CA2047209A1 - Article separating and delivering apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A sheet delivery unit (10) includes an in-feed conveyor in-line coupled to a plurality of separate receivers. A horizontal conveyor (35) and an inclined conveyor (39) are vertically aligned and each includes a continuous belt run and an interrupted belt run including an upstream common portion and downstream belt forming a diverting gap (36). A pair of diverters are vertically spaced at the opposite sides of the gap and each includes diametrically spaced cam segments with a length about three times the gap length.
The diverters are rotatably mounted and the axes (32) are offset with the cam surfaces tangential to the horizontal path and with the one diverter (27) moving into the gap closely adjacent to the upstream gap end to support and carry the sheet into the uppermost two conveyor units and with the second diverter (28) spaced downstream to guide the sheet into the bottom unit.

Description

W~ ~]/09802 PCT/US90/07546 ARTICLE SEPERATING AND DILIVERING APPARATVS 2 0 ~ 7 2 0 9 Back~round Of The Present Invention This invention relates to a multiple point delivery apparatus ~or separating an~ delivering a series of articles to a plurality of discrete receiving devices.
In the forming of printe~ articles, a series of the articles are formed and subsequently assembled. The forming of the articles preferably involves an on-line system in which a web of indefinite length is passed through printing, cutting and fonming a~paratus to form the individual articles. Ihe printing, forming and processing can normally be completed in high speed in-line apparatus. The articles from the in-line apparatus are normally discharged at a rate in excess of that which can be incorporated in the final processing, such as assembly, stacking or the like. To maintain the on-line operation, various separating systems have been propo~ed for receiving of the in-line articles as produced and diverting of the articles into two or more streams thereby permitting a reduced rate of final assembly and processing. A widely proposed system includes a belt conveyor system havinq an in-line path, and one or more angulated of~set paths. Diverting members selectivelY move into the path of the incoming single supply stream to selectively divert selected articles from the in-line path to one o~ the alternate paths. For example, U.~. Patent 4,666,14fi which issued May 19, 1987, discloses a vertical stream or flow system having a diverting system including a vertical in-line belt conveyor and an angulated offset belt conveyor. A segmental deflector moves thrugh the vertical path and deflects alternate articles into the offset path. A bull-nose guide between the two conveyors also guides the articles into the alternate pathO British patent 1,2~8,969 of October 14, 1970 discloses a horizontal conveyor for movinq sheets in a .. . ............................................. .
. . - ' ' Wo91/0980~ 2~720~ PCT/US90/07546 horizontal path through a divertinq ~ap. An angled conveyor at the end of the gap transports the sheets from the horizontal path. A pair o~ oppositely rotating diverters move through the belt and gap to enga~e the sheets and divert and then in the alternate paths. UOS. Patent 3,391,777 which issued ;luly 9, 196~, discloses a similar system with pad-like members movable between two horizontal levels and a single diverter for supportin~ the sheets in one path and havinq an enlarged cams ~or raising the wheel to the alternate path. European patent application number 024465n, published November 11, 1987 also discloses a sheet cutting and diverting apparatus.
With the increasing speed sDecifications used in printing lines and other high speed processing lines, the demands on the smooth controlled movement of printed paper sheets or articles and the like has placed greater demands on the design of separating and diverting equipment. In particular, the product must be positively moved throughout the system to establish and maintain smooth, reliàble flow of product with minimal damage and product waste. This requires very care~ul synchronization between the movement of the mechanisms involved including in-feeding, transport through the divertinq mechanism and withdraw of the product from the divertin~ mechanism.
Summary o~ the Present Invention The present invention is a high speed multiple point delivery apparatus including an in-feed belt conveyor and a multiple point diverting unit with a pair of conveyor units having diverging delivery paths. The of~set conveyor unit may have the path extended upwardly or downwardly with respect to the horizontal path. The horizontal belt unit includes a continuous top belt conveyor and an interrupted bottom belt conveyor. The top belt unit includes a short initial section and a downstream section spaced from .: ,, . , : : : ~
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the initial section. The downstream spacing of the top belt conveyor section defines a sheet path with a diverting gap. ~iverting elements pass through the gap supporting the sheet into one or the other of the conveyor units The bottom conveyor unit has an initial section formed as a common portion for the initial section of the horizontal conveyor unit, and belt conveyor projecting downwardly from the initial section. The pair of diverters have one or more diverting segments having a smooth circular cam surface and rotate with their axis located with respect to the respective paths to pass the cam surface through the horizontal and offset paths essentially at the downstream end of the diverting gap. The diverters and sheet move with a generally match surface speed and preferably with the diverters at a somewhat greater surface speed. The cam segment has a circumferential length substantially greater than the length of the gap, and establishes an increased time within the gap, and maintains maximum support of the sheet within the gap. The cam segment preferably has a total length equal to about three times the length of the diverting gap. ~he cam surface moves to engage the leading end of the sheet as it moves into the gap. The axis of rotation of the lower cam segmental diverter is essentially vertically located with respect to the axis of the in-feed end of the conveyor belt of the horizontal conveyor unit. The forward projecting end of a sheet or article is immediately picked up by the curved cam surface and smoothly transferred in the horizontal path. Alternately, the upper curved cam surfaces divert the sheet into the conveyor belts of the offset conveyor at the inlet end of the belt or run.
Applicant has found that the location of the gap and the particular conveyor arrangement in combination with the appropriate location with the - , -.~ ~
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divertinq members has produced a reliable and effective hiyh speed multi-point delivery system for on-line application in the printinq art particularly adapted for application in the high speed printing and graphic artsO
