EP1044428B1 - Device for counting sheet-like objects - Google Patents

Device for counting sheet-like objects Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1044428B1
EP1044428B1 EP98960983A EP98960983A EP1044428B1 EP 1044428 B1 EP1044428 B1 EP 1044428B1 EP 98960983 A EP98960983 A EP 98960983A EP 98960983 A EP98960983 A EP 98960983A EP 1044428 B1 EP1044428 B1 EP 1044428B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
objects
conveying
conveying direction
guide means
contact element
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
EP98960983A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1044428A1 (en
Inventor
Carl Conrad Maeder
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Ferag AG
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Ferag AG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06M7/00—Counting of objects carried by a conveyor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06M2207/00—Indexing scheme relating to counting of objects carried by a conveyor
    • G06M2207/02—Counting of generally flat and overlapped articles, e.g. cards, newspapers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S198/00—Conveyors: power-driven
    • Y10S198/958—Load units counter

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for counting flat areas Objects, especially printed products, according to the generic term of claim 1.
  • a device of this type is known from EP-A-0 408 490.
  • a revolving driven conveyor belt is designed to print products in a shingled stream to promote, in which, seen in the direction of conveyance F, each printed product rests on the leading print product.
  • Below the funded printed products is a guide in the direction of conveyance arranged for a contact element. This is done using a Drive moves back and forth, the speed of the contact element in the conveying direction at least in a section of the guide means is greater than the conveying speed around the contact element in each case to bring into contact with the rear edge of a printed product.
  • a detector element interacts with the contact element, each at Contact between the contact element and the relevant rear edge emits a signal to a counter.
  • This device is designed in printing products with a high system reliability to count.
  • a reference element that is firmly connected to a guide means is intended to lie against the formation from above, ensures that the Guide means and the formation a precisely defined mutual situation take to ensure the safe interaction between one on the guide means stored contact element and the rear edge of the objects to ensure.
  • the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 for counting flat objects 10, in the present case printed products, has a conveyor device 12 designed as a belt conveyor. This is intended to transport the objects 10 arranged in a scale-like formation S at a conveying speed v 1 in the conveying direction F.
  • a conveyor belt 14 of the conveyor device 12, on which the scale-like formation S rests, is guided in a known manner at the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor device 12 around deflecting rollers 16, of which only the downstream one is shown.
  • each object 10 lies on top of the next one, the rear edge 18 of the objects 10 being exposed in the upward direction.
  • a drive 34 for the carriage 24 has one arranged on the frame 20 Cylinder-piston unit 36 on that via a rod 32 with the Carriage 24 is connected.
  • the carriage 24 is by means of the drive 34 between one with a solid line in FIG. 1 and a dashed line in FIG. 2 Lines indicated, upstream starting position 40 and one shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, downstream end position 42 reciprocable.
  • the Indian Fig. 2 designated H stroke of the carriage movement is smaller than an allowable minimum distance A between the trailing edge 18 in a row Objects 10 in formation S.
  • the distance between the trailing edge 18 consecutive objects 10 in the formation S can vary widely, but is never smaller, but usually much larger than that permissible minimum distance A.
  • the stroke H can also be adjusted by appropriate Control of the cylinder-piston unit 36 may be different. He is but at most the same, but preferably less than the permissible minimum Distance A.
  • V 2 denotes the speed at which the carriage 24 is moved in the conveying direction F. This speed is greater than the conveying speed v 1 in at least one section of the guide means 22.
  • the aim is advantageously that the speed v 2 between short acceleration sections in the two end regions of the stroke H is at least approximately constant.
  • the leaf spring is formed Contact element 26 fixed at one end to the carriage 24 and adjacent to its other end projecting over the slide 24 with one Switch contact element 44 provided with a fixed to the carriage 24 arranged switching contact element 44 'cooperates and the detector element 28 forms, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the frequency f with which the drive 34 moves the carriage 24 back and forth is at least twice as large as the quotient of the conveying speed v 2 and the permissible minimum distance A between the trailing edges 18 of successive objects 10.
  • the movement of the contact element must be carried out 26 may not be matched to a system cycle or phase position of the arriving objects 10.
  • the frequency is preferably three to four times as large as this quotient.
  • signals which are generated in two consecutive strokes in the conveying direction F are only counted as one signal in the counter.
  • the slide therefore makes several working strokes in the conveying direction F with respect to each object to be counted. This ensures the exact counting of objects 10 which also occur with a large scatter and thus not in one system cycle.
  • a reference roller 50 On an arm of the frame 20 and thus with respect to the guide means 22 stationary, a reference roller 50 is freely rotatable. To it is a endless belt 52 which is guided around a further roller 54, which seen on the frame 20 in the conveying direction F upstream of the reference roller 50 and at a greater distance from the conveyor 12 than the reference roller 50 is freely rotatable.
  • the band 52 forms together with the conveyor belt 14 a narrowing in the conveying direction F.
  • Inlet for the formation S and forms in the conveyor belt 14 facing Area of the reference roller 50 with respect to the guide means 22 fixed reference element 56.
  • this reference element 56 and the free end of the Contact element 26 at least approximately at the same level. In the starting position 40, the contact element is in the vicinity of the reference element 56.
  • Conveyor belt 14 which is also by several parallel conveyor belts can be formed, formed rubber-elastic.
  • the relative position between the reference element 56 and the deflection rollers 16 is such chosen that in the absence of objects 10 the distance between the conveyor belt 14 and the reference element 56 is smaller than that minimum thickness D of the scale-like formation S or to be processed that the conveyor belt 14 rests on the reference element 56.
  • the reference element 56 is advantageously arranged between the deflecting rollers 16 in the conveying direction.
  • the belt 52 can be driven freely or rotating at the conveying speed v 2 .
  • a pressure element designed as a weight roller 62, whose distance B to the reference element 56 is at most the same, but preferably less than that in the conveying direction F measured length C of the objects 10.
  • the pressing element 62 forms together with the deflection roller 16 located downstream guided conveyor belt 14 to the current thickness of the formation S. adjusted gap and thus provides a safe, displacement-free Transport of the objects 10 on the conveyor 12 safely.
  • the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the inventive is designed essentially the same as that described above and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Equivalent Parts are identified by the same reference numerals and in the following only the differences are described.
  • the contact element 26 is formed as a spring tongue, which is attached to the carriage 24 and by this protrudes obliquely downwards in the conveying direction F. In its free end area it is cranked towards the top.
  • the detector element 28 is also designed as a spring tongue, below the contact element 26 on Carriage 24 fastened and lies with its free end region on the contact element 26 at its offset, Fig. 4. Here is the one with the counter connected electrical circuit closed.
  • the contact element 26 an object 10 a, the contact element 26, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, raised from the relevant rear edge 18 of the object 10, while the detector element 28 with its free end between them Item 10 and the following item arrives.
  • the Raising the contact element 26 generates a signal to the counter by breaking the electrical circuit.
  • the reference element can also be formed by a runner or a roller his.
  • the optimal frequency f and the optimal stroke H can be determined in a simple manner for reliable counting; for example arithmetically or with a few attempts.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Feeding Of Articles By Means Other Than Belts Or Rollers (AREA)
  • Delivering By Means Of Belts And Rollers (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Zählen von flächigen Gegenständen, insbesondere Druckereiprodukten, gemäss dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The present invention relates to a device for counting flat areas Objects, especially printed products, according to the generic term of claim 1.

