EP0896942A2 - Device for dividing signature streams behind a folding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A continual supply of printed e.g. magazines emerges from a folding machine and is subdivided by a machine with two rotating wheel drive units (9,10). The wheels drive cables (3,4), each of which has grip-blocks (1,2) and grip elements (5,6) which lift single copies of the magazine from the emerging flow. The cables run in parallel to the first wheel, where one cable then runs around the first wheel. The other cable then continues to the second wheel over which it is then returned, rejoining the first wheel with the first cable. Each of the grip blocks has a recess (17,18) through which one of the cables passes, and a second recess (15,16) through which the other cable passes without making contact with the block. The size of the recess in the grip-blocks is such that during one section of their travel, the grip-blocks secured to the first cable advance in unison with those on the second cable, and follow a different route when the cables separate.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for separating two or more Versions of a flat product, especially printed copies from one single copy stream in a shingled arrangement, in separate further copy streams.

Normal steps in the production of printed copies in Web-fed rotary presses are forming, folding and cutting one continuous paper web in individual copies, also called signatures. Traditionally, the copies leave the folder through, for example Paddlewheel or a slowdown device that controls the speed of the Copies reduced in terms of web speed. Such Decelerator is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,452,866. The copies generally leave the folder on one for further processing Conveyor in shingled formation and in an orderly sequence. It is important that Maintain sequence and orientation of the fold copies as subsequent Operations typically involve putting together multiple copies Binding processes or the like to a final product.

In the offset printing process, the image to be transferred to the web is on the printing plate upset. The print image is transferred from the plate cylinder to a blanket cylinder transferred, which then transfers the image to the paper web. If the extension of the Print image, for example, is smaller than half the circumference of the printing cylinder several print images can be printed with one revolution of the printing cylinder. Hence can two separate subjects, i. e. Print images, simultaneously printed on one web become, which leads to the fact that first versions of a printed copy between Copies of a second version and vice versa, in the shingled copy stream available. Therefore, it is desirable to check the two specimen streams before they processed, keeping their orientation separate.

US 4,550,822 discloses a device for transporting flat products, in particular of printed products in a shingled arrangement. Each gripper unit of this device comprises a stationary clamping part, a pivotable clamping part and one plate-shaped stop. The swiveling clamping part is against the force of one Closing spring operated by a curve arrangement or the like. The copies are first accelerated and then inserted into the open gripper mouth until they reach the Reach the stop. In this way, the printed copies are in the area of their front sections aligned. They remain at their trailing ends Print products under the conveying effect of the belt conveyor at least until the Gripper unit closes.

US 4,07228 describes a device for leveling a stream of shingled Printed copies. This device comprises a number of rotating driver elements, which are designed to grip the printed products and with each other keep in touch. The driver elements are at the beginning of their conveyor path from a linear actuator, and by a traction drive at the respective end of the Conveyor drive acted upon. After gripping the driver elements, the push and the train drive a change in the distance of the driver elements from each other and consequently a change in the distance between the printed copies taken.

US 3,809,214 shows a conveyor for flat structures, preferably for Printed copies. This conveyor includes a large number of drivers that deal with the moving flat structures. Each of the drivers can be in contact with a respective one of the flat structures. The drivers are separated so that they at least during the time they are in contact with a flat structure rotate relative to the direction of conveyance of a main conveyor, whereby the flat structures rotate around an axis perpendicular to the flat structures during the conveying process.

In another already known method for separating a copy stream a rip conveyor and a suction belt are used, which are usually at Newspaper conveyor systems are used. In such conventional ones Gripper conveyor systems, the gripper blocks are connected to each other, as it were Links in a chain, the gripper blocks forming the conveyor path. For example, pulls such a gripper conveyor a product stream along a suction belt, which is moves slower than the conveyor, with every second product from the gripper conveyor is released and gets onto the suction belt. This process of separating one The product stream has the disadvantage that no exact guidance of the products during the Separation of input into output product flows takes place. More specifically, this is based Traction on the tensile force between the suction belt and the trailing end the released copy to keep its alignment. The one with these Alignment accuracy achievable in this way is at high Product speeds or extremely light papers are not sufficient.

In view of the outlined state of the art and the above statements, the present invention the task of a new and improved method and to provide an apparatus for two or more different versions flat products, preferably printed copies, by a folder in one scaled stream are designed to be divided into two or more specimen streams, without affecting the alignment between the individual streams.

