EP0976672B1 - Transporting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The transport system, to carry printed sheet sections (12,14,16) to a binder, has an initial chain conveyor (10) moving at a constant speed. A second conveyor chain (20) moves at a variable speed, with a system (24) to hold the printed sections (12,14,16) at set positions on the conveyor (20). The first conveyor (10) matches up with the second conveyor (20) at a transfer point (P) for the printed sections (12,14,16).

Description

The present invention relates to a transport device, in particular to a Transport device for transporting signatures to a processing station, the moving on a saddle chain moving at constant speed Move saddle stitches.

In the production of bound printed products, such as. B. books, periodicals, Magazines, etc., are known to come with transportation and collating devices for use. After collecting the individual sheets or signatures on one The collation system must have the collated bundles over a Transport device are fed to further processing stations, for. B. one Trimmer or a stapling station.

In a known transport device, the collected signatures, so-called Book blocks, from a saddle chain to a processing station, e.g. B a stapling station, passes, the signatures of the stapling station are fed via a pendulum arrangement. The Signature bundle is gripped by the pendulum arrangement, moved to the stapling station and released there. The pendulum arrangement then moves back and takes hold the following bundle of signatures to feed it to the stapling station while the bundles previously handed over to the stapling station and now stapled again is fed to the boom. A transfer device and a stapling machine of this Types are described in US 3,317,026.

The known transport systems for saddle stitchers include a so-called Pendulum gripper system with grippers arranged in a row, which are closed Press the condition against the outside of the book. These grippers are with one Counterpressure rod connected on the inside of the book in a way that half of the book is held between the grippers and the platen. The grabs open, hand the book over to the stapling station and move back into the closed state. The grippers close around each other on the saddle chain with constant Speed moving books when they move forward in again Set movement. This way the books will be off the saddle chain accelerated and stopped in a stapling position. The entire gripper and Counter-pressure rod arrangement is arranged on a linear sliding surface and is by a crank mechanism moves back and forth.

With this arrangement, however, a relatively large mass has to be moved back and forth, which requires strong support frames and a lubricated sliding system. Will the Arrangement driven by a crank mechanism, so the speeds can only difficult to adjust because a crank only perform simple harmonic movements can. Since the gripper and counter-pressure rod arrangement also only one side of the Can contact the book is the higher speed on the other side of the book not controlled, so there is a risk that the spine will quickly Braking moved by the saddle, which means that the book is no longer stapled exactly in the center becomes.

WO-A-94/21544 discloses an apparatus for transporting Signature bundles S. The signature bundles are on a first transport chain 22 collected. The first transport chain runs at a constant first speed operated. The signatures are transferred to a second one at a transfer station 20 Transfer chain 32. The second transport chain is with a constant second Speed operated different from the first speed of the first Transport chain is. After leaving the first chain, the bundles of signatures are opened stored a fixed saddle 52 and a complex mechanism in the Transfer device 20 to the second chain. The speed of in the Transfer device located sliding finger 62, which ultimately push on cause the bundle of signatures located on the saddle 52 lies between the Speed of the first and the second chain.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method and a new and improved device for transporting Signatures from a chain moving at a constant speed to one To create machining station.

This object is achieved by an apparatus and a method according to the features of the independent claims solved.

A variety of collated signatures, one on top of the other are arranged at a constant speed moving saddle moves on a Transfer point at which the signature bundle is transferred to the processing station shall be. At this point, the transport device takes over the bundle of signatures and moves it from the saddle chain moving at constant speed to the Processing station. The transport device is and is subordinate to the saddle chain driven independently of the saddle chain. It includes a second moving one Transport chain that is driven with a predetermined speed profile and can move at variable speed. In addition, the Transport device according to the present invention, preferably devices which keep the bundle of signatures in predetermined positions on the transport chain. To the time of handing over a bundle of signatures from the one with constant Speed moving saddle chain to the one with variable speed moving second chain the second chain moves at the same speed as the saddle chain. The bundle of signatures is immediately after passing through the transfer point of devices provided for this purpose in predetermined positions the saddle chain held on at least until the end of the machining process act on the bundle of signatures. Then the transport chain is according to a predetermined speed profile accelerated so that the bundle of signatures from the saddle chain moving away at a constant speed Processing station, e.g. B. a stapling station is transported. In good time before When reaching the processing station, the transport chain is slowed down and finally in one for editing the signature, e.g. B. stopped for stapling, appropriate position. To When the machining process is completed, the transport chain is accelerated again that the bundle of signatures to a further processing station or to a Transfer point is transported to where it is to another or last Processing station or is passed to another transport device. While of the whole process, d. H. even while editing, the bundle of signatures of devices provided for this purpose in the specified position on the transport chain held.

