EP0012196B1 - Device for transferring a stack of printed matter from the posts of a filing binder or the like onto a bundling member - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Appliance for transferring a stack of documentary material, threaded on the threading-pins of a file or the like, from the threading-pins, onto a bent, U-shaped bundling member, this appliance comprising a U-shaped fork with hollow prongs which can be placed on the threading-pins and which can be coupled to the bundling member, a releasable coupling element being assigned to the free end of each prong, for the purpose of coupling-on the bundling member, characterised in that a) the bundling member (bow 12) is in the form of a simple piece of wire, with coupling-ends (15) which are designed in the form of head-like thickened portions (40), indentations, grooves or narrowed portions (39), or the like, and which serve to make a positive connection to the coupling elements of the prongs (19), which elements are designed as clamp-couplings (14), b) the clamp-couplings (14) comprising, in each of the hollow prongs (19), a clamping-gripper, capable of being shifted backwards and forwards, with clamping-jaws (16, 17), which are preloaded in the closing direction by a preloading spring-arrangement (26), via the exposed lower edge (22) of the hollow prong (19), or via a stop (21) located inside the prong, it being possible to push the clamping-jaws out of the hollow prongs (19), against the spring preload, in order to engage around the coupling-ends (15) of the U-shaped bows (12), frictionally and/or positively, the clamping-jaws coming into firm contact with the coupling-ends (15), under the action of the preloading spring-arrangement.

Description

The invention relates to a device for transferring a lined up stack of documents from the filing pins of a folder or the like to a U-shaped curved bundle element, consisting of a U-shaped fork with hollow fork legs that can be placed on the filing pins and coupled to the bundle element, the free ends of each a releasable coupling element for coupling the bundling member is assigned.

The invention is concerned with the storage of perforated sheet material. The aim is to use relatively expensive folders and other carriers of perforated sheet material over a longer period of time, by taking the contents of the folder from time to time, for example annually, transferring it to a simple, cost-saving bundling device and storing it with it. The bundle member is usually a U-shaped bow made of bendable wire, the legs of which pass through the holes in the leaves. The free ends of the legs are folded over.

The subject of the invention is a simple transfer of the stack of sheets from the filing pins of the folder or the like to the bundle member.

In a known device for the mechanical implementation of this transmission process, a U-shaped fork with its hollow fork legs is placed on the free ends of the alignment pins. A lifting bracket, which can be moved relative to the U-shaped fork, grips under the stack of documents and lifts it off the alignment pins, transferring it to the fork legs. The free ends are then coupled to the bundle member (bracket) by a threaded connection. The stack of sheets is now transferred to this bundle member. The fork legs are then detached from the ends of the bundle member.

The above device is mainly because of the screw connection between the bundle member and the fork legs complex to manufacture and cumbersome to use. It is particularly disadvantageous that the bundle member must have a complex threaded coupling with a rotatable part at the ends of the legs. As a result, the bundle organ used in large numbers is cost-intensive. (DE-B-1 284 940).

A device for transferring a lined up stack of documents onto a bundle member (filing book) is also known, the latter consisting of two filing columns rigidly connected to a lower cover. The transfer device is fork-shaped with hollow, sleeve-shaped fork legs that can be connected to the bundle member. Detachable clamping couplings are provided on the free ends of the fork legs for this purpose. These consist of swiveling clamping jaws which are mounted in a fixed position in the hollow fork legs and which can be pivoted in a clamping sense by an axially displaceable actuating member (pressure pin) guided in each fork leg. To produce the clamping connection between the fork legs on the one hand and the bundling member on the other hand, the latter, namely the alignment columns, must be hollow and have an internal thread. The jaws of the fork legs, which can be pivoted outwards, are brought into engagement with this internal thread of the alignment columns by appropriate actuation.

This known device is therefore complex in construction and handling. In particular, it is not possible to work with simple bundle members, since in the known proposal these are hollow and have an internal thread. Another disadvantage is that the (detachable) connection between the fork legs and the alignment columns is not automatically held, for example by spring tension, but has to be maintained manually (CH-A-329 752).

