CH700152A1

CH700152A1 - Apparatus and method for separating a stream of conveyed objects.

Info

Publication number: CH700152A1
Application number: CH02018/08A
Authority: CH
Inventors: Holger Mueller
Original assignee: Ferag Ag
Priority date: 2008-12-24
Filing date: 2008-12-24
Publication date: 2010-06-30
Also published as: WO2010072007A1; CH700152B1

Abstract

In a device for separating a stream of conveyed flat objects (8), the flow through a separating element (3) is selectively routable to a first conveying path (1) or to a second conveying path (2). For this purpose, the separating element (3) is movable relative to the flow of the flat objects (8) and, in a first position, leaves the flow on the first conveying path (1) and, in a second position, directs the flow onto the second conveying path (2). In this case, during the transition of the separating element (3) from the first position to the second position, the separating element (3) is moved with a separating tip (32) with a current-carrying movement into the stream, and at the transition of the separating element (3) from the second position back to the first position, the separating element (3) is also moved out of the stream with a current that follows the current.

Description

The invention relates to the field of promotion of flexible sheet-like objects, in particular printed products such as newspapers, magazines and the like, and more particularly to an apparatus and a method for separating a stream of required flat objects, and to a corresponding control device according to the Generic term of the corresponding independent patent claims.

STATE OF THE ART

EP 1 063 187 B1 shows a device for removing scale flow parts from a held scale flow. For this purpose, the held promotion is temporarily disabled, so that single or multiple items can be removed without the remaining items are affected. This happens, for example, by clamping members or holding elements are temporarily opened or turned away. This method has the disadvantage that it is only applicable to a held scale flow.

DE 3 035 495 A1 shows a separation device for a scale flow, in which a scale flow opposing flap is either folded up or folded down and according to the scale flow over the flap away or under the flap is further promoted.

WO 00/56 648 A1 shows a device for selectively transferring a scale flow to a first or a second conveying path. Here in a scale flow promoted products go through a pair of rollers, which can be pivoted. As a result, the leading edges of the products are selectively steered in a certain direction due to the stiffness of the products and thus get into a detection range of the first or the second conveying path.

EP 0 625 120 A1 discloses a device for discharging individual objects from a shingled stream. In this case, a flap can be folded into the area of the scale flow. The conveyance of discharged objects takes place at an increased speed.

EP 0 478 911 A1 shows a device with a transfer conveyor with a vertically pivotable, lying between a conveyor belt and a pressure belt conveying gap for receiving subsidized objects. The conveyed objects enter via a step roller in the effective range of the transfer conveyor. Depending on the position of the Überfuhrförderers they are detected by this in the conveying gap or fall on a lower conveyor belt.

At high flow rates such as 40,000 or more copies per hour, the inertia of the promoted products plays a major role. The known devices are based on certain values of stiffness and inertia of the products and are poor or not at all suitable for high flow rates.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for separating a stream of required flat objects, as well as a corresponding control device of the type mentioned, which remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved by a device and a method for separating a stream of subsidized flat objects, as well as a corresponding control device with the features of the corresponding independent claims.

The device is provided for separating a stream of conveyed flat objects, in which the flow through a separating element is selectively diverted to a first conveying path or to a second conveying path. The partition is movable relative to the flow of the flat objects. The separating element leaves the stream in a first position on the first conveying path and in a second position the stream on the second conveying path. During the transition of the separating element from the first position to the second position, the separating element pierces the shingled stream with a separating tip with a movement that follows the current. As the separator passes from the second position back to the first position, the separator also moves out of the stream with a current traversing motion.

The separating element preferably moves during the transition from the first position to the second position and then back to the first position by one full turn. For this purpose, it is preferably rotatable about a pivot axis. The separating element is preferably equipped with a plurality of individual elements arranged in a comb-like manner in a comb-like manner, in particular separator arms. As a result, the separating element can move into the area of action of the first conveyor in a meshing manner with its separating arms and receive conveyed objects from the first conveyor.