An arrangement of a first moving at a constant speed Saddle chain for gathering the signatures, which in a second, with variable Speeding moving transport chain overruns the acceleration of the Signatures away from the first chain moving at a constant speed. Here, by means of a drive and control device coupled to the second chain easily adjust the speed profile of the second transport chain different operating conditions occur. The second transport chain is via the Drive and control device driven, which also that Speed profile controls. The devices that the signature bundles in Hold the specified positions on the second chain, ensure that the position the bundle of signatures on the moving saddle chain during transport and does not change during the machining process in the machining station. this makes possible high speed and fast acceleration of the transport chain as well as a high processing speed in the processing station.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments are the subject of the following shown figures and their descriptions.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines möglichen Geschwindigkeitsprofils einer erfindungsgemäßen Transportkette;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Transportvorrichtung;

Fig. 3

eine auszugsweise, schematische Darstellung des Übergangs von der Sattelkette zu der zweiten Transportkette in einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 4a

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Greiferelements;

Fig. 4b

eine auszugsweise, schematische Darstellung des Übergangs von der Sattelkette zu der zweiten Transportkette in einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, in der eines der in Fig. 4a gezeigten Greiferelemente eingesetzt wird;

Fig. 5

eine auszugsweise, schematische Darstellung des Übergangs von der ersten Sattelkette zu der zweiten Transportkette in einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung; und

Fig. 6

eine auszugsweise, schematische Darstellung des Übergangs von der Sattelkette zu der zweiten Transportkette in einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a possible speed profile of a transport chain according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic side view of a transport device according to the invention;

Fig. 3

an excerpt, schematic representation of the transition from the saddle chain to the second transport chain in one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4a

a perspective view of a gripper element;

Fig. 4b

an excerpt, schematic representation of the transition from the saddle chain to the second transport chain in an embodiment of the invention, in which one of the gripper elements shown in Fig. 4a is used;

Fig. 5

a partial, schematic representation of the transition from the first saddle chain to the second transport chain in a further embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 6

a partial, schematic representation of the transition from the saddle chain to the second transport chain in a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a possible speed profile of a transport device according to the present invention, as is shown schematically in FIG. 2. The horizontal axis indicates the time in any unit, the vertical axis also the speed in any unit. A processing period takes from t ₀ to t ₅ . At time t ₀ , the speed of the transport chain 20 is zero, the transport chain 20 starting to move immediately at this point in time, so that its speed increases up to a value v _c at time t ₁ , where v _{c is} the speed of the movement constant speed moving saddle chain 10 is. Within the period from t ₁ to t ₂ , the transport chain 20 moves at a constant speed v _c . A bundled signature bundle 12 on the saddle chain 10 moving at the same speed is led to the transfer point P, where it is transferred to the transport chain 20, which at this time is moving at the same speed v _c as the saddle chain 10. At time t ₂ , the rear edge of the bundle of signatures has passed the transfer point P, and the transport chain 20 is accelerated until it has reached its maximum speed v _m at time t ₃ . Between t ₃ and t ₄ , the transport chain 20 is braked again until the signatures have reached a stapling station at time t ₄ , at which the transport chain 20 is stopped. The machining process takes place from t ₄ to t ₅ , e.g. B. stapling instead, after which the bundle of signatures is transported away from the processing station at time t ₅ . t ₅ corresponds to t ₀ , since at time t ₅ the speed profile starts again.

