EP0659162A1

EP0659162A1 - Method and device for arranging spacers during stacking of extended articles

Info

Publication number: EP0659162A1
Application number: EP93919794A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anders Isaksson; Istvan Wasslavik
Original assignee: Sapa AB; Skandinaviska Aluminium Profiler AB
Current assignee: Hydro Extruded Solutions AB
Priority date: 1992-09-08
Filing date: 1993-09-08
Publication date: 1995-06-28
Also published as: SE9202567L; WO1994005573A1; SE9202567D0; AU4990993A

Abstract

In a method for arranging spacers meant to be supplied to a table and/or to objects during stacking, spacers are supplied to a path (5) from a magazine (3). A device (1) for handling the spacers when carrying out the method comprises the said path (5), which is shaped of separate bodies, locking means arranged on each body for holding one adjacent spacer on the path and means (17) for transferring spacers from the path (5) to the table (8) and/or to objects on the table. The spacers are supplied to the path (5) in such a way that they lie against one another in a row and in such a way that each spacer extends on two bodies and by said locking means is fixed to the one body. After that the bodies are brought to move from one another lengthwise of the path forming a gap between the bodies, whereby the spacers are separated with one another and/or positioned. The fixing of the locking means is released and said transfer means (17) transfer those spacers which are going to be transferred to the table (8) and/or to the objects on the table. Then the bodies are brought together again and the path (5) is filled out with new spacers from the magazine (3) to replace that number of spacers which have been transferred to the table (8) and/or to the objects on the table.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ARRANGING SPACERS DURING STACKING OF EXTENDED ARTICLES

The present invention relates to a method for arranging spacers which are meant for being supplied to a table for receiving articles for stacking and/or articles during stacking. The spacers are of such a kind that usually form at least a basis for articles and intermediate elements between articles, which are to be stacked, packed or the like for further handling, stock-keeping, transportation, etc.

In for example industrial production there is a need of a more rational handling of spacers. Further, there is a need of a more rapid process in handling of articles, which have been produced or manufactured and which require after-handling. Besides, there is a need of reducing the risk of i.a. exterior damages, as scratches or the like, to produced articles, especially such articles which are going to show excelent surface or fine surface and particularly concerning such articles, which are easily damaged by external mechanical effects, will be handled after the manufacture in such a way, that they are exposed to mechanical influence or have disposit¬ ion to scratches or the like. One example of such articles is aluminium profiles. Other examples can be tubes, sheet-metals, especially surface treated sheet-metals, other articles of some length and which, for example, in use must have that surface which has been produced when manufactured, etc.

It is well known that in sawmill and also in other wood-working industries spacers or so-called stickers are generally existing. Further, spacers are used in manufacture industries and metal-working industries for elongated articles. However, the handling of the spacers is done manually or to a great extent manually. Further, the spacers are often shaped in such a way that they by themselves can give rise to external damages on those articles with which they are used and/or are of such a kind or material that they are consumer or non-returnable goods.

A method and a device in accordance with the present invention can fulfil the requirements made, while at the same time the disadvantages of known methods and devices are eliminated. One object with the present invention is thus to achieve a more rational handling of spacers and in addition results in a simpler and more rapid process and running through in the handling of articles, which have been produced or manufactured and will be taken care of for further handling, which in turn involves lower cost. Another object is to eliminate or at least reduce the risk for exterior damages on the articles, which damages can be caused by contact with other objects, with one another or by used spacers. The method and device are adjustable for laying out various kinds of spacers, different number of spacers and varying distances between the spacers so the method and device are suited for different kinds and shaping of spacers, different kinds, shaping and length of those articles with which the spacers will be used, different kinds and shaping of containers, in which the articles will be brought together for further handling, etc. The device takes up little room, as its erection needs little room. A method in accordance with the invention is characterized in that spacers from a source of spacers are supplied to a path, which is shaped of bodies, and after that the spacers are separated in order to take intended positions. Then the spacers are moved from the path to a table or similar and/or to articles during stacking.

