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EP2408698B1 - Loading station for plate elements, and machine for processing such elements - Google Patents

Loading station for plate elements, and machine for processing such elements Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2408698B1
EP2408698B1 EP10709417.9A EP10709417A EP2408698B1 EP 2408698 B1 EP2408698 B1 EP 2408698B1 EP 10709417 A EP10709417 A EP 10709417A EP 2408698 B1 EP2408698 B1 EP 2408698B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elements
station
stack
sheets
machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP10709417.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2408698A1 (en
Inventor
Mauro Chiari
Olivier Gaillard
Raymond Lambelet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bobst Mex SA
Original Assignee
Bobst Mex SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bobst Mex SA filed Critical Bobst Mex SA
Priority to EP10709417.9A priority Critical patent/EP2408698B1/en
Publication of EP2408698A1 publication Critical patent/EP2408698A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2408698B1 publication Critical patent/EP2408698B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H11/00—Feed tables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/08—Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
    • B65H3/0808—Suction grippers
    • B65H3/0816—Suction grippers separating from the top of pile
    • B65H3/0825—Suction grippers separating from the top of pile and acting on the rear part of the articles relatively to the final separating direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H11/00—Feed tables
    • B65H11/002—Feed tables incorporating transport belts
    • B65H11/005—Suction belts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/08—Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/08—Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
    • B65H3/12—Suction bands, belts, or tables moving relatively to the pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/08—Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
    • B65H3/12—Suction bands, belts, or tables moving relatively to the pile
    • B65H3/124—Suction bands or belts
    • B65H3/126—Suction bands or belts separating from the bottom of pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/24—Separating articles from piles by pushers engaging the edges of the articles
    • B65H3/242—Separating articles from piles by pushers engaging the edges of the articles for separating a part of the pile, i.e. several articles at once
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H5/00—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines
    • B65H5/22—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H5/00—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines
    • B65H5/24—Feeding articles in overlapping streams, i.e. by separation of articles from a pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H83/00—Combinations of piling and depiling operations, e.g. performed simultaneously, of interest apart from the single operation of piling or depiling as such
    • B65H83/02—Combinations of piling and depiling operations, e.g. performed simultaneously, of interest apart from the single operation of piling or depiling as such performed on the same pile or stack
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42—Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/421—Forming a pile
    • B65H2301/4213—Forming a pile of a limited number of articles, e.g. buffering, forming bundles
    • B65H2301/42134—Feeder loader, i.e. picking up articles from a main stack for maintaining continuously enough articles in a machine feeder