In another known device, a fork-shaped receptacle is provided for a stack of sheets. The legs of this receiving device can be placed on the filing pins of a folder. For this purpose, the free ends of the legs of the receiving device are provided with hose-like coupling elements made of an elastic material. These are pushed over the free ends of the filing pins of the folder.

The above connection between the aligning pins einersetis and the receiving device, on the other hand, does not guarantee a secure connection, which is also able to absorb higher tensile loads. Moreover, this known system lacks a separate, "lost bundle member for the final take-up of the sheet material. (FR-A-1 546 124).

The invention has for its object to further develop and improve a system for the storage (archiving) of perforated sheet material with the features mentioned above in such a way that the structure and handling of the parts belonging to the device are improved. In particular, a particularly secure connection between the fork legs on the one hand and the alignment pins of a folder or the like or a U-shaped bundle member on the other hand should be ensured.

• a) das Bündelorgan (Bügel) in der Form eines einfachen Drahtstückes mit in Form von kopfartigen Verdickungen, Vertiefungen, Riefen oder Einschnürungen oder dergleichen ausgebildeten Kupplungsenden zum formschlüssigen Anschluss der als Klemmkupplungen ausgebildeten Kupplungselemente der Gabelschenkel ist, wobei
• b) die Klemmkupplungen jeweils in den hohlen Gabelschenkeln hin- und herverschiebbare Klemmzangen mit durch den freien unteren Rand der hohlen Gabelschenkel oder durch einen innerhalb derselben vorgesehenen Anschlag durch eine Federvorspannung im schliessenden Sinne beaufschlagten Klemmbacken umfassen, die zum kraft- und/oder formschlüssigen Umgreifen der Kupplungsenden der U-förmigen Bügel entgegen der Federvorspannung aus den hohlen Gabelschenkeln herausdrückbar sind und unter der Wirkung der Federvorspannung sich fest an die Kupplungsenden anlegen.

To achieve this object, the device according to the invention is characterized in that

• a) the bundle organ (bracket) in the form of a simple piece of wire with in the form of head art gene thickenings, depressions, grooves or constrictions or the like formed coupling ends for the positive connection of the coupling elements designed as clamping couplings of the fork legs, wherein
• b) the clamping couplings in the hollow fork legs can be pushed back and forth with clamping pliers with clamping jaws which are acted upon by the free lower edge of the hollow fork legs or by a stop provided within the latter by a spring preload in the closing sense, which jaws for the positive and / or positive engagement of the Coupling ends of the U-shaped brackets can be pressed out of the hollow fork legs against the spring preload and, under the action of the spring preload, lie firmly against the coupling ends.

According to the invention, the clamping jaws are tongue-shaped. They are opened and closed by an actuator via pins, support tubes or the like guided in the fork legs. This makes handling very easy.

To generate a spring preload acting on the clamping jaws, these are supported against one another by return springs. It is thereby achieved that the fork legs attached to the ends of the alignment pins or the bundling member are automatically held in the closed position, namely by the spring preload.

The bundle members (U-shaped stirrups) designed in the sense of the invention are particularly simple in design and can therefore be produced cost-effectively.

Further details and features of the invention are explained below on the basis of exemplary embodiments of both the transmission device and the bracket elements used according to the invention.

• Figur 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemässen Überführungsvorrichtung, teilweise im Vertikalschnitt, mit Bündelorgan,
• Figur 2 die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in Draufsicht (Grundriß),
• Figur 3 die Übertragungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 bei geöffneten Klemmkupplungen und mit einer Zusatzeinrichtung,
• Figur4 einen Schnitt IV-IV durch den unteren Teil der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 3,
• Figur 5 einen Vertikalschnitt durch eine zweite Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• Figur 6 einen Querschnitt zu der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 5,
• Figur 7 das freie (Kupplungs-)Ende eines Bündelorgans (Bügel) im Längsschnitt,
• Figur 8 eine Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 7 eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels des Bündelorgans.

