EP1398286A1 - Method and device for processing and separating a shingled formation of flat and flexible articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of separating and working on a shingled array of printed products has the products moved along a guide path (1) when held in an angled orientation. The printed products are moved from this position individually or in preset groups through a separator (5) which removes them from the remaining products and to a discharge conveyor (8). Claims include a conveyor for carrying out the method.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for processing and separating scale-like formation of flexible, flat objects, in particular printed products, according to the preamble of the independent claims.

Various feeders and devices are known from the prior art, namely around Separate or record printed products individually and transport them to a To hand over funding. The disadvantages inherent in the prior art are due to opposite Movement patterns, large mass and friction forces and abrupt changes of direction founded. In the machines used today, the processes are not fluid, but rather have a static component. This means that a printed product to be processed is brought to a complete standstill and then accelerated abruptly in another direction to become. This is particularly effective at high processing speeds negative.

From CH324210, for example, a feeder for the paper industry is known. This is used to create folded printed sheets on the saddles of a feed conveyor belt Stapler. The device is based on a drum that slants between one on a Level supported stack of folded printed sheets and a conveyor belt with saddles is arranged. The printed sheets are arranged standing on the fold in the area of the feed. The drum, which is arranged essentially tangential to the foremost printing sheet has on its periphery a gripper, by means of which the foremost printed sheet the position on the flower side is recorded and subtracted. The next sheet is peeling off only possible if the previous one has been completely removed from the stack. Every press sheet is deflected adjacent to the drum and onto a saddle of the feed conveyor belt discarded. With this device, only one print sheet is used per work cycle processed, which results in a principle-related limitation of the processing speed Has. So that the print sheet can be captured, it is also necessary that the drum or the gripper performs an opposite movement. With fast running machines leads this to high inertia forces. Due to the underlying functional principle, it is suitable this device is not for processing large volumes and is also the flower-side Separate problematic.

DE2531262 shows a feeder for sheets or folded layers of paper or similarly flexible Materials. Printed sheets are in the form of a shingled stream (leading edge above) moved along an inclined plane by means of a conveyor belt. Another one on an inclined plane, the printed sheets are jammed to a wrong position and to a standstill brought. The bottom printed sheet of the inclined position is over with grippers equipped wheel captured and deflected by means of a deflection roller. This will print the sheets subtracted from the wrong position. In contrast to that known from CH324210 The printed sheets are not arranged individually, but in the form of a continuous device Scale flow deducted. Due to the strong deflection during the pulling, the printed sheets are heavily used. A downstream is used to separate the printed sheets Acceleration route proposed.

EP1055620 from the same applicant shows a device for picking up and transporting of flat printed products. Along a revolving wheel is a multitude of Grippers attached with assigned suction elements. The sheets to be processed are arranged on a stack, from which they are lifted by means of the suction elements and into the Effective range of the grippers are brought. The printed sheets are gripped by the grippers and then deposited in the form of a shingled stream and conveyed away by means of a conveying means. This device enables the detection of printed sheets at very short intervals, where suction heads and products are to be aligned.

EP1086914 from the same applicant shows a device for transporting flat products from a stationary stack positioned in a receiving point to a delivery point. The device has a separating member, as well as a support element and a holding member, which are arranged around a shaft. The products are recorded individually, separated and handed over to a means that serves to carry it away. Also with this device the products are mechanically stressed.

WO00 / 46135 by the same applicant shows an apparatus for dismantling a stack of flat objects, in particular printed matter. From a stack is by means of of a lifting device, the uppermost printed sheet is raised and into the effective area of one Brought pushing device. The printed sheet is lifted by means of the pushing device brought laterally into the effective area of a conveyor belt, which leads to the removal of the printed sheets serves in the form of a stream of scales. The device is designed so that it is height adjustable of the stack: Although simplified compared to the prior art, one is nevertheless Control required.

EP0863099, the same applicant, shows a device for separating stacked Printed products. With the aid of a subsidy, the printed sheets are processed under pushed a stack. The top printed product of this stack is replaced by a Grippers are gripped and occasionally guided away. So that the printed sheets can be captured they are lifted individually using a lifting device and into the effective range of a gripper brought.

