EP0279851B1 - Zufuhrsiebvorrichtung und verfahren - Google Patents

Zufuhrsiebvorrichtung und verfahren Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0279851B1
EP0279851B1 EP87906130A EP87906130A EP0279851B1 EP 0279851 B1 EP0279851 B1 EP 0279851B1 EP 87906130 A EP87906130 A EP 87906130A EP 87906130 A EP87906130 A EP 87906130A EP 0279851 B1 EP0279851 B1 EP 0279851B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
card
stack
input hopper
cards
suction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87906130A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0279851A4 (de
EP0279851A1 (de
Inventor
Richard C. Nubson
Gary P. Mattila
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Entrust Corp
Original Assignee
Datacard Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Datacard Corp filed Critical Datacard Corp
Priority to AT87906130T priority Critical patent/ATE89529T1/de
Publication of EP0279851A1 publication Critical patent/EP0279851A1/de
Publication of EP0279851A4 publication Critical patent/EP0279851A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0279851B1 publication Critical patent/EP0279851B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/08—Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
    • B65H3/0808—Suction grippers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an input hopper apparatus and method for feeding cards into a card transfer path. More particularly, the present invention relates to an input hopper apparatus utilizing suction means for individually picking a card from a stack of cards and transferring the card to a transfer position in the card transfer path.
  • the present invention has particular utility with automatic embossing systems such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. Re. 27,809, 3,820,455, 4,271,012, 4,180,338, 4,088,216, and 4,519,600 (or WO 85/01277).
  • Various ones of these patents are high speed systems of substantial size and expense ideally suited for high volume production of credit cards, where as other ones of these patents are particularly suited to low volume production.
  • the automatic embossing systems typically have a number of stations, also referred to as modules, wherein embossing and other functions are performed.
  • the cards are transferred along a path of travel, typically referred to as a card transfer path, between the various stations from an input hopper apparatus which provides a source of cards and an output hopper apparatus wherein the embossed cards are collected.
  • a knife edge pick cam rotates a knife edge so as to contact the leading edge of a card, forcing it against a backstop, causing the card to bow by buckling. As the card is bowed, a shear stress is created between the first and second cards, causing the card to separate from the first card. As the picker cam continues rotating, the first card slips off the knife edge and straightens out, forcing its leading edge into a set of drive rollers.
  • Another type of input hopper apparatus uses a knife edge and throat gap.
  • a knife edge shears one card from the next and forces it through a threat gap such that it is adjusted to allow only one card at a time through the throat.
  • U.S. Patent No. 2,223,391 discloses yet another type of input hopper apparatus which bends a side of the card in order to facilitate separating it with a suction means which is provided. Only one edge of the card is bent and the suction means requires the use of a vacuum pump or other vacuum source.
  • U.S. Patent 1,787,077 to Kruse discloses a sheet separating apparatus.
  • the disclosure of Kruse teaches the use of gravity biased means for buckling a lowermost metal sheet of a stack and the use of a suction mechanism to engage the lowermost sheet of the stack and to pull it away from the remainder of the stack for engagement by feed fingers.
  • the knife edge may occasionally pick up two cards or entirely miss picking up a card if not properly adjusted according to the thickness of the cards.
  • the knife edge can cause damage to the edges of the cards.
  • there are other problems such as jamming of the input hopper apparatus, which can occur if the input hopper apparatus is not properly adjusted.
  • the present invention provides an input hopper apparatus and method using suction force for feeding cards into a card transfer path which offers substantial advantages over the input hopper apparatus utilized in the above-referenced patents.
  • Suction force created by a partial vacuum has been used in other applications such as handling large plastic sheets from which smaller plastic cards are made and large paper sheets in printing processes. These devices do not suggest or teach the present invention. In addition to other differences, these applications typically use suction pumps for creating a partial vacuum and are more complex in nature.
  • the present invention relates to an input hopper apparatus for receiving a stack of cards and for individually feeding the cards into a card transfer path, each of the cards in the stack of cards being vertically aligned and resting on an edge thereof, the stack of cards having a top, a bottom, front and back ends, and leading and trailing sides.
  • the input hopper apparatus includes an input hopper receptacle means having front and back ends for receiving the stack of cards.
  • the input hopper receptacle means includes a hopper plate supporting the bottom of the stack of cards, guide rail means for guiding movement of such cards on the hopper plate, and means biasing movement of the stack of cards in a backward direction.
  • the pick means is disposed proximate the back end of the hopper receptacle means for individually picking a card from the stack of cards and placing the card in a staged position for subsequent transfer to the card transfer path.