A second conveyor is preferably used to guide the flat objects along the second conveying path, wherein the separating element is arranged in the inlet region of the second conveyor. The separating element preferably meshes in a second portion of its movement through the second conveyor and may optionally also mesh through a pressing device. The arrangement of the separator arms with the first and second conveyors is tuned so that the separator arms can rotate without colliding with the conveyors. The separator arms preferably each have circumferential and driven bands or ropes that serve to convey the flat objects along the arms.

The device preferably further comprises a hold-down, which pushes the flow of flat objects to the first conveying path during the transition of the separating element from the second position back to the first position. As a result, the change of the product flow during the transition from the second conveying path to the first conveying path is improved.

In the method for separating a stream of subsidized flat objects, the flow through a separating element is selectively left on a first conveying path or directed to a second conveying path. The flat objects are preferably conveyed in a scale flow. The separating element moves relative to the flow of the flat objects and, in a first position, directs the flow to the first conveying path and, in a second position, to the second conveying path. As the separator passes from the first position to the second position, the separator travels into the stream with a separator tip having current traveling motion. As the separator passes from the second position back to the first position, the separator also travels out of the stream with a current traversing motion.

The separating element preferably rotates during the transition from the first position to the second position and back to the first position by one full turn. The separating element preferably rotates about a pivot axis. In the transition of the separating element from the second position back to the first position, preferably a hold-down temporarily pushes the flow of flat objects towards the first conveying path.

A control device for controlling the device has a drive control for repeatedly driving a drive of the separating element. This serves for approaching the first position after receiving a first switching signal and for starting the second position after receiving a second switching signal. The control means includes a hold-down control for triggering a temporary movement of the hold down, which depresses the flat objects upon receipt of a changeover signal.

Further preferred embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims. Characteristics of the method claims are analogously combined with the device claims and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the subject invention based on preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, explained in more detail. Each show schematically:
<Tb> FIG. 1 <sep> a separating device in a first position;

<Tb> FIG. 2 <sep> the separator in a second position;

<Tb> FIG. 3 <sep> the separator in a transient position upon return from the second to the first position;

<Tb> FIG. 4 <sep> a detail view of a separating element;

<Tb> FIG. 5 <sep> the separating device in a first position with a gripping feed dog with a delivery point and a receiving point; and

<Tb> FIG. Fig. 6 shows the separating device of Fig. 5 in a second position.

The reference numerals used in the drawings and their meaning are summarized in the list of reference numerals. Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Show a Schuppenstromtrenner, which leads via a feed 7 stream of flat objects 8 selectively on a first conveyor 10 and along a first conveying path 1 or on a second conveyor 20 and along a second conveying path 2. Fig. 1 shows the separating device in a first position, Fig. 2 in a second position, and Fig. 3 in a transition position when returning from the second to the first position.

The flow is conveyed along a feed conveyor 7, for example, by a feed conveyor 72, for example a drum conveyor or gripping transporter with clamps which grasp the flat objects 8 laterally. Along the second conveying path 2, the stream can also be conveyed through a further conveyor or removal conveyor 22. In this case, the removal conveyor 22 may be identical to the feed conveyor 72. This means that the flat objects 8 are deposited by this feed dog on the first conveyor 10, and, if they are passed through the separating element 3 on the second conveyor 2, are also resumed by this conveyor.

Fig. 1 shows a conveyor system with a first conveyor 10 and a second conveyor 20 in a first operating state. The first conveyor 10 feeds a removal conveyor 9, which transports the flat objects 8 to a next station. In this case, the flat objects 8 pass from the infeed 7 to the separating element 3 and via the removal conveyor 9 to the next station. The first conveyor 10 and the second conveyor 20 have revolving conveyor belts, belts or ropes. The second conveyor 20 is coupled to a movable segment or a separating element 3, which is provided for the diversion of flat objects 8 on the second conveyor 20.

In the first operating state shown, the separating element 3 is in a first position completely above a scale flow guided by the first conveyor 10 out of the flat objects 8.

Fig. 2 shows the conveyor system in a second operating state, in which the flat objects 8 are conveyed via the feed 7 to the first conveyor 10 and redirected by the separating element 3 via a wedge-shaped inlet region through an entrance slit 34 on the second conveyor 20 ,

The separating element 3, in a second position, extends into the effective range of the first conveyor 10. It interrupts the flow of the flat objects 8 on the first conveyor 10 and redirects the flow to the second conveyor 20. At the beginning of this diversion onto the second conveyor 20, the flat objects 8 still present on the first conveyor 10 are transported further via the removal conveyor 9.