EP0755886, by the same applicant, shows an apparatus for feeding folded printed products to a processing station. A grant will be used in one Shingled stream of printed sheets fed to a stacking point, where they are placed under an intermediate stack be pushed. By means of a lifting element moved along an orbit (Suction element), the uppermost printed product is lifted at the fold edge and brought into the effective range of a conveyor. The conveyor has a segmented roller and a circumferential belt, which is used to press printed products against the segmented Roller serves. The printed sheets are picked up one after the other and into the effective area brought by the conveyor, through which it is captured and in the form of a stream of flakes be led away.

DE19627830, the same applicant, shows a device for feeding printed products to a conveyor. A suction element arranged inside a rotor passes through a recess to capture a printed product and with the corner area inside of the rotor. The printed product is then gripped by a rotor arm and raised further to bring it into the effective range of a conveyor. The printed products are conveyed away by means of grippers, or in the form of a shingled stream.

EP0675061, by the same applicant, shows a device for continuous feeding from flat products to a delivery point. Using an endless conveyor belt Printed products fed to a delivery point. The conveyor belt is at least at the delivery point deflected in areas around a stationary deflecting roller and undershoots it the deflection wheel. The conveyor belt driven by a stepper motor and a deflection wheel form a conveyor gap for the products to be processed, which are in a scale-like Formation are arranged. The top product of a sub-stack is created using a Suction head captured and lifted.

As can be seen from the publications described above, the state of the art Technology known devices for separating printed products a relative complicated structure, whereby the complexity is partly due to control. Dependent on of the principles mentioned, the processing speed is also limited so the print products are not stressed too much or the processing steps are reliable respectively. Most known devices rely on the fact that the printed products for further processing must be brought to a complete standstill so that it can be Gripper or an equivalent means can be taken. So much for the state of the art A smooth processing is required, complex constructions, especially controls required to be able to separate the printed products with high accuracy. On another disadvantage of conventional designs for continuous processing, i.e. if the printed products are not to be brought to a complete standstill, that (limited) buffering in the event of short-term disruptions, if at all, only through complex Sensor technology with control or regulation systems can be collected. Under for this reason, most devices see a "static" intermediate stack in front of which the printed products (previously braked to a standstill or almost at a standstill) accelerated, deducted and isolated.

The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for continuous Processing a scale-like formation of flexible, flat objects, especially of printed products, in particular for the precise separation and transfer of individual printed products from this scale-like formation to a conveyor, which are comparatively low in terms of construction, control or regulation technology Require effort.

This object is achieved by the invention defined in the independent claims solved.

The invention is based on a fluid transformation of a scale-like formation of flexible, flat objects, in particular folded printed sheets by means of a guide. In the following, reference is largely only made to printed products, whereby other flat objects of course by the invention includes accordingly become.

The print products to be processed are preferably fed in the form of a shingled stream, where the trailing edges, in the case of folded sheets their fold, the one to be processed Printed products or printed sheets are arranged at the top and the subsequent printed product overlap. Such a shingled stream is fed to the guide, which is used to shape the Scale flow in angle, orientation and density serves to create a new scale-like Formation results. Regardless of whether the printed products fed as a stack, layer or shingled stream, they are separated by suitable means before separation transfers the scale-like formation standardized according to the invention. With folded In contrast to the prior art, printed products are preferably arranged at the top and the folded sheet is supported on its flower, so that the folded sheet on the fold individually or can be recorded in a defined number. The invention thus enables accordingly also the processing of a bar, a stack or other formations using the same method according to the invention for separating the printed products, i.e. that the products do not necessarily have to be supplied as a shingled stream. Possibly the standing products are e.g. a rod into the desired slant Transferred position, whereas with a shingled stream as described above, it is necessary to erect the printed products. If necessary, fold sheets are made in this way beforehand oriented that their flower is oriented downwards.

Embodiments of the invention shown here can have a modular structure, where several modules are operatively connected via standardized interfaces. A preferred one Embodiment has a takeover, a transfer module and a downstream Conveyor module for the removal of printed products. The takeover module serves the possibly in different forms and arrangements (scale, layer, package or stack etc.) to bring the printed products supplied into a suitable, standardized starting position is fed to the transfer module. The transfer module is used in particular for the printed products by means of a guide means according to the invention in a starting position optimized for removal to transform. Using the downstream funding module, individual or a defined number of separated printed products are removed and transported away. At the The conveyor module is, for example, a rotating traction element equipped with grippers or a removal drum.