In an embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention spacers are supplied to the path in such a way that they lie against one another in a row one after the other.

According to another embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention each of those spacers, which are supplied to the path, are held to a body and that the bodies after that are brought to move from one another lengthwise the path.

The invention also relates to a device for handling of spacers for articles for carrying out a method in accordance with the invention. In this respect spacers from a source of spacers will be supplied to a table or similar and/or to articles during stacking. The device is characterized in that the device comprises a path, which is shaped of separate bodies and which bodies are arranged to be able to be moved from one another to form a gap between the bodies. During the movement of the bodies each spacer is held to a body by means of locking means. Further, the device comprises means for transfer of the spacers from the path to the table and/or to articles on the table. Said transfer means show a shaping to be able to grip, engage or similar the spacers for the transferring of them from the path. According to an embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention the device and the spacers are shaped in such a way that each spacer will extend in or on two adjacent bodies, i.e. across a joint between the bodies.

In another embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention the path is arranged to extend parallelly or mainly parallelly to the table and the source of spacers is arranged connecting with one end of the path and that the source of spacers comprises a magazine section or magazine- containers for spacers and a feed path for spacers to feed spacers to an introducing device or feeder for the introduction of spacers into or on the path, whereby the spacers are brought in the feed path in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of the said path.

According to still an embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention the source of spacers or the magazine section comprises a lifting element or a similar basis, which is arranged to be able to lift the spacers in the source of spacers or magazine section.

In an additional embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention the source of spacers further comprises holding elements, which are arranged to be able to hold spacers in the magazine section, while spacers or a layer of spacers in the magazine section are arranged to rest on a lifting element or a similar basis and which spacers or layer of spacers are situated on a lower level than the rest of the spacers in the magazine section or form a lowest layer of spacers in the magazine section, whereby the spacers resting on the lifting element or similar are arranged to be brought towards the introducing device or feeder, for example in the shape of a feed belt, for introduction or transference of spacers on the path.

According to still another embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention a motor is arranged to operate the feed path and the introducing device or feeder and that the device comprises means indicating when the path is filled with spacers and stop the motor, whereby the introducing device or feeder stop, as well as the feed path. Further characteristics of and advantages with the method and device in accordance with the invention will in the following description of the invention be apparent by embodiment examples, whereby a simultaneous reference will be made to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention arranged in connection with a plant for receiving and stacking elongated articles, such as aluminium profiles, Fig. 2 shows from above an embodiment of a magazine with a feed path for spacers and an introducing device, transfer device or feeder for introduction or transference of spacers or to feed spacers to a second path, Fig. 3 shows from one side an embodiment of a part of a second path and transfer means. Fig. 4 shows in a perspective view an embodiment of a part of a second path, Fig. 5 shows from above a part of the path in Fig. 3 and Figs. 6 and 7 show in perspec¬ tive views an embodiment of a profile for a spacer and a spacer respect- ively.

Reference designation 1 in Fig. 1 shows an embodiment example of a device in accordance with the invention, which device is arranged in connection with a plant 10 for receiving articles, which will be stacked with spacers 2. The plant 10 can thus consist of a stacking plant, a packing plant or can be part of or consist of a sorting apparatus and comprises according to the embodiment example a table 8 of some length provided with rollers 18 arranged across the table.