Show it :

• FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention, partly in vertical section, with a bundling element,
• 2 shows the device according to FIG. 1 in plan view (plan view),
• 3 shows the transmission device according to FIG. 1 with the clamping couplings open and with an additional device, FIG.
• FIG. 4 shows a section IV-IV through the lower part of the device according to FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 shows a vertical section through a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 6 shows a cross section to the device according to FIG. 5,
• FIG. 7 shows the free (coupling) end of a bundle member (bracket) in longitudinal section,
• FIG. 8 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 7 of another exemplary embodiment of the bundling element.

The system for the removal of a stack of sheets 10 from a folder (not shown) or the like and for storage (archiving) comprises at least two organs, namely on the one hand the transfer device 11 and on the other hand bundle members in the form of U-shaped brackets 12. The transfer device 11 takes over Sheet material stack 10 of filing pins 13 of the folder and then passes it on to the bracket 12. For this purpose, the transmission device 11 can alternatively be connected to the alignment pins 13 and the bracket 12.

The transfer device 11 is basically equipped with clamping couplings 14 which are connected to the bow 112 during the transfer of the stack of sheets 10 from the transfer device 11, namely with appropriately designed coupling ends 15 of the same.

In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the clamping couplings 14 consist of several, for example two clamping jaws 16 and 17. These are divided from one another in the predominant area by slots 18. Appropriate shaping means that the clamping jaws 16 and 17 are preloaded in the opening sense. The closing or clamping position is achieved by the pressure acting on the outside of the clamping jaws 16, 17.

The clamping couplings 14 are entirely or partially mounted in legs of the transmission device 11, which are designed as a support sleeve 19 for this purpose. To open and close the clamping couplings 14, these are axially displaceable in the support sleeve 19. In the open position, the clamping couplings 14 with their coupling jaws 16, 17 enter or leave the region of an extension 20 of the support sleeve 19. In any case, the aim is to allow the jaws 16, 17 sufficient scope for the (automatic) movement into the open position. A stop edge 21 of the extension 20 or the lower edge 22 of the support sleeve 19 causes the clamping jaws 16, 17 to be compressed when the same is pulled back into the support sleeve 19.

To actuate the clamping couplings 14, they are connected to an upper transversely directed actuating member, namely a cross member 24, via a rod guided in the support sleeve 19 or via a support tube 23. This works together with a cross bar 25, which connects the (upper) ends of the support sleeves 19 to one another.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the cross member 24 is arranged outside, namely above the cross bar 25. The support tubes 23 emerge from the support sleeves 19. By compressing the crossbeam 24 and the crossbar 25, the clamping couplings 14 are fully or partially extended or moved into the region of the extension 20 at the lower end of the support sleeves 19 and thereby opened for the reception or release of the coupling end 15 of the bracket 12. The above movement takes place against the load of return springs 26 which are arranged in the support sleeves 19 in this exemplary embodiment. The aforementioned return springs 26 are supported on the one hand on a shoulder 27 in the support sleeve 19 and on the other hand on a collar 28 of the support tube 23. The return springs 26 bring about a return of the clamping couplings 14 to the clamping position by automatic displacement of the same when the compressed crossmember 24 and the cross bar 25 are relieved. In the preferred embodiment of the transmission device 11 according to FIGS. 5 and 6, the clamping couplings 14 are designed essentially in the same way as in the embodiment described above. Deviating from this, the crossbar 24 connecting the support tubes 23 to one another is arranged inside the cross bar 25, which is hollow here. This cross bar 25, which is designed as a housing and is also closed on the sides, also receives the return springs 26 which are supported on a lower wall 29 of the cross bar 25 on the one hand and on the cross member 24 on the other hand.