  • the pick means includes suction means reciprocally movable toward the back end of the hopper receptacle means for engaging and removing an individual one of the cards from the back end of the input hopper receptacle means, and a suction release means for releasing the suction means from the card so removed from the input hopper receptacle means, whereby the card is disposed in a staged position upon release of the suction means.
  • the input hopper apparatus further includes transfer means for transferring the card from the staged position to a transfer position in the card transfer path.
  • the present invention relates to a method for receiving a stack of cards and for individually feeding the cards into a card transfer path, each of the cards in the stack of cards being vertically aligned and resting on an edge thereof, the stack of cards having a top, a bottom, front and back ends, and leading and trailing sides.
  • the method comprises the step of receiving a stack of cards in input hopper receptacle means, guiding the stack of cards, and biasing the stack of cards in a backward direction.
  • the method further includes the step of individually picking a card from the stack of cards using suction means reciprocally movable toward the back end of the hopper receptacle means and placing the card so removed in a staged position.
  • the method subsequently includes the step of transferring the card from the staged position to a transfer position in the card transfer path.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide an input hopper apparatus and method which is relatively insensitive to the longitudinal positioning of cards fed from an input hopper receptacle.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an input hopper apparatus which is relatively insensitive to variations in the card stock thickness.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an input hopper apparatus which is less likely to damage the cards and card edges.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an input hopper apparatus which is largely insensitive to card edge conditions.
  • Still another object is to provide an input hopper apparatus which is less sensitive to variations in card length.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide an input hopper apparatus which is relatively insensitive to bowed conditions of a card.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an input hopper apparatus which requires a minimal amount of force to separate cards.
  • An object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a suction assembly which does not utilize vacuum pumps or the like, thereby simplifying operation.
  • Still another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an input hopper apparatus and method which is of relatively low cost, and yet highly efficient and effective in operation.
  • FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment of an input hopper apparatus generally in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the input hopper apparatus generally being referred to by the reference numeral 40.
  • the stack of cards 44 is defined as having a top 44a, a bottom 44b, front and back ends 44c,d, and leading and trailing sides 44e,f.
  • a last card 46 at the back end 44d of the stack of cards 44 is defined as having a top 46a, a bottom 46b, front and back surfaces 46c,d and leading and trailing sides 46e,f.
  • the input hopper receptacle includes a support plate member 50 on which the bottom 44b of the stack of cards 44 rests.
  • spaced apart, parallel right and left guide rail members 52,54 are present for guiding movement of the stack of cards 44 on the hopper plate 50.
  • the right and left guide rail members are also referred to as leading and trailing guide rail members, respectively.
  • a biasing arrangement 56 is provided for biasing the stack of cards 44 in a backward direction.
  • a pick arrangement 60 is disclosed proximate the back end of the hopper receptacle 42 for individually picking cards from the stack of cards 44 and placing them in a staged position as generally illustrated in Figure 10 for subsequent transfer to a card transfer position in a card transfer path 59.
  • the pick arrangement 60 includes a suction cup assembly 62 including a flexible rubber suction cup member 64 reciprocally mounted for movement toward and away from the card 46 at the back end 44d of the stack of cards 44.
  • the suction cup assembly 62 provides a natural vacuum; i.e., it does not require the use of any vacuum pumps to create a vacuum which provides the suction force.
  • the suction cup assembly 62 includes a suction release valve 66 for releasing the suction cup assembly 62 from the card 46 after it has been removed from the input hopper receptacle 42 by the suction cup assembly 62, whereby the card 46 is disposed in the staged position proximate the back end of the input hopper receptacle 42 as generally illustrated in Figure 10.
  • a transfer mechanism 70 transfers the card 46 from the staged position to a transfer position in a card transfer path 59 as generally illustrated in Figure 11.
  • the transfer mechanism 70 comprises a plurality of rollers 72,74,76,78 which cooperate in pairs to transfer the card 46 into the transfer position.
  • the pick mechanism 60 is deactivated by a switch 80 which, in turn, is activated by the reciprocal movement of a lever 61 of the pick mechanism 60.
  • a single electric DC motor 82 is used to power both the pick mechanism 60 and the transfer mechanism 70.
  • the DC motor 82 is interconnected to the pick mechanism 60 and the transfer mechanism 70 by one-way pulley/clutch drive arrangements 84,86,88, which enable separate operation of the pick mechanism 60 and the transfer mechanism 70 by reversal of the DC motor rotational movement.