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a loading station for plate elements.
  • the invention also relates to a machine for processing these elements integrating such a loading station.
  • a processing machine for example a printing machine, is used especially in the packaging industry, for example for making cardboard boxes from plate elements such as cardboard sheets.
  • the processing machine generally comprises several stations or workstation, each intended to perform a specific operation.
  • the plate elements are introduced at the entrance of the machine by the feed station or introduction station or introducer installed upstream. These plate elements are recovered at the exit of the machine in the downstream receiving station in the form of treated elements, poses or boxes ready for use.
  • the introducer automatically returns the elements one after the other in the machine.
  • the introducer firstly comprises a lower vacuum transport, which sends the elements into the machine successively one after the other. At this level, the elements are well separated and do not overlap in the form of a web. The elements are then driven and processed one after the other in the machine.
  • the introducer Upstream of the transport, a stack of stacked vertical elements is placed in the introducer.
  • the introducer also includes a vertical gauge.
  • the gauge is used for frontal jogging of the elements. This gauge is also used to extract the elements one after the other from the underside of the package.
  • the gauge is also movable vertically, so as to adjust the gap under the nose of the gauge, depending on the thickness of the elements.
  • a first drawback is that the package exerts a significant pressure force, especially on the bottom element of the package placed on the transport. This pressure is even higher than the carton has a heavy weight and that the height of the package is important. This pressure tends to crush these elements from below succeeding and exerting a constraint, disrupting the transport of the element by the introducer, decreasing the quality of the introduction and consequently the sending of the elements in the machine. In some cases, the register of introduced elements is lost. In other cases, the introducer returns two elements at once instead of one, which is not desirable.
  • Such pressure also increases the friction between the bottom element of the stack and the element immediately above which it is in contact, when sending the bottom element.
  • Surfaces that can be pre-printed or coated, for example white or other colors, will be damaged by marking.
  • an operator To power a machine, an operator continually places small packets of stacked items in the feed station. The operator seizes and carries these packages by hand. This makes the work of the operator particularly difficult, for example in the case of treatment of corrugated sheets of large dimensions. In addition, such manual loading limits the capacity in terms of processing speeds.
  • the loading station includes a stack of plate elements.
  • the documents CH-639.045 and EP-0451592 describe a method and a charger for forming packets from the top of a stack of elements.
  • the last upper elements of the stack, intended to form a package are separated from the same stack by means of a separator engaged with the edge of the elements of the packet.
  • a pusher moves the top of the stack, and thus the package, towards and onto a conveyor.
  • the successive packets are transported and then tabled in the direction of the machine introduction station.
  • the separator fork can not fit precisely under a single sheet.
  • the elements are micro-corrugated corrugated sheets, the trailing edge of one of the sheets will be damaged by the fork.
  • the pusher crushes the front and back edges of the leaves.
  • the lower face of the bottom sheet of each package is marked, passing over a flap located between the holding wall of the stack and the carrier.
  • the web is systematically reinitiate each new package at the tablecloth. The web is always interrupted, which interferes with the quality of the margin.
  • the station comprises means for gripping the elements present in a stack placed in a store.
  • the margin table comprises positioning means in the form of a front stop, and a device for transporting the sheet elements against the stop.
  • the store will empty very quickly and will require immediate replenishment.
  • the interval between a passage of a first stack and the next stack will generate a discontinuous supply of elements.
  • Non-stop is not possible.
  • the configuration of the web is that the front edge of each bonded corrugated cardboard element is damaged. Indeed, the front edge of the laminated lower sheet is cantilevered with respect to the corrugations and the topsheet. This bottom sheet continually rubs on the margin table. The passage of such a carton causes the lower sheet to be damaged at its front edge and / or folds downward or upward against the front edge of the carton.
  • the documents US 5326088 , US 6595740 and US 4700941 describe a device for feeding a downstream processing apparatus with items such as notebooks, sheets, poses.
  • the elements come from an initial stack and are discharged successively.
  • Intermediate storage in the form of a bundle of elements is provided before tableting.
  • the power supply of the treatment apparatus is made from the sheet of elements.
  • a main object of the present invention is to develop a loading station for a machine for processing plate elements.
  • a second objective is to realize a loading station, operating at high rates and avoiding any damage to the elements, whatever their profiles, their thicknesses, their rigidities or their materials, and thus pass especially thin and light weight paperboard.
  • a third goal is to successfully load and send laminated, without marking and without damaging the skirt.
  • a fourth objective is to make the web of elements continuous and to obtain a constant load at the introduction station. Another objective is to equip a machine with a loading station generating an excellent arrival of elements, allowing at subsequent stations to grasp the well-aligned elements and take them to the machine for effective processing.
  • a plate element loading station from an initial stack of elements disposed in a magazine to an introducer station for an element processing machine comprises the features of claim 1.
  • the sheet or sheet element is defined, by way of non-exhaustive example, as being of a material such as paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, laminated corrugated cardboard, flexible plastic, for example polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bioriented polypropylene (BOPP), or other polymers, or other materials.
  • PE polyethylene
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • BOPP bioriented polypropylene
  • the processing machine is defined, by way of non-exhaustive example, as a platen cutting machine, a printing machine, with at least one printing unit, for example in flexography, in heliography, in offset, or embossing group, or a crimping group, or hot stamping group, a digital or inkjet printing machine, a folder-gluer machine or others.
  • the longitudinal direction is defined by referring to the direction of movement of the element in the machine along its median longitudinal axis.
  • the upstream and downstream directions are defined with reference to the direction of movement of the element, along the longitudinal direction in the loading station, in the introduction station and in the whole of the processing machine.
  • the intermediate storage means the web is formed in continuous, even if the supply of the magazine is temporarily interrupted, for example when loading a new battery. With this storage, the sheet is obtained with a regular spacing between the elements.
  • the pitch of the sheet remains constant, i.e. without irregularities in the overlap. There is no longer a critical phase of web reboot.
  • a processing machine for plate elements is characterized in that it comprises a loading station having one or more technical features described below and claimed.
  • FIGURE represents a synoptic side view of a loading station according to the invention.
  • a processing machine (not shown) of a plate member for example a flexographic printing machine, comprises different printing stations.
  • the plate elements i.e. the cardboard sheets to be processed (1), for example by printing them, are captured and transported through the printing machine.
  • a loading station (2) is mounted upstream of the printing machine, upstream of its insertion station.
  • the median longitudinal axis of the station (2) is aligned with the median longitudinal axis of the machine.
  • the sheets (1) arrive in the loading station (2) in a main initial vertical stack (3) placed in a main storage magazine (4) located upstream.
  • the leaves (1) leave the station (2) downstream.
  • the direction of advance or scroll (arrows F in the Figure), also called conveying path or direction cardboard passage for the sheets (1) in the longitudinal direction indicates the upstream direction and the downstream direction.
  • the magazine (4), and thus the station (2) may comprise a battery charger (not visible) for the stack (3) of sheets (1), in the form of a battery lift mechanism.
  • the charger is a battery lift, which comprises a substantially horizontal lifting platform supporting the stack (3) of sheets (1).
  • the lifting platform can be driven vertically by the lift mechanism.
  • the lifting mechanism has an electric motor device, raising or lowering the lifting plate vertically.
  • the engine also allows to know and ensure the precise positioning of the plate. Thanks to the lifting mechanism, a new stack of sheets (1) is reloaded on the plate, to feed the station (2).
  • the magazine (4) with its battery charger, and thus the station (2), may include a stack top sensor.
  • the stack top sensor can be connected to an input of a computer.
  • the computer can act on the elevator mechanism, to maintain the successive upper leaves (1a) at a constant level after each start of a top sheet (1a).
  • the computer is programmed so that the signal appearing at its output is characteristic of the difference between the level of the top of the stack (3) measured and a setpoint calculated on the basis of the thickness of the stacked poses and the starting frequency of the leaves.
  • a charger is for example substantially similar to that described in the document EP-1,170,228 .
  • the station (2) then comprises a set of automatic introduction (6) of the sheets (1) in the station (2), which is arranged above and after the magazine (4).
  • the introduction assembly (6) has unloading means (7).
  • the unloading means (7) consist of a sheet-fed gripper for the successive upper sheets (1a), found on the top of the stack (3).
  • This introductory set (6) introduces the sheets sequentially into the rest of the station (2).
  • the upper sheet (1a) is taken from the stack (3) of sheets (1). Due to the constant level horizontal maintenance of the successive upper leaves (1a) through the battery charger, the unloading means (7) work at a substantially horizontal constant height.
  • the detection by the stack top sensor makes it possible to control that the upper sheet (1a) of the stack (3) is always at a predetermined level so that it can be taken by the unloading means (7).
  • the discharge means (7) may have a suction device (8), with one or more suction cups (9 and 11).
  • the suction cups (9 and 11) are connected to a vacuum pump or vacuum generator (not shown), generating the depression necessary to lift the upper sheets (1a).
  • the position and number of suckers (9 and 11) is adjustable by the operator, depending on the size and type of sheet (1).
  • Upstream suction cups (9) are driven by a mechanism and reciprocate from top to bottom and vice versa (Arrow H).
  • the suction cups (9 and 11) are pneumatically driven.
  • the suction cups (9 and 11) can also possibly be associated with a jack.
  • the whole of the introduction assembly (6) can pivot upstream upwards or upwards. This movement (H) is useful in case of tiling of the leaves, their rear edge may be at a lower level than their front edge.
  • these upstream suction cups (9) grip the top sheet (1a) from the stack (3) and then return to the next top sheet at the top of the stack (3). This movement is associated with an activation and a cut-off of the suction of these upstream suction cups (9).
  • Downstream suction cups (11) are driven by a mechanism and reciprocate from upstream to downstream and vice versa (Arrow A). By their movement (A), these downstream suction cups (11) grip, transport the upper sheet (1a) from its level obtained by the upstream suction cups (9), and then return for the next upper sheet (1a) which is being brought by the upstream suction cups (9). At the moment when the downstream suction cups (11) grip the upper sheet (1a), the suction of the upstream suction cups (9) is cut off.
  • the unloading means (7) may also have a crank-handle assembly.
  • the connecting rod-crank is able to move the suction member (8) on a slide.
  • the crank-handle assembly makes a back-and-forth horizontal movement, so as to be able to grip the successive sheets (1a) on the top of the stack (3), then to be able to release these same successive sheets (1a).
  • the suction device (8) is at its most upstream position.
  • the station (2) may comprise transfer means (12) for the sheets, which are arranged downstream of the insertion assembly (6). These transfer means (12) are associated with the unloading means (7) of the insertion assembly (6). Sheets are sent sequentially by the unloading means (7) to the transfer means (12). At the moment when the transfer means (12) grip the upper sheet (1a), the suction of the downstream suction cups (11) is cut off. The speed is synchronized between the capture of the sheets through the unloading means (7) and the transfer means (12).
  • transfer means (12) introduce the sheets sequentially in the rest of the station (2).
  • the sheets (1) are separated from each other and do not overlap each other, that is, they do not form a web.
  • the transfer means (12) comprise an endless belt conveyor (13).
  • the vacuum conveyor (13) grasps the sheet by its leading edge.
  • An optional brush (14) may be mounted while being retractable.
  • the station (2) comprises means for intermediate storage (16) of the sheets (1), which are arranged downstream of the transfer means (12).
  • these storage means (16) may have a positioning member before sheets, for example in the form of a front gauge (17).
  • the station (2) comprises means of transport (18) of the sheets (1) to the introduction station, which are arranged downstream of the storage means (16) and the gauge (17).
  • the transport means (18) has a downstream conveyor belt, and a vacuum belt under the conveyor at the upstream position of the gauge (17).
  • the sheets (1) abut against the gauge (17).
  • the sheets (1) can bounce back, especially when it comes to corrugated cardboard or compact cardboard of a certain thickness.
  • the transfer means (12) can have a speed profile, to accelerate, then immediately decelerate the sheets.
  • the first advantage of the acceleration is that the sheets (1a) leave the introducer assembly (6) by being evacuated as quickly as possible. With this acceleration of the sheets (1a), the unloading means (7) have time to make their round trip to bring the next upper sheet (1a).
  • the second advantage of this is to allow to significantly reduce the speed of the sheets (1) arriving against the gauge (17), while ensuring a regular rate regardless of the selected speed profile, depending on the rate of the machine and mechanical characteristics of the leaves to be treated.
  • Such transfer means (12) are for example substantially similar to those described in the document EP 1,528,021 .
  • the unloading means (7) may consist of a pusher member, simultaneously pushing several sheets (1) of the stack (3).
  • the pusher member thus constitutes initial packets of sheets (1).
  • the successive upper leaves (1a) are maintained at constant horizontal level by means of the stack feeder, and thereby the pusher member forms initial packets having a constant number of sheets (1).
  • This pusher member introduces the initial packet sheets directly into the intermediate storage means (16) against the gauge (17).
  • the storage means (16) can advantageously integrate both the positioning member, ie the gauge (17) and the transport means (18), so as to be able to obtain blocking and an intermediate packing (19). leaves (1).
  • the longitudinal position of the gauge (17) is adjustable (arrow L) according to the dimensions of the sheets (1).
  • the storage means (16) are obtained by a level difference between the transfer means (12) and the transport means (18).
  • the intermediate packet (19) is created as and when the leaves (1) and their blocking by the gauge (17).
  • the intermediate packet (19) is created by the arrival of successive initial packets.
  • the storage means (16) have an arrangement (not shown) to be able to vary (Arrow V) the intermediate storage capacity of the sheets (1).
  • the arrangement is adapted to vary (V) the height of the transport means (18) relative to the transfer means (12).
  • the transport means (18) are positioned at a height less than that of the transfer means (12). This difference in height makes it possible to obtain a second intermediate store with volume or variable capacity.
  • the intermediate package obtained (19) is a function of the thickness of the sheets (1), stored there temporarily, the change time of the stack (3) and the rate of the downstream processing machine. An overrun of the introduction assembly (6) and transfer means (12) for filling the intermediate magazine is determined according to the rate of the downstream processing machine.
  • the station (2) further comprises sheet forming means (21) positioned downstream of the storage means (16).
  • the tableting means (21) can favorably integrate both the positioning member, ie the gauge (17), and the transport means (18), so as to obtain a gradual start and a transport of the sheets. in the form of a web (22).
  • the lower sheets (1b) are removed one by one from the bottom of the intermediate package (19) through the transport means (18).
  • the interval under the gauge (17) is adjustable (arrow T) according to the thickness of the sheets (1) and the desired pitch for the sheet (22). The pitch is also adjusted by the speed of the transport means (18).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
  • Pile Receivers (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
  • Conveyance By Endless Belt Conveyors (AREA)
  • Feeding Of Articles By Means Other Than Belts Or Rollers (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une station de chargement pour des éléments en plaque. L'invention concerne également une machine de traitement de ces éléments intégrant une telle station de chargement.The present invention relates to a loading station for plate elements. The invention also relates to a machine for processing these elements integrating such a loading station.