In accordance with another feature, the various basic components of the line are formed as separate building modules, with the modules particularly constructed to allow assembly of the modular components into various processing systems.
Generally, basic to the modular construction is the forming of self-contained modular units having appropriate supporting side frame structures supporting the working components and related to other modules to secure th0 frame structures into abutting relationship to form particular machines. Generally, all modular units are formed with essentially flat vertical planar end edges, which can be directly connected by connection portions which are mirror images. The edges preferabl~ have corresponding spaced horizontal holes for boltinq of the frames in abuttinq engagement.
This modular construction allows the completely separate self-contained structures each havinq its own drive input for operating the corresponding elements The drive inputs can be interconnected to each other to form a common drive assembly or separately driven depending upon the application and combination to which the several components are aDplied.
Brief Description Of The Drawings .
In the drawinqs:
Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention for receiving of a series of sheet members from a cutter unit and deliverinq of the formed sheets into a plurality of deliverv points, , '~ 91/09802 ' PCT/~9~7~4 ;~, F;g. ~ is a fragmentary plan view of the diverting unit shown in Fig. 1 with the divertin~ unit shown in a developed illustration to more clearly show the drive connection;
Fig. 3 is a vertical section illustrating the position of the diverters; and Fig~ 4 is a view illustrating the modular construction of the several machines forming a web processing line, such as shown in Figs. 1-3~
~ escription Of The Illustrated Embodiment Referring to Figs. 1 and ~, a line is shown for processing a pair of side-by-side webs 1 o~
indefinite length to form a plurality of individual sheets 20 The sheets may be single elements or folded multiple paDer elements and the terminology sheets is used herein to generallv refer to all such elements and the like. The webs moving in parallel in a common horizontal plane. The webs 1 pass through a multi-point delivery sYstem in which sheets ~ from each web section are delivered to a pair of vertically stacked downstream receiving stations ~ and 4, and receiving stations 5 and 6. The slit web is passed through a rotary sheeter ~ which is operable to cut successive lengths of the webs 1 an~ la to form and discharge the sheets 2 in a horizontal plane. A coupling belt conveyor 9 has its upstream end located immediately adjacent the discharge location of the sheeter and transports and delivers the sheets into the multiple point delivery apparatus 10. The multiple point delivery apparatus ln, in its association with the other elements, ~articularly forms the subject matter and embodiment of the present invention.
The unit ln includes a horizontal conveyor unit 11 mounted in-line with the couplinq belt conveyor . As shown in Fig~ 2, the flow path for sheets 2 and 2a are symmetrical in the machine, and the receivinq station ~ is hehind station ~ in Fig. 1, as shown by 2 PCT~US90/07546 -~ 6 breaking away a portion of the station 3. An offset conveyor unit 12 has a downwardly pro~ecting conveyor portion 13 for receiving o sheets 2 and transport of the sheet downwardly for discharge into the receiving stations 4 or 6, with web 1 moving into stat:ion 4, and web la moving into station 6, as shown by the broken away portion of station 4 in Fig. 1. The horizontal and downward paths are illustrative only, and the paths may be oriented with a horizontal and upward path or as a combination of an upward path and of a downward path. The ends o~ the horizontal and of~set conveyor units 11 and 12 are shown couPled to a transfer or discharge conveyor unit 14 and 14a, respectively.
These latter sections provide for horizontal transfer or movement o~ the correspondin~ sheet ~ to the respective aligned receivinq stations and typically mav provide for known shin~ling o~ the sheets which are then fed to a batching and stacking apparatus, not shown.
Generally, the present invention is particularly directed to the construction of a four point delivery unit ln including the coupling conveyor 9, and the associated equipment is briefly described ~or purposes of overall illustration, and description and explanation of the illustrated embodiment of the invention.
The rotary sheeter is of a known construction and inclu~es a pair of vertically stacked cuttinq rolls 16 and l~a having appronriate knife units 17 for cuttinq successive lateral lengths o~ the web.
The coupling belt conveyor 9 provides a positive sheet movement from the sheeter R into the multiple point delivery unit ln. The coupling belt conveyor q consists of an endless top belt 21 and a generally similar bottom endless belt 22. The belts are supported by a plurality o~ spaced rolls 24 and 24a, with abuttin~ horizontal runs 23 in-line with the '' " , ~ ~, ' ' .
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discharge path from the sheeter 8 and driven in proper relationship to transfer the sheets 2 from the cutter to the delivery unit 10. In the illustrated system, at least one of rolls 24 and 24a of the rolls supporting the belts ~1 and 22 is couple-3 to each other by a drive belt 25 which is also coupled to a common drive belt, not shown, for the several components of the sheet forming anA delivery system.
As shown in Fig. 1, the conveyor belts 21 and ~2 consist of a pluralitY of laterally spaced belts mounted for Darallel guided movement over the guide rolls for maintaining the parallel runs 23 in close spaced frictional enqagement with the opposed surfaces of the sheets 2. The rolls 24 and 24a for the respective belts provi~e a common synchronized movement of the belts for corresponding movement of the sheets 2 from the sheeter ~ into the multiple point delivery unit 1~. Although the separate coupling conveyor 9 may provide a particularly useful and optimal transfer of the separated sheets, the sheets may be directly fed to the infeed end of the conveyors 11 and 12 of multiple point delivery unit or apparatus ln. The conveyor 9 may also be formed integral with the respective belts of the conveyor units 11 and 12 forming a common input station, as presently described.
Each of the conveyor units 11 and 12 includes similar laterally spaced endless belts. A plurality of horizontal sheet diverters 27 and a similar pluralitv of o~fset diverters 2~ are rotatablY mounted to the opposite vertical sides of the conveyor units 11 and 12. The rotatinq diverters 27 and 28 rotate between the belts of conveyor units 11 and 12 and engage the sheets ~ moving through the deliverY unit 1~ to establish movement of alternate sheets through the horizontal conveyor unit 11 or alternately through the inclined conveyor unit 1~. Each of the diverter units is similarlv constructed and shaped.