The guided through the entrance slit 34 of the second conveyor 20 flat objects 8 are transported by means of a pressing device 4 and a pressure roller 5 on the second conveyor 20 on.

In the transition from the first to the second operating state, the separating element 3 rotates about a pivot axis 33 and pierces with a splitter tip 32 in the scale flow of the first conveyor 10 a. The splitter tip 32 detects a protruding edge of a flat article 8 and redirects these and all subsequent flat objects 8 to the second conveyor 20 via the entrance slit 34.

Fig. 3 shows the conveyor system, in which the separating element 3 is again in the first position according to the initial position, as shown in Fig. 1, moves and further pivots in the same direction. The flat objects 8 on the first conveyor 10 are passed in the direction of the removal conveyor 9 after a swinging away of the separating element 3 in the flow direction on the first conveyor 10 further. The remaining on the second conveyor flat objects 8 are passed on this. The pressing device 4 and the pressure roller 5 ensure a constant forwarding of the flat objects.

The switching of the flow of the flat objects 8 from the second conveyor 20 back to the first conveyor 1 runs as follows: The separator 3 has a plurality of comb-like juxtaposed at a certain distance separator arms 35. These can dip like a comb in the first conveyor and move by means of a pivoting movement back to the first position, without the separating element 3 must move against the current.

In order to bring the separating element 3 back into its original position, that is to say into the first position, or to guide the flat objects 8 again from the second conveying path 2 onto the first conveying path 1, the separating element 3 can be rotated by 360 ° , for example, in two steps of around 180 [deg.].

In order to drive the existing flat objects 8, which are still on the wegschwenkenden separating element 3, a hold-6 is activated, which pushes the flat objects 8 on the first conveyor 10 further in the direction of the first conveying path 1. This happens in particular in a transitional phase in which even flat objects 8 are located in the entrance slit 34. This hold-down device 6 is preferably guided in the longitudinal direction of the stream and enters the gap between the pivot axis 33 and the first conveyor 10.

The comb-shaped separating elements 3 can, by also comb-shaped Andrückbänder Andrückrollen 5, which are part of the pressing device 4, as well as by the conveyor 10, 20 dive. The pressing device 4, the pressure roller 5 and the separating element 3 are actuated for example by a belt drive.

FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a separating element 3, in which the separating element 3 is coupled to the second conveying unit 20. The first and second conveyors 10, 20 each have a belt drive with individual belts 11, 21. The separating element 3 is connected to the second conveyor at the pivot axis 33, the comb-like arrangement of the separator arms 35 of the separating elements 3 engaging in the comb-like arrangement of the conveyors 10, 20. Thus, the separator arms 35 can dip into the first and second conveyors 10, 20 and rotate through 360 ° without the individual belts 11, 21 colliding with the individual belts of the separator 31. *** " The separator arms 35 each have a separator tip 32 and circumferential individual bands 31.

Because the dividing elements 3 are rotatable by 360 ° and always move with the scale flow, a possible damming of the flat objects 8 at the entry gap 34 is avoided.

The positioning of the separating elements 3 is controlled by means of various switching signals to approach the required position in a timely manner. A hold-down control triggers a movement of the hold-down 6 after receiving a first signal which is generated in correspondence with the switching signals of the separating elements 3.

Figure S shows another embodiment of a conveyor system in the same operating state as in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, in addition, a feed 7 and a removal conveyor 22 are present. The infeed 7 positions the flat objects 8 by means of a lateral or Klemmtransporteurs 72 on a storage location 73 for the first conveyor 10. The flat objects 8 flow in this operating state past the separating element 3 and are transported in the direction of the removal conveyor 9.