The device 1 can be applied within several fields, such as within industrial production and processing industry and in that respect within for example metal industry, plastics industry and wood-processing industry. According to an embodiment example the plant 10, the table 8 or the device 1 is arranged after a cut and according to other embodiments after a cooling plant, stretcher, classifying apparatus or pressing plant, etc. In for example production of metal profiles, such as aluminium profiles, the profiles are supplied to the plant 10 or table 8 at one end 11 of the table for stacking into packets with spacers 2. After that the packets are brought from the table 8 in the direction across the table to a section 12 shaped for, for example, stacking of the packets in store-containers and/or transport containers or the like. According to the invention a fast and rational handling and distribution of spacers and -in applicable cases stickers can be carried out and with a device 1 in accordance with the invention. When utilizing the method and device 1 in accordance with the invention in a plant 10 the entire handling of the spacers can be carried out automatically. Thus, the device 1 com¬ prises according to the embodiment example shown a magazine 3 for spacers 2, from which the spacers 2 are fed on a feed path 4 up to a second path 5 run¬ ning along the plant 10 or the table 8. From the said feed path 4 the spacers 2 can by means of a belt 16 be fed into the said second path 5, from which the spacers 2 by means of means 17 also automatically can be placed on the table 8 or on the articles on the table.

The magazine 3 forms a source of spacers'and comprises a frame 24 or a table supported by a stand 13 and in which frame or table the feed path 4 is arranged. According to the embodiment example the magazine or a magazine section 23 shows a number of compartments 25 to contain spacers 2. The magazine section 23 can be replaceably arranged and, for example, a magazine section 23 filled with spacers 2 can be brought to the stand 13 or the frame 24 and be replaced by a new magazine section 23 when it is emptied on spacers 2. Alternatively the magazine section 23 is refilled with spacers 2 as it is emptied. According to the embodiment example shown the magazine section 23 is arranged at one end part 31 of the magazine 3 or the feed path 4, while its other end part 32 is open out in connection with the said second path 5 or at the said feed belt 16. The feed path 4 runs under the very magazine section 23, which can be said to form a container for spacers 2.

With further reference to Fig. 2 it is shown that the magazine 3 and the feed path 4 comprise belt members 14 running around wheels 34. Said belt members 14 can be provided with dogs 15, for example in form of lugs or similar, which engage spacers 2 and bring spacers for feeding them to the said second path 5 or the said feed belt 16. Outside the said belt members 14 and in the said one end part 31 of the feed path 4 are arranged lifting elements 33, for example in form of bars, lifting beams or similar, which are arranged to be able to lift the spacers 2 existing in the magazine section 23. The lifting elements 33 are thus arranged to be able to move in the direction towards the magazine section 23 or according to the embodi¬ ment example are vertically displaceable, for example by hydraulic cylinders 35. Outside the lifting elements 33 or on either side of the magazine section 23 and preferably in the frame 24 are arranged holding elements, which are arranged and shaped to be able to engage or hold a layer of spacers 2 in the magazine section 23. The holding elements can consist of for example towards the magazine section 23 displaceable aims, spring- loaded elements or similar, which are horizontally displaceable according to the embodiment example. According to an embodiment the holding elements consist of that number of arms corresponding to the number of spacers 2 in a layer of spacers 2 or to the number of piles of spacers in the magazine section 23 and which arms, at the free end portions of the arms, are shaped to be able to be brought into the end parts of the spacers 2. This shaping is made with regard to a particular embodiment of the spacers 2 and will be evident below. Alternatively each holding element is shaped for example to be able to grip or engage one or more spacers 2. In the magazine 3 or feed path 4 can exist a sledge 20 or similar, which is displaceable along the feed path 4 or in the table and, for example_> displaceable on shafts 21.