Furthermore, the separation of the specimens should proceed in such a way that the specimens at Leaving the folder are manageable at all times, and great reliability higher speeds and light papers can be achieved.

According to the present invention, the objects are achieved in that a Device seizes each copy individually when it is in the folder scale-like formation leaves and the shingled stream away from the folder transported. The grippers that grasp the specimens are picked up on gripper blocks, which are each taken up on one of two conveyor cables, which during a the first part of the copy conveyor from the folder run parallel to each other. The gripper blocks according to the present invention are not included adjacent gripper blocks connected; rather, they are separate from one another and connected to one of the two conveyor cables.

According to the present invention, the grippers that have a first set of Examples capture, for example, guided by a first conveyor cable, while the Grippers that guide a second set of specimens through a second conveyor belt are led. Both conveyor cables run parallel to each other, being common Use guided tours and copy guidance facilities to a point where the first Set of specimens is separated from the second set of specimens, or vice versa.

From this point, the second conveyor cable runs along a conveyor path that runs from the The course of the first conveyor cable differs. As a result, the funding path of the second set of copies from that of the first set of copies. after the Copies have been separated from each other, for example, by the grippers designed for different conveyor belts, which means separate shingled streams copies can be led to further processing stations. In one In another embodiment of the present invention, the grippers move relatively to the gripper blocks, whereby the respective set of printed copies in one Conveying formation is moved in which the fold back is oriented in the conveying direction.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing:

Fig. 1

die Draufsicht auf Greiferblöcke, die an Förderkabeln gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung aufgenommen sind,

Fig. 2

eine gemeinsame Ansicht von ersten und zweiten Fördersystemen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung,

Fig. 3a

eine Seitenansicht von Greifereinheiten, die einer Führung und einer Exemplarführungseinrichtung folgen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung,

Fig.3b

eine beispielhafte Verlangsamungseinrichtung, welche Exemplare an ein Greiferfördersystem gemaß der vorliegenden Erfindung übergibt,

Fig. 3c

eine Seitenansicht der Verlangsamungseinrichtung nach Fig. 3b,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten und zweiten Greiferblockes und der entsprechenden Förderkabel gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung,

Fig. 5a

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Greifers in einem erfindungsgemäßen Fördersystem,

Fig. 5b

eine Draufsicht auf die Greifer gemäß einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform,

Fig. 5c

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Greifers, welcher zusätzlich eine Detailansicht des Dreh- und Klemmechanismus gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung enthält; und

Fig. 5d

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Greifers mit einer zusätzlichen Detailansicht des Dreh- und Klemmechanismus gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

It shows:

Fig. 1

the top view of gripper blocks, which are recorded on conveyor cables according to the present invention,

Fig. 2

1 shows a common view of first and second conveyor systems according to the present invention,

Fig. 3a

2 shows a side view of gripper units which follow a guide and an item guide device according to the present invention,

Fig.3b

an exemplary slowdown device which transfers copies to a gripper conveyor system according to the present invention,

Fig. 3c

3b shows a side view of the deceleration device according to FIG.

Fig. 4

2 shows a perspective view of a first and second gripper block and the corresponding conveyor cables according to the present invention,

Fig. 5a

2 shows a perspective view of a gripper in a conveyor system according to the invention,

Fig. 5b

a plan view of the gripper according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5c

a perspective view of a gripper, which additionally contains a detailed view of the rotating and clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 5d

a perspective view of a gripper with an additional detailed view of the rotating and clamping mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows two exemplary types of gripper blocks according to the present Invention, which are shown in a parallel arrangement. A first gripper block 1 is connected to a first conveyor cable 3 and a first gripper element 5. A second gripper block 2 is with a second conveyor cable 4 and a second Gripper element 6 connected. The gripper elements 5, 6 are known and known Way with the corresponding gripper blocks 1, 2 for example a bolt connection, connected. For reasons of clarity, the gripper blocks 1, 2 and the gripper elements 5, 6 described as separate components. However, the described invention also includes an embodiment in which gripper blocks and gripper elements as a unit are executed.