Eine Vorrichtung dieser Art ist aus der EP-A-0 408 490 bekannt. Eine beispielsweise ein umlaufend angetriebenes Förderband aufweisende Fördereinrichtung ist dazu bestimmt, Druckereiprodukte in einem Schuppenstrom zu fördern, in dem, in Förderrichtung F gesehen, jedes Druckereiprodukt auf dem jeweils vorauslaufenden Druckereiprodukt aufliegt. Unterhalb der geförderten Druckereiprodukte ist ein in Förderrichtung verlaufendes Führungsmittel für ein Kontaktelement angeordnet. Dieses wird mittels eines Antriebs hin- und herbewegt, wobei die Geschwindigkeit des Kontaktelements in Förderrichtung zumindest in einem Abschnitt des Führungsmittels grösser ist als die Fördergeschwindigkeit, um das Kontaktelement jeweils mit der Hinterkante eines Druckereiproduktes in Berührung zu bringen. Mit dem Kontaktelement wirkt ein Detektorelement zusammen, das jeweils bei Berührung zwischen dem Kontaktelement und der betreffenden Hinterkante ein Signal an einen Zähler abgibt. Diese Vorrichtung ist dazu ausgelegt, in einem Systemtakt anfallende Druckereiprodukte mit hoher Zuverlässigkeit zu zählen.A device of this type is known from EP-A-0 408 490. For example a revolving driven conveyor belt is designed to print products in a shingled stream to promote, in which, seen in the direction of conveyance F, each printed product rests on the leading print product. Below the funded printed products is a guide in the direction of conveyance arranged for a contact element. This is done using a Drive moves back and forth, the speed of the contact element in the conveying direction at least in a section of the guide means is greater than the conveying speed around the contact element in each case to bring into contact with the rear edge of a printed product. With a detector element interacts with the contact element, each at Contact between the contact element and the relevant rear edge emits a signal to a counter. This device is designed in printing products with a high system reliability to count.