WO91/09802 PCT/US90/~7546 2 ~ ~7 2 ~ 8 Referring to Figs. 1 and ~ each diverter 27 is a generally bow-tie shaped member having similar pie shaped sections or segments 29 and 3~ projecting radially in diametrically opposite directions from a common bearinq hub 31. The outer peripheries of the segments 29 and 3n have a common radius. The hubs 31 are rotatably mounted on a common drive shaft 3~ with the peripheral surface moving in the ~irection of the sheets 2 and at an angular velocity related to the linear speed of the sheets 2. Generally, the diverter surface speed is equal to or slightly greater than the sheet surface speed. The axis of the shaft 32 is located with resPect to the radius of the segments to locate the surface passing throuqh the horizontal plane of the conveyor unit 11.
~ iverters 2~ similarly move between the belts of the conveyor unit 11 and directs the sheets downwardl~ onto conveyor unit 12.
Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 3, the conveyor units 11 and 12 are both endless belt conveyors extending from immediately adjacent the discharge end of the coupling conveyor unit 9 and includinq a common input section 33 transporting sheets 2 from the coupling conveyor 9 into the delivery unit 1~. The common input section 3~ defines a short horizontal run to support the sheets as they move into the apparatus, and as previously described mav be coupled directly to the di~charge side and feed rolls of the rotary sheeter ~.
Conveyor unit 11 includes a horizontal top belt 34 which extends from the couplinq unit 9 throughout the length of the delivery unit ln including the input section 33, with a horizontal run 34a~ A
horizontal bottom belt 35 is mounted in downstream relation to the common innut section 33 and defines a diverting space or gap 36 within the length of the delivery unit ln and particularly the conveyor unit - - :- . ' , ' , .
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11. The belts 34 and 3~ define a horizontal flow path for transport of the sheets through the common input section 33, gap 36 and the belt 35 of the delivery unit. The incoming sheet 2 to be transPorted alon~
this path is supported by the lower diverter 27 during its movement through the gap 36 for horizontal movement through conveyor unit 11. In high speed processing of sheets from a sheeter, the velocity of the sheets are such as to establish a horizontal movement of the sheets 2 into the diverting gap 36. However, sheet 2 must be supported and guided to maintain smooth and uninterrupted flow of the sheet.
Referrinq to Fi~o 3, the inclined conveyor unit 12 for traRsport of sheets 2 from the horizontal flow path includes a bottom endless belt 37, the upstrea~ end of which constitutes the input part of the common input section 33. As previously noted, the belts 34 and 37 forming input section 33 may be extended through the cutter a~paratus to replace the separate coupling belt conveyor shown in the drawings.
The belt 37 incluces an inclined belt portion or run 38 which projects at an angle downwardly from the upstream end o~ the diverting space or gap 36. An inclined conveyor top belt 39 is mounted in parallel operative relationshiD with the inclined portion of belt 37 and provides a belt convevor for grasping and carrying of a sheet 2 downwardly through the delivery unit and through the discharge conveyor 14a. A sheet 2 to be carried bv the inclined conveyor unit 12 is ~uided onto the inclined portion o~ the conveyor unit 1~ and into the oDposed belts 3~ and 39 by the top mounted or upper diverters 2~.
Thus by synchronized rotation of the diverters 27 and 2~, alternate sheets 2 move along the horizontal conveyor unit 11 to discharge unit 14 (shown in Fig. 1) and the alternate inclined conveyor unit 12 and the discharqe unit 14a. The sheets 2 may be transferred in W09l/09802 ~\ PCT/IS90/07546 a single path by inactivatinq the appropriate diverter unit and operating the other diverter unit at the proper speed.
Referrin~ to Fi~. 1, the dischar~e unit 14a includes an endless toD belt 4n located immediately adjacent the bottom end of the inclined belt portion or run 3~ o~ the conveyor unit 1~ anA extends outwardly therefrom. A bottom belt 41 projects outwardly as an extension o~ the ~ottom belt structure 37 and in opposed aligned relation with the belt 4~. The belts 40 and 41 provide transfer of the diverted sheet 2 as it is moving from the inclined belt portion 3~. The discharge unit 14a has belt 41 operating at a relatively slow speed to reduce the speed of the sheet thereon and following high speed sheet 2 moves over the tail portion to shingle the sheets for transfer to a batcher and the like.
The formed sheets 2 initially pass successively into the coupling section 9, which may be driven at an increased speed relative to the rotary cutter to insure complete separation of the sheets at the infeed end of the multiple point delivery unit 10. The sheets are qraDsed by belts 21 and 22 to firmly and positively transport the sheet product into the deliverv unit. In Fig. 3, a sheet ~ has been passed into the delivery unit and has its tail end in the incoming belt section 33 and its leadinq edge already into the ~ownstream portion of the o~fset conveying unit 1~ as defined by the belt 37 and the opposed belt 39. It thus passes downwardly through the diverter ga~ 36.
The u~per diverter 2~ is shown rotated signi~icantly into gap 3~ with the center of the one segment 3n' approachinq alignment with the roll at the inlet end of the belt 35. The cam segment 3~' thus positively moves the sheet 2 onto the belt ~7.