Une machine de traitement, par exemple une machine d'impression, est utilisée notamment dans l'industrie de l'emballage, par exemple pour la confection de boîtes en carton à partir d'éléments en plaque tels que des feuilles de carton.A processing machine, for example a printing machine, is used especially in the packaging industry, for example for making cardboard boxes from plate elements such as cardboard sheets.

La machine de traitement comprend généralement plusieurs postes ou station de travail, chacun destiné à réaliser une opération déterminée. Les éléments en plaque sont introduits à l'entrée de la machine par la station d'alimentation ou station d'introduction ou introducteur installé en amont. Ces éléments en plaque sont récupérés à la sortie de la machine dans la station de réception en aval sous la forme d'éléments traités, de poses ou de boîtes prêtes à l'emploi.The processing machine generally comprises several stations or workstation, each intended to perform a specific operation. The plate elements are introduced at the entrance of the machine by the feed station or introduction station or introducer installed upstream. These plate elements are recovered at the exit of the machine in the downstream receiving station in the form of treated elements, poses or boxes ready for use.

L'introducteur fait rentrer automatiquement les éléments les uns après les autres dans la machine. L'introducteur comprend tout d'abord un transport vacuum inférieur, qui envoie les éléments dans la machine successivement les uns après les autres. A ce niveau, les éléments sont bien séparés et ne se chevauchent pas sous la forme d'une nappe. Les éléments sont ensuite entraînés et traités les uns à la suite des autres dans la machine.The introducer automatically returns the elements one after the other in the machine. The introducer firstly comprises a lower vacuum transport, which sends the elements into the machine successively one after the other. At this level, the elements are well separated and do not overlap in the form of a web. The elements are then driven and processed one after the other in the machine.

En amont du transport, un paquet d'éléments verticaux empilés est placé dans l'introducteur. L'introducteur comprend également une jauge verticale. La jauge sert au taquage frontal des éléments. Cette jauge sert également à l'extraction des éléments les uns après les autres à partir du dessous du paquet. La jauge est aussi mobile verticalement, de façon à ajuster l'écart sous le nez de la jauge, en fonction de l'épaisseur des éléments.Upstream of the transport, a stack of stacked vertical elements is placed in the introducer. The introducer also includes a vertical gauge. The gauge is used for frontal jogging of the elements. This gauge is also used to extract the elements one after the other from the underside of the package. The gauge is also movable vertically, so as to adjust the gap under the nose of the gauge, depending on the thickness of the elements.

Un premier inconvénient est que le paquet exerce une force de pression importante, surtout sur l'élément du bas du paquet posé sur le transport. Cette pression est d'autant plus élevée que le carton possède un fort grammage et que la hauteur du paquet est importante. Cette pression a tendance à écraser ces éléments du bas se succédant et à exercer une contrainte, perturbant le transport de l'élément par l'introducteur, diminuant la qualité de l'introduction et par voie de conséquence l'envoi des éléments dans la machine. Dans certains cas, le registre des éléments introduits est perdu. Dans d'autres cas, l'introducteur fait rentrer d'un seul coup deux éléments au lieu d'un seul, ce qui n'est pas souhaitable.A first drawback is that the package exerts a significant pressure force, especially on the bottom element of the package placed on the transport. This pressure is even higher than the carton has a heavy weight and that the height of the package is important. This pressure tends to crush these elements from below succeeding and exerting a constraint, disrupting the transport of the element by the introducer, decreasing the quality of the introduction and consequently the sending of the elements in the machine. In some cases, the register of introduced elements is lost. In other cases, the introducer returns two elements at once instead of one, which is not desirable.

Une telle pression augmente aussi les frottements entre l'élément du bas de pile et l'élément immédiatement au-dessus avec lequel il est en contact, lors de l'envoi de l'élément du bas. Les surfaces pouvant être pré-imprimées ou revêtues d'un couchage, par exemple de couleur blanche ou d'autres couleurs encore, vont être détériorées par du marquage.Such pressure also increases the friction between the bottom element of the stack and the element immediately above which it is in contact, when sending the bottom element. Surfaces that can be pre-printed or coated, for example white or other colors, will be damaged by marking.

Pour alimenter une machine, un opérateur place continuellement de petits paquets d'éléments empilés dans la station d'introduction. L'opérateur saisi et porte à la main ces paquets. Ceci rend le travail de l'opérateur particulièrement pénible, par exemple dans le cas de traitement de feuilles de carton ondulé de grandes dimensions. De plus, un tel chargement manuel limite la capacité en termes de vitesses de traitement.To power a machine, an operator continually places small packets of stacked items in the feed station. The operator seizes and carries these packages by hand. This makes the work of the operator particularly difficult, for example in the case of treatment of corrugated sheets of large dimensions. In addition, such manual loading limits the capacity in terms of processing speeds.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Pour assurer une cadence rapide de la machine de traitement, une station de chargement est le plus souvent intégrée à la machine, en amont de la station d'introduction. La station de chargement comprend un chargeur de pile d'éléments en plaques.To ensure a rapid rate of the processing machine, a loading station is most often integrated into the machine, upstream of the introduction station. The loading station includes a stack of plate elements.