  • the pick mechanism 60 might be driven by one motor and the transfer mechanism 70 by a second motor.
  • stepper motor arrangements might be used. It will be appreciated that any number of drive arrangements might be used in keeping with the principles of the invention.
  • the back end of the guide rail members 52,54 include bifurcated end portions 92,94 projecting inwardly toward the stack of cards 44 so as to restrict movement of the stack of cards 44 in the backward direction beyond a predetermined location.
  • the stack of cards 44 as previously mentioned is biased in the backward direction by the biasing arrangement 56.
  • the biasing arrangement 56 includes a coil spring 95 fixedly interconnected proximate a back end to a stationary bracket 96 and proximate a front end to a mass 90 interconnected to a card pusher plate assembly 97 reciprocally mounted on the plate 50.
  • the biasing arrangement provides a variable force which decreases as the card pusher plate assembly 97 moves closer to the back end of the input hopper receptacle 42.
  • the mass 90/card pusher plate assembly 97 has a weight of roughly 0,68 kg (1.5 pounds).
  • the combined weight will be 0,55 to 0,77 kg (1.2 to 1.7 pounds).
  • the left end portion 94 includes a soft resilient material 98 on an inner surface thereof for providing greater resistance to movement of the trailing side 44f of the cards in the backward direction than the resistance exerted by the end portion 92 on the leading side 44e.
  • the card pinch members 102,104 include an elongated rigid portion 106 fixedly interconnected to the guide rails 52,54 and a front portion 108 whereby the front portion 108 is pivotal about a shaft 110.
  • a soft resilient material 114 Positioned on an inwardly facing surface of the front portion 108 of the card pinch members 102,104 is a soft resilient material 114.
  • the card pinch members 102,104 are configured and arranged so as to enable the front portion 108 thereof to extend through a slot 91,93 (slot 93 not shown) defined by the bifurcated end portions 92,94, respectively.
  • the card pinch members 102,104 are biased outward into a rest or normal position by the sides 44e,f of the stack of cards 44 when the input hopper apparatus is not picking cards, wherein the card pinch members 102,104 do not project into the area defined between the guide rail members 52,54.
  • Illustrated in Figure 12 is an alternate embodiment of the card pinch members 102,104, generally represented by the reference numeral 116.
  • the card pinch member 116 is a resilient one-piece member resiliently biased into a rest position.
  • the suction cup 64 of the suction cup assembly 62 is threadably mounted on a suction cup block member 120 by cooperating threaded members 119,121, a base portion 64a of the suction cup 64 being interconnected to the threaded member 119.
  • the suction cup mounting block 120 is, in turn, fixedly attached to slide members 122 which are slidably mounted in a stationary bearing block 124.
  • the suction cup block member 120 is further interconnected to a drive arm 126 by a linkage member 128, the linkage member 128 being pivotally interconnected to the block member 120 by a shaft 129 and the drive arm 126.
  • the drive arm 126 is, in turn, rotatably driven by a rotatable shaft 130 so as to cause reciprocal movement of the suction block 120.
  • the drive arm 126 is fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft 130 by an extension member 134.
  • the rotatable shaft 130 is, in turn, interconnected to a drive shaft 81 of the DC drive motor 82 by the one-way pulley/clutch 84 in cooperation with a pulley 138 and drive belt 140 arrangement.
  • the drive shaft 81 of the DC motor is interconnected to the rollers 72,76 by the one-way pulley/clutches 86,88 in cooperation with a pulley 142 and drive belts 146a,148.
  • the input hopper support structure includes a second plate 51 separated from the plate 50 by spacers 49. Rollers 74,78 are spring biased into engagement with the rollers 72,76, respectively, so as to rotate therewith.
  • the card pinch activation members 152,154 are configured and arranged to cooperate with the card pinch members 102,104 such that upon moving the suction cup block member 120 into a forward position, the pinch activation members 152,154 engage the rollers 112 of the card pinch members 102,104 thereby forcing the card pinch members 102,104 into the area of the input hopper receptacle 42 between the guide rails 52,54 so as to pinch the first few cards of the stack of cards.
  • a front end portion 156 of the pinch activation members is angled outwardly at approximately 20 degrees so as to define a barrier for initially engaging the rollers 112.
  • the suction release valve 66 includes a reciprocal valve stem 160 disposed in a back end of a cylinder 162, the valve stem 160 cooperating with the cylinder 162 to define an air path 158 therethrough upon depression of the valve stem which, in turn, cooperates with air paths 161,163,165 extending through the suction cup block member 120, the threaded member 121, and the suction cup 64, respectively, to a surface 68 of the suction cup 64 facing the card 46.