In the transfer module, the printed products become active or passive over a flat, concave or convexly curved or kinked guide surface of a guide. Subsequent to the A conveying means is arranged at the end region of the guide surface or the transfer module Removal or the separation and removal of individual printed products. The printed products are in a scale-like formation with (trailing) edge on the guide surface guided and guided along. A preferred embodiment of a conductive agent includes a guide surface, at the end of which a substantially vertically projecting edge is arranged, the controlled retention and erection of the elements of the shingled stream serves. In contrast to the devices known from the prior art the device according to the invention a dynamic processing of the printed products. There is no fundamental change of direction, which is limited to the processing process and could affect processing speed. The Elements become fluent and above all without impairing the stress on the printed products processed, which means that they are smooth and continuous in alignment and arrangement be transformed and separated. Of course, the invention can also be passive Withdrawal included, i.e. separation or separation is carried out by the transfer module itself and the separated printed sheets or printed sheet groups are sent to a removal unit passed, which has no separation function.

The functional principles known today require that the printed products are practically horizontal or be handed over supported. In contrast to this, the printed products aligned in the present invention by the guide means that they are in the transfer area the guiding surface in an obliquely upright, largely freely accessible position and be separated. Compared to most of the solutions known from the prior art this also has the advantage that the separation process does not necessarily mean that a Print product must be completely separated before separating the next sheet can start. In the case of folded printed sheets, the fold points upwards according to the invention, that means away from the guide surface, so that the printed sheets individually or in a defined number e.g. of a gripping device can be gripped easily and with high accuracy. The Printed products show a procedural way of processing with each other and with the conductive agent favorable mutual influence and stabilization, especially in End area of the baffle is relevant for the process.

Due to their specific properties, several printed products that lie against each other show and the arrangement, namely their flexibility and mutual mobility, in their Overall, an elastic or supple behavior. A first form of elastic behavior can be observed in a package of printed products that is placed on one level and is held by stops or limits. Be the limits of the print product package pulled apart in the longitudinal direction, the angle between the printed products and the level flatter. However, if the limits of the package are pushed together, the angle between the plane and the printed products becomes steeper. This behavior is in understood this way, elastic. Another form of elastic behavior is particular to be observed when arranging folded printed products. Tilt due to the fold the individual printed products to bulge or open up in certain areas. But also with other flexible products or printed products due to material unevenness and air entrapment given such flexibility. This has the consequence that a corresponding Stack or a corresponding layer of printed products elastically compressed can be. For example, a stack of folded newspaper sheets can be substantial press together. It has been shown that this in a guide means according to the invention Behavior, with a suitable relative arrangement and orientation of the to be processed Print products that can be used to achieve a balancing and buffering effect.

To a certain extent, this buffer effect acts as a dynamic buffer (as a result a local compression) and geometric compensation during processing. This effect is used here specifically to differentiate between processing speeds compensate for devices that promote and remove or short-term disruptions.

So that the effects described above can be exploited, the one used in the guide The guide surface preferably has a shape that leads to the one guided over it scale-like formation of printed products compacted and simultaneously set up in a controlled manner (or inclined). Guide surfaces that have a flat section are particularly suitable have, which in an arcuate or straight, obliquely downward section pass.

In order to separate the printed products, there is a boundary at the end of the guide surface, e.g. in the form of a mechanical stop, which condenses the printed products Scale flow along the guide surface prevented. In the effective range of the mechanical The printed products are jammed and erected in a controlled manner. When erecting in a vertical position takes place due to the shift in the center of gravity of the printed products lateral gravity continuously decreases, so that the printed products in an unstable balance come and then tend to tip over. About that moment they come into the effective range of a funding, which captures them and takes them away individually. at alternative embodiments, a special separating device can be included here, which transfers the printed sheets to a subsequent conveyor module.

