we see on the figure 1 , the free end 24 of the row 18 is held by a stop formed of two rectangular plates 26, 26 'located substantially in the same plane and whose faces are oriented parallel to the faces of the envelopes.

In addition, the two plates are spaced apart from each other in the direction orthogonal to the surface of the frame 19, so that the lower plate 26 can be distinguished from the upper plate 26 '. The interest of the spacing between the two plates will be detailed below.

The two plates 26, 26 'are fixed to two support arms 28, 28' integral with a rod 28 "which is movable in translation in a direction parallel to that of the displacement of the row.

It is understood that the two plates 26, 26 'make it possible to maintain the vertical envelopes in the row and to accompany the advancement of the row 18.

Preferably, it is the advancement of the row that causes the plates 26, 26 'to move back in direction A.

The device also comprises a transfer system 30 which comprises means 32, 32 'for grasping a protruding envelope 20. These means are in the form of two suction heads 32, 32' each mounted on a horizontal arm 34 (resp. 34 ').

These arms are spaced from each other and positioned one above the other so that one can define a lower arm 34 and an upper arm 34 '.

The second end of a suction head has a flat face 38, 38 'oriented parallel to the faces of the envelopes and provided with one or more orifices 40, 40 ' connected to the pneumatic suction circuit 36 .

The suction heads are mounted at the ends of the arms 34, 34 ' for example on adjustable rods 35, 35' so as to be able to adjust the distance between an arm and a face of a suction head. The interest is to be able to adapt the device to the thickness of the groups of envelopes.

The two arms 34, 34 ' are fixed to a jack (not shown here) which allows the displacement in translation in the direction of advance of the row, in both directions. It is in a remote position that will be transferred to the conditioning station, as will be seen later.

It is therefore understood that the suction heads 32, 32 ' and the plates 26, 26' can move in the same direction.

There is therefore a configuration in which the two plates 26, 26 ' can be brought into contact and secured to the arms 34, 34' by means of magnets attached to the arms (not shown here) so that the plates and arms move together.

In this configuration, called secured configuration, the lower arm 34 is integral with the lower plate 26 and the upper arm 34 ' is secured to the upper plate 26' .

Moreover, as we see on the figure 4 , the lower arm 34 and the upper arm 34 ' protrude from the ends of the plates 26, 26' so that, in a secured configuration, the suction heads 32, 32 ' extend perpendicularly with respect to the surface of the plates 26, 26 ' and are arranged vis-à-vis the area that protrudes beyond protruding envelopes.

The device further comprises a pusher 42 which is in the form of an elongate rod extending horizontally in the direction orthogonal to the direction of advancement of the row.

The first end of the pusher 42 is fixed to an arm 44 in a mobile manner, so that the position of the pusher can be adjusted in a horizontal plane and in a direction parallel to the direction of travel.

The arm 44 is also movable (by means not shown here) in translation in the direction orthogonal to the direction advancement of the row. Preferably, these means are jacks located under the frame 19.

It is therefore understood that this makes it possible to adapt the position of the pusher 42 to the thickness of the groups of envelopes.

The second end of the pusher 42 comprises an abutment 46 forming a bend with the pusher 42 extending in the direction and the direction of advancement of the row as can be seen in the Figures 1 to 3 .

In addition, the length of the abutment 46 may be adjustable to suit the thickness of the groups of envelopes.

The second end of the pusher further comprises a finger 48 in the form of an elongated and tapered plate which extends in the direction of the rod 42 protruding therefrom.

It is therefore understood that the finger 48 and the abutment 46 form a substantially straight angle whose junction is situated at the end of the pusher 42.

In addition, the pusher includes a projection 49 preferably located on its lateral side and near its second end.

During operation, the pusher can be in two extreme positions: the retracted position represented on the figure 2 and the advanced position represented on the figure 4 .

In the retracted position, the finger 48 is in a waiting position such that the end of the finger is almost in contact with the lateral side of the row 18 from which protruding envelopes 20, 20 ', 20 ".

In the advanced position, the finger 48 has passed through the row 18 and is located in the second area between two guide plates 50, 50 ' arranged vertically facing each other and extending in the direction of movement of the rod 42. These guide plates delimit the entrance of the conditioning station.

In this position, the projection 49 is in contact with the lateral side of the row 18 from which protruding envelopes protrude. The interest is explained below.

It should be noted that, in this device, the cylinders are preferably located under the frame 19 which is provided with slots 52, 52 ' and 52 " to allow the displacement of the plates 26, 26', arms 34 , 34 'respectively. and arm 44.

We will now detail the operating principle of the installation.

The transfer method firstly comprises a start-up phase represented on the figure 1 .

In this phase, the machine is started to manufacture the envelopes 12 and the row 18 begins to form with the protruding envelopes 20, 20 ', 20 ", 20"' (the periodic shifting process of the envelopes is implemented in the machine and is not described here).

The plates 26, 26 'are brought into contact with the first envelope exiting the machine so as to keep the envelopes 12 forming the row vertical.

As we have schematized on the figure 2 , the plates 26, 26 ' accompany the advancement of the row in the direction A to the transfer system 30, until it is fixed to the magnetized arms 34,34'.

This step is the end of the start-up phase.

Then, the suction heads 32, 32 ' are actuated so that the protruding area of the protruding envelope 20 is pressed against the face 38, 38' of the suction heads.

In other words, thanks to the suction, we seize the protruding envelope 20 which forms a limit for the group 56 that we are about to transfer.

It is then understood that the group to be transferred 56 is isolated between the plates 26, 26 ' and the overlying envelope 20.