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9~/Og802 PCT/US90/~75~6 The alternate sheet followinq the sheet shown in Figs l and 2 enters the incoming belt section 31 and common belt section 33 into the diverting qap 36 after segment 3~' has moved from the qap. ~imultaneously, the rotation of the diverter 27 moves its segment 29 upwardly into the diverter gap. The incoming end of sheet ~ moves into the gap with the cam member 2~ still approaching the gaP 36. Sheet 2 may tend to dro~ down with the inclined portion but will still have a very distinct horizontal extension. The surface of cam 29 moves into the gap immediately adjacent to the upstream end of the gap and rotates upwardly. Its radius is such that it moves into close spacement to the upper run of the belt and directs the sheet into the horizontal path adjacent the top belt 34. The sheet is thereby transported into the belts 34 and 35 and discharged into the transfer conveyor 14. Just Prior to the leading edge of the rotating diverter ~7 entering the gap, a short unsupported section of the sheet exists between the input section 33 and the diverter seqment 29, and may tend to drop slightly.
The cam se~ment rapidly rotates into the gap 36 and the sheet moves into engagement with the smooth curved surface of the diverter 27, whi~h ca~ries the sheet upwardly to positively locate the leading edqe into the plane define~ by the upper and lo~er belt runs of the belts.
Referring to the horizontal diverter 27, its axis of rotation is essentially horizontally aliqned with respect to the axis of the small rollers 4R
supporting the stacked input ends of the horizontal conveyor belt 35 and the inclined belt 39. The cam surface of diverter 27 moves through the gap and enters the plane of the horizontal conveyor unit ll tangentially to the belt and essentially at the qrasping or gripping portion of the to~ belt 34 and the -'' '' . . :
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WO91/09802 c~ PC~/US90/07~46 bottom belt 35 o~ the conveyor unit ll to quide sheet 2 into and through the gap.
The upper diverter 28 similarly functions with respect to the inclined conveyor unit 12. Again, the large cam sur~ace 29' and 30' moves into the gap 36 immediately downstream of the offset support for the discharge end of the input section 33. The axis of the common support sha~t 32' for diverter 2R is located such that the radius surface moves into tangential engagement with the inclined belt essentially in line with the supporting roller adjacent 28 at the input end of the upper belt 39 of the unit l~ to assure continued flattening and forcing of the sheet 2 into gradual and progressive movement between the belts for smooth uninterrupted acceptance by the conveyor unit 12.
In the illustrated embodiment o the invention, the upper conveyor belt of the unit ll is a single elongated belt unit havin~ a bottom run extending throughout the length of the delivery unit ln. The upstream end of the bel~ is supported by an appropriate guide roll 43. The downstream end is supported by a similar roller 44.
The bottom belt of unit ll is similarly constructed with a continuous upper run in opposed abuttin~ o~erative en~agement to the bottom run of the upper belt. The bottom belt is supported at its forward most end by a relatively small roller 48 dictated by the small available spacing between the upper unit ll and the lower un;t 12 at the end of gap 3fi. Again, the transfer run is a continuous run with the downstream end coupled to the driven roller 49 for synchronized movement of the belt. The return run passes over appropriate idler rollers 50 to maintain the desired tensioned movement of the belt.
The inclined belt movement includes the sinqle continuous helt from the common input section 3~ and the downwardly inclined portion or section 3~. The : - .
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lower belt 37 has its upstream end supported on the roller 51 aliqned with the corres~onding roller 43 for the lower belt of unit 11. It extends ~ownstream in a similar manner to the in~lined portion. A small roller is provided just downstream of an idler roll 51a and provides for smooth turning of the belt downwardly into the inclined direction where the belt then extends downwardly to a driven roller 53 for guided driven movement along the inclined linear path. The return run of the lower belt of unit 12 again passes over appropriate idler rollers 54 and in a upper return roll to redirec~ the unit into the horizontal direction to the upstream guide roller.
The upper belt 39 of the unit 12 has its upstream end locate~ in ali~nment with the upstream end of the lower belt of the upper unit 11 and is supportecl by the similar small roller 56 adjacent roller 48. The return run passes over suitable idler and guide rollers and a generally lower driven roller 57 to provide the ~esired synchronous movement with ~he other belts.
~ oth of the upstream ends of the individual belts of the upper unit 11 and the lower unit 12 located between the inclined belt and the horizontal belt of the respective units are located to minimize the lenqth of the gap 3~ while maintaining of appropriate support of the belting.
A common drive belt 5~ is wrapped about the drive rollers 49 and 53 for conveyor units 11 and 12.
In addition, a belt 59, shown in Fig. 1, interconnects the drive to the coupling conveyor unit 9 and the main drive for the delivery unit to establish and maintain synchroniz~d movement of the various conveying devicesO The opposite ends of shafts for rollers 49 and 53 are respectively gear coupled to the shafts of rollers 44 and 57 to drive the related upper belts of the conveyors 11 and 12 respectively, as at ~9a in Fig.
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. . '. ~ .: ' . ' :~ ' ' . ' '' WO91/~9802 PCT/US90/07~46 2 ~i~7 2~ 14 The diverter units are positivelv ~ear driven. As shown in Fig. 2, the sha~ts 32 and 32' are coupled to end meshing ~ears 6~ and 61. The upper gear 61 is coupled through a gear train 6~ to the main belt drive 6~ for the machine to establish and maintain synchronous movement of total mechanism and thereby providinq controlled high speed movement of the paper sheets or products through the apparatus.
The delivery unit 1~ is driven in timed relation to the sheeter 8 using a timed belt drive system, with the diverters 27 and 2R separately gear driven. With appropriate construction, the diverters may be driven with the timinq belts coupled to the basic timin~ belt drive system.
The invention provides a highly satisfactory multiple point delivery system particularly adapted for the graphic arts.
As previously discussed, the diverter can be constructed with the alternate sheet paths in other offset orientations. For example, a combination of a horizontal run or ~ath and an u~wardl~ spaced run or path may be provided.
The horizontal unit ll would include a horizontal conveyor with a lower belt extended through the delivery unit 10. A horizontal top belt would be mounted downstream in relation to a common input section to define a top diverting space or gap within the length of the delivery unit 10. The upper diverter would hold the sheet onto the belt for transport along this path. The diverter primarilv functions to move the sheet from the path of the sheet movin~ from the sheeter, and de~ending on the particular applica~ion, the horizontal unit could operate without the upper diverter in the e~bodiment under consideration.
In this alternate embodiment, inclined conveyor unit would include a toP endless belt with the input end part of the common input section and an '.