For the actuation of this transmission device 11, an actuation lever or actuation button 30 is provided, which here protrudes laterally from the cross bar 25 and is connected to the cross member 24. By moving the actuating button 30 downward (in relation to the position according to FIGS. 5 and 6), the cross member 24 is moved relative to the cross bar 25 within the same, namely moved downward. Pressing the return springs 26 completely or partially moves the clamping couplings 14 out of the support sleeve 19. In the area of the actuating button 30, the cross bar 25 is provided with an upright elongated hole 31 which allows the necessary movements. The actuation button 30 can be operated with the thumb, for example, while the hand grips the correspondingly shaped cross bar 25.

In this exemplary embodiment, the clamping couplings 14 are arranged such that the clamping jaws 16, 17 largely emerge from the lower end of the smooth-walled support sleeve 10 in the open position. The lower edge 22 causes the clamping jaws 16, 17 to close when they are withdrawn into the support sleeves 19. The aforementioned edge 22 is sharpened for this purpose.

The transmission device 11 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 is provided here with an additional device, namely a lifting bracket 32 for the food item 10. The aforementioned lifting bracket 32 consists of a crosspiece 33, here designed as a hollow profile, with two legs 34 pointing downward. These are provided with angled lifting claws 35 at their lower, free end. These flat, plate-shaped lifting claws 35 are pushed under the sheet material stack 10 to be removed from the folder (FIG. 3). The lifting bar 32 is loaded in the present case by compression springs 36 in the starting position. These are arranged here between the cross bar 25 on the one hand and the cross piece 33 on the other hand on the support sleeves 19. By pressing the crossbar 25 against the crosspiece 33, which is held at the same height, the transmission device 11 is pushed downward relative to the lifting bracket 32 by compressing the spring 36.

The line-up pins 13 of the folder are thereby connected to the lower, open end of the support sleeves 19 and / or the clamping couplings 14. This provides a connection between the line-up pins 13 and the transmission device 11 or the support sleeves 19 thereof. By further relative movement of the lifting bracket 32 in the upward direction relative to the transfer device 11, the stack of sheets 10 is lifted off the alignment pins 13 and pushed onto the support sleeves 19.

If the transmission device 11 is used without a lifting bracket 32, for example as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a connection is also first made between the lower end of the support sleeves 19 on the one hand and the alignment pins 13 on the other hand. This can be done by simply inserting the alignment pins 13 into the lower end of the support sleeves 19. However, it is also possible, as with the bracket 12, to establish a connection with the aid of the clamping couplings 14. The Biattgutstapei 10 is then transferred manually or by tilting the folder and the transfer device 11 under its own weight on the support sleeves 19.

Then, by appropriate actuation of the clamping couplings 14, they are connected to the coupling ends 15 of a bracket 12. The stack of sheets 10 is now moved in the opposite direction, namely transferred to the bracket 12. By folding the free, protruding parts of the same, the stack of sheets 10 is held on the bracket 12.

The bracket 12 as a bundle member is also designed in a special way. Exemplary embodiments are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Thereafter, the bracket 12 consists of an inner, bendable wire 37 and a sheath 38 of the same made of plastic, in particular of thermally deformable plastic. The coupling ends 15 of the bracket 12 are designed so that not only a non-positive, but also a positive connection with the transmission device 11 is possible.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the coupling end 15 is provided with a constriction 39 and at the extreme end with a head-like thickening 40. The latter is positively embraced by the clamping coupling 14.