In order to support a separation of the printed products it makes sense in certain cases to To provide means for actively changing the inclination of the printed products to match the printed products, at the moment when they tend to tip over, feed the subsidy in a controlled manner. This can be, for example, a rotating, flat or structured roller or a circulating cam belt act, by means of which the printed products by friction, shape or other adhesion, can be influenced. Depending on the field of application are also suitable Rollers or vane wheels equipped with suction elements between the printed products intervene and deliver it dynamically to the funding. A controlled one is also suitable Airflow that acts on the printed products from the side or from above. Another Form of an agent that supports this peeling or tipping process, here transfer agent or called separation device, has a lever, at one end a suction cup is appropriate. The lever is rotatably mounted about an axis, the fulcrum of the Axis is arranged in the area of the mechanical stop at the end of the guide surface. The the foremost printed product that is in contact with the mechanical stop (board) is against the Lever or the suction cup pressed. To this first printed product now to the funding to hand over, the lever and with it the printed product held by the suction cup swiveled relatively quickly, so that the printed product is free and captured by the funding can be. The remaining printed products remain or persist due to their inertia a mechanical stop. It is easily possible to remove the or Also conveyed away by rotating pairs of rollers, conveyor belts or alternative means of conveyance to effect.

The distance between the guide surface and the conveying means or the transfer means is preferably adjustable, so that the device for processing printed products variable formats. Another advantage of the invention is that at the site of separation and if necessary a switch system can be provided so that the printed sheets handed over to various conveyors immediately after the transfer module or can be removed through this.

The device can, in particular on the guide surface, have additional active means which to control the flow, density and shape of the scale flow. With these Guide means are e.g. around one or more revolving conveyor belts (conveyor belts), which influence the flow behavior and folding of the printed products by means of friction. The Guide means are arranged along the entire guide surface or only in sections. You point the same or different conveying speeds depending on requirements and are the same or aligned in opposite directions. The inclined position of the printed products is suitable for one To achieve a buffering and balancing effect, e.g. to compensate for fluctuations in the Processing speed is used.

Stabilizing agents can be provided in particular in the area of the guide surface or the guide means be the dynamic when starting the device or in the event of a fault Stop the process or "freeze" it. These means are preferably Grippers, levers or flaps that, if necessary, in the flow of printed products to be processed intervene and support and stabilize them in angle and orientation. These stabilizers can be arranged so that they can move at least for a certain distance can be moved with the flow of printed products to be processed. To start off or stopping the processing process are particularly displaceable or pivotable or telescopically extendable flaps or rods. The stabilizers can form part of the device or be arranged separately.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Übergabevorrichtung mit einer konvexen Leitfläche;

Fig. 2

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Übergabevorrichtung mit Förderbändern;

Fig. 3

die Ausführungsform gemäss Figur 2 in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 4

eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Übergabevorrichtung mit im Wesentlichen geraden Abschnitten;

Fig. 5

eine vierte Ausführungsform einer Übergabevorrichtung mit einer konvexen Leitfläche.

Fig. 6

eine weitere Ausführungsform mit einem Querverschieben der Druckbogen unmittelbar vor der Entnahme.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show schematically and in a highly simplified manner:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a transfer device with a convex guide surface;

Fig. 2

a second embodiment of a transfer device with conveyor belts;

Fig. 3

the embodiment of Figure 2 in a side view;

Fig. 4

a third embodiment of a transfer device with substantially straight sections;

Fig. 5

a fourth embodiment of a transfer device with a convex guide surface.

Fig. 6

a further embodiment with a transverse displacement of the printed sheets immediately before removal.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a guide means 1 according to the invention in a side view. Printed products are in the direction of arrow P on a convexly curved guide surface 2 10 in a scale-like formation 13 against one arranged at the end of the guide surface 2 Edge (board) 3 passed, which serves as a mechanical stop for the printed products 10. The Printed products 10 rest with their flowers 12 on the guide surface 2, the fold 11 of the Print products 10 shows up. Print products that are far from board 3 in a scaly arrangement, in which the fold 11 trailing relative to the flower 12 is. Printed products 10, which are closer to board 3, on the other hand, are steeper, i.e. placed at an angle. In contrast to the devices known from the prior art The transformation is fluid and is primarily due to the interaction of the printed products with each other and especially caused by the geometry of the guide means. there are the printed products 10 from a here only indicated schematically, according to the state Different feed designs 14, e.g. a belt conveyor, the Guide 1 supplied.