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inclined belt portion or run projectin~ at an angle upwardly from the upstream end of the diverting space or gap~ An inclined conveyor lower belt would be mounted in spaced relation to the common input section 33 and in parallel operative relationship with the inclined portion of the top belt to provide a belt conveyor for grasping and carry~ng a sheet 2 upwardly through the delivery unit and through the second path. A sheet ~ to be carried by the inclined conveyor unit is guided by the lower diverter portion of the offset conveyor unit. The lower diverter 2~ would be constructed with its axis located in general vertical alignment with the inlet end and with the cam moving into enga~ement with the leading ed~e of the sheet to deflect the sheet smoothly uPwardly into and throuqh the conveyor unit 12. Further, the vertically arranged conveyor units 11 and 12 could be constructed diverging conveyor units to alternately move the sheets upwardly and downwardly with respect to the incominq path of the sheets 2.
The combination of the illustrated embodiment with the re.latively short gap, the relatively large segmental portions of the diverter and the interrelationship and location o~ the engagement with the belt structures adjacent to the opposed belting produces a highlY desired and smooth and effective movement of the sheets through the multiple point ~elivery unit.
As shown in Fig. 4, the various basic components of the structure are preferably formed as building modules with the modules particularly constructe~ to allow assembly of components as in Fi~.
1. The structure is such that the components can be separate~ and individually comhined in other combinations.
In FiqO 4, six modules are shown including a conventional sheeter unit 7~, a signature cutter unit ~ . . ~ . : ., . . :
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- ' 71, a diverter unit 72, a shinglin~ unit 73, a batcher unit 74 and an exit receiver unit 75. Basic to the modular construction is the forming of each of the individual components as a more or less self contained units, each having appropriate supporting side frames extending parallel to each other and to the flow path through the line, as at 76. The workinq and web transfer components are mounted between the side frames of each unit to define an inlet end and discharge end~ The side frames are specially constructed to accom~odate direct connection of the several modules such that when a module is to be assembled with another module, it is merely necessary to secure the frames firmly in position and thereby provide for apPropriate flow of the web and/or sheet members through the line.
The module 7n is connected in the upstream end of the line to form successive sheets from a flat single layer web or module 71 is connected to the diverter for forming signatures from a moving folded web. The two modules 70 and 71 are shown as typical alternate machines used with the other illustrated modular apparatus.
Referring particularly to module 70, the machine has spaced side frames 77. Each side frame 77 is a plate member havin~ a flat vertical edge 78 in which three vertical spaced threaded openings or holes 79, 80 and 81 are formed. Each hole 79-81 extends horizontally on the downstream edge 78 of the frame 77. The signature cutter module 71 and frames 77 rest on the floor 8~ to suPport the structure. The mo~ule 71 is similarly constructed with its side frames 83 formed from similar plate members having flat vertical edges 84 with a pair of threaded openinqs, 86 and 87 on the edge. The holes 86-87 in the frame plate members R3 are space~ in accordance with holes 8n and 81.
Frame plate members 83 are shown supported on a bottom ' .