According to the embodiment example the magazine 3 can operate in the following way in order to supply the said second path 5 with spacers 2 from the magazine 3. The pile or piles in the magazine section 23 or the exist¬ ing spacers 2 in the magazine section 23 are lifted by the said lifting elements 33 so that the second lowest layer of spacers 2 will be located in front of the said holding elements, which at this engage or hold said second lowest layer of spacers 2 in the magazine section 23 and by that also all the spacers 2 located on top of said second lowest layer of spacers. After that the lifting elements 33 are lowered or brought to return, whereby the lowest layer of spacers 2 follows the lifting elements 33. The belt members 14 of the feed path 4 or the to the belt members 14 arranged dogs 15 bring said lowest layer of spacers 2 towards the said feed belt 16. On either side of the feed path 4 arranged guide rails 36 in the magazine 3 secure that the spacers 2 take the intended position for further transport to the said second path 5. When the spacers 2 have been fed into the said second path 5 that motor is stopped, which drives the feed path 4 and also can be arranged to drive the said feed belt 16. The said holding elements return at this from their engagement with and/or holding of the spacers 2 in the magazine section 23, whereby the pile of spacers 2 or the spacers 2 contained in the magazine section 23 fall down against the feed path 4 and are compressed. When the belt members 14 with the dogs 15 return in order to bring new spacers 2 towards the feed belt 16 the lifting elements 33 lift again the spacers 2 in the magazine sect¬ ion 23 so that the second lowest layer of spacers 2 will be located in front of the said holding elements and the procedure is repeated. The belt members 14 of the feed path 4 , which belt members bring the lowest layer of spacers 2 in the magazine section 23, feed one spacer 2 at the time to the said feed belt 16 for feeding spacers 2 to the said second path 5.

According to the embodiment example the magazine 3 is arranged at one end of the said second path 5 so that the feed path 4 or its or the magazine's 3 said other end part 32 opens out in the area or principally in front of the said one end of the said second path 5. The feed belt 16 is arranged over the feed path 4 or its end part 32 in question, whereby the feed belt according to the embodiment example shown is arranged to run around two wheels 38 or rollers and shows at least one from the belt projecting dog 39, for example in the form of a lug or similar, which is shaped with the intention of, for example, engaging one end of a spacer 2 and bring the spacer 2 to introduction on the said second path 5. According to the embodiment example the feed belt 16 extends along or passing the width of the magazine 3 or the feed path 4 and further a distance over the said second path 5. Under a part of the feed belt 16 and at least in the joint or interspace between the magazine 3 or the feed path 4 and the said second path 5 is arranged a basis sheet or guide sheet or similar and which can form a basis and/or a guidance for the spacers 2 during their movement from the feed path 4 to the said second path 5. This basis sheet or guide sheet extends preferably along the width of the magazine 3 or feed path 4 and further overlapping the said second path 5. The said motor 37 can operate the feed belt 16, which feeds the spacers 2 to the said second path 5 until it is filled out with spacers 2, whereby the motor 37 stops. It ought to be noted that the motor 37 stops the feed belt 16 as well as the feed path 4.

The methods described when feeding spacers 2 in the magazine 3 or along the feed path 4 and to the feed belt 16 and its feeding of spacers 2 to the said second path 5 can be carried out simultaneously as, for example, a stacker stack articles for further handling, for example in that previously mentioned section 12 of the table 8. According to an embodiment the said second path 5 is shaped of a number of proportionately longish bodies 6 in form of carriages, which are arranged in a row one after the other. In one position the bodies 6 connect with their respective end parts with each other or that adjacent bodies 6 connect with one another and in a second position the bodies 6 are arranged with a gap 9 between the bodies. The bodies 6 form together the said second path 5, which is arranged to extend next to and along the table 8 and runs parallelly or substantially parallelly with the direction of introduction to the table of the articles, which will be stacked, or parallelly or substantially parallelly with the articles on the table.

According to an embodiment of the bodies 6 they are arranged on a bar, for example of plastic material, and run on a slide, whereby the bodies 6 show a T-shaped slot 40 for the bar and a through hole 41 for the slide. Further, the bodies 6 are on the upper side shaped with a longitudinal recess or longitudinal flanges to form a groove 42, a channel or similar, see Fig. 4. The bodies 6 are further connected with one another in such a way, that a drawing device is arranged to or in connection with the second path 5, and when a separation of the bodies 6 is to be realized, the drawing device draws the last body 6 in the path 5 or the end body in the row of bodies 6, whereby that body 6, after taken the intended gap 9 to the adjacent body 6, draws the said adjacent body 6, which in turn, after having attained the intended gap 9 to the following situated body 6, draws that body 6, and so on until that all those bodies 6 forming the present second path 5 have been separated with one another to form a gap 9 between the bodies 6, see Fig. 3. The said drawing device can consist of a cylinder arranged at the end of the second path 5.