  • valve stem 160 engages a threaded projection 164 of the bearing block 124 so as to cause depression of the valve stem 160 so as to provide air communication between the ambient air and the vacuum formed by the suction cup 64 so as to release the suction force generated at the suction cup 64, whereby the card 46 is released.
  • the mechanical operation of the input hopper apparatus 40 can be divided into a pick cycle and a transfer cycle.
  • the pick cycle will separate the card 46 from the stack of cards 44 and position it in the staged position for subsequent transfer.
  • the transfer cycle will transport the card 46 from the staged position to the transfer position in the card transfer path 59. Both of these cycles are driven by the common DC motor 82.
  • the DC motor 82 rotates counter-clockwise when viewed from the top of the input hopper apparatus 40 to drive the pick cycle and clockwise to drive the transfer cycle.
  • the one-way pulley/clutch 84 operates during the pick cycle and is disengaged from the drive shaft 81 during operation of the transfer cycle.
  • the one-way clutches 86,88 operate during the transfer cycle and are disengaged during the pick cycle.
  • a microprocessor control arrangement 170 including a suitable microprocessor, latch and memory will control operation of the input hopper apparatus 40.
  • the control arrangement 170 will be preferably mounted in close proximity to the input hopper apparatus 40.
  • the control arrangement 170 will communicate with a system microprocessor control 180 which controls overall operation of the system.
  • a block diagram of an embodiment of an overall system is illustrated in Figure 13.
  • the system control 180 is illustrated communicating with the input hopper apparatus 40 as well as embosser-stations 182a,...n and an output hopper 184.
  • the transfer cycle is stopped and the pick cycle is started.
  • the pick cycle is completed; i.e., the switch 80 detects movement of the suction cup assembly 62 into its back position after having detected movement forward to pick a card, the control 170 will await for the next pick signal from the system control 180.
  • the microprocessor control 170 and its associated memory might be appropriately programmed to attempt the pick cycle twice before a feed error condition is detected, and the user appropriately alerted via audible and/or visual indicator apparatus. It will be appreciated that, per the above discussion, the card 46 is at the staged position as generally illustrated in Figure 10, while waiting for a pick signal to be received from the system control 180. Accordingly, the present invention provides for a very quick and reliable response to the pick signal. Moreover, the actual picking of a card is done during what would normally be an inactive period of time.
  • the pick cycle as discussed includes a separating and staging cycle.
  • the separating function of the pick cycle occurs in the pick cycle prior to the staging function.
  • the separating function can be divided into three basic steps: 1) pinch, 2) fan, 3) separate.
  • the drive arm 126 rotates counter-clockwise driving the pick mechanism 60 forward (toward the front of the system) as generally illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.
  • the suction cup 64 will travel at a variable speed of 0 to 0,30 m/s (0 to 11.8 inches per second) along its path of travel.
  • the card pinch activation members 152,154 attached to the suction cup block member 120 drive the card pinch members 102,104 in toward the leading and trailing sides 44e,f of the stack of cards 44.
  • the soft resilient material 114 on the card pinch members 102,104 engages (pinches) the sides 44e,f of the cards and slightly bows the first few cards in a direction toward the pick arrangement 60, with most of the force being placed on the first card 46.
  • the suction cup 64 forces the first few cards of the stack of cards 44 from the rear bowed condition through a relatively straight or aligned position to a forward bowed condition as generally illustrated in Figure 7.
  • the bending moment in the second, third, etc. cards cause them to separate (fan) from the first card at the sides 44e,f.
  • the pick mechanism 60 is moved completely forward and the air in the suction cup 64 has been forced out through one-way valve 174 in communication with the air path 161 in the suction cup block member 120.
  • the suction cup assembly 62 forms its vacuum without the assistance of pumps or other vacuum assist devices.
  • the spring/mass arrangement of the card pusher assembly 97 assures that the force required to move the stack of cards 44 in the forward direction is greater than the force required to collapse the suction cup 64, thereby assuring formation of the partial vacuum.
  • the pinch activation members 152,154 disengage from the card pinch members 102,104 so as to release the stack of cards 44 and allow the stack of cards 44 to slide backward ready for the next pick cycle.
  • the spring/mass arrangement of the card pusher assembly 97 moves slower toward the back end of the hopper receptacle 42, than the suction cup 64 moves backward, thereby assuring the card 46 is separated from the stack of cards 44.