Les documents CH- 639.045 et EP-0.451.592 décrivent un procédé et un chargeur pour former des paquets à partir du haut d'une pile d'éléments. Les derniers éléments supérieurs de la pile, destinés à former un paquet, sont séparés de cette même pile à l'aide d'un séparateur en prise avec le bord des éléments du paquet. Un pousseur éloigne le dessus de la pile, et ainsi le paquet, vers et sur un transporteur. Les paquets successifs sont transportés, puis mis en nappe en direction de la station d'introduction de la machine.The documents CH-639.045 and EP-0451592 describe a method and a charger for forming packets from the top of a stack of elements. The last upper elements of the stack, intended to form a package, are separated from the same stack by means of a separator engaged with the edge of the elements of the packet. A pusher moves the top of the stack, and thus the package, towards and onto a conveyor. The successive packets are transported and then tabled in the direction of the machine introduction station.

Cependant, si les éléments sont des feuilles de carton mince, ils s'avèrent difficiles à prendre et à soulever, la fourche du séparateur ne pouvant pas s'insérer précisément sous une seule et unique feuille. De plus, si les éléments sont des feuilles de carton ondulé à micro-cannelures, le bord arrière de l'une des feuilles va être abîmé par la fourche. De plus, le pousseur écrase les bords avant et arrière des feuilles. Comme autre inconvénient, la face inférieure de la feuille inférieure de chaque paquet est marquée, au passage sur un volet situé entre la paroi de maintien de la pile et le transporteur. Enfin, la nappe est à réamorcer de manière systématique à chaque nouveau paquet au niveau de la mise en nappe. La nappe est toujours interrompue, ce qui interfère sur la qualité de la marge.However, if the elements are sheets of cardboard, they are difficult to take and lift, the separator fork can not fit precisely under a single sheet. In addition, if the elements are micro-corrugated corrugated sheets, the trailing edge of one of the sheets will be damaged by the fork. In addition, the pusher crushes the front and back edges of the leaves. As Another disadvantage, the lower face of the bottom sheet of each package is marked, passing over a flap located between the holding wall of the stack and the carrier. Finally, the web is systematically reinitiate each new package at the tablecloth. The web is always interrupted, which interferes with the quality of the margin.

On connaît d'après le document EP- 1.528.021 une machine pour le traitement d'éléments en plaques intégrant une table de marge et une station de chargement. La station comprend des moyens de préhension des éléments présents dans une pile placée dans un magasin. La table de marge comprend des moyens de positionnement sous la forme d'une butée avant, et un dispositif pour le transport des éléments en nappe contre la butée.We know from the document EP 1,528,021 a machine for processing plate elements incorporating a margin table and a loading station. The station comprises means for gripping the elements present in a stack placed in a store. The margin table comprises positioning means in the form of a front stop, and a device for transporting the sheet elements against the stop.

Cependant, en cas de cadences rapides, le magasin va se vider très rapidement et va nécessiter un réapprovisionnement immédiat. L'intervalle entre un passage d'une première pile et la pile suivante va générer un approvisionnement discontinu en éléments. Le non-stop n'est pas possible. De plus, la configuration de la nappe fait que le bord avant de chaque élément en carton ondulé contrecollé s'abîme. En effet, le bord avant de la feuille inférieure contrecollée se trouve en porte-à-faux par rapport aux ondulations et à la feuille supérieure. Cette feuille inférieure frotte continuellement sur la table de marge. Le passage d'un tel carton fait que la feuille inférieure s'abîme au niveau de son bord avant et/ou se replie vers le bas ou vers le haut contre la tranche avant du carton.However, in case of fast rates, the store will empty very quickly and will require immediate replenishment. The interval between a passage of a first stack and the next stack will generate a discontinuous supply of elements. Non-stop is not possible. In addition, the configuration of the web is that the front edge of each bonded corrugated cardboard element is damaged. Indeed, the front edge of the laminated lower sheet is cantilevered with respect to the corrugations and the topsheet. This bottom sheet continually rubs on the margin table. The passage of such a carton causes the lower sheet to be damaged at its front edge and / or folds downward or upward against the front edge of the carton.

Les documents US-5.326.088 , US-6.595.740 et US-4.700.941 décrivent un dispositif pour alimenter un appareil de traitement situé en aval avec des éléments tels que des cahiers, des feuilles, des poses. Les éléments proviennent d'une pile initiale et sont déchargés successivement. Un stockage intermédiaire sous la forme d'un paquet d'éléments est prévu avant une mise en nappe. L'alimentation de l'appareil de traitement se fait à partir de la nappe d'éléments.The documents US 5326088 , US 6595740 and US 4700941 describe a device for feeding a downstream processing apparatus with items such as notebooks, sheets, poses. The elements come from an initial stack and are discharged successively. Intermediate storage in the form of a bundle of elements is provided before tableting. The power supply of the treatment apparatus is made from the sheet of elements.

Exposé de l'inventionPresentation of the invention

Un objectif principal de la présente invention consiste à mettre au point une station de chargement pour une machine destinée à traiter des éléments en plaque. Un deuxième objectif est de réaliser une station de chargement, fonctionnant à cadences élevées et permettant d'éviter tout dommage aux éléments, quels que soient leurs profils, leurs épaisseurs, leurs rigidités ou leurs matières, et de passer ainsi notamment des cartons de faible épaisseur et de faible grammage. Un troisième objectif est celui de réussir à charger et à envoyer du contrecollé, sans le marquer et sans abîmer la jupe. Un quatrième objectif est de rendre continue la nappe d'éléments et d'obtenir une charge constante à la station d'introduction. Un autre objectif encore est d'équiper une machine avec une station de chargement générant une excellente arrivée d'éléments, permettant aux stations ultérieures de saisir les éléments bien alignés et de les emmener dans la machine pour les traiter efficacement.A main object of the present invention is to develop a loading station for a machine for processing plate elements. A second objective is to realize a loading station, operating at high rates and avoiding any damage to the elements, whatever their profiles, their thicknesses, their rigidities or their materials, and thus pass especially thin and light weight paperboard. A third goal is to successfully load and send laminated, without marking and without damaging the skirt. A fourth objective is to make the web of elements continuous and to obtain a constant load at the introduction station. Another objective is to equip a machine with a loading station generating an excellent arrival of elements, allowing at subsequent stations to grasp the well-aligned elements and take them to the machine for effective processing.

Conformément à un aspect de la présente invention, une station de chargement d'éléments en plaque à partir d'une pile initiale d'éléments disposée dans un magasin vers une station d'introduction pour une machine de traitement des éléments, comprend les caractéristiques de la revendication 1.In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a plate element loading station from an initial stack of elements disposed in a magazine to an introducer station for an element processing machine, comprises the features of claim 1.

Dans l'ensemble de la description, l'élément en plaque ou en feuille est défini, à titre d'exemple non exhaustif, comme étant en un matériau tel que du papier, du carton plat, du carton ondulé, du carton ondulé contrecollé, du plastique flexible, par exemple du polyéthylène (PE), du polyéthylène téréphtalate (PET), du polypropylène biorienté (BOPP), ou d'autres polymères, ou d'autres matériaux encore.Throughout the description, the sheet or sheet element is defined, by way of non-exhaustive example, as being of a material such as paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, laminated corrugated cardboard, flexible plastic, for example polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bioriented polypropylene (BOPP), or other polymers, or other materials.