The first gripper block 1 is provided with a first recess 17, for example can be cylindrical shape, and extends through the gripper block and that Conveying cable 3, on which the gripper block 1 is arranged. In a similar way the second gripper block 2 comprises a recess 18, also in a cylindrical shape, which extends through the gripper block 2, the second conveyor cable 4 in this is recorded. The gripper blocks 1, 2 are on the corresponding conveyor cables 3, 4 locked by snap fasteners. For example, conventional Ball detent attachments 13, 14 in the gripper blocks 1, 2 releasably and precisely correspond to dimensioned and spaced-apart balls that are attached to the Delivery cables 3, 4 are located, whereby the relative positions of each gripper block 1, 2 for respective conveyor cable 3, 4 is fixed.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a first gripper block 1 and a second Gripper block 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. In addition to the first Recess 17, each first gripper block 1 has a second recess 15 to the Feed cable 4 through it as far as possible without contact. In a similar way contains the second gripper block 2 in addition to the first recess 18 Recess 16 through which the first conveyor cable 3 almost without contact through the second gripper block 2 can be performed. The second recesses 15, 16 in the Gripper blocks 1 and 2 are dimensioned and shaped so that the first gripper block 1 a movement to the left in relation to the conveying path of the second conveying cable 4 allow while the second gripper block 2 to the right, based on the Can move the conveyor path of the first conveyor cable 3. This configuration allows the Gripper blocks 1 and 2 pass through part of the conveyor path in parallel and to cover different funding routes during the other part of the funding path. As will be described in more detail below, a single input current is from To split print copies in two starting product streams.

2 shows an embodiment of a subordinate to a folder Separator shown in which the two conveyor cables 3, 4 from one common parallel conveying path for the separation of the individual product stream shingled Specimens 7, 8 diverge into two separate streams. The conveyor drive 9 moves For example, clockwise, whereby the conveyor cable 3 along its Funding path is moved. In a similar manner, the conveyor drive 10 moves this Conveyor cable 4 clockwise along its conveyor path. Each gripper element 5 is connected to a corresponding gripper block 1, which in turn on the first Conveyor cable 3 is attached. As shown in Fig. 2, a plurality are first Gripper blocks 1 on the conveyor cable 3 added. The second are analogous Gripper elements 6 attached to corresponding second gripper blocks 2, which in turn on second conveyor cable 4 are attached. In contrast to known gripper systems, in adjacent grippers are connected to each other are adjacent first and second Gripper blocks 1, 2 separated according to the present invention and each on first and second conveyor cables 3, 4 added.

In operation, each first gripper element 5 detects first copies 7 and every second Gripper elements 6, second copies 8. An embodiment is shown as an example in FIG. 3b a deceleration device 100, which shows first and second copies 7, 8 passes to first and second gripper elements 5, 6. The decelerator 100, in 3c, shown in side view, is used to make the first and second copies 7, 8 to brake, which are output from a folder and is in US 5,452,866 described in more detail. As further shown in Fig. 3b, gripper blocks 1, 2 with the corresponding first and second conveyor cables 3, 4 connected and follow one Conveyor path near the deceleration device 100. By arranging the Gripper blocks 1, 2 and the first and second conveyor cables 3, 4 such that they are can move past the decelerator 100, the corresponding gripper elements 5, 6, the respective first and second copies 7, 8 detect when the decelerator 100 has the corresponding copies 7, 8 releases.

As soon as a first or second copy 7, 8 from the deceleration device 100 onwards a corresponding first or second gripper element 5 or 6 is passed, lead the Conveyor cable 3, 4 on which the first and second gripper blocks 1, 2 with the Snap fasteners 13 are attached to the products along a common conveyor path to the point where the second conveyor cable 4 follows the path of the first conveyor cable 3 leaves as shown in Fig. 2. At the same time, the second conveyor cable 4 deviates from further conveyor path of the first conveyor cable 3, whereby the second copies 7 also deviate from the further funding path of the first copies 7.

The configuration of the gripper blocks according to the invention shown here as an example allows a separation of the first and second gripper blocks 1, 2 and the first and second copies 7 or 8. When a predetermined position is reached, for example the point at which copies 7, 8 immediately above the separated one respective belt conveyors are aligned, for example at positions X and Y, the first and second copies 7, 8 are released by the gripper elements 5, 6, since they are now completely separate from each other, so that now from each other separate first and second copies 7 and 8 are available for a subsequent one Further processing, such as binding. After the first or second Copies 7, 8 of the respective first and second gripper elements 5, 6 released , the conveying paths of the first and second conveying cables 3 and 4 converge again and guide first and second gripper blocks 1, 2 and first and second gripper elements 5, 6 back to the folder.