Es ist eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine gattungsgemässe Vorrichtung zu schaffen, die zum Zählen von in einer schuppenartigen Formation anfallenden Gegenständen, in der jeder Gegenstand auf dem jeweils nachlaufenden Gegenstand aufliegt, geeignet ist. It is an object of the present invention, a generic device to create those for counting in a scale-like formation incurred items, in which each item on the respective trailing object rests, is suitable.

Diese Aufgabe wird mit einer Vorrichtung gelöst, die die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 aufweist.This object is achieved with a device having the features of the claim 1 has.

Ein mit einem Führungsmittel fest verbundenes Referenzelement, das dazu bestimmt ist, von oben an der Formation anzuliegen, stellt sicher, dass das Führungsmittel und die Formation eine genau definierte gegenseitige Lage einnehmen, um das sichere Zusammenwirken zwischen einem am Führungsmittel gelagerten Kontaktelement und der Hinterkante der Gegenstände zu gewährleisten.A reference element that is firmly connected to a guide means is intended to lie against the formation from above, ensures that the Guide means and the formation a precisely defined mutual situation take to ensure the safe interaction between one on the guide means stored contact element and the rear edge of the objects to ensure.

Bevorzugte Ausbildungsformen des Erfindungsgegenstandes sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.Preferred forms of training of the subject matter of the invention are in the dependent Claims specified.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird nun anhand von in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen rein schematisch:

Fig. 1
in Ansicht eine erste Ausbildungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, wobei sich das Kontaktelement in einer stromaufwärts gelegenen Endposition befindet;
Fig. 2
in gleicher Darstellung wie in Fig. 1 die dort gezeigte Vorrichtung, wobei sich das Kontaktelement in einer stromabwärts gelegenen Endposition befindet;
Fig. 3
gegenüber den Fig. 1 und 2 vergrössert einen Teil der dort gezeigten Vorrichtung;
Fig. 4
in Ansicht eine zweite Ausbildungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung mit einem unterschiedlich ausgebildeten Kontaktelement, das sich in einer stromaufwärts gelegenen Endposition befindet;
Fig. 5
in gleicher Darstellung wie Fig. 4 die dort gezeigte Vorrichtung mit dem Kontaktelement in seiner stromabwärts gelegenen Endposition; und
Fig. 6
gegenüber den Fig. 4 und 5 vergrössert einen Teil der dort gezeigten Vorrichtung.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. It shows purely schematically:
Fig. 1
in view a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the contact element is in an upstream end position;
Fig. 2
in the same representation as in Figure 1, the device shown there, wherein the contact element is in a downstream end position.
Fig. 3
compared to Figures 1 and 2 enlarged part of the device shown there.
Fig. 4
in view a second embodiment of the device according to the invention with a differently designed contact element which is located in an upstream end position;
Fig. 5
in the same representation as Figure 4, the device shown there with the contact element in its downstream end position. and
Fig. 6
4 and 5 enlarged part of the device shown there.

Die in den Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigte Vorrichtung zum Zählen von flächigen Gegenständen 10, im vorliegenden Fall Druckereiprodukten, weist eine als Bandförderer ausgebildete Fördereinrichtung 12 auf. Diese ist dazu bestimmt, die in einer schuppenartigen Formation S angeordneten Gegenstände 10 mit einer Fördergeschwindigkeit v1 in Förderrichtung F zu transportieren. Ein Förderband 14 der Fördereinrichtung 12, auf welchem die schuppenartige Formation S aufliegt, ist in bekannter Art und Weise am stromaufwärts und am stromabwärts gelegenen Ende der Fördereinrichtung 12 um Umlenkwalzen 16 geführt, von welchen nur die stromabwärts gelegene gezeigt ist. In der schuppenartigen Formation S liegt jeder Gegenstand 10 auf dem jeweils nachfolgenden auf, wobei die Hinterkante 18 der Gegenstände 10 in Richtung gegen oben freiliegt.The device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 for counting flat objects 10, in the present case printed products, has a conveyor device 12 designed as a belt conveyor. This is intended to transport the objects 10 arranged in a scale-like formation S at a conveying speed v 1 in the conveying direction F. A conveyor belt 14 of the conveyor device 12, on which the scale-like formation S rests, is guided in a known manner at the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor device 12 around deflecting rollers 16, of which only the downstream one is shown. In the scale-like formation S, each object 10 lies on top of the next one, the rear edge 18 of the objects 10 being exposed in the upward direction.