La machine de traitement est définie, à titre d'exemple non exhaustif, comme étant une machine de découpe à platine, une machine d'impression, avec au moins un groupe imprimeur, par exemple en flexographie, en héliographie, en offset, ou un groupe de gaufrage, ou un groupe de refoulage, ou un groupe d'estampage à chaud, une machine d'impression numérique ou à jet d'encre, une machine plieuse-colleuse ou d'autres encore.The processing machine is defined, by way of non-exhaustive example, as a platen cutting machine, a printing machine, with at least one printing unit, for example in flexography, in heliography, in offset, or embossing group, or a crimping group, or hot stamping group, a digital or inkjet printing machine, a folder-gluer machine or others.

La direction longitudinale est définie en faisant référence au sens de déplacement de l'élément dans la machine, selon son axe longitudinal médian. Les sens amont et aval sont définis en faisant référence au sens de déplacement de l'élément, suivant la direction longitudinale dans la station de chargement, dans la station d'introduction et dans l'ensemble de la machine de traitement.The longitudinal direction is defined by referring to the direction of movement of the element in the machine along its median longitudinal axis. The upstream and downstream directions are defined with reference to the direction of movement of the element, along the longitudinal direction in the loading station, in the introduction station and in the whole of the processing machine.

Autrement dit, avec les moyens de stockage intermédiaire la nappe se forme en continu, même si l'approvisionnement du magasin est provisoirement interrompu, par exemple lors du chargement d'une nouvelle pile. Avec ce stockage, la nappe est obtenue avec un écartement régulier entre les éléments.In other words, with the intermediate storage means the web is formed in continuous, even if the supply of the magazine is temporarily interrupted, for example when loading a new battery. With this storage, the sheet is obtained with a regular spacing between the elements.

Avec ce stockage associé aux moyens de transport et aux moyens de mise en nappe des éléments, le pas de nappe reste constant, i.e. sans irrégularités dans le chevauchement. Il n'y a plus de phase critique de réamorçage de nappe.With this storage associated with the means of transport and the means for forming the elements, the pitch of the sheet remains constant, i.e. without irregularities in the overlap. There is no longer a critical phase of web reboot.

Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, une machine de traitement pour des éléments en plaque est caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend une station de chargement présentant une ou plusieurs caractéristiques techniques décrites ci-dessous et revendiquées.According to another aspect of the invention, a processing machine for plate elements is characterized in that it comprises a loading station having one or more technical features described below and claimed.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

L'invention sera bien comprise et ses divers avantages et différentes caractéristiques ressortiront mieux lors de la description suivante, de l'exemple non limitatif de réalisation, en référence au dessin schématique annexé, dans lequel la Figure unique représente une vue latérale synoptique d'une station de chargement selon l'invention.The invention will be better understood and its various advantages and different characteristics will become more apparent in the following description of the nonlimiting embodiment, with reference to the appended schematic drawing, in which the single FIGURE represents a synoptic side view of a loading station according to the invention.

Exposé détaillé de modes de réalisation préférésDetailed description of preferred embodiments

Une machine de traitement (non représentée) d'un élément en plaque, par exemple une machine d'impression en flexographie, comprend différents postes d'impression. Les éléments en plaque, c'est-à-dire les feuilles de carton devant être traitées (1), par exemple en les imprimant, sont saisis et transportés au travers de la machine d'impression.A processing machine (not shown) of a plate member, for example a flexographic printing machine, comprises different printing stations. The plate elements, i.e. the cardboard sheets to be processed (1), for example by printing them, are captured and transported through the printing machine.

Comme l'illustre la Figure, une station de chargement (2) est montée en amont de la machine d'impression, en amont de sa station d'introduction. L'axe longitudinal médian de la station (2) est aligné avec l'axe longitudinal médian de la machine.As illustrated in the Figure, a loading station (2) is mounted upstream of the printing machine, upstream of its insertion station. The median longitudinal axis of the station (2) is aligned with the median longitudinal axis of the machine.

Les feuilles (1) arrivent dans la station de chargement (2) en une pile verticale initiale principale (3) placée dans un magasin de stockage principal (4) situé en amont. Les feuilles (1) sortent de la station (2) en aval. Le sens d'avance ou de défilement (Flèches F dans la Figure), aussi appelé trajet de convoyage ou sens passage carton, pour les feuilles (1) suivant la direction longitudinale indique le sens amont et le sens aval.The sheets (1) arrive in the loading station (2) in a main initial vertical stack (3) placed in a main storage magazine (4) located upstream. The leaves (1) leave the station (2) downstream. The direction of advance or scroll (arrows F in the Figure), also called conveying path or direction cardboard passage for the sheets (1) in the longitudinal direction indicates the upstream direction and the downstream direction.

Le magasin (4), et ainsi la station (2), peut comprendre un chargeur de pile (non visible) pour la pile (3) de feuilles (1), sous la forme d'un mécanisme élévateur de pile. Le chargeur est un monte-pile, qui comprend un plateau de levage, sensiblement horizontal, supportant la pile (3) de feuilles (1). Le plateau de levage peut être entraîné verticalement par le mécanisme élévateur. Le mécanisme élévateur présente un dispositif à moteur électrique, faisant monter ou descendre verticalement le plateau de levage. Le moteur permet également de connaître et d'assurer le positionnement précis du plateau. Grâce au mécanisme élévateur, une nouvelle pile de feuilles (1) est rechargée sur le plateau, pour alimenter la station (2).The magazine (4), and thus the station (2), may comprise a battery charger (not visible) for the stack (3) of sheets (1), in the form of a battery lift mechanism. The charger is a battery lift, which comprises a substantially horizontal lifting platform supporting the stack (3) of sheets (1). The lifting platform can be driven vertically by the lift mechanism. The lifting mechanism has an electric motor device, raising or lowering the lifting plate vertically. The engine also allows to know and ensure the precise positioning of the plate. Thanks to the lifting mechanism, a new stack of sheets (1) is reloaded on the plate, to feed the station (2).

Le magasin (4) avec son chargeur de pile, et ainsi la station (2), peut comprendre un capteur de sommet de pile. Le capteur de sommet de pile peut être connecté à une entrée d'un calculateur. Le calculateur peut agir sur le mécanisme élévateur, pour maintenir les feuilles supérieures successives (1a) à un niveau constant après chaque départ d'une feuille supérieure (1a). Le calculateur est programmé pour que le signal apparaissant à sa sortie soit caractéristique de la différence entre le niveau du sommet de la pile (3) mesuré et une consigne calculée sur la base de l'épaisseur des poses empilées et de la fréquence de départ des feuilles. Un tel chargeur est par exemple sensiblement analogue à celui décrit dans le document EP- 1.170.228 .The magazine (4) with its battery charger, and thus the station (2), may include a stack top sensor. The stack top sensor can be connected to an input of a computer. The computer can act on the elevator mechanism, to maintain the successive upper leaves (1a) at a constant level after each start of a top sheet (1a). The computer is programmed so that the signal appearing at its output is characteristic of the difference between the level of the top of the stack (3) measured and a setpoint calculated on the basis of the thickness of the stacked poses and the starting frequency of the leaves. Such a charger is for example substantially similar to that described in the document EP-1,170,228 .

La station (2) comprend ensuite un ensemble d'introduction automatique (6) des feuilles (1) dans la station (2), qui est disposé au-dessus et à la suite du magasin (4). L'ensemble d'introduction (6) possède des moyens de déchargement (7).The station (2) then comprises a set of automatic introduction (6) of the sheets (1) in the station (2), which is arranged above and after the magazine (4). The introduction assembly (6) has unloading means (7).