2 shows a saddle chain 10 moving at a constant speed of a bundle of signatures 12 moving at a constant speed in the direction of Arrow A moves by the trailing edge of the signature bundle 12 from one on the Saddle chain 10 arranged driver 22 is pushed forward. The driver 22 pushes the bundle of signatures 12 in the direction of the transfer point P, where the Saddle chain 10 together with the driver 22 moves down so that the Driver 22 no longer acts on the signature bundle 12 and the signature bundle 12 is no longer moved by the saddle chain 10.

The bundle of signatures 12 now has a position immediately after the transfer point P. reached, which is represented by the position of the signature bundle 14. To this At this point in time, the bundle of signatures 14 is transferred to devices 24 which have the Keep signatures 14 in predetermined positions on the transport chain 20, as in following is explained in more detail. The bundle of signatures 14 is then variable Speed of the transport chain 20 transported on this and from Holding devices 24, which they do not release during the entire transport, in predetermined positions held. In this way, the bundle of signatures 14 to the Pass stapling station 30 where it is in a position defined by the Signature bundle 16 is displayed. They work during the stitching process Holding devices 24, which hold the signatures in a predetermined position, preferably still on the bundle of signatures. After the stapling is finished the bundle of signatures 14 according to the speed profile of the transport chain 20 moved forward to a position indicated by the bundle of signatures 18 and in which the bundle of signatures for transport to other processing stations to another Transport device is handed over.

At the transfer point P shown in FIG. 3, a bundle of signatures 12, which moves at a constant speed on the saddle chain 10, is transferred to the second transport chain 20 moving according to a speed profile. On the chain 10, a driver 22 acts on the rear edge of the bundle of signatures. Since this driver 22 is attached to the saddle chain 10, the bundle of signatures 12 is moved forward at the constant speed v _{c of} the saddle chain 10 until the saddle chain 10 moves down over the rollers 26, 28 so that the drivers 22 do not act longer on the bundle of signatures 12. At this point in time, the bundle of signatures 12 is transferred to the second transport chain 20 moving with a speed profile. At the transfer point P, the transport chain 20 is guided over the roller 32. Arranged on the chain 20 moving at variable speed are grippers 24 which act on the rear edge of the bundle of signatures and clamp them in a desired position on the transport chain 20. At the transfer point P, a bundle of signatures which has reached the position indicated by the bundle of signatures 12 moves at a constant speed v _c . At the time the signature bundle 12 is transferred to the transport chain 20, the latter preferably moves at the same speed v _c as the saddle chain 10. One of the grippers 24 arranged on the transport chain 20 acts on the rear edge of the transferred signature bundle 12, so that the forward movement of the signature bundle 12 at the transfer point is not interrupted, but rather the signature bundle 12 is transferred from the saddle chain 10 to the transport chain 20 moving at variable speed essentially at a constant speed v _c . Has the bundle of signatures 12 passed the transfer point P and z. B. reached the position indicated by the signature 14, it is accelerated on the transport chain 20 away from the saddle chain 10 by the transport chain 20 is accelerated according to the speed profile shown as an example in FIG. 1.

4a shows a gripper 40 and an opening and closing mechanism. The in Fig. 4a shown gripper 40 is arranged on the transport chain 20 so that it has the signatures 14th can grip and during the entire transport in a predetermined position on the Transport chain 20 holds. The gripper 40 comprises a side plate 42, by means of which the Gripper 40 is attached to the transport chain 20. The side plate 42 is U-shaped Bracket 44 attached having an upper opening 46 and one of a plate 49th covered lower opening 48. One through the upper opening 46 and the lower one Opening 48 running gripper hook 50 is coupled to a spring 52 acting on it, the one downward or in the direction of the lower opening 48 force on the Hook 50 exercises. In this position, the gripper 40 is in a so-called "closed" state in which he can hold a bundle of signatures. By acting on the hook 50, in particular on the lower end running through the lower opening 48 of the hook 50, the gripper 40 can be brought into an “open” state.