Another feature of the folder according to the invention downstream Separating device is shown in Fig. 2. The first and second copies 7, 8 can can be rotated relative to the first and second gripper blocks 1, 2, so that the first and second copies 7, 8 can be continuously converted into an orientation in the fold back lies in the conveying direction.

5a to 5d show first and second gripper elements 5, 6 according to the invention, which are rotatable relative to the respective gripper blocks, in detail. The axis of rotation 200 extends perpendicular to the conveying direction 270, whereby the twist of the Gripper head 150 is made possible. The rotational movement of the gripper head 150 extends preferably, as shown, about 45 ° to position 25 (see FIG. 5), but can also be set such that an alternative angular position 25 'is adopted can be greater than 45 °.

5c shows a cross section through part of a gripper element 5, 6. A first actuating pin 130 is one with a first movable part 230 Gripper head 150 connected by means of a rod 130.4. A stationary part 220 of the The gripper head 150 is provided on a support 190. By pressurizing a first actuating pin 130 becomes the movable part 230 of the first and second, respectively Gripper element moved down to a copy release position, the copy was detected between the stationary part 220 and the movable part 230. Within a housing 130.1 is a spring 130.3 between an upper support 130.5 and biased to a lower support 130.3; the upper support 130.5 is on the rod 130.4 attached. A force is applied to the first operating pin 130 and moves the movable part 230, caused by the rod 130.4 down, the Spring 130.3 compressed. If the force is taken off the rod 130.4 again, the preloaded spring 130.3 relaxes and moves the movable part 230 afterwards above against the stationary part 220 of the gripper head 150.

In Fig. 5d it is shown that on the support 190 a pretensioning device such as For example, a spring 140 is arranged to rotate the gripper head 150 to facilitate. A second actuating pin 1300 is for causing the rotary movement of the gripper head 150 around the axis 200.

A tensioning mechanism is arranged before entering the folder (for example an actuator arranged in the conveying path of the gripper heads 150), which the Bias head 150 biased to a first position as shown in Fig. 5b. In the first The spring 140 is positioned by an actuator (e.g. a The projection for holding one end of the spring 140) is kept under tension.

If the second actuating pin 1300 is subsequently actuated, the is relaxed Actuator, the spring 140 and the gripper head 150 rotates counter to the Clockwise into the angular position 25, ie the rotated position as shown in Fig. 5b. As explained below, actuation of the second actuation pin 1300 as well as an actuation of the first actuating pin 130 by a not shown Device 340 can be brought about in a variety of ways.

Although the twist of the gripper head 150 above is associated with a Spring mechanism has been described, of course, other principles be applied. The rotation of the gripper head 150 can also be hydraulic or pneumatic way with actuating cylinders. Also an electric one controlled motor can be used. The gripper head 150 can also by means of a pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical device back to its original position be put. The rotation from the second position to the first position can then for example, be carried out using an additional adjusting pin or via the second actuating pin 1300. In the same way, the actuation of the Pin 130, although shown here only by means of a spring mechanism, also on pneumatic or hydraulic way. The gripping devices according to the present invention as shown in Figs. 5a to 5d, capture and promote the Specimens in overlapping, scaly formation. The gripping devices have, for example, specially designed gripping surfaces around the ends of the respective Record copies.

In Fig. 3a is a side view of the separating device downstream of a folder in shown the area where the first and second conveyor cables 3, 4 have a common, follow parallel funding path. The first and second gripper blocks, each connected with the first and second conveyor cables 3, 4, are in a common guide 11 added. This guide 11 guides, for example, the gripper blocks 1, 2 or Gripper elements 5, 6 along a predetermined path to grip them Align copies 7, 8 from the deceleration device 100 (see FIG. 3b). In the 3b are roller bodies 12 on the first and second, respectively Gripper blocks are provided for easier guidance of the first or second To ensure gripper blocks 1, 2 within the common guide 11. As above already executed, the first or second gripper elements 5, 6 grasp the respective ones Copies 7, 8.

Other embodiments can have gripper blocks without rolling elements in the common Guide 11 be, for example, by selecting suitable materials for the Gripper blocks and / or the guide channel in order to find suitable coefficients of friction achieve, for example training the gripper blocks 1, 2 from a self-lubricating Plastic or nylon.