Dans un premier mode de réalisation, les moyens de déchargement (7) consistent en un préhenseur feuille à feuille pour les feuilles supérieures successives (1a), se retrouvant sur le dessus de la pile (3). Cet ensemble d'introduction (6) introduit les feuilles séquentiellement dans la suite de la station (2).In a first embodiment, the unloading means (7) consist of a sheet-fed gripper for the successive upper sheets (1a), found on the top of the stack (3). This introductory set (6) introduces the sheets sequentially into the rest of the station (2).

La feuille supérieure (1a) est prélevée de la pile (3) de feuilles (1). En raison du maintien à niveau horizontal constant des feuilles supérieures successives (1a) grâce au chargeur de pile, les moyens de déchargement (7) travaillent à une hauteur constante sensiblement horizontale. La détection par le capteur de sommet de pile permet de contrôler que la feuille supérieure (1a) de la pile (3) est toujours à un niveau prédéterminé de façon qu'elle puisse être prélevée par les moyens de déchargement (7).The upper sheet (1a) is taken from the stack (3) of sheets (1). Due to the constant level horizontal maintenance of the successive upper leaves (1a) through the battery charger, the unloading means (7) work at a substantially horizontal constant height. The detection by the stack top sensor makes it possible to control that the upper sheet (1a) of the stack (3) is always at a predetermined level so that it can be taken by the unloading means (7).

Pour ce premier mode Les moyens de déchargement (7) peuvent présenter un organe suceur (8), avec une ou plusieurs ventouses à vide (9 et 11). Les ventouses (9 et 11) sont connectées à une pompe à vide ou générateur de vide (non représenté), générant la dépression nécessaire au soulèvement des feuilles supérieures (1a). La position et le nombre des ventouses (9 et 11) est réglable par l'opérateur, en fonction de la dimension et du type de feuille (1).For this first mode The discharge means (7) may have a suction device (8), with one or more suction cups (9 and 11). The suction cups (9 and 11) are connected to a vacuum pump or vacuum generator (not shown), generating the depression necessary to lift the upper sheets (1a). The position and number of suckers (9 and 11) is adjustable by the operator, depending on the size and type of sheet (1).

Des ventouses amont (9) sont entraînées par un mécanisme et effectuent un mouvement alternatif du haut vers le bas et inversement (Flèche H). Dans une autre variante de réalisation, les ventouses (9 et 11) sont à course pneumatique. Les ventouses (9 et 11) peuvent aussi être éventuellement associées à un vérin. Dans le cas réalisé, la totalité de l'ensemble d'introduction (6) peut pivoter en amont vers le bas ou vers le haut. Ce mouvement (H) est utile en cas de tuilage des feuilles, leur bord arrière pouvant être à un niveau inférieur de celui de leur bord avant.Upstream suction cups (9) are driven by a mechanism and reciprocate from top to bottom and vice versa (Arrow H). In another variant embodiment, the suction cups (9 and 11) are pneumatically driven. The suction cups (9 and 11) can also possibly be associated with a jack. In the case realized, the whole of the introduction assembly (6) can pivot upstream upwards or upwards. This movement (H) is useful in case of tiling of the leaves, their rear edge may be at a lower level than their front edge.

Par leur mouvement (H), ces ventouses amont (9) saisissent, décollent la feuille supérieure (1a) à partir de la pile (3), puis retournent chercher la feuille supérieure suivante qui se présente en haut de pile (3). A ce mouvement est associé une activation et une coupure de l'aspiration de ces ventouses amont (9).By their movement (H), these upstream suction cups (9) grip the top sheet (1a) from the stack (3) and then return to the next top sheet at the top of the stack (3). This movement is associated with an activation and a cut-off of the suction of these upstream suction cups (9).

Des ventouses aval (11) sont entraînées par un mécanisme et effectuent un mouvement alternatif de l'amont vers l'aval et réciproquement (Flèche A). Par leur mouvement (A), ces ventouses aval (11) saisissent, transportent la feuille supérieure (1a) à partir de son niveau obtenu grâce aux ventouses amont (9), puis retournent chercher la feuille supérieure suivante (1a) qui se présente en étant amenée par les ventouses amont (9). Au moment où les ventouses aval (11) saisissent la feuille supérieure (1a), l'aspiration des ventouses amont (9) est coupée.Downstream suction cups (11) are driven by a mechanism and reciprocate from upstream to downstream and vice versa (Arrow A). By their movement (A), these downstream suction cups (11) grip, transport the upper sheet (1a) from its level obtained by the upstream suction cups (9), and then return for the next upper sheet (1a) which is being brought by the upstream suction cups (9). At the moment when the downstream suction cups (11) grip the upper sheet (1a), the suction of the upstream suction cups (9) is cut off.

Pour obtenir un mouvement des ventouses aval (11), les moyens de déchargement (7) peuvent également présenter un ensemble bielle-manivelle. L'ensemble bielle-manivelle est apte à déplacer l'organe suceur (8) sur une coulisse. L'ensemble bielle-manivelle fait effectuer un mouvement aller-retour de va-et-vient horizontal, de façon à pouvoir saisir les feuilles successives (1a) sur le dessus de la pile (3), puis à pouvoir relâcher ces mêmes feuilles successives (1a). Au moment où les ventouses aval (11) saisissent la feuille supérieure (1a), l'organe suceur (8) est à sa position la plus en amont.To obtain a movement of the downstream suction cups (11), the unloading means (7) may also have a crank-handle assembly. The connecting rod-crank is able to move the suction member (8) on a slide. The crank-handle assembly makes a back-and-forth horizontal movement, so as to be able to grip the successive sheets (1a) on the top of the stack (3), then to be able to release these same successive sheets (1a). At the moment when the downstream suction cups (11) grip the upper sheet (1a), the suction device (8) is at its most upstream position.

La station (2) peut comprendre des moyens de transfert (12) des feuilles, qui sont disposés en aval de l'ensemble d'introduction (6). Ces moyens de transfert (12) sont associés aux moyens de déchargement (7) de l'ensemble d'introduction (6). Les feuilles sont envoyées séquentiellement par les moyens de déchargement (7) vers les moyens de transfert (12). Au moment où les moyens de transfert (12) saisissent la feuille supérieure (1a), l'aspiration des ventouses aval (11) est coupée. La vitesse est synchronisée entre la saisie des feuilles grâce aux moyens de déchargement (7) et les moyens de transfert (12).The station (2) may comprise transfer means (12) for the sheets, which are arranged downstream of the insertion assembly (6). These transfer means (12) are associated with the unloading means (7) of the insertion assembly (6). Sheets are sent sequentially by the unloading means (7) to the transfer means (12). At the moment when the transfer means (12) grip the upper sheet (1a), the suction of the downstream suction cups (11) is cut off. The speed is synchronized between the capture of the sheets through the unloading means (7) and the transfer means (12).

Ces moyens de transfert (12) introduisent les feuilles séquentiellement dans la suite de la station (2). Les feuilles (1) sont séparées les unes des autres et ne se chevauchent pas l'une l'autre, autrement dit, elles ne forment pas une nappe. Pour ce faire, les moyens de transfert (12) comprennent un transporteur vacuum à courroie sans fin (13). Le transporteur vacuum (13) saisi la feuille par son bord avant. Une brosse facultative (14) peut être montée tout en pouvant être escamotée.These transfer means (12) introduce the sheets sequentially in the rest of the station (2). The sheets (1) are separated from each other and do not overlap each other, that is, they do not form a web. To do this, the transfer means (12) comprise an endless belt conveyor (13). The vacuum conveyor (13) grasps the sheet by its leading edge. An optional brush (14) may be mounted while being retractable.