The printed products 10 are here in the scale-like formation 13, as a result of Force action of the following products and the inclination, along the guide surface 2 forward emotional. Alternatively or in addition, active agents (not in this figure ), in particular additional conveyor belts, are used. The control surface 2 and the board 3 specifically affect the shape of the shingled stream and the orientation of the Print products 10 such that the print products 10 at the end of the guide surface 2 in the area of the Bords 3 an optimal orientation for gripping, here by means of a rotating one Take traction element 9 attached gripper 8. Board 3 blocks the flow of scale-like Formation 13, whereby the printed products 10 run together in a controlled manner and as a result align the specific shape of the guide surface 2. The curvature and especially the Inclination of the guide surface 2 are designed so that the printed products can be set up in a controlled manner 10 is reached. Another advantage of the curved baffle is that the Fold edges of the printed sheets, if necessary with a guide means acting on the fold side, can be brought almost to a straight line. This particularly facilitates the arrangement and Design of the means 5 for separating the printed sheets. According to the invention, the guide surface 2 at least partially inclined with respect to the horizontal, so that the Print products in the conveying direction of a certain wedge effect and thus "compression" of the Product flow are subject. This inclination of the guide surface 2 is in preferred embodiments at least partially more than 30 ° from the horizontal, so that the desired one Erection process of the printed products is effected. In the immediate area of the board 3, the printed products are essentially with the fold upwards (z-direction) vertical position from which they are individually or in a defined number to the funding, here to be passed to the grippers 8 for removal.

Above the board 3, a folding means 5 can be seen, which is used for the controlled folding of the Print products 10 is used. The transfer means 5 is an axis A (perpendicular to the drawing plane) rotating impeller 6 with arms 7. The arms 7 grip, as a result the rotation of the impeller 7, between the printed products located at the end of the guide surface 2 10 and cause them to peel or peel in a controlled manner and in the area of the fold are separated from one another. Those in the area of the fold 11 from each other Separate printed products 10 are defined individually or in a defined manner by the transfer means 5 Number brought into the effective range of grippers 8, gripped by one of these grippers 8 and then conveyed away. It can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 that the transfer means peels off and subsequent "overturning" of the respective printed product causes or supports. According to the invention the printed sheets are actively in during removal by means of the folding means 5 transferred an inclined position in the direction of the conveying direction. Although the one described here Process causes an optimal removal, can be used in other embodiments of the transfer means 5 is also a mere lifting for removal, so that the term "Transfer agent" is not to be understood as restrictive and this also as a separating device can be designated.

The distance D between the guide surface 2 and the folding means 5 or the gripper 8 is adjustable so that elements of different sizes can be processed. The Guide surface can be inclined or shifted differently, or alternatively the transfer means 5 and the removal means 8, 9 are arranged movably. In special embodiments can also be adapted to different formats by means of a sensor system with the appropriate Regulation and control, which control elements (position and active forces of the transfer means, Adjust removal means, etc.) accordingly, provided.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a transfer device with a guiding means 1 in a side view. Along the guide surface 2 are parallel to the flow direction B (here not shown) scale-like formation conveyor belts 15 arranged as guide elements for targeted, section-wise acceleration or deceleration of yourself on the guide surface 2 print products. The orientation and flow behavior of the printed products is specifically influenced by this. Depending on the area of application, the conveyor belts 15 supported by air (e.g. fanning out by pressure or holding by vacuum). Furthermore the conveyor belts 15 can be driven in the same or opposite directions if necessary.

The guide means 1 can optionally have a changeable geometry, which at least allows a specific setting of the curvature of the guide surface 2 in some areas. The Guide means 1 can thus be adjusted to different printed products. By changing the curvature becomes the inclination, but also frictional forces, and thus the flow and Congestion behavior affects. A preferred embodiment has one made of sheet metal Conducting means, which by a bending device, e.g. a set screw or hydraulics, is deformed (elastically).