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pad or leq unit 8~ to locate the cutting paths of modules 70 and 71 in a common discharge plane.
The diverter side frames 89 are plat:e members having a flat vertical edge 90 at the upstream end of the plates. Three attachment openings 91 are located adjacent the upstream portion, with horizontal edge-wise holes 9?., 93 and 94 extendinq ~rom the three openin~s 91. The openings and particularly holes 92-94 are spaceA to mate with the holes 79-81 o~ module 7 and the holes 8~-87 of module 71.
The downstream ends o~ the diverter frames 89 are similarly formed with a flat vertical edges 95.
Each ed~e has three vertical spaced threaded edge holes ~6, 97 and 98. In the diverter assembly shown, the horizontal batchin~ device includes a T-shaped frame 99 having a cross frame 100 aligned with the horizontal path through the apparatus. The upstream end of the cross bar portion has top and bottom flanges lnl and 102, each having an edge attachment hole 1~ and 1n4 aligned with the top threaded hole 96 in the diverter frame 89 for attachment to the diverter unit 72. The holes 96 are aligned with the cutter module attachment holes 8~ and 86 and i~ the diverter is not used, the shinglinq frame is directly attached to the cutter module 7n or 71. The stem 104 of the T-shaped frame 99 rests on the floor and is preferably secured thereto.
As shown, the slow tape 105 o~ the shinglinq conveyor is supPorted at the upstream end on a bracket l~fi extendinq ~rom frame 99 and within the diverter frames 89 and at the downstream end within the shingling ~rames 99. A ton fast tape 107 is supported on a pivoted bracket ln~ and support the intermediate runs o~ the shinqlinq conveyor belts in cooperative ali~nment with the horizontal conveyor of the ~iverter.
An auxiliary hat-sha~ed bracket ln8 is secured to the lower portion o~ the diverter ~rame 89 and . . ~ - . . .
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supports the upstream end of the shingling conveyor 109 adjacent to the inclined diverter conveyor, as shown.
The bracket 1~ has apertured end flanges 11~ which are bolted to the edge o~ the diverter frames ~9 as by bolt openings 111. The downstream portion of conveyor 1~9 is supported by arms 11~. The arms 112 support the belt pulleys and sUPport rolls and pro~ect into the stem to locate the discharge end of the conveyor within the stem.
The batcher unit 74 and the exit receiver unit 75 are mobile devices. An upper conveyor 11~ and a lower conveyor 114 for transfer of the proce~sed sheet elements are similarlY prov;ded in the batchin~ unit for similar transfer from the aligned shinglin~ units to the exit receiver 75, The batcher is moved into position without necessity of physical connections.
The lower conveyor unit 114 has a forward extended arm 115 to project the conveyor through the stem and into proper coupling to the shingling unit.
The lower conveyor belt is not installed within respective frames or support structures if the diverter unit 72 is not a part of the line, or if the diverter is to be operated without activating of the downward diversion of alternate sheets.
The respective modules permit maximum flexibility in providing sheet-element batching systems.
In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, all of the frames are thus formed with essentially flat vertical ~lanar surfaces, and each unit is specially formed as a self-standinq assembly with the relatively heavy frame plates to the operator side and drive side of the apparatus. The various rotary components are rotatably mounted in suitable bearinq structures on and in the frames in accordance with ~nown practice. The frame en~ edges with the threaded holes spaced to couple the several units, each ~'~.`S91/09802 PCT/~S90/~7~6 , ~, .
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2~72~9 o which has the flow path related to the threaded holes provides a simple, effective and reaAily fabricated modular line or system.
This modular construction allows the completely separate self-contained structure, each havin~ its own drive input for operatinq the correspondinq elements. The drive inputs can be interconnected to each other to form a common drive assembly or separately driven dependinq upon the application in combination to which the several components are aPplied.