Oberhalb der Fördereinrichtung 12 ist an einem Gestell 20 ein in Förderrichtung F verlaufendes, schaftartiges Führungsmittel 22 ortsfest angeordnet. Am Führungsmittel 22 ist ein Schlitten 24 frei beweglich geführt, an dem ein Kontaktelement 26 und ein Detektorelement 28 angeordnet sind. Das Kontaktelement 26 steht in Richtung gegen die Fördereinrichtung 12 über den Schlitten 24 in die Bewegungsbahn 30 der Gegenstände 10 vor.Above the conveyor 12 there is a frame 20 in the direction of conveyance F extending, shaft-like guide means 22 arranged stationary. A carriage 24 is guided in a freely movable manner on the guide means 22 which a contact element 26 and a detector element 28 are arranged. The contact element 26 is in the direction against the conveying device 12 over the carriage 24 into the movement path 30 of the objects 10.

Ein Antrieb 34 für den Schlitten 24 weist ein am Gestell 20 angeordnetes Zylinder-Kolbenaggregat 36 auf, das über eine Stange 32 mit dem Schlitten 24 verbunden ist. Mittels des Antriebs 34 ist der Schlitten 24 zwischen einer in der Fig. 1 mit ausgezogenen und in der Fig. 2 mit gestrichelten Linien angedeuteten, stromaufwärts gelegenen Ausgangsposition 40 und einer in der Fig. 2 mit ausgezogenen Linien dargestellten, stromabwärts gelegenen Endposition 42 hin- und herbewegbar. Der in der Fig. 2 mit H bezeichnete Hub der Schlittenbewegung ist kleiner als ein zulässiger minimaler Abstand A zwischen der Hinterkante 18 aufeinanderfolgender Gegenstände 10 in der Formation S. Der Abstand zwischen der Hinterkante 18 aufeinanderfolgender Gegenstände 10 in der Formation S kann stark variieren, ist aber nie kleiner, meist aber wesentlich grösser als der zulässige minimale Abstand A. Auch der Hub H kann durch entsprechende Ansteuerung des Zylinder-Kolbenaggregats 36 unterschiedlich sein. Er ist aber höchstens gleich, vorzugsweise aber kleiner als der zulässige minimale Abstand A.A drive 34 for the carriage 24 has one arranged on the frame 20 Cylinder-piston unit 36 on that via a rod 32 with the Carriage 24 is connected. The carriage 24 is by means of the drive 34 between one with a solid line in FIG. 1 and a dashed line in FIG. 2 Lines indicated, upstream starting position 40 and one shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, downstream end position 42 reciprocable. The Indian Fig. 2 designated H stroke of the carriage movement is smaller than an allowable minimum distance A between the trailing edge 18 in a row Objects 10 in formation S. The distance between the trailing edge 18 consecutive objects 10 in the formation S can vary widely, but is never smaller, but usually much larger than that permissible minimum distance A. The stroke H can also be adjusted by appropriate Control of the cylinder-piston unit 36 may be different. He is but at most the same, but preferably less than the permissible minimum Distance A.

Mit v2 ist die Geschwindigkeit bezeichnet, mit welcher der Schlitten 24 in Förderrichtung F bewegt wird. Diese Geschwindigkeit ist wenigstens in einem Abschnitt des Führungsmittels 22 grösser als die Fördergeschwindigkeit v1. Mit Vorteil wird angestrebt, dass die Geschwindigkeit v2 zwischen kurzen Beschleunigungsabschnitten in den beiden Endbereichen des Hubes H wenigstens annähernd konstant ist. V 2 denotes the speed at which the carriage 24 is moved in the conveying direction F. This speed is greater than the conveying speed v 1 in at least one section of the guide means 22. The aim is advantageously that the speed v 2 between short acceleration sections in the two end regions of the stroke H is at least approximately constant.