Thickening 40 and constriction 39 are formed by the casing 38 in the present case. The procedure is such that the blank for the stirrup 12 obtained in finite pieces of a coated wire 37 is treated in a suitable molding press in the area of the coupling end 15 by applying heat and pressure in such a way that constriction 39 and thickening 40 result from thermal deformation. At the same time, the free end of the wire 37 is also encased. The Corresponding device is equipped with welding or molding jaws which give the coupling end 15 the shape described with plasticized casing 38. The thickening 40 can alternatively have a larger diameter than the casing 38 in the rest or the same or a smaller diameter. In the latter case, with appropriately small clamping couplings 14, a better transition between the parts mentioned is ensured for the sheet material. The deformations produced in this way in the area of the coupling ends 15 can also have a different shape, for example consist of transverse elevations and depressions.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8, the coupling ends 15 are designed such that the wire 37 is first exposed in the region of the coupling end 15 and then a coupling piece 41 which has been designed and shaped in a special way was placed on the exposed end of the wire 37, in such a way that that there is a continuous transition between this coupling piece 41 and the subsequent casing 38. The coupling piece 41, which is made of plastic, for example, is also designed so that a positive connection with the transmission device 11 is also ensured. The support sleeves 19 of the transmission device 11 are expediently curved in the lower region, so that they can be connected to the row pins 13, which are usually also bent, without a step. For this purpose, the support tubes 23 extending in the support sleeves 19 are made of elastic material, for example plastic. This ensures a shape adjustment.

Claims (9)

1. Appliance for transferring a stack of documentary material, threaded on the threading-pins of a file or the like, from the threading-pins, onto a bent, U-shaped bundling member, this appliance comprising a U-shaped fork with hollow prongs which can be placed on the threading-pins and which can be coupled to the bundling member, a releasable coupling element being assigned to the free end of each prong, for the purpose of coupling-on the bundling member, characterised in that

a) the bundling member (bow 12) is in the form of a simple piece of wire, with coupling-ends (15) which are designed in the form of head-like thickened portions (40), indentations, grooves or narrowed portions (39), or the like, and which serve to make a positive connection to the coupling elements of the prongs (19), which elements are designed as clamp-couplings (14),

b) the clamp-couplings (14) comprising, in each of the hollow prongs (19), a clamping-gripper, capable of being shifted backwards and forwards, with clamping-jaws (16, 17), which are preloaded in the closing direction by a preloading spring-arrangement (26), via the exposed lower edge (22) of the hollow prong (19), or via a stop (21) located inside the prong, it being possible to push the clamping-jaws out of the hollow prongs (19), against the spring preload, in order to engage around the coupling-ends (15) of the U-shaped bows (12), frictionally and/or positively, the clamping-jaws coming into firm contact with the coupling-ends (15), under the action of the preloading spring-arrangement.

2. Appliance according to Claim 1, characterised in that the clamping jaws (16, 17) are designed in the shape of tongues.

3. Appliance according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the clamping-jaws (16, 17) are connected, by means of pins, support-tubes (23), or the like, which are guided in the prongs (19), to an actuating member, in particular to a cross-member (24), the clamp-couplings (14) being opened and closed by the movements of this cross-member.

4. Appliance according to Claim 3, characterised in that the prongs (19) are interconnected by means of a crossbar (25), it being possible, by the relative movement of the cross-member (24) and the crossbar (25), to move the clamp-couplings (14) into the opening position and into the closing position.

5. Appliance according to Claim 4, characterised in that, in order to generate the spring preload acting on the clamping-jaws (16, 17), the cross-member (24) and the crossbar (25) are supported, one against the other, by means of return springs (26).

6. Appliance according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the actuating member for the clamp-couplings (14), especially the cross-member (24), is located inside the crossbar (25), which is designed as a hollow body. (Figures 5 and 6)

7. Appliance according to Claim 6, characterised in that the cross-member (24) can be operated from outside the crossbar (25), in particular by means of an operating button (30) which projects from the crossbar (25) and is connected to the cross-member (24).

8. Appliance according to Claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the return springs (26) for the clamp-couplings (14) are located inside the crossbar (25), and preferably in the region where the prongs (19) enter the crossbar (25), and are supported on this crossbar, on the one hand, as well as on the cross-member (24), on the other hand.

9. Appliance according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that, in the case of a bow (12) which is made from a wire (37) with a covering (38) composed of a material which can be moulded, in particular a thermoplastic, the coupling-ends (15) of this bow are formed by deformation of the coating (38). (Figures 7 and 8)

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