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Claims (10)

We claim:

1. A multiple point delivery apparatus delivering of individual sheet-like articles from a single stream into a horizontal conveyor unit including a first endless belt unit including a linear run extending from an in-feed end to a discharge end and an inclined conveyor unit comprising a first endless belt unit mounted in vertical alignment with said horizontal conveyor unit, a pair of rotating diverters rotatably mounted with a first diverter unit rotatably mounted beneath said horizontal conveyor unit and a second diverter unit rotatably mounted above said horizontal conveyor unit, each of said diverter units being similarly constructed with an outer segmental curved surface defining a radius from its axis of rotation, the improvement characterized by a first in-feed belt section comprising a pair of opposed endless belts having a horizontal linear run adapted to grasp articles for transfer, an opposed belt unit having an in-feed end mounted downstream of the in-feed end of the first belt unit , said inclined conveyor unit including an opposed belt unit mounted in general alignment with said first endless belt unit of said inclined conveyor unit and extending from a downstream portion generally aligned with the downstream portion of the second belt unit of the horizontal conveyor unit whereby a transfer gap is formed, said curved surfaces of said diverter unit having a circumferential length substantially longer than the length of said gap, said diverter unit having an axis mounted substantially in vertical alignment with the center vertical alignment of the forward end of the second belt of said upper unit, said upper diverter unit having an axis of rotation located with the radius just engaging the first endless belt of the horizontal conveyor unit adjacent the upstream end of the second belt of said unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said diverter unit rotates with a curved surface speed slightly greater than the speed of said sheet.