4b shows three positions 41, 43, 45 of a gripper 40 arranged on the transport chain 20 (not shown). A bundle of signatures 14, which has just passed the transfer point P and has accordingly been passed on to the transport chain 20, is located directly in front of the approaching gripper 40, which is at this point in time 41 and is moving at a somewhat higher speed than the bundle of signatures 14 , After further movement of the transport chain 20, the gripper 40 reaches the position 43, in which a curved profile 54, preferably connected to the transport chain 20, begins to act on the lower end of the hook 50, which extends through the lower opening 48 of the holder 44, and this due to its shape presses upwards so that the hook 50 moves through the upper opening 46 and the lower opening 48 and assumes an open position in which the gripper 40 can grip the signature bundle 14. The spring 52 of the gripper 40 is compressed and exerts a downward force on the hook 50, since it is coupled to the hook 50 directly or via the plate 49. Since the bundle of signatures, which was transferred from the saddle chain 10 to the transport chain 20 at a constant speed v _c , is not being driven at this time, the gripper 40 moves at a somewhat higher speed than the bundle of signatures 14. Accordingly, the distance between the grippers is reduced 40 and the signature bundle 14 until the gripper 40 can act on the rear edge of the signature bundle 14.

Due to the shape of the curve profile 54, its action on the lower end of the Hook 50 ended after further movement of the gripper 40. At the same time, the Tension the spring 52 so that the hook 50 moves down until it Signature bundle 14 is clamped, as shown in position 45. Since this moment The gripper 40 contacts the signature bundle 14 so that the signature bundle 14 and the gripper 40 move at the same speed.

A curve profile 54 is associated with the transport chain and acts on the grippers 40 can. The grippers 40 moving at the speed of the conveyor chain 20 can thus be opened and closed so that the bundle of signatures 14 is gripped and in a predetermined position during the transport and processing operation can be held. The same opening and closing device described above can be used when the bundle of signatures is transported away from the transport chain shall be.

As shown in Fig. 5, the devices that the signature bundle in one Hold the predetermined position on the transport chain 20, also belt devices 34 include. Instead of the one shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, attached to the transport chain 20 For this purpose, grippers 40 are laterally spaced apart along the saddle chain 20 Band devices 34 arranged so that the signature bundle 14 between the Belt devices 34 and the transport chain 20 can be clamped. The Belt devices 34 move at substantially the same speed profile like the transport chain 20. This is a between the transport chain 20 and the Belt devices 34 clamped signature 14 with the speed profile of the Chain 20 moves.

In addition, the tape devices 34 can be configured by a variety of at least one arranged on one side of the transport chain 20, with the same speed profile as the chain 20 driven rollers are replaced. Both the tape devices as well the rollers can either on one or on both sides of the transport chain be arranged and act on the bundle of signatures 14 to keep it in transit and To keep the machining process in predetermined positions on the transport chain 20.

In a further embodiment of the invention shown in FIG Devices that the signatures in predetermined positions on the Hold transport chain 20, arranged laterally on the transport chain 20 and act on the Signatures 14 by at least on one side of the signature bundle a blown air stream is directed. For this purpose, there are 20 on at least one side of the transport chain Blowers 38 arranged, the z. B. individual nozzles or air tubes with air nozzles May include a blow air flow on the moving on the transport chain Align signature bundle 14. The airflow directed onto the bundle of signatures 14 exercises Pressure on the signature bundle 14, so that the signature bundle 14 against the Transport chain 20 is pressed and accordingly with the speed profile of the Transport chain 20 moves. The distance between the blowing devices is chosen so that preferably a constant air flow onto those moving on the transport chain Signatures. The blow air flow can also be reduced, increased, increased or decreased if required be switched off so that the pressure is appropriate to the respective requirements can be regulated.