  • the card pusher assembly 97 includes a plate 200 and a handle 202 mounted on a carriage 206.
  • the carriage 206 includes rollers 204 for movement over the plate 50.
  • a bracket 208 is attached to the carriage 206 for attachment of the mass 90 and the spring 95.
  • the staging function includes positioning and releasing the card 46.
  • the resilient pad 96 on the trailing rail member 54 increases the drag or resistance on the trailing side or edge 46f of the card 46 allowing the leading side or edge 46e to be pulled beyond the back end of the rail member 52 while the trailing side 46f is still retained within the hopper receptacle 42.
  • the leading side 46e is pulled backward to bow around the idler roller 72 until the leading side 46e is beyond a nip 176 defined by the rollers 72,74 as generally illustrated in Figure 9, the roller 72 restricting movement of the side 46e of the card 46 in the backward direction. At this time, the rollers 72,74,76,78 are not rotating.
  • the suction cup 64 is offset so as to be closer to the leading side 46e of the card 46 than to the trailing side 46f.
  • the stem 160 of the suction release valve 66 is depressed enabling air flow from the outside ambient air into the area between the suction cup 64 and the card 46 so as to remove the vacuum therebetween and release the card 46.
  • the bowed card straightens out and forces its leading edge 46e into the nip 176 as generally illustrated in Figure 10.
  • the card 46 is now ready to be transferred at the end of the pick cycle, the motor 82 is shut off.
  • the card 46 is transferred from the staged position 146 to a card transfer position on the card transfer path 59.
  • the card 46 is made to move by opposite, cooperating rotation of the opposing rollers 72,74. As the rollers 72,74 begin turning, the card 46 begins moving toward the transfer position.
  • the one-way pulley/clutch 84 is disengaged from the drive shaft 81 of the electric motor 82 at this time so as to allow a spring 178 fixedly mounted at a back end and interconnected to the suction cup block 120 at a front end to maintain the pick mechanism card pinch activation members 152,154 back away from the card path of movement as generally illustrated in Figure 11.
  • the card 46 is transferred to the output roller set 76,78 on to the card transfer path 59.
  • a guide structure is preferably present to guide movement of the card 46 between the rollers 72,74 and the rollers 76,78.
  • the cover 65, rollers 190,192, and member 194 serve this function.
  • the rollers 190,192 on the cover 65 also facilitate proper staging of the card 46.
  • the input hopper controller 170 controls operation of the DC motor 82 and communicates card pick status to the main system control 180 which, as discussed, will typically be present for coordinating and controlling the various elements and stations of the application wherein the input hopper apparatus 40 is being utilized.
  • the controller 170 receives a pick signal from the main system control 180. If the card 46 has been picked, or the input hopper apparatus is in the process of picking the card 46, the control 170 will transmit a busy signal.
  • the control 170 controls the direction of the DC motor 82, counter-clockwise for picking the card 46 and clockwise for feeding the card 46. Signals associated with the card pick control process are summarized below:
  • the busy signal is set low for power up indicating that the controller 170 is ready to receive a pick signal.
  • the controller apparatus 170 turns the DC motor 82 on in the direction to transfer the card 46 to the transfer position 58 in the card transfer path 59 and the busy signal is set to high so the main system controller 180 is informed that the input hopper apparatus 40 is busy.
  • the exit switch 172 which causes the busy signal to go low. This informs the main system controller 180 that the card 46 is leaving the input hopper apparatus 40.
  • the busy is set high again to tell the main system controller 180 the card 46 has left the input hopper apparatus 40 and is in the transfer position on the card transfer path 59.
  • the system controller 180 will acknowledge that the card has exited by sending the pick signal high (card exit signal).
  • the input hopper control 170 upon receipt of the pick signal will reverse the direction of the DC motor 82.
  • the DC motor 82 is turned off and the busy signal is set low to indicate to the system control 180 that the input hopper is through picking the card 46.
  • the signal arrangement enables communication between the input hopper control 170 and the system control 180 with only two signal lines, pick and busy as generally illustrated in Figure 14. In addition, this provides for compatability with older, existing systems.
  • the logic sequence and control of the input hopper apparatus 40 is accomplished with an 8031 INTEL microprocessor, an address latch, and programmable read only memory.
  • a crystal oscillator will provide the main clock function, the 8031 microprocessor being reset during the power up cycle.
  • the control of the motor circuits is accomplished by the pick signal and the card exit signal.
  • the motor control circuits are a full bridge configuration for two motor directions.