Figure 3 shows schematically with the help of arrows 16.1, 16.2, 16.3 the influence of three conveyor belts 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 on the printed products 10 of the scale-like formation 13. The length of the arrows 16.1, 16.2, 16.3 exemplifies the speed of the conveyor belts 15 Arrows 16.1, 16.2 illustrate that the conveyor belts 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 are driven here in the direction of flow of the scale-like formation 13, the second conveyor belt 15.2 having a higher conveyor speed 16.2 than the other two conveyor belts 15.1 and 15.3. It is thereby achieved that the printed products 10 are accelerated towards the board 3 in this area on the flower side. After the printed products 10 have left the effective range of the second conveyor belt 15.2, they reach the effective range of the third conveyor belt 15.3, where the printed products 10 are braked on the flower side. This procedure ensures that the printed products 10 set up in a controlled manner. Other embodiments and drive concepts are possible as required. The conveyor belts 15 can be driven differently or in a regulated or controlled manner and the product flow can additionally be influenced by different frictional forces with respect to conveyor belts 15 or guide plate 2.

The conveyor belts 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 also serve to check the arrangement of the printed products, especially when starting and stopping the device and in the event of a fault. Flaps and grippers that can be swung out or swung out, here, for example, by means of an axis 23 pivoted flap 22 indicated, serve in addition or alternatively as a control and Stabilizing agent for the position and orientation of the printed products. If necessary, you can Means are designed to be movable and track the product flow.

These conveyor belts 15.1 to 15.3 support the one already described with reference to FIG. 1 Process in which the printed products 10 are fed onto the guide surface 2 of the guide means 1 conveyed lying overlapping, the trailing edge of a printed product lies above the leading edge of the subsequent printed product. During the Transport over the guide surface 2, the printed sheets 10 are continuously erected, so that they have an inclined position when removing the guide means 1, in which the printed products are slightly inclined against the conveying direction P.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a guide surface 2. This is composed of three essentially straight sections 17.1, 17.2, 17.3. Due to the greater inclination of the second section 17.2, it is caused that the printed products 10 are increasingly stowed in the third section 17.3 and are erected there in a controlled manner. The compression of the scale-like formation 13 in the transfer area of the rim 3 is set by the length of the guide surface 2 or its inclination and surface quality. The shape of the guide surface 2 is to be determined as a function of the nature of the printed products 10 to be processed. Additional guide elements 18 are present on the guide surface 2, which stabilize and guide the flow of the printed products 10 in the lateral direction. The guide elements 18 are preferably projecting guide plates which are arranged essentially parallel to the direction of flow of the scale flow. These guide elements 18 are preferably arranged to be adjustable so that they can be adjusted to the width of the printed products 10. The guide elements 18 serve to stabilize the dynamic flow of the scale-like formation 13. In order to achieve additional stabilization when the formation 13 is at a standstill, ie when the printed products 10 are not in motion, the guide means 18 can be arranged such that they can move relative to one another Printed products 10 are clamped in between and thus stabilized. Additional elements, for example in the form of laterally engaging pins, are conceivable.

Another embodiment with guide means 18 uses laterally arranged conveying means. These are preferably conveyor belts, conveyor rollers, vacuum belts or brush conveyors. In this case, the guide means 18 are not, as shown in the example, in the vicinity of the guide surface arranged, but can also be at a constant or variable height next to the guide surface 2 be arranged.

FIG. 5 shows a substantially concave guide surface 2. The compression of the printed products 10 located in the area of the board 3 differs here from the other embodiments shown. It can be seen that, due to the geometry of the guide surface 2 and the relatively few supplied printed products, the scale-like formation has a comparatively loose arrangement. The board 3 is inclined away in the direction of the product flow, so that the foremost printed sheet has an inclination pointing here to the right and forms a support for the subsequent printed sheets.

As can be seen, the printed products 10 are not subjected to an abrupt change of direction, Rather, it is steadily and continuously brought into a position that allows for a separation and grasping is optimal. By an arrangement in which the fold is arranged upwards the printed products can be easily recorded. The guide surfaces 2 are preferred formed by the surfaces of a correspondingly shaped sheet. That on the flow behavior and concept based on the specific properties of a shingled stream a simple and robust construction. Because practically no fast moving parts are required and the printed products do not experience an abrupt change of direction or mechanical stress are subject to allow devices of the invention comparatively higher Processing speeds. An additional advantage of the invention shows that In particular in the case of folding sheets in the area of the flower there is greater compression than in the middle or at the fold edge of the fold sheets. The folded sheets tend to be in the middle expand so that the folded edges do not lie close together, but in a slightly fanned formation can be processed, which is particularly the separation as well as the already described flipping simplified.