Then, the assembly constituted by the plates 26,26 ' and the suction heads 32,32' backs up so that the central part of the protruding envelope 20 comes into contact with the finger 48 (which is in the position of expectation) as can be seen on the figure 2 .

The finger 48 retains the central portion of the protruding envelope 20 during the retreat of the assembly formed by the plates 26, 26 ' and the arms 32, 32' which causes in its receding the corners of the envelope 20. The latter is therefore deformed in its central part which is then slightly removed from the group to be transferred.

Then, as is schematized on the figure 3 , the pusher 42 is moved from its retracted position to its advanced position so that the stop 46 pushes the group of envelopes 56 out of the row. We understands that the finger 48 moves between the last envelope of the group and the protruding envelope spread during the displacement of the group to be transferred.

It should be noted that the protruding envelope 20 remains pressed against the suction heads while the group is pushed out of the row.

Then, when the pusher 42 approaches its advanced position, the protrusion 49 pushes the protruding envelope 20 so as to reposition it in the row, as can be seen in FIG. figure 4 .

Preferably, the suction is maintained during this repositioning, however one can also stop the suction by connecting the pneumatic circuits to the open air.

When in the forward position, shown on the figure 5 , the group 56 is transferred into the second area, the protruding envelope 20 is repositioned in the row and simultaneously, the assembly formed by the heads 32, 32 ' and the plates 26, 26' is advanced so as to grip the next overlying envelope 20 ' which forms a limit for the next group to be transferred. This is possible because the pusher 42 can move in the space between the plates 26, 26 '.

Then, the pusher 42 is returned to the retracted position.

Then, the suction heads and plates retreat with the new group to be transferred, and the envelope 20 ' is deformed by the finger 48.

Preferably, the pusher 42 will be moved at the moment when a new group of envelopes will be taken out of the machine and brought into the row. More precisely, the displacement will take place when a new protruding envelope will be detected at the output of the machine.

It is understood that this advantageously makes it possible to have a constant number of envelopes in the row and to slave the transfer device to the supply of the envelopes 12, that is to say at the speed of the machine 14.

Claims (20)

1. Device for the transfer of groups of articles in sheet form from a first area to a second area, these articles being arranged in a row (18) in the first area, some articles of the row (18) projecting on the same side of the latter, in such a way that groups of articles are delimited between the projecting articles (20, 20', 20", 20"'), the device comprising for the transfer of a group a transfer system (30) which comprises means (32, 32') for gripping a projecting article (20) which forms a limit for this group to be transferred, means (48) for separating the said projecting article (20) so as to isolate the said group of the row (18) and means (42, 44, 45, 46) for transferring the said isolated group into the second area, the device being characterized in that the means for gripping a projecting article (20) comprise at least one suction head (32, 32') capable of generating a suction force in order to lay against it a zone of the projecting article (20).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transfer system (30) is capable of transferring into the second area an end group of the row (18), which end group is delimited between the first article of the said row (18) and the said separated article (20), as seen from a free end of the row (18).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a stop (26, 26') for keeping the group to be transferred (56) at an end of the said group which is opposite the projecting article (20).
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that it comprises two suction heads (32, 32') spaced apart in order to grip the projecting article (20) in two separate zones.
5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said at least one suction head (32, 32') is adjustable in position in the direction of the length of the row (18) in order to be adapted to the thickness of a group.
6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means for transferring the isolated group comprise a pusher (42) capable of pushing the isolated group out of the row (18).
7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the pusher (42) is movable in translation.
8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the means for separating the projecting article (20) are capable of separating the said article (20) from the group (56) which it delimits.
9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the means (48) for separating the projecting article (20) are integral with the pusher (42).
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the pusher (42) carries a separating finger (48).
11. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, since the projecting article (20) which forms a limit of the group to be transferred (56) is not transferred together with the latter, the device comprises repositioning means (49) for replacing the said article in the row (18) for the purpose of the transfer of the following group comprising this article (20).
12. Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the repositioning means (49) are displaced together with the pusher (42).
13. Device according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the repositioning means comprise a projection (49) on one side of the pusher (42).
14. Method for the transfer of groups of articles in sheet form from a first area towards a second area, in which method, for transfer purposes, the articles are arranged in a row (18) in the first area, with some articles (20, 20', 20", 20"') being offset so that they project on the same side of the row (18), in such a way that groups of articles are delimited between the projecting articles (20, 20', 20", 20"'), and, in order to transfer the group (56), a projecting article (20) which forms a limit for this group (56) to be transferred is gripped, the said projecting article (20) is separated so as to isolate the said group (56) of the row (18), and the said isolated group (56) is transferred into the second area, characterized in that the projecting article (20) is gripped by means of suction in at least one zone of this article.
15. Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that an end group (56) of the row (18), which end group is delimited between the first article of said row (18) and said separated article, as seen from a free end of the row (18), is transferred into the second area.
16. Method according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the projecting article (20) is gripped by means of suction in two separate zones of this article.
17. Method according to any one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the isolated group (56) is transferred by being pushed out of the row (18).
18. Method according to Claim 17, characterized in that, before the transfer of the group (56), the projecting article (20) which forms a limit for this group (56) is separated.
19. Method according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the group (56) is transferred without the projecting article (20) which forms a limit for this group (56), and this article is replaced in the row (18).
20. Method according to any one of Claims 14 to 19, characterized in that a projecting article (20) is gripped, this article is separated, while a displacement of the group (56) is permitted, the group (56) is transferred, and the projecting article (20) is replaced in the row (18).

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