  • the circuit is preferably a chop mode control for speed control and efficiency.

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Claims (19)

  1. Verfahren zur Aufnahme eines Stapels (44) von Karten (46) und zur Einzelzuführung der Karten (46) in einen Kartenüberführungsweg (59), wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfaßt, einen Stapel (44) von Karten (46) im Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittel (42) aufzunehmen, welches ein erstes Ende (44c) und ein zweites Ende (44d) hat; eine Kraft auf den Stapel (44) in Richtung auf das zweite Ende (44d) des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels (42) auszuüben; und mit einem Saugmittel (62) eine erste, dem besagten zweiten Ende (44d) zunächst liegende Karte (46) einzeln dem besagten Überführungsweg (59) zuzuführen; gekennzeichnet durch folgende Schritte:
    (a) gegenüberliegende Kanten (46e, 46f) von zumindest der ersten, dem zweiten Ende (44d) des Eingabeschachts (42) zunächstliegenden Karte (46) zusammenzudrücken, um die gegenüberliegenden Kanten von zumindest der ersten Karte in Richtung zueinander zu drücken, um die erste Karte durchzubiegen, wobei der Schritt des Zusammendrückens durch die Bewegung von Zusammendrückmitteln zwischen einer ersten Stellung, in der die Zusammendrückmittel (102, 104) gegenüberliegende Kanten von zumindest der ersten Karte zusammendrücken, und einer zweiten Stellung, in der die Zusammendrückmittel gegenüberliegende Kanten von zumindest der ersten Karte nicht zusammendrücken, ausgeführt wird,
    (b) wenigstens die erste, dem zweiten Ende (44d) des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels (42) zunächstliegende Karte aufzufächern, indem ein Saugmittel (62) auf eine größere Fläche (46d) der ersten Karte (46) gedrückt wird, die vom Stapel (44) wegweist, während die erste Karte so zusammengedrückt wird, daß die erste Karte zwischen ihren gegenüberliegenden Kanten in Richtung auf das erste Ende (44c) des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels (42) durchgebogen wird, und daß eine Saugkraft zwischen dem Saugmittel (62) und der ersten Karte (46) erzeugt wird;
    (c) die erste Karte (46) einzeln vom Kartenstapel (44) zu trennen, indem das Saugmittel (62) vom Kartenstapel zurückgezogen wird, während das Saugmittel mit der ersten Karte zusammenwirkt; und
    (d) die Karte (46) zum besagten Kartenüberführungsweg (59) zu überführen.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schritt, die erste Karte (46) abzutrennen, den Schritt einschließt, einen flexiblen Saugnapf (64) gegen eine größere Fläche (46d) der ersten Karte am zweiten Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels (42) anzudrücken, so daß der Saugnapf verformt wird.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schritt des Überführens die Schritte einschließt, zuerst die Karte (46) in eine Zwischenstellung (146) zu überführen und die Karte nachfolgend in eine Überführungsstellung auf dem Kartenüberführungsweg zu überführen.
  4. Eingabeschachtvorrichtung zum Ausführen des Verfahrens nach Anspruch 1, umfassend ein Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittel (42) zur Aufnahme des Stapels (44) von Karten (46), wobei das Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittel ein erstes und zweites Ende (44c, 44d) hat und Tragmittel (50) zum Tragen des Stapels (44) umfaßt, Führungsschienenmittel (52, 54) zum Führen der Bewegung des Stapels und Andruckmittel (97) zum Drücken des Stapels in Richtung auf das zweite Ende; in der Nähe des zweiten Endes des Schachtaufnahmemittels (42) angeordnete Aufnahmemittel (60) zum einzelnen Aufnehmen einer Karte (46) vom Stapel (44); und Überführungsmittel (70) zum Überführen der vom Stapel (44) entnommenen Karte (46) zu einem Kartenüberführungsweg (59), wodurch die Karte dann woandershin überführt werden kann, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß:
    (a) das Aufnahmemittel (60) ein Zusammendrückmittel (102, 104) zum Zusammendrücken gegenüberliegender Kanten (46e, 46f) von zumindest einer ersten Karte (46) des Stapels (44) umfaßt, um die besagten gegenüberliegenden Kanten (46e, 46f) wenigstens der ersten Karte in Richtung aufeinander zu drücken, um die erste Karte durchzubiegen, und Saugmittel (62) zum Anlegen auf eine größere Fläche (46d) der ersten Karte zum Durchbiegen der ersten Karte im allgemeinen in Richtung auf das erste Ende (44c) der Eingabeschachtaufnahme (42), während die erste Karte durch die Zusammendrückmittel (102, 104) zusammengedrückt wird, wodurch die gegenüberliegenden Kanten (46e, 46f) der ersten Karte von denen der anderen Karten im Stapel (44) getrennt werden, und zum Abnehmen der ersten Karte vom Stapel am zweiten Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels (42).