On each body 6 is arranged a locking means 43, which is arranged in order to hold that spacer 2, which is situated in connection with the locking means 43 when the path 5 is filled up with spacers 2. The locking means 43 are intended for holding the spacers 2 up at respective body 6 when they are separated and can be in communication with a locking cylinder by means of a shaft extending along the path 5 and which locking cylinder activates all locking means. The last body 6 or that body, which is situated furthest away from the magazine 3 or the feed belt 16 or the farthest off body, which is utilized for the laying out of spacers at the present working operation, to that body is arranged a lever or turning arm and the arm of which can be activated or be permitted to catch, whereby the locking of the locking means 43 is released or come opened.

There is a stop means along or at the end of the path 5 and to which stop means spacers are brought in the path 5, whereby the path is filled out with spacers. At this an indication is done indicating that the path 5 is filled out with spacers 2, whereby the said motor 37 stops.

The device 1 and the spacers 2 are shaped in such a way that when the path 5 is filled with spacers 2 each spacer will extend across a joint 7 between adjacent bodies 6 in the path 5. When the bodies 6 are separated a section of each spacer 2 will consequently be laid bare, -which is done to facilit¬ ate or make it possible for the said means 17 transferring the spacers 2 from the path 5 to the table 8 and/or to the articles to grip or engage the spacers.

Above the path 5 is arranged a beam 44 , which preferably is vertically adjustable and arranged to support the said means 17 for transfer of the spacers 2 from the path 5 to the table and/or to the articles. The means 17 are shaped according to an embodiment as arms 45, -which are turnably arranged to the beam and showing grip means 47 at the free end. The number of means 17 is equavalent to the maximum quantity of spacers 2, which at the same time can be transferred to the table 8 and/or to the articles. According to the embodiment example shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the means 17 are connected with connecting rods 46, which in turn are bound by a cylinder for rotary movement and by means of which the turning of the arms 45 is effected. The spacers 2 are situated in the path 5 parallelly or mainly parallelly to the table 8 or to the extension of the articles on the table and will by means of the transfer means 17 be transferred to the table 8 and/or to the articles so that they extend crosswise the table 8 or the articles, i.e. take a position perpendicular or substantially per¬ pendicular to the path 5 or the direction they had in the path 5.

Further, the device 1 is shaped in such a way that it can be set for, for example, transfer of different number of spacers 2 and choose which spacer 2 that can or will be transferred to the table 8 and/or to the articles on the table. Thus, a cutting operation of the articles, i.e. their length, can decide that number of spacers 2, which will be transferred in one transfer to the table 8 and/or to the articles. The positions of the spacers 2 on the table 8 and/or on the articles are further decided by, for example, the shaping of the containers, to -which the articles will be supplied, using of another kind of containers with a differently shaping, other kinds and shaping of spacers, etc. The device 1 is thus arranged adjustable for different distances to be able to be adapted to the circum¬ stances. According to an embodiment of the device 1 in accordance with the invention it is arranged to be able to transfer seven spacers 2 at the same time to the table 8 and/or to the articles. With the possibility of adjustment, which the device 1 has, can for example a fewer number of spacers 2 be brought into the second path 5 from the magazine 3, for example five spacers 2, whereby two spacers 2 since previously can exist in the path 5 or that it is shortened by the fact that the stop means is moved. The device 1 can further choose which of the spacers 2 situated on the path 5 that will or can be transferred to the table 8 and/or to the articles and the quantity, for example two spacers or more, whereby the rest of the spacers 2 are left behind on the path 5, etc.

By the previously mentioned separation of the bodies 6 is effected, as said, to make it easier or give possibility for the transfer means 17 or the grip means 47 to grip or engage the spacers 2 but another important function with the separation of the bodies 6 is to give the spacers 2 a proper position so that they are located in a certain predestinated place in order to be located afterwards in the right or intended position on the table 8 and/or on the articles. As can be understood, the spacers 2 must be located in correct places or positions and in a fixed place for a satisfactory function. The separation of the bodies 6 is for this reason also arranged adjustable, i.e. in the separation of the bodies 6 the dist¬ ance or the gap 9 between them can be different in various kinds of stack- ing, articles, etc.