FIG. 6 shows the conveyor system of FIG. 5 in the same operating state as in FIG. 2. The gripper conveyor 22 takes the flat objects 8 diverted by the separating element 3 again at a receiving position 74 into the conveyor 72 for transport to further stations on.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0036]
<tb> 1 <sep> first funding route

<tb> 10 <sep> first conveyor

<tb> 11 <sep> Single belts of the first conveyor

<tb> 2 <sep> second conveyor

<tb> 20 <sep> second conveyor

<tb> 21 <sep> Single belts of the second conveyor

<Tb> 22 <sep> Wegförder Transport Organization

<Tb> 3 <sep> separation element

<tb> 31 <sep> Single bands of the disconnector

<Tb> 32 <sep> separator tip

<Tb> 33 <sep> swivel axis

<Tb> 34 <sep> entrance slit

<Tb> 35 <sep> separator arms

<Tb> 4 <sep> pressure device

<Tb> 5 <sep> pressure roller

<Tb> 6 <sep> down device

<Tb> 7 <sep> inducting

<Tb> 72 <sep> Zuförder Transport Organization

<Tb> 73 <sep> delivery point

<Tb> 74 <sep> pick-up point

<tb> 8 <sep> flat objects

<Tb> 9 <sep> removal conveyor

Claims

1. A device for separating a stream of conveyed flat objects (8), in which the flow through a separating element (3) selectively on a first conveying path (1) or on a second conveying path (2) can be conducted, for which purpose the separating element (3 ) is movable relative to the flow of the flat objects (8) and the separating element (3) in a first position leaves the flow on the first conveying path (1) and in a second position directs the flow to the second conveying path (2), characterized that

- In the transition of the separating element (3) from the first position to the second position, the separating element (3) with a separating tip (32) is movable with a current-carrying movement into the stream, and

- At the transition of the separating element (3) from the second position back to the first position, the separating element (3) is also movable with a follower with the current movement of the current.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the separating element (3) for the transition from the first position to the second position and back to the first position is rotatable by one full turn.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the separating element (3) is rotatable by 360 [deg.] About a pivot axis (33).

4. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating element (3) has a plurality of parallel to each other comb-like arranged individual elements (35).

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the separating element (3) in a first portion of its movement meshes into the first conveyor (10).

The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a second conveyor (20) for guiding the flat objects (8) along the second conveying path (2), the separating element (3) being arranged in an entrance area of the second conveyor (20) , and in a second portion of its movement, the separating element (3) traverses through the second conveyor (20) and optionally also through a pressing device (4), and the arrangement of the individual elements (35) with the first and second conveyor (10, 20 ) is tuned so that these individual elements (35) can rotate without colliding with the conveying paths (1,2).

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the individual elements (35) of the separating element (3) each have revolving and driven belts or ropes (31) for conveying the flat objects (8) via the separating element (3).

8. The device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a holding-down device (6), which pushes the flow of flat objects (8) to the first conveying path (1) during the transition of the separating element (3) from the second position back to the first position ,

9. A method for separating a stream of conveyed flat objects, in which the flow through a separating element (3) selectively on a first conveying path (1) or on a second conveying path (2) is passed, including the separating element (3) relative to the stream the flat objects (8) is moved and the separating element (3) in a first position leaves the flow on the first conveying path (1) and in a second position, the current on the second conveying path (2), characterized in that the method has the following steps in which

- During the transition of the separating element (3) from the first position to the second position, the separating element (3) with a separating tip (32) with a follower with the current movement in the current drive, and

- At the transition of the separating element (3) from the second position back to the first position, the separating element (3) also go out with a follower with the current movement of the stream.

The method of claim 9, wherein the separator (3) is rotated to transition from the first position to the second position and back to the first position one full turn.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the separating element (3) for the transition from the first position to the second position and back again by 360 [deg.] About a pivot axis (33) is rotated.

12. The method according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at the transition of the separating element (3) from the second position back to the first position, a hold-down (6) temporarily the flow of flat objects (8) to the first conveying path (1) out suppressed.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the flat objects (8) are conveyed in a scale flow.

14. Control device for controlling a device according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a drive control for repeatedly driving a drive of the separating element (3) for approaching the first position after receiving a first switching signal and then starting the second position after receiving a second switching signal ,

15. A control device according to claim 14, comprising a hold-down control for triggering, upon receipt of the first switching signal, a movement of the blank holder (6) for depressing the flat objects (8).