The exemplary embodiments described above have a board 3 which is directly connected to the lead is connected. According to the invention, the required stop can also be used be formed by a separate means, for example a movable sheet or stop bars. In this case, it is possible to make the stop adjustable, so that with different Product properties (size, bendability, thickness, etc.) also provide an adjustment option is. A movable stop is indicated in FIG. 5, which occurs when a printed sheet is removed is moved in the direction of arrow M in a controlled manner, so that the foremost printed product can also be released on the flower side and is therefore easy to remove. The removal device in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 has a conveyor with which the printed products immediately after the separation (not shown here) and the removal in Direction of arrow H are conveyed away essentially vertically upwards.

In special embodiments, the board 3 or the stop can also be moved Elements that convey the printed products in the removal direction are formed so that thus the removal process is supported. Among other things, the specialist will: provide a horizontal axis, optionally controlled rollers, which any Minimize or avoid the frictional forces of the product to be removed from the shelf 3. In special embodiments, the one immediately after separation can also be a Transfer to different extraction devices, e.g. alternating with different grippers.

A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. Here are the Print products immediately before separating and removing in the direction of arrow S opposite their main conveying direction P is substantially perpendicular to the guide surface 2 added. This transverse offset can be achieved by a simple lifting means, for example a sheet metal 28 attacks the side edges of the printed products. In this way, the separation can be simplified by means of the transfer means 5. In addition, the following can Printed products are easily retained on the fold side by means of a retaining means 29 become. After separation, the printed products are used in the manner described above the removal means 9 conveyed away.

Claims (15)

Method for processing and separating a scale-like formation (13) of flexible, flat objects (10), in particular printed products, in which the flat objects (10) are continuously fed to a transfer module in an essentially regular formation by means of a product feeder (14) and transferred by the latter to a conveying module (9), characterized in that the flat objects (10) are fed to a guiding means (1) in a flowing manner, that the flat objects (10) during their conveyance by the guiding means (1) are inclined brought standing position, and that the flat objects (10) from this position individually or in a defined number by means of a separating device (5) from the other flat objects (10) and are conveyed away by a conveyor (8). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat objects (10) are conveyed overlapping when fed onto a guide surface (2) of the guide means (1), the trailing edge of a flat object (10) in each case above the leading edge of the subsequent flat object and the objects (10) are continuously erected during transport via the guide surface (2), the inclined position of the flat objects being inclined against the conveying direction when the flat objects are removed from the guide means (1). Method according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the flat objects (10) are folded sheets (11), the fold of each folded sheet subsequently lying over the respective subsequent folded sheet (10) and which are removed when the guide means (1) is removed. standing at an angle on her flower (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straightening of the flat objects is effected by actively braking or accelerating the flat objects on at least one edge by means of conveying means (15, 18). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat objects are actively transferred into an inclined position in the direction of the conveying direction during removal by means of a transfer means (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat objects are displaced transversely to their main conveying direction (P) before removal. Device for carrying out the method according to claim 1 with a product feed (14) having a conveying device, a transfer module connected downstream thereof and a conveying module (9) for removing flat objects from the transfer module, characterized in that the transfer module contains a guide means (1) which has a guide surface (2) which is inclined at least in some areas with respect to the horizontal, and that a rim (3) or stop is arranged on the side facing the removal device (9). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide surface (2) is at least partially concave or convex or has at least two sections with different inclinations of the guide surface (2). Device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the inclination of the guide surface (2) is at least in regions greater than 30 °. Device according to one of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the guide surface (2) has guide elements (18) which serve to accelerate and / or decelerate the flat objects (10) in certain areas. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the board or the stop (3) is arranged to be movable relative to the guide means (1). Device according to one of the claims 7 to 11, characterized in that active means (5) for separating individual objects (10) or groups of objects (10) are arranged on the side of the guide means (1) facing the removal device (9). Device according to one of the claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the board or the stop (3) has a movable element which conveys the objects (10) in the removal direction. Device according to one of the claims 7 to 13, characterized in that means (28) for transversely displacing the objects (10) are arranged in the removal region of the objects (10). Device according to one of the claims 7 to 14, characterized in that restraining means (29) acting on the free edge of the objects (10) are arranged above the guide means (2).

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