Wie dies aus den Fig. 1 und 2 hervorgeht, ist das blattfederartig ausgebildete Kontaktelement 26 einerends am Schlitten 24 fixiert und benachbart zu seinem andern, über den Schlitten 24 vorstehenden Ende mit einem Schaltkontaktelement 44 versehen, das mit einem am Schlitten 24 fest angeordneten Schaltkontaktelement 44' zusammenwirkt und das Detektorelement 28 bildet, wie dies Fig. 3 zeigt. Die beiden Schaltkontaktelemente 44, 44' sind über gestrichelt angedeutete Leitungen 46 mit einem Zähler 48 verbunden; siehe Fig. 1. In Ruhestellung des Kontaktelements 26 sind die Schaltkontaktelemente 44, 44' voneinander beabstandet. Kommt im Zuge einer Hubbewegung des Schlittens 24 in Förderrichtung F das Kontaktelement 26 mit der Hinterkante 18 eines Gegenstandes 10 in Berührung, wird es ausgelenkt, bis die Schaltkontaktelemente 44, 44' den elektrischen Kreis schliessen und dadurch ein Signal erzeugen, das über die Leitungen 46 dem Zähler zugeführt wird. Überholt der Schlitten 24 die Hinterkante 18, wird das Kontaktelement 26 in Richtung gegen oben zurückgedrängt und der elektrische Kreis wieder unterbrochen. Dies ist der Fig. 2 entnehmbar. Der elektrische Kreis wird auch unterbrochen, wenn der Schlitten 24 gegen Ende eines Hubes eine Hinterkante 18 einholt und sich dann der Gegenstand 10 wieder in Förderrichtung F vom Schlitten 24 entfernt, weil dieser abgebremst wird.As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the leaf spring is formed Contact element 26 fixed at one end to the carriage 24 and adjacent to its other end projecting over the slide 24 with one Switch contact element 44 provided with a fixed to the carriage 24 arranged switching contact element 44 'cooperates and the detector element 28 forms, as shown in FIG. 3. The two switch contact elements 44, 44 'are connected to lines 46 by a dashed line Counter 48 connected; see FIG. 1. In the rest position of the contact element 26 the switch contact elements 44, 44 'are spaced apart. Coming in the course of a lifting movement of the carriage 24 in the conveying direction F Contact element 26 in contact with the rear edge 18 of an object 10, it is deflected until the switch contact elements 44, 44 ' close electrical circuit and thereby generate a signal that is transmitted via the Lines 46 is fed to the meter. The carriage 24 overtakes the rear edge 18, the contact element 26 is pushed back in the upward direction and the electrical circuit is broken again. This is Fig. 2nd removable. The electrical circuit is also interrupted when the Carriage 24 catches up with a trailing edge 18 towards the end of a stroke and itself then the object 10 is again removed from the carriage 24 in the conveying direction F, because it is slowed down.

Die Frequenz f, mit welcher der Antrieb 34 den Schlitten 24 hin- und herbewegt, ist wenigstens doppelt so gross wie der Quotient aus der Fördergeschwindigkeit v2 und dem zulässigen minimalen Abstand A zwischen den Hinterkanten 18 aufeinanderfolgender Gegenstände 10. Dabei muss die Bewegung des Kontaktelements 26 nicht auf einen Systemtakt oder Phasenlage der ankommenden Gegenstände 10 abgestimmt sein. Um die Zählgenauigkeit zu erhöhen, ist die Frequenz aber vorzugsweise drei- bis viermal so gross wie dieser Quotient. Um Doppelzählungen eines Gegenstandes zu vermeiden, werden dabei im Zähler Signale, die bei zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Hüben in Förderrichtung F erzeugt werden, nur als ein Signal gezählt. Der Schlitten macht somit im Hinblick auf jeden zu zählenden Gegenstand mehrere Arbeitshübe in Förderrichtung F. Dadurch ist die genaue Zählung von auch mit grosser Streuung und somit nicht in einem Systemtakt anfallenden Gegenständen 10 gewährleistet.The frequency f with which the drive 34 moves the carriage 24 back and forth is at least twice as large as the quotient of the conveying speed v 2 and the permissible minimum distance A between the trailing edges 18 of successive objects 10. The movement of the contact element must be carried out 26 may not be matched to a system cycle or phase position of the arriving objects 10. In order to increase the counting accuracy, the frequency is preferably three to four times as large as this quotient. In order to avoid double counting of an object, signals which are generated in two consecutive strokes in the conveying direction F are only counted as one signal in the counter. The slide therefore makes several working strokes in the conveying direction F with respect to each object to be counted. This ensures the exact counting of objects 10 which also occur with a large scatter and thus not in one system cycle.