  5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Zusammendrückmittel (120, 104) zwischen einer Zusammendrückstellung, in der die Zusammendrückmittel gegenüberliegende Kanten (46e, 46f) von zumindest der ersten Karte zusammendrücken, um die gegenüberliegenden Kanten in Richtung aufeinander zu drücken, und einer zweiten Stellung hin- und herbewegbar sind
  6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, gekennzeichnet durch Mittel, die besagte Zusammendrückmittel einschließen, um zumindest eine erste Karte (46) am zweiten Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels in Richtung auf das zweite Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels durchzubiegen, wobei besagte Zusammendrückmittel (102, 104) in der Nähe des zweiten Endes des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels angeordnet sind.
  7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß besagtes Saugmittel (62) in Richtung auf den Stapel von Karten (46) und davon weg hin- und herbewegbar ist, um sich auf eine erste größere Fläche (46a) der ersten Karte anzulegen, die vom Kartenstapel wegweist, und um die so erfaßte erste Karte (46) vom Kartenstapel abzunehmen, wobei das Saugmittel ein verformbares Saugnapfteil (64) und ein zweites Andruckmittel zum Andrücken des Saugnapfteils (64) gegen die erste Karte (46) und in Richtung auf das erste Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels (42) einschließt, um die erste Karte (46) in Richtung auf das erste Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels durchzubiegen und das Saugnapfteil (64) zu verformen, wodurch eine Saugkraft erzeugt wird, ohne daß es notwendig ist, daß aktiv Luft aus dem Hohlraum, der vom Saugnapfteil (64) und der davon erfaßten Karte (46) gebildet wird, abgezogen wird, wobei die Kraft, die erforderlich ist, um den Kartenstapel (44) in Richtung auf das erste Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels (42) zu verschieben, größer ist als die Kraft, die erforderlich ist, um das Saugnapfteil (64) zu verformen, wobei die Mittel zum Durchbiegen Mittel einschließen, um die Kartenzusammendrückmittel zu aktivieren, bevor das Saugnapfteil (64) sich auf die Fläche der ersten Karte (46) am zweiten Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels legt, wobei der Saugnapf (46) mit den Kartenzusammendrückmitteln (102, 104) zusammenwirkt, um zumindest die erste Karte (46) vom Kartenstapel aufzufächern, sobald sich die erste Karte in Richtung auf das erste Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels durchbiegt.
  8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Kartenstapel (44) im wesentlichen horizontal ausgerichtet ist.
  9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Führungsschienenmittel (52, 54) hintere (94) und vordere (92) Führungsschienenteile einschließt, die nach innen in Richtung auf den Kartenstapel vorstehen, so daß sie eine Bewegung des Kartenstapels in Richtung auf das zweite Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels verhindern, wobei das hintere Führungsschienenteil (94) auf einer Seite des Schienenmittels wegweisend vom Kartenüberführungsweg angeordnet ist und einen größeren Widerstand gegen eine Bewegung des Kartenstapels als das vordere Teil (92) aufweist, wodurch eine Vorderkante (46f) der ersten Karte (46) über das vordere Führungsschienenteil (92) hinaus gezogen werden kann, bevor eine hintere Kante (46e) der ersten Karte (46) über das hintere Führungsschienenteil (94) hinaus gezogen wird.
  10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Aufnahmemittel (60) Mittel einschließt, um die vom Kartenstapel (44) entnommene Karte (46) in eine Zwischenstellung (146) zur nachfolgenden Überführung zum Kartenüberführungsweg zu bringen.
  11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Eingabeschachtvorrichtung (40) Mittel einschließt, um die aufgenommene Karte von der Zwischenstellung (146) zum Kartenüberführungsweg zu überführen.
  12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Andruckmittel (97) zum Andrücken der Karten in Richtung auf das zweite Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels eine zusammenwirkende Masse(90)- und Feder(95)-Anordnung einschließt.
  13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet daß das Saugmittel (62) zur Hin- und Herbewegung in Richtung auf und weg vom zweiten Ende der Eingabeschachtvorrichtung (42) in im wesentlichen zu einer größeren Fläche (46a) der Karte (46) am zweiten Ende des Eingabeschachtaufnahmemittels senkrechter Richtung gehalten ist.