Selon l'invention, la station (2) comprend des moyens de stockage intermédiaire (16) des feuilles (1), qui sont disposés en aval des moyens de transfert (12). De manière avantageuse, ces moyens de stockage (16) peuvent présenter un organe de positionnement avant des feuilles, par exemple sous la forme d'une jauge frontale (17).According to the invention, the station (2) comprises means for intermediate storage (16) of the sheets (1), which are arranged downstream of the transfer means (12). Advantageously, these storage means (16) may have a positioning member before sheets, for example in the form of a front gauge (17).

La station (2) comprend des moyens de transport (18) des feuilles (1) vers la station d'introduction, qui sont disposés en aval des moyens de stockage (16) et de la jauge (17). Les moyens de transport (18) présentent un convoyeur à tapis en aval, et un tapis vacuum sous le convoyeur à l'endroit de la jauge (17) en amont.The station (2) comprises means of transport (18) of the sheets (1) to the introduction station, which are arranged downstream of the storage means (16) and the gauge (17). The transport means (18) has a downstream conveyor belt, and a vacuum belt under the conveyor at the upstream position of the gauge (17).

Si la vitesse des moyens de transfert (12) est uniforme, les feuilles (1) butent brutalement contre la jauge (17). Les feuilles (1) peuvent rebondir en arrière, spécialement lorsqu'il s'agit de carton ondulé ou bien de carton compact d'une certaine épaisseur.If the speed of the transfer means (12) is uniform, the sheets (1) abut against the gauge (17). The sheets (1) can bounce back, especially when it comes to corrugated cardboard or compact cardboard of a certain thickness.

Dans le cas d'autres types de carton, tel que du contrecollé ou du matériau à faible grammage, on peut avoir un problème de marquage des feuilles par la jauge (17). Le fait d'appuyer une feuille contre la jauge (17) entraîne la formation d'une zone plus ou moins abîmée, visible sur le bord correspondant, en raison de la souplesse de la feuille inférieure contrecollée. Cette zone abîmée peut se retrouver ensuite dans l'impression. La lecture de marques de registre peut également être difficile voire impossible si celles-ci sont endommagées. Cette zone abîmée entraîne des bourrages des feuilles dans la machine.In the case of other types of cardboard, such as laminate or light weight material, there may be a problem of marking the sheets by the gauge (17). Pressing a sheet against the gauge (17) causes the formation of a more or less damaged area, visible on the corresponding edge, due to the flexibility of the laminated lower sheet. This damaged area can then be found in the print. Reading registry marks can also be difficult or impossible if they are damaged. This damaged area causes paper jams in the machine.

Le rebond comme l'encastrement faussent le positionnement longitudinal des feuilles (1). Le référentiel correspondant à la position longitudinale est perdu ou est très imprécis. En effet dans ce cas, les feuilles ne sont plus dans une position correcte d'alignement en un paquet intermédiaire (19) bien délimité par la jauge (17). Ceci a pour conséquences que les feuilles arrivant dans la station d'introduction ont perdu leur registre. Ces feuilles (1) ne seront pas alignées et leur impression qui s'effectue ensuite dans la machine sera décalée par rapport à ce qui était souhaité au départ.Both rebound and embedment distort the longitudinal positioning of the sheets (1). The reference frame corresponding to the longitudinal position is lost or is very imprecise. Indeed in this case, the sheets are no longer in a correct alignment position in an intermediate package (19) well defined by the gauge (17). This has the effect that the leaves arriving in the introductory station have lost their register. These sheets (1) will not be aligned and their subsequent printing in the machine will be offset from what was originally desired.

Pour pallier ces défauts, et dans une réalisation particulièrement intéressante, les moyens de transfert (12) peuvent posséder un profil de vitesse, pour accélérer, puis immédiatement décélérer les feuilles. Le premier avantage de l'accélération est que les feuilles (1a) quittent l'ensemble d'introduction (6) en étant évacuées le plus rapidement possible. Avec cette accélération des feuilles (1a), les moyens de déchargement (7) ont le temps d'effectuer leur aller-retour pour amener la feuille supérieure suivante (1a).To overcome these defects, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transfer means (12) can have a speed profile, to accelerate, then immediately decelerate the sheets. The first advantage of the acceleration is that the sheets (1a) leave the introducer assembly (6) by being evacuated as quickly as possible. With this acceleration of the sheets (1a), the unloading means (7) have time to make their round trip to bring the next upper sheet (1a).

Le deuxième avantage de ceci est de permettre de diminuer significativement la vitesse des feuilles (1) arrivant contre la jauge (17), tout en assurant une cadence régulière quel que soit le profil de vitesse choisi, en fonction de la cadence de la machine et des caractéristiques mécaniques des feuilles à traiter. De tels moyens de transfert (12) sont par exemple sensiblement analogues à ceux décrits dans le document EP- 1.528.021 .The second advantage of this is to allow to significantly reduce the speed of the sheets (1) arriving against the gauge (17), while ensuring a regular rate regardless of the selected speed profile, depending on the rate of the machine and mechanical characteristics of the leaves to be treated. Such transfer means (12) are for example substantially similar to those described in the document EP 1,528,021 .

Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation (non représenté), les moyens de déchargement (7) peuvent consister en un organe pousseur, poussant simultanément plusieurs feuilles (1) de la pile (3). L'organe pousseur constitue ainsi des paquets initiaux de feuilles (1). Les feuilles supérieures successives (1a) sont maintenues à niveau horizontal constant grâce au chargeur de pile, et de ce fait, l'organe pousseur forme des paquets initiaux possédant un nombre constant de feuilles (1). Cet organe pousseur introduit les feuilles par paquets initiaux directement dans les moyens de stockage intermédiaire (16) contre la jauge (17).In a second embodiment (not shown), the unloading means (7) may consist of a pusher member, simultaneously pushing several sheets (1) of the stack (3). The pusher member thus constitutes initial packets of sheets (1). The successive upper leaves (1a) are maintained at constant horizontal level by means of the stack feeder, and thereby the pusher member forms initial packets having a constant number of sheets (1). This pusher member introduces the initial packet sheets directly into the intermediate storage means (16) against the gauge (17).

Les moyens de stockage (16) peuvent avantageusement intégrer à la fois l'organe de positionnement, i.e. la jauge (17) et les moyens de transport (18), de façon à pouvoir obtenir un blocage et une mise en paquet intermédiaire (19) des feuilles (1). La position longitudinale de la jauge (17) est réglable (Flèche L) en fonction des dimensions des feuilles (1).The storage means (16) can advantageously integrate both the positioning member, ie the gauge (17) and the transport means (18), so as to be able to obtain blocking and an intermediate packing (19). leaves (1). The longitudinal position of the gauge (17) is adjustable (arrow L) according to the dimensions of the sheets (1).

Les moyens de stockage (16) sont obtenus par une différence de niveau entre les moyens de transfert (12) et les moyens de transport (18). Dans le premier mode de réalisation, le paquet intermédiaire (19) est créé au fur et à mesure de l'arrivée des feuilles (1) et de leur blocage par la jauge (17). Dans le deuxième mode de réalisation, le paquet intermédiaire (19) est créé par l'arrivée des paquets initiaux successifs. Les moyens de stockage (16) possèdent un agencement (non représenté) pour pouvoir faire varier (Flèche V) la capacité de stockage intermédiaire des feuilles (1).The storage means (16) are obtained by a level difference between the transfer means (12) and the transport means (18). In the first embodiment, the intermediate packet (19) is created as and when the leaves (1) and their blocking by the gauge (17). In the second embodiment, the intermediate packet (19) is created by the arrival of successive initial packets. The storage means (16) have an arrangement (not shown) to be able to vary (Arrow V) the intermediate storage capacity of the sheets (1).