An einem Arm des Gestells 20 und somit bezüglich der Führungsmittel 22 ortsfest, ist eine Referenzwalze 50 frei drehbar gelagert. Um sie ist ein endloses Band 52 geführt, das um eine weitere Walze 54 geführt ist, welche am Gestell 20 in Förderrichtung F gesehen stromaufwärts der Referenzwalze 50 und in einem grösseren Abstand zur Fördereinrichtung 12 als die Referenzwalze 50 frei drehbar gelagert ist. Das Band 52 bildet zusammen mit dem Förderband 14 einen in Förderrichtung F sich verengenden Einlauf für die Formation S und bildet in dem dem Förderband 14 zugewandten Bereich der Referenzwalze 50 ein bezüglich dem Führungsmittel 22 festes Referenzelement 56. Wie dies insbesondere der Fig. 3 entnehmbar ist, befindet sich dieses Referenzelement 56 und das freie Ende des Kontaktelements 26 wenigstens annähernd auf derselben Höhe. In Ausgangsposition 40 befindet sich das Kontaktelement in der Nähe des Referenzelements 56.On an arm of the frame 20 and thus with respect to the guide means 22 stationary, a reference roller 50 is freely rotatable. To it is a endless belt 52 which is guided around a further roller 54, which seen on the frame 20 in the conveying direction F upstream of the reference roller 50 and at a greater distance from the conveyor 12 than the reference roller 50 is freely rotatable. The band 52 forms together with the conveyor belt 14 a narrowing in the conveying direction F. Inlet for the formation S and forms in the conveyor belt 14 facing Area of the reference roller 50 with respect to the guide means 22 fixed reference element 56. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3 is, this reference element 56 and the free end of the Contact element 26 at least approximately at the same level. In the starting position 40, the contact element is in the vicinity of the reference element 56.

Bei ortsfest gelagerten Umlenkwalzen 16 der Fördereinrichtung 12 ist das Förderband 14, das auch durch mehrere parallel verlaufende Förderbändchen gebildet werden kann, gummielastisch ausgebildet. Die Relativlage zwischen dem Referenzelement 56 und den Umlenkwalzen 16 ist derart gewählt, dass bei Abwesenheit von Gegenständen 10 der Abstand zwischen dem Förderband 14 und dem Referenzelement 56 kleiner ist als die minimale Dicke D der zu verarbeitenden schuppenartigen Formation S oder dass das Förderband 14 am Referenzelement 56 anliegt.In the case of deflection rollers 16 of the conveyor device 12 which are mounted in a stationary manner, this is Conveyor belt 14, which is also by several parallel conveyor belts can be formed, formed rubber-elastic. The relative position between the reference element 56 and the deflection rollers 16 is such chosen that in the absence of objects 10 the distance between the conveyor belt 14 and the reference element 56 is smaller than that minimum thickness D of the scale-like formation S or to be processed that the conveyor belt 14 rests on the reference element 56.

Wie in der Fig. 1 angedeutet, ist es auch denkbar, dass die Fördereinrichtung 12 als Wippe 58 ausgebildet und mitteis eines Federelements 60 in Richtung gegen oben gedrängt ist, um auch bei nicht oder wenig elastisch ausgebildetem Förderband 14 sicherzustellen, dass die Gegenstände 10 bei ihrem Transport am Referenzelement 56 anliegen, um unterschiedliche Dicke der Formation F aufzunehmen.As indicated in FIG. 1, it is also conceivable that the conveyor 12 designed as a rocker 58 and by means of a spring element 60 in Direction is pushed upwards in order to be elastic or not elastic at all trained conveyor belt 14 ensure that the objects 10 at their transport to the reference element 56 to different Formation F thickness.

Mit Vorteil ist, wie in der Zeichnung gezeigt, das Referenzelement 56 - in Förderrichtung - zwischen den Umlenkwalzen 16 angeordnet. Das Band 52 kann frei umlaufend oder mit der Fördergeschwindigkeit v2 umlaufend angetrieben sein.As shown in the drawing, the reference element 56 is advantageously arranged between the deflecting rollers 16 in the conveying direction. The belt 52 can be driven freely or rotating at the conveying speed v 2 .

In den Fig. 1 und 2 ist mit 62 ein als Gewichtsrolle ausgebildetes Andrückelement 62 bezeichnet, dessen Abstand B zum Referenzelement 56 höchstens gleich, vorzugsweise aber kleiner ist als die in Förderrichtung F gemessene Länge C der Gegenstände 10. Das Andrückelement 62 bildet zusammen mit dem um die stromabwärts gelegene Umlenkwalze 16 geführten Förderband 14 einen an die momentane Dicke der Formation S angepassten Spalt und stellt somit einen sicheren, verschiebungsfreien Transport der Gegenstände 10 auf der Fördereinrichtung 12 sicher.1 and 2 with 62 is a pressure element designed as a weight roller 62, whose distance B to the reference element 56 is at most the same, but preferably less than that in the conveying direction F measured length C of the objects 10. The pressing element 62 forms together with the deflection roller 16 located downstream guided conveyor belt 14 to the current thickness of the formation S. adjusted gap and thus provides a safe, displacement-free Transport of the objects 10 on the conveyor 12 safely.