  14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Eingabeschachtmittel (42) Gegenkraftmittel einschließt, um die Geschwindigkeit der Bewegung des Kartenstapels (44) auf einen geringeren Wert als die Bewegungsgeschwindigkeit des Saugmittels (62) weg vom zweiten Ende zu begrenzen.
  15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Saugmittel (62) ein passives Saugmittel mit einem verformbaren Saugnapf (64) einschließt, in dem keine Vakuumquelle erforderlich ist, um ein teilweises Vakuum zwischen dem verformbaren Saugnapf (64) und der ersten Karte (46) zu erzeugen.
  16. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Zusammendrückmittel (102, 104) in die Zusammendrückstellung bewegt wird, bevor das Saugmittel (62) die erste Karte (46) erfaßt.
  17. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Saugmittel (62) die erste Karte (46) zum Teil über eine Ebene hinaus durchbiegt, welche die gegenüberliegenden Kanten (46e, 46f) der ersten Karte enthält.
  18. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein einziger Gleichstrommotor (82) eingesetzt wird, um das Aufnahmemittel (60) und das Überführungsmittel (70) anzutreiben, wobei ein Steuermittel (170) vorgesehen ist, um die Richtung des Motors zwischen dem Aufnehmen der Karte und dem Überführen der Karte umzukehren.
  19. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Vorrichtung eine Antriebseinrichtung einschließt, die ein erstes, in einer Richtung wirkendes Kupplungsmittel (84) zum Antrieb des Aufnahmemittels (60) und ein zweites, in einer Richtung wirkendes Kupplungsmittel (88) zum Antrieb des Überführungsmittels (70) einschließt.
EP87906130A 1986-09-05 1987-08-24 Zufuhrsiebvorrichtung und verfahren Expired - Lifetime EP0279851B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87906130T ATE89529T1 (de) 1986-09-05 1987-08-24 Zufuhrsiebvorrichtung und verfahren.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US90405386A 1986-09-05 1986-09-05
US904053 1986-09-05

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EP0279851A1 EP0279851A1 (de) 1988-08-31
EP0279851A4 EP0279851A4 (de) 1989-01-17
EP0279851B1 true EP0279851B1 (de) 1993-05-19

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EP (1) EP0279851B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH01500823A (de)
AT (1) ATE89529T1 (de)
CA (1) CA1286702C (de)
DE (1) DE3785924T2 (de)
WO (1) WO1988001598A1 (de)

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DE19710236B4 (de) * 1996-03-20 2008-01-03 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Bearbeiten von flachen, flexiblen Gegenständen, wie z. B. Karten aus Kunststoff oder Papier
DE202010001547U1 (de) 2010-01-13 2010-07-08 Arbeiter, Peter Vorrichtung zum Befördern flacher Gegenstände

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FI104964B (fi) * 1996-05-02 2000-05-15 Saimatec Eng Oy Laitteisto päätylappujen poimimiseksi
US5934866A (en) * 1997-01-30 1999-08-10 Gelco International L.L.C. Plate feeder apparatus
US6024533A (en) * 1998-09-30 2000-02-15 Gelco International L.L.C. Battery plate feeding and handling apparatus
DK1018909T3 (da) * 1997-09-30 2006-05-29 Tbs Eng Ltd Indretning til fremföring og håndtering af batteriplader

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DE2219939A1 (de) * 1972-04-20 1973-10-31 Gerhard Ritzerfeld Rotationsvervielfaeltiger zum zeilenbzw. abschnittweisen und ganzseitigen abdrucken von druckformen
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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19710236B4 (de) * 1996-03-20 2008-01-03 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Bearbeiten von flachen, flexiblen Gegenständen, wie z. B. Karten aus Kunststoff oder Papier
DE202010001547U1 (de) 2010-01-13 2010-07-08 Arbeiter, Peter Vorrichtung zum Befördern flacher Gegenstände
DE102010004425B3 (de) * 2010-01-13 2011-07-07 Arbeiter, Peter, 33161 Vorrichtung zum Befördern flacher Gegenstände

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE89529T1 (de) 1993-06-15
DE3785924T2 (de) 1993-08-26
CA1286702C (en) 1991-07-23
WO1988001598A1 (en) 1988-03-10
EP0279851A4 (de) 1989-01-17
EP0279851A1 (de) 1988-08-31
DE3785924D1 (de) 1993-06-24
JPH01500823A (ja) 1989-03-23

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