L'agencement est apte à faire varier (V) la hauteur des moyens de transport (18) par rapport aux moyens de transfert (12). Les moyens de transport (18) sont positionnés à une hauteur inférieure à celle des moyens de transfert (12). Cette différence de hauteur permet d'obtenir un deuxième magasin intermédiaire à volume ou capacité variable. Le paquet intermédiaire obtenu (19) est fonction de l'épaisseur des feuilles (1), s'y trouvant stockés temporairement, du temps de changement de la pile (3) et de la cadence de la machine de traitement aval. Une sur-cadence de l'ensemble d'introduction (6) et des moyens de transfert (12), permettant le remplissage du magasin intermédiaire, est déterminée en fonction de la cadence de la machine de traitement aval.The arrangement is adapted to vary (V) the height of the transport means (18) relative to the transfer means (12). The transport means (18) are positioned at a height less than that of the transfer means (12). This difference in height makes it possible to obtain a second intermediate store with volume or variable capacity. The intermediate package obtained (19) is a function of the thickness of the sheets (1), stored there temporarily, the change time of the stack (3) and the rate of the downstream processing machine. An overrun of the introduction assembly (6) and transfer means (12) for filling the intermediate magazine is determined according to the rate of the downstream processing machine.

Selon l'invention, la station (2) comprend en outre des moyens de mise en nappe (21), positionnés en aval des moyens de stockage (16). Les moyens de mise en nappe (21) peuvent favorablement intégrer à la fois l'organe de positionnement, i.e. la jauge (17), et les moyens de transport (18), de façon à pouvoir obtenir un départ progressif et un transport des feuilles, sous la forme d'une nappe (22).According to the invention, the station (2) further comprises sheet forming means (21) positioned downstream of the storage means (16). The tableting means (21) can favorably integrate both the positioning member, ie the gauge (17), and the transport means (18), so as to obtain a gradual start and a transport of the sheets. in the form of a web (22).

Grâce à un intervalle laissé au bas de la jauge (17), les feuilles inférieures (1b) sont retirées une à une du bas du paquet intermédiaire (19) grâce aux moyens de transport (18). L'intervalle sous la jauge (17) est réglable (Flèche T) en fonction de l'épaisseur des feuilles (1) et du pas souhaité pour la nappe (22). Le pas est également ajusté par la vitesse des moyens de transport (18).With a gap left at the bottom of the gauge (17), the lower sheets (1b) are removed one by one from the bottom of the intermediate package (19) through the transport means (18). The interval under the gauge (17) is adjustable (arrow T) according to the thickness of the sheets (1) and the desired pitch for the sheet (22). The pitch is also adjusted by the speed of the transport means (18).

La présente invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits et illustrés. De nombreuses modifications peuvent être réalisées, sans pour autant sortir du cadre défini par la portée du jeu de revendications.The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated. Many modifications can be made, without departing from the scope defined by the scope of the set of claims.

Claims (10)

  1. Station for loading plate elements (1, 1a) from an initial stack of elements (3) located in a store (4) to a station for the insertion thereof into a machine for processing said elements, comprising:
    - unloading means (7) for unloading the elements (1a) from the initial stack (3),
    - intermediate storage means (16) for storing the unloaded elements (1) in the form of an intermediate packet (19), and positioned downstream from the unloading means (7),
    - transferring means (12) for transferring the elements (1a) from the unloading means (7) to the storage means (16),
    - transporting means (18) for transporting the elements (1) from the storage means (16) to the insertion station, and
    - layering means (21) for layering the elements (1), and positioned downstream from the storage means (16),
    characterised in that the storage means (16) have an arrangement capable of varying (V) the height of the transporting means (18) in relation to the transferring means (12), the transporting means (18) being positioned at a height lower than that of the transferring means (12), such as to vary the intermediate storage capacity for the elements (1).
  2. Station according to claim 1, characterised in that the storage means (16) comprise a front positioning member of the elements (1), so as to produce a blockage and an intermediate packet (19) of the elements (1).
  3. Station according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the storage means (16) further comprise the transporting means (18).
  4. Station according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the layering means (21) comprise the positioning member (17) and the transporting means (18), so that the elements (1) depart and are transported to the insertion station in the form of a layer (22).
  5. Station according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the unloading means (7) have a suction member (8, 9, 11) and a rod-handle assembly, moving the suction member (8, 9, 11) in a there-and- back movement, so as to grasp the successive elements (1a) on the top of the stack (3), then release said successive elements (1a).
  6. Station according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the transferring means (12) have a speed profile for accelerating then decelerating the elements (1a).
  7. Station according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the unloading means (7) have a pushing member, pushing several elements (1) from the stack (3) to the storage means (16).
  8. Station according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the store (4) comprises a stack lifting mechanism (3) capable of vertically driving a lifting plate for the stack (3).
  9. Station according to claim 8, characterised in that the store (4) comprises a top-of-stack (3) sensor connected to a computer affecting the lifting mechanism, so as to maintain the upper elements (1a) at a constant level after each departure of one or multiple elements (1a).
  10. Machine for processing plate elements comprising an insertion station, characterised in that it includes a loading station (2) according to any one of the previous claims, positioned downstream of the insertion station.
EP10709417.9A 2009-03-16 2010-03-11 Loading station for plate elements, and machine for processing such elements Active EP2408698B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10709417.9A EP2408698B1 (en) 2009-03-16 2010-03-11 Loading station for plate elements, and machine for processing such elements

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09003734 2009-03-16
PCT/EP2010/001520 WO2010105762A1 (en) 2009-03-16 2010-03-11 Loading station for plate elements, and machine for processing such elements
EP10709417.9A EP2408698B1 (en) 2009-03-16 2010-03-11 Loading station for plate elements, and machine for processing such elements

Publications (2)

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EP2408698A1 EP2408698A1 (en) 2012-01-25
EP2408698B1 true EP2408698B1 (en) 2015-11-25

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EP (1) EP2408698B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5401599B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101331702B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102414099B (en)
BR (1) BRPI1009298B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2557432T3 (en)
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WO (1) WO2010105762A1 (en)

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TWI593616B (en) * 2014-06-27 2017-08-01 巴柏斯特麥克斯合資公司 Method for supplying plate elements to a machine, supply station and processing machine thus equipped
CN107215693A (en) * 2017-04-24 2017-09-29 深圳市德仓科技有限公司 A kind of optical film material automates conveyer
DE102018201918B4 (en) * 2018-02-07 2020-07-02 Koenig & Bauer Ag Sheet printing machine with at least one substrate feed device
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CN102414099A (en) 2012-04-11
BRPI1009298B1 (en) 2019-11-26
US20120038098A1 (en) 2012-02-16
WO2010105762A1 (en) 2010-09-23
KR101331702B1 (en) 2013-11-20
EP2408698A1 (en) 2012-01-25
TW201036906A (en) 2010-10-16
US8608151B2 (en) 2013-12-17
ES2557432T3 (en) 2016-01-26
CN102414099B (en) 2015-04-08
KR20110127276A (en) 2011-11-24
TWI419827B (en) 2013-12-21
JP2012520222A (en) 2012-09-06
JP5401599B2 (en) 2014-01-29
BRPI1009298A2 (en) 2016-03-08

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