Die in den Fig. 4 bis 6 gezeigte Ausbildungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung ist im wesentlichen gleich ausgebildet wie die weiter oben beschriebene und in den Fig. 1 bis 3 gezeigte Ausbildungsform. Gleichwirkende Teile sind mit gleichen Bezugszeichen bezeichnet und im folgenden werden nur noch die Unterschiede beschrieben. Das Kontaktelement 26 ist als Federzunge ausgebildet, die am Schlitten 24 befestigt und von diesem in Förderrichtung F schräg nach unten absteht. In seinem freien Endbereich ist es in Richtung gegen oben abgekröpft. Das Detektorelement 28 ist ebenfalls als Federzunge ausgebildet, unterhalb dem Kontaktelement 26 am Schlitten 24 befestigt und liegt mit seinem freien Endbereich am Kontaktelement 26 bei dessen Kröpfung an, Fig. 4. Dabei ist der mit dem Zähler verbundene, elektrische Kreis geschlossen. Holt nun im Zuge eines Hubes des Schlittens 24 in Förderrichtung F das Kontaktelement 26 einen Gegenstand 10 ein, wird das Kontaktelement 26, wie in den Fig. 5 und 6 gezeigt, von der betreffenden Hinterkante 18 des Gegenstandes 10 angehoben, während das Detektorelement 28 mit seinem freien Ende zwischen diesen Gegenstand 10 und den nachfolgenden Gegenstand einläuft. Durch das Anheben des Kontaktelements 26 wird ein Signal an den Zähler generiert, indem der elektrische Kreis unterbrochen wird.The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the inventive The device is designed essentially the same as that described above and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Equivalent Parts are identified by the same reference numerals and in the following only the differences are described. The contact element 26 is formed as a spring tongue, which is attached to the carriage 24 and by this protrudes obliquely downwards in the conveying direction F. In its free end area it is cranked towards the top. The detector element 28 is also designed as a spring tongue, below the contact element 26 on Carriage 24 fastened and lies with its free end region on the contact element 26 at its offset, Fig. 4. Here is the one with the counter connected electrical circuit closed. Now picks up in the course of a stroke of the carriage 24 in the conveying direction F, the contact element 26 an object 10 a, the contact element 26, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, raised from the relevant rear edge 18 of the object 10, while the detector element 28 with its free end between them Item 10 and the following item arrives. By the Raising the contact element 26 generates a signal to the counter by breaking the electrical circuit.

Grundsätzlich ist es auch möglich, das Führungsmittel zusammen mit dem Referenzelement in vertikaler Richtung beweglich anzuordnen.In principle, it is also possible to use the guide means together with the Arrange the reference element to be movable in the vertical direction.

Es ist auch denkbar, zwischen dem Führungsmittel und dem Referenzelement - bzw, der Referenzwalze - eine Verstell- und Feststelleinrichtung vorzusehen, um beispielsweise zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Dicken der Gegenstände, die gegenseitige Lage des Führungsmittels und Referenzelements einstellen zu können.It is also conceivable between the guide means and the reference element - or, the reference roller - to provide an adjustment and locking device, in order to adapt to different thicknesses of the Objects, the mutual position of the guide means and reference element to be able to adjust.

Das Referenzelement kann auch durch eine Kufe oder eine Rolle gebildet sein. The reference element can also be formed by a runner or a roller his.

Es ist grundsätzlich möglich, für die Zählung das Signal beim Schliessen und/oder beim Öffnen der Kontakte zu verwenden.It is basically possible to count the signal when closing and / or to use when opening the contacts.

Aufgrund der Fördergeschwindigkeit v1 und dem zulässigen minimalen Abstand A lässt sich die optimale Frequenz f und der optimale Hub H für eine zuverlässige Zählung auf einfache Art und Weise festlegen; beispielsweise rechnerisch oder mit wenigen Versuchen.Based on the conveying speed v 1 and the permissible minimum distance A, the optimal frequency f and the optimal stroke H can be determined in a simple manner for reliable counting; for example arithmetically or with a few attempts.