When the said second path 5 is filled out with spacers 2 it is done, as said, an indication that the path 5 is filled with spacers 2 and the motor 37 stops. After that, locking and holding of the spacers 2 by means of the said locking means 43 is done, after which the path 5 is drawn apart or the bodies 6 are separated and take the intended positions so that the spacers 2 get the proper positions. The arm of the said lever or turning arm is activated and releases the locking means' 43 locking of the spacers 2, whereby the said means 17 for transfer of those spacers 2, which can or are going to be conveyed to the table 8 and/or to the articles, can take the spacers 2 and carry them to the table 8 and/or to the articles on the table and place the spacers 2 at intended places and then return to the initial position. The bodies 6 are again brought together to form the path 5 and spacers 2 from the magazine 3 are brought towards the feed belt 16 for the feeding into the path 5 until it is filled out and the procedure is repeated. The method can be carried out totally automatically.

In Fig. 6 is shown an embodiment of a profile 22 which, according to the embodiment example, can form a spacer 2 or the frame for a spacer. The profile 22, which can consists of aluminium, shows at the end parts an opening 26 which, according to an embodiment, can be formed by the end portions of a hole throughout the profile. In said openings 26 or in the end portions of the through hole can the said holding elements or their end parts be introduced for engagement with and holding of the spacers 2 in the magazine section 23. Further, the profile 22 shows two side surfaces 27 which, according to another embodiment, can be provided, covered or the like with a covering 28, see also Fig. 7. The longitudinal side-edges 29 of the profile 22 are, according to the embodiments shown, shaped with flanges 30 projecting from the profile and which flanges, after that the profile 22 has been provided with the said covering 28, are upset towards the profile 22 or the covering 28 in order to hold the covering 28. Further, it is evident that the profile 22 is shaped in such a way that, after that the said flanges 30 have been bent against the profile 22, the said side surfaces 27 or the coverings 28 arranged upon them will form the highest situated surfaces of the profile 22 or the spacer 2. Between the profile 22 and the flanges 30 are shaped longitud¬ inal pockets 48 or similar extending.along the profile to take up and lock the covering 28 or its edge parts. The passage between said pockets 48 and side surfaces 27 is shaped with a longitudinal bulge 49 or a rounding. The covering 28 consists of a relatively soft but durable material, which does not has the ability to scratch or in another way be able to damage the articles. Examples of materials for the covering 28 can be different kinds of fibre materials, such as plant fibres or wood fibres, etc., textiles, leather, board, paper, etc. Thus, the table 8 can be provided with spacers 2. The table 8 is supplied with the articles, which are going to be stacked and at this in utilizat¬ ion of the rollers 18 of the table. As the articles are meant to rest on the spacers 2 that can imply a vertical adjustment of the position of the table 8 or parts of it. The table can thus be arranged vertically adjust¬ able or comprise parts, which are arranged vertically adjustable, such as beams or the like, or which are arranged to be able to extend between the rollers 18 in the table 8 and show a surface. According to an embodiment of the device 1 in accordance with the invention there are plane surfaces in the table 8, for example consisting of the said beams or in form of bars, on which the spacers 2 are put when the spacers are transferred from the path 5 to the table 8.

When utilization of containers or the like for keeping and transport of the articles, they show a basis which can consists of transverse beams or the like and on which the articles will rest with intermediate spacers. It is thus of vital importance the the spacers or the lowest situated or the lowermost spacers in a stack or bundle of articles come to rest on those transverse beams in the container. Thus, the connection with the positioning of the spacers 2 in the path 5 can be extensive and thus extended to not only the shape and length of the articles and the said surfaces, bars or similar of the table 8 but also to the shaping of containers, if any. In this respect it should also be mentioned that the containers can be of various manufacture and shape with different distances between the bottom beams or the beams forming the basis in the containers.