3. The multiple point delivery apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said diverter units consist of a support and a pair of opposed diverting members providing a symmetrical location of the diverting members defining first and second outer segmental curved surfaces, said diverters having their rotational movement offset by precisely 90°.

4. The apparatus of anyone of claims 1-3 including a common drive system for said first and second conveyor units, and a separate gear drive coupled to said rotating diverter units.

5. The apparatus of anyone of claims 1-4 wherein said horizontal conveyor unit including a first endless top belt unit including a linear run and a second engless belt unit having an in feed end mounted downstream of the in-feed end of the first endless belt unit and extending in parallel opposed relation, said inclined conveyor unit comprising a third endless belt unit mounted aligned with said horizontal conveyor unit and including an input linear run located in opposed aligned relation with the upstream end of the said first endless belt unit and having inclined portion extending from said input section, said inclined conveyor unit including a further opposed belt mounted in vertical spaced relation and generally aligned with the downstream portion of the third belt unit.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said third endless belt of said inclined unit includes a turning idler roller located at the downstream end of said infeed section.

7. The apparatus of anyone of claims 1-6 wherein bottom belts of said horizontal unit and said top belt of said offset unit are supported by similar rollers at the downstream end of said gap, said rollers being mounted in vertically aligned close-spaced stacked relation, said diverters having the curved surface tangent to the belts on said rollers to positively guide the article between said belts.

8. The apparatus of anyone of claims 1-7 wherein a gear drive connects the diverters for synchronized movement.

9. A modular structure for creating a sheet forming and processing line for forming successive stacks of sheet-like elements, comprising a first sheet cutting element, a second signature forming element adapted to pass a web through the machine to form successive like signature elements, a diverting machine including first and second paths between an entrance end and a discharge end and including conveyor means for transporting of like elements through said paths and diverting means for alternating the movement of the like elements therethrough said paths, a shingling apparatus including a first shingling unit for transport of like elements in said horizontal path and a second shingling unit for transport of said like elements through said diverted path, a batcher unit having first and second conveying unit for alignment with said horizontal path and said diverted path, and a stacker having a first conveyor and a second conveyor for transport of the stacked received like elements, each of said first and second cutter machines and said diverting machine having planar interengaging surfaces with a like plurality of vertically spaced connecting locations and defining corresponding interconnecting means whereby either of said cutting means can be directly mounted to said diverting machine, with the horizontal paths in a common plane and defining a common horizontal flow path for said like elements, said shingling apparatus including said first shingling unit with attachment means spaced in accordance with the attachment to the opposite side of said horizontal flow path of said diverter and said cutter units whereby said shingling unit is adapted to be selectively interconnected directly to the discharge end of said diverter unit or directly to the discharge end of said diverter unit or directly to the discharge end of said cutter units, said second shingling unit being a separate component selectively connected to said diverter unit for alignment with said batcher, said batcher being a mobile unit for selective moving into coupling engagement with said shingling units, and said stacker being a mobile unit selectively movable into coupling engagement with said batcher.

10. In the modular construction of claim 9 wherein said cutter units include a vertical frame side plates having vertical flat planar coupling edges, said securement means including openings in each of said edges, said diverter including a pair of side plates spaced in accordance with the side plates of said cutter units and having a flat entrance vertical edge adapted to be placed in firm abutting engagement with the discharge edge of either of said cutter units, said frame plates of said diverter having openings spaced in accordance with the openings in said cutter units, and said openings being selectively constructed to provide for bolted interconnection of the frame plates to each other with said edges in firm abutting engagement to firmly and reliably interconnect said components to said diverter, said diverter frame plate having a discharge end including flat vertical edges, said edges including a pair of vertically spaced openings corresponding to the upper openings in said entrance edge, said first and second shingling units having side frame plates with flat vertical edges adapted to abut the flat vertical discharge edge of said diverter unit or said cutter units, said first shingler unit having vertically spaced openings aligned with said upper openings of said diverter unit for selective interconnection of said shingler unit and to said diverter unit or directly to said cutter units, each of said shingler units including a horizontal conveyor unit, said batcher including entrance end located in alignment with and immediately adjacent to the discharge end of the conveyor unit of the shingler units.