Claims (7)

  1. Apparatus for counting flat objects, especially printed products, having a conveying device (12) which is driven at conveying speed (v1) in the conveying direction (F) and is intended to convey the objects (10) resting on it in an overlapping formation (S), having a guide means (22), extending at least approximately in the conveying direction (F), for a contact element (26), having a drive (34) by means of which the contact element (26) can be moved cyclically in the conveying direction (F), at least in one section of the guide means (22), at a higher speed (v2) than the conveying speed (v1) and can be brought into contact with the rear edge (18) of each object (10) moved past the contact element (26), and having a detector element (28) to emit a signal to a counter (48) upon contact between the contact element (26) and the rear edge (18) of an object (10), characterized in that in order to count objects (10) arriving in a formation (S) in which each object (10) rests on the respectively following object, the guide means (22) is arranged above the conveying device (12) and is permanently connected to a reference element (56) intended to rest on the formation (S) from above.
  2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the conveying device (12) has a conveyor belt (14) led around turn rolls (16), and the reference element (56), as viewed in the conveying direction (F), is fixedly arranged between the turn rolls (16) in such a way that the distance between the conveyor belt (14) and the reference element (56), in the absence of any objects (10), is less than the minimum thickness (D) of the formation (S) of objects (10) to be processed, or the conveyor belt (14) rests on the reference element (56).
  3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that the turn rolls (16) are mounted in a stationary position and the conveyor belt (14) is designed so, that it can be forced back elastically.
  4. Apparatus according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the turn rolls (16) is mounted so as to be vertically adjustable and is loaded with a force acting upward.
  5. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reference element (56) has an endless belt (52) which is led around a reference roll (50), which is rotably mounted but arranged to be fixed in relation to the guide means (22), and around a further roll (54) which, in relation to the conveying direction (F), is arranged upstream of the reference roll (50) and at a greater distance from the conveying device (12) than the reference roll (50).
  6. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drive (34) moves the contact element (26) to and fro along the guide means (22) at a frequency (f) which is at least twice, preferably about three to four times, the quotient of the conveying speed (v1) and a permissible minimum distance (A) between the rear edges (18) of successive objects (10), and with a stroke (H) which is at most as large as the permissible minimum distance (A) between the rear edges (18) of successive objects (10).
  7. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized by a pressing element (62) which is preferably constructed as a weighted roller, is arranged downstream of the reference element (56) at a distance (B) which is equal to or less than the length (C) of the objects (10) measured in the conveying direction (F), and is intended to press the objects (10) onto the conveying device (12) such that they are carried along positively.
EP98960983A 1997-12-30 1998-12-29 Device for counting sheet-like objects Expired - Lifetime EP1044428B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH298497 1997-12-30
CH298497 1997-12-30
PCT/CH1998/000559 WO1999035613A1 (en) 1997-12-30 1998-12-29 Device for counting sheet-like objects

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1044428A1 EP1044428A1 (en) 2000-10-18
EP1044428B1 true EP1044428B1 (en) 2001-11-28

Family

ID=4246053

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98960983A Expired - Lifetime EP1044428B1 (en) 1997-12-30 1998-12-29 Device for counting sheet-like objects

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US6349125B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1044428B1 (en)
AU (1) AU750749B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2311397A1 (en)
DE (1) DE59802276D1 (en)
DK (1) DK1044428T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1999035613A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1018704B1 (en) 1999-01-05 2007-09-12 Ferag AG Detecting device

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1544860A (en) * 1919-09-22 1925-07-07 Cutlerhammer Mfg Co Counting apparatus
CH439341A (en) * 1966-06-15 1967-07-15 Ferag Ag Counting device for folded sheets of paper, in particular folded newspapers
US3684845A (en) * 1970-05-08 1972-08-15 Charles G Palmer Article counting sensor apparatus
DE2446184C3 (en) 1974-09-27 1979-12-13 Guenther Dr.-Ing. 4800 Bielefeld Schick Scanning device for counting material transported like scales
CH661810A5 (en) 1984-10-12 1987-08-14 Bobst Sa DEVICE FOR COUNTING FLAT OBJECTS ARRANGED IN TABLECLOTH.
CH664343A5 (en) * 1985-11-11 1988-02-29 Bobst Sa DEVICE FOR FORMING SEPARATE LOTS OF FLAT OBJECTS FROM A TABLE OF MOVING OBJECTS.
EP0324900B1 (en) * 1988-01-13 1990-08-29 Ferag AG Method and device for changing the overlapping degree in a stream of printed products
US5084906A (en) 1989-07-10 1992-01-28 Ferag Ag Process and apparatus for counting printed products

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU750749B2 (en) 2002-07-25
WO1999035613A1 (en) 1999-07-15
AU1658399A (en) 1999-07-26
DK1044428T3 (en) 2002-02-11
US6349125B1 (en) 2002-02-19
CA2311397A1 (en) 1999-07-15
DE59802276D1 (en) 2002-01-10
EP1044428A1 (en) 2000-10-18

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