Above the table 8 can be arranged a hoist with slides or grip arms which are arranged to be able to grip or engage with the spacers 2 on the table 8 or, according to an embodiment of the spacers 2, by means of clutches can be brought into the end parts of the spacers 2 or into the openings 26 in the end portions and lift the articles by the under the articles situated spacers 2. By the hoist articles, which are supplied to the table 8, can continuously or little by little be removed from the table or be transferred to, for example, containers for stock-keeping or trans¬ port of the articles. Important in this connection is that all handling of the articles, such as lifting and transfer of them, can be carried out without that any means need to grip, engage or similar with the articles, after that the articles have been placed on spacers 2, as all such handling can be done by grip of or engagement with the spacers 2.

Without exceeding the scope of the concept of the invention, modificat¬ ions of the method and the device in accordance with the invention should be possible. The method and the device are thus not restricted to what has been shown and described in the embodiment examples, but soley by the following claims.

Claims

Claims :

1. A method to arrange spacers meant for being supplied to a table and/or to articles during stacking, characterized in that spacers (2) from a source (3) of spacers are supplied to a path (5) shaped of bodies (6) and are separated, after that two or more spacers (2) are moved from the path (5) to a table (8) or similar and/or to articles situated on the table and during stacking on the table.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that spacers (2) are supplied to the path (5) to lie against one another in a row one after the other and until the path (5) is filled out with spacers (2) .

3. A method in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each spacer (2) supplied to the path (5) is held to a body (6) and that the bodies (6) after that are brought to move away from one another length¬ wise the path (5) for positioning of the spacers (2).

4. A method in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that means (17) for transfer the spacers (2) from the path (5) to the table (8) and/or to the articles at this are given possibility to grasp the spacers (2) and that the spacers (2) are transferred to the table (8) and/or to the articles by means of said means (17) after that the holding of the spacers (2) is released.

5. A device for handling of spacers for articles for carrying out the method in accordance with any of the claims 1 - 4, whereby spacers (2) from a source (3) of spacers will be supplied to a table (8) or similar and/or to articles during stacking, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a path (5) which is shaped of separate bodies (6) which are arranged to be able to be displaced from one another to form a gap (9) between the bodies (6) during holding of the spacers (2) , whereby each spacer is held by a body (6) , and means (17) which are shaped to be able to grip, engage or similar the spacers (2) for transfer the spacers (2) from the path (5) to the table (8) and/or to articles on the table.

6. A device in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that each spacer (2) is arranged to extend in the path (5) in or on two bodies (6) .

7. A device in accordance with claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the source (3) of spacers comprises a magazine for spacers (2) and a lift¬ ing element (43) or a similar basis, which is arranged to be able to lift the spacers (2) in the magazine.

8. A device in accordance with claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the source (3) of spacers comprises a magazine for spacers (2) and holding elements which are arranged to be able to hold spacers (2) in the magazine, while spacers (2) or a layer of spacers in the magazine are arranged to rest on a lifting element (43) or a similar basis and which spacers or layer of spacers are situated in a lower level than the rest of the spacers in the magazine or form a lowest layer of spacers in the magazine, whereby the spacers (2) resting on the lifting element (43) or similar are arranged to be brought towards a feed belt (16) or similar for introduction or transference of spacers (2) to the path (5).

9. A device in accordance with any of the claims 5 - 8, characterized in that a motor (37), for example a worm gear motor, is arranged in order to operate a feed path (4) in the magazine for feeding spacers (2) to a introducing device or feeder ( 16) , for example in form of a feed belt

(16) , for introduction or transference of spacers (2) to the path (5) and that the device (1) comprises means indicating when the path (5) is filled with spacers (2) and are. arranged to stop the motor (37), when the path (5) is filled out with spacers (2) , whereby the introducing device or feeder (16) stop, as well as the feed path (4).