PARTS LIST

1

first gripper block

2nd

second gripper block

3rd

first conveyor cable

4th

second conveyor cable

5

first gripper element

6

second gripper element

7

first copy

8th

second copy

9

Conveyor drive

10th

Conveyor drive

11

Guide channel

12th

Rolling element

13

Snap fastening

14

Snap fastening

15

second recess first block

16

second recess second block

17th

first recess first block

18th

first recess second block

100

Slowdown device

130

first actuating pin

130.1

casing

130.2

first support

130.3

feather

130.4

pole

130.5

top support

140

feather

150

Gripper head

190

Support

200

Axis of rotation

220

stationary part

230

moving part

270

Conveyor

340

Actuator

1300

second actuating pin

Claims (11)

Gripping device for gripping flat specimens with a first part with a first recess (17) for receiving a first conveyor cable (3) and for connecting the first part to it, a second part next to the first part, the second part being provided with a recess (15) through which a second conveyor cable (4) extends, which can leave the second recess (15). Gripping device according to claim 1,
characterized by
that the first part has a latching attachment (13, 14) with which it is detachably connected to the respective conveyor cable (3, 4). Gripping device according to claim 1,
characterized by
that a gripper element (5, 6) is provided on the first part of gripper blocks (1, 2). Gripping device according to claim 1,
characterized by
that gripper elements (5, 6) are provided on the second part of gripper blocks (1, 2). Gripping device according to claim 1,
characterized by
that a first and a second part form a uniform gripper block (1, 2). Device for separating a flow of flat copies, preferably printed copies with a first conveyor drive (9) for conveying a first conveyor cable (3) along a first conveyor path, a second conveyor drive (10) for guiding a second conveyor cable (4) along a second conveyor path, a section of the second lying next to the first conveyor path, a number of first gripper blocks (1), with a first gripper element (5), the first gripper blocks (1) being attached to the first conveyor cable (3), a number of second gripper blocks (2) with a second gripper element (6), the second gripper blocks (2) being fastened to the second conveyor cable (4) and each of the first gripper blocks (1) has a first and a second part, the first part contains a first recess (17) for receiving and connecting the first conveyor cable (3), the second part comprises a second recess (15) which forms the second Conveyor cable (4) passes, whereby this can move relative to the second recess (15); and each of the second gripper blocks (2) has a first and a second part, the first part of each gripper block (2) contains a first recess (18) for receiving and connecting the second conveyor cable (4), the second part has a second recess ( 16), which passes the first conveyor cable (3), which can move relative to the second recess (16). Apparatus according to claim 6,
characterized by
that the first part of the number of first gripper blocks (1) contains a first latching attachment (13) which detachably holds the first part on the first conveyor cable (3) and the first part of the number of second gripper blocks (2) contains a second latching attachment (14) contains, which holds the first part of the gripper blocks (2) on the second conveyor cable (4). Method for dividing a stream of flat products, preferably printed products, into two separate streams with the following process steps: a) the detection of first copies (7) with first gripper elements (5), which are received on a gripper block (1) located on the first conveyor cable (3), b) the detection of second specimens (8) with second gripper elements (6), which are received on a gripper block (2) located on the second conveyor cable (4), c) guiding first and second conveyor cables (3, 4) along a common conveyor path during a first period and along separate conveyor paths during a second period and d) transporting first and second copies (7, 8) along the common conveying path during the first period and along separate conveying paths during the second period. A method according to claim 8,
characterized by
that each of the first and second copies (7, 8) is released into separate product streams during the second period. A method according to claim 8,
wherein first gripper blocks (1) have first and second parts, the first part of the first gripper block (1) is provided with a first recess (17) through which the first conveyor cable (3) extends for connection, the second part has a second recess (15) through which the second conveyor cable (4) extends, whereby it can move relative to the second recess (15) and the second gripper block (2) has a first and a second part, the first part of the second gripper block ( 2) is provided with a first recess through which the second conveyor cable (4) extends for connection, the second part of the second gripper block (2) comprises a second recess (16) through which the first conveyor cable (3) passes can move relative to the second recess (16) of the second gripper block (2). A method according to claim 8,
characterized by
that the first and second gripper blocks (1, 2) are detachably connected to the respective first and second conveyor cables (3, 4) by snap fasteners (13, 14).

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