In addition to the devices shown in Figs. 5 and 6, which the signatures in hold predetermined positions, 20 carriers 36 on the transport chain be arranged to the contact between the bundle of signatures and the Transport chain 20 and to improve transport behavior.

It is the same depending on the signatures to be transported on the transport chain 20 possible, carrier 36 attached to the transport chain 20 as the only devices to provide which keep the signatures in close contact with the transport chain 20. Alternatively, the grippers 40 can also be used in addition to the belt devices 34, the rollers or the blowing devices 38 are used. Within the scope of the present invention it is also possible to use several different pressure devices 32, 34, 38, 40 with one another to combine.

LIST OF REFERENCES

10

first transport chain (saddle chain)

12

Signature before the delivery point

14

Signature after the transfer point

16

Signature at the processing station

18

Signature after the processing station

20

second transport chain

22

takeaway

24

holder

26

roller

28

roller

30

finisher

32

roller

34

band device

36

takeaway

38

blower

40

grab

41

gripper position

42

side plate

43

gripper position

44

bracket

45

gripper position

46

upper opening

48

lower opening

49

plate

50

hook

52

feather

54

cam profile

P

Transfer point

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus for transporting a bundle of signatures (12, 14, 16, 18) moving at constant speed on a first transport (10) to a processing station via a second indexing chain (20),
   characterized in that the second indexing chain (20) moves at variable speed and that devices (24, 34, 36, 38, 40) keep the bundles of signatures (12, 14, 16, 18) at a predetermined position on the second indexing chain (20).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1,
   characterized in that the first transport chain (10) succeeds the second indexing chain (20).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the units (24) which keep the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) at a predetermined position comprise gripper elements (40) mounted on the second indexing chain.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3,
   characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a linear cam (54).
5. The apparatus according to claim 4,
   characterized in that the linear cam (54) acts on the gripper elements (40) in order to open and close the gripper elements.
6. The apparatus according to claims 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the units for keeping the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) at predetermined positions comprise belt means (34) which keep the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) in contact to the second indexing chain (20), the belt means (34) being disposed at at least one side of the indexing chain (20).
7. The apparatus according to claims 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the units for keeping the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) at a predetermined position comprise rollers for keeping the signature bundles (12, 14,1 6, 18) in contact to the indexing chain (20), the rollers being disposed at at least one side of the indexing chain (20).
8. The apparatus according to claims 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the units for keeping the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) at predetermined positions on the indexing chain (20) comprise blowing devices (38) which are disposed such that a blowing air stream emerging from the blowing devices (38) is directed to the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) moving on the indexing chain (20).
9. The apparatus according to claim 8,
   characterized in that the blowing devices (38) comprises nozzles.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that the units for keeping the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) at predetermined positions on the indexing chain (20) comprises feeder pins (36).
11. A method for transporting a signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) moving at constant speed on a first transport chain (10) to a processing station via a second indexing chain (20),
    characterized in
    the following steps:

    feeding a signature bundle (12, 14, 16, 18) from the first transport chain (10) to a transfer point (P) at constant speed,

    transferring the signature bundle (12, 14, 16, 18) from the first transport chain (10) moving at constant speed to the second indexing chain (20) moving at variable speed,

    acting on the signature bundle (12, 14, 16, 18) in order to keep the signature bundle (12, 14, 16, 18) in a definite position on the second indexing chain (20), and

    moving the signature bundle (12, 14, 16, 18) to the processing station with the second indexing chain (20) according to a velocity profile.
12. The method according to claim 11,
    characterized in that the units (24, 34, 36, 38, 40) keeping the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) at a predetermined position have an effect on the signature bundle (12, 14, 16, 18) and move with substantially the same velocity profile as the second indexing chain (20).
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12,
    characterized in that the first (10) and second (20) indexing chain move essentially with the same velocity during the transfer of the signature bundles (12, 14, 16, 18) from the first transport chain (10) to the second indexing chain (20).
14. A saddle binding machine having a signature conveyor for conveying and gathering a plurality of signatures,
    characterized by
    